Big Time Decent Productions Wins Will Rogers Medallion Award for Legends of the Pony Express
- Julia Wilkinson
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Acclaimed documentary honored for excellence in Western storytelling
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver, BC, June 2, 2025 – Big Time Decent Productions is proud to announce that Legends of the Pony Express has been named a winner at the 2025 Will Rogers Medallion Awards. The feature-length documentary, written by René Brar and co-directed by Brar and Matthew Shewchuk, was recognized in the Western Films – Documentary Long category for its outstanding contribution to Western heritage and storytelling.
Executive producers include Matthew Shewchuk, René Brar, Jeffrey Kinnon, Priscilla Hui, Craig Miller, David Cerullo, Doug Butts, and Dale Ardizzone. The film was produced in partnership with INSP Network.
The Will Rogers Medallion Awards celebrate excellence in media that uphold the values, spirit, and legacy of the American West. Named after beloved cowboy humorist Will Rogers, the awards spotlight works that preserve and promote Western culture through authentic and engaging storytelling.
“We’re honored to be recognized by the Will Rogers Medallion Awards,” said René Brar, writer and co-director of Legends of the Pony Express. “This project was a true labor of love, and we’re grateful to our partners at INSP and the WRMA jury for shining a light on this chapter of Western history.”
Blending rich historical detail with cinematic visuals and compelling narration, Legends of the Pony Express retraces the legendary mail service that helped forge a path across America. From treacherous trails to untold heroics, the film explores how the Pony Express became an enduring symbol of grit, endurance, and the pioneering spirit.
“Growing up, I spent Saturday afternoons glued to movies like Winchester ’73,” said Matthew Shewchuk, co-director and executive producer. “This film was a chance to channel that childhood awe into something new—a love letter to the stories that shaped us.”
About Big Time Decent ProductionsFounded in 2020, Big Time Decent Productions is a Vancouver-based production company that develops and produces unscripted and scripted series, feature films, and digital content for global audiences. Founder Matthew Shewchuk is an Executive Producer behind the hit factual series Rust Valley Restorers, which airs domestically on HISTORY and internationally on Netflix.
Media Contact:
Julia Wilkinson
604-842-4945
