ABOUT CARNIES
The Documentary
CARNIES is a documentary style film focusing not only on the beauty of carnivals — the rides, the lights, the games — but also on all of the hard work that goes into setting up these attractions week after week, as well as the monumentous amount of work that goes into just keeping the entire operation running smoothly to ensure that the attendees have a great time, from opening bell to the final round of each day.
Join us as we follow a family owned carnival company as they go on the road for the year.
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THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MIDWAY
MEET THE CARNIES
The Faces of the Film
Eight extraordinary people. One incredible journey on the road. Get to know the carnival workers whose stories are at the heart of this documentary.
Ride Foreman
Dick Marlowe
A 32-year veteran of the midway, Dick has set up and torn down more rides than he can count. His booming laugh and no-nonsense attitude make him the backbone of every operation he touches.
Ride Operator
Michael Santos
Michael learned to run the Tilt-A-Whirl at age 15 from his uncle. Two decades later he still gets a kick out of the look on riders' faces — especially the brave ones in the front seat.
Ferris Wheel Operator
Billy Harmon
Billy considers the ferris wheel a living thing that needs constant care. He oils every bolt himself and keeps a logbook of every town the big wheel has visited over the last eighteen seasons.
Cotton Candy Vendor
Rosa Delgado
Rosa spins cotton candy the way her grandmother taught her — by feel, not by recipe. She travels with three kids and a battered minivan and says the carnival is the only home she has ever truly loved.
Maintenance & Electrical
Earl Thompson
If something breaks at midnight before opening day, Earl fixes it. With forty years of grease under his fingernails and a toolbox full of improvised solutions, he is the unsung hero of every show.
Food Truck Owner
Tammy Monroe
Tammy's deep-fried everything has a loyal following that tracks the carnival route just for her corn dogs. She started with a single fryer twelve years ago and now runs a three-truck empire on wheels.
Second-Generation Carnie
Junior Willis
Born on the road between Iowa and Nebraska, Junior has never known a life without sawdust and neon. At 22 he is already managing a crew of his own and learning to call bingo like his father before him.
Game Booth Veteran
Loretta Crane
Loretta has been running the ring-toss booth since 1989. She keeps every prize ticket stub in a scrapbook and swears she once gave a giant stuffed bear to a kid who grew up to be a state senator.
CLIPS FROM CARNIES
The Documentary
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GIVE BACK
Donate to Your Favorite Charity
The carnival community has given so much to so many people over the years. Help us give back — choose your favorite charity and we will facilitate the donation in your name.
NOW PLAYING
WATCH THE FILM
The Full Documentary
Step behind the midway lights and into the lives of the people who make the magic happen — season after season, mile after mile.
BE IN THE MOVIE
Do you work for a carnival? Are you a ride operator, game attendant, food vendor, or part of the behind-the-scenes crew? We want to hear your story.
CARNIES is looking for real carnival workers to share their experiences on camera. Whether you have been in the business for decades or just started, your perspective matters.
CARNIES MERCH
Take Home the Carnival
Merch coming soon — check back later!
CONTACT US
Stay in the loop
Sign up for updates on CARNIES and be the first to find out the release date and where the premiere will be held.
CARNIVAL
Follow the Journey