July – August were the dog days of this project. I was contacting everyone I could think of. Some said sure, but didn’t commit to a time. Some were enthusiastic at first and then I didn’t hear anything back. Some didn’t even get my Facebook messages (check your “other folder,” people!). I grew increasingly frustrated, dejected and disappointed.
I sent a message to Michelle and I think it went something like this:
“I believe the Seth documentary is dead.”
Thankfully, I was distracted by our little short film project “Mom, Can You Change My Name?” in July. Then in August we participated in the Nashville 48 Hour Film Project.
I had contacted the City of Franklin and Mercy Clinics in late June to let them know about my vision. I always lean toward comedy, so I wanted to go around Franklin and do man-on-the-Street interviews, asking strangers if they knew who the Mayor of Franklin was. Here is the email I sent:
…This documentary is about Seth Oden, a lifelong Franklin Resident who founded the Franklin Road Runners. He is referred to as the unofficial “Mayor” of Franklin because he knows almost everyone. He has helped and encouraged countless residents and visitors with selfless dedication to helping others achieve their goals.
A couple years ago, Seth had a freak bike accident and became paralyzed. He had to undergo several surgeries and rehabilitation to learn how to walk again. Despite the tragedy, the community rallied behind him with a GoFundMe which raised over $16,000 to help pay for the medical bills. He was later awarded the Peter Pressman Award. Seth is always positive and empathetic. He is a true man of God and lives out his faith on a daily basis. He has a subtle yet very effective ministry by just loving people and being available to him.
There are countless stories of how he has impacted runners in the community. I intend to gather interviews from those willing to share their stories. Interviews will be in private residences, businesses, parks and Downtown Franklin. There are two types of interviews I want to incorporate:
1. Personal stories from friends and family of Seth
2. Man on the Street interviews that are light-hearted and poke fun at Seth’s unofficial title of “Mayor.”
I would like to have a cameo with Ken Moore if possible and any other city staff. The secondary goal of the film is to showcase through one individual’s impact how the City of Franklin and County of Williamson are not just great because of the natural and architectural beauty or economic opportunity, but also because of the special people that live here and invest here. This documentary is inspired by the spirit of the Coach Jimmy Gentry film that was produced in 2008.
The film will include Franklin landmarks and I also intend to get a good amount of footage of the 2024 Franklin Classic 5K/10K (permission pending).
Seth DOES NOT KNOW we are making this film about him. He knows I am doing something, but not the full scope. I have the blessings of his wife Patricia and son Seth Oden Jr. They have both stated that they want to be interviewed on camera. The plan is to have the film premiere later this Fall at the Franklin Theater. This is when Seth will hopefully first realize that this is our love letter to him.
I am donating my time and resources to this project, however, we are currently looking for civic or business sponsors to raise around $3,000 – $5,000 for the final editing and production costs. This will be cinema/Netflix quality, which is pretty incredible considering the low required budget. We do not intend for this film to profit. We will make it available at a later date on a free service such as YouTube and/or Vimeo.
I look forward to working with you and welcome any feedback or questions.
Andy Johnson“
*It turns out he only had one surgery, but I didn’t discover that until later.
Mercy Community Healthcare (Franklin Classic 5k/10k) quickly replied and granted me permission to film the 2024 race which became the basis for our trailers and B roll for the documentary. Thank you so much Raye and Beth. We love Mercy.
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