MARCH 2023
INDEPENDENT APPEAL
Bo Svenson Returns West Tennessee's Hospitality By Offering,
'HE RETURNS'
Bo's determination to bring more than just a faith-based movie to help boost the local economy BY JANET RAIL PUBLISHER
W
hile most people in their 80s have entered retirement, Bo Svenson is definitely not like most people. Constantly working and always active, at 82, Bo is anxious to take on his next project. In his proposed Tennessee Project, Bo is offering the counties of West Tennessee the opportunity to create and maintain a boost to the area's economy. Although Bo's resume boasts over 50 years and more than 100 performances as an actor, he's also proven himself just as adept at taking a turn behind the camera as a director. With no question about his impressive credentials, Bo took the next logical step in 1975 and founded his own production company, MagicQuest Entertainment. But always one for surprises, Bo added another page to his book - literally. After his memorable performances in Quentin Tarantino's 'Kill Bill' and 'Inglorious Bastards,' Bo began focusing on his first love - writing. His screenplays having won or been chosen as official selections over 30 times by numerous prominent film festivals, including Cannes, Bo has proven himself as talented a writer as an actor/director - a remarkable feat. Bo's inspiration for the Tennessee Project came last summer during the MidSouth Nostalgia Festival in Olive Branch, Miss. Despite portraying the legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser in two of the 'Walking Tall' films and the television series over 40 years ago, Bo had never been to McNairy County.
So, when he was invited to visit the Selmer courthouse to meet with fans to sign autographs and photos, as well as tour the courthouse jail, Bo agreed. Considering Bo and the cast of 'Walking Tall, Part 2' were forbidden to enter McNairy County when filming, the visit was historically significant. And, as it turned out, it was also a visit that moved Bo to provide the area in West Tennessee with an opportunity to secure their financial security. Ideally the project would be filmed in McNairy or surrounding rural counties in West Tennessee. During his McNairy visit, Bo shared with many people around him the thought of making a production in the area, which found former county mayor Jai Templeton remarked, "A positive story that brings attention to McNairy County and generates a positive economic impact. We should capitalize on opportunities that come with being McNairy Countians." Once he returned home to California, Bo began his journey to bring life to 'He Returns,' a stand-alone twohour motion picture that will serve as a pilot for a television series, and breathe new economic life into West Tennessee. Since the rights to the production will be owned by a Tennessee entity, as well as producing the project here at home will ensure that West Tennessee gets the full benefit of the project. "I am so excited about the possibility of a new movie bringing new interest to the Sheriff Buford Pusser story that would actually be filmed in McNairy County. I feel it would be a great boost to our local economy and the Pusser story as we are about to celebrate the 50th-anniversary release of the first 'Walking Tall" movie," said Sheriff Buford Pusser Historian Steve Sweat. See “BO SVENSON”
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INDEPENDENT APPEAL MARCH 2023
Bo Svenson Returns West Tennessee's Hospitality By Offering,
'HE RETURNS'
..........................................From page 1 The impact of a movie/television series filmed in rural West Tennessee would be significant and life-changing; art in the form of movies brings real dollars, in the millions, to communities across the country. "Without a doubt, a major motion picture filmed in McNairy County would have a tremendous economic impact on our community and surrounding regions. Producing a movie takes hundreds of laborers and contractors from virtually every industry imaginable. The boost to our labor force, increased wages, increased tax revenue, and the impact to local businesses is exciting. Furthermore, movies have a huge impact on tourism. People from all over the world travel to witness their favorite stars and storylines play out," said Mark O'Mell, McNairy County Director of Economic Development. Two cities in Tennessee are on MovieMaker's list as the best places to live; Memphis holds the #17 spot, while Knoxville occupies #6 for the smaller markets. Rural towns in West Tennessee have many natural assets that could provide wonderful locations for film production. The location possibilities aside, such an opportunity would have a major impact on local tourism as well as bringing a new awareness to industry on the quality of life offered in our small communities. "We have wonderful locations and history here in McNairy county to showcase in a movie. There are many stories to tell and be told," said Jim Replogle, Selmer Property & Building Inspector. Memphis is a prime example of what the film industry can do for an area's economy. According to the economic growth engine for Memphis and Shelby County (EDGE), over the next three years ' Young Rock' will add $74 million per season to the local economy, with the series providing 257 good-paying jobs. In 2022 the film industry added $37 million in economic impact to Memphis. In addition, tax credit incentives went into effect last April that offers tax credits of 40% on production costs, including talent, plus a 10% uplift on wages for every person it hires to work in the state. The economic benefits that Memphis has received from the film industry so far has instilled faith in the political leaders. So much so that
