Metamorphosis

WHEN COTTON BLOSSOMS is one of those passion projects that just won't go away. Ever since I first read about the life of Dr. Jones, I've wanted... maybe NEEDED... to see his story told on film. Now it finally looks like that may happen... and even looks like I may be heavily involved in making it happen!

Originally, I saw this project as a dramatic feature film, but the Piney Woods School recently requested that I submit a proposal for a short documentary (20 min) that can be shown at their centennial celebrations this fall. In pulling that proposal together, I forced myself to distill his story down to the basics. I even reread portions of the book 20 Master Plots, by my former professor Ronald Tobias, to identify the movements within an archetypical "underdog" plot. Through this honing & reconfiguring process, I rediscovered this story as a documentary. I can now visualize it with rich narration, stirring gospel music (both archival & modern), and compelling archival, painted, & reenacted imagery.

While working on the proposal, I contacted James Mathews of Distant Lands Entertainment in Mississippi and he has agreed to serve as the Production Coordinator on this project if and when it gets off the ground. His proximity to & familiarity with the Jackson area will help immensely, but even bigger assets are his generous attitude, his genuine excitement for the project, and his previous experience shooting a period film called Beyond the Forest in Mississippi.

Brad Walker of The Lighthouse Film Company - my longtime friend, client, business partner, & favorite camera guru - has also agreed to join the project as our cinematographer... so things are beginning to fall into place.

There are still several hurdles to navigate before this ball is even officially rolling, let alone completed, but I'm confident that God is behind these new developments... and hurdles don't phase Him one bit!