In the world of motorsports, few films have generated as much buzz and controversy as “Track Days.” This ambitious project, first introduced to the public on the hit reality TV show “Shark Tank,” aimed to be the first movie ever filmed entirely using GoPro cameras. The creators, James LaVitola and Brian Pitt pitched their idea to the Sharks with great enthusiasm, seeking a whopping $ 5 million in exchange for a 34% equity stake in the production.
Despite their passion and unique approach, the Sharks were skeptical about the feasibility and profitability of the project, resulting in no deals made on the show. But what happened to “Track Days” after its appearance on Shark Tank? Did it manage to cross the finish line or did it crash before reaching its goal?
In this article, we delve into the journey of “Track Days” post-Shark Tank, exploring its challenges, triumphs, and the current status of this innovative film project. Whether you’re a motorsports enthusiast, a film lover, or just curious about the fascinating world of start-ups and business ventures, this story of ambition, innovation, and resilience is sure to captivate your interest.
What Is Track Days Movie: Review, Founders, and The Kickstarter Campaign
James Lavitola, famed for his daring feats in movies such as Fast and Furious, Transformers, and Friday Night Lights, teams up with Cliff Dorfman and Brian Pitt to breathe life into this high-speed, Fast Furious-themed cinematic venture.
This dynamic trio conceived a concept for what could be a blockbuster: a movie centered around the adrenaline-fueled world of motorcycle racing. Surprisingly, despite being the second most-watched sport in the United States, Nielsen ratings reveal no cinematic exploration of motorcycle racing. Track Days aims to fill this void.
To jumpstart their ambitious project, a Kickstarter campaign was launched to secure $ 2 million by April 29, 2013. Presently, they’ve gathered $ 1,009 in contributions. While Track Days has secured some sponsorships, there’s still a considerable distance to cover before reaching their fundraising target. The filmmakers are relying on the Sharks to propel them forward.
At the time of their Shark Tank pitch, Track Days was in its infancy, having only conceptualized a storyboard. Casting, scriptwriting, and production tasks were yet to commence. What prompted them to believe their approach would capture the attention of the Sharks remains unknown.
James Lavitola and Brian Pitt, distinguished stunt performers with credits in major films like Fast & Furious, bring their collective knowledge and expertise to the table.
What Do Users Think About Track Days Movie?
The movie’s theme, centered around the challenging lives of motorcycle riders, holds undeniable allure. The sheer dedication and hard work that these riders put into their craft could provide a gripping narrative for anyone interested in racing, particularly motorcycle racing [2]. The potential for an insider’s perspective, given LaVitola’s background as a stunt performer, could have elevated the movie’s authenticity, with him possibly serving as a capable creative director.
Adding another layer to the narrative, if Dorfman, the writer, incorporated romantic arcs, it could have widened the movie’s appeal to include those who enjoy the emotional resonance of love stories on the cinematic canvas.
While Track Days showcased promising themes, it was not without significant risks. The struggle to secure funding was a glaring challenge for the movie’s creators, and while that aspect could be overlooked, the absence of a finalized script posed a substantial obstacle. Investors, rightfully so, are hesitant to invest in a project lacking a compelling storyline, leading them to opt out swiftly.
The downfall of Track Days becomes evident in the aftermath of their Shark Tank appearance. The movie’s social media presence went silent, symbolizing a lack of progress. The duo’s failure to secure funding, coupled with the absence of a script and actors, sealed Track Days’ fate, relegating it to the shelf, never to see the light of day [3]. Despite its potential allure, the absence of key elements proved insurmountable for this promising project.
