The Story
The Last Motorcycle on Earth is a narrative film about a vintage motorcycle collector and bike builder, Conrad Mendel, as he grapples with a new world of technology that threatens to destroy his passion and way of life.
After spending a lifetime collecting, racing, and building motorcycles, Conrad watches as the United States seems poised to turn away from a culture of individual freedom– the right and ability to travel anywhere, anytime– to one where passengers ride in a robot vehicles, trusting in technology to safely carry them to a destination.
After the Supreme Court decides that the Constitution does not guarantee us the right to own private, petroleum-powered vehicles the clock starts ticking toward an outright ban on motorcycles and eventually all human-driven transportation.
This film was devised by looking at authoritarian governments around the world and their real-world actions against motorcycles– banning them inside major Chinese cities, laws against customizing motorcycles in Singapore– and many others. Researching the rapid shift from horse-drawn to motorized transportation in the early 1900s it is clear that a tipping point for long-established forms of transportation– and even entire cultures– can be reached very quickly. The current wave of news about self-driving and autonomous cars is impossible to ignore.
Background
Our current youth culture is largely focused on virtual experiences rather than the tangible, physical stuff past generations were drawn to– in this case, motorcycles, cars and expression of personal freedom through travel. More young people than ever are deciding against getting a driver's license and interest in ownership of vehicles by that group is at an all-time low. It is said that the last person to receive a driver's license has already been born.
We love the culture of motorcycles and vintage automobiles- they've been a part of our lives for as long as we can remember. There is a major cultural shift, maybe even a culture war, on the horizon– as the world's vehicles go electric and autonomous. Is this symbolic of something larger?
The story of The Last Motorcycle on Earth explores what happens if room is not left for motorcycles and vintage vehicles in new transportation systems across the world. What happens to people who have built their lives around motorcycling? What happens when technological and culture shifts are pushed by tech companies, government leaders and court decisions?
Our story– told through the lives of a few characters– look at these issues and many more. We want this series to start a conversation and act as a cautionary tale, reminding us that the things we value can't be taken for granted. Plus, we think its very entertaining. Although we are, of course, partial.
Why We Need You Now
This film is not something that corporate America would back. It's too controversial and too suspicious of the motivations of those who wish to see a fully autonomous world. This is a fully indie effort.
We need your support as we raise funds to produce The Last Motorcycle on Earth. the first hour is complete– and sets up the world, the characters, and the basics of the story.
