Oh man, I've been waiting for this one to come out for what feels like forever. Getting to work on this piece rocked my world in all the best ways. Back in late October 2022, I got to cam op a couple days on this nonsense just outside the Oklahoma City area.
Rodeos are very much a part of growing up in my part of the world. My parents owned and ran a feed store about an hour south of Dallas when I was born. My mom taught in small country schools where elementary students had dip can rings worn into their back pockets. My dad has stories of being a rodeo clown. Had my parents not trekked back to the Oklahoma City area not long after I was born, I'm certain I'd have grown up much differently.
This thing though. This International Gay Rodeo Association experience last fall fought back against a load of the stereotypes surrounding the world of rodeo and conservative America. I'm glad they're doing great things.
Client: VICE News
Director: Alex Smith
DP: McKinleigh Lair
Camera Op: Tanner Herriott
Sound: Kelly Hallmark
PA: Whitney Goodwin
