The 'Waiting to Die' Project

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters (Old & New):
As many of you may know, my career over the past 15 years as an aspiring filmmaker has often led me on a path of discovering and developing true, compelling, and socially impactful stories. However, my longest standing, yet still unproduced, passion project, “Waiting to Die” was the first to cross my path and has over the years, not only inspired me, but also taught me more than I could ever imagine -- as a filmmaker and as a person.

This story of redemption in the face of adversity truly helped me realize the importance of being a compassionate, and socially conscious human being.

Allow me to give a brief backstory as to how the “Waiting to Die” journey began. While attending LSU, I worked as a student employee for the Office of Social Service, Research, and Development Department. My boss, Cecile Guin, who also heads the department, knew that, upon my graduation, I would be moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. So, one day, Cecile hoisted a very large, 500-page binder upon my desk. Inside it was the unpublished manuscript, “Waiting to Die” which is based on the life of death row inmate, Feltus Taylor Jr. As she handed it to me, she simply stated, “Whatever you can do to tell this story, it is yours.” Even though she had never told me about her client Feltus before, I knew that it was very important to her, and she was passing the “torch” to me. Little did I know in that moment, my life would be changed forever…

After settling down in Los Angeles, I dove into the manuscript and quickly realized that what Cecile had bestowed upon me was unlike anything I had ever read before. I found myself thinking, “Is there more to a man than the worst thing he has ever done?” I was moved yet conflicted, given the nature of the crime he committed.  But, in the end, felt connected to a man that I had never even met, and in that instant, made a vow to do whatever I could to tell this story of rehabilitation and forgiveness amid the worst of circumstances.

I long to share this story not only for the victims of violent crimes, but also for the countless teens in Louisiana and across America who find themselves in the same dire circumstances that Feltus was in over 25 years ago. As a proud Louisiana native, I realize the trouble and temptations that teens face every day and that violent crime is on the rise in Louisiana. I want to be able to give back to my home state by making a positive impact and influencing social awareness.

The journey to share this story has been filled with many trials and tribulations, but also numerous blessings beyond comprehension. Thankfully, I have had so much support and help along the way, and am beyond grateful for everyone who has believed in this project and me. I have been fortunate enough to find the perfect producing partner, whom I also call my true friend, Kristen Epland. Kristen came on board five years ago and has remained by my side with this project ever since. The passion that we share for true and compelling storytelling is what keeps us going, even when we face immeasurable obstacles.

That said, after a decade of trying to push this project forward, the BIGGEST obstacle we have had to face is securing the Life Rights for Feltus Taylor Jr. and the Intellectual Property Rights for his Autobiographical Manuscript. Without going into all the murky and frustrating details of this process in the many years it has taken to get to this point, I am proud, relieved, and so grateful to say, that we are FINALLY able to move forward with securing the life rights.

The IMMEDIATE obstacle we face is the funding to cover the growing legal costs that we have incurred to obtain the Life Story Rights to properly tell Feltus' story. This is the most crucial part of the process in getting this project made.

Any and all monies raised will go into a development fund that will be used to aid our team as we seek a publishing deal for the unpublished manuscript written by Feltus Taylor, Jr. and package his story into a film or television project. 

I ask for your help to raise these funds. Things are finally progressing and moving forward quickly, and we are seeking the completion of the minimum $6,000.00 goal as soon as possible.

We are so incredibly thankful for any contribution that you can make. And, if you are unable to make a monetary donation at this time, we simply ask that you SHARE this page with others.

Thank you for supporting this crucial and important step in bringing this story to life.

 
With Gratitude,

Monique Morrison + the Waiting to Die Team