Cameron Duddy, acclaimed music video director and bassist of the Grammy-winning country trio Midland, is set to make his feature film directorial debut with an untitled cowboy rodeo drama for Stampede Ventures. The project, shrouded in atmospheric secrecy, promises an immersive dive into the high-stakes world of professional bull riding, blending visceral action with intimate character study.
Duddy, who co-directed Midland’s retro-styled music videos (including the CMA Award-winning “Drinkin’ Problem”), will helm from an original screenplay by emerging writer Jake Gibson. Described as a “raw and lyrical portrait of modern cowboy life,” the film aims to capture both the adrenaline-fueled spectacle of the rodeo arena and the quiet struggles of its protagonists beyond the chutes. Casting is currently underway for unknown leads, prioritizing authenticity with a search for real riders and rodeo talents.
The film marks a strategic expansion for Stampede Ventures—founded by former Warner Bros. president Greg Silverman—into grounded, culturally resonant storytelling. Production is slated for late 2025 on location across iconic Western states, leveraging practical sets and regional crews to enhance realism.
Why Rodeo? Why Now?
- Duddy’s Dual Passion: A lifelong horseman and student of Western culture, Duddy brings firsthand equestrian knowledge alongside his visually distinctive style (honed in collaborations with artists like Bruno Mars and The Killers).
- Neo-Western Resurgence: The project taps into renewed audience appetite for authentic Western narratives, seen in hits like Yellowstone and films like The Power of the Dog.
- Untapped Arena: While rodeos feature in supporting roles (8 Seconds, The Rider), few films center entirely on the contemporary professional bull riding circuit and its unique subculture.
Creative Team & Intent:
“This isn’t a romanticized Old West tale,” Duddy stated. “It’s about the dirt, the danger, the debt, and the dreams that drive these athletes today. We’re committed to showing the physical toll and emotional weight of this life with unflinching honesty.” Producer Ivan Atkinson (Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant) added, “Cameron’s vision merges cinematic grandeur with deep humanism. He understands the mythology and the reality of the cowboy in 2025.”
Industry Context:
Stampede Ventures continues building a diverse slate, balancing commercial play (Borderlands adaptation) with auteurs like Duddy. The company is also developing a series adaptation of The 39 Clues with Mark L. Smith (The Revenant) and the AI thriller Our Kind with Pedro Pascal attached.
The Rodeo Film Landscape:
While rodeo themes have periodically surfaced—from 1994’s Luke Perry vehicle 8 Seconds to Chloe Zhao’s critically adored The Rider (2017)—this project aims to be the first major studio-level production solely focused on the high-octane Professional Bull Riders (PBR) tour, its grueling travel schedule, and the complex brotherhood among competitors.
Duddy is represented by CAA, Mosaic, and Hansen Jacobson. Gibson is repped by UTA and Literate Management.
Source:
This exclusive development was first reported by Variety.
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