The latest film from the EXTREME and STANLEY® partnership opens doorways into what can be achieved with 360 Video. It is certainly the first of its kind and required weeks of planning and preparation. The film shoot was just the tip of the iceberg.
This video production features 2016 Freeride Mountain Bike world tour no. 1 Nicholi Rogatkin and pro MotoX rider Ethan Nell, racing down the slopes of Utah in a rarely seen battle between MTB and MotoX.
Photo: Anton Nelson.
Both riders are veterans on this terrain and in sync with each other on the mountain, so this didn’t pose too many problems. Thanks to a professionally animated storyboard illustrated by Director, Anton Nelson prior to the filming, they were able to envision exactly how to attack the line. And attack it they did. The riders brought the storyboard to life seamlessly.
Comparison animatic vs final 360 video.
Using 360 technology to film extreme sports poses a number of challenges. Switching between the perspectives of each rider as little as possible meant that Nicholi and Ethan had to keep dangerously close in order to stay in the shot. With the cameras capturing video in all directions the production team and director had to find places to hide during every take, so as not to end up appearing in the final video.
Photo: Leonore Guenther.
Ethan Nell, who rode the motocross bike, was no stranger to the dusty mountains of Utah and was able to take the crew straight to an ideal location for the film, having grown up in the area. The location they chose was an isolated spot unknown to many, and barely touched by MTB or MotoX.
One of the biggest challenges faced was accessing the ridges at the start of the run. Whilst Nicholi could sling his bike on his shoulder it was a different story for Ethan and his heavy motocross bike. With the help of a 450cc engine and a mini kicker though Ethan was able to ride up to the ridge.
Photo: Leonore Guenther.
The whole crew spent a day finding and creating the line for the film. With the help of the athletes and producers, former pro BMX rider turned ramp builder Ron Kimler and his team were able to create the perfect line to work in the viewpoints of both riders, and get them sending it safely. Due to the remoteness of the location the ramp builders used industry standard hand tools supplied by STANLEY. The ramps were built on location and in the true spirit of mountain biking most of the crew had their hands on a shovel, hammer or saw at some stage during the shoot.
What was a difficult task to begin with was made easier by an incredibly professional team, and some more than willing athletes whose energy spread across the desert. The production crew overcame the difficulty of shooting an action scene in 360 superbly, and they have shown what is possible for VR and extreme sports.
One of the biggest challenges faced was accessing the ridges at the start of the run. Whilst Nicholi could sling his bike on his shoulder it was a different story for Ethan and his heavy motocross bike. With the help of a 450cc engine and a mini kicker though Ethan was able to fly up to the ridge.
Seeing the idea turn into a reality has been jaw dropping and without a doubt this piece will kick-start an outbreak of breathtaking 360 videos. A huge thank you to the production team, the ramp builders and most importantly Nicholi and Ethan for making Performance in Action a truly amazing experience.
To watch the video click HERE