the Shelby County Commission's Legislative Affairs Committee unanimously agreed to add a $500,000 request from the Memphis Film Commission for an apprentice program for television and film workers in Memphis. The Tennessee Project would allow local economies to reap economic benefits when film productions come to town. When a movie comes to town, jobs are created, which helps bring new money to the local businesses and economy. So seeing an influx of upwards of $50,000 a day spent in hotels, restaurants, gas stations, hardware stores, gas stations, and local labor is a more than reasonable expectation. "I think it's an awesome opportunity for McNairy County," said Country Commissioner Pamela Carroll. "It could be quite beneficial to the county with bringing more tourists from all over the country, which, in turn, means more tax dollars," added Commissioner Carroll. Every year hundreds of thousands of tourists travel to and about America because they want to experience various cultures and 'slices' of American history, such as the 'feel-good' and the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s provides. Although Memphis has Graceland, the home of Elvis, McNairy County has its own connection to the legend; in 1954, Elvis performed one of his first concerts in Bethel Springs. While Bo has worked with several of Hollywood's elite, his time spent with Elvis and Red West helped him appreciate the 'feel-good' of rural America. "I spent some time with the man, and Elvis was a truly spiritual man. He sought solace in what he knew from his childhood. Gospel music was an important part of his life. It is important to many today. My idea is to incorporate gospel music and that 'feel-good' for people who often feel left out. I have tremendous empathy for my fellow man. We are all on a journey, and the man I am today is much different and better than the man I was. Life has a way of changing us, and my screenplays reflect that. My desire to write positive stories is stronger than ever," said Bo. It's Bo's wish that, by writing something new and fresh, the viewers will be moved and know that the backbone of America is alive and well and that our stories matter, something that would show the film industry how stories about real people resonate with audiences
all over the world. "Tennessee is often called the 'Volunteer State' because of its history of providing more men and women volunteers for our Armed Forces than any other state. I was never really interested in some kind of Hollywood career. I kind of fell into it when, after my six years as a U.S Marine I was paying the rent with acting gigs while going to school, and was picked to replace Paul Newman to costar with Robert Redford in 'The Great Waldo Pepper,' and some months later to portray Buford Pusser in 'Walking Tall, Part 2.' I want to deal with the positive aspects of rural life, about faith and gospel music. We, as Elvis, all have our struggles too. It is as relevant today as it was in our past. That is the power of storytelling," said Bo. Unsurprisingly, since his projects are about giving back and doing what 'feels good,' Bo wants to be a catalyst to create change in West Tennessee. "You guys don't know what you have right here. Many people outside of McNairy County and worldwide would love to experience a little bit of Americana in West Tennessee. They would love to pass through here and enjoy your history and hospitality. They would take in the arts, culture, museums and have a 'real' experience. People will pay big money for that which you take for granted," said Bo. "A new twist on rural life in 'He Returns' would certainly increase interest in the previous stories of 'Walking Tall' and showcase your history. The 'Walking Tall' movies to date have made over 90 million. Films and a TV series today in rural areas have great potential as they depict the lives of 80% of the country," said Bo. In another comment, Bo explained, "The Walking Tall movies were very important to a relatively large segment of Canada, New Zealand, and the USA. Somehow so many motion pictures ignore rural America, and when they make something about the rural areas, it's denigrated, and the visceral importance is often lacking. I want to change that and take us in a new direction." Selmer native Rickey Brown expressed his hopes for the project, "Buford was a unique person whose legacy continues today with a deep and abiding interest. From Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash to Billy Graham, Buford both professionally and personally fascinated everyone he met. As Bo Svenson brings back a new
story with 'He Returns,' I hope the associations with Buford Pusser will shine through and allow the world to see and understand the wonderful, kind, and caring individual I knew." Buford Pusser Museum Curator Tina Mullins added, "We are most excited about the prospect of a new movie being made. It will have a tremendous impact on tourism, which, in turn, will benefit McNairy county Businesses." Bo's screenplay is a fictional story of a man who returns to West Tennessee and McNairy County to do good. Bo's idea is to create an award-winning screenplay based on the rich history of family, faith, rockabilly, and gospel music. These elements, combined with a focus on today's experiences and challenges law enforcement faces, are relatable. How do law enforcement officials feel? Sheriff Guy Buck said, "Any story that would put a positive light on law enforcement would be good, not only locally, but across the state and nation." Selmer Police Chief Kim Holley expressed, "Anything that helps law enforcement is good and can help McNairy County and West Tennessee." Adamsville Police Chief Nathan Reagan shared the sentiment with Buck and Holley, "I will fully support any project that brings light to the great work of law enforcement. A movie project like 'He Returns' would be a welcome project and supported by many in the law enforcement community." With Bo's proven ability and a little financial support, the Tennessee Project can start the production of 'He Returns,' which would give us a chance to bring a much-needed economic boost to our town, just as Memphis and Knoxville have. Adamsville Mayor David Leckner stated, "After speaking to Bo about this project, I believe this will bring a much-needed jolt of energy back to the legacy of what law enforcement stands for. Even though this isn't Buford, it represents the positive portrayal of our county, and it reinforces a legend to a new generation." Together, we can bring this project to life in rural West Tennessee. If you'd like more information about getting involved in the Tennessee Project, contact Janet Rail of MagicQuest Entertainment at ianewspaper1902@gmail.com or April Wade of MagicQuest Entertainment at aprildwademqe@gmail.com.