It has been several months since I’ve had the chance to get back on the saddle of directing and operating on my RED Dragon. But on February 1st, 2019 I did. I would only be telling half the story if I didn’t mention that the next day everywhere I had anchors, screws or carbon fiber sutures implanted in my body, was in full-blown pain.
It took several operations, four to be exact just last year ensured of that. I was super excited to get back to filmmaking. After having both my extensor tendons left and right arms reattached, also right side bicep reattached as well as right clavicle shaved, and a shoulder impingement repaired for the second time on that side, I had a right to be anxious. Over the last fifteen years, I’ve endured eight surgeries repairing and reattaching parts. But I have to face it, who knows when one packs it all in for the last time. So I’ll just keep going until then. For there is nothing I would rather be doing than filmmaking.
The first set of shooting this year has begun with a Campaign Ambition spot for my Youthful Ambition brand and series. It had perfect timing for reconnecting with a friend Neale Bayly, after it had been about two or more years since we connected at Rotary International in Charlotte. Neale was the featured speaker that day. He happens to be the subject of this Campaign Ambition spot, and I encourage you to follow him and his journey @nealebaylyrides. He is a world-class adventurer, that has done some incredible things in life. Stay tuned for more from him and I as we begin to shoot his docu-series over a period of 18 months.
It was quite a challenge filming motocross riding. For starters, I’ve never done it before but I knew I have to get reasonably good at it, for I have some upcoming scenes to shoot in the YA scripted series, that also has motocross riding. After shooting the interior interview and gathering B-roll, Neale arranged for two large suburbans trucks to take us with our equipment to the private track. My content producers Anita Sayago, Brinay Prince our production assistant Joe Bennifield and my drone pilot David Small, we all headed out to the privately owned location, to get the filming done. We shot and yes we maintained all regulations as responsible filmmakers. I learned a lot on that shoot about the limitations we would be up against. You can see the interview six-part video interview of Neale here.
Part one. ZEN of Riding
The Hard Lesson Along the Way
Neale Bayly on Ambition.
Neale Bayly Pissed Off
Injury as a Bike Rider –
Travel and Danger
