Kelsey Grammer directing 'Civil War epic' as his first feature film

Kelsey Grammer is directing a "Civil War epic" as his first feature film.

The Frasier star, who has spent over 40 years on screen, is ready to step behind the camera for the first time and he's looking for investors to help bring the project to life.

He wrote on X: "After 40 years in front of the camera, I'll be directing my first feature film, so help me god — a Civil War epic about a Union soldier named Albert Townsend, who should have received the Medal of Honour but didn't. Clerical error."

The 71-year-old actor had discovered Albert "through his descendants' archival research", and he was gripped by the story.

He added: "What I found was more than an injustice waiting to be corrected. It was a story of friendship and extraordinary courage —  an unassuming young man becoming a soldier who held his ground and his principles, under fire.

"That's a story worth telling on the largest possible scale. And we're inviting the people who want to see it told to help bring it to the screen, as investors in the film through Republic."

Kelsey promised to do the tale "justice" with "real cannons, one hundred horses and the cast in period-accurate uniforms".

He continued: "We've brought on Mark Huffam, whose work includes Saving Private Ryan, Game of Thrones and The Martian, to produce it.

"He knows what it takes to make an epic and how much depends on the human story at its heart."

Those involved are also backing the campaign for Albert to receive a posthumous Medal of Honour.

Kelsey said: "This picture is about friendship, love and honour —  and common people rising to accomplish extraordinary things.

"I want to give that story everything it deserves. I hope you will lift the banner with us."

On the project's website, it's said that there is a script ready to go.

They said: "The script is written. The film is slated to enter production.

"You're invited to join as an investor on an epic scale Hollywood quality project.

"There hasn't been a Civil War film on this scale in almost 30 years."

Those who invest will get different levels of "bonus perks" based on how much money they put in.

The tiers range from US$100 (S$127) (including community access, founding investor status and more) right up to US$25,000 which gets you executive producer credit, a group dinner with Kelsey himself, and a chance to "fire the historic cannon in period Union uniform on set" with photos.

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