Credit: Four by Three – Medium
Johnson County, KY — Backroads of Appalachia is proud to announce the official launch of filming for Appalachia’s Happiest Places, a new series set to stream on Amazon Prime and Tubi. The series, produced in partnership with Four by Three Productions, is more than just a celebration of the stunning landscapes of Central Appalachia. It marks a powerful step forward in supporting the region’s recovery efforts by providing an opportunity for six inspiring women in recovery to learn the art of filmmaking, including skills in editing, sound, and lighting.
The groundbreaking initiative is a testament to the transformative power of second chances, empowerment, and showcasing the untapped potential of people in recovery. The concept for the series was born just a few years ago through a conversation between Backroads of Appalachia founder Erik Hubbard and producer Chase Crawford. These leaders understood the importance of not only highlighting the beauty of Appalachia’s people and places but also providing a platform for individuals in recovery to demonstrate their incredible talent and resilience.
“We’re thrilled to see this project come to life, not only as a way to spotlight the beauty and culture of our region but as an opportunity for people in recovery to acquire new skills, build confidence, and contribute to the storytelling process,” said Erik Hubbard, founder of Backroads of Appalachia. “The women joining us on this project are proving every day that with the right support and opportunities, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”
The women involved in the project are learning hands-on filmmaking techniques, giving them invaluable skills they can carry with them into future careers. The first day of filming in Johnson County, Kentucky, was marked by an overwhelming sense of energy, teamwork, and dedication. Each woman contributed to the process, collaborating to bring this important project to life.
“The strength and enthusiasm of these women will inspire audiences and show the world that recovery is not just about overcoming challenges, but about discovering new paths and possibilities.” said Chase Crawford, producer of Appalachia’s Happiest Places.
Backroads of Appalachia extends a special thank you to the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Committee, Johnson County, and Paintsville Tourism for their unwavering support and for hosting this milestone moment.
This series represents just the beginning of a larger movement to uplift Appalachia, one story at a time. Through this project, Backroads of Appalachia continues to prove that when people are given the tools and opportunities to succeed, the future of Appalachia is brighter than ever.
WANT TO BE FEATURED ON THE SHOW?
MORE EPISODES ARE BEING FILMED IN 2025 AND WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT THE POSITIVITY HAPPENING IN YOUR COUNTY! EMAIL YOUR PITCH TO CLAUDIA.MANDRELL@BACKROADSOFAPPALACHIA.ORG