Cowboy Up
Inside 
The Extreme World 
Of Bull Riding

by:
David Wittkower-Producer

Filming  Journal

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:

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

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.

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.

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. 

March 28 - Just to give ya'll an update on the progress of the film. 
Editing 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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.