We have all heard the saying It takes a village to raise a child, a concept that also speaks true to the making of the movie Champion, the village being Cherokee County. The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) had the opportunity to spend some time on set with Champion, a faith-based film focusing on three main themes: fatherhood, foster care and forgiveness. In the short time spent behind the scenes, it became abundantly clear that Cherokee County, as a community, had a huge role in bringing this project to fruition.

This is truly a Cherokee County production, said Steve Hyland, Producer. Since this movie was in the idea stages, our community has come together to make it happen. In fact, Hyland could not have been more complimentary of the Cherokee individuals, businesses and churches that helped bring Champion to life. He explained that along with the sponsors that provided meals and snacks, the majority of investors in the film live in Cherokee. He also credits Dixie Speedway, Capital Race Cars and First Baptist Church of Woodstock for going above and beyond in order to make this film. We couldnt have afforded to tell the Champion story without the generosity of these local partners, said Hyland. Even the fire department stepped in to provide some on-demand rain for a scene shot in Downtown Woodstock.