It’s Bikes, Camera, Action! for Female Moviemakers

The open road has long been at the center of Hollywood films and road movies are showing no sign of decline with everything from College Road Trip to Wild Hogs hitting theaters in the past two years. Even in this age of inflated gas prices, audiences find themselves captivated by the ability of the open road to stimulate untouched dreams and desires, create hope when all is lost and promise a freedom that knows no boundaries. Sometimes, there’s just no better feeling than having your hair dancing in the wind as you careen down a vast, desolate and seemingly endless highway… or watching that on screen.

The Harley-Davidson company is looking to recapture that incredible feeling in the form of their Bikes, Camera, Action! contest. In the same way that the open road compels many to take a chance on opportunity, Harley-Davidson’s women’s outreach manager, Leslie Prevish, feels there is a force driving “moviemakers to share their unique experiences and visions to continually inspire others.”

This contest isn’t for everyone, however. An exclusive prospect for women, the creators behind Bikes, Camera, Action! want females to get behind the handlebars, embrace their independence and conquer that expanse of gravel usually dominated by men.

“This is a unique opportunity for women to showcase their talent, share their stories or to explore a new and exciting sport while inspiring other women to get into motorcycling,” says Prevish.

From now until September 30th, 2008, female moviemakers can submit a two-minute film about women riders. When evaluating each film, the judges will be looking for the following criteria: Originality, quality of moviemaking and how well the film embodies the theme of inspiring women to embrace the sport of motorcycling. The film must also feature a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, whether a close-up of a picture or the real deal. Only one winner will be selected to receive the grand prize of $5,000, a new high-definition video camera, a Harley-Davidson leather jacket and the opportunity to screen their film at a premiere party in Los Angeles.

“We’re looking for someone who is able to bring that spirit [of the open road] to life in an original way,” explains Prevish. Though she believes fully capturing the essence of female riders will be one of the most difficult challenges for the participants, Prevish is confident that “once female moviemakers pick up their cameras, they’ll find themselves inspired, and that will translate into fantastic entries.”

For additional information, check out the contest Website at www.bikescameraaction.tv.