We recently connected with Stephen Tucker and have shared our conversation below.

Stephen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on in my entire career is the documentary project I am currently working on titled Medicine on the Mountain. We are in early stages of planning, fundraising and filming this project. It will take roughly​ three years to produce this film.

Diverse Native American heritage around the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming has been highly​ overlooked and under expressed in popular culture. By following prehistoric trails in the Bighorn Mountains, this feature documentary film will explore history, mythology, and movements of Native American tribes in the region.

Medicine on the Mountain combines comprehensive, culturally significant history around the Bighorn Mountains – starting with the presence of the earliest humans, proceeding on through multiple timelines, ethnicities, and tribal groups. Audiences will be immersed​ in local native history and culture through dramatic reenactments of historical events, archived documents, historical photos, and incredible breathtaking footage of the beautiful landscapes. The film will capture several key events, such as the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. We will also highlight modern life in the region to address social​ matters, celebrate natural wonders, and reflect on the rich tapestry of cultures that come together to make this corner of the United States the unique destination that it is today. Our purpose​ for this film is to educate, heal, celebrate, reconcile, and inspire.

Medicine on the Mountain will make a positive impact on our local communities as a celebration of the enduring spirit of the west. Support of this film will strengthen the lives of residents by freshening and deepening our sense of local pride and hometown spirit.​ Showcasing the layers of history and culture in a rich and expressive manner reveals that our return to nature and to community is critical for human survival and evolution. Everyone will have the opportunity to learn things about this area not widely known before, and this is especially true for our younger generations. We are aware of the growing need for our youth to have a refreshed understanding of the layers of history – so that they, too, are enabled and empowered to draw their own conclusions and connections about life itself. Larger audiences across the globe will be educated about the complex culture and history that took place around the Bighorn Mountains and America as a whole. Medicine on the Mountain is destined to inspire respectful recreation and genuine cultural exploration.

Medicine on the Mountain requires considerate financial support. We are working to finalize our fiscal nonprofit​ sponsor agreement so we can accept tax deductible donations. We have been exploring potential grant opportunities, sponsorships, and donations to make this project possible. Filming has already started, backed by my personal and business resources. If you are interested in supporting this project, please contact me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always wanted to make movies since I was a kid. That same passion for film production has allowed me to forge a full-time creative career.

When I first started out, I invested most of my resources to buy basic production equipment. Earning a full-time living on creative work requires risking everything. You might be risking your family or your financial livelihood to pursue a creative career. It’s not easy! You have to be flexible, creative, consistent, positive, and humble. I was able to earn a full-time living on creative work by working my tail off and thinking outside the box. I launched Bighorn Films in 2022. Bighorn Films is a full service film production studio in Sheridan, Wyoming that specializes in producing promotional content, luxury real estate videos, commercials, tourism content, commercial photography, documentary films, live video, and much more!

I carry more than 15 years of film industry experience as a director, producer, cinematographer, UAV pilot, and editor. I work closely with clients to bring their dreams to the screen using innovative cinematography alongside creative and effective storytelling techniques. With the support of my dynamic and talented in-house graphics and audio team, I’ve produced commercial content for BMW, Samsung, Canine Companions, Neilmed Pharmaceuticals, Fabletics, First Northern Bank of Wyoming, and many more. Bighorn Films serves to pioneer, preserve, and celebrate each unique and intimate story in honor of the past, hope in the present, and faith for the future.

Not all of my projects are glamorous film productions or epic adventure documentaries. Sometimes you will find me photographing old gas stations, filming boring legal depositions, or managing live video for high school sports. Everyday I am blessed to meet wonderful people and learn from the world around me.

This year I am proud to release my first feature film, Hole in the Wall | The Ultimate Outlaw Fortress. The Hole-in-the-Wall is a geographical area that was home to rustlers and outlaws in the late 1800’s in Johnson County, Wyoming. Local stories are told about outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. A perspective on the Johnson County War is revealed, while ancient Native American presence demonstrates the enduring spirit of the American West.

I encourage everyone to watch the trailer and try to attend one of the our upcoming screenings. We are showing the documentary at film festivals and theaters across the country. At the end of the year we plan to make a distribution deal to also have the film available for streaming on major platforms. Find more information about the film​ and tour schedule at: holeinthewallfilm.com​

We are working to cover many important subjects and produce a variety of impactful films over the coming years! You can always check out our portfolio at bighornfilms.com​

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The mission I strive towards on my creative journey is to produce​ authentic, engaging films that invoke self-referential thought and emotional awareness. My goal is to preserve history, express culture, and explore the boundaries of cinema with a positive and genuine approach.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

A growing number of people and businesses are relying on AI to generate content. It is good to remember that every time we utilize AI, a real talented, hard-working, and creative human being is shoved one step further away from their dreams and a chance at a successful career. Over-engaging with artificial intelligence also contributes to a superficial reality. What could happen to creativity as we know it? The human experience is what makes all art beautiful and interesting. Let’s remember to support each other by choosing real artists, real makers, and real doers!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bighornfilms.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holeinthewallfilm/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@holeinthewallfilm
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bighorn-films-sheridan
• Other: https://vimeo.com/bighornfilms

Image Credits

Stephen Tucker, Bighorn Films