Pros:
- Innovative Concept: The “Track Days” movie project brings a fresh and innovative concept to the film industry by combining the thrilling world of racing with the drama of entrepreneurial endeavors. This unique blend of genres has the potential to attract a diverse audience, catering to both racing enthusiasts and fans of business-related narratives;
- Authentic Racing Experience: For racing enthusiasts, the promise of an authentic and immersive racing experience is a significant draw. The film’s focus on capturing the essence of high-speed racing, complete with realistic visuals and sound effects, could create a compelling cinematic experience that resonates with fans of the genre;
- Entrepreneurial Storyline: The entrepreneurial storyline, inspired by the challenges faced by the creators in bringing the movie to fruition, adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative. Viewers may find inspiration in the characters’ perseverance and problem-solving skills, making it more than just a racing film but also a tale of determination and success against the odds;
- Potential for Merchandising: With the popularity of racing-related merchandise, the “Track Days” movie project has the potential for lucrative merchandising opportunities. From branded racing gear to collectibles featuring characters from the film, this could become a significant revenue stream beyond the box office [4];
Cons:
- Niche Audience: While the unique concept is a strength, it could also be a potential challenge. The niche audience of racing enthusiasts might limit the film’s overall appeal, making it challenging to achieve blockbuster success. Striking the right balance between the racing experience and a broader narrative could be crucial for widespread audience engagement;
- Execution Challenges: Creating a movie that authentically captures the speed and intensity of racing poses significant technical challenges. The film’s success hinges on the effectiveness of CGI, cinematography, and sound design to transport viewers into the heart of the racing action. Any shortcomings in these areas could detract from the overall experience;
- Competitive Industry: The film industry is highly competitive, with audiences having diverse preferences. Competing with established franchises and blockbuster releases requires not only a compelling concept but also effective marketing and distribution strategies. The success of the “Track Days” movie project may depend on its ability to carve out a niche within the broader entertainment landscape;
- Balancing Storylines: Balancing the racing excitement with the entrepreneurial storyline could be a delicate task. Ensuring that both aspects receive adequate attention without overshadowing each other is crucial for maintaining viewer interest. A lack of cohesion between these elements could lead to a disjointed narrative that fails to resonate with audiences on either front;
The Pitch Of Track Days Movie At Shark Tank
James Lavitola and Brian Pitt confidently entered the Shark Tank, accompanied by an elegant brunette who trailed behind them, gracefully holding a large beach umbrella [5]. On the stage stood a prominent movie poster, and the woman approached it, sheltering the mannequin adorned in a racing outfit beneath the umbrella.
The poster featured the names of all the Sharks, listed under the title of executive producers. With a bold pitch, the duo revealed their intention to secure a $ 5 million investment, prompting a surprised reaction from Kevin, in exchange for a 30% equity in their production, Track Days.
Brian began explaining that Track Days is a full-length action movie, but before he could delve into details, Mark swiftly declared his disinterest and exited the deal. Undeterred, Brian continued, emphasizing that the movie revolved around the motorcycle world championship. However, Mark persisted in his decision to bow out, prompting a sarcastic remark from Robert.
Brian, determined, reiterated the focus on motorcycle championship competition, highlighting the combination of one of the highest-grossing movie genres with the second-most watched sport globally. Despite skeptical looks, the pitch continued.
To visually entice the Sharks, a teaser trailer was presented. The trailer began dramatically with the text, “One man must race to save his family,” accompanied by intense music and vehicle sounds. However, the trailer lacked actors and scenes, relying heavily on text with subpar animations. Barbara and Robert expressed disappointment, questioning if that was the entirety of their presentation. Mark, finding amusement in the situation, casually picked at the popcorn.
Kevin, incredulous, asked whether they were seeking $ 5 million to produce a movie. James acknowledged Kevin’s skepticism about filmmaking but assured the Sharks that Brian, with his expertise, would structure a deal in which they, as investors, would be the house, always winning. Intrigued, Robert sought clarification, prompting James to signal Brian to elaborate.
Brian outlined their approach, describing the movie as a packaged product with efficient distribution and foreign sales. Mark, still unconvinced, inquired about the effectiveness, to which Brian confidently asserted both efficiency and sufficiency. However, when questioned about the script, Brian admitted they had only a story and a storyboard, with the script still in progress.
Attempting to alleviate concerns, James presented their unconventional strategy, arguing against the traditional method of having a complete script and actor before seeking funding. Brian explained that, as insiders, they planned to structure a deal where no money would be spent until foreign and domestic sales, deals, and product placements were secured. He likened the film industry to a “Chicken before the Egg” business, emphasizing the calculated risk that would minimize the Sharks’ potential losses.
Despite their assurances, skepticism persisted among the Sharks. Barbara pressed for information on their backgrounds. Brian revealed his 12 years in the industry, including seven as the head of physical production for an indie company that produced eight feature-length films, grossing $ 200,000,000 [6]. He cited his involvement in producing films like “Mr. Brooks” and “Waiting.” James, with a background in Broadway, expressed his passion for motorcycles and the desire to see more films centered around them.
However, Robert questioned their readiness, highlighting the absence of a script, actors, or a producer. James and Brian reiterated their confidence in their approach, emphasizing the minimal risk to the Sharks. Mark, Daymond, and Kevin, one by one, bowed out, citing various concerns and doubts about the viability of the project.
Barbara expressed her apprehension about funding a film that would scare her teenage son, ultimately opting out. Robert, the last remaining Shark, expressed his inability to invest without tangible progress on the project.
As James and Brian left the Shark Tank, Mark humorously likened their pitch to a familiar scam email from Nigeria, eliciting laughter from the remaining Sharks.
