![]()
Songster & Americana Icon
Don Edwards is a living legend in the music world. He's an American cowboy and songster who represents the best of America's heritage and our cultural fascination with the Wild West and the untamed Frontier. He is best known for his hit song "Coyotes" - from which we derived the title of our documentary:
![]()
The Inspiration
The first time that we saw Don Edwards perform was at the William S. Hart museum during the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival - and we were totally blown away. We raise horses, but our musical tastes leaned more towards classic rock and singer-songwriters of our youth. We were completely taken by surprise when this dapper gentlemen in a big white cowboy hat got up on stage and, through his music, transported us to a wild world of cowboys, frontiersmen, and pioneers.
We were hooked.
And we weren't the only ones. We soon discovered that Don is a legend among country artists and folk musicians. His award-winning career spans decades, and even our teenaged nephew had heard the "coyote song where the guy makes whooping sounds." ("Coyotes" has been featured in countless movies and TV shows).
The Action
We knew we had to share the story of Don Edwards. His music recalls a nostalgic time when life seemed more peaceful, where humanity had a relationship with the land and Nature, where men were gentlemen and women were ladies.
His story captures a piece of Americana that now may only be remembered through films like our documentary COYOTE.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
KATIE RYAN || Producer, Director, Writer
Katie is a licensed therapist and the renowned author of Horse Wisdom Alchemy. Since childhood, Katie has had an affinity for horses and the Wild West. Katie is EAGALA certified and uses horses as part of her treatment team conducting psychotherapy and learning. In her own words:
"Producing and directing this film is a labor of love because I really believe that Don's story and cowboy culture deserves to be documented."
LEE RYAN || Producer, Director
Lee Ryan hails from Chicago where he was part of the Second City Improvisational troupe. Lee moved to Los Angeles and became a writer for a series starring James Belushi and Michael Keaton called Working Stiffs. Lee has also acted in over one hundred and fifty television episodes including co-starring in Cheers, Hill Street Blues, St. Elsewhere, Arrested Development, and Just Shoot Me.
Lee had the idea to document Don Edwards after seeing him play at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival. He said the way Don spoke to the audience was matter of fact, genuine,and unpretentious. In his words:
"I was struck by the humility that Don displayed. I felt like I was sitting around a campfire with an old friend. I believe we all yearn for that companionship and Don's music can bring people close like that."
![]()
Katie & Lee Ryan
HUAN MANTON || Cinematographer, Editor
Huan attended Loyola Marymount University's acclaimed Film Production program where he refined his skills as a cinematographer and editor. He grew up in Denver, Colorado and participated in the National History Day competitions where his documentaries and websites on the Nanjing Massacre, the Chinese Exclusion Act, and W.E.B Du Bois reached finals at the national level and placed third. This project marks his return to documentary filmmaking, and he is bringing together his experience and his passion for music and the stories of the land to help capture the incredible story of Don Edwards.
JOANNE McCUBREY || Still Photographer
Joanne McCubrey is a photographer and artist. She spent 20 years with the Mountain Democrat Newspaper in Placerville, CA as a photographer, and has won over 30 personal and professional awards in photography and writing. She's been published in many magazines including Sierra, Country, Nevada, Range, Westways, and Nikon World. Her work has been exhibited in the Ansel Adams gallery in Yosemite, Nikon House in New York City, the Margaret Crow Gallery in Pasadena, New Artworks in Fair Oaks and at many El Dorado galleries including Red Door and Iron Willow.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Hours and Hours and Hours...!
We have spent two years compiling hundreds of hours of footage of interviews, concerts, and intimate sit-downs with Don, his inner circle, and his fans. Now we need your help to finish the film! We believe that Don's music is a trans formative break from our hectic world, but no one outside his fan base will ever get to experience that unless YOU help out by contributing a donation and sharing the project!
Our Contribution & How You Can Help
We have poured thousands of dollars of our own money into this project. We have everything we need - except the funds to finish it. We've traveled thousands of miles to pursue this passion, but we're asking your help to take us the last step! Here's where the money is going:
- Editing
- Music Licensing Fees
- Color Correction
- Sound Editing
- Marketing/PR
- Festival Submission Fees
- Legal Fees
- Insurance
While that list may not seem very long, know that finishing strong with a film is usually one of the most expensive parts of a project. We knew we could capture the heart of the story on our own, but we're depending on YOU to bring this story to the world.
Why Should I Give?
That's a great question, Internet Stranger! Allow us to answer your question with some questions:
- Do you ever long for more peaceful days free of the constant *ding* of our cell phones and iPads?
- Are you ever nostalgic for a bygone era where the rules of living seemed clearly laid out?
- Are you simply a fan of good music made by good people?
Whether you answered YES to any of those questions or are just a generous person, we ask that you dig deep and partner with us in our passion to make this film. THANK YOU - we are so grateful!!
![]()
Please Help Us Get The Word Out
Whether it's $10 or $10000, your donation is HUGELY appreciated and we thank you in advance for giving. If you're not able to donate financially, we can still really use your help! Please TELL YOUR FRIENDS about this film! Post, update, tweet, email and share this campaign with as many people as you're willing. You never know who might be in the position to bring life to this story. Indiegogo has some awesome sharing tools at the top of this page, and you can use the following social media sites to connect with us and spread the word: Facebook / Twitter.
The more social media shares, likes, and tweets, the higher our Indiegogo "gogofactor" increases, leading to global exposure and even mentions in the press!!
100 bucks is great - and 100 shares can be just as powerful!
![]()
We've put together some AMAZING perks to inspire you to help out! Whether it's a heartfelt thanks for your support or a horse ride through the country, there's something for everyone - and every budget!
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
------------------------------------------
THANK YOU FROM THE VERY BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS!!!!!!
------------------------------------------
![]()