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Filming
Journal
June 9th, 2005-
We have returned from shooting the CBR bullriding event in Longview,
Texas.
It was a great event with lots of bullriding and even better yet, great
bullfighting footage. The CBR
were very instrumental in helping us get what we needed. We were even
able to catch up with Tuff Hedeman.
I also ran into Chad Denton who remembered me. I did a short interview
with him for the Bullfighting Doc.
The CBR bullfighters all did great jobs for the interviews, they're all
good men.
Check them out at the CBR website at:
http://www.cbrnow.com
While in Texas, we met up with Pam Minick and she did a great interview
for the barrel racing Doc as well.
May 18th, 2005
-
We are headed to the CBR event in Longview, TX for the CBR bull
riding event. We will be doing interviews,
maybe we'll see you there.
When: May 20 & 21st
Time: 8:00 P.M.
Where: Maude Cobb Expo/Fairgrounds
Longview, Texas
Also, we will be at the Santa Maria, CA.
rodeo for the first weekend in June to interview barrel racers and we
are in the
planning stages to attending the Reno rodeo at the end of June. If you
are a professional or semi-professional
barrel racer and have a story to tell email us at
Ctch22@aol.com
and we'll track you down.
-David
April 25th, 2005
Well I have decided after some long thought of what the next
production will be.
We'll be doing two films together. One about Bullfighters which we
will be doing with the CBR, and a
film about the inside world of Barrel Racers.
If you know of a good
professional or semi-professional barrel racer
(21 years or older) that we could interview,
let us know at Ctch22@aol.com.
We will always have the updates here on the site and we'll keep
everyone informed on who we interview (for both films)
as well as where we'll be shooting so you
can introduce yourself to us.
Feb. 14th, 2005-
Well things are up and then down. Trying to deal with all the RED TAPE
involved to getting another film off the ground.
Somehow it's HARDER now than ever before to make a film about
bullriding, even if this is about bullfighters. So far the only
help and support I've had is with the CBR and the IRCA... Italian
Rodeo Cowboys Association. Yes, that's right. The Italians
have their own rodeos and they have been very helpful in allowing me
to go over there and promote their sport. More so than
here which is unfortunate. In fact, I am researching to see if the
Russians, Swedes, Germans and French have rodeo associations.
Depending on how much help I get on this side of the pond, I may end
up doing a film about rodeos in other parts of the world.
It's too bad that its harder to get help here to promote a sport that
is America. It's all about give us the money.
We'll see.
Click Here
to see awards that
Cowboy Up-Inside The Extreme World Of Bull Riding
has won!
Jan 13th, 2005
Hi there. Well its been 2-1/2 years and with much request, we are going
to start up our follow up film to:
COWBOY UP: INSIDE THE EXTREME WORLD OF BULLRIDING with a new film
called:
COWBOY UP: INSIDE THE EXTREME WORLD OF BULLFIGHTING.
We are going to feature the best, the old timers, the up and coming
and the behind-the-scenes, in your face, raw
action
and dangers of the role of the rodeo bullfighter and barrelman.
Stay tuned to this site for our up and coming event schedule. We will be
covering the CBR among other bullfighting events
across the country and even in Italy!
Stay tuned!
-David
Update. I have started
production on a new film called Cowboy Up: Inside the Extreme
World of Bullfighting.
I have contacted several bullfighters and barrelmen who were in Cowboy
Up and they are all going to be in the film.
I am also going to be interviewing some other special well known
bullfighters and barrelmen. Right now I'm waiting to see if I will be
shooting exclusively PRCA or PBR or another
Association but it's looking like it won't be the PRCA.
They say they don't need the publicity and just the costs of rights to
them would break me before I even get started.
Sept 1-DVDs on Cowboy Up are
now available directly from the producer. Please click here
...Order Form....or email
ctch22@aol.com
August 8
-
DVD of Cowboy Up Documentary
I wanted to announce that on Sept. 1st the DVD of the
documentary film, "Cowboy UP: Inside the Extreme World of Bullriding"
will be released. It is the Director's cut, meaning there's 6 minutes
more than the VHS version.
Anyone who hasn't seen this film or knows anything about it can check it
out Click...HERE...
The film runs 95 minutes and has won 8 film festival awards for
excellence in directing, editing and camera.
It features the best in the sport; Tuff Hedeman, Cody Lambert, Mike
White, Jason Bennett,
Michael Gaffney, Cody Custer, Jerome Davis, Stock Contractor John
Growney, Bull fighters Allen Nelson,
Joe Baumgarter, Rob Smets, and Flint Rassmussen. It also features an
exclusive interviews with Clyde & Elsie Frost and
Kay Thurman and lots others. It is narrated by Luke Perry who starred in
the movie 8 Seconds and Beverly Hills 90210.
Country Singer Buddy Jewel sings the bull riding song "Whirlwind Ride"
in the film,
he did this before he won the Nashville Star competition.
The VHS retails for $19.95 which includes shipping and taxes and advance
orders of the DVD
can be taken by sending an email address to: Ctch22@aol.com
or use this Order Form
Any questions, email me and I'll answer them as soon as I receive them.
Thanks!
David Wittkower
July 16
- Wanted to let you know that the DVD's are in the works. I hope
to have them released early.
We are dropping the prices of the VHS to $19.95 plus shipping and taxes
to make room for the DVD's.
If you want to be on a
DVD list, send an Email to Ctch22@aol.com
with an
updated Email address that you'll have for the next couple of months
(many last time gave me emails that didn't work
when I announced the release of the film.
The DVD coming out will be a Director's cut, meaning it will be 95
minutes long instead of the 89:00 minutes on the VHS.
It does have a more graphic footage, only of the surgery that Dr. Tandy
Freeman performs on the riders.
Some were grossed out during the screening and we took it out, but I
felt there was something missing from that,
because if you really want to understand the role of a bull rider and
what happens to him, you must know what happens to these
guys when they get injured. You will have a new appreciation for your
favorite rider or any rider.
Elsie Frost said "It was one of the most revealing parts of the film;
and if you watch TLC or Discovery Channel, you'll have no problem.
The film has won 9 film festival awards, including best sports program,
directing, editing, and creative.
Nashville star winner Buddy Jewel sing "Whirlwind Ride" in the film,
this was done when he was undiscovered.
June
7th - Sorry its been awhile since I checked in. Been trying to
start new projects, cowboy related,
but since the economy is slow, sponsors aren't interested at the moment
on helping me produce programs.
Several people have requested that I start doing films about Barrel
Racers and Horse Cutting.
They're in there along with the others. I'm going back to Texas to start
in new project but it's not cowboy related.
To all of those who have been patiently waiting for a DVD version, I
want them to know that I've started the process.
It takes some time and mostly because of the costs involved I have
avoided doing it but now with VHS going by the wayside,
probably by the end of the year, I have to do something. I hope, by mid
summer to have the announcement
that DVD's will be available.
Be sure to check back. I'm a DVD guy myself so I can understand the
request.
May
6
- Well it looks like the winner of the show Nashville Star is Buddy
Jewel.
Buddy did a song called "Whirlwind Ride" which is the featured song at
the end of the documentary Cowboy Up.
Its a great song and if you want to hear it,
order
the film on this site and hear it.
Its a great song and a great 90 minute ride of your life video.
April 27- Cowboy
Up-Inside the Extreme World Of Bull Riding".
won 3 awards
at
the Videographer Awards, 2003.
That makes 9, tied with Firefight, the previous film
done by David Wittkower.
Awards won by "Cowboy Up...." were
Video Productions/Creativity/Editing Award of Excellence
Video Productions/Creativity/Directing Honorable Mention
TV Programs/Documentary Award of Distinction
There were 2,376 entries throughout the United States and Europe.
April
20
- We have a good review coming up in the Rocky Mountain Roper.
