Campaign Story

“When the future of their well-loved rodeo grounds is threatened by an unscrupulous developer, a group of teens must face their private Goliaths and put aside their differences to save the small town institution from destruction.”

From our producers:

Nancy Criss, co-founder of Olive Branch Film Studios, is a seasoned PGA producer and acclaimed director. She and her producing partner Sherri Carlson are excited to announce they are in development on LAST RODEO, a script with an uplifting ending – the kind of story that leaves audiences feeling inspired. For months, they looked for a script to spotlight themes of youth, horses, and the true power of faith.  Collaborating with Nancy and daughter Nicole Criss, a rising star in barrel racing, they enlisted the talents of award-winning screenwriter Ken Lemm to bring these elements to life. Ken penned an inspiring storyline around a small town’s collective strength in preserving their cherished legacy – a rodeo arena that touched generations.

Sherri Carlson, an award-winning screenwriter herself, is passionate about using the power of storytelling to convey essential life lessons. The script has universal themes, like overcoming challenges such as loss, social and economic pressures, and the quest to belong, while rooting for the story’s characters to triumph against adversity. She notes that writer Ken Lemm captures the indomitable human spirit and the transformative force of hope, showcasing the victories, no matter how small, that give life its meaning and fulfillment.

Nancy Criss, a champion barrel racer in addition to her filmmaking prowess, echoes Sherri’s sentiment, emphasizing that ‘even the smallest victories in life can evoke a sense of joy and fulfillment’. LAST RODEO invites viewers into the heart of a quaint small town where the community’s passion for their rodeo family serves as a backdrop for ordinary lives intertwined with extraordinary moments – a scenario Nancy has experienced many times in her own life. She’s excited to put her name on a film that celebrates the innate goodness found in tight-knit rodeo communities, where neighbors rally together in times of need. It’s a reflection of real life for her and daughter Nicole.

Drawing from Nancy’s own personal experiences within the world of rodeo, and Nicole’s budding career as a barrel racer, the team was inspired to create “Last Rodeo” as a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport and the bonds it fosters within families and communities. Together with Ken Lemm, they breathed life into this story of resilience and redemption, originally titled “FIVE SMOOTH STONES,” now reimagined as “Last Rodeo.” Reconnecting with award-winning screenwriter Ken Lemm, known for his work on the beloved family film “A HORSE FOR SUMMER,” they knew they found the perfect collaborator to bring this vision to life.

This film marks the inaugural production under the Olive Branch Film Studios banner, signaling a new chapter for Nancy and Sherri. They have a history of bringing compelling family stories to life and are eager to begin on this project following challenges they faced during COVID-19, Writer and SAG strikes, and relocations. They decided to use crowdfunding, personal credit cards, prayer, and a micro-budget to create the film, debuting it first on their own platforms and then sharing it with the world. Working on a micro-budget means every dollar counts. They will be filming in Florida, where the three ladies now reside and hope to use local talent to bring the characters and the message to life. 

If you believe in bringing back the family tradition, we could use your help, including sponsorship and financial support. We’ll be offering product placement and special featured sponsorships by April 1. Check back because together with your contribution we can make a difference.

ADDITIONAL ADDED BONUSES FOR HIGHER AMOUNTS:

Donate $100 or more also includes Advance Pre Screening, Extra in the project

Donate $250 or more also includes Advance Pre Screening, Extra in the project, Production T-Shirt

Donate $500 or more also includes Advance Pre Screening, Set Visit, Production T-Shirt, Featured Extra, Lunch on Set

Donate $1000 or more also includes Advance Pre Screening, Set Visit, Production T-Shirt, Associate Producer Credit, Lunch on Set, Name a character in “FIVE SMOOTH STONES”, can be your name, a friend, or a family member.

(Note:  All travel, hotel accommodations, and fuel expenses are not included and at your own expense to and from the set.)  Filming and Production will be in Florida. Our next two projects are centered on a faith-family horse film, and a Christmas movie filming in 2024. Dates and Locations TBD.

PAY IT FORWARD PREVIOUS PROJECTS:

Fishes N’ Loaves: Heaven Sent

The Sparrows Nesting: