“Death Song” (108 pages) WGA #1159035 was co-written by Lisa Helfer and Jeff Jones.

Synopsis: Historians estimate that as many as 20% of the post-civil war Texas cattle drives consisted of non-white cowboys. For previously enslaved African Americans, the Wild West offered freedom and refuge. It also gave them a chance at making a living as independent businessmen. Black cowboys, pioneers, and prospectors have greatly contributed to this legendary chapter of American History.

“Death Song” begins at the turn of the 20th century. It is a captivating, mysterious and often harrowing tale of life on the range for an enterprising black cowboy and independent cattle rancher named Cyrus Tony. “Death Song” is chock-full of edge-of-your-seat action scenes and plot twists. The storys obstacles and conflicts are well constructed and its characters posses great depth. There are many interesting lead roles for African American and Hispanic men and women throughout the film.

More about the film: In 2007, Death Song was selected as a finalist in the Beverly Hills Film Festival. The project has been formed into an LLC and garnered support from former Denver Mayor, Wellington E. Webb and La Wanna M. Larson, Executive Director of the Black American West Museum.

Helfer and Jones are interested in having the film produced as a full-length feature or as a Webisode/Transmedia project.

Please contact Lisa Helfer for more information.