The article will be going out to 12,000 subscribers. It was reviewed by
several bull riders
including a Canadian bull rider and the result over all was, "It tells
it like it is." What more can I say for now.
If any one
has been watching the music talent program "Nashville Star" there is a
contestant named
Buddy Jewell.
If his name doesn't sound familiar, and you own a copy of the video
Cowboy Up,
he is the singer on that last song at the end of the film
and it's looking pretty good that he's going to come out on top, we
hope.
April
11
- Yes, I know, its been months since the last log in.
Cowboy
Up
got an award from the Houston Film festival for Documentary Editing and
Graphics.
I don't know if it was a Gold, Silver or Bronze and won't know that until
April 14th.
That makes 5
awards for the video.
Things have been quiet but I have a list for people who would like to
order the tape on the retailers who sell the tape.
Of course the best place to order it is from the Lane Frost site, and
maybe get an autographed copy
from the Frosts themselves.
In regard to the many requests for the DVD. I'm a DVD man myself so I
understand the want for DVD.
The problem is that DVD to process is very expensive and I don't have
the cash to change it over for now.
You can purchase the VHS copies in the some 90 retailers listed
in the table
below:
|
Cavenders in
Texas
Amarillo, Austin, Baytown, Beaumont, College Station
Corpus Christi,
Dallas, Fort Worth, Greenville
Humble, Hurst,
Houston.
Lewisville, Longview
Lubbock, Lufkin,
Mesquite, Palestine, Paris,Pasadena
Plano, San Antonio, Sugar Land, Temple, Texarkana
Tyler, Waco and in Bossier City, LA |
|
John's Tack & Western
Wear |
Cullman |
AL |
|
Cowboy Corral |
Sedona |
AZ |
|
Farm Supply Company |
San Luis Obispo |
CA |
|
Bit n Spur Tack |
Salinas |
CA |
|
Frontier Feed and Saddlery |
Anderson |
CA |
|
Emporium Western
Store |
Bakersfield |
CA |
|
Vickers Western Stores |
Pocatello |
ID |
|
The Outpost |
Trafalgar |
IN |
|
Carpenter Tractor Co. |
Jonesville |
LA |
|
Brown Cow Saddle Co. |
Bloomington |
MN |
|
Cowboy Corner |
South Haven
|
MS |
|
Big Shipton’s |
Billings |
MT |
|
The Fort |
Lincoln |
NE |
|
RRR Traders |
Waterflow |
NM |
|
Hitchin’ Post Western
Store |
Carson City
|
NV |
|
Hoss Tack & Supply |
Hudson |
NC |
|
Drysdales |
Tulsa |
OK |
|
Cowboy Hall Of Fame |
Oklahoma City |
OK |
|
Bordertown Feed |
Milton-Freewater |
OR |
|
Boot Hill Western
Wear |
Hillsboro |
OR |
|
Ryons |
Fort Worth |
TX |
|
Bragg’s Western Wear |
Mt Pleasant |
TX |
|
Cowboy Outfitters |
Tomball |
TX |
|
Western Unlimited |
Spanish Fork |
UT |
|
Diamond N |
Stettler |
A.L. Canada |
|
Hi Point Western
Sales |
Brooks |
AB Canada |
|
Circle S Western |
Quesnel |
B.C. Canada |
|
Willies Western Wear |
Williams Lake |
B.C. Canada |
Jan 2 I
wish you all a happy and safe New Year.
I also want to let you know that the film just received two awards in the
Communicator Awards.
Crystal Award of Excellence - Sports Documentary
Award of Distinction
- Editing
We also have the film entered in two film festivals in Texas and waiting
for a response,
one in Dallas and one in College Station.
Nov. 19 -
Happy Thanksgiving! The journal entries for the film are becoming far and
few between.
The film is selling in 70 retailers around the country, including Canada
and Australia. The film has been well reviewed
and received by many. We're still looking for retailers to consider the
film to carry if they are interested,
and we are starting our new project in January on NASCAR.
Anyone know of a driver (personally) or a driving team we could
contact?
Be sure to check back every once in awhile for updates
Oct 17 -
Getting ready for our big push in Vegas for the PBR finals. Our booth,
we'll be at is #608. Hope to see you there!
We are offering until the end of the year, a special, buy 4 at $24.95
and get a 5th free.
This I recommend would make a Christmas gift for all those cowboys in your
lives.
I would also highly recommend to order early, to give time for gifts to
arrive in time for Christmas,
my cut off point for shipping will be December 19th.
Oct 6 - For
those of you who are keeping tabs on the film, we got into two film
festivals today.
The Fort Worth Film Festival in Fort Worth, Texas and the San Luis Obispo
Film Festival in California.
If you are near San Luis Obispo, the film will be screened on Saturday
November 2nd at 2:15 pm at the
San Luis Obispo City-County Library community room. I will be there for a
Q & A afterwards and we'll probably
be selling copies of the tape there.
As far as Fort Worth, I don't have that info yet. I will let you know.
Oct 3- Well, sales of the
film have taken off I'm happy to say.
Several more stores are carrying the film as well as the orders from both
the film site and the Frosts site.
We have a booth number confirmed at the PBR finals: # 608.
We will also be having a booth at the Fan Appreciation party selling the
video there as well.
If you bought the tape and even if you haven't and want to that will be
the place to get it and
meet some great cowboys along the way for autographed copies.
If you can't make it to the finals, you can and will, always, be able to
order it off this site.
We are still trying to get a screening. Just when you think you got it
made, another snag hits you,
so right now, it seems to be up in the air, again check back here and let
you know if yea or nay.
We had an excellent article written up in the Daily Oklahoman last week.
Sept 20- Hope everyone is well. The PBR finals are quickly
approaching.
We have our booth but not sure where were located yet. We will be having a
screening at the Palms Theatre
on Friday and Saturday and I am now working on getting special guests to
do a Q & A afterwards.
I will probably only be charging $3.00 admission to fray the costs, not a
bad deal to see this film on the big screen,
then buy it for Christmas gifts afterwards.
The reviews are coming in and all of them a great.
I have started to get orders from Canada and Australia. So far, we've sold
over 400 tapes. Not a bad start.
I talked with Tuff today and if he can, he will make an appearance at our
booth and sign some autographs
and other than him, we'll certainly, if their schedules permit, have
Michael Gaffney, Cody Custer, Tandy Freeman,
Flint Rassmussen and many others signing autographs at our booth and at
the Fan Appreciation party
at the Thomas and Mac
Sept 7 - I just was interviewed at a
radio station in Weatherford, Texas for a program called
The Radio Ranch, KYXS, 95.9. They are going to broadcast the interview
next Tues or Weds at 8:30 am.
We're starting to get video orders, worldly. One
from New Zealand and one from Australia.
Corral West has just been added to the list of stores that will carry the
video.
For the PBR finals, we will have 2 theater showings
on the big screen of the film,
one showing on Friday and one on Saturday. As soon as I confirm the show
times, I will post it.
Humps & Horns just did a review in their Sept issue.
I can't believe its almost a year since the world was coming down in New
York City and
we were there to witness it and experience the tragedy unfold in front of
us.
Many of you may not know in the video when we interviewed Author Jeff
Coplon in Brooklyn,
that the towers had just fallen.
I guess I know where I was on Sept. 11th.
So that day, give a thought and a prayer to those families and surviving
firefighters
Sept. 3-The September issue of Humps & Horns magazine
has an article about
Cowboy Up-Inside the
Extreme World Of Bull Riding" in it.
August 31 -
As the PBR finals get closer, its looking better that we will be getting a
film theater
at the Palms Hotel behind Ceaser's and have 2 screenings. We have to fill
up about 400 seats over
2 showings and sell tickets at $6.00. I would think out of 350,000 of you
attending the event,
I'll be able to fill the seats. I'm looking to have some guest bull riders
and bull fighters at the screenings.
