What happens when a rich Christian televangelist is killed in a plane accident? Kim Cattrall, a widow, is also stunned by three unborn children he left behind. Next month, tune in. It was a bonus to film in a neighboring country — only a few hours away from Wyolah, Mississippi’s historic home in Church Hill — as well. The release of “Breaking News In Yuba County”, a comedy featuring Mila Kunis and Allison Janney, is expected next fall. Taylor directed the film and it was shot in Natchez this summer. Taylor, a Mississippi native, had previously pursued his acting career in Los Angeles and New York City. He returned to Mississippi to direct “The Help,” a hit movie that received several nominations and won an Oscar for his friend Octavia. He also rekindled a childhood love for old houses. Taylor stated that history was something he loved as a child. Photo by Historic Natchez Foundation “When I was eleven years old, I asked for a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia to enjoy Colonial architecture, history and atmosphere. “I knew from the beginning that I would restore an old house. This one was in Mississippi. It also had lots of land. It had to be difficult to find on any road or on GPS. Wyolah is a Church Hill plantation compound dating back to 1830s. It has a mansion house as well as surviving original outbuildings including a doctor’s office, commissary and cookhouse. Church Hill is located near Natchez and is the only rural historic district on the National Register. Taylor and John Norris, his partner, worked closely together with the Historic Natchez Foundation to restore Wyolah. Carter Burns, executive director of Historic Natchez Foundation, stated that Wyolah’s restoration included not only the main residence, but also the restoration of all the surrounding buildings. They did an amazing job. Photo: Historic Natchez Foundation. They have really given life and energy to the Church Hill community. There is a lot more momentum now. Burns stated that they joined Christ Church, the small church in the area, and helped to grow that congregation. “Tate, John, and the entire community (both Natchez, and Church Hill), have been incredible assets since they moved here,” Taylor stated. “The home has been revitalized, but I really care about preservation as a whole. I love saving any structure in the Natchez region. Anything historical that can be used to teach is something I enjoy, just as I did when my 11-year-old self. It’s wonderful to have memories of our past, good and bad. It’s not Old South, it’s our history. I am not one of those pilgrimage tour people. It’s actually the reverse. The whole story of so much of our history is seldom told.” Photo by Historic Natchez Foundation Taylor is working with Historic Natchez Foundation to transform the old Wagner Store in Church Hill into a museum. This 1870s country store was donated to the foundation in 2001. Taylor also mentioned that “there’s the Rodney Baptist Church that is always under water” and that they are trying to save it. While preservation is not his primary interest, the Natchez area still benefits from both. Taylor’s films, “Get on up,” the James Brown biopic, with Chadwick Boseman and “Ma,” a thriller starring Octavia Spencer, were filmed here. Wyolah, which is also the name of Norris’ film company, also serves as a hub. Taylor stated that many actors have stayed with him. Taylor said, “I love to create a family atmosphere — after a hard work day, we can have dinner together.” Photo: Historic Natchez Foundation. “Natchez is such an amazing blank canvas with architecture that spans from the 1600s to today. He said that there aren’t many places in America that could claim such a feat. “For “Get On Up”, we did Paris in Natchez and New York in Natchez. We also did Vietnam in Natchez and Chicago. “Yuba” was Kentucky in Natchez. He noted a project in Italy on the horizon. “Who wouldn’t like to go to Italy for five month?” On the flip side, “Everybody would love to sleep in their own beds at night.” He’s at Wyolah about 65 percent of each year, and “off and on” in an extremely sporadic business. He said that Natchez was a great place to live and that the economy could use some help. It’s just like Greenwood when I filmed “The Help” there. “That’s why I’m planting it there.” Mississippi’s recent revival of the film incentive program helps to ensure that the flag continues flying. What was the impact of this move? It would have been over if they hadn’t done it. Taylor stated that if they hadn’t made it competitive, filming would have been stopped for all intents & purposes. “I have four projects that I’m working on in the near future. John Norris, my producer partner, and me wanted to shepherd that,” for filmmakers who are coming into the state. It should be a one-stop shop that makes it easy and more efficient. We are close to Natchez and can be welcoming. We aim to foster a sense of community and peace, so that everyone feels comfortable filming. “Film crews are often considered nuisances in larger cities. It’s celebrated in Natchez.” Taylor stated that Taylor partnered with Amazon to film the Natchez film festival this spring. Draper will direct. Taylor, Norris and Spencer will produce. Gabrielle Union is the star. Taylor confirmed that “Moolah and the Panther Girl”, a film about the Mississippi female wrestling circuit, is another project. Other projects are still being finalized. He said that John and I will be producing them and opening a shop in Natchez to assist people in the process. They are also looking to purchase the Budweiser distributorship near Natchez to turn it into a soundstage. Taylor stated that Mississippi has many benefits, including lower costs. However, they need to hire crew because the incentive program is not long enough to allow people to bring their families here permanently. This could change as “the more projects I bring back to back to rear,” which will encourage others to join the business. As we all know, Mississippi is so unique. Mississippi has so many things to offer, and they haven’t been taken in. Many communities are struggling to find outside money. It’s the people and the storytellers that matter.” Taylor told film-makers new to Mississippi, “Don’t be afraid. We have had a turbulent and sometimes unfortunate history. …Trust me. You can come down and see for yourself. Most people are pleasantly surprised, and don’t want the hassle of moving. He said that his home state was not yet “fixed”. “I feel like, Mississippi has always provided a space to lead the charge in the country if we need change, and that is why I’m here.” Download a coloring page of Church Hill from Marshall Ramsey’s “Tour of Mississippi”