Shannon Vandivier is a filmmaker and photographer who directed the recently released Youtube series following the inaugural Life Time Grand Prix, Call of a Life Time. His production company, Cold Collaborative, has worked with brands like YETI, Smith Optics, and Orange Seal to create award-winning movies about the outdoor industry, including Payson’s 2019 White Rim FKT project, Standing Man.
In this interview, he tells Payson about growing up chasing tornadoes with his photojournalist dad and learning to shoot on a film camera at the age of six. He talks about the importance of constructing a story, no matter what the subject matter of a project is, and why he was so eager to create a series that makes gravel as compelling and character-driven as Drive to Survive has done for Formula One. They talk about the unique challenge of filming off-road cycling, including terrain, speed, safety, and interviewing athletes during some of the most hectic moments of their careers. They also talk about the feedback they’ve received from viewers, and how he plans to adapt the series in the upcoming season.

Instagram: @withpacepod
YouTube: Payson McElveen