I haven't worked with a company that encourages me to push my creativity like Specialized, and I am so grateful to work with you all. Being a freelancer in the current market is not easy, and searching for work with different brands can take energy away from my work. I’m looking for more consistent work with a company that I connect with.
I would still work on project-based budgets, but there would be a contracted commitment to:
Three 15-25 minute YouTube documentary projects
10 social media videos a year.
The total budget for these 3 projects would be $75k USD.
I’ve gained valuable skills over the past two years of working with Specialized, and I want to take this experience into making unique videos for Specialized in 2024. Since documentaries are the most popular videos on YouTube, I’d like to propose five documentary project concepts. Social media content from each project will be unique from the full documentary project so there is no repetition.
Nicholi Rogatkin Documentary
Film synopsis: Nicholi is a legend of slopestyle MTB with countless wins and many world-first tricks. Now as a veteran of the Slopestyle scene competing against incredible young athletes, he has to level things up even more. This film would tell the story of Nicholi's rise to the top and the challenges along the way. Ideally, I would travel to Crankworkx Cairns to tell the story of Nicholi returning to the course that ended his season in 2023. Since I am based in Vancouver going to Crankworkx Whistler would be easy for me.
Social media ideas
Third-person POV of a slopestyle run with a video game theme
Using 360 cam
Practice runs with female slopestyle athletes
Make a fast-paced fun edit
World Tour Documentary
Film synopsis: Specialized sponsors some incredible World Tour teams. Fans would love to see more behind the scenes with these teams. Everyone knows how the races go, but less is known about the thousands of hours of work it takes to get to the top. I was blown away by Team SD Workx this past year, and that would be my first choice for a team to focus on.
Ideally, I would film a lead-up to a big race whether that’s a one-day or grand tour is to be determined. I would highlight the character of these athletes and find qualities that an average cyclist can relate to, all while showing the work it takes to be on top of road cycling.
Social media ideas
Interview the horse that ran with Demi Vollering at Strade Bianche 2023
An athlete gives a riddle that followers have to solve
Talk show with athlete(s)
Specialized Gravity Documentary
Film synopsis: This film would follow the highs and lows of a year of racing with Specialized Gravity. I wouldn't go to every World Cup, but pick the most significant race for each rider and document the lead-up to these races. Then I would fill the gaps with footage from the team videographers and interviews.
The Specialized Gravity team is the strongest team in the pits, and a film would make fans connect with them even more. The film would strike a balance between fun and serious moments showing the character of the athletes.
Social media ideas
Jumping stumps on a Stumpjumper
Make cheesy puns about stumps
Make ridiculous conspiracies as to why the French are good at downhill
They have physicists who have unlocked extra gravity
Turbo Lego
Make a Lego replica of a Levo that can be ridden with hands and intercut with an athlete riding a real one.
Bikepacking on a Globe Haul LT with solar
Film synopsis: Bikepacking is a passion of mine. I have made a few complex bikepacking films self-supported without e-bikes. So using an e-bike with solar sounds like a fun new challenge! I would push the limits of the bike by taking it places it usually wouldn't go. I would have solar panels on the rear and front rack charging the e-bike throughout the day.
I could do the project in the Arctic in the summer to maximize my solar charging. I would make this video as comedic as possible since this is a unique and strange concept. This would be completely self-filmed, with me narrating the story riding alone.
Social media ideas
Shredding on the Globe Haul
Wheelies, Jumps, and going up mountains
Using the Globe Haul to go skiing with 2 people
Take the bike to a backcountry skiing spot
Sofia Gomez Villafane Documentary
Film synopsis: While filming with Sofia this past summer, she mentioned the idea of making a film about her returning to her hometown in Argentina. South America has a huge fanbase for cycling and I don't see many film projects come from there. It would be cool to document her going back and tell her story of becoming one of the best off-road racers in the world.
Social media ideas
Matchcut edit of riding through scenic places in Patagonia
In each shot, the rider will be in the same spot and position to make a seamless cut.
Spanish lessons on bike-related things
Inspired by Dora the Explorer
I hope you will find value and interest in these project concepts. If you have other ideas or goals in mind for 2024, I’m all ears. Thank you all for your support over the years, and I hope that we can continue pushing the limits of cycling media!
