Jeff Key, a Walker County native and former Marine now living in San Francisco, is on a mission to help his friend leave behind a lasting legacy.
Key and his friend, James Sheldon, who served in the Army, are planning to shoot a short narrative fiction film in Louisiana just before Christmas. The film will serve as a springboard for a veterans’ filmmaking project, aiming to bring veterans into the Arts and Entertainment world by allowing them to learn on the set.
Key, who previously wrote and performed a play based on his Iraq War journals, was inspired to create this film project after a chance encounter several years ago with a fellow veteran on the set of a John Schneider thriller in Louisiana. The veteran, Sheldon, approached Key, recognizing him from a Showtime documentary about his play, and half-jokingly suggested that Key should write a movie and let him star in it. Inspired by the boldness of the request, Key wrote a short film entitled “CLOWN” with Sheldon in mind for the lead role.
However, the project took a different turn when Sheldon was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago. Key watched his friend fight bravely against the disease, but it seems that recovery may not be possible. As Sheldon prepares for the end, he reached out to Key a few weeks ago, expressing his desire to make the film and leave it behind for his sons.
“I believe this film project will be a wonderful legacy for my friend and hope that it will provide the same healing and transformative experience that telling my own story did for me,” Key said.
Determined to fulfill Sheldon’s wish, Key prayed for help and soon came into contact with a veteran-owned production company that can assist in making the film. Additionally, others have offered their support in any way they can. However, time is of the essence, and the project still lacks the necessary funds.
Sheldon, who is also a former law enforcement officer, said he has been through chemotherapy and radiation that did not work and doctors have told him he has months/weeks to live.
“What better way to leave a legacy than on film,” he said in a YouTube video talking about the project. “Film is forever, and it is something that my kids would be able to hold onto.”
Key is now reaching out to the community for support, urging individuals to contribute at any level they are able to.
“Even a $10 donation is as valuable as a $10,000 one, as long as it comes with good intentions, prayers, or positive vibes,” Key said.
Key is asking individuals to not only consider giving but also to share the project on social media and personally reach out to friends to spread the word.
“I believe that together, we can turn a difficult situation into something beautiful,” he said.
To support the film project and contribute to the veterans’ filmmaking initiative, visit Fundraiser by Jeff Key : Veterans Filmmaking Project, short film “CLOWN”
