These days, Florida is usually seen as a place of leisure and fun in the sun. But for Florida’s early settlers, it was a very different story. That story is told in the best-selling novel ‘A Land Remembered’ by Patrick D Smith. Now, that same story is being adapted into a TV series.
A Story of Survival and Perseverance
‘A Land Remembered’ tells the story of the MacIveys, a fictional family of Florida crackers who arrive in Florida in the middle of the 19th century. Over three generations, the family struggles to survive in the state’s harsh environment, eventually finding success rounding up cattle. The book is widely considered to be one of the most accurate depictions of pioneer life in Florida.
The book is used as a part of a curriculum for fourth graders designed by Polk County livestock Extension agent Bridget Stice. The story helps students gain a greater appreciation for agriculture’s role in Florida’s history. Now, the book is being turned into a TV series thanks to independent filmmaker Todd Wiseman, Jr. A Florida native, he has spent years honing his craft in New York and California, and has now returned to his home state to bring this important story to life.
Bringing ‘A Land Remembered’ to Life
“Anyone who’s read [A Land Remembered] is impacted by it,” Wiseman said in an interview with WUSF. “It’s this incredible story that not only contextualizes modern-day Florida, I think, and the history, but it also is just a deeply moving family story.”
While Wiseman could have taken advantage of filming incentives in states like Georgia, he wants this to be a series that’s true to Florida. To that end, he decided to film in and around his native state, with his hometown of Tampa as the main base of operations.
To help make the project a reality, he received a $500,000 grant from the state, which was matched by Visit Tampa Bay. Hillsborough County Rep. Danny Alvarez was instrumental in helping get support for the grant.
“The story of Florida is one of the most unique ones in this union,” Alvarez told a crowd outside the state legislature. “The story of Florida deserves to be told.”
The team behind the show has gone through an extensive casting process, with several roles already cast. Filming is currently underway in locations across the state, including Micanopy, and the team is currently aiming for an early 2027 release.
This article is sponsored by Labor Solutions, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of Central Florida Ag News or of its advertisers.
BIO: Baxter Troutman is founder and chief executive officer of Labor Solutions, a staffing company with offices in Bartow, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Arcadia, and Plant City. You also can visit his Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch online at www.DH-LR.com. A cattle rancher and citrus grower who served in the Florida House of Representatives, Troutman understands the challenges and concerns of today’s farmer.