The film makers encourage everyone to pledge at least $5 to help produce a new Motorcycle movie about Sturgis named “I AM STURGIS”. In hopes of galvanizing viewers to donate on any level to their Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds to produce this new Film, a free on-line screening of “WHY We RIDE” is available for 7 Days. Just jump HERE.
“We don’t want to stop with just one movie. We want to continue to inspire more people, and that’s why we want to make “I AM STURGIS,” says James Walker, producer of “WHY WE RIDE”. “This is a movement now, and we want it to flourish. Sturgis is the entire motorcycle microcosm–it’s got everything: the camaraderie of the tribe, the visceral power of the bikes, the cacophony of humans and machines coming together, communing, riding, bonding. We want to show this world to people, because the instinct behind it, the gathering and the sharing, the competition and the rush–it’s universal. This isn’t just about being a motorcyclist; it’s about what drives us as people. All we ask is that everyone who has seen “WHY WE RIDE” or who view it for free on our site over the next week– to please donate to the “I AM STURGIS” Kickstarter campaign. If everyone gives even $5, it will allow us to continue telling these inspiring stories about our motorcycle culture.”
Response to the”I AM STURGIS” crowd-funding drive has been strong among the professional motorcycling community. South Dakota Tourism, City of Sturgis®, Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally, Harley-Davidson, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, The Buffalo Chip Campground, Law Tigers, Uhl Studios, Michael Lichter Photography, Sedlak Studios, Hot Leathers, Bonnier Corporation, UBM Advanstar Progressive International Motorcycle Shows, J&P Cycles and Whitewood Campground and Event Center are just a few of the motorcycling business interests that have committed support to “I AM STURGIS.” With 19 days remaining in the campaign, Walker and company hope for a final push from individual motorcycling enthusiasts and Why We Ride fans to get them to their goal. The filmmakers believe in their fans and hope the 7-day free screening of “WHY WE RIDE” will serve as a gesture of goodwill and inspiration.
The impetus for “I AM STURGIS” stems partly from this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally being the 75th Anniversary of that motorcycling institution. In recent years, the Sturgis rally has drawn half a million participants, but attendance estimates for this year’s anniversary rally exceed one million riders. There may never be a better time to capture the passion, dedication and camaraderie of the motorcycling community, and there certainly is no better place than the iconic Sturgis gathering. When making “WHY WE RIDE”, Sturgis was the first filming location, and it had an immediate emotional effect on the filmmakers. “There is a spirit there that enters you and grabs your heart,” says Bryan H. Carroll, producer/director. “The beauty of the Black Hills is God given. You put your hand on a boulder and you feel this energy; you can feel it in the air. It’s easy to understand why American Indians hold this place sacred.”
To launch the project, the production hopes to raise $350,000 through their Kickstarter Campaign. And while they’re on their way, there are only 19 days left to achieve their goal. There are many contribution levels and many rewards at each level, including digital movie posters, movie downloads, movie premier passes, production credits, access to the Producer’s Private Pre-Party, and private theatrical screenings, as well as new offerings, like an exclusive David Uhl print of legendary motorcycle maven Gloria Struck, Ride in the Movie, VIP passes to Michael Lichter’s “Motorcycles as Art party”, a handmade “Bagger” metal sculpture by James Rice and the opportunity to make it into the movie through participation in Sturgis rally rides.
“We made WHY WE RIDE about a community,” says producer James Walker. “Now, we want to grow that community and invite the people to be a part of our next film:” I AM STURGIS” There are only 19 days left–we’re asking those with a love for motorcycling to join us.”WHY WE RIDE” is available HERE for free screening for 7 days. A trailer for “I AM STURGIS” can be seen there as well.
If they’ve got all this support to make this movie why are they begging for donations on Kickstart. How come the people who back Hollywood films don’t back this film. The film Why I Ride never made the theatre circuit, do they think this one will do better? Or is it just ego that compels them to dream about making this film on someone else’s dime?
