A motion picture project, adapted from the book The Messenger, by Memphis author Claude L Chafin, grandson of Andrew Chafin, the subject of this true story about Andrew's childhood while living with his uncle Anderson Devil Anse Hatfield and Aunt Levicy Chafin, in the 1896 West Virginia mountains. The Hatfield & McCoy fighting had ended, but Devil Anse was considered an outlaw with a bounty on his head. Once an arrest warrant was issued, the race was on to see who could bring the Hatfield's in for the reward.
This period action film, and the book, following events surrounding the aftermath of one of the bloodiest feuds in American history, was written from the recorded interview, with Andrew Chafin himself, just before his death at age 94. He described how lawmen desperately tried to arrest Devil Anse and his sons, hiding in the Mingo County back hills of West Virginia. How bounty hunters trying to cash in on the reward, ventured into those mountains, but never came out. Andrew, age 8, was the main source of information, food and water, supplies and messages, between Anse's home, and their hideout. He was often told to bring shovels. He knew what that meant.
This true story of what really happened, during the post feud era, is an exciting, adventurous story, with a heartbreaking dose of reality. Anderson Devil Anse Hatfield was actually a great man. He built a school for his community, loved and protected his family and neighbors from outlaws, and stood by his faithful bible. His sons were the actual problem and earned their ruthless reputation with cold blooded aggression. Cap Hatfield once shot three men dead, for the beating of young Andrew.
Academy Award Winning singer/songwriter, musician, and artist, has co-written, co-produced, and performed the soundtrack of songs, for the movie, The Messenger.
How can we make this film on $5,000,000? It will not be made in Hollywood with high dollar talent, extras, locations, and union fees. The Messenger will be an independent production, introducing new young talent, with local sets and venues, interiors, exteriors, caterers and props. Wraysong Production's in house editing, cinematographers, photographers, wardrobe, script, directors, producers, gaffers, and AD's, represent a cadre of longtime professionals expanding the boundaries beyond Hollywood.
This film will be shot on location, in and around Matewan, West Virginia, where the events actually occurred, using local extras, existing locations, structures, graveyards, and terrain. Incredibly, a lot of the original structures that existed during this historic event, still remain today. Authenticity abounds both visually and historically, where it happened.