As we mark the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, Peach Picked Productions announces the release of two films: "The American's Creed" on April 1, and its companion documentary "The Making of 'The American's Creed'" on April 19, coinciding with the anniversary of Lexington and Concord.
American actor Randall Franks, best known as “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” both directs and stars in the projects which were entered in over 70 film festivals worldwide carrying a patriotic message of the American experience.
“The American’s Creed” is a short film that blends fiction with family history, set during the American Revolution in western Virginia. Mr. Franks portrays his ancestor, Robert Shields, a cousin of General George Washington, who mobilizes support for the fight for independence. The film was shot on location in Chickamauga.
“While the story is fiction, Robert is one of my identified 19 Patriots who fought to free the colonies from English tyranny,” Mr. Franks said. “Several in our family served under Washington, including another of my grandfathers who is said to have been his fifer.”
Mr. Franks, a Ringgold member of the Sons of the American Revolution General Nathaniel Greene Chapter of Georgia, said he is honored to recognize the service his family shared during the revolution, including his relationships with founders George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, both cousins.
“I wrote and directed the film and documentary to bring new attention upon ‘The American’s Creed’ written by my kinsman William Tyler Page and adopted by Congress in 1918,” he said. “He wrote this in a time when America needed words to rally around as the world faced WWI, It evokes a true sense of patriotism based on the ideals of our founders and my ancestors who fought, shared and hoped for our country. Those words still ring true today.”
The film has been celebrated internationally, achieving finalist status at the Castle Rock Film Festival in Colorado and The Tatras Film Festival in Slovakia, and screened in South Korea and India in addition to several festivals in the United States including the Will Rogers Motion Picture Festival in Oklahoma.
For both projects, Mr. Franks partnered with internationally-known thumb and finger-style guitarist Wesley Crider of Ringgold to write and create the soundtracks. Mr. Crider also appeared in both projects as "Arnett Crockett."
"To record a musical piece like this, you want to take it to heart and come up with a melody that will fit that era," Mr. Crider said. "It was a pleasure working with Randall on camera with him as a director and an actor. That was an adventure for me. In the recording studio, we created something special."
As a bonus, a music video of the “The American’s Creed ” instrumental created for the soundtrack featuring new footage from the films including a few bloopers will be released on April 7. The music is already available for downloads on iTunes and Amazon.
He called upon cinematographer Eric T. Jackson to film the projects as he directed.
“It was a pleasure working with Randall as a director,” Mr. Jackson said. “Since he was both starring and directing, that means as cinematographer, I had to support him in making sure his vision was coming through the lens, especially while he was on camera. So, we really had to work closely on those aspects.
“A great challenge is continuity between the shots, making sure every little piece in the background and the foreground is of the period,” he said. “A lot of times, camera will say ‘rolling,’ the director will say ‘action,’ then you’ll realize – ‘Wait a minute, that light switch is there.’ Then you have to move the shot and that takes up your time on a tight schedule. But that’s what you have to do to make it work.”
Other cast members include: Tina Brewer, Butch Culpepper, Evan A. Jackson, Ronald K. Melton, Jr., Robert E. Jones and Maggie Suits. Also appearing are Donald Benkis, Elaine Benkis, Dennis L. Jones Ashley Robillard, John R. Francis, Cassandra Group, Gabriel Group and Colton Buckles.
They all also appear in “The Making of ‘The American’s Creed’.” In the documentary, Mr. Franks highlights the reasons the talents came together to recognize this pivotal document written a century ago through the lens of the American Revolution, along with aspects of film craft that made up the endeavor, and the history behind the American’s Creed.
“I see both these films as entertainment and educational, so they might inspire and be enjoyed by viewers and utilized by historical groups to open the door to learn more,” Mr. Franks said.
The documentary won the Bronze Award at the Spotlight Shorts Film Festival in Georgia, an Honorable Mention at the Castle Rock Film Festival and screened at the Hollywood Best Indie Film Festival.
Through interviews with cast and crew and additional scenes shot while producing the short film “The American’s Creed,” the documentary adds to the story, he said.
These projects were made possible by a group of patriotic partners: 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, Georgia, Market Place Plaza, Stateline Electronics, and AirPlay Direct.
Mr. Franks previously released scenes from the short film in the music video “The American’s Creed – Recitation” and an album including music from the soundtrack on iTunes and Amazon Music in 2024.
Watch the premieres on Randall Franks TV on YouTube, Rumble, Brighteon, and X or secure a DVD, watch the trailer, or find more details at https://RandallFranks.com/The-Americans-Creed/.