When 60 cyclists set off on the 5th annual Bottlemart Smiling for Smiddy Challenge, known as Australia’s toughest charity ride, on Saturday, 4th September, the Reflected Image PRoductions film crew will be riding shotgun to capture the extraordinary eight-day, 1600km trip from Brisbane to Townsville.
Documentary producer Ryan Early will lead a team of four, who will all be responsible for capturing the precious moments during the ride. He will also spend three days of the journey strapped to the back of a motorcycle.
Ryan said this was the second Smiling for Smiddy documentary, produced by Reflected Image PRoductions, and the crew was thrilled to be back for the long ride.
“The documentaries are a vital device in raising awareness of the Smiddy cause. They have also significantly helped with the Smiling for Smiddy fundraising efforts, which now total over $1.1 million since the rides began in 2006,” he said.
Brisbane charity, Smiling for Smiddy, was originally created to remember the life of Adam Smiddy, a young 26-year-old, who died at the peak of his life from an aggressive Melanoma in August 2006. The idea for the Smiddy riding challenge came about to honour Adam’s passion for riding which developed during his time as a triathlon coach at the University of Queensland.
All the money raised from the riding challenges help fund world-class ongoing cancer research and health care through the Mater Foundation in memory of Adam Smiddy. This year, the ride aims to raise an ambitious $750,000.
“Smiling for Smiddy is a unique experience that draws people back year after year. We are thrilled to join the 60 riders and look forward to again capturing the magic of this event,” Ryan said.
To ensure not a moment is missed, nine cameras will be used including a number of bike-mounted cameras. Two helicopter shoots will also be used to capture aerial footage at various points along the way.
“I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way, so we happily sign up to cover the ride and share the stories of these very brave people helping to fight the battle against this devastating disease,” Ryan said.
The soundtrack for the ride will also be produced featuring award-winning singer songwriter, Mishelle Bradford-Jones, who has recently had music featured in films including ‘The Wedding Planner’ with Jennifer Lopez.
For more information about the ride, to donate or become a participant, please visit www.smilingforsmiddy.org.au or call 07 3163 8600.
