Ringling Bros. eliminate their three-ring circus, marking an end in entertainment history –– the death of the original circus act. "The Great Flip Off" follows extreme bareback riding families as they unite in a final rebellion against the extinction of an art form and the loss of their livelihood.
Ringling Bros. eliminate their three-ring circus, marking an end in entertainment history –– the death of the original circus act. "The Great Flip Off" follows extreme bareback riding families as they unite in a final rebellion against the extinction of an art form and the loss of their livelihood.
Participating In
The Untold Story
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Story
About The Project
About The Great Flip-Off:
When Ringling Bros. announced the end of their three-ring big top to usher in a new era of fewer animals and arena-only performances, it also marked the end of entertainment history for the Rosinback riders –– the original circus act –– and the beginning of the end for a handful of seventh generations circus families. These performers are the real daredevils of the circus, performing amazing, acrobatic stunts on galloping horses with a will of their own…two minds working as one. But without a ring, the show cannot go on.
Now facing extinction, American bareback royalty unite in Orlando, Florida for a never-before-seen, final performance –– one last push-back against the death of a historic, cultural artform so magical, and so worth fighting for in a world that is quickly ridding itself of the collaboration between man and beast. Here, you will meet the best-of-the-best bareback artists past and present, hear tales of great performers, discover their place in entertainment history and the heritage associated with the art. You’ll be mesmerized by demonstrations from some of the talented few that can still perform this original circus feat.
The Great Flip-Off is the only feature-length documentary that follows the extreme bareback riding families in their final feat. Join them in the ring to bring the history, risk and beauty of the horse-and-rider relationship to a worldwide, multi-generational audience one last time and return 10 years later to find out how these families have dealt with the passing of time in a range of unusual happy endings and ultimate heartbreak.
Getting to the Finish Line:
You can be an important part of preserving this unique piece of history by helping us win Seed&Spark's "Untold Story" competition. Winning would enable us to complete The Great Flip-Off. Because of great supporters like you we have 990 followers and got the greenlight to complete the 3 days of final shooting to find out where these bareback riding dynasties are today. We now have one more step in the #Untold Story rally to make it to the finals! The more followers the more our chances to receive easier distribution and maybe even matching funds. By midnight July 1st we must be one of the top 10 docs with the most followers!
After the Rally Support and Contributions:
If you missed your chance to be a part of this rally and round of support you can still help us finish The Great Flip-Off and reach our stretch goal. We will bring you updates right here on Seed&Spark. Also, find out more or make a direct contribution at the film's website: http://thegreatflipoff.org
Our stretch goal of an additional $30,000, will go toward 50 hours of transcriptions and post-production, which includes editing, licensing of music, creating the final animation and final outputs of finished film. http://thegreatflipoff.org/donate
The Cast:
Unlocking century-old secrets of mysterious cultures and their connection to fantastic loyal steeds are some of the world’s most extreme athletes, entertainers, and statesmen.
Dr. Dan Draper: Adding the historical perspective to this engaging documentary is Dr. Dan Draper. A chemistry professor by day, Dr. Draper’s personal hobby and love for the circus has made him the leading authority in the world on Rosinback Riders.
The Donnerts: The Donnerts from Hungary arrived with their father who was a great circus clown in his own right. The gentle men from Europe showed what it means to be classy and dignified in the heat of battle, never losing their cool and always maintaining an air of dignity and respect.
Mark Karoly: Six generations of German circus performers led to the man the circus world knows today as the “Riding Fool.” Mark Karoly began his career on the trampoline, and bounced his way up to becoming one of the most popular comedian bareback riders in the business.
Timi Loyal: Timi Loyal, arguably the most famous bareback performer and his riding partner Enrique Suarez showed up to show everyone how the best in the business can make the hardest stunts look easy. Timi’s dad was a circus ringmaster and Enrique learned bareback riding from Timi’s father.
Enrique Suarez: Enrique Suarez is one of our most experienced bareback riders, whose family first joined the circus business back in 1853. From Mexico to the United States, Enrique traveled with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey 1955 as part of the Loyal-Repenzky Troupe, after which he and his family performed with every major circus in North America. The Suarez family teamed up with star equestrian Timi Loyal in the late 1980s and formed the Loyal-Suarez Troupe, creating a legacy of bareback riding fame he passed on to his son, Enrique, Jr.
