At LA PIPA, our work has always been guided by the principles of creativity, sustainability, and a deep connection to our surroundings. Over the past few years, we’ve refined our approach to fostering innovation and community in Asturias, a region known for its dramatic landscapes and rich traditions. Recently, we discovered the work of Taylor Sheridan, particularly through Yellowstone, and it prompted us to reflect on our own journey and why it is time that we move forward with producing content that makes our surroundings visible, yet respected.

Sheridan’s storytelling is anchored in the dynamics of people, land, and legacy—concepts that resonate strongly with us. In Yellowstone, he explores the tensions of preserving tradition while navigating the forces of modernity, a theme that mirrors the challenges faced by rural regions worldwide, including Asturias. Montana, with its sprawling ranches and rugged mountains, might seem far removed from northern Spain, but the shared landscapes of Yellowstone National Park and the Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa and other protected areas of the region reveal surprising parallels.

These two parks, the oldest in their respective continents, symbolise the early global recognition of the need to protect nature and culture. Both Yellowstone and the Picos de Europa are not just conservation efforts; they are testaments to the symbiotic relationship between people and the land. Whether it’s the cattle that graze in the high pastures of Asturias or the herds of bison that roam Yellowstone, these landscapes are shaped by and integral to human life.

Watching Sheridan’s work has reminded us how vital it is to articulate the stories of this connection—stories of resilience, adaptation, and the delicate balance between innovation and preservation. His approach, weaving narrative threads that are both specific to a place and universal in their themes, aligns with what we have been striving to achieve since LA PIPA’s inception. It’s about realizing the depth and power of storytelling to address complex issues and spark dialogue on a mass scale.

Sheridan’s work also reflects a strategic understanding of community. Whether it’s his inclusion of real cowboys, artisans, singers, or his focus on Native American perspectives, he shows a respect for the people who inhabit the landscapes he portrays. For us, this raises important questions about how we support and amplify the voices of Asturias—how we can better connect our work to the identity and aspirations of this region.  Why use actors, fake sets, and studios, when you can do the job in real life surroundings, with natural people,  and give back to those communities in the process?!

Asturias may not be Montana, and in Spain we will not be working on a grand cinematic canvas like the US film industry can provide, but the underlying principles remain the same. Sheridan’s example challenges us to think critically about the role of creativity in fostering sustainability and preserving culture. It confirms our belief that innovation must be grounded in a respect for what has come before, and that the most impactful work is often that which engages deeply with its roots.

We see Sheridan’s work as an opportunity for reflection. His success in creating something both deeply personal and globally relevant is a great example of what is possible when purpose aligns with place and culture. For us, this means continuing to refine our methods and ensuring that our initiatives reflect not just creativity and collaboration but also a profound connection to the land and its people.

In the end, as Sheridan himself is very cleaar, stating that it´s not about him, but about what his work intends to illuminate, and the potential to tell stories that matter, rooted in the traditions and challenges of a place, while imagining a future that is both progressive and sustainable.

Taylor Sheridan: A Short Biography

Taylor Sheridan is an American filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor whose work is celebrated for its deep exploration of rural America and the human connection to land and legacy. Born in Texas, Sheridan grew up in the rugged landscapes that inspire much of his storytelling. After beginning his career as an actor in series like Sons of Anarchy, he transitioned to screenwriting with acclaimed films such as Sicario (2015) and Hell or High Water (2016), the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination. He made his directorial debut with Wind River (2017), a poignant examination of Native American struggles, and gained widespread acclaim for creating Yellowstone, a series that intertwines the challenges of tradition and modernity against the backdrop of Montana's iconic landscapes. Sheridan’s commitment to authenticity extends beyond storytelling; he actively supports rural and cowboy communities through initiatives like the American Rodeo, solidifying his reputation as a purposeful and influential voice in contemporary cinema.

Alex Lawton

Founder @ LA PIPA IS LA PIPA

alex.lawton@remotivemedia.com

MAKING DIFFERENT HAPPEN