Editor, Commonwealth:
As producers of the film “By Way of Helena,” we want to express what a positive experience we had filming in Greenwood.
The film was a large undertaking, and through its ups and downs, the great people of Greenwood supported us and became our friends and partners.
The film was beset by unexpected last-minute financial problems, which, at one point, risked the entire production. Fortunately, we were able to proceed, and hundreds of thousands of dollars were ultimately paid to local vendors and workers. The people and business leaders were not only gracious in their understanding, but many of the city’s leaders rallied together and assisted us.
Our associates back in Los Angeles and the entire crew here in Greenwood were struck by the overall kindness and commitment we received from the city. Many people on set came away believing that in any other city this movie would have just shut down, but thanks to the folks in Greenwood, the movie stayed on course and was completed. Greenwood may be the only place in America where this collective spirit of the city could have kept the movie going.
While we remain grateful to the entire community, there are a few people we feel compelled to single out. State Sen. Lydia Chassaniol and Mayor Carolyn McAdams worked tirelessly to assist and support us. They just wouldn’t take no for an answer. Sam Abraham and Anjuan Brown represented the county and were very supportive. Bill Crump and Planters Bank’s Jim Quinn were two local business leaders who demonstrated leadership in a time of crisis and are owed a debt of gratitude. Suresh Chawla of the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express deserves special commendation for not only working tirelessly behind the scenes and extending credit on his hotels for crew and cast but for extending a personal bridge loan to see the film through a difficult time period. Without these and many others, this film would not have been completed.
The kindness and hospitality of Greenwood will never be forgotten or underappreciated. We have proven that a western can be shot in the Mississippi Delta. Films make such a positive contribution to a city’s economy and cultural footprint. We hope to bring many movies back to the Delta.
Thanks again to everyone in the great city of Greenwood.
Maureen Meulen
Adam Rosenfelt
Producers of “By Way of Helena”
Jackson
