Mia Overton
moverton@thefranklinpress.com
Hikers and local history buffs can now follow along with 18th-century naturalist William Bartram from the comfort of their home before hitting the trail to see the real thing.
Backlot Cinema in Franklin is producing a 12-episode video series “Walking with Bartram” that will culminate in a documentary about Bartram’s travels in the area in 1775.
Creative Director Christine Tranchina said she was in a meeting and they were tossing around ideas for video projects. She remembered an email from the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Society about an upcoming section hike.
“I thought it would be a great series, something I would like to watch and would love to produce,” said Tranchina, who worked for Turner Studios for 21 years.
After talking with Brent Martin, executive director of the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy, she said, “I learned how much more there is to the trail.”
Backlot Cinema has filmed three hikes in Rabun County, Georgia. They are following a path northward and will soon be in Macon County, which is where most of the trail lies. Tranchina said they plan to do one section hike per month and it will take about 12 hikes of 7-10 miles each to complete the video series. Because it will take at least a year to complete, she says it will be interesting to watch as the scenery and weather changes through the seasons.
Each hiking video will include interviews with people knowledgeable about Bartram, local history, and topics such as bird watching, rafting, fishing, and of course hiking. Tranchina said they also will highlight the importance of preserving the trail and its natural resources and encourage hikers to follow the “leave no trace” practice.
The videos will be posted on YouTube, Backlot Cinema’s social media channels and shared with Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy, chambers of commerce, and other organizations that reach people interested in outdoor recreation and history. After completing the 12 hikes and short videos, Backlot Cinema will combine the video footage to create a documentary.
“We want to inspire people to hike and while they are here learn about the history of the trail and Macon County,” Tranchina said.
Backlot Cinema, part of Drake Enterprises, presented information about the project at the June 14 Town of Franklin Tourism Development Authority meeting, and board members approved a $3,000 request to help fund the project. Tranchina said they are also seeking funding from outdoor recreation-related businesses interested in sponsoring specific segments of the series. For instance, a whitewater rafting company might sponsor a video about rafting and water conservation. One of the local breweries could be featured as a place to gather after a hike.
“We want to encourage people to visit Franklin and enjoy the outdoor recreation we are blessed with in our corner of the world,” Tranchina said. “This is also a great opportunity to showcase local events and businesses.”
Proceeds from sponsorships and other sources will be donated to the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy and used to fund the documentary.
An introduction to the project can be viewed on the Backlot Cinema YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/mKxsaDKqXCQ