Press Release on “Burden” by the City of Jackson. Please note that all scheduled items may be subject to change.

Burden Film Productions South, Inc. will be filming scenes on location in Butts County and the City of Jackson, from October 20th through November 15th, 2016 for the period drama, “Burden”, which is being directed by Andrew Heckler, who also wrote the screenplay, based on a true story that took place in the 1990’s in the Laurens, South Carolina area. Producing is Robbie Brenner.

The set dressing for the filming that will take place in our community will include the placement of some Confederate flags in various scenes. We are asking that our community take no offense and understand that while this is based on a true story, it is only a movie and is in no way a reflection on the spirit of our community today in 2016. These events took place 20 years ago. We wanted to make the public aware because a scene will also include an actor on top of a building with an unloaded gun, as well as scenes of fighting in the streets.

About Burden

In the quiet and struggling town of Laurens, South Carolina circa 1996, racial tension bubbles under the surface, culminating with a group of Klansman opening the “Redneck Shop” a public tribute to the Ku Klux Klan, in the middle of the town square. One man, Reverend David Kennedy (Forest Whitaker) is determined to united the community and put a stop to this outward display of hatred. The Reverend’s efforts do not go unrecognized. Michael Burden (Garrett Hedlund), who was orphaned and raised by the Klan and it’s leader, Tom Griffin (Tom Wilkinson), and entrusted as the owner of the Redneck Shop, begins to question everything he’s ever stood for thanks to the love of a woman named Judy (Andrea Riseborough) and the grace shown to him by Reverend Kennedy. Walking away from the Klan is easy, but surviving their wrath and putting aside his prejudice proves to be the hardest thing Burden has ever tried to do.

Also starring in the film are Crystal Fox, Usher and Tess Harper. Director Andrew Heckler is making his directorial debut with “Burden”.

Area Street Closings

The Oak Street City Parking Lot will be closed October 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31 and November 15. Specific street closings and parking space closures are listed below:

October 20th

7AM-5PM
Parking spaces on Oak Street from Second Street to middle of courthouse
Parking spaces on Mulberry Street from Second Street to middle of courthouse
Parking spaces on Second Street from Oak Street to Mulberry Street

11:30 AM-5PM
Street closure Second Street from Oak Street to Mulberry Street

Evening through-traffic only for the following:
W.W. Carr at Pulliam
W.W. Carr at Mill Street
Jackson Street at School Street

October 21st

Evening through-traffic only for the following:
W.W. Carr at 7th
W.W. Carr at Mill Street
School Street at 6th

October 24th

11AM-1PM
Street closure, Mulberry Street from First to Second Second Street
All parking spaces between First and Second Street

7AM-7PM
Street closure Second Street between Dempsey and Mulberry
Parking spaces on Mulberry Street from Second to middle of courthouse

October 25th

7AM to 7PM
Street closure Second Street between Dempsey and Mulberry
Parking spaces on Mulberry Street from Second to middle of courthouse

October 26th

7AM to 7PM
All parking spaces between Dempsey to Oak on Second Street
Mulberry Street from Second Street to middle of the courthouse

October 27th

7AM to 7PM
Street closure Second Street between Dempsey and Mulberry
Parking spaces on Mulberry Street from Second to middle of courthouse

October 28th

7AM to 7PM
Street closure Second Street between Dempsey and Mulberry
Parking spaces on Mulberry Street from Second to middle of courthouse

October 31st

7AM to 7PM
Street closure Second Street between Dempsey and Mulberry
Parking spaces on Mulberry Street from Second to middle of courthouse