Small Town Strong, a feature documentary from Vaughn & Violet Productions and Spartan Solutions Group is filming in Portsmouth, OH. The documentary follows Dale King, a former Army Intelligence Officer and proud Portsmouth native, who after serving two tours in Iraq, returns to his hometown in shambles amid the growing opioid epidemic. With no one coming to save them, King starts PSKC Crossfit gym and offers job opportunities to those in recovery. They, in turn, are successfully establishing themselves back into society through community, compassion and fitness. This is the biggest comeback in small-town America history.
“This documentary highlights the struggles of those left behind in Appalachian America. More importantly it celebrates the triumph of personal healing and recovery that can act as a catalyst for comebacks across small towns everywhere.”
DALE KING, Executive Producer
The documentary is co-directed by brothers, Chase and Spencer Millsap (National Geographic – The Captain’s Story). Executive Producers are Maile Gerken Millsap (CBS – The Big Bang Theory), Dale King, Sharon Schindel and David Harden. Since 2007, the same year King left the military, fatal drug overdoses have been the leading cause of accidental death in Ohio, with nearly 80% of cases resulting from fentanyl in recent years. However, Portsmouth, a small town in the heart of Appalachia, has discovered a way to break the cycle of addiction, isolation and despair through Crossfit and Community.
“Small Town Strong will change the way America sees, feels and responds to addiction. We will explore how Portsmouth, Ohio changed what was once a “them” problem to a “us” solution.”
CHASE MILLSAP, Co-Director
Production will occur at various locations around Portsmouth and will culminate during the Gauntlet, an annual Crossfit competition held in downtown Portsmouth. The largest fitness competition in Southern Ohio will host 120 athletes on 30 teams. This year’s Gauntlet will include the first full team of athletes who have successfully completed opioid recovery treatment as well as a team competing in honor of those lost to overdoses.
“I moved from LA back to my hometown of Portsmouth, OH to produce this documentary because I believe in this story about a small Appalachian town that’s making huge strides and rebuilding its community by believing and trusting in its people. Everyone from LA to NY…even across the globe, will connect to the messages in this film.”
MAILE GERKEN MILLSAP, Executive Producer
Follow the project on IG: @smalltownstrongdoc and @pskc_crossfit