How would you like to star in a new six-part documentary TV series on the 13 greatest motorcycle roads in the world?
It’s to be called Crossroads and the Australian makers of the movie are calling for riders with a story to tell.
Motorcycle TV series
They hope to cover 13 roads on five continents in six episodes, so there is probably only one or two Aussie positions among that lot.
The film is being produced by ElkMark Films which consists of Cameron Elkins who directed the Stories of Bike and Roads We Ride series; Andrew Jones from Pipeburn.com; and 20-year commercial TV producer Adam Marks.
Film locations will also include Norway, South Africa and Japan, and the makers hope it will be the next big thing since Long Way Round in 2004.
Cam says that since it is an Australian production “we’ll be sure to showcase one or two Australian roads”.
“We don’t have any fixed road in mind, but we’re looking for something that might not get the attention it deserves and a rider story that can bring this road to life,” he says.
“Just in the 24 hours since announcing the show we’ve had close to 100 riders from around the world in countries such as Italy, Germany, Brazil, US, UK, Japan and India sharing their roads and stories for a chance to be a part of the show.
“But we’d love to hear from riders from remote locations like Mongolia, Africa, Scandinavia and Central America too.”
About time!
Andrew says it is about time there was a motorcycle TV series that captivated riders like the 2004 Long Way Round featuring Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. (They are currently filming Long Way Up in the Americas on electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire motorcycles.)
Ewan and Charley pack their LiveWire electric bikes“It may sound ambitious, but we’re aiming to create something bike-related that will make a similar impact on the world’s audiences,” Andrew says.
“It’s well and truly overdue.
“It’s a pretty simple idea; it’s just fun bikes, great roads and engaging stories.”
Crossroads crew (from left) Adam, Andrew and CamCameron says the series will not just feature bikes and roads, but human stories.
“Deep down, what drives all great content is great stories and connectivity,” he says.
“And in today’s political climate, I think we could all use a little reminder that we all have more in common than our differences.”
“Forget what you think you know about motorcycling TV. This will be different to anything that has come before it.
“We aim to inspire and energise the global motorcycle scene so that non-riders are become new riders and old riders will become motivated to ride even more than before.”
Final negotiations
The team is in final negotiations with broadcasters and sponsors and hope to start shooting in late February/March soon for a release in August 2020.
Cam says they are funding the production through a combination of private investment, government funding, sponsorship and broadcaster investment.
“The great news is that the motorcycle industry is fully behind the show,” he says.
“All the major manufacturers we’ve spoken to see this as an opportunity to inspire a new generation of motorcyclists around the world.
“Likewise, with broadcasters and streaming partners, they see Crossroads as something both broadly appealing as well as filling a big gap for motorcycling content.”
Meanwhile, there is no update on the proposed Bike Torque motorcycle TV series to be hosted by Mick Doohan.
Mick Doohan films the Bike Torque teaser with STAGE FilmsIt was first announced back in 2016 and we met with the producer earlier this year who says it is still being considered.
Let’s hope at least one of these projects gets a kickstart as we need a decent motorcycle TV series.