"The Art of MTB" is a video with exciting bike tricks, but more about the work behind such MTB images. In the third part of the series, Thomas Genon, JB Liautard and Jules Langeard travel to remote locations in the USA to take creative freeride shots.
Shimano has the second part of the "The Art of MTB" series published about 2 years ago. Both in this and the first part the background and the work that goes into such MTB recordings are illuminated. The newly released 20-minute film is the third part of the series. Freerider Thomas Genon, photographer JB Liautard and cameraman Jules Langeard travelled to the USA to make it. Divided into ten sections, the short film begins with brief preparations in Las Vegas before the three protagonists set off into the deserted, desert landscape of the States. As a viewer, you get an insight into the time and effort that went into the few, truly successful images that are published at the end.
Teaser of the freeride video
In addition to the patience that the protagonists need to have, one thing is required above all: creativity. Not only from Thomas Genon during various jumps, but above all from photographer JB Liautard, who is in charge of choosing the various spots and photo motifs throughout the video. He also repeatedly gives Thomas tips for jumps that would look good in pictures.
When it starts to rain heavily during their journey and freeride stunts in the muddy nature seem impossible, the three help themselves with shots of tricks in the skate park and in front of an abandoned petrol station. The entire journey is accompanied by cameraman Jules Langeard, who is also responsible for the editing. His film provides exciting insights behind the scenes of freeride shots and the countless attempts to get the perfect picture or a 100 per cent scene. The backdrop of the deserted landscape in particular creates lasting impressions.
When I take bicycle photos, there are many parameters that play a role. But the three most important are the light, the landscape and the action. It's always a game between these three parameters and none is really more important than the other, even if there is always one that is favoured depending on the situation. - JB Liautard, photographer
"I became passionate and totally motivated for this sport after seeing some inspiring stories. (...) When you do projects like this, you don't necessarily benefit from it at the same moment. It's not like a competition, here's the trophy, here's first place. The videos and photos are there to give to the mountain bike scene and your community. When there are difficult moments.... think of the people who will watch the video. I hope they will enjoy it and I hope to motivate them like others have motivated me before by taking a nice photo, doing a nice trick, making a nice video, doing a nice action.", explains Thomas Genon in the video.
About Thomas Genon
Thomas Genon is one of the best mountain bikers in the world. In his long career, the Belgian has already achieved numerous podium places in various MTB competitions.
>> And if you want to see what The Art of MTB - Part 2 was going on:
>> And also the first part of The Art of MTB from two years ago is worth seeing:
Lukas Niebuhr
Working student
