Behind the chutes

Why now?

Western culture is experiencing a renaissance in popularity through television, fashion and pop-culture. This documentary explores the behind-the-scenes sacrifices of what goes into being a professional cowboy despite the attention of hollywood. 

Often unseen, rural communities support the nation through agricultural practices. Rodeo is a celebration of not only America’s push west but of agricultural communities across the country. If we look at rodeo as a cultural celebration and representation of modern America, we can also see the wider social and political aliments plaguing the proud tradition.

Rodeo attendance is the highest its ever been in history and for the first time, viewership and attendance has surpassed motorsports NASCAR as a sporting spectacle. The PBR (Pro Bull Riding) tour has exploded in popularity in the past few years with television coverage and attempts at docu-series mimicking F1’s “Drive to Survive”, highlighting the US’s desire for western sports. Unlike the well documented PBR, traditional rodeo events like Bareback riding has largely gone uncelebrated and this documentary series is a first for the upwardly trending sport.

From Venice beach to Vermont, every hat has a story and we’ll explore the legacy of western culture has left on modern society through the lives of the athletes who embody the western spirit. We’ll learn about the toll is takes on their bodies, family relationships and finances as they pursue another 8 seconds. 

Through conversations on the road and formal interviews we hear directly from the those continuing the western tradition and learn what keeps it going.

Themes the film explores

Rodeo is as american as apple pie but unlike major american sports, rodeo flies below the radar of most American families, we’ll cover several themes to bring new and existing fans up to date.

Historical

We’ll provide context to the pivotal moments in the sport to give context to where our athletes have sought their inspiration and ambition.

Establish the history of America’s love affair with
the west:  

  • Where did it begin?

  • National interests

  • Hero’s

  • It’s place in society 

Rodeo

We’ll touch on the some of the more intricate elements of the sport with animal welfare and curating of champions.

We cover: 

  • Circuit/ Competition

  • Sponsorships

  • Comparisons to other professional sports

  • National challenges

Individual

These elements will comprise the majority of the film.

Through the stories of our interview subjects we’ll bring a highly personal and empathetic connection to the sacrifices they make. We’ll uncover stories of:

  • Mental toll/ challenges

  • Physical toll

  • Life away from family

  • Hope for future

  • Raising children 

  • Unseen impacts

Cultural

We’ll see how rodeo fits into wider American past and present and where it’s heading.

We cover: 

  • Traditions 

  • Public perception

  • Life on the road

  • Rodeo fans

  • Cowboy culture

  • Western poetry

Rodeo’s biggest names

  • Anthony Lucia

    Rodeo Announcer & Personality

  • Dr. Hillary Cauthen

    Clinical Sports Psychologist & Author

  • JR Vezain

    Former Athlete

  • Christopher 'Click' Thompson

    Rodeo Photographer

  • Sydney Pope

    Jesse’s wife

  • Lori O'Harver

    Bronc Riding Nation

  • Amanda Thomas

    Anthony’s wife

  • Sparky Dressen

    J-J Rodeo

  • Sammi O'Connell

    Tim’s wife

  • Ryan Sankey

    Former Stock Contractor

  • Logan Corbett

    Former Athlete

  • Red Steagall

    Western Poet & TV personality

Filmmakers

Directed, filmed and produced by Jay Gunning, COBAC has been a passion project adjacent to his creative agency Owl Bridge Media. The driving purpose for all of his work has been to demonstrate the similarities of all cultures and ethnicities with the intention of breaking down social preconceptions and informing positive social change. 

COBAC was a project that allowed him to reconnect to his rural upbringing. Jay tackled all aspects of production, allowing him to make genuine connections to the subjects and gain access to a lifestyle kept in day dreams of a time past.

Jay has had three solo photography exhibitions, published 1 book, produced a Documentary short (One:One Ratio), edited a feature length documentary (Kasigau) plus awarded success within the advertising industry. Jay holds degrees in Arts: Photography and Marketing from NMIT and Trustforte.

Jay’s work in the commercial and international development fields as a filmmaker has been widely recognized for its impact. Producing the Global Citizen Festival broadcasts and creating content both in the field and edit room for the likes of UNICEF, UNDP, BBC, NY Times, Red Nose Day and many more.

With a firm belief to put his hand out first before the camera when meeting the subjects of his work is part of his pursuit of positive social change and these values are reflected in his works. He currently lives in Austin, TX.

The wider OBM team have collaborated along the way, with long time creative partner, editor Mike Ahearn leading the edit process utilizing his years of field experience and production for the Cowboy Channel. Additionally, Jason Kerley brings the sports technicalities and film design to life with his animations.