Blockbuster instead of short clip: The new MTB film Nothing's for free (premiering on 28 July 2023) aims to hark back to the glory days of the freeride movement. Mountain bike films set standards for many years and decided the careers of the stars. Today, there are only a few such film productions left. Tarek Rasouli was there right from the start. We spoke to him about the power of epic bike films.
FREERIDE: Hi Tarek, has the fascination with mountain bike films died out?
Tarek Rasouli: "Lapsed" is a harsh term, but yes, consumption has changed and with it the fascination. Back then, films like Kranked or New World Disorderwhat is possible with a mountain bike. Every film was a benchmark in terms of tricks. You saw things that you had never seen before and that you had previously thought were almost impossible. There were also film premieres. The scene feverishly awaited such a premiere for a long time and finally celebrated it with friends. Of course, a film like this wasn't just watched once, but a dozen times.
Today it's different, why?
Back then, there weren't many opportunities to follow the sport. You had magazines, VHS or DVD films and events, that was it. Today, we experience an overload of stimuli on the internet. Action mountain biking is available 24/7. Nevertheless, classic films have not lost their appeal in my eyes.
You were part of it back then and had segments in Kranked 4. What significance did such an appearance have for you as an athlete?
One film segment was decisive. It decided careers and was more than half the battle. If you had a strong segment in a well-known film series, you had almost fulfilled your target for the sponsors. Magazines, fans and sponsors were all over you. It was a career boost. Back then, people knew me here in Munich and at a few international bike festivals, and after my appearance in Kranked 4, people wanted my autograph on the street - I was suddenly in a completely different league.
So film-makers had the power over athletes' careers. Was envy an issue?
Well, everyone wanted a banger segment - or at least one at all. Athletes risked a lot for this. They usually put the pressure on themselves. But of course, you also had to deliver, otherwise you ran the risk of no longer being asked for the next production. However, there was primarily competitive behaviour among the productions - i.e. the film series Kranked and New World Disorder. It was a question of which production had a higher status in the industry.
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How often did the videos sell back then?
I don't know the exact figures, but definitely in the six-figure range. Then there were the film screenings at events.
To what extent can you compare the budgets with those of short clips today?
A production for a 7-minute high-end clip on YouTube with Danny MacAskill devours as much money as an entire film production from back then.
How do you see the importance of films today?
MTB films have become rarer and are no longer as significant. Instead, there are more and more impressive short clips - but there are so many of them. So it's not always easy to keep track. Nevertheless, there are still a few long films that are worth watching. Every now and then I enjoy watching high-quality films on my smart TV.
Freeride Entertainment (New World Disorder) is currently producing a new film: Nothing's for free. You also have a part. Can you reveal something?
Filmmaker Derek Westerlund wants to tell the story of the freeride movement in the film. However, he will not only be highlighting the glorious aspects, but also the darker ones. The film name says it all: Nothing is free. This also refers to the risks that we athletes took. My story is also told in this way. Or that of Brett Tippie, who experienced dark times and anaesthetised himself with drugs. I think the film will be deep and surprisingly different.
When will Nothing's for free be released?
The film premiere is scheduled for Crankworx Whistler will take place. After that it will certainly be available online. I don't know whether it will be free or not. Probably not, because: Nothing's for free.
UPDATE 22/07/2023:
Nothing's For Free will premiere at Crankworx Whistler on 28 July 2023 and will then be available exclusively on Outside Watch until mid-August. After that, the film will be available for digital download and streaming throughout the Outside Interactive Universe and on Freerider.TV (Freeride Entertainment's own new platform, editor's note).
This whole initiative to get back to our roots has been more than just eye-opening. When you think back to our humble beginnings in freeriding and how much of an impact New World Disorder has had on the sport, it's clear that this step will be a big one for our fanbase as well. The 'Go Big'-mentality has always existed at Freeride Entertainment, so why not come back with momentum and at the same time realise our major project 'Nothing's For Free' publish? This monumental project makes mountain biking accessible to the mainstream public and gives it its 'Dog Town and Z-Boys' or 'Riding Giants' Moment. Our entire journey in mountain biking has taught us that anything is possible, no matter how big the challenge, and this is reflected in the film's storyline. - Derek Westerlund, director and founder of Freeride Entertainment
FREERIDE film tips: Top MTB videos on the net
Several MTB films in top quality can be viewed free of charge online. We have watched and rated three high-end videos. There are many more on Redbull.tv, for example: From the Inside Out, Past Present Future (Vali Höll), Laura Stigger: Immer Vollgas, The Old World, Gamble, Return to Earth, Way to the Top (Lars Forster), UnReal and others.
Life Cycles (2010)
Action flick or art film? Two worlds merge here. The film was hyped at the time, scene giants even claimed it was the best MTB film of all time. Duration: 45 minutes. We award: 4/6 points.
Long live Chainsaw (2021)
This impressive documentary tells the story of the exceptional downhill talent Stevie Smith, who died at the age of 26. Top! Duration: 93 minutes. We say: 5/6 points.
Accomplice (2021)
The film shows famous freeriders in exotic locations. A funny hook idea, with original footage from the action stars' childhood. Worth seeing! Duration: 52 minutes. Our rating: 4/6 points.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
