Director says he wants to grow Miss. film industry

Director says he wants to grow Miss. film industry

Director Tate Taylor says he wants to make his native Mississippi a place where people can build careers with steady work in the movie business.

He filmed “The Help” in the state in 2010 and announced Aug. 26 that he will make a feature film about the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, with the intention of shooting “every frame” in Mississippi.

Work is set for November and December in and around the Mississippi River town of Natchez and for January and February in and around the capital city, Jackson.

Taylor, who grew up in Jackson and lives on a former plantation near Natchez, also dangled the possibility of making other movies in the state in the future.

“It’s my hope also that young Mississippians, Mississippians of all ages, will soon be able to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, but without having to go to Los Angeles, like I did,” Taylor said at the announcement.

That prompted applause and smiles from Gov. Phil Bryant and other top officials who joined the director outside the Mississippi Coliseum on the state fairgrounds, where some concert scenes will be shot.

AP
9/2/13