We will be selling the video at the screening as well as at the booth and
at Fan Appreciation.
Radio KYXS in Weatherford,
Texas 95.9 has a show called Rodeo on the Radio.
They approached me about doing a radio show next week about the
film,
as soon I find out when, I'll let everyone know
DVD's won't be available until around Jan. due to
the high cost of making them.
Aug 22-
People have been asking if any stores will be selling the Cowboy Up
video.
As of yesterday, Drysdales of Tulsa, Oklahoma will start selling the
video September 1st.
Got an email from the Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA,)
they
saw a copy of the video an were really impressed with it. They are going
toput a story about it in their
Rodeo Sports News magazine next month.
Its looking better and better that we will be showing the film at the PBR finals.
We finally found a theatre that might let us have a few
screenings.
I'm working on it to try and get a few PBR riders come for a Q&A after
each screening.
Of course, we will be selling the video at the screening as
well as the booth and we hope
at The World Finals TEAM PBR Appreciation party.
Aug 19-We got our first review/story in print today from
the Texarkana Gazette.
Click...Here...to
read it. Our first web site review was on Rodeo Network.
The sales are coming in. As I had mentioned before, we had about 2,000
pre-orders on an emailing list
and when I sent them out, more than half didn't exist anymore.
I was disappointed, but now am happy to report that people are ordering
the tape and
the reviews are great and people are really happy about the film.
We will be getting reviewed in up-coming papers and magazines
including
"Humps n Horns" as well as a story will be written in the
"8 Seconds" PBR program,
due out in November.
Some people have been ordering the tape as gifts and as of now if you
request it is a gift,
I will gift wrap it for free. I gift wrap pretty well due to years of
practice wrapping Christmas gifts...
which will be coming up soon, (hint, hint.) We will be having a booth at
the PBR finals
as well as having several PBR riders, bullfighters and even Dr. Tandy
Freeman will
sign autographs on the tapes. As soon as we get a firm schedule of the
riders, we will post times here.
Also PAL tapes of ""Cowboy Up-Inside the Extreme World Of Bull Riding"
are now available,
they are the video tapes that can only be used in Europe.
These tapes are $29.95, plus shipping.
Of course I will still send VHS tapes to international buyers too, if
desired.
I will have a separate order form up for international orders soon.
Aug
3-Sales of the video are coming
in. We've been sending out press releases to newspapers
and magazines all week for stories and reviews.
Looks like we will be sharing a booth at the PBR finals with the folks of
Rocking J Ranch
and their saddle barn gear. The PBR is going to put something on their
site about the film
and direct those who want it to the Lane Frost Site. Seems that quite a
few people
have been ordering it for friends and family, for their birthdays and I
know that Cowboy Christmas
is coming up soon and we're going to try and get a booth for the WNFR at
the Sands Hotel.
We missed the deadline for the Convention Center.
Lastly, We are also in the process of trying to get the film screened for
the public at the PBR finals.
It's a great video to have at home, and even better to see it on a large
screen!
We'll keep you up to date as we know more.
July 31-Well,
we've been sending out orders every day and its been great
to hear the responses from people. One ordered the
film again because her kids watched it so
much,
they wore the tape out. One gentleman from Louisiana got
the tape,
and watched it 3 times in the day, once by himself, then called his
friends over.
Usually when I do a film, there's always people saying that there
was something they didn't like
about the film, but I haven't heard that from
anyone.
Its great to hear from people that they really enjoy the film. I went
to a CT event in
San Jacinto California this past weekend. A woman saw my
hat which says:
Cowboy Up Film Crew. She told me she just bought the tape and
was surprised how quickly it came.
I asked her what she thought of the film and
she loved it, she's a devoted PBR fan.
She said she got it from a fella in
Calabasas, California, I told her I was the guy that made the film.
I'm looking to ask anyone if they know of any reporters that would write a
review and or story
about the film. Most papers won't do something unless I shot
in their town or interviewed a rider
from their town.
I'm also looking to see if anyone knows of any stores in their area that
might be interested
in carrying the video, let me know at: Ctch22@aol.com
Til next time
July 25-I'm still getting
a lot of undeliverable email, especially to Hotmail users.
If you want to order the tape, I suggest
either re-send your email address to me at
Ctch22@aol.com and I can send
the order form
Or copy the order form from this link below
Cowboy Up:
Inside The Extreme World Of Bull Riding
July 24-This past weekend I have emailed all of you who had requested to be put
on the list for
"Cowboy Up-The Inside World Of Extreme Bull
Riding".
I am getting many of the email messages returned to
me as undeliverable,
either the email address is no longer valid, or no
longer in use
If you have not gotten an email from me this
weekend, please email me with your new email address.
Or copy the order form
from this link below
Cowboy
Up: Inside
The Extreme World Of Bull Riding
For
all of those who want just the DVD, which won't be our for a few
months
and can wait that long, please email me so I can make a new list for
just the DVD requests.
In the subject line "DVD Request." I'm still getting
a lot of undeliverable email,
especially to Hotmail users.
If you want to order the tape, I suggest
either re-send your email address to me at
Ctch22@aol.com and I can send
the order form
Or copy the order form from this link below
Cowboy Up:
The Inside World Of Extreme Bull Riding Order Form
Thanks
July 17-Been
real busy with finishing up the film. After the screening in LA there
were a few minor
changes that were suggested and followed up on.
We are currently waiting on several broadcast channels to see if they
are interested.
I hear that the feature film "Ring of Fire" is being released
in Sept and they have changed
their title to Cowboy Up.
Please do not get these two films confused.......My film is
NOT a FEATURE FILM
but is a DOCUMENTARY about the True
Heroes of the sport of bull
riding.
This documentary has the true stories that show the heart, spirit and grit of the
world of bull riding that a fictional feature
film could never possibly duplicate.
I can not make a general announcement about the release date of
"Cowboy Up-The Inside World of Extreme Bull Riding" yet,
but if you
want to know, email me at ctch22@aol.com
~~David Wittkower~
June 24- Sorry
its been awhile about entering in the journal.
Seems like there's a lot happening but some
of it isn't happening fast enough.
First of all we had a screening out
in Los Angeles for a small crowd of about 60.
Bull Rider Michael Gaffney did a great job of coming out to support the
screening
and it was a thrill to the viewing audience to sit there and ask questions
about bull riding
with a World Champion. We really appreciated him making
a big effort to come out during
his busy schedule.
Second, we've been getting great responses from the people who
are in the film
saying that we did an excellent job of really telling the role of the
bull rider and bullfighters
and others who really make the sport what it is.
Third, There's talk about having this screened at both the WNFR
and the PBR Finals in Vegas.
The film really looks great on the big screen and we are looking
forward to this.
Fourth, I know people are asking about when the video will be
done.
I know it's hard to have to wait. There are delays that often come with
the finishing touches on the video.
I ask if ya'll can
be patient a little more while we iron final things out. Have a great 4th
May 8-I posted a photo of Luke
Perry on the main Film page.
It was taken last week when he came to do the narration for the film.
Click...Here...to view it,
it is the first photo on the page.
May 7-
Wanted to let ya'll know that we have some quality musicians who
have some of their songs and music in the film and would like to give
them some
early credit:
Mark Winston Kirk from Texas. Dave & Kelli Grill from Oregon
and
Curtiss Thompson
and the Jammers from Connecticut.
May 3-Luke Perry came to record the
narration and do a sit down interview
this morning.
He did a very professional job and is a very nice, nice person.
There were times where he got emotional during the narration about Lane.
During the interview, he also got some things off his chest about how
Clyde
was portrayed inaccurately
in the film "8 Seconds."
He saw the film that we're doing and was very pleased about what we have
done
and is very excited about being a part of it.
I took a photo of him and will have it up on this site soon.
