Becoming a Mississippi movie star is now a reality. Say what? No, I mean it. The movie-making business in Mississippi has found feet. In 2004, I was fortunate to be seated in the balcony when Mississippi legislators voted new film tax incentives in order to encourage filmmakers to the Magnolia State.  

    Prior to that time, filmmakers had already discovered Mississippi’s natural scenery and accommodating residents, with such movie hits as “My Dog Skip,” Huckleberry Finn” and “O Brother Where Art Thou.” But after the 2004 incentives were in place, many more movies were made in Mississippi. One in particular was “The Help.” This blockbuster received more than $3.4 million in Mississippi tax incentives, and I admit I’ve seen the film 14 times. Yes, I love it.

    According to http://watchdog.org, during the years of 2010 and 2011 eight films were shot on location in Mississippi. The end result was 1,602 jobs and $22.9 million dollars for the state. Recently “Get On Up,” the movie sensation centered on the life of James Brown, was shot in Natchez and Jackson.

    Another film greatly anticipated is “The Free State of Jones.” The movie stars Matthew McConaughey and is due to hit theatres May 13. Now if you are from Mississippi, you know the Jones County story, but for the newbie’s, history has declared the problem started after The Battle of Corinth (1862 during the Civil War). Newton Knight (McConaughey), who had deserted the Confederate Army, returned to his home in Jones County. He organized a group of anti-slavery Confederate deserters and turned them against the Confederacy. Although the film is not entirely shot in Mississippi, it is a Mississippi story.

    If you want to know more about Mississippi’s movie industry, there is a website: http://www.filmmississippi.org Many films have been based on the writings of our Mississippi authors: Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, and Willie Morris are a few.

    If one would like to get involved, there are several film festivals that take place in the State. A few planned during 2016 are: Clarkdale Film Festival (Feb. 18-21), Oxford Film Festival (Feb. 18-21), Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration (Feb. 26-27), Crossroads Film Festival (March 31-April 3), Tupelo Film Festival (April 14-16), and right here in Meridian is the Reels to Rails Film Festival (Oct. 16-17).

    I recently talked to my good friend, Hewitt Clarke, a former Meridianite, who now resides near Houston, Texas. As you may recall, Hewitt is the author of eight books all with Meridian and surrounding area stories. Hewitt said, “There are more characters in Deep South Meridian than anywhere else.”

    He mentioned a possible movie deal based on his book “Bloody Kemper.” I asked about the movie and he said, “It is not a done deal, but everything points to it happening – sooner or later. It’s a money thing. If the money can be raised, then the movie will be made.” Hewitt continued, “Just call me a Mississippi redneck writer who lives in Texas.”

    I might add that Hewitt is a Mississippi historian who is irreplaceable.

    The week during Christmas, I signed my books at Weidmann’s Restaurant. I met and spoke with a script writer who was in town researching for a movie based in Meridian. Although I cannot divulge the movie details until the project is announced through movie industry trades, let me just say this: This movie will put Meridian on the map.

    My cousin, Melanie Calvert-Benton, who lives in the Jackson area, has been called to many movie tryouts and table readings in Mississippi, with great success. Her husband, Gary Benton, who is a prolific writer, has had movie-making interest with some of his written work as well. These two creative artists have worked for years, as they follow their movie-making dreams – she as an actress and he as a writer; very exciting.

    So get ready to be discovered! Movie-making in Mississippi is on the move. I have said many times that each Mississippian has at least one story in them. Tell those stories, Mississippians.

    Then forget Hollywood and look to Canton, Jackson, the Mississippi Delta, Tupelo, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and yes, Meridian, because we’ve-got-it-going-on.  

    See you on the silver screen.

    Anne McKee is a writer and storyteller. Visit her website: www.annemckee.net