(Photo: Craftmaster Productions)
I first reported about The Bicyclist back in February of 2007 — just before the Internet-only “webisode” premiered. Since then, Craftmaster Productions has filmed 30 episodes of the series, which follows the adventures of its four main characters Conrad (Jayme S. Hall), Steve (Elle Poindexter), Lissa (Melissa Goad), and Zack (Paul Glazier) as their lives weave and wend through Portland’s bike culture.
But there’s much more to The Bicyclist than just the hit web series (which their website calls “a cycling soap opera”). Writer and producer Carl Jameson recently got in touch to share the big news that they’ve just wrapped up filming of a full-length feature film, The Bicyclists (notice the “s” on the end), that’s based on the series. Jameson says they’re editing the film now and plan for a release in early 2009.
They’ve also launched a spin-off of The Bicyclist called Spare Parts, a series of “mini-documentaries” that feature interviews and stories on the people and groups behind Portland’s bike scene. A recent episode profiled the Portland’s all-Schwinn bike gang The Belligerantes. Check it out…
In addition to these new projects and a new website, Producer Sharon Jameson has set up a deal with Clear Channel Outdoor to put The Bicylist logo on “Share the Road” billboards throughout the city…
Jameson took Clear Channel’s Brad Parsons up on his offer to work with the community by offering reduced cost billboards.
It’s great to see Sharon and Carl Jameson’s work continue to flourish. Their film, webisodes, and mini-documentaries join an already abundant crop of local filmmakers who have focused their lenses on Portland’s bike culture. Veer, another feature documentary that chronicles bikes in Portland is also set for release in Spring. And don’t forget about Portland’s home-grown bike film festivals that give everyone a chance to sit in the director’s chair — Filmed by Bike and Bike Porn.
— TheBicyclist.tv
— Craftmaster Productions
— Check out The Bicyclists on IMBD.