THE DOCUMENTARY
THE TRAILER
THE DOCUMENTARY
THE CASE
Three women. Three deaths. One man at the center of them all.
Donnie Rudd was charismatic, intelligent and extraordinarily convincing—a man who could reinvent himself whenever his world began to collapse.
Attorney. Businessman. Scientist. Husband. He seemed to have an answer for everything, and somehow, whenever serious questions arose, Donnie always managed to slip away.
For decades, accusations followed him. So did women, a number whose lives ended in tragedy...
The Client
A disputed legal victory. A missing judgement. A brutal shooting. And the lawyer who had been inside her home shortly before her death.
A 19-year-old newlywed. A nighttime drive. A mysterious accident. And a death that was quickly ruled accidental.
The Bride
The Wife
A 25-year marriage. Recurring cancer. A disturbing accusation to her doctor. And a family increasingly convinced that something was terribly wrong.
For years, the three deaths remained connected by one man who claimed his innocence. Then, a detective took another look at an old case file. What he found would change everything.
Eventually, Donnie Rudd would find himself in a courtroom.
But who on his list of victims finally brought him there?
That story is at the heart of MR. CON.
THE FILMMAKERS
THAD VASSMER
ED PLAMONDON
Thad Vassmer and Ed Plamondon met more than 30 years ago while working as video producers for the accounting firm Arthur Andersen. Thad had studied film at Columbia College Chicago, while Ed majored in Radio and TV Production at Michigan State University.
When Arthur Andersen disappeared in the aftermath of Enron, both went on to establish their own media production companies. For more than two decades, they've worked for dozens of Fortune 500 companies making programs focused on training, marketing & communications, always looking for ways to bring creativity and storytelling into their work.
In 2018 they formed Shumway Studio, a joint venture of their two companies where they could compliment each other's talents and explore an even broader range of interesting projects.
When Thad learned about the extraordinary true-crime story behind Mr. Con 8 years ago, he decided to document it and persuaded Ed to join him. Their first feature documentary, Mr. Con brings the two longtime collaborators back to the kind of storytelling that inspired them in the first place.
NEWS
OUR SPONSORS
The premiere of Mr. Con would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We view these organizations as more than just corporate partners; they are friends and integral members of our creative family who believe in our mission.
Many thanks to all of them!
Sturdy Shelter is literally next door to Shumway Studio. We met the owners Frank and Diane Mercadante while they were still rehabbing the building , and they were kind enough to show us around and describe what their brewery would look like. What they've achieved in reality is beyond what our imaginations could conceive looking at those blank walls in 2021. The taproom is a magical and inviting place filled with all kinds of great hand-crafted brews (which you can watch being created through the glass walls) and comfortable nooks to enjoy them in.
The warmth and friendliness of Frank & Diane carries over directly into their establishment--it's more than just a place to grab a great beer--it's a home to connect with friends, hold gatherings, and remind yourself that there are places that indeed support the notion of community in a huge way.
In 1980 Frank and Diane began their marriage with the quote: “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one finds a treasure.”
It is without reservation that we can describe Study Shelter, and their owners, as true treasures. Visit Sturdy Shelter soon to see what we mean--you won't be disappointed.
Tell them Thad & Ed sent you!
Want a recommendation for a really fantastic plumber? Well have we got some good news for you!
Bulldog Plumbing was founded in 2011 by Doug and Jamie Saam. Doug is a licensed plumber who brings over 25 years of experience in residential and commercial plumbing, handling the technical fieldwork, service repairs and maintenance.
Jamie manages the organizational and community side of the business. She's deeply involved in the local Batavia community, bringing expertise in local marketing, networking, and customer service.
We know Jamie because if there's a community event she's usually right in the thick of it. She's always exceptionally helpful and exceptionally kind. As for Doug, Mr. Con's own co-producer Ed has been a happy recipient of Doug's skilled plumbing work. In fact, Ed still remembers how impressed he was that, before even coming out to his house, Doug tried to help Ed troubleshoot his plumbing problem to save him money(!)
We’re proud to have Bulldog Plumbing supporting Mister Con and truly appreciate their continued commitment to our local community.
Red Hive Market is another business just a stone's throw away from Shumway Studio. Co-owners Bridget Johnson (a former social worker) and Tom Freeman (a retired fire chief), are great neighbors, great spirits, and great shop owners. Their market was created to serve as a vibrant, community-focused hub for local creators and they certainly deliver.
Their 3,000 square foot boutique features over 35 unique artisans selling an amazing array of homemade goods, from cutting boards to candy, jewelry to coasters, and so much more. You will be amazed at Red Hive's eclectic mix of handcrafted treasures, stylish accents, and nostalgic treats that will delight your senses and add personality to your space.
This place has everything (and is the perfect place for us to do a good chunk of our Christmas shopping) and the warm, inviting vibe that Bridget and Tom bring to their space is palpable.
These are super people and a super store where you can truly find treasures galore.