Sticks & Holler: Principal Photography Wrapped — What’s Next?
After months of planning and preparation, we’re thrilled to share that Sticks & Holler — our Appalachian dark comedy TV pilot written and directed by Willie Simmons and co-produced by The Stoop and Benco Productions — has officially wrapped principal photography!
The past few months have been a whirlwind of pre-production: casting, rehearsals, securing locations, pulling permits, building shot lists, and assembling an incredible team of filmmakers. Every bit of that work paid off as we filmed across six intense, jam-packed shoot days — each one offering its own challenges and creative breakthroughs.
We filmed in a different location almost every day (and sometimes several in one!), giving Episode 1 a huge sense of scope and cinematic variety. You’ll spot plenty of familiar backdrops if you live in the area — from the Carolina Speedway to The Tire Doctor in Cornelius, and even a bustling flea market straddling the North Carolina–South Carolina border. This is very much a Carolina story, told with grit, humor, and heart — and we can’t wait for audiences to recognize pieces of home woven into this small-town tale.
The cast and crew brought everything they had to this project. Long days, unpredictable weather, car trouble, tight turnarounds — energy and good vibes remained high. Every department came through with creative problem-solving and we’re so proud of what the team accomplished together. To everyone who helped make Sticks & Holler possible so far: you should be incredibly proud.
Above: Day 1 photos by Emily Lyonswood @thelyonswood
Now, we shift gears into post-production — the phase where all those long days on set truly come together. Willie Simmons has already started the assembly edit, laying out the full structure of the pilot before moving through rough cuts and fine cuts to refine pacing, performance, and tone. Once we reach picture lock, the process expands to include color grading, sound design, original music, and visual effects — transforming the raw footage into a finished cinematic experience, ready for the big screen.
Post-production is a long road, but it’s also where the story really finds its rhythm and soul. We’ll be keeping our audience and backers updated along the way — so you can follow the journey with us from shoot to screen.
About the Story
Sticks & Holler is a darkly comedic exploration of friendship, loyalty, and survival in a small Appalachian town where trouble is never far behind. The pilot follows a group of longtime friends who find themselves caught between their past and their potential — trying to make ends meet while dodging the law, their own bad habits, and the ghosts of their upbringing.
It’s a story about the kind of people who love hard, fight harder, and laugh in the face of the messes they make. Beneath the humor lies a portrait of small-town resilience — how family and community can both save and trap you, and how the decisions we make out of desperation can either break us or set us free.
Stylistically, it’s gritty and cinematic — rooted in the realism of Appalachia but infused with stylized visuals, comedy and genuine heartbreak.
Above: Day 2 photos by Ben Allison @beallison
A Personal Note
For me, this project is a particularly special one. As a producer, I’ve had the privilege of seeing Sticks & Holler grow from an idea to a fully realized production — shaped by so many talented people who believed in it. Watching Willie Simmons bring his vision to life, scene by scene, has been a true highlight of this year.
There’s something deeply rewarding about working on a story that feels both deeply local and universally human — a story about people trying to find purpose and belonging in a world that doesn’t make it easy.
Above: Day 3 photos by Emily Lyonswood @thelyonswood
This is just the beginning for Sticks & Holler. As we move through post-production, we’ll continue to share updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and sneak peeks. Thank you to everyone who’s followed our journey so far — your support, excitement, and encouragement mean the world to us.
Cheers, Ben
