The Legend of Morrow Road

The legend of Morrow Road in Clay Township is one of Michigan’s oldest. In the late 1800s a mother and her small boy lived on Morrow Road. Legend says the middle-aged woman died searching for her missing child. Many people claim that the woman haunts Morrow Road as a ghost in search of her lost child.

This haunting Michigan tale has been covered by Unsolved Mysteries and Detroit Channel 4 News in recent years. Frightening experiences claimed by local residents include the apparitions of a woman with bloody hands and a ghostly child, hearing a baby crying near the south bridge, seeing a woman hanging from a tree and, being chased by glowing orbs - round shining bubbles of swirling light.

Like many of their friends growing up near by, Francis Sampier and Luke Pelz are no strangers to the woods near Morrow Road. Whether the outcome of Truth or Dare, or simply to challenge their fears, teenagers from around the area often go into the woods near Morrow Road to chill – so to speak. Neither Francis nor Luke ever had a bone chilling experience, though Francis’ brother Dennis, Director of Community Relations/Pistons-Palace Foundation, claims to have been chased once by glowing orbs.

Francis Sampier, Producer/Screenwriter of Morrow Road, was ultimately convinced by good friend and writer Lucas Pelz and others that Morrow Road was what he was looking for - “a movie that will sell.” A team of 6 writers were soon sequestered resulting in an outstanding screenplay that is “tight and unpredictable.”

Proof of the screenplay’s quality came when Michigan native Ellen Sandweiss, (Evil Dead, Satan’s Playground, My Name is Bruce) read the script at Francis’ request on an airplane. She immediately responded “I’m in” commenting that the screenplay was one of the best she had ever read. Soon thereafter Richard Riehle (Casino, Wedding Crashers, Star Trek) called Francis asking for a role in the movie. World stunt award nominee Doug Coleman (Perfect Storm, Cape Fear, Angels and Demons) loved the script as well, and will be directing the 2^nd unit.

Gaffer and Cinematographer Anthony Spike Simms (8 Mile, Dreamgirls, Semi-Pro) joined the project after a 20-minute meeting with Francis that lasted 4 hours. To capture the lighting intent of this film, the filmmakers will be digging holes for camera placement. If you want to know what to expect from the lighting and camera angles on this 35mm analog production you probably have to go digital – check out video game Resident Evil. Eemental F/X Design (Spiderman 3 and X Men 3) will be doing special effects special FX make-up.
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Morrow Road represents the prototypical Michigan Movie envisioned by the recent tax incentive - a Michigan story using Michigan talent from pre-production through sales. Even the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will play a part in this thriller, with music composed & conducted by CMU graduate Jeff Arwady (1701studios.com).

Francis and team’s efforts have blossomed from a small independent film to a large seven digit production, featuring the work of many Hollywood industry veterans. Currently there are several potential proposals from investors under consideration. However, if you act fast you may still be able to invest in this promising project.

The Legend of Morrow Road is alive and well in Michigan. With the buzz about Morrow Road production among interested Michigan Movie enthusiasts, don’t be surprised if someone you know is planning to challenge the ghosts sometime soon. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Morrow Road is sure to scare the tar out of you.

http://www.morrowroad.com/home.htm

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