Sullivan's Hollow Documentary Film
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Sullivan's Hollow: A Documentary Film is the true account of how a small, rural community with a troubled past outgrew its bad reputation and became one of the most peaceful and respectable areas of Mississippi.
The film, when completed, will feature tales of life in Sullivan's Hollow passed down from generation to generation for 200 years. Some exaggerated; some heartbreaking; many unbelievable; but all based on actual events. It will include numerous interviews with the residents of Sullivan’s Hollow. We will examine old court documents, public archives, and family records to put together the most detailed picture possible of the heritage of Sullivan’s Hollow.
Sullivan's Hollow holds a prominent place in Mississippi history. The upcoming feature film, Free State of Jones, starring Matthew McConaughey and Keri Russell, is based on the book of the same title and takes place in neighboring Jones County. The book contains several stories about the residents of Sullivan's Hollow, including 'Wild Bill' Sullivan. Free State of Jones is scheduled to be released in May 2016. With your support, I hope to have this documentary film completed in time to launch simultaneously.
UPDATE: I started this project several years ago after videotaping my father telling stories about his childhood and growing up in Sullivan's Hollow, Mississippi. I had heard the stories all my life, but seeing them on video made me realize that someone needed to capture this rich, valuable piece of oral history before it was too late. Dad was the inspiration. Unfortunate, I lost him last year before he could see the finished film. I miss him terribly, but I am so fortunate to have many recorded hours of him sharing so much about his life. For a while, it was too difficult to return to the project since he is such an integral part of the story. Thanks to everyone that didn't give up and continued to reach out with input and well wishes. With the start of the new year, I've resolved to move forward and finish it for him. He believed in this project and he believed in me. He provided much of the financial support to get to this point. I need your help to finish telling our story. It will be told! Your contribution will make it happen sooner and will be greatly appreciated!
Dad in 2012 during one of our interviews
Located just south of Mize, Mississippi, Sullivan's Hollow has often been compared to the well-known story of the Hatfields and the McCoys. There has been quite a bit written about the Irish temper of the Sullivans. In 1967, Life Magazine published Sullivan's Hollow: The Meanest Valley in America. How did this lawless community survive for 200 years to become a place where crime is now almost non-existent?
The Irish are known for masterful storytelling. These roots run deep in Sullivan's Hollow. This film is more about preserving the art of storytelling than presenting documented facts. My intent is to provide a solid, factual historical foundation so the viewer can put these 'tall tales' into historical context and better separate fact from fiction while still enjoying the entertainment of the storytelling. To help with the historical framework,I have consulted with a number of experts including genealogists, professional historians, DNA researchers, lawyers, music historians, and archaeologists.
Visit the website to see many more videos like the one below showcasing tales from Sullivan's Hollow.
WD Sullivan recalls one of the most well known Sullivan stories.
Thomas 'Pappy Tom' Sullivan was one of the first to settle in Smith County, Mississippi in the early 1800s. He had 22 children and at least 200 grandchildren. It's believed that there are now more than ten-thousand descendants of Thomas Sullivan. Two centuries later, Thomas' original log home in Sullivan's Hollow remains occupied by a Sullivan! It is believed to be the oldest standing structure in Smith County.
Two of Thomas' grandchildren, Neace and William 'Wild Bill', were known as the most notorious of the Sullivan outlaws. Their numerous run-ins with the law are well documented and the source of many of the most incredibly colorful tales.
Brothers: Neace, 'Red Jack', and 'Wild Bill' Sullivan
Although much of area's fascinating past has been documented in books, newspapers, and magazines, this is the first time a visual record of this scope has been assembled. Here is a short list of some previous publications concerning Sullivan's Hollow.
Wild Bill Sullivan: King of the Hollow
Sullivan's Hollow
The Free State of Jones
Smith County Mississippi, Vols. I & II
Echo of the Black Horn
Numerous magazine and newspaper articles
Once completed the film will be made available for purchase through digital-downloads and physical mediums such as Blu-ray and DVD. I intend to offer a number of public performances of the film.
I NEED YOUR SUPPORT: To date, the film has been self-funded with over $20,000 being spent on equipment and travel. Over 50 hours of interviews and other video have been recorded. While I have spent most of my life in Mississippi, I now live in Texas and must take time away from home to work on the film. Significant expenses remain to complete the project. Your support will allow me to dedicate the time necessary to make additional trips, sort through all of the raw materials, craft a story, and edit the film. If the necessary funds can be raised quickly, I hope to have the film completed by May, 2016.
Here's a partial list of areas where your contributions will help to ensure that the film is the highest quality possible.
Color Correction
Sound Processing
Closed Captioning
Travel for Additional Filming
Licensing Fees
Professional Services
Pre-release Marketing
Disc Manufacturing
Package Design
ABOUT ME: I was born and raised in Hattiesburg, MS; just 40 miles from Sullivan's Hollow. As a child, I spent many weekends visiting family there. My grandmother, Jeffie Sullivan, was born in the 'Holler' and lived her entire life in the area. The stories from there have been a part of my life since I can remember.
I have 25 years of experience in professional video and media production. Dad always had a deep interest in family history. He shared many stories with me, and eventually I became interested as well. At the age of 40, after 6 years of battling heart failure, I received a heart transplant. This second chance at life, combined with my new-found desire for history, my professional experience, and a desire to do something important, led me to this project.
YOU CAN HELP preserve the oral history of Sullivan's Hollow, Mississippi. Please donate today and share this project with your friends, family, co-workers, and everyone in your social networks.
