Creative Director

Sophie Kirkegaard

Filmmaker

Bennett Barthelemy

Bennett started Whiptail in 2023 to engage with and highlight the intersection where wild and authentic experiences collide, promoting better-informed and responsible outdoor exploration. With more than two decades of experience in documentary and media creation for magazines, non-profits, photo stock agencies, and environmentally conscious outdoor gear companies, Bennett created Whiptail Productions to help engage with the natural world away from the pavement. This is authentic media creation at the source.

Bennett is a licensed drone pilot, AMGA rock climbing guide, and trail runner, having done location work in more than two dozen countries. He has worked with extreme athletes, field biologists, outdoor activists, profiled non-profits, and companies, and covered events including the climate conference COP21 in Paris. His current film, "Coyote 2 Moon: Laura Bepko," follows an ultrarunner through the mountains of his hometown, Ojai, California.

As Creative Director for Whiptail, Sophie brings passion and perspective from her artistic lineage and global travels. She draws inspiration from the cultural hubs of Seattle, Milan, and Marrakech, as well as her backyard, the Sierra Nevada range in California. Sophie blends Renaissance influences with a flair for fashion, fine art, skateboarding, rock climbing, and trail running. She also has sharp business acumen and post-production expertise. Currently, she is expanding her cinematography, directorial, and editing skills with *Z Girlz – a generational retrospective on West Coast skate culture.