Wesley Benson, a Harrison County resident, is launching a film production company, Double-U Pictures, and partnering with Kanawha County native, Justin Litton of Dalewood Creative, and their friends at Black & Teal Concepts, to produce their first project.
The project is an adaptation of the short story, The Sweater by another long-time Harrison County resident, John Marchio, that was published in Coffin Hollow and Other Ghost Tales by Ruth Ann Musick. The film follows a World War I soldier during a post-war celebration and his unlikely encounter with a mysterious figure.
The producers say the production will proudly employ local actors and crew, showcasing the immense creative talent that exists within West Virginia. This not only strengthens the regional film industry but also provides opportunities for growth and visibility for rural artists and filmmakers.
The producers have started a crowdfunding campaign in an effort to raise funds for the project. “As a startup company, money is something we don’t have a lot of,” said Benson in a video posted to the campaign. “We’re looking to raise $10,000. The initial funds from this crowdfunding campaign will help cover costs like equipment rentals, crew, food, production design, professional sound design, and scoring.” Any additional funds will help add to the production value of the film and broaden the distribution plan.
According to the film’s campaign site, the short film adaptation of The Sweater brings to life a folk tale from Ruth Ann Musick’s Coffin Hollow, preserving an important piece of West Virginia and Appalachian culture. By filming in Shinnston, where the story originated, they are grounding the film in its true setting, honoring local history, and contributing to the state’s storytelling tradition.
Benson, executive producer and co-writer of the film, is a multi-talented performer born and raised in north central West Virginia. At a young age, he enrolled in dance classes at Ingra & Company dance studio, where his passion for the performing arts cultivated. He then began taking part in local theatrical productions and added acting and voice lessons to his busy schedule in an effort to grow his abilities as a performer. Wesley has trained vocally with Broadway veteran Jodie Langel. After spending years training on the stage, he made his on-screen debut in the 2019 anti-bullying film, The Zombie Club. Wesley studied Communications and Theatre Arts at Fairmont State University, where he recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Litton, the director, cinematographer and co-writer, is a West Virginia-born and ‑bred creative from Kanawha County with over a dozen years of video production experience. He’s shot award-winning short films (including a Student Academy Award-winning short and a Royal Television Society Award recipient), provided production services to many films and TV shows, and co-created and managed a successful video production company for nearly 10 years. He is also a founder and director of the Mtn Craft Film Festival in its first year. Currently, Litton is a visual artist at Dalewood Creative and the creative director of Lost Trail Film & Photo.
The project encourages a connection between past and present, engaging a new generation with local folklore. By supporting this film, backers help preserve the oral traditions and cultural narratives that are the foundation of Appalachian identity, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Double-U Pictures is a startup company, therefore, the producers of the film will rely heavily on crowdfunding, donations, and grants to attain their budget goal. The film’s initial crowdfunding campaign raised $1,460, just 14% of the necessary amount needed to produce the film. Although the crowdfunding has ended, donations are still being accepted through a subsequent campaign that hopes to raise the remaining $8,540. Additionally, the team is actively applying for grants.
To learn more about the film and to donate to the project, visit www.wesley-benson.com/doubleupictures.
