Life cycles has got to be the most anticipated MTB film ever. So far its taken over two years in production, this then could also be one of the best MTB films in recent years. Ever since “The Collective” hit in 2004, there has started to be a shift in the way MTB films are made. Concentrating more on the cinematography and editing of the riding as opposed to the ‘MTV Style’ mad clips over a metal soundtrack, this genre has seen a shift into more ’Sports Documentary’, especially with the last Collective film, Seasons. From the passing of The Collective came Anthill Films, with their “Follow Me“, and soon “Life Cycles” will be released. What makes Life Cycles so special? Well firstly the two co-creators are MTB photographer Dereck Frankowski, and outdoor film maker and rider Ryan Gibb have set out with a vision to make a different kind of MTB film to all the others, and to produce something much more visually stunning in an effort to make the sport much more appealing to a wider, non-biking audience. This coulped with some of the best riders today, filmed on RED cameras, with a much more photographic feel and style, all makes for a pretty special film. From some of the behind the scenes photos, it looks like It will be worth the wait.
After nearly two years I have just two weeks left of my university career. Both exiting an scary at the same time. Full post-uni chat to come soon as I’m currently sat writing up my sketchbook for my final project. Sketchbooking is one thing I won’t miss from Uni…
As for my final project, I chose to photograph people who ride bikes. Nothing unusual there. I could have done something ground braking, flown to far flung countries or whatever, but currently I wanted to have some environmental portraits in my portfolio to compliment my sports photos. After this project I think it will be something I will carry on, and I think I’ll try and branch out into and do more portraiture, especially from a commercial point of view.
In other news, I am participating in the year long photography project, ‘What is England‘, curated by Stuart Pilkington. Myself and 49 other photographers from around the country have set out to produce a series of images that answer six set briefs that reflect on our chosen counties, to build up a picture of England in 2010. The second photo ‘Group’, is now up on the site, the third photo, ‘Work’, will be up June 30th.
Back home for the weekend to get on with my uni project. I know its the last project but its really starting to wear on me. Just want to get it done and out the way, then concentrate on producing some really kick-ass stuff that dosent require lots of forethought, ‘commercial context’, research etc etc…
So far I have done two shoots with varying success, my latest I did get an image that I am happy with, although whether my tutors share my sentiments remains to be seen… I’ll post up a ‘best of’ selection hopefully next week after getting some more shots over the coming days.
