As someone immersed in the world of bicycle films as the director of the Ciclismo Classico Bike Travel Film Festival, I’ve witnessed a surge in bike touring videos. The accessibility of GoPro and helmet cameras means our festival receives more submissions annually. However, quantity doesn’t always equal quality. Many aspiring filmmakers miss key elements that transform a simple ride video into a captivating Bike Movie.
To help your cycling adventures shine on screen and avoid the pitfalls of mundane travelogues, here are five essential tips for crafting a bike travel film that resonates with audiences and festivals alike.
Nail the 90-Second Rule: Hook Your Audience Fast
Attention spans are short. If your bike movie doesn’t quickly establish the essentials, viewers will tune out. Unless you possess the gravity-defying skills of Danny MacAskill, your film needs to be immediately informative. In the first 90 seconds, viewers should grasp who you are, where your bike adventure is unfolding, and the purpose of your journey. Analyzing successful bike movies reveals a consistent pattern: they swiftly provide this crucial context within the initial minute and a half. Fail to do so, and you risk losing your audience before your story truly begins.
Keep Your Bike Movie Concise and Impactful
While we’ve occasionally celebrated longer pieces, including a winning film exceeding 30 minutes, the vast majority of impactful bike movies, even from professional filmmakers, are under the 10-minute mark. This isn’t a music video format. Unless you’re Danny MacAskill performing incredible stunts, your voice and narrative are key. Let your audience hear about your adventure in your own words; this personal touch is incredibly powerful in a bike movie.
Remember, It’s a Bike Movie, Not a Blog
Conversely, many submissions err on the side of excessive talking. While narration is vital, your bike movie shouldn’t devolve into a spoken blog. Viewers don’t need a detailed daily rundown of every challenge encountered, like “today was a really hard day.” This type of content is akin to oversharing mundane details, similar to posting about daily meals on social media. Focus on visual storytelling and impactful spoken moments that enhance the bike movie experience, not overwhelm it with unnecessary commentary.
Just Do It: Start Creating Your Bike Movie Now!
It’s easy to believe that filmmaking is reserved for professionals with expensive gear. However, compelling bike movies can be created with minimal equipment. Consider the inspiring example of a German cyclist who submits a fantastic entry annually, documenting his global bike travels. His equipment is basic, and he edits his footage in simple settings like tents or internet cafes.
Camera crew filming cyclists on a bike path, highlighting that simple equipment is sufficient for creating impactful bike movies.
You likely won’t need a full camera rig like this for your bike movie. Focus on your story and journey, and let the passion for cycling be your driving force.
Amplify Diverse Voices in Bike Movies
If we only considered initial submissions, we might end up with a very narrow representation – perhaps the “Men’s Bike Travel Film Festival,” or even more specific. But to truly reflect the rich tapestry of cycling adventures, and because my audience desires it, I actively seek a broader spectrum of stories. This includes showcasing women’s voices, older people’s voices, immigrant voices, the disabled community’s voices, children’s voices, and international voices. Help enrich the world of bike movies: share your unique story and perspective!