Track Days Movie After The Shark Tank
Despite facing disappointment in the Shark Tank, James and Brian exhibited resilience by launching a Kickstarter campaign immediately after their episode aired. The aim was to raise $ 2 million, a sum that would facilitate the progression of their project, enabling them to hire actors and develop a script. Unfortunately, despite the publicity garnered from their Shark Tank appearance, their Kickstarter campaign fell significantly short, only managing to secure $ 11,180 from 16 backers.
This led to an early cancellation on May 15, 2013, less than a month after its initiation. The reasons for the cancellation were not explicitly stated, with their Kickstarter updates page merely stating, “Project Is Canceled”.
In terms of their current endeavors, a glimpse into James’s professional life via LinkedIn reveals that he is currently serving as a Master Financial Coach at Ramsey Solutions, a financial consulting company he founded in February 2018. Additionally, he holds the position of National Accounts Director at Coeur d’Alene Wood, a role he has been engaged in since 2016.
Furthermore, he serves as the President of King James Enterprise and Scoopwave, both entities based in the Greater Los Angeles area. Before these roles, James worked as the Director of Operations at Stout Burgers and Beers.
Brian, on the other hand, is listed as the President of Vision Film Services on his LinkedIn page. This position has been held since 2005, suggesting that he was with the production company during the time of the Shark Tank episode. Before this, Brian held the role of Head of Physical Production at Elements Film from January 2005 to January 2009.
The Net Worth Of Track Days Movie
It’s important to note that the actual net worth of a movie can vary greatly depending on factors such as box office sales, distribution deals, merchandise sales, and other sources of revenue. Since these details about “Track Days” are not publicly available, it’s difficult to provide an accurate estimate of its net worth.
Alternatives To Track Days Movie:
- “The Hitch-Hiker” (1953): A film noir about two fishermen who pick up a psychotic escaped convict;
- “The Great Race” (1965): This comedy is loosely based on the actual 1908 New York to Paris Race;
- “Bullitt” (1968): Starring Steve McQueen, this film features one of the most famous car chase scenes in film history;
- “Le Mans” (1971): Another Steve McQueen film, “Le Mans” puts viewers in the driver’s seat of an endurance race;
- “The Last American Hero” (1973): Based on the true story of NASCAR driver Junior Johnson;
- “Days of Thunder” (1990): A fast-paced drama about a talented, young race car driver, played by Tom Cruise, trying to make it in the NASCAR world;
- “Senna” (2010): This documentary tells the story of Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna, who won the F1 world championship three times before his death at age 34;
- “Ford v Ferrari” (2019): Based on a true story, this film follows American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles as they build a revolutionary race car for Ford to challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966;
FAQ:
- What Shark Tank episode is Track Days?
Track Days was featured in the 24th episode of the 4th season of Shark Tank.
- Is Shark Tank scripted at all?
While the entrepreneurs are prepared for their presentations, the interactions, negotiations, and decisions made on Shark Tank are not scripted.
- Is Shark Tank filmed in one day?
No, filming for a season of Shark Tank usually spans several days.
- Is Shark Tank unscripted?
Yes, Shark Tank is largely unscripted. While some editing occurs for time constraints and flow, the negotiations and decisions are real.
- What is the biggest Shark Tank success story?
One of the biggest success stories from Shark Tank is Scrub Daddy, a company that has generated over $ 200 million in sales since appearing on the show.
- Who has made the most money from Shark Tank?
Mark Cuban has reportedly made the most money from his investments on Shark Tank.
- Is Shark Tank still in business?
Yes, as of 2023, Shark Tank is still producing new episodes.
- How many billionaires are in Shark Tank?
As of 2023, there are three billionaires on Shark Tank: Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, and Kevin O’Leary.
- Who is the richest woman on Shark Tank?
The richest woman on Shark Tank is Lori Greiner, with a net worth estimated at over $ 100 million.
- How much does a Shark Tank cost?
If you’re referring to appearing on the show, there is no cost for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to the Sharks. However, if a deal is made, the Sharks usually require an equity stake in the business.
Useful Video: Mark Cuban’s Quickest “I’m Out” Moment
References:
- https://www.sharktankblog.com/business/track-days-the-movie/
- https://seoaves.com/track-days-movie-shark-tank-update/
- https://gazettereview.com/track-days-update-happened-shark-tank/
- https://seriosity.com/track-days-shark-tank/
- https://www.sharktanksuccess.com/track-days-movie/
- https://allsharktankproducts.com/shark-tank-products-arts/track-days-racing-movie/
- https://kirktaylor.com/track-days-tank-pitch-after-update/
- https://www.sj-r.com/story/business/2014/09/23/the-12-worst-shark-tank/36268891007/