The Turveys: Joining us in the ring are horse whisperer and stunt professional, the charismatic Tommie Turvey Jr. and his sister, a real-life Xena Warrior Princess, Karen Turvey! Also featured are Tommie’s famous Trick Horses – PokerJoe, Joker, Ace and Blade the Mustang – along with Tommie’s stunt dogs and best friends - Bandit and Maverick, the Australian Heelers!
The Zoppes: Delivering the most heat, passion, and controversy was the Zoppe family, a multi-generational clan that has been performing bareback since the turn of the century. But their personal conflicts and dramatic outbursts seem to always overshadow their performances.
Artistic Statement from Filmmaker Dafna Yachin:
I met Equine Extremists siblings Tommie and Karen Turvey while directing a commercial that involved stunt riders. The brother and sister team were probably the most intriguing actors I’ve met on any commercial shoot. Their talent with training animals and strong family ties as second-generation stunt people, along with an extended circus family, gave me access to worlds I could’ve only dreamt of escaping to as a child.
At the time, Karen Turvey was traveling the world with the famous French Canadian horse extravaganza, Cavalia. Tommie Turvey was making a name for himself on the rodeo circuit and in movies such as John Adams (HBO). We wrapped the commercial but stayed in touch to collaborate on creating a television series about historic and cultural extreme equine events around the world.
We began coordinating a pilot in Florida about the oldest form of entertainment—Bareback Riding. The Turveys felt it would be difficult to get so many circus stars in one arena, but as we began booking the shoot in Orlando, Ringling Bros. announced the elimination of their three-rings and the big top—a devastating blow to bareback riding professionals everywhere. Within days of the announcement, bareback families living in the United States, and some in Europe, asked to come join the rogue riders to show solidarity in a once-in-a-lifetime performance.
The Great Flip-Off organically took shape at a lightning speed, with me being the lucky director of this unusual and gorgeous exhibition. We knew what we now had in front of our lens was not a pilot, but a unique documentary that, like the magic of the circus, would delight people of all ages.
Once you meet the families, from the seventh generation Italian Zoppe’s, the Donnerts’ who escaped from communist Hungary, to the Loyals of London who joined forces with the Mexican Suarez family, not only will their skill draw you in, but the interpersonal portrait of their family will capture your heart and submerge you in their fascinating world.
Jumping through flaming hoops and executing somersaults high into the bigtop while bare-back on magnificent steeds does not make them flinch. For these families, fear is not felt at the face of their daring stunts, but rather at the pending unknown: their future without a ring.
For a filmmaker who usually tackles international subjects on cultural preservation and human rights, “The Great Flip Off” has given me warm pause to recall my childhood and the television specials I enjoyed watching with my Dad on Sunday nights.
It would be an honor to get the chance to return 10 years later to complete the documentary, to find out how these families, who make up such a unique part of American History, have dealt with the passing of time and to finally see the range of their unusual endings from happy success to ultimate heartbreak. The Great Flip-Off is important living history, and its story will document the unforgettable art of the American Circus, while delighting old, young and generations to come.Incentives
$10
Captive Audience
A shout-out from The Great Flip-Off team on social media.
$15
The Troupe
Be a part of The Troupe with a shout-out on social media, and added to the list of contributors on The Great Flip-Off website! $15 will also enter you into the Rosinback Raffle to win a TGFO Deluxe Swag Bag!
$15
END-OF-CAMPAIGN SPECIAL!
By contributing $15 to The Great Flip-Off during the final hours of our campaign, you'll receive a DISCOUNTED digital copy of The Great Flip-Off film!
$25
The Mechanic
The Mechanic ensures the safety of the rider, and we'll ensure you get a first look with a link to stream The Great Flip-Off!
Plus, get a shout-out from The Great Flip-Off team on social media, and your name in the list of contributors on the TGFO website!
$50
The Dog & Pony Show
There are many ways to get a dog to fetch a beer, but Tommie has painstakingly put together the right steps to train your dog with minimal effort and bad habits. You will receive a “Train Your Dog To Fetch A Beer” DVD featuring Tommie Turvey.
