March 22nd, 2009 Update:
Winter seems to have gone by so quickly, especially with respects to the documentary being completed. I was hoping (in a filmmaker kind of way) for another snowstorm. We usually get one in March but that didn't happen, which means I didn't get any winter riding footage of the subjects this winter. I can't even put a teaser together without any winter riding footage! Unless we get surprise spring storm soon, we'll continue the documentary next winter.
In the meantime, I've got another bike related art project underway. Stay tuned for more details!
February 3, 2009 Update:
I interviewed Frida and Cheryl in their homes. I’m in the market for a better computer to look at the footage I’ve shot! I will be shooting Cheryl in action as a bike courier on Thursday. Jessica McGann is working on some grants and together we’re coming up with a clear vision of how this will be both be an informative and entertaining film. With such strong characters it’s bound to be a good story!
January 5th Update:
There has been snowy days since I began this documentary and lots of cyclists still riding. On December 14th, 2008 Mia Karas shot some nice footage of me working with a winter cyclist on core strength exercises. It was shot at the stunning, newly renovated Yoga House.
What’s next?
Get funding. What has been shot so far has been a volunteer effort. I’ve been lucky to be working with other passionate people on this film. I am meeting with a grant writer to look at funding possibilities and pitching the idea to broadcasters.
Over the winter I’ll be meeting with winter cyclists whenever time permits and let the camera get to know them.
My Vision for this Film
There are three issues very close and dear to my heart:
When you choose to ride a bicycle over driving, you’re taking a step towards being healthy and reducing your carbon footprint. Bicycling is a great way to get around. Some cyclists let nothing stop them from getting to where they need to go on their bicycle.
A film about winter cycling is meant to opens people’s minds to bicycling. The more people that are convinced that cycling is the better way, the more healthy the world and the people on will get.
The film is sexy, it fun, it’s sometimes scary but most of all it will inspire you to get that bicycle out and take a dab at riding the streets of Toronto.
Interested in being involved with the film? – contact leehe@wholeself.ca or 416-924-3145
I want this film to be a community project and am calling out to all those who have expressed interest in the film. Here’s what help I will need:
Videographer (preferably experienced with lighting skills, but willing to train)
Sound recordist (preferably experienced, but willing to train)
Web/ Graphic designer
Research and Grant writer
Public relations/marketing
A donation of a camera mount for bicycle handle bars and/or helmet.
A small camera for winter bicycle riding footage.
Background of the history of the project
On October 7th, 2008, a great mix of ten female cyclists met to discuss the documentary film on ‘women winter cyclists.’ The group were of different ages, stages, cultures, and even different levels of "commitment" to cycling. After the meeting I received more stories and thoughts about the documentary from these ten women. I am getting emails of support from the community.
Some support from the community:
“I personally know so few of us - I utterly APPLAUD YOU for taking on such a specific topic b/c it supports our little demographic and offers inspiration and encouragement to those who haven't taken it on!”
Sherri Byer, Community Bicycle Network
“I'm so glad you're doing this. I'd like to help get people over the mental barrier that biking in the winter is some impossible feat, for me cycling is more than just a fair weather past time, its a way of life.
Heather McDonald, Toronto Cyclist Union
“You are on the road.... to a great film! Big congrats on getting this started up. I know it will be informative and inspire others!"
Tammy Thorne, Dandyhorse Magazine
The First Shoot: November 11, 2008
The first shoot went splendid. Photographer Mia Karas did an excellent job on the video camera carefully panning and keeping an eye (and ear) on sound and composition as the group of eight women shared their feelings about winter cycling. 100% of the women who said they’d come, came. It’s that dedication that has them out on the streets when many aren’t brave enough.
The Women of the Film
Frida hails from Indonesia where it’s 32 degrees all year round. She’s been all season cycling in Toronto for five years…in a dress.
Cheryl is 58 and lets nothing stop her from getting on her bicycle whether it's for business or pleasure.
Jennifer is a new mom who recently got back from spending three years in Nunavut. She takes her one year old, Aowyn, in a Chariot to daycare in the suburbs of Scarborough. She’s trying to work up the courage to ride this winter.
Nancy and Alex has been taking her 12 year old son, Alex on his own bike since he was four. Both are all season cyclists.
Jana used to ski or snow shoe to school back home in Saskatchewan. This is her first winter in Toronto.
Heather loves the idea of utilitarian cycling so much she volunteers a significant portion of her time as the assistant coordinator of the Toronto Cyclists Union. The bike union is a city-wide member-driven cycling advocacy organization working to improve cycling conditions, not only for those already riding, but also for those who have yet to discover the joys of going by bike.
Future Scenes
The Winter Ride: Our most daring cyclist, Cheryl will wear a helmet camera to give the viewer an idea of what it’s like riding in the worst winter conditions.
The new rider: Jana rides from Parkdale to York University. Jennifer rides her daugther in a Chariot to daycare and then rides to work. Both women are thinking of making this their first winter by bicycle. We want to capture it and the reaction of cars and pedestrians they pass in the GTA.
Mother/Child Ride: Nancy has raised her 12 year old son Alex to ride all year round. Watch the two of them on their daily commute. Nancy will inspire other parents to get kids riding to school and hopefully create safe streets for more kids to start riding to school.
The Hidden Gems on the Winter Ride: All season cyclists are the most connected to the weather. It’s not all slush and ice. I’d like to capture some of the beautiful scenes in the winter where riding is not only the better way, but the most serene and beautiful way.
The Fashion of Cycling: What you wear in the winter plays a big part in your comfort levels during the ride. This will be shot like a faux fashion show, displaying the ‘sexinesss’ of bicycling. We all have that must have item during our ride through extreme weather conditions, for comfort and style.
The Winter Bicycle
What’s a good bicycle to ride? Maintaintenance tips for winter cyling.
The Politics
What is the city doing to promote cycling and keep it safe? (City of Toronto and Bike Union give us the details)
The Film’s Look
It’s sexy. It’s fun. It’s as honest as we can get.
Special Thanks so far:
The Toronto Bicycle Union
bikingtoronto.com
Gary Shaul
Avi Lev
Tammy Thorne
Spacing.ca
Community Bicycle Network
Mia Karas
Dandyhorse Magazine
And the endless emails of support this list is still growing!