In the heart-pounding world of mountain biking, where every jump and twist carries the thrill of a lifetime, one name stands out: Brett Rheeder. Born in the picturesque town of Mount Albert, Ontario, this Canadian dynamo has been conquering the slopes since 2009. However it’s not just the podiums where he shines; it’s also on the silver screen.
Behind every thrilling stunt, there’s an unsung hero, capturing the heart-stopping moments with finesse and skill. Meet Harrison Mendel, the filmmaker who found his passion for storytelling through a camera lens. After three consecutive summers spent nursing injuries from mountain biking, he made a switch that would redefine his career. With a fascination for blending action with narrative, Harrison embarked on a journey chasing light alongside some of the world’s top athletes. The result of this dynamic duo’s collaboration was ‘Continuum,’ a heart-pounding adventure that takes you deep into the world of freeride mountain biking.
But the magic doesn’t just happen on-screen; it’s the stories behind the lens that truly captivate us. When asked about the best moments during the making of ‘Continuum,’ Harrison reminisces, “I think the best day may have been the last day,” he says. “Every shot in the film was carefully deliberated and meticulously crafted. Our last shot was right in the middle, meaning both the start and the end of the shot had to match previous shots. It was a big relief to finally get that.”
Of course, no great journey is without its share of mishaps and funny stories, and ‘Continuum’ is no exception. Harrison chuckles as he recalls the trials they faced. “Lots of mishaps. Gear failures, heat waves, and injuries,” he says. “On what we thought would be our final shot, Brett had an unfortunate crash and injured his knee. A month later, after intense rehab, we were able to shoot our last shot right before the first snowfall of the year.”
Behind the scenes, the numbers tell an impressive tale. ‘Continuum’ involved a staggering 225 takes in nine locations, all captured over 30 intense days of filming. One remarkable aspect of the production was the use of a motorised cable cam, a departure from the drones that have become so common in action sports films. Harrison proudly reveals that their cable cam was manually operated, able to tackle 45-degree angles, a true testament to the craftsmanship that went into creating this cinematic masterpiece.
Reflecting on the film’s origins, Harrison shares, “We had planned to shoot in different locations all over the world, but due to Covid, we had to stay closer to home.” The decision turned out to be serendipitous, as ‘Continuum’ brilliantly showcases the awe-inspiring landscapes of British Columbia, a testament to the beauty and adventure that can be found right in their backyard. Brett Rheeder and Harrison Mendel have gifted us a masterpiece that transcends the screen, taking us on a wild ride through breathtaking landscapes and heart-stopping stunts.
STREAM ‘Continuum’ from Radical Reels 2023 on AdventureReelsTV NOW