Plus! You'll also get a social media shout-out & download of TGFO.
$50
END-OF-CAMPAIGN SPECIAL!
By contributing $50 to The Great Flip-Off during the final hours of our campaign, you'll receive a DISCOUNTED digital copy of The Great Flip-Off film AND an official “thank you” credit on IMDB and in the credits of our film!
$75
The Baggage Stock
The Baggage Stock will haul all of your amazing TGFO swag! Your stock will include:
A Limited Edition The Great Flip-Off Poster (11” x 17”)
Yours forever, instant stream of The Great Flip-Off
A shout-out from The Great Flip-Off team on social media, and your name on TGFO website.
$125
The Boss Hostler
As The Boss Hostler, you'll be the most picturesque figure at the circus in an "I Ride Bareback" 100% Cotton T-Shirt! Plus! You'll receive:
A Limited Edition The Great Flip-Off Poster 11” x 17”
Yours forever, instant stream of The Great Flip-Off
A shout-out from The Great Flip-Off team on social media
$250
The Roman Rider
Like the Roman Rider who stands astride two galloping horses, you will stand proudly as a primary contributer across two of our biggest platforms: on The Great Flip-Off website, as well as in the credits of the film for all to see! Plus you'll receive:
A Limited Edition The Great Flip-Off Poster (11” x 17”)
1 “I Ride Bareback” 100% Cotton T-Shirt
Yours forever, instant stream of The Great Flip-Off
$500
The After Show
The After Show is what the real circus fans stay for after the regular show is out and over. Your personal After Show will be a one-on-one video chat with a cast member from The Great Flip-Off. Plus, you'll receive:
A shout-out from The Great Flip-Off cast and team on social media
Your name in the credits of the film
A Limited Edition The Great Flip-Off Poster (11” x 17”)
1 “I Ride Bareback” 100% Cotton T-Shirt
Yours forever, instant stream of The Great Flip-Off
Claimed: 3 of 5
$1,500
Dukey Tickets
In the circus, Dukey Tickets are all-access vouchers given to performers to use like money. TGFO will give you two, all-access passes to one of the last performances given by some of the cast members from The Great Flip-Off! Plus, you'll receive:
A shout-out from The Great Flip-Off cast and team on social media
Your name in the credits of the film
An Original Edition Poster (11” x 17”) signed by the artists and cast members
1 “I Ride Bareback” 100% Cotton T-Shirt
Claimed: 0 of 1
$3,000
The Donkey Kick
A bareback rider Donkey Kicks from standing on a horse with their feet to standing on the horse with their hands. You'll flip from being a regular viewer to becoming an Associate Producer of The Great Flip-Off! Plus you’ll receive every incentive leading up to this:
A personalized, VIP shout-out from The Great Flip-Off cast and team on social media
A SIGNED Limited Edition Poster (11” x 17”)
1 “I Ride Bareback” 100% Cotton T-Shirt
Yours forever, instant stream of The Great Flip-Off
Claimed: 0 of 5
$5,000
The Wrangler
The Great Flip-Off's Tommie Turvey has been the lead animal trainer and wrangled horses on-set for hit movies, television series and commercials. His credits include the #1 SuperBowl Spot with the Budweiser Clydesdales, John Adams (HBO) and The Walking Dead (AMC). You will get the rare opportunity to join Tommie and his team of wranglers on set.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$10,000
Executive Producer
As Executive Producer, you are an essential member of our team. We thank you for your immense financial support and passion for The Great Flip-Off. Your contribution helps ensure that we can complete the film to tell this unique part of history. The Executive Producer will appear in the film credits, on the film poster, websites, and all social media and you are more than welcome to ANY of the swag items you desire – without you this wouldn't be possible! -
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Captive Audience
A shout-out from The Great Flip-Off team on social media.
$15
The Troupe
Be a part of The Troupe with a shout-out on social media, and added to the list of contributors on The Great Flip-Off website! $15 will also enter you into the Rosinback Raffle to win a TGFO Deluxe Swag Bag!
$15
END-OF-CAMPAIGN SPECIAL!
By contributing $15 to The Great Flip-Off during the final hours of our campaign, you'll receive a DISCOUNTED digital copy of The Great Flip-Off film!
