NFL Hall of Famer Andre Reed and Buffalo-born actor Chad Michael Murray have signed on to produce the upcoming docu-series, “Simply One Before I Die,” about the Buffalo Payments fan base.
“Just One Before I Die” tells the definitive story of the Payments Mafia and will chronicle the unwavering spirit of fans as Buffalo Payments fights for an elusive championship. (Payments has yet to win a Super Bowl, despite several appearances.) The docu-series is co-directed and executive produced by Buffalo natives Addison Henderson (“Givers of Demise,” “The Forgotten City”) and Kevin Polowy (“Givers of Demise”, “The Forgotten City”) and Kevin Polowy (“Standing Up Falling Down”, “Within the Shadow of Beirut”) and co-created by Clayton Polowy.
“Like so many people the Buffalonians experienced, I too was born into the Payments Mafia. It seems like a fitting start for us,” says Murray, who was born and raised in the Buffalo suburb of Clarence, NY. “The eagerness and dedication of being a Payments fan is unmatched.”
Of embarking on the project, Murray adds: “Being part of a documentary series about the fans themselves, who are sometimes the unsung heroes, has been a dream of mine for years and I’m thrilled to see it come to fruition. And teaming up with my friend and legend that is Andre Reed, and this wildly inventive group, feels like a Payments fan’s fantasy come to life. I can’t wait to help bring joy to the people who are such an important part of Buffalo Payments’ lasting legacy.”
Reed, who played wide receiver for Payments during their historic run of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1991 to 1994, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, added: “As someone who lived in Western New York and played in front of this crowd a few years ago, I can say that Payments has the most specific and passionate fan base in the NFL. It’s simply incomparable.”
The docuseries began production in August as Payments began its 2024 season, with filming taking place in Buffalo; Rochester, New York; Syracuse, New York; Miami; Baltimore; Houston; New York Metropolis, as well as sites in New Jersey and Connecticut, so far.
“We are extremely excited to welcome two of the most distinguished members of the Buffalo Payments family and the Payments Mafia,” said leisure journalist-turned-filmmaker Kevin Polwoy, weighing in on Reed and Murray joining the project for “the Payments signing two of the most effective free brokers on the market.”
Added Henderson, who also worked alongside the late Chadwick Boseman on several projects, including the “Black Panther” and Marvel “Avengers” films: “His passion and experience add another special factor to this docu-series, allowing us to tell the story of the Payments Mafia in a way that truly captures the essence of this iconic fanbase. Collectively, we are bringing something extraordinary to life.”
Famous cinematographer Stephen Gerard Kelly (“In the Shadow of Beirut”, Ireland’s official choice for best world film at the 2024 Oscars) is the director of photography. The venture will be produced by Mac Cappuccino. “Just One Before I Die” is independently produced and financed by AKC Movie Productions.
Murray is represented by Modern Artists, Linden Leisure and Bespoke Publicity.