The film is coming along well. We have to put in Luke's narration and
interviews
and we have a couple of days to wait for the music score to come
in.
April 22-
Just to give all of you an update of the progress of the
documentary.
It's coming along really well. It's becoming everything you
wanted to know about bull riding
but were afraid to ask.... Or something like
that.
Current running time is about 95 minutes. We have just completed our
fine cut
which means we're not cutting any more picture. Now we have to do
all the other stuff
like sound editing, music, narration, and then a final
mix which means spend some time
putting all those elements together. If
anyone wonders why it takes so long to make a film,
this is why; and to think
it took "Apocalypse Now" five years to make.
April 10- Talked to Luke Perry. He
has decided to be interviewed
in the film which will be a great addition to the film, now Luke will
not only be the narrator
but he will also talk about his experiences working on the film "8
Seconds,"
as well as playing the role of Lane Frost in that movie. (8
Seconds).
March 28 - Just to give ya'll an
update on the progress of the film.
E diting takes a long time. We have over 65 hours of
footage,
taken over a year and cutting it down to 2 hours and that takes
awhile.
I appreciate everyone's response to the film.
We will be recording Luke Perry's narration in the next 3 weeks, when we
get the photo's, we'll
put them up.
For photos of my last filming trip to Dallas to film another surgery with
Dr. Freeman
Click...Here..
March 11
-Jon and I spent the last 3 days at Tuff Hedeman's bull riding event
in Fort Worth.
Bull Rider Chris Waid drove all the way down from Tulsa (about
a 7 hour drive) to help us
finish getting shots with him. We were hoping
he would make it in the Touring Pro as an
alt but he didn't make it which was disappointing for all of us.
We interviewed:
Jim Sharp, Jim Shoulders, The
Carillo Brothers, Troy Dunn and, Flint
Rasmussen
We ran into the Frosts
and Bull Rider Beni Paulson who was interested in
doing some music for the film. So it's been a long and winding road and
we
get down to the nuts and bolts of taking 60 hours of footage and editing
it
down to a sleek 2 hours. Photos on their way.
March 10-
My soundman and I arrived in Dallas to film another surgery with
Dr. Freeman.
This time it is a shoulder operation. It's a really
part of keep these riders riding.
It's a fact of life that when these riders
get hurt.
March 9-Jon and I have returned from
our trips to Arkansas and Fort
Worth,
photos coming soon. In Arkansas we spent some time with Bullfighter /Barrelman
Allen Nelson and his family. The family is just about as funny as
Allen,
so we can see when the humor comes from, it starts with the family.
Next we went to Dallas and Dr. Freeman
March 2- I added photos from the
interviews of PBR bull riders Michael Gaffney, Jason Bennett,
Cory Melton and Jesse Schellhamer at the Anaheim
BLC event. Click...Here...to
view them.
Feb. 25-
We decided not to go to Bakersfield after all. Its only a 2-hour drive
for
us,
but we will have our plates very full in Fort Worth for the last of the
filming.
I've also been told that Tuff Hedeman's Fort Worth deal is the best,
so why not finish a great
filming year with the best.
We submitted the Lane Frost rough cut to the Frosts to see if we were on
the
right track.
A rough cut, for those who don't know, is when you take what
we've shot, about 60 hours,
and cut it down to 2 1/2 hours, then do a fine
cut where we cut it down to the finished product.
The Frosts were pleased
with the Lane Frost act which is the 5th of 6 acts, about 25 minutes or
so
in length right now. (This could change in the final version.) We
were happy about that.
We're sending a copy to Luke Perry whose been asking to see what we've
been
doing.
As always, if you are going to Tuff's Touring Pro or the BLC in Fort
Worth,
I'd be great to meet some of you, maybe even interview you
Feb. 17 - Just came back from the Anaheim
BLC after 2 nights of shooting.
We were successful in interviewing several Pro bull riders including:
Adriano Moraes
Gary Richards
Jason Bennett
Cory Melton
Jesse Schellhamer
and Michael Gaffney
We will be interviewing Ty Murray, Wiley Peterson, The Carillo Brothers
and others
in Bakersfield
which we've added to the list. If you remember, we were there
last year, man, hard to believe.
We met one person who introduced herself that visits the site often so
if you're
in Bakersfield, say hello
Feb. 10-
I was just informed that its been two years since
I started this
project
and in March it will be a year since I started shooting the film, Phew!
There might be a change in plans about going to Georgia, these things
happen,
it looks like I'll be
going to Tuff Hedeman's Touring Pro in Fort Worth in
March instead.
Hope all is well with ya'll
Feb. 8-I would like to know how you heard of "Cowboy
Up".
Please click...Here...to vote and let me
know. Thanks!
Jan. 31-Here
are 2 links to a music artist named Mark Winston Kirk,
who has given me permission to use any of his songs in the
film,
plus Mark might write some songs only related to the film.
I think that between Mark and the film composer, they will come up
with a terrific soundtrack album.
Please visit Mark's site for more on this talented artist.
Jan. 30 - Things are coming along
great for the film. I've been talking
with the film composer
and he's started working on the soundtrack for the film.
Jan.
21 - Our interview with Sue Rosoff went off great. She gave us a
lot
of insights about hanging with Lane, Tuff and Cody during those
days.
She
also gave us her first hand account of the day Lane died. This along
with her
friend,
Jackie Romer who was a Justin Sport Healer who also talked about that day.
We also got some great stories about Lane and Red Rock.
Sue also gave me permission
to use some of her great shots of Lane, she's a great photographer.
Jan.10 - Another added interview for the film.
Sue Rosoff who was a PRCA
photographer and who helped spearhead the Challenge of Champions will be
interviewed about her time spent with Lane. I hope to be able to use
some of
her great photographs of Lane in the film
Jan. 6 -
Happy New Year everyone. Well the film is coming along very
well in editing, I
look at almost 50 hours of footage to edit to a 2 hour
Also in February, we'll be going to Alabama to pick up with Bull Rider
Chris
Waid
who we have been following around last year for the film. Chris will be
riding at the
PBR Touring Pro in Columbus, Georgia. I will keep ya'll up to
date as things get closer to actual flights.
As we know, things and plans are
never set in stone until the event is over and as they say,
the footage is in
the can.
Dec. 17 - Jon and I returned from
shooting at the WNFR this weekend in Las Vegas.
I met with Clyde and Elsie Frost and had breakfast with them.
I also meet up with Tuff Hedeman and Dr. Tandy Freeman and his medical
staff
including the legendary J. Pat Evans, who started the Justin Sports
Medicine Program.
We were able to interview two other bullfighters, one from Canada and
one from Australia.
I show'd our first 20 minutes of a rough cut to Tandy and the Frosts and
received a thumbs up
from all of them and I'm happy to see that the Frosts were very happy in
the way the first 20 minutes
have been coming along.
If you were watching the WNFR on ESPN2 either Friday or Saturday
night,
you may have seen us by the gate near the chute area where the cowboys
left the arena.
Someone said they thought they saw someone with a Cowboy Up Film Crew
hat on.... That was us...
I'll be spending the holidays in cooooooooold Minnesota, so in case I
don't
write before the new year, I wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday
Dec. 6- Well we've started the
editing process. We're working on the Life Savers part first.
We're going to see what's missing then I'll go out to the either Denver
or Fort Worth in January
and get what's missing or needed.
We are still planning on going to the NFR on the 14-15th.
The film is looking great and my Editor, Sree Scanda is really doing a
great job.
Talked with Luke Perry for a short time on Monday, he's patiently
waiting for the script
to record the narration.
Hope to see you at the NFR, say hello
Nov. 29 -
Just got the okay from the PRCA to go to the NFR and will be there on
November 14-15th.
Planning on catching up with many of the people already interviewed in
the film,
including Clyde and Elsie Frost.
