Abhiroop Das
Helmed by Alex Kendrick, ‘Overcomer’ follows John Harrison, whose life turns upside down when he is asked to give up on his career as a Basketball coach and take over the school’s cross-country program instead. To make things worse, only a single student shows up, named Hannah Scott, who has a series of complications of her own. Nonetheless, John agrees to the task, and they soon form a student-teacher bond unlike any other. Following a chance encounter with a former cross-country athlete who is now hospitalized, a path towards Hannah’s victory on the field begins to take shape. The 2019 sports drama movie approaches the genre through the lens of faith and devotion to the craft, showing how the discipline of the body positively affects the mind as well, allowing old wounds to heal in the process. As such, Hannah’s journey, both on a spiritual and physical level, is told through the visuals as much as it is through the script.
Overcomer Filming Locations
Filming for ‘Overcomer’ took place in the cities of Columbus and Albany in Georgia. Additionally, a portion of the movie was also filmed in Tennessee, where the capital city of Nashville served as the setting. Production began around May of 2018 and wrapped up after two months in late July of the same year. The crew adopted a largely on-site approach to filmmaking and saw participation from local talents at every pit stop.
Columbus, Georgia
For the production of ‘Overcomer,’ the crew took over Columbus, located on the western end of Georgia. Production began in the Bibb City district, which was chosen due to its history as a former industrial town, thus aligning with the movie’s beats. The shooting then continued in locations such as MidTown and the Chattahoochee RiverWalk, a 22-mile-long walking and cycling promenade that runs along the river. Some portions were also shot in and around Flat Rock Park, located at 6106 Warm Springs Road, and Cooper Creek Park, situated at 5089 Cooper Creek Road.
As the bulk of the money alternates between a school and hospital setting, choosing the right location in real life was crucial. Luckily, the crew found the perfect fit in the form of Brookstone School, located at 440 Bradley Park Drive, and St. Francis-Emory Healthcare, situated at 2122 Manchester Expressway. A new sound stage was developed in collaboration between the W.C. Bradley Company and Columbus State University to lens many of the complex interior sequences. When asked about the filming experience in The Fountain City, writer Stephen Kendrick told The Christian Post, “We are glad to have filmed this new feature in the charming and beautiful city of Columbus (…) We felt so welcome and truly appreciate the many businesses, schools, and loving pastors and churches who came alongside us to support our efforts.”
Albany, Georgia
Portions of ‘Overcomer’ were also filmed in Albany, further east of Columbus. As this is the home city of the Kendrick brothers, the filming process gains an additional emotional potency. The crew reportedly taped some exterior shots in and around the region, which likely relied on its expansive and clear-skied urban landscapes to flesh out the worldbuilding further. The Good Life City is perhaps most famous for the Flint RiverQuarium, which brings the very best of the Flint River’s flora and fauna into one place. The city’s iconic history and science museums, nature trails, and zoos all add to its visual charm, making it a dreamy filming location. ‘Flywheel,’ ‘Facing the Giants,’ ‘Fireproof,’ and ‘Courageous’ are among the most acclaimed titles that feature the city as a backdrop.
Nashville, Tennessee
To wrap up the production of the movie, the crew moved further north, into Tennessee, where the capital city, Nashville, helped add the final touches to the film’s visual canvas. The Country Music Capital is renowned for its vibrant landscapes, which are rich in culture, contributing to its growing popularity among filmmakers. Many of the movie’s outdoor shots were brought to life in the city, providing a diverse range of scenery that made each scene stand out in its unique way. Nashville has previously served as a base for some of the most iconic movies and TV shows, such as ‘The Matrix,’ ‘The Green Mile,’ ‘Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,’ ‘Holland,’ and the show, ‘Nashville.’
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