DOC - Into the Chutes

Documentary Series

Title: Into the Chutes

TRT: The Series will be made up of 6-8 episodes, roughly 25 minutes each.

Project Status: In Postproduction

Logline 

The docuseries Into the Chutes, we follow Lee Knight as they struggle to overcome injury and adversity in order to pursue their dream of becoming a champion bull rider in the International Gay Rodeo circuit. Along with the physical challenges of riding a 2000 pound animal, Lee also has to contend with the question - are the older gay white men who started the rodeo ready for a Black, Nonbinary rodeo contestant who is even more unconventional than them?

Synopsis

As we follow Lee competing in rodeos over the course of three summers, we see their bravado and determination to be a champion humbled, and often crumble, as they tear their ACl, get a concussion, fracture their back, get foot surgery, and suffer many other serious bumps and brakes along the way. Through all the challenges, even if Lee isn’t winning, they are becoming part of a unique community. Lee forms a special bond with one grumpy old gay white man named John, who helped start the IGRA, and who is still competing in the rodeo at the spry age of 73.

At first, Lee thought John was an “asshole” who wouldn’t even attempt to get their pronoun right, but as their relationship progresses, Lee becomes a sort of mentee of John’s. Through John, Lee gains a better understanding of what the dangers were like for gay men in the straight rodeo in the 1970’s, including the KKK burning down his horse barn.

Despite their generational differences, Lee and John end up forming a close friendship, but Lee doesn’t feel as welcomed by certain other members of the rodeo. Internal politics start to weigh on Lee, especially after a dispute over fractions of a second erupts at the end of one of Lee’s rides (Lee felt they were robbed of the champion belt buckle). Lee ultimately struggles to decide if following this crazy dream of theirs is worth all the physical and emotional hits.

Additional Project Information

An earlier version of this project was included and pitched in the Breakthrough Pitchfest in 2023. It has come a long way since then.

Team

Produced and Directed by Jenna Rice, Edited by Jenna Rice and Matt Corliss

Seeking

Finishing funds, Producing Partners, Post-production Partners, Distribution.

Rights Available

All rights available.

Project Website

www.firewithinproductions.com (my professional website)

Contact

Jenna Rice

Jenna.a.rice@gmail.com

720-933-7660