A film festival submission; another first

Many (over 30?) years ago I submitted a photo to an exhibit and contest in Guelph Ontario... they were reluctant to accept it as it wasn't framed. In the end they did. And they awarded it first place... with the proceeds I framed it (there were only two prints made from this image and I suspect this framed version is the only one still around). And yes, it's an image of bicycle. A bike, its shadow, and the snow from where the shadow was a moment before. Bike X 3.

That was the only time I've subjected my work to the scrutiny of judging that way, until this week. And this time it's a short documentary video rather than a B&W still. I'm interested to see how it will go. The deadline was April 1st so I left it late to submit. Fortunately they extended the deadline to the middle of April and I'm sure they'll get it before then. The Bicycle Film Festival was launched in 2001 and has expanded to cycling meccas around the world (sadly, that doesn't include Toronto... yet).

The work I did with Zef (my son Steffan) as he built up his bamboo bike studio here in Toronto came together in a video and that's what has finally made its way to BFF. We have no idea where it will go or even if it will get used. I certainly hope it gets included... the studio had been a dream for Steff for years and seeing it happen has been thrilling. I'm very proud of him for seeing it through and I know it's been hard. Documenting the setup of the studio and the creation of the first "BBST" frame was a thrill. I hope the video will spread a little bit of that good karma around.

The studio... when it was an empty canvas

Finished Touches

About a month ago I posted an entry with a shot of the first Bamboo Bike Studio Toronto Frame being built. Since then, the video I put together has gone live (link below) and three custom 'boo frames were displayed and put up for sale today. All very exciting stuff. I'm very proud of Steff's (Zef) accomplishments as I know this has been a real labour of love.

In that earlier post, I said I was looking for permission to use some music to enhance the documentary. We heard back from Johan Hultqvist from Mr. Something Something with a green light... so here's the video! (watch it in HD).

And as for the latest frames, they are stunning. I've begun working on a short video highlighting them however here's a shot of one... as much as I love the clean look of the black carbon and natural 'boo I think the added beauty takes it up 3 levels. If you can get to the Bike Geek Boutique show you can see the two Chiale frames plus "#3" which has a brass inlay head-badge. Look for more creativity from the 'boo studio yet to come! If you do make it, take a peek at the photos on the wall @ the Boutique... my first public showing in a while :-)

A BBST and Jimmy Chiale collaboration

Finishing Touches

The first bamboo bike built in Toronto is almost finished... and the doc-vid is being worked on. Care to suggest the audio track to use? It's a no budget video and so I haven't heard back from Peter Gabriel on getting permission to use his wonderful music. I'm thinking Mr. Something Something would be a good choice...

Toronto... a sneak preview of the Toronto Bamboo Bike Studio

Steff asked me to take a few photos of his soon to open studio... I'll preempt finishing my tales of le Tour to post a photo I like from our shoot. It's a teaser, a spoiler too I suppose, and it's intended as a note of support and encouragement... I really liked the vibe I got!

Zef, pandas, graffiti and bamboo. A perfect cocktail