Michael Bay and Storror: A High-Stakes Documentary Journey
Renowned filmmaker Michael Bay faced a unique challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when he received a text from Drew Taylor, a member of Storror, a collective of elite U.K. parkour athletes. Known for their breathtaking stunts and a staggering 3 billion YouTube views, the group sought Bay’s involvement in a documentary detailing their lives and experiences.
A Cinematic Vision
Bay was immediately drawn to the idea of documenting the lives of Storror. He likened their adrenaline-fueled activities to a life-or-death scenario. “Imagine you’re a basketball player in the NBA, and every single basket you throw, you have to make,” Bay explained to Variety. He admired not only Storror’s athleticism but also the artistry behind their stunts, proclaiming, “It’s an art form.”
Navigating Safety Concerns
However, the inherent risks associated with Storror’s style of parkour presented a significant dilemma for Bay. As a member of the Directors Guild of America, he was obligated to ensure that any project under his direction adhered to safety protocols. “I could not condone anything they were doing,” Bay stated, reflecting on the pressure that could inadvertently push the athletes into danger. It took years for Bay’s legal team to develop a framework that allowed him to direct the documentary without directly influencing the stunts.
Documentary Production Challenges
Despite the obstacles, the collaboration between Bay and Storror eventually came to fruition, culminating in the premiere of We Are Storror at the SXSW Film & TV Festival. Taylor noted that the process was more challenging than Bay’s work on blockbuster films like Transformers.
Exploring the Depths of Risk
In creating the documentary, Bay aimed to delve into the psyche behind Storror’s risky endeavors. “We need to understand the why, because you’re playing with mortality,” he remarked, emphasizing the emotional context of their actions. Given the constraints on his involvement, he instructed Storror to “Shoot everything,” which resulted in capturing not just the stunts but also the extensive preparation that precedes them.
Capturing Realities and Risks
The film includes gripping footage from various locations across Europe, showcasing Storror’s daring urban explorations. A tragic event during filming, where a friend of the group faced a severe accident while performing a stunt, became a pivotal moment in the documentary, altering the team’s perspective on risk. Taylor reflected, “It’s not too far to say that it totally redefined our relationship to the sport.”
Reflections on Brotherhood and Change
As the group members navigate their evolving relationship with parkour, some reaffirm their commitment while others begin to reconsider their future. Bay contrasts this present introspection with footage of their youthful fearlessness, marking the documentary as a poignant farewell to an era of unparalleled athleticism. “This project marks the end of [Storror] being athletes who push the physical frontier of the sport,” Taylor expressed.
The Unbreakable Bond
Despite the shifts in their athletic careers, the camaraderie among the seven members of Storror remains a defining aspect of their journey. Taylor highlighted how their collective spirit alleviates the primal fear associated with their stunts. “It’s almost a bit of a magic trick,” he said, revealing the supportive dynamic that empowers them during risky challenges.
A Candid View Behind the Lens
For Bay, the experience of piecing together Storror’s adrenaline-charged footage was daunting, especially given his fear of heights. He humorously admitted, “I’m terrified of heights. I still get sick watching it!” This contrast between Bay’s perspective and the athletes’ fearlessness adds another layer of intrigue to the documentary, making We Are Storror a compelling exploration of risk, brotherhood, and the artistry of parkour.