$25
The Mechanic
The Mechanic ensures the safety of the rider, and we'll ensure you get a first look with a link to stream The Great Flip-Off!
Plus, get a shout-out from The Great Flip-Off team on social media, and your name in the list of contributors on the TGFO website!
$50
The Dog & Pony Show
There are many ways to get a dog to fetch a beer, but Tommie has painstakingly put together the right steps to train your dog with minimal effort and bad habits. You will receive a “Train Your Dog To Fetch A Beer” DVD featuring Tommie Turvey.
Plus! You'll also get a social media shout-out & download of TGFO.
$50
END-OF-CAMPAIGN SPECIAL!
By contributing $50 to The Great Flip-Off during the final hours of our campaign, you'll receive a DISCOUNTED digital copy of The Great Flip-Off film AND an official “thank you” credit on IMDB and in the credits of our film!
$75
The Baggage Stock
The Baggage Stock will haul all of your amazing TGFO swag! Your stock will include:
A Limited Edition The Great Flip-Off Poster (11” x 17”)
Yours forever, instant stream of The Great Flip-Off
A shout-out from The Great Flip-Off team on social media, and your name on TGFO website.
$125
The Boss Hostler
As The Boss Hostler, you'll be the most picturesque figure at the circus in an "I Ride Bareback" 100% Cotton T-Shirt! Plus! You'll receive:
A Limited Edition The Great Flip-Off Poster 11” x 17”
Yours forever, instant stream of The Great Flip-Off
A shout-out from The Great Flip-Off team on social media
$250
The Roman Rider
Like the Roman Rider who stands astride two galloping horses, you will stand proudly as a primary contributer across two of our biggest platforms: on The Great Flip-Off website, as well as in the credits of the film for all to see! Plus you'll receive:
A Limited Edition The Great Flip-Off Poster (11” x 17”)
1 “I Ride Bareback” 100% Cotton T-Shirt
Yours forever, instant stream of The Great Flip-Off
$500
The After Show
The After Show is what the real circus fans stay for after the regular show is out and over. Your personal After Show will be a one-on-one video chat with a cast member from The Great Flip-Off. Plus, you'll receive:
A shout-out from The Great Flip-Off cast and team on social media
Your name in the credits of the film
A Limited Edition The Great Flip-Off Poster (11” x 17”)
1 “I Ride Bareback” 100% Cotton T-Shirt
Yours forever, instant stream of The Great Flip-Off
Claimed: 3 of 5
$1,500
Dukey Tickets
In the circus, Dukey Tickets are all-access vouchers given to performers to use like money. TGFO will give you two, all-access passes to one of the last performances given by some of the cast members from The Great Flip-Off! Plus, you'll receive:
A shout-out from The Great Flip-Off cast and team on social media
Your name in the credits of the film
An Original Edition Poster (11” x 17”) signed by the artists and cast members
1 “I Ride Bareback” 100% Cotton T-Shirt
Claimed: 0 of 1
$3,000
The Donkey Kick
A bareback rider Donkey Kicks from standing on a horse with their feet to standing on the horse with their hands. You'll flip from being a regular viewer to becoming an Associate Producer of The Great Flip-Off! Plus you’ll receive every incentive leading up to this:
A personalized, VIP shout-out from The Great Flip-Off cast and team on social media
A SIGNED Limited Edition Poster (11” x 17”)
1 “I Ride Bareback” 100% Cotton T-Shirt
Yours forever, instant stream of The Great Flip-Off
Claimed: 0 of 5
$5,000
The Wrangler
The Great Flip-Off's Tommie Turvey has been the lead animal trainer and wrangled horses on-set for hit movies, television series and commercials. His credits include the #1 SuperBowl Spot with the Budweiser Clydesdales, John Adams (HBO) and The Walking Dead (AMC). You will get the rare opportunity to join Tommie and his team of wranglers on set.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$10,000
Executive Producer
As Executive Producer, you are an essential member of our team. We thank you for your immense financial support and passion for The Great Flip-Off. Your contribution helps ensure that we can complete the film to tell this unique part of history. The Executive Producer will appear in the film credits, on the film poster, websites, and all social media and you are more than welcome to ANY of the swag items you desire – without you this wouldn't be possible! - Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
As we edited the pitch video and trailer for this competition, the cinematic quality of this footage still makes us proud. Our crew was comprised of DPs from the NFL, stunt movies and speed racing –– all who had an interest in being a part of The Great Flip-Off and its historic finale. The following crew members all came equipped with their best toys and rigs to show support.