Rodent. Because the subject of the movie is bikers. Not a large audience by Hollywood standards. Reason why you have producers needing support. And these “marginal” films are from time to time the best films. And anyway, I am Sturgis can only helps the motorcycle industry.
Joshua :
Not a large audience? Try “The Wild Ones” and “Easyriders” I don’t remember if “On Any Sunday” 2nd edition used public funding.
First, the movie is Easy Rider, not Easyriders. Second it was not conceived as a bikers movie. It intended to explore the societal landscape, issues, and tensions in the United States during the 1960s, such as the rise and fall of the hippie movement, drug use, and communal lifestyle. It’s a road movie. It could have been done without bikers. Spectators who made the large audience were not bikers coming to watch bikers, but went for the societal story of the time. It just happened that it became a cult movie for bikers.
Joshua
You’ll have to excuse my predictive text on my Apple IPad that changed Easy Rider into Easyriders and I didn’t check before I hit send. The film grew in popularity as time went by from a relatively slow start. Hollywood never expected Easy Rider to become a hit.
Joshua – First of all Easy Rider was from the very outset conceived as a ‘ biker ‘/western road movie with the M/C’s replacing the horse . The rest of it came along as the movie was made ( most of the movie/script/plot was created/improvised along the way ) the only thing set in stone being the basic premise of two guys on a road trip thru part of the US on motorcycles [ ” Hopper ” by Tom Folsom …. ” The Chopper ; the real story ” Paul D’Orleans .. ” Easy Rider ;the original screen play ” etc etc ]
As far as M/C movies being for the most part cult icons ? Yes .. that you are correct on that .
But as far as all this ‘ Crowd Funding ‘ business ? Maybe its because I’m of a certain age .. maybe its because I am for all practical purposes self made in the arts and know many others who’ve done the same … maybe its because I see people that Beg for Alms as just that … beggars … but I have no patience or respect for people that seek crowd funding for any reason . Simple fact is documentarians /independent film makers /artists / musicians / authors have been succeeding for years finding the financing … and more importantly the creative tactics to overcome small budgets … so this current trend of Begging for Alms .. with no chance of return and zero benefit to the donors only serves to raise my ire … every time I see anyone doing it . The first thought coming to mind being … ” What a bunch of ____ wimps “
I just watched the free screening of “Why we ride”. Very well done. The first 50 minutes or so mostly talked about the history of motorcycling and various racing genres. The movie became way more emotional and relatable beginning with the Nam vet and how MC affected the rest of his life. PROFOUND! The remaining stories of people and families was impactful. I liked it a lot.
Hopefully the Sturgis movie will be as well done and capture the spirit and love for MC; and the Mecca of Sturgis. For me, riding the Black Hills is like being in church. Good luck!
As crowded as things are now, they should consider the hole month of August Sturgis Blackhills Month, I should copyright that saying right now or patent or what ever you have to do. Domain name etc…you know they will or already have it planned out. Biker Money is Sturgis, and all there is to Sturgis is taking it from you ASAP. But then again what’s a vacation all about.
Sorry, not intending to “Pile-on” here, But…….
RE:
“… Easy Rider…… intended to explore the societal landscape, issues, and tensions ….. the rise and fall of the hippie movement, drug use, and communal lifestyle…. could have been done without bikers…. Spectators who made the large audience were not bikers …..went for the societal story of the time. …”
This is the same hollow “socially-aware” blather that tried to convince us that “Catcher in the Rye,” “Catch 22,” “Johnathan Livingstone sea Gull,” “The Hobid,”…..etc., etc, etc. were more than just so many literary brain farts.
-nicker-
TJ Martin…
“But as far as all this ‘”Crowd Funding business ? ” I couldn’t agree with you more. If you have a good idea or product then people will buy it. New generations of beggars is exactly what crowd funding has become. Next thing you know they will be asking the Chinese for project funding donations. Just my take on the matter.
Cantrell
Hey guys…I have an idea.
If you like the idea – Donate.
If you don’t like the idea – Dont Donate !