Mercy's Kennel
G.K. Simpson is a former dog breeder who takes viewers into a world where money talks, pit bulls are currency and the media perpetuate many of the stereotypes maligning this misunderstood breed. Mercy's Kennel explores the economic backdrop to what is commonly called "backyard breeding" to show how poverty and lack of education are at the root of pet overpopulation and animal abuse in many underserved areas around the country.
To illustrate the plight of the pit bull, G.K. and former breeder Byron Haygood (B. Good) interview shelter officials, rescue groups, breeders, dog fighters and everyday people on the street. Our story takes a tragic turn when G.K.'s childhood friend Matthew Hardeman is brutally murdered. G.K. and Matt's brother Mickey (Snoop) search for solutions to the violence of poverty paralyzing so many inner-city communities, and their quest inevitably leads them back behind bars to more dogs...and people in need of rescue.
The parallels drawn between pit bulls and people are unmistakable, unintentional and completely unavoidable. Ultimately, Mercy's Kennel is a story about redemption and salvation that transcends race, culture and economics to present a compelling look at the challenges facing pit bulls...and people living in an increasingly hostile world. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” We think the jury is still out on that one.
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Tracy BishopDirector
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Tracy BishopProducer
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G.K. Simpson, Byron Haygood (B. Good), Mickey Hardeman (Snoop)Key Cast
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John Schipp, Director of PhotographyPit Crew
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Jim Gilson, Camera and Technical AdvisorPit Crew
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Amy Jackson, CameraPit Crew
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Rebecca Novak, Camera and Associate ProducerPit Crew
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G.K. Simpson, CameraPit Crew
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Byron Haygood, CameraPit Crew
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Darrell Kelly, CameraPit Crew
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Tracy Bishop, Camera and EditorPit Crew
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Dana Babin, Colorist and Technical AdvisorPit Crew
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Jaeda Wadley, Logo Design and AnimationPit Crew
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Daniel Ham, Motion Graphic DesignPit Crew
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Brent Busby, Re-Recording Sound MixerPit Crew
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Brian Wheeler, Associate ProducerPit Crew
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Steven Keller, Technical AdvisorPit Crew
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Multi-Man Tha Skipso, Singer/Songwriter/Composer/MusicianMusic
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Elliot Holden, Composer/MusicianMusic
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Tripple T, Singer/SongwriterMusic
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Doug Long, Composer/MusicianMusic
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DJ Oxygen, Composer/MusicianMusic
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Michael Robinson, Singer/Songwriter/Composer/MusicianMusic
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HoOkeZ, Singer/Songwriter/Composer/MusicianMusic
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B. Mitchell Station, Singer/Songwriter/Composer/MusicianMusic
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G.K. Simpson, Singer/SongwriterMusic
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E. Mackey, Singer/Songwriter/Composer/MusicianMusic
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King Spydamann, Singer/SongwriterMusic
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Willie Millionaire, Singer/SongwriterMusic
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June Sanders, Composer/MusicianMusic
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Free, SingerMusic
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Jimmie Soprano, Composer/MusicianMusic
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Coolie Sway, Singer/SongwriterMusic
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DotCom, Singer/SongwriterMusic
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Project Type:Documentary
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Genres:Animal Welfare, Social Commentary
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Runtime:1 hour 24 minutes 4 seconds
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Completion Date:April 23, 2019
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Production Budget:10,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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Atlanta DocufestAtlanta, GA
United States
Semi-Finalist -
Southern States Indie FanFilmFestBiloxi, MS
United States
Finalist -
Spotlight Documentary Film AwardsAtlanta, GA
United States
Silver Award -
ME Film FestivalMilledgeville, GA
April 29, 2018
World/U.S./Georgia Premiere
Official Selection -
Black Cat Picture ShowAugusta, GA
United States
August 19, 2018
Official Selection -
Animal Film FestivalNevada City, CA
United States
February 10, 2019
California Premiere
Official Selection/Best Feature/Audience Choice -
Prison City Film FestivalHuntsville, TX
United States
March 1, 2019
Texas Premiere
Official Selection/Nominee-Best Feature/Nominee-Best Music -
Oregon Documentary Film FestivalPortland, OR
United States
Official Selection -
Etowah Film FestivalCanton, GA
United States
May 25, 2019
Official Selection -
Georgia Documentary Film FestivalAtlanta, GA
United States
June 1, 2019
Official Selection -
Black Film Festival Atlanta!Atlanta, GA
United States
September 29, 2019
Official Selection
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Tracy Bishop earned his bachelors degree in Media Production at Florida State University, and parlayed an internship at CNN into a twelve-plus year career in network news promotion. Some of his accomplishments include work on campaigns to launch and promote websites, international newscasts and the CNNj network in Tokyo, Japan.
With the advent of Fox News and MSNBC, the nature of TV journalism began to change. Context was out, conflict was in and Tracy found himself at a crossroad. One day, he set out on the disastrous road less traveled some would call their search for a new career path. In many ways, it was an incredibly stupid decision. In one, it was brilliant and the result is Mercy's Kennel.
Broken Dogs. Broken Hearts. Broken Promises. Broken Relationships. Broken Cars. Broken Computers. Broken Cameras. Broken Phones. What didn't we break? Did I mention that we're broke? The next time anybody hears me say, "Let's make a documentary!" with no cash, no funding, no cameras, no equipment and no viable edit system in place, please come slap me!
Most of all, I sincerely want to thank everyone who gave and gave and are still giving to help make this crazy dream come true. You have all been very patient, and I hope you are as proud of our achievement as I am. Woof!