Michael Bay’s Intricate Journey into Parkour with ‘We Are Storror’

The Conceptualization of a Documentary

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, filmmaker Michael Bay received a compelling proposal from Drew Taylor, a member of the renowned U.K. parkour group, Storror. The collective, celebrated for their daring stunts across urban landscapes, sought to collaborate with Bay for a documentary detailing their lives and the risks inherent to their art form.

From Action Films to Real-Life Stunts

Bay, known for his high-octane action films, was intrigued by the proposition. He likened the athletes’ performing talents to that of professional sports figures, emphasizing the immense pressure they face with each leap and stunt. “Imagine you’re a basketball player in the NBA, and every single basket you throw up, you have to shoot them all,” he remarked, highlighting the stakes involved in Storror’s performances.

The Paradox of Directing Extreme Sports

Despite his keen interest, Bay faced a significant challenge due to his responsibilities as a member of the Directors Guild of America. He recognized that Storror’s approach—eschewing safety harnesses for authenticity—raised concerns about the potential dangers involved. “I could not condone anything they were doing,” he confessed, aware of the liability his involvement could create.

Legal Hurdles and Safety Concerns

The complexity of the project necessitated a careful legal approach for Bay before he could proceed with directing. “This deal was harder to pull off than ‘Transformers,’” Taylor remarked, underscoring Bay’s resolve to ensure the crew’s safety. Eventually, Bay and the Storror team devised a strategy that allowed the documentary to be filmed under strict safety protocols.

Premiere and Audience Reception

On the eve of its premiere at the SXSW Film & TV Festival, Bay expressed his eagerness to finally share “We Are Storror” with an audience. “This is a full movie here, and I hope it’s emotional,” he stated, anticipating the audience’s reaction to the film, marking a new chapter in his storytelling career.

Exploring the Depths of Risk and Brotherhood

Storror’s dynamic—including the bonds between the two sets of brothers and three close friends—served as an ideal subject for Bay. The documentarian aimed not only to showcase their thrilling exploits but also to delve into the underlying motivations for their extreme behaviors. Bay emphasized the importance of understanding the emotional connections tied to their high-risk stunts, stating, “We need to understand the why, because you’re playing with mortality.”

The Reality of Filming Stunts

Due to the constraints on his involvement, Bay encouraged the Storror team to capture every aspect of their journey. Taylor explained, “Where we would stop recording is where the documentary picks up,” noting that the interactive, behind-the-scenes preparation is often the most compelling aspect for their audience. This included the meticulous planning and risk assessments necessary before embarking on their stunts.

Impactful Moments Captured on Film

As filming commenced across various European locations, the group faced an unforeseen tragedy when a close friend suffered a severe accident during a stunt in Portugal. Taylor reflected on how this event changed their perception of risk in their sport, stating, “It totally redefined our relationship to the sport, and definitely our relationship to risk.”

Reflections on Their Journey

As they navigate their feelings about the incident, “We Are Storror” explores the evolving perspectives of the team members as they grapple with the implications of their sport. With an eye toward the future, Taylor remarked on this project marking an end of an era for Storror as elite athletes, while still affirming the camaraderie that continues to bind them.

Conclusion: The Enduring Spirit of Storror

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, the connection between the seven members remains steadfast. Reflecting on their shared experiences, Taylor described the empowering dynamic of the group as a “weird force field,” which enhances their collective confidence. In contrast, Bay humorously acknowledged his own fear of heights, highlighting the personal risks involved in viewing their intense footage.