The American’s Creed film poster features actors Randall Franks and Butch Culpepper. It will screen at the Colonnade Theater Oct. 14.
Director of Photography Eric Jackson, left, Director Randall Franks and actor Evan Jackson
photo by Ashley Robillard
Actor-Director Randall Franks with Maggie Suits, Tina Barbaree, right, in the Gordon Lee Mansion Children's Room
photo by Ashley Robillard
Actor-Director Randall Franks directs militia actors film a scene in Gordon Lee Mansion Cabin
photo by Tina Barbaree
In his latest film and documentary, actor Randall Franks of Ringgold, focuses his directorial lens on the American Revolution.
“Our forefathers gave us an amazing republic through the sacrifices they made during the Revolutionary War, and the visions of the founders who crafted our founding documents,” Mr. Franks said. “I think it’s only fitting to remind folks about what they did to create this experiment in freedom and liberty.”
The Northwest Georgia premiere will be part of the 78th Anniversary Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree on Oct. 14 at the Colonnade Theater in Ringgold, along with the documentary "The Making of The American's Creed." The event is a charity fundraiser sponsored by the Share America Foundation and the Wes and Shirley Smith Charitable Endowment helping Appalachian youth through music scholarships. Tickets are $15 at the door or $10 in advance at www.RandallFranks.com/show.
Mr. Franks stars as his ancestor Robert Shields in the short film which has already screened at film festivals in South Korea, Colorado and Slovakia, becoming a finalist in their competitions.
“While the story I wrote is fiction, many of the characters carry the names of actual Patriots who fought from my family,” Mr. Franks said. “My character helps his cousin General Washington in his effort for independence.”
That aspect of the story is not fiction as Mr. Franks is an actual cousin of founders George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and several of his ancestors fought for Washington.
According to Mr. Franks, his short film and documentary focuses on a story that aims to remind viewers about the importance of “The American’s Creed” written by his kinsman William Tyler Page and adopted by the U.S. Congress in 1918, placed alongside the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Franks, his director of photography Eric T. Jackson, and members of his cast and crew gathered in Chickamauga at the Gordon Lee Mansion to film the project and the accompanying documentary “The Making of ‘The American’s Creed’.”
The film also features Wesley Crider, Tina Brewer, Butch Culpepper, Ronald K. Melton Jr., Robert E. Jones, Evan A. Jackson, Maggie Suits, Donald Benkis, Elaine Benkis, Dennis L. Jones, Ashley Robillard, John Francis, Cassandra Group, Gabriel Group and Colton Buckles.
“I want to express my thanks to our friends with the city of Chickamauga, our cast and crew, our sponsors, and all who gave a hand to making this project come to life,” Mr. Franks said. “We could not have done it without their kindnesses.”
“The American’s Creed” is also brought to you by Top of Georgia Economic Development Initiative, Smith & Wesley, Mountain View Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, William Marsh Chapter - National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, ,The Bank of LaFayette, William H.H. Clark, Marshall M. Bandy Jr. Law Office, Rhonda James, Boynton Lions Club of Ringgold, Gateway Business Center, AirPlay Direct and Stateline Electronics.
Both projects will screen during the 7 p.m. hour of The Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree with special appearances by several cast members.
The event will also feature performances by Smith & Wesley, Mr. Franks and his Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, Ryan Stinson and Getting Off Track Improv Comedy.
An earlier Sacred Sounds Matinee that day will include the Marksmen Quartet, Testimony Quartet and Wesley Crider at 1:30 p.m.
Learn more about the projects at www.RandallFranks.com/The-Americans-Creed.