Buddy - This Is My Story
We are saddened to hear of the passing of our friend Clay Hemric. He was an invaluable part of this story and a great friend to Buddy. He will be missed.
Read About ClayIn Memoriam

a story worth telling

Cornelius Muller Productions LLC (“Making Him Famous,” “Find A Way,” and “Sacred Hearts”) is making a new film based on the inspiring story of Buddy. Follow us on social media to stay updated on the progress of Buddy: Against All Odds. 

In The News

Phase One of our project includes a fundraising campaign to cover the cost of production and promotion of the film. We feel that Buddy’s story is worth sharing, and the right amount of finance can ensure that we can share this film with as many people as possible. We also take pride in our unique approach to involving donors in the production process. By partnering with us, you become a part of the story and receive exclusive updates on the progress of the project.

Phase Two will begin with principal photography in 2023 and continue with post-production in late 2023 for a holiday 2024 release. It is our hope that we are able to premiere this film just in time for Christmas, Buddy’s favorite day of the year.

the story

Buddy is a man with cerebral palsy who was told he would never amount to anything. Against all odds, he overcame every obstacle in his path to live a fulfilling life of faith and love with a commitment to community and the friends and family who have supported him throughout the years

the team

Cornelius Muller Productions has worked with world-class talent on several major film projects. These talented individuals will be a large part of this new venture every step of the way, lending their expertise to the development of this film. This roster of accomplished cast and crew members have been involved in projects from Disney, NBC, CBS, Netflix, and more. 

the plan

We will tell Buddy’s story of inspiration and determination, in hopes that it can serve as both an example and an encouragement. A part of proceeds will be donated to organizations that help provide resources to people in similar situations to Buddy.

Our unique approach to funding and supporting our endeavors allows you to become part of the picture. By donating, you are not only helping us tell this inspiring story, you are also giving hope to other people like Buddy through our partnerships with several support organizations locally and around the world. Leave us a note if you would like to dedicate your donation in honor or in memory of a loved one. View Dedication Page

Contact Cornelius Muller at (336) 214-0109 for Tax I.D. Number if applicable

P.O. Box 2474
Burlington NC 27216

View Dedication Page

meet our producers

Cornelius Muller

Cornelius Muller

Producer

Cornelius Muller is an actor and producer from Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Elon University and has been an Alamance County mainstay for nearly 20 years. After a change in career from a path devoted to professional basketball, Cornelius found his true calling in the arts while attending acting classes at HB Studios in New York City. Since then, Cornelius has gone on to star in several national commercials and short form and feature-length films.

In 2010, Cornelius founded Cornelius Muller Productions LLC and has since produced several feature-length films under the banner. “Find A Way,” based on a tragic true event that happened in Alamance County, received a limited theatrical release in 2013 and is now available on digital outlets such as Amazon Prime Video. “Sacred Hearts” was released vis PureFlix in February 2021. The most recent project from Cornelius Muller Productions, titled “Making Him Famous,” saw the company’s most successful theatrical release yet. Learn more at corneliusmullerproductions.com

Joseph Gray

Joseph Gray

Producer

Growing up in the middle of the East Coast as the son of an Electrical Designer & a Teacher, chasing his dream of being a professional actor didn’t seem like an idea that made any sense at all! But, after years of soul-searching & prayerful consideration, Joseph could no longer avoid this passionate calling he felt to pursue a career in filmmaking… Once the realization was made, Joseph immersed himself in training & devoted every bit of time & energy he could to developing this art. He immediately began studying at the Actor’s Group – a rigorous training studio in North Carolina, which teaches “Method” acting. It was here that he learned to focus on the subtle nuances, raw emotions, and fine details that are required to move an audience. As Joseph became adept in this natural yet captivating methodology, he quickly began booking an array of characters in Television, Commercials & Films.

Some of Joseph’s episodic TV bookings include Guest roles on NBC’s “Revolution”, Lifetime Network’s “Drop Dead Diva” & the CW’s “The Originals”. He also played a supporting role in the National Geographic Channel’s record-breaking TV Movie “Killing Kennedy”; which, amongst other accolades, was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award. Joseph has secured numerous roles in films as well. Notably, his portrayal of ‘John’, a principal role in the Academy Award nominated film “Alone, Yet Not Alone”, is slated for it’s official theatrical release this coming June… Along with his many acting credits, he has recently expanded his resume to also include credits as a Writer & Associate Producer.

Laine Francis

Laine Francis

Associate Producer

Just a glance at the work of artist Laine Francis and you know she sees beauty everywhere – whether the shadowed arches of a crumbling European bridge or the graceful tilt of a tulip stem. Light, movement, and color infuse the canvas of every painting. Francis’ portfolio reflects her impressionist’s view of her own life journey – from extensive travels throughout the world to her love for the North Carolina coast – in an extensive gallery of architectural and landscape portraits. Her work is as full of life as she is, and her art reflects a richness and joy simply in being alive.

A native of Burlington, NC, Francis received a BA from UNC-Chapel Hill. She continues to enjoy traveling the world photographing the scenes that will be recreated in a unique expression of her soul, spirit and discerning eye. See for yourself in gallery shows or at LaineFrancis.com.  

Nancy Hemric

Nancy Hemric

Associate Producer

While an international exchange student in Brazil during her high school years, Nancy felt drawn to those who were not as blessed as she. After several years in sales and marketing and a career in law; once retired, she felt her work had just begun helping others in her community.

Nancy served in leadership roles in her local United Way and spent seventeen
years serving on both local and regional hospital boards. During that time, community health and access to healthcare became her passion. A native of North Carolina, Nancy received her B.S. and J.D. degrees from Wake Forest University. She lives in Burlington, N.C. with her husband, Clay, her two dogs and good friends like Buddy.

Suzie Story Lambeth

Suzie Story Lambeth

Associate Producer

A disciple of Jesus, I commit my life’s work to responding to our Lord’s great love for us. I’m blessed to be married to Honorable Tom Lambeth, to be mother and friend to four children and one grandson. My work includes sales and marketing and entrepreneurial start ups, but my best work happens in the garden. It’s a privilege to support this important endeavor with prayer and funding. God Himself will narrate this beautiful story of hope. 
Barbara Albright Mantz

Barbara Albright Mantz

Associate Producer

As a lover of Bible study and prayer, friendship with Buddy has increased my faith and joy. I was called to teach Special Needs children like Buddy, as well as Intellectually Gifted students for over 30 years. I knew each child was full of potential and purpose in God’s eyes.
God blessed me with my best friend and husband, Phil, as well as my daughter, and my son and his wife. After earning my BS in Education from ETSU, and my M.Ed from UVA , God brought us to North Carolina in 1977. My husband and I are committed to this next generation hearing Buddy’s message of living a life of faith. Proverbs 3:5-7
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