Please note that this film has not yet been completed and DVDs promised as part of your donation will only be shipped once the film has been finished.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Sullivan's Hollow: A Documentary Film is the true account of how a small, rural community with a troubled past outgrew its bad reputation and became one of the most peaceful and respectable areas of Mississippi.
The film, when completed, will feature tales of life in Sullivan's Hollow passed down from generation to generation for 200 years. Some exaggerated; some heartbreaking; many unbelievable; but all based on actual events. It will include numerous interviews with the residents of Sullivan’s Hollow. We will examine old court documents, public archives, and family records to put together the most detailed picture possible of the heritage of Sullivan’s Hollow.
Sullivan's Hollow holds a prominent place in Mississippi history. The upcoming feature film, Free State of Jones, starring Matthew McConaughey and Keri Russell, is based on the book of the same title and takes place in neighboring Jones County. The book contains several stories about the residents of Sullivan's Hollow, including 'Wild Bill' Sullivan. Free State of Jones is scheduled to be released in May 2016. With your support, I hope to have this documentary film completed in time to launch simultaneously.
UPDATE: I started this project several years ago after videotaping my father telling stories about his childhood and growing up in Sullivan's Hollow, Mississippi. I had heard the stories all my life, but seeing them on video made me realize that someone needed to capture this rich, valuable piece of oral history before it was too late. Dad was the inspiration. Unfortunate, I lost him last year before he could see the finished film. I miss him terribly, but I am so fortunate to have many recorded hours of him sharing so much about his life. For a while, it was too difficult to return to the project since he is such an integral part of the story. Thanks to everyone that didn't give up and continued to reach out with input and well wishes. With the start of the new year, I've resolved to move forward and finish it for him. He believed in this project and he believed in me. He provided much of the financial support to get to this point. I need your help to finish telling our story. It will be told! Your contribution will make it happen sooner and will be greatly appreciated!
Dad in 2012 during one of our interviewsLocated just south of Mize, Mississippi, Sullivan's Hollow has often been compared to the well-known story of the Hatfields and the McCoys. There has been quite a bit written about the Irish temper of the Sullivans. In 1967, Life Magazine published Sullivan's Hollow: The Meanest Valley in America. How did this lawless community survive for 200 years to become a place where crime is now almost non-existent?
The Irish are known for masterful storytelling. These roots run deep in Sullivan's Hollow. This film is more about preserving the art of storytelling than presenting documented facts. My intent is to provide a solid, factual historical foundation so the viewer can put these 'tall tales' into historical context and better separate fact from fiction while still enjoying the entertainment of the storytelling. To help with the historical framework,I have consulted with a number of experts including genealogists, professional historians, DNA researchers, lawyers, music historians, and archaeologists.
Visit the website to see many more videos like the one below showcasing tales from Sullivan's Hollow.
WD Sullivan recalls one of the most well known Sullivan stories.
Thomas 'Pappy Tom' Sullivan was one of the first to settle in Smith County, Mississippi in the early 1800s. He had 22 children and at least 200 grandchildren. It's believed that there are now more than ten-thousand descendants of Thomas Sullivan. Two centuries later, Thomas' original log home in Sullivan's Hollow remains occupied by a Sullivan! It is believed to be the oldest standing structure in Smith County.
Two of Thomas' grandchildren, Neace and William 'Wild Bill', were known as the most notorious of the Sullivan outlaws. Their numerous run-ins with the law are well documented and the source of many of the most incredibly colorful tales.
Brothers: Neace, 'Red Jack', and 'Wild Bill' SullivanAlthough much of area's fascinating past has been documented in books, newspapers, and magazines, this is the first time a visual record of this scope has been assembled. Here is a short list of some previous publications concerning Sullivan's Hollow.
Wild Bill Sullivan: King of the Hollow
Sullivan's Hollow
The Free State of Jones
Smith County Mississippi, Vols. I & II
Echo of the Black Horn
Numerous magazine and newspaper articles
Once completed the film will be made available for purchase through digital-downloads and physical mediums such as Blu-ray and DVD. I intend to offer a number of public performances of the film.
I NEED YOUR SUPPORT: To date, the film has been self-funded with over $20,000 being spent on equipment and travel. Over 50 hours of interviews and other video have been recorded. While I have spent most of my life in Mississippi, I now live in Texas and must take time away from home to work on the film. Significant expenses remain to complete the project. Your support will allow me to dedicate the time necessary to make additional trips, sort through all of the raw materials, craft a story, and edit the film. If the necessary funds can be raised quickly, I hope to have the film completed by May, 2016.
Here's a partial list of areas where your contributions will help to ensure that the film is the highest quality possible.Color Correction
Sound Processing
Closed Captioning
Travel for Additional Filming
Licensing Fees
Professional Services
Pre-release Marketing
Disc Manufacturing
Package Design
ABOUT ME: I was born and raised in Hattiesburg, MS; just 40 miles from Sullivan's Hollow. As a child, I spent many weekends visiting family there. My grandmother, Jeffie Sullivan, was born in the 'Holler' and lived her entire life in the area. The stories from there have been a part of my life since I can remember.
I have 25 years of experience in professional video and media production. Dad always had a deep interest in family history. He shared many stories with me, and eventually I became interested as well. At the age of 40, after 6 years of battling heart failure, I received a heart transplant. This second chance at life, combined with my new-found desire for history, my professional experience, and a desire to do something important, led me to this project.
YOU CAN HELP preserve the oral history of Sullivan's Hollow, Mississippi. Please donate today and share this project with your friends, family, co-workers, and everyone in your social networks.
Please note that this film has not yet been completed and DVDs promised as part of your donation will only be shipped once the film has been finished.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Organizer
Brad Sharp
Organizer
Frisco, TX