ABOUT | rigtoflip

THE STORY OF RIG

NEW MEDIA FOR AN OLD WEST.

HEADWATERS

I think this photo says a lot about Rig To Flip. That’s Jonathan Bowler on the Left and me, Cody Perry on the right. Two dudes with a lot to say about rivers. It’s been a long ride since then, many waves in between this photo and now but proud to say our dream has carried through.

RIG TO FLIP \rhig-2-ph-lp\

verb.

Boatmen’s/women’s term for whitewater boat rigging.

Contents tightly secured for any given orientation:

No loose, untied items in the event a boat flips over

Suggestion/Safety/Etiquette-Metaphor.

Preparing for unanticipated circumstances in dynamic environments

Bedrock Rapid, Grand Canyon flip 2009. He went LEFT!

The Dream is simple: Inspiring minds

We’re here to do that for generations of boaters by making the best dam river films out there. This is a different model then the films we see for recreation these days. Footage of boaters dropping waterfalls is awesome and intense but that’s not our focus or interest. The idea is bringing it past a recreational point of view. Our specific target is the next generation who needs to take an ownership role in the future of the Colorado River System. You can say that we’re compelled by our experience to create and craft stories that build understanding and respect. A sense of stewardship, a willingness to own the tuff issues and expressing a reverence for these places and rivers, that’s what Rig To Flip is all about.

…"We are now ready to start on our way down the Great Unknown ...We have an unknown distance yet to run; an unknown river yet to explore.”

- John Wesley Powell

Powell rowed into the unknown, embracing an uncertain future in the face of adversity. This journey was conducted in times of western expansion to confront the last unmapped and unexplored areas of the West. He embarked on this historic journey despite tales of disaster and against impossible odds. Although the rivers of the West are now accessed by thousands of individuals, we engage with different uncertainties and continued expansion; development, drought, changing climate, and increased levels and types of use on public lands that escalate the uncertainties we all must respond to. Like Powell, it is not for us to turn away from adversity, but rather, Rig to Flip, be prepared, use the best available information and face the future head on by embracing the unknown. Preferably with lots of coffee and bacon.

Below: Central Arizona Project. 40 million people and an economy worth billions are supported, dependent, essentially grown off a river basin that drains 246,000 square miles. Where do you fit in?

CALL OF THE RIVER

What kind of river do future generations stand to inherit? That’s what this small family of talented young folks are committed to exploring. We tell compelling stories about The West.

BEN SAHEB

Ben lives behind a lens year round, working as ski guide photographer in the winter and Rig to Flip’s cinematographer in summer. No matter the weather or the terrain Ben brings an A game getting golden shots from the field.

JONATHAN BOWLER

Co-Founder of Rig, Jon has served in recent years in an advisory role with RTF while completing his masters in resource management. Jonathan is truly one of the freshest and most innovative minds in the river world, we look forward seeing plenty of feathers in this mans hat.

JULIANN POMA

Jules has been our go to for web design and still images. She’s an outdoor educator making her an invaluable asset in the field. With a priceless curiosity and a knack for playing devils advocate you can expect her to be the one rowing the company boat.

MIKE RUNDLE

Mike has been our logistical guru for many a moon now. When not occupied otherwise as a mountain bike guide or outdoor educator, Mike runs a still camera for us in the backcountry. Self-sufficient, organized and as always came to get down.

CODY M. PERRY

Co-Founder of Rig, Cody runs the day-to-day show at Rig. Coordinating projects, securing permits, developing contacts and research all fall on his plate. His passion is sharing stories about the West.

MARY AMAOLO LANATA

No mater what we’re working on: a film project, a webpage or photograph, Mary has become our trusted artistic advisor with all things media. She is one of the most intuitive and creative people we know.

FILM PRODUCTION

2014 Yampa River Awareness Project Crew. Last field shoot for Warm Springs project. Big thanks to our partners Friends of the Yampa, O.A.R.S., American Whitewater and American RIvers.

FILM SERVICES

Rig To Flip wants to work with issues that effect public lands and rivers. If your project involves difficult terrain, remote locations, complex issues and a diverse range of stakeholders, we can help tell your story.

PREPRODUCTION

A collaborative approach builds the best story and we have a background working with common western voices. Rig To Flip can help translate your project into creative concepts and offer guidance for organizing the necessary steps needed to make the magic of film happen.

PRODUCTION

No movie sets needed. Our films take place in the rugged, remote and most romantic places of the West. We are fully geared for any project needs ranging from aerial cinema to multi week expeditions.

POST

There is no medium like film. Film offers an unlimited potential to reach your audience with emotion, inspiration and message. Organizing all of that magic out of a hard drive and crafting that into a beautiful, polished product is what we do best.

ILLUMINATION

We love working with our clients goals, audience and message. Often this is one of the most exciting and revealing moments in any project. Working together we can create custom marketing partnerships. Your story must be heard, we thrive on making that happen. We've proudly worked with the following partners and more