The Real Mayberry - The Documentary Film
Praise for the Film
“What a great film – a love letter to small town America. There is something for every American to lean in to in this film – whether you are a new business, a millennial, a fan of Mayberry, a farmer or a person who wants reassurance that the American way of life is alive and well – it is in the film.”
– Eileen O’Neill, former General Manager of TLC and Discovery Networks
“It is so packed with interesting (in the very best definition of that word) people and characters. I smiled throughout and at the same time felt that I learned so much, not just about Mt Airy but about what a small town could accomplish with the right leadership and with people who care. The clips from the TV show are great and help to bring the themes together. The film took me on an amazing journey, one that has enriched my understanding of small towns–and in particular one small town in North Carolina.”
– Gail Zimmerman, former General Manager of UNC Public Television
“I have to tell you I am not traditionally a documentary watcher but this just had me so engaged. You found such compelling townsfolk and stories and wove it all into such a rich tapestry about the richness of small town life, lost prosperity of a bygone era, and a community coming together to chase the next version of the American dream.”
– Amy Winter, General Manager of UP TV
“Your production has inspired me to work harder at the mayor’s role and I believe others will feel the same way. We will be better because of your good work.”
– David L. Rowe, Mount Airy Mayor
“Simultaneously inspirational and witty, “The Real Mayberry” explores in detail what it will take to revitalize Mount Airy, a once flourishing textile town and Andy Griffith’s real North Carolina hometown. Bill Hayes is a gifted director who explores the past and future of Mount Airy like only a true hometown boy can. It is a fun and hopeful film that engages you from the first scene to the last. We are living in a time where small towns are being lost and forgotten. “The Real Mayberry” examines this phenomenon through the use of beautiful cinematography and wonderful interviews of local townspeople. I would encourage you to go see “The Real Mayberry”! This film’s message is full of hope and excitement for the future of Mount Airy and hundreds of other small towns across America.”
– John Watkin, President of MVP Video Productions
Remember the classic television show The Andy Griffith Show? Who doesn’t want to know more about Andy Griffith’s hometown? Mount Airy, North Carolina is the place where Andy Griffith grew up, and in many ways, it is the real-life Mayberry.
Filmmaker and Mount Airy native Bill Hayes explores the real characters that make up his hometown and the challenges it faces moving forward. The Real Mayberry is an exploration of how small town America can survive and keep its heart and soul. It compares life in Mount Airy with clips from The Andy Griffith Show.
“What a great film – a love letter to small town America,” stated Eileen O’Neill, former General Manager of TLC and Discovery Networks, upon seeing the film.
After the December premiere at the historic Earle Theatre in downtown Mount Airy, David L. Rowe, Mount Airy Mayor, stated in a letter: “Your production has inspired me to work harder at the mayor’s role and I believe others will feel the same way. We will be better because of your good work.”
Bill Hayes, founder of Figure 8 Films and Thunder Mountain Media, has produced over 900 television shows for TLC, Discovery Networks, UPtv, DIY, and other networks. His love of rural small town America led him to make this film.
The film is currently available on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.