DOC: "Bending Steel" Feature Documentary about Oldetime Strongmen

K

Killick

Active member
Hey everyone, I had posted this in the HDSLR screening room forum a year ago but that seems to be buried, and since the film is now finished I figured I'd repost it here.

The film follows Chris Schoeck, am amateur strongman as he trains to rise to professional status within the oldetime strongman community, and perform for the first time at historic Coney Island. Along the way Schoeck realizes social and personal limitations which have held him back his entire life. We follow him through the journey to find fulfillment and success in this unique activity, and explore a bit of the history of the strongman along the way.

We are currently submitting to tier 1 fests and hope to find a premier soon. The film was shot entirely on the 7D. The video below is an old teaser, but we are currently working on an official trailer. Any feedback welcome!

Here are links to our official website and facebook page. Please like us on facebook if you, well if you like it!

http://bendingsteelmovie.com/
http://www.facebook.com/bendingsteelmovie

 
And here is our temporary poster (we are still working with our designer for the official poster design). If you have any questions about using the 7d for a feature doc (rigs, workflow, how it held up in color correction), or the filmmaking process in general I'd be happy to answer them. I'm cinematographer and producer of the movie, and have learned quite a bit throughout the process. I'll keep updating as we enter the world of festivaling and distribution.

postcard-front.jpg
 
No feedback? I have to say, the trailer looks very, very professional. Light looks right, music fits, photography on point...can't wait to see the finished product.
 
I agree - trailer looks professional. Wasn't a fan of some of the shakier, in and out of focus shots...but overall, it was really well done. Interesting subject matter too - I'd like to see it when you guys release it.
 
looks awesome - I think the relatively shallow DOF really provide some visual subtext here, in the sense that these guys feel alone, alienated, and separate from other people. Great work with the 7D, story is interesting and well told (in the trailer at least) - and I too would love to see what the final film looks like. nicely done :)

Adam
 
Thanks for the feedback!

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted, but we have been really busy the past few months and I just wanted to give an update. The film will be premiering at a major festival in April, and while it's not public yet it is pretty much an ideal situation for us. I have contacted a number of filmmakers who screened at the same festival last year, and the conversations have proven very beneficial. Through those conversations we've found a publicist for our world premier, and have been approached by a well known sales agent to rep the film.

I will be able to share more details in the coming weeks, but things are finally paying off, and the feeling of validation after years of hard work is amazing. If you have any questions at all about the process, I'd love to try to answer them as best as possible. It's been an incredible learning process, and so many filmmakers have helped us along the way I'd be happy to return the favor.

I hope it's ok to post a link to our facebook and twitter pages. We update regularly and it's the best way to follow our progress. Thanks!

Ryan

Bending Steel on Facebook
Bending Steel on Twitter: @bendingsteelmov #bendingsteel
Bending Steel Instagram (behind the scenes photos): BendingSteelMovie #bendingsteel
 
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So it's been a while, we've been slammed with our first two big premieres, Tribeca was the world premiere and then Hot Docs in Canada for international. We released a new trailer in the time since I last posted.

Right now we are working with Josh Braun at Submarine Entertainment as our North American sales rep, and we are waiting for the dust to settle at Cannes before circling back with distributors who have expressed interest. We are very optimistic the film will see at least a limited theatrical release. It's a little surreal for us, as this thing really just started as a short "something for our reel" project! Here's the new trailer:

 
I had almost forgotten I made this thread.

In January the film was broadcast on DirecTV, and is still available on their on demand service.

And as of August, it is not available on iTunes, Amazon, Vimeo, and other digital VOD platforms! If you want to check it out here are the iTunes and Amazon links.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/bending-steel/id1005453536
https://amzn.com/B013ESOUJG

Still waiting to hear about Netflix. Sadly because they are now offering original documentary content, they are limiting the amount of titles they are licensing. Kind of a bummer, their documentary section used to be pretty strong but I think that will be changing in the next few years.
 
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