If you are going and see us there, be sure to say hello. We have
baseball caps with the
words: Cowboy Up Film Crew emblazed on them.
We are expecting to be wrapping up filming probably by the beginning of
Feb;
Nov. 28
-Photos are up from my filming trip in October. Click...Here...
Nov. 21 -I
would like to wish all the visitors to this page a Happy Thanksgiving
and take this time to
thank you for all your emails of interest and
support of this film project.
Nov. 15 -
Well the shooting of the film is coming close to being finished.
We hope to do a few more interviews such as Michael Gaffney and looking
for an
Australian bull rider.
We are starting editing right after Thanksgiving. We are also looking to
film at the
Denver Stock Show in January. I appreciate the letters and emails from
people.
The film is going to be really good.
Nov. 11 -
Just talked with Luke Perry this morning. He was checking in with
me about how the film was coming along. He's starring in a Showtime
series
called "Jeremiah." Should be out sometime soon, keep an eye
for local listings.
He's real excited about "Cowboy Up" and looks forward to
narrating it.
Nov.10
- Jon and I got back from our last leg of the
trip very late on Nov 6th.
After the interview with Jerome Davis we flew to Baltimore and met and
interviewed Sportscaster great
George Michael from the George
Michael's Sports Machine.
George was a great interview and provided me with some great footage of
some of his interviews with Lane and Tuff. He's been really supportive of the film
and will be a great add to the Cowboy Up
program. Photographs on the way.
We still have to
interview Michael Gaffney and follow around Bullfighter/Barrelman
Allen Nelson to get some of his home and family life.
I'm hoping to get a little more on Dr.
Freemen and of course catch up with everyone at the NFR.
God Bless
Nov. 9
- On
Nov. 5th Jon
and I went to Greensboro and spent the afternoon with Jerome and Tiffany
Davis.
We interviewed Jerome at his arena and out in the pasture while his
bulls were feeding and then
we interviewed him in his home. We also interview Tiffany and she talked
about Jerome's accident.
By the way Jerome gets around, you'd never know he's paralyzed.
Its work and life as usual around the Davis Ranch. Both are great
people.
Jerome has a bull riding school in November, check out his web site for
his foundation
and other great information about this World Champion Bull Rider. Here's
the link..
The Official Website of Jerome Davis World Champion Bullrider
Photographs are on the way.
Nov. 8- On
Nov. 4th Jon the soundman and I went to the Superbullistic in Kansas
City.
During half-time there was a cowboy protection event, man vs.
bull.
There were about 12,000 people there. One rider got his leg broken when
the bull he was
riding collapsed and rolled on his leg. We headed out for North Carolina
and
our meeting with Jerome Davis
Oct 27-Things do work out for the
best. Had a few minor setbacks in filming this week,
but with some phone calls and rescheduling things will work out better
than I thought.
Thanks to those that helped out with this, it is much appreciated.
I'm glad to see everyone's interest and want to
thank Sharon for doing a great job on the site and
Kelli over on Michael Gaffney's page for letting people know about the
film and the site.
Be sure to check out the real reason you got here, the Lane Frost
pages,
chock full of great info on Lane.
Oct. 26- Looks like things are back
on board for Kansas City.
There is going to be a bull riding deal with about 15,000, by far the
largest event
Jon and I have been to. If you think you'll be there, drop by and say
hello.
Oct. 25-Well going to finals this
year hasn't been our year I guess with the PBR
and now the Bullfighters tour. I got a call last night that the
Bullfighters tour was postponed to
January and to Shreveport, Louisiana, due to a lack of
sponsorship.
I am currently trying to find out if the Superbull that was going on at
the same time will still be
happening or not. It makes it harder on us because we have a lack of
funding ourselves and its
expensive to change flights. Even though the airline just got bailed out
for 15 billion
dollars, they are still difficult when it comes to canceling
flights.
Well, we can still hope for an approval to go to the PRCA in December
Oct. 24-Got
our plans, flights and are headed to Kansas City on November 3rd
for the Bullfighter Finals. Talked to Rob Smets, he said he was sorry I
wasn't going to
make the PBR Finals but looked forward to seeing us in Kansas City.
In Tulsa, I met a
bull rider named Shane Reeder. He introduced himself and
told me that, though we never met in Austin, he
won 2nd place at the
Brent Thurman Memorial Bull Ride back in
May which we were filming at.
He checks at the Cowboy Up site on occasion to see what's
up.
We say hi to Shane and all those in his
hometown of Dodge City, Kansas
Here are some photos from Tulsa. Click...Here...
Oct. 20-
Due to a contractual agreement, we unfortunately won't be able to
attend the PBR finals. We will however be planning to attend the NFR in
December.
These things happen.
Oct. 10-
Got the name of the bull fighter, James Pierce of Thibodaux, Louisiana.
Making plans on going to the PBT (Professional Bullfighters Tour) Finals
in Kansas City, Missouri,
on November 4th, then to Greensboro, NC. to interview Jerome Davis,
then off to Maryland to interview Sports Machine Anchor great, George
Michael.
Also I will be in Las Vegas, NV., in December for part of the NFR Finals.
Oct. 9- Jon, another
cameraman Josh, and I returned from Tulsa, Oklahoma after
filming
over the weekend. There was a PRCA event on Friday and Saturday and a
PBR Touring Pro on
Sunday at the Tulsa State Fair.
We spent a lot of our time following and developing our story with bull
rider, Chris Waid.
We interviewed his fiancé, Amber, who like Mike White's wife, Hannah,
talked about the
pros and cons and life for the wife / girlfriend of a bull rider.
We got some added treats. I heard that rider Jason Bennett was going to
show up to the touring pro
and since we interviewed him before, I was hoping to film his ride.
Unfortunately, he was injured in
Columbus, Ohio on the PBR tour and we didn't meet up. I hope he recovers
quickly.
Bullfighter and barrel man Allen Nelson, who we interviewed in Lawton,
Oklahoma earlier in the year
and who is one of the fighters featured in the film ended up working the
shows, so it was
great meeting up with him and watching him work.
During one of the shows, I met a bull rider who knows about the site and
has been keeping up with it.
We talked about it for awhile and I'm sorry his name escapes me at the
moment. I hope he emails me
and I will add his name to the journal. It turns out he was also at the
Brent Thurman Memorial that
Jon and I went to. He said he keeps up with the Cowboy Up
site often. I was great to meet a bull rider
who keeps up with the film.
On Sundays performance of the touring pro, I met up with BJ Kramps and
we were
lucky enough to interview him for the film. He's a great guy and great
with his fans.
We saw some riders who signed autographs but took very little notice of
the fans,
just scribbling their name on a hat and moving on, while Waid and Kramps
made it important
to talk and spend a little extra time to those who look up to
them.
We watched a bull fighter who several times put his life on the line for
riders.
He took some real hard hits and at the time of writing this, I don't
have his name, as soon as I find it,
I'll be sure to put his name up, he saved several lives those nights.
(Found name-James Pierce of
Thibodaux, Louisiana.)
If ya'll get a chance to get to a bull riding event, be sure to make an
extra effort to thank
the bullfighters and barrel men.
Tell them how much you appreciate their work. Their job is more
dangerous than the bull riders.
Remember that a bull rider may only ride for 8 seconds of danger, but
bull fighters face 40-60 bulls a night
and put their lives on the line for every one of those bull riders.
Oct 2-Click...Here...for
photos of Cody Lambert, Cody & Stacey Custer and Jeff Coplon.
Sept. 26-We are still trying to get to Las Vegas but presently will be going to
Tulsa, Oklahoma
for the PRCA rodeo October 5-6 and
the PBR Touring Pro Oct 7th.
Maybe we'll see you there.
Because I had to cancel George Michael I rescheduled Jerome Davis for
November 19th
and November 20th for George Michael... as for now.