Dafna Yachin, Director –– Dafna has an innate skill for identifying talented scholars and creative individuals who are great innovators and collaborators. She believes the team is everything. Partnering with change-makers and production teams in over 30 countries, for the last 15 years Dafna has focused her documentary and online initiatives in cultural preservation, justice and women's rights. Dafna's last feature documentary, Digital Dharma: One Man’s Mission to Save A Culture, was Oscar qualified in 2012 and is still playing around the world. For over 20 years Dafna has written, produced and directed award-winning television, films, national spots, educational programs and multimedia campaigns. Her projects have aired on the likes of CBS, ABC, NBC, Discovery, History and SyFy. By day she is Chief Creative Officer at Lunchbox Communications, a woman's owned digital media firm.
Angela Mancini, Producer –– Angela has 20+ years of film & video production and post production experience. Producing more tv series and commericals than anyone can count. She is currently the Executive Producer at her agency and functions in a surpervising producer capacity. She’s always striving to keep up with new technologies to create better projects and work smarter.
Andrew Bitai, Art Director –– Art Director, multi-disciplined graphic designer and fine artist skilled in 2D motion graphics and cross platform commercial design and packaging, ranging from broadcast branding to independent films. Self-motivated with over 15 years of shaping award winning creative and teams that excel.
Tim Gates, Senior Editor ––Tim has finessed documentaries for the likes of ABC, spun a few national film and HD spots, crafted consumer product DVDs in three languages, and formatted a host of series for BET, NBC Sports and Red Bull Extreme Sports. Tim’s cross-media and platform knowledge is unsurpassed. His editing and storytelling on the feature Documentary Digital Dharma has received critical acclaim.
Paul Van Haute, DP –– Paul has been working in the film business for over three decades. Paul’s education in filmmaking has been from the ground up. His knowledge of lighting comes from working as a gaffer in the Northeast corridor for 15 years before moving behind the camera. Since 1988 he has shot television commercials, feature films, television series, and documentaries. For latest documentary series, Philadelphia, The Great Experiment, he has been awarded three Mid-Atlantic Emmy’s.
Darryl Rhodes, DP –– After a decade of being a successful news videographer and editor for KYW-TV in Philadelphia, Darryl Rode struck out on his own, opening Keystone Pictures, Inc. in 1991. His creativity and attention to detail enable him to take the viewer past the lens and into people’s lives. Darryl’s unique style is what has made him so in-demand. Since the beginning of his career, his talents have brought him much attention, including several regional and national Emmys.
David Taicher, SteadyCam –– With a wide range of disciplines under his belt, David Taicher as a Director of Photography incorporates an affinity for detail, composition, lighting and design, and a true passion for the visual art. For the past 20 years, he has developed into an accomplished Steadicam Operator, has become fluent in the most innovative specialty camera systems in the world, and has used his skills on an impressive client list that includes Vanguard and Comcast, and has worked on national events for the NBA, NCAA, and NHL. He is an active member of the Steadicam Operators Association and the International Cinematographers Guild, and prides himself of dedication and complete commitment to each and every project.
Gabriel Wiener, Junior Editor –– Gabe has more skills for digital production than a swiss army knife has tools. Gabe came to Lunchbox as a junior editor and quickly embraced producing and leading the brand creative teams for NBCUniversal adsales while assisting with the independent Documentaries. A Graduate from Temple University with a background in production and design, he spent several years freelancing as a photographer and video producer.
Kody Roman, Animator/Designer –– Kody has worked on series animations for Discovery, Natgeo and History. He was a part of the team for the Emmy award winning children show Baby Poetry for HBO. Kody is a graduate from the Maryland Institute College of Art. He is the lead animator for brand entertainment and spots at Lunchbox.
Kieran Hetznecker, Designer –– Kieran graduated from Temple University's Tyler School of Art, where he studied photography and design. He won the faculty award for photography and was the first fine art student to be apart of Temple University’s San Francisco internship film program.
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