Cowboys From Hell Film

     COWBOYS FROM HELL is an upcoming documentary, from 801 Studios, following a squad of Marines through the bloodiest year of the Afghanistan War. The idea is to present the story of a squad of normal people, with normal jobs to support their families and how they overcame extreme situations against overwhelming odds. The general concept is to share with an audience that possesses little to no concept of what normal men and women have to face in this great war on terror. With the advantage of being in the thick of it, filming most of the footage, I (the director) have a unique approach on this documentary. There is no drama, no buildup, as is common among television shows depicting this war. Cowboys From Hell will be composed of RAW footage taken by the men and women that were there, accompanied with one-on-one interviews with those men and women.
   
      Striving for 30 minutes, I hope to show the humanity that was present in the war. The good, the bad and the ugly. There are no ulterior motives, no politics, just Marines and their real experiences. I leave it up to you, my audience, to interpret your own meaning to our experience.


      This fundraiser will be broken down into three stages: Filming, Promotion, and Release. We are currently in the first stage, focused on the logistical aspect of filming the interviews with fellow Marines. We are striving for the highest quality documentary that we can bring to you. The rest of the money is planned to go towards travel. Ranging from San Diego, Pittsburgh and then to Florida. I will create an itinerary the closer we get to our goal. Your donations and support will help us create this dream together. NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL. Even if a donation is not possible, please share on social media to help spread the word.





   Contact us anytime for questions, comments, concerns or moral support. Hit us up on Twitter @801studios or on our Facebook page 
     
    If you're a veteran seeking help or just looking to shoot the sh*t by the metaphorical smoke pit, we've been there, and will gladly hear you out and help anyway we can. This entire project is a way to connect with other veterans, and we're always looking for new opportunities to help. 


MEET THE CREW


-Director & Co-Founder of 801 Studios- Keaton Mahan

I joined the United States Marine Corps in 2009, and was part of Detachment 1 Communications (Peru, Indiana) as a 0621 Field Radio Operator. Activated in 2010, I was attached to GSMT Company, part of 2nd Maintenance Battalion. I fell into a Provisional Security Platoon (PSP), under 1st Squad, better know as  the "Cowboys From Hell". I filmed hundreds of hours during my deployment. Over the past few years, I developed a passion for the footage and the story that came with it. I started making short videos put to music, and from there came to realize that this has potential to be a full documentary. The rest is history.
"There wasn't a moment that my camera was not on."

-Producer & Co-Founder of 801 Studios- Jared Harbin
Cousin of Keaton Mahan

I'm an engineer by trade, but love to tell stories through film in my spare time. One story that I feel motivated to learn more about and share with the world is the sacrifice of the members of our esteemed military. This love of country and respect for our armed forces was taught and nurtured through my military family, hearing the amazing stories, learning from their wisdom and experience. The memories and perspective I have absorbed through Keaton is something I hold very dear to my heart. I wish to share with all who want to listen. Enjoy the story and honor those who are willing to sacrifice for our country!

-Executive Producer- Brian Moore
I had the honor of shipping off to MCRD San Diego in May of 2006. From there I earned the title Marine and spent the next eight years in the USMCR. When I wasn’t playing warrior, on my one weekend a month, I was busy working towards my B.A. in English from Purdue University. In 2009 I took a step away from school to serve in Natural Fire 10 in Uganda. In 2010, one semester away from graduating from Purdue, I volunteered to be activated for Afghanistan alongside Keaton Mahan. I attached to 2nd Squad Provisional Security Platoon (PSP), General Support Motor Transport Company (GSMT), 2nd Maintenance Battalion, as a freshly promoted Corporal. Having a creative writer’s mind and serving with Keaton on many missions in Afghanistan it made perfect sense for him to ask if I wanted to join him on his dream.

-Music Supervisor- Michael Parra

I joined the United States Marine Corps in October of 2006 and earned the title Marine aboard MCRD San Diego. My original MOS wasn’t possible because my swimming abilities weren’t up to par so I became a 1341 Engineer Equipment Mechanic. I moved to Ohio and joined a Landing Support Company and learned that deployments were becoming far and few. After picking up the rank of Corporal I learned that I was deploying in 3 days and to get myself ready. I immediately quit my job in sales and got rid of the house I was renting. I deployed thinking I was be able to do the job I was given, however I was placed in a security platoon. Originally in 2nd Squad I was moved over to the newly formed 1st Squad, which quickly became the Cowboys from Hell. Keaton Mahan spoke with so much passion when he dreamt up this documentary. His drive and motivation inspired me to help in anyway. I have been making music since I was 13 years old, just as a hobby. Now I plan to help out in the best way I possibly could and score this film.