Film
Dr. Schmitt co-authored her screenplay, Edgar Degas: The Impressionable Years. She in working with co-writer, Rosary O’Neill, and producer, Carol Bidault. MediaFusion Entertainment is developing the film project, which chronicles the early years of Edgar Degas, and shows the seminal paintings he created in New Orleans.
In May 2020, the Concord Theatrical Publication, Breaking Character described the film.
A synopsis of the Degas: The Impressionable Years is included below:
Edgar Degas comes to New Orleans in order to find peace for his soul. He is recovering from the bloodbath of fighting in the Commune—having thrown himself into the war to escape his feelings for his sister-in-law, Estelle, who chose his brother, Rene, over him in marriage. What he confronts is the scandal of what has happened to his three cousins, the continued racism that has blemished his family, the bankruptcy of his uncle, and the bigamous affair of his brother with his next-door neighbor in his own house. But perhaps the biggest shock to Edgar is seeing his beloved Estelle now blind, pregnant, and failing. Edgar Degas tries to salvage his family life and find a new direction for his painting and reclaim some meaning in his life. The novel exposes the scandal between Edgar Degas and his brother that kept them from speaking for ten years and led Degas to return to Paris with a new direction in his work, soon after known as Impressionism… My mission is to capture New Orleans in all its lurid sensuality and defiance, as Louisianians fight for their unique identity in an increasingly homogenized world.
In May 2020, the Concord Theatrical Publication, Breaking Character described the film.
A synopsis of the Degas: The Impressionable Years is included below:
Edgar Degas comes to New Orleans in order to find peace for his soul. He is recovering from the bloodbath of fighting in the Commune—having thrown himself into the war to escape his feelings for his sister-in-law, Estelle, who chose his brother, Rene, over him in marriage. What he confronts is the scandal of what has happened to his three cousins, the continued racism that has blemished his family, the bankruptcy of his uncle, and the bigamous affair of his brother with his next-door neighbor in his own house. But perhaps the biggest shock to Edgar is seeing his beloved Estelle now blind, pregnant, and failing. Edgar Degas tries to salvage his family life and find a new direction for his painting and reclaim some meaning in his life. The novel exposes the scandal between Edgar Degas and his brother that kept them from speaking for ten years and led Degas to return to Paris with a new direction in his work, soon after known as Impressionism… My mission is to capture New Orleans in all its lurid sensuality and defiance, as Louisianians fight for their unique identity in an increasingly homogenized world.
Television
Dr. Schmitt is developing a New Orleans-based television series, called Garden District, featuring actors, Bryan Batt and Barret O’Brien, and Director Oley Sassone. The show is written by New Orleans native Rosary O’Neill. The series revolves around the eccentric lives of the Dubonnet family. High society and old money camouflage greed, lust and years of backstabbing. Secrets and deceit are gracefully hidden behind the lavish mansion walls of the Garden District. We invite you to immerse yourself in a world veiled by the illusion of carnival kings and queens. Mix yourself a Sazerac, throw on some jazz and be prepared to be seduced by New Orleans.
Crowd sourcing funding is currently on Go Fund Me.
Crowd sourcing funding is currently on Go Fund Me.
