Anthill Films: A Legacy of Action Sports Storytelling
Nominee Outstanding Camera Work - Long Form - (Cinematography) June 8, 2021
Anthill Films, renowned for their groundbreaking work in action sports cinematography, has been nominated for the 42nd Sports Emmy Award for Long Form Cinematography. This nomination is a testament to their dedication to capturing the essence of mountain biking and other action sports through stunning visuals and compelling narratives.
Director Podcast
https://blog.trekbikes.com/en_CA/2019/08/05/better-with-bikes-podcast/
Founded by Colin Jones, Darren McCullough, and Darcy Wittenburg, Anthill Films has spent the past 25 years shaping the landscape of action sports filmmaking with their unique style and high-end cinematography. Their ability to direct athletes and the unique roles they play in the filmmaking process have set them apart in the industry.
The opportunity to shoot a one-hour feature allowed Anthill Films to delve deeply into the beauty of the world and the athleticism of the riders. This feature showcases their ability to blend breathtaking cinematography with the raw, unfiltered passion of the athletes, creating a visual masterpiece that resonates with audiences worldwide. The TV series, which received the Emmy nomination, is a byproduct of this one-hour feature. The extensive hours and labor invested in the film significantly increased the production value of the TV series.
Return to Earth, the film and now the TV series, is a visually stunning production by Anthill Films and Outside TV. Premiering in 2020, it has been praised for its breathtaking cinematography and compelling storytelling. The series focuses on the simple yet profound act of living in the moment through the lens of mountain biking.
The series Trailer
The Sports Emmy Awards, part of the extensive range of Emmy Awards for artistic and technical merit in the American television industry, are bestowed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). These awards recognize excellence in sports television programming, including sports-related series, live coverage of sporting events, and the best sports announcers.
Being nominated for a Sports Emmy is a significant achievement, highlighting the exceptional quality and impact of the work produced. It provides an opportunity for creators to be recognized among the best in the industry, celebrating their contributions to sports television and inspiring continued excellence. The transition from a long-form film piece to an even longer five-part series of television episodes allowed Anthill Films to leverage the beautiful cinematography from the film, enhancing the overall production value of the TV series.
Anthill Films continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in action sports storytelling, and their Emmy nomination is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and innovation.