Locals Premiere Short Film Tonight

Darlene will not be told what she can or cannot do. Although her gender has disturbed order within the rodeo scene, being a woman will not stop her from attaining her dream--becoming a professional bull rider. 

“I wanted to create something with a strong sports motif, but with a female lead,” Greg McGee said of writing the script for “She Rides Bulls,” a short film featuring the fictional character Darlene.

McGee, a native of Elgin with San Angelo connections, has previously written four or five film scripts. However, “She Rides Bulls” is the first to make it into production.

In collaboration with McGee’s friend and former KLST coworker Cody Broadway, the film was shot in two days in the San Angelo area.

“My last project was a documentary and this one is an actual story with a script. I stepped out of my comfort zone to direct an amazing cast and crew, ” Broadway said of being the director of the upcoming short film. 

Day one of filming took place at the Santa Rosa Sports Arena. Actors were posing for selfies with each other as they waited for the sun to creep away.

“I am so excited for this. Now I can say I’ve been in a movie,” Elizabeth Kent said as her makeup was retouched by the onset makeup artist, Cynthia Rivero.

As soon as dusk hit, the arena lights came on and the actors took their positions.

“It was really just being in the right spot and knowing the right people,” Melina Lyon, of Dallas, said of getting the part of Darlene.

With a cast and crew from all over Texas, Broadway explained his excitement to help others reach their dreams.

“This short film will be in front of a lot of people,” he said. “So, the actors will be able to showcase their talent. Everyone did an amazing job; I hope they all get something out of it.”

When writing the storyline McGee had decided he wanted to create a family centered film, and that was the exact dynamic during the shoot. Past the arena lights, the cameras and beyond the actors and their stunt doubles, families stood in the distance. With a crowd of supporters on set, there was no need to call in extras. 

“This wouldn't have been possible without the help and support of family and friends,” Broadway said. From food to livestock and locations, Broadway credits the help of  “a lot of great people” for completion of the project.

He said, “It's only fair and fitting for them to be the first ones to see the short. It's my way to give back to everyone and to show my gratitude.”

After several months of post-production work, the unique story of a female competing in a man’ s world will premiere on Friday, June 12 in San Angelo.

Already selected to for the Los Angeles CineFest, the goal of the 12-minute short film is to promote the idea of it becoming a feature length project. “To keep everyone wanting more,” Broadway said.

The film premiere will be held at the Stephens Central Library at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 12. A matinee screening will be held at the same location on Saturday at 2 p.m.

For more information and updates on the film go to https://www.facebook.com/SheRidesBulls.