Sept. 17-Due to the unforeseen
events of this week, Jon and I weren't able to interview
sportscaster George Michael and we will have to reschedule. Because of
trouble of flight arrangement,
we weren't able to go and film at the Laughlin event.
We hope to be able to attend another PBR event soon
Sept.16-Jon and I have returned safely back home.
The airports were full of passengers like us in the same boat, all
trying to get home.
Now that I am home and safe and thinking about our recent trip and
that all that has happened,
I can't help but reflect about all those in New York and Washington who
have lost someone
either in the aircraft, the Pentagon or in the World Trade Towers. Even
while Jon and I were trying
to get out of Brooklyn and lost, you could see it in the faces of the
firefighters and policemen,
the shock and amazement of what had happened. As lost as we were, and as
busy as they were,
policemen came to us and gladly helped us in the right direction. I was
struggling with all the equipment,
trying to get down these long steep stairs to the subway. A New Yorker,
stuck out his arm
and helped me carry everything to the bottom, with a smile. New Yorkers
have had a very tense week
as have the people of Boston and Washington. Jon and I want to thank all
the well wishes for our safety
but I want anyone who reads this to turn off the TV for a moment and
give a prayer and thought to those
whose sons, daughters, wives, husbands, fathers and mothers who have
been lost this week
to this terrible tragedy.
God Bless everyone.
Sept 14-This
has been a very interesting and yet tragic trip.
First I'd like thank thank all those who have inquired about the safety
and Jon and I.
We are safe and staying with friends in Maryland about 20 minutes from
Baltimore airport.
It is doubtful with current information when we can fly home, obviously
we won't be going to Laughlin.
We may end up driving across country to get home, though I hope we don't
have to do that.
It will certainly make flying a little more nerve racking though.
As mentioned before, I did witness the first fireball.
I didn't see the plane hit the tower, only the explosion.
Jeff Coplon was very kind to us under the current situation, providing
us with lunch
and good conversation. Interview
Photo
We did manage to get the interview with Jeff, but the ash falling and
the constant smell
of burnt electrical and the F-16s flying overhead were constant
reminders
of the current tragic and numbing situation at hand,
With the help of Jeff, we were able to get outta Dodge to Long Island
where Jon has relatives.
Now we are in Maryland.
Just an added note-Although it seems almost like another lifetime
ago,
we were in Texas and had a great interview with Cody Lambert Interview
Photo
Sept 12-The
following is an update that David was able to give me via his
cell phone around 1 PM Wednesday about what he saw Tuesday morning in New
York City.
Jon and I were on the
expressway in New York City on our way to interview
author Jeff Coplon. We saw the explosion and fireball in the first
tower.
In all honesty, we did not realize what had happened, and thought they
were shooting a movie.
One's first thought when seeing something like that just is not that an airplane crashed into a
building,
much less a hijacked one.
Other buildings blocked our vision for a while, and when the building came
back
into view it was obvious something was horribly wrong.
We made it to Jeff Coplon's house and shortly after the second plane hit
the second tower.
At this point, no one knew if, when, or how many more planes were hijacked,
and Jeff began to contact members of his family
in the area to check on their safety..
We couldn't have left his house even if we wanted to. We saw the ashes come
down like snow,
and the smells will never be forgotten. It was chaos.
In the afternoon, after things settled down as much as they were going to,
Jeff and I decided to do the interview.
After leaving Jeff's we wondered what to do. The original plan was to fly
from New York to
Maryland and interview George Michael on Wednesday. While at Jeff's we
contacted George
and both of us agreed to postpone the interview to a later date because of the tragedy,
confusion, and grounding of the planes.
I contacted the airlines and they said we still had to fly out of the city
we were originally
going to fly out of (which was Baltimore) or risk a huge penalty/fine on
the tickets.
So we still had to get to Baltimore for our flight home, at this time we
really didn't have much
information on what was happening, or the scope of this tragic event. The
reports at that time
were that the airplanes would be flying again by noon the next day.
It was difficult trying to get around in New York, it was difficult for
both those that lived there,
and visitors like Jon and I.
The trains finally were running again, and we wound up on a train to Long
Island (don't ask!).
By Tuesday mid morning we were able to rent a car and were headed to Baltimore.
But by now the reports were that the airports won't open.
Still not really sure what we are going to do, how or when we are going to
get back home.
(Note: David called me with this information on his cell phone when he was
nearing Baltimore.)
Sept-12-I haven't heard from David
yet, I am hoping he is just having a hard time
getting through, or
perhaps
he is unable to recharge the cell phone.
Thank you for your emails, I am forwarding them to David's computer too.
9-11-2001-David Wittkower in New York City Near Trade Center
I received an early morning
call from David Wittkower, the producer of "Cowboy Up"
David
was able to make
it through on his cell phone to report that he was within sight
of the
Trade Center towers. David was in
New York City interviewing author Jeff Coplon.
He reported that he and
sound man Jon were OK,
but naturally now trapped in New York City. He said he will try to
contact me for future updates,
but of course communication systems are now jammed up.
Please say a prayer for the victims and
the victim's families caught in this unbelievable scene.
And also for the safety of David and Jon, as they try the impossible to
make it from
New York City back to Los Angeles and their families.
(To continue, scroll upwards.)
Sept 5-Just
added September 25th to interview Champion Bull Rider,
Jerome Davis.
Aug 31-Finalized
plans to interview Cody Lambert at his home in Texas on
Monday, Sept.10, Jeff Coplon in New
York on Sept 11, and George Michael at
the Sports Machine facilities in Maryland on Sept. 12.
Aug. 29- I
am getting a lot of comments that refer to the documentary
“Cowboy Up-Let The Truth Be Told” as a movie, or as having actors.
“8 Seconds”
was a movie, and could also be called a docudrama. That is a
“Hollywood” word,
where they take a little truth and a little fiction and combine the two
to
make what they feel is a more interesting story. The real life people
portrayed in the movie “8 Seconds”, the Frost Family, Tuff Hedeman,
Cody
Lambert , and the people that actually knew Lane, were always
disappointed
and/or upset that the movie wasn’t all true. People that came to
know Lane
through the movie, then read about all the differences between the movie
and the “real Lane” also felt let down. But Hollywood had the right
to do
that, because it was not called a documentary.
I am
making a documentary. My “film” will not have actors. You
will see the real people, telling their real stories. You
will see the real Lane,
Lane's real parents, the real Tuff Hedeman, Cody Lambert, John Growney
and all the rest of the people that are listed on the "Cowboy
Up" page.
Injuries will be real, blood will be real, and triumphs will be real as
well.
There will be no actor “playing” Lane or Kellie or anyone
else.
Documentaries are programs that one would see on The Learning
Channel,
National Geographic or Discovery Channels.
I want to
make this clear so viewers will have some understanding
that this isn't a remake of the "8 Seconds" movie. Luke Perry
will be narrating the film
but won't be in the film, visually. By narration, I mean he will be
doing the voice over work,
his narration will guide us through the film. There really shouldn't be
any confusion about
this, but I want people to be aware of the difference.
Aug. 25-
I want to thank all the present and future inquires about the
film. The comments are great and people have taken a
great
interest in the film. I suspect that we will be able to go to the PBR
finals
this year for the film.
Aug. 22-
Well
it's confirmed today that Actor Luke Perry who played Lane
Frost in the movie "8 Seconds," will narrate the documentary, Cowboy
Up. When I
talked to him this morning, he was very excited to be working on it. He
has
just come back from New York where he played Brad from the Broadway play
"Rocky Horror Picture Show." He's now working on a new TV
series.
Aug14-Added 2
more events to the filming schedule. I will be at the
Tulsa State Fair PRCA Rodeo October 5 and 6th and the PBR CTC
event Oct 7 at the Tulsa State Fair Pavilion in Tulsa, OK.
