 Pierce (June 16, 1938 – March 5, 2010) was an American film director, screenwriter, producer, set decorator, cinematographer and actor, and is considered one of the first modern independent filmmakers.Pierce directed thirteen films over the span of 26 years, but is best known for his cult hits "The Legend of Boggy Creek" (1973) and "The Town That Dreaded Sundown" (1976).An Arkansas resident most of his life, Pierce made his directorial debut with "Boggy Creek", a faux documentary-style film inspired by the legend of the Bigfoot-like Fouke Monster.