SMOKY MOUNTAIN PICTURES PRESENTS
ALMOST TRYING
One unpredictable day. One driver. Everybody has somewhere to be.
A character-driven dramatic comedy set in the Great Smoky Mountains.
FEATURE FILM • DRAMATIC COMEDY • PRE-PRODUCTION
More Than a Backdrop
Almost Trying was conceived as a love letter to the Great Smoky Mountains and the communities surrounding them. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, the roads between them, local businesses, attractions, nightlife, tourist chaos, mountain views, and everyday life all help shape the film.
The goal is not simply to show beautiful scenery. We want audiences to feel like they spent the day here.
Cast & Crew
KEVIN BAKER
Chaz Mercer
BRIAN NAYDOL
Writer / Producer / Director
MELISSA SALAZAR
Production Assistant
Production
Production Company: Smoky Mountain Pictures LLC
Project Type: Independent Feature Film
Genre: Character-Driven Dramatic Comedy
Union Status: Non-Union
Filming Dates: October 6–14, 2026
Filming Region: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Story Behind the Movie
The making of Almost Trying will also be documented in Roll With It, a companion documentary following the production from the inside — including preparation, cast and crew experiences, challenges, surprises, mistakes, victories, and everything that happens between ‘action’ and ‘cut.’
Coming April 2027
Almost Trying is planned to premiere in the Smokies on April 17, 2027, following the Roll With It documentary event on April 16.
ROLL WITH IT
APRIL 16, 2027
ALMOST TRYING
APRIL 17, 2027
Want to Be Part of It?
Current casting, crew, music, and partnership opportunities are available through Smoky Mountain Pictures.
Follow the Journey
Follow Almost Trying as we move through pre-production, filming, post-production, and the road to the premiere.
One Day Can Go a Long Way
Almost Trying follows Chaz Mercer, a rideshare driver making his way through one unpredictable day in the Great Smoky Mountains. Every new passenger brings another personality, another problem, and another detour as Chaz moves through the communities, roads, businesses, attractions, and chaos of the Smokies.
What begins as a funny and increasingly complicated day behind the wheel gradually becomes something more personal. Beneath the strange rides, awkward situations, unexpected conversations, and comedy is a story about avoidance, responsibility, relationships, and finally deciding whether to keep running from change or face it.
Cast & Crew
KEVIN BAKER
Chaz Mercer
BRIAN NAYDOL
Writer / Producer / Director
MELISSA SALAZAR
Production Assistant
Production
Production Company:
Smoky Mountain Pictures LLC
Project Type:
Independent Feature Film
Genre:
Character-Driven Dramatic Comedy
Union Status:
Non-Union
Filming Dates:
October 6–14, 2026
Filming Region:
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Story Behind the Movie
The making of Almost Trying will also be documented in Roll With It, a companion documentary following the production from the inside — including preparation, cast and crew experiences, challenges, surprises, mistakes, victories, and everything that happens between ‘action’ and ‘cut.’
Coming April 2027
Almost Trying is planned to premiere in the Smokies on April 17, 2027, following the Roll With It documentary event on April 16.
ROLL WITH IT — APRIL 16, 2027
ALMOST TRYING — APRIL 17, 2027
Follow the Journey
Follow Almost Trying as we move through pre-production, filming, post-production, and the road to the premiere.
Want to Be Part of It?
Current casting, crew, music, and partnership opportunities are available through Smoky Mountain Pictures.