Also
A
big congratulations to Jason Bennett for his win at Bullnanza and
I am looking forward to seeing and interviewing Jason again at the PBR
event in
Laughlin,
NV.
Visit Michael Gaffney's
site to read more on Jason and Bullnanza.
Aug 8-I have
been getting a lot of requests from folks asking me if I
will be interviewing this rider or that rider for the documentary. I'm going to
try
and get who I can. I can't promise anything and I know people can judge a
film if their favorite rider isn't in it, but there are over 45 great
riders
out there and this documentary only has 60 minutes to cover a lot of subjects.
We'll be doing our best.
Aug. 7-
Returned from
Phoenix and Wickenburg and my interview with
bull rider, Cody Custer and his wife, Stacey. Interview
Photo
It was hot, hot, hot. 112 degrees and even 95 at night.
Looking at the weather reports around the country, I know it's hot all over,
but even without humidity, it was way too hot for me.
Next plan is to fly to Colorado Springs and meet
with
the PBR. I hope something really good will come out if it
Aug 5-Came
back from the Santa Barbara Rodeo yesterday. Went to two
performances. We tried a wireless remote camera that has a really wide
lens
and installed it in the chute area. It worked but needs some work. Met
John
Growney again. Also met barrel
man Leon Coffey. We're starting to see a lot
more riders wearing helmets. Jon the soundman didn't come this time but
another cameraman joined me, Josh Salsman. Even though I had gone through
the
red tape and hoops to shoot at this arena, when we arrived we were worried
that we were going to have trouble with people thinking we were with PETA
like we did in Prescott. In fact this time we saw so many people in the
audience and behind the chutes with video and still cameras it was a real
stark difference, very laxed. Maybe its because we were shooting in
California. Next, on to Wickenburg and Cody Custer
Aug. 4-We will be going to Laughlin, Nevada, Sept.14-15th. This
is a PBR event
but we hope to catch up with some of the bull riders and bull fighters we
have
already interviewed and see how they are doing. Expenses won't be too bad
since
Laughlin is close to home.
July
31-Heading
to the Santa Barbara Rodeo Saturday Aug. 4th to follow
John Growney and bug him some more.
Talked with Bull Rider Chris Waid over the weekend.
I'm in the works with him to sponsor him for about 6 entry fees and follow
him around later in September. At least I'll know which events he's going
to
and better to hang with him and his riding buddies.
I think Chris represents many cowboys out there who are just trying to
make
ends meet, hitting one rodeo after another. You only hear about the big
guys
making the big bucks but there's a majority of folks out there who can
barely
keep their heads above water and work other jobs to pay bills and keep
their
dream alive. Next time you're at a rodeo or bull riding event, just
remember
the guy who for a 600 mile all night drive and an entry fee of 150 bucks,
just got bucked off and has to drive another 300 miles to his next event.
Be
sure to do more than applaud him for his effort but if you get a chance,
big
winner or not, tell him how much you appreciate his effort. Cowboy Up.
July 24-I confirmed
today that we will be interviewing bull rider Cody Custer
next month. Cody will be talking about his riding and the Cowboy
ministry
which he takes great pride in being a big part of.
If willing, we will interview Cody's wife Stacey and get another wife's
view
of the wife of a world champion bull rider.
More interviews and locations coming up, stay tuned.
July 22-I have had to put on
hold going to the Kansas and Minnesota
rodeos. Filming there is not working out as I hoped.
I am currently coordinating travel
plans with bull fighter Allen Nelson,
and bull riders Chris Waid and Jason Bennett.
Dates will be added to this page as soon as they are confirmed.
From now on the traveling and rodeos I will be going to are for
reasons
such as driving and traveling with Allen Nelson and spending time with
him
at home with his family. The same with Chris Waid as well as the "on
the road .
happenings" most people never hear about. The Santa Barbara Rodeo
is
still a possibility because it is close to me and John Growney will be
there.
July 11-On the July 4
week I traveled without Jon to Prescott, Arizona for the
"Worlds Oldest Rodeo," to film the bull riding, bronc riding and
a little barrel
racing for the documentary. My wife joined me this time to get her feet wet with
her
first rodeo. Bull fighters, Rob Smets and Mike Matt were there. They were
very
supportive while I was there, and also a big thank you to Rob's wife,
Carla.
There were 8 performances and we attended all of them.
Luckily my wife had cousins there, so we had a place to stay, always a good thing
when you're on a tight budget.
Not really sure where we are going to film next. My current plans are to
travel and
follow bull fighter Allen Nelson and rider Chris Waid, spend time with
their
families and follow them on a couple of different stops. Give people a
taste
of what it's like from one stop to the next. Been getting some
inquiries
about the documentary and who I might interview next. Going to try and do what I
can.
Thanks for everyone interest. It's great to hear from people out there.
The
support is great and it's nice to know people are supporting and looking
out
for us.
July 9-Thanks to the
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)
for doing a short article on my production in the June 13 2001 issue of
"ProRodeo Sports News". Their help and support in this project
is greatly
appreciated.
July 7-
I have cancelled my trip
to film at Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo.
Although I was hoping to be able to attend and film there, both a shortage
of funds
and injuries to riders I was going to interview will not make this trip
productive.
July 6-
I spent time at
the Prescott Rodeo and will write more on that soon.
Also confirmed interview dates for George Michaels (who filmed most of
Lane's
rides for his "Sportsmachine" show), Jeff Coplan, author of the
book
"Gold Buckle, The Grand Obsession of The Rodeo Bull Rider",
Jerome Davis and
Cody Lambert.
June 19-I made definite
plans to film at the Prescott Rodeo.
Rob Smets is a bullfighter there, I will interview him, also shooting
the bull rides.
And little of Prescott and their rodeo parade, since its near the 4th of
July.
The week of May 15-19th.
Jon and I flew to Red Bluff, California to spend a couple of days with
Stock
Contractor great, John Growney. In a matter of days from knowing almost
nothing about stock to having an education was a very eye opening
experience.
We covered a lot of ground with John, talking about Lane Frost and Red
Rock
and what the Stock Contractor does.
John Growney and his staff were great people. I shot almost 5
hours of footage on the Stock Side. We shot at the Redding Rodeo,
showing
what hard work John Growney and his staff does. We were even fortunate
enough to interview Bull Fighter, Joe Baumgartner.
Redding Rodeo Photos...Click Here...
I've decided to change something of the documentary.
The new way "Cowboy Up" is to be divided is into 6
segments:
**The Bull Rider, Life on the Road.
**The Stock Contractor.
**The Bull Fighters and Barrel Men.
**Giving it all for what you love.
** Remembering Lane Frost
** Reflections: The People, The Sport, The Future
I have so much on Lane, it's better to devote a whole act to him.
May 12-Entered details below on weekend trip May 5-7.
May 10-I was real happy to hear from Author, Jeff Coplon, of:
Gold Buckle: The Grand Obsession of Rodeo Bull Riders. We'll be
interviewing
him soon.
May 7-We drove to Tuff Hedeman's place and interviewed him.
Great
guy. You spend time with him and feel like you know him and when you
leave
you realize you just spent a couple of hours with a true legend. He's
assessable, polite and professional.
Tuff Hedeman Photos...Click Here...
With the few hours we had left, we were able to catch up with bull
rider,
Jason Bennett and interview him. He's taking care of an injured shoulder
but
is expected to be back riding bulls very soon. We flew back to LA. Next
stop
is Red Bluff to spend time with Stock Contractor, John Growney and
follow him
to the Redding Rodeo.
May 6-We flew to Dallas. We had a day off, so while in Dallas
we visited the 6th
floor school depository building where the sniper shot President
Kennedy.
Great museum, I recommend it to anyone. From there, we drove to the
Cowboy
Capital of the Country, Stephenville, Texas to break for the night.
