Update on “Some Like It Classic” movie - shot on 16mm colour film over 7 years - tailer, synopsis & news

A tribute to the 1965 film “Some Like it Wet" and the great, but largely unknown, “Some like It Smooth". 

"Some Like it Classic" is an independent feature surf film, and after seven years work it's getting there - link to the trailer & kickstarter at the bottom

Here's the run-down from Romain Juchereau, producer, director, filmmaker:

THE STORY BEHIND THE PROJECT 

I started working on Some Like It Classic seven years ago, when I got my first 1958 BOLEX H16 camera. I always wanted to make a film using analog films. Being in the surf industry for many years, I've had the opportunity to build up a solid network. This gave me the confidence to start shooting a feature surf film in 16mm. I soon decided to make one about old surfboard designs made between the 1930s and 1960s and have them ridden by world-famous surfers. The idea for the film grew from there.

WHO AM I?

My name is Romain Juchereau, I'm a self-taught film maker and photographer from La Rochelle, France.  As someone who has been passionate about the history of surfing and a surfer from an early age, mainly surfing boards over 9 feet, the vocation of producing documentaries about traditional longboarding and surf culture was a natural one.

In 2010, I produced a documentary film  about creative individuals who have forged a living through their passion for surfing whilst I was living in Cornwall, a beautiful part of the UK, rich in art and culture... 4 years later "Behind The Tide" was shown in several surf film festivals, independent cinemas and it is today available on Netflix and many other streaming platforms. The royalties received from the sales helped me to finance and produce this new film project filmed entirely in 16mm films. 

MY REASONS FOR CHOOSING TO FILM IN 16MM 

The 16mm film format was an obvious choice, to recreate the feel of the golden era of surfing and keep that sense of nostalgia and timelessness. I was captivated by the old surf films from a young age.  Film makers at that time especially during the 50's and 60's were using BOLEX and ARRI cameras with 16mm films such as Bud Brown, Bruce Brown and Albert Falzon. Their films left a mark on the surf culture, and are still watched today.

Shooting on film offers an authentic tactility and characteristic grain unmatched by digital formats. Film also holds wonderful surprises in terms of images and colors.

However, shooting a feature film on analog media is very expensive. By helping us with this project, you will enable us to pursue this creative approach and keep cinema alive.

THE FILM - SYNOPSIS

Some Like It Classic is an independent feature surf film entirely shot in beautiful 
16 mm film over 7 years, documenting longboarding and the beginning of hotdogging through some of the most influential surfboard evolution designs and some surfing pioneers' history.

Filmed in Southern California, Hawaii, Mexico and France, this film is also a journey showing some fun, stylish, effortless and smooth surfing as well as classic surf culture.

THE CAST

Many well known surfers and shapers are involved in this project, and I can't wait to finish the film to highlight their beautiful work and amazing surfing performances.

It features surfers and shapers from around the world such as SEAN TULLY, CLOVIS DONIZETTI, JOSHUA MARTIN, TYLER WARREN, JJ WESSELS, BRIAN BENT, BEAU YOUNG, ROSIE JAFFURS, MATT CHOJNACKI,  as well as 60's era surf legends LANCE CARSON, JOCK SUTHERLAND, RANDY RARICK, JOHN WADE AND MICKEY MUNOZ.

I also want to thank all the other directors who have helped me in shooting for this film.

WHY DO I NEED YOUR HELP?

Shooting is almost complete, but I reached the final budget for the making of the film.

16mm film prices have increased over the last 5 years, making it more difficult for the independent film makers to shoot on film.

This Kickstarter will above all help complete the film from a post-production point of view and to pay for

·       Processing and scanning of the last 16mm film rolls

·       Broadcast rights for the 1960's original footage and archives photos  

·       Music rights 

·       The recording of the narration in a studio   

·       DVD Authoring

·       The creation of a DVD + booklet printing

·       Poster prints 

Thanks to all who can help, and I hope you enjoy the finished film and the contributions listed.

Risks and challenges

Pretty high risk are involved in a film project shot entirely in 16mm, the budget is higher than in digital and you can't get it wrong. The choice of surfers is crucial, the best ones have to be selected. A full roll of 100ft of film has a 3 min recording time so not many waves can be recorded per rolls. Shooting 16mm films means also manual settings, measuring and double checking aperture and manual focus have to be just right. Also, flying to different locations carrying films is nerve-wracking. Authorities at customs sometimes want to open your film can and inspect your film stock, and having to persuade them to not do it or it will wreck all your work is a very stressful situation.

 CHECK OUT THE TRAILER AND KICKSTARTER HERE

More on the official website HERE