TV Time

It's been an exciting week out at Let R Buck Bull Riding School!  Two TV film crews were at the school, filming all aspects of what goes on at this bull riding school.  Tuesday, FoxCT news reporter John Charlton, along with cameraman Ryan, arrived at Let R Buck to film a segment for Charlton's series about extreme summer sports in Connecticut.  Saturday & Sunday the school hosted a film crew from the Travel Channel, who were putting together a show for their reality series "Ride-iculos", that will began airing mid-August.  Different school students rode in both filming segments and four first-time riders/actors were brought in for the Travel Channel show.  But, let's face it folks, the real stars of these shows are the bulls!

John Charlton (l) filming some opening shots for his segment.  Curious PAPARAZZI heads over to see what all the fuss is about!

JW, Ray, and Cindi help fit John in his vest.  JW explained about each piece of equipment and why it is necessary for the bull rider.

Once the equipment was fitted, the first order of duty for John was getting used to riding GIZMO.  John was able to get the feel of a large animal, riding bareback to find his balance.  Ryan got to wear the hat for a bit!

JW explains the art of tying your hand in to the bull rope.   John learned each and every step of the basic fundamentals of bull riding a student would learn.  Using the drop barrel, Ray is ready to simulate what a ride on a real bull will feel like.  This helped John find his form for riding a bull.

John was laughing or nervously giggling (not sure which) once the bucking barrel got going.  John wore the "GoPro" camera so the viewing audience will see what he saw.

The one photo I was not able to get was of John actually on a bull.  I was up on the chutes and had flanking duties so my camera was off to the side.  I must give John tons of credit because he attempted to ride Junior twice.

Once his ride attempts were over, John continued to learn about what goes in the arena, during a ride.  He learned how to pull a bull rope and open the gate.

As Cowboy Nate comes out of the chute on VLAD THE IMPALER, John's expression and body language are priceless!  He was trying to make himself invisible!

JW during his final interview for the TV segment.  In spite of being a bit sore, John really seemed to enjoy his day at Let R Buck.  Cameraman Ryan really enjoyed seeing John go thru this, as he was sending texts to co-workers the whole time.  I suspect there will be some payback in the future!

While I was not able to be with the gang on Saturday, for the first day of shooting for the Travel Channel's "Ride-iculos", I was excited to be there on Sunday and witness how a TV show like this is filmed.

Sunday morning the bulls were lined up and ready to nap? before filming began for the Travel Channel. 

Cowboy Nate attempts to ride VLAD THE IMPALER in a shot for extra footage for the show.

Cinematographer Jim Kent instructs where the "actors" are to be positioned and what they should be doing for the scene.  Jim was in constant communication with Field Producer, Stephanie Ross.

Sound engineer Rick Reid and Cinematographer Jim Kent get in to position along the fence to capture reactions to the Cowboys riding the bigger bulls before the "actors" attempt their rides.

Jim giving instructions to JW who was mic'd up while in the arena.  JW was bull fighting as well as teaching.

JW on the drop barrel, explaining to the first time riders how to position the bull rope and tie their hand in it.  They all seemed a bit nervous on the barrel!  I was thinking..."Ha! Just wait till you get on the bulls!"

First out of the chute was Joe.  He is mic'd and has the GoPro camera on his helmet.  His opponent...SNOT ZOMBIE.  Joe was off quickly.  His second attempt had the same outcome, except he was roughed up a bit and left with a torn shirt and I suspect a very nasty bruise.

Paul was the second to ride.  His opponent was BUCKSNOT.  Paul showed some good form and lasted close to 3 seconds on his first try. 

Sarah and Kasha were the two female participants.  Here, Kasha leaves the chute on JUNIOR.  Both girls fell off quickly, but I give them lots of credit forgoing thru the process and actually getting on a bull.

Paul's second attempt on BUCKSNOT went close to 6 seconds.  Fortunately as Paul came off, he was in good position to get away from the bull.  Paul really seemed to enjoy riding and I would not be surprised if he comes back and attends the school again.  He showed some real promise as a bull rider.

At the end of the day SNOT JAMMER, SNOT ZOMBIE and PAPARAZZI enjoy some well deserved hay!  The bulls bucked great and were easy to work with.

I am very excited for the opportunities these two television events present, and hopefully new students will find their way to Let R Buck.  JW, Cindi, Ray, Hannah, Nate and the gang at Let R Buck worked really hard to get the arena in perfect condition for the shoots.  All of the cowboys who participated were professional and gave it their all to make these events successful!

Next up for the gang at Let R Buck is Saturday July 20th at Lone Oak Campgrounds in East Canaan, CT.  Shows at 4:00 and 7:00.  If you are in the area, please join us and enjoy some bull riding, in a beautiful outdoor setting.





All photographs by Susan Hanrahan