There
were tornado warnings and great looking thunderstorm clouds, but there
were
no tornados. I was kind of hoping to catch one on our rodeo trips, got
the
cameras and wanted to film one and put it in the film.
May
5-Jon and I flew to Austin, Texas and spent the day at the Brent
Thurman
Memorial Bull riding. Thanks to Kay Thurman, Brent's Mom, we were able
to get
to the much closed part of the arena, the bucking chutes. I was able to
get
some of the best shots I need to get of the riders in the chute area.
There
were some great rides and few injuries. Through out the day, there were
about
90 riders all together. Thunderstorms were forecasted through out the
day, we
were caught in the biggest downpour I've ever seen. Thankfully, the
arena was
covered, but the winds and rain poured. As they say, when your in Texas,
everything is big, including the rain drops. After it passed, the games
continued. Kay was great and even helped me out with the film by putting
us
up at the Holiday Inn Express. She was a great help and wonderful lady.
Austin Photos...Click Here...
April 29-New photos were added to the "Cowboy Up" page.
April 23-Set up interview with Tuff Hedeman
for May 7.
April 21-Jon, my soundman and I
went to our first PBR event Friday in
Bakersfield, California. We were able to film everything, except what
happens
in the arena. Due to restrictions with TV rights with TNN, we weren't
allowed
to film the bull riders ride. We did however met some of the head staff
of
the PBR. Randy Bernard, Tuff Hedeman, Cody Lambert, Michael Gaffney, and
several of the well-known riders, and some of the best Bullfighters,
including Rob Smets. We could only film from behind-the-scenes, which it
turned out was a blessing, because we were able to watch the event as it
happened with the riders and when a rider went down, we followed them
back to
the Justin Sports Medicine medical bay and watch Dr. Freeman and his
medical
staff care and check out the riders injuries, which that night, turned
out to
be more of a M.A.S.H unit. That night I was told by several that it was
unusual to see so many riders getting injured. Every time we filmed one
guy on
a table being looked at, we'd turn around and they'd bring in another
cowboy
in, and we were there in the middle of it. It's going to be great for
the documentary.
Fans and viewers will get a real taste of the Sports medicine
world and
the great work these guys do to take care of these riders.
Dr. Freeman greeted us, since we had spent several hours with him in
Dallas
filming two surgeries, like we were old friends. He's been a great
supporter
of this documentary.
April 21-The second night, Saturday, was much the same as
the first night. We
couldn't film in the arena, but we were able to attend a cowboy church,
which
we filmed. We interviewed Pastor Mike and Justin Monsen, who both work
with
the PBR and keep cowboys and fans in tune with God. Randy Bernard, the
CEO of
the PBR was really helpful and is going to support us, how he can. I
talked
with Cody Lambert and Tuff Hedeman, and though were both really
busy,
said yes to interviews in their hometowns,
which I'll plan on shooting somehow with money raised.
I talked with Cody Custer and Michael Gaffney, both who are
interested in the film, who I will interview in their hometowns soon. We
interviewed one of the best Bullfighters around, Rob Smets, who said
he'll
support the film, to just let him know. I met several of the riders, and
our
presence there will hopefully bring us more support from others, once
they
know who is on board and what we're doing. It was very exciting to meet
some
of the heroes of the bull riding sport, and know that several of them
support
what I'm doing. My hat's off to them all.
Bakersfield Photos....Click Here.....
April 20-Thanks to Kelli Wright, author and webmaster
of Michael
Gaffney's web site,
for her help in promoting this documentary.
April 18-Added World Champion Bull Rider Michael Gaffney to be
interviewed.
I had hoped to do this interview at Bakersfield, but Michael is not riding there
due to an injury. Will
catch up with him at another rodeo later in the season.
April 16-Added Bakersfield, CA to the filming schedule, this weekend,
April 20-21.
We will be filming behind-the-scenes. We are mostly going to follow Dr.
Freeman, interview Jason Bennett, Ron Smets, Cody and Stacey
Custer
and other bull riders.
April 10-I am
adding Redding Rodeo, Redding CA., May
17-18
to the filming schedule.
April 1-Scheduled filming at
the rodeo in Guymon, OK. May 3rd.
March 27- World
Champion Bull Rider Cody Custer
and his wife Stacey have agreed to be interviewed
to discuss
rodeo ministry.
Both contribute much to this important aspect of rodeo life.
March 23- The rodeo in Prescott, AZ on the 4th of July will
be added
to the filming schedule.
March 22-First
off, I want to thank everyone who helped make this first filming
trip such a success, from the fans who checked in on the Lane Frost site,
and all
those of you that wrote in asking questions.
Another big thanks to those rodeo professionals that are making the film as great as
it is going to be, including the people that have graciously given their time for interviews
and all those so far that have expressed interest in the film.
A special thanks to Clyde and Elsie Frost and Lane's sister Robin for spending
so much of their time with us and the lunch was an added bonus!
Talked with world
champion bull fighter Rob Smets and
world champion bull rider Jerome Davis and they have agreed to be
interviewed for the documentary.
Flew back to California late on the 21st
March 21-Spent most of the
day with Dr. Tandy Freeman in
Healthsouth in Dallas filming knee surgeries.
Dr. Freeman is really a great guy, very knowledgeable, helpful and is
very
interested in this film.
We will also get some film footage of him at
work at rodeos later this year.
March
20- Drove to Dekalb, Texas to meet and interview
World Champion Bull Rider Mike White and his wife Hannah White.
Great, great people.
After that interview we rushed back to Dallas to interview
Dr. Tandy Freeman at his Healthsouth office.
Dallas Photos....Click Here....
March 19-Interviewed the
Frosts and spent most of the day with them.
We accompanied Clyde while he fed the cattle
and we did a short interview
with him in the arena that he and Lane built.
Both Clyde and Elsie were great
to be with, very kind hearted people.
I left feeling I had known them for
years.
That's probably how Lane made people feel also. I only wish I had met
Lane.
We then traveled to Hugo to video Lane’s gravesite.
After a long, but thoroughly enjoyable day we drove to New Boston,
Texas to stay the night.
Frost Photos...Click Here,,,,
Hugo Photos.....Click Here.......
March 18-
Spent traveling
for a Monday interview with the Frost family
March 16 and
17-
The bullfighting in Lawton went great.
The 1st night featured bullfighters protecting bull riders.
We interviewed barrel man, Allen Nelson.
The 2nd night was all about Cowboy Protection and letting the
Bullfighters out maneuver the bulls.
Bull Fighter Ron Smets was there, but we weren't able to interview
him,
however he has heard about the documentary and would like to be interviewed.
We filmed and met several bullfighters,
two that
really helped out a great deal, Allen Nelson and Jim McClain.
Nelson was interviewed and will be one of the bullfighters featured in the
documentary.
Lawton Photos....Click Here......
March 16-
Did a morning TV
interview in Lawton, Oklahoma.
We also interviewed Chris Waid again as he showed us his camper,
his home away
from home.
Chris then left to participate in a rodeo in Waco, Texas.
March 15-
My sound man Jon
and I left
California for the first filming
trip. Our destinations were OK and Texas. Bull rider Chris Waid,
from
Tulsa, OK, met us at the airport and saved us a roundtrip drive of 6
hours
by following us down to Lawton. We had dinner and interviewed him at
CW Scooters.
March 14-I
am happy to announce that I will be in Austin, TX. on May 5th to film the
3rd Annual Brent Thurman Memorial Bull Riding.
I will also be interviewing Brent's family and
friends.
Feb 20-I
am making definite plans to be filming the documentary "Cowboy Up"
at the Bullistic 2001 in Lawton, Oklahoma, March
16-17th.
David
Wittkower
Ctch 22 Productions
PO Box 8311
Calabasas, CA. 91372-8311
E-mail
Ctch22@aol.com
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