Community Joins Forces To Bring Another Movie To Cherokee County

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We have all heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and according to the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, this statement can also be applied to the filming of “Champion.”

The movie, a faith-based film that explores fatherhood, foster care and forgiveness, was filmed in Cherokee County.

Officials with the Cherokee Office of Economic Development had the opportunity to spend some time on the set of the movie and during that short time span,“it became abundantly clear that Cherokee County as a community had a huge role in bringing this project to fruition,” the organization said.

“This is truly a Cherokee County production,” said producer Steve Hyland. “Since this movie was in the idea stages, our community has come together to make it happen.”

In fact, Hyland explained that along with the sponsors that provided meals and snacks, the majority of investors in the film live in Cherokee.

He also credits Dixie Speedway, Capital Race Cars and First Baptist Church of Woodstock for going above and beyond in order to make this film. The crew filmed scenes all over the county, from the small town of Waleska to Woodstock, Cherokee’s largest city.

“We couldn’t have afforded to tell the “Champion” story without the generosity of these local partners,” said Hyland, adding the Woodstock Fire Department even stepped in to provide some on-demand rain for a scene shot in downtown.

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Director Judd Brannon and Hyland first sat down with COED in 2013 to learn more about the Georgia Film Production Incentives offered by the state.

Incentives that Hyland said made a significant impact on this lower budget project. Governor Nathan Deal has recently reported that the Georgia film incentives, which have been heavily promoted since 2008 to attract the industry, are here to stay.

“We have enjoyed watching this film come together and were happy to help,” said COED President Misti Martin.

As “Champion” wraps this week, it leaves Cherokee with a sense of collaboration and determination, COED said. As film scouts and producers look at Cherokee in the future, “we can tell the story of ’Champion,’ where the community came together in the name of faith and partnership to make this film a reality.”

“Cherokee has seen an increase in productions this summer,” said COED Chairman Marshall Day. “Having a film like Champion that is a testament to Cherokee’s supportive community is unique.”

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Image via Shutterstock