A short documentary that examines the rapidly decreasing presence of women bodybuilders at muscle contests.
WE REACHED OUR GOAL! Thanks so much to all our wonderful donors! Donations are still welcome and will go towards entrance fees for film festivals once the movie is completed.
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"Cutting Up" is a phrase within bodybuilding culture that refers to when a competitor works to shed body fat and increase muscle definition. The bodybuilder's dedication to such practices is extreme - muscle hardness and symmetry are coveted features when you want to catch the eyes of the judges.
However, that's not all that women competitors have to worry about in professional contests. They are also judged on their hair, make up, and overall "femininity." The criteria for judging such factors often is unknown and varies contest to contest. This film will explore the unique challenges that exist for women bodybuilders and muscle competitors by exposing such double standards. Throughout the film, we examine the fact that fewer and fewer women bodybuilders are competing.
We've asked several women competitors - a retired champion, a bodybuilder, and a figure competitor (a less muscular division) - to reflect on the current state of the sport, especially in regards to rumored threats by the presence of the Bikini Division. Women are entering into this division in droves, which requires the appearance of a lean body with no muscle definition. This documentary focuses on this trend towards less-muscled women at muscle competitions to understand where the future of bodybuilding for women lies.
Cutting Up seeks to examine the feminization of muscular women to further celebrate the choices and commitments of female bodybuilders dedicated to the intense lifestyle. All the competitors featured have shared stories and insight we can't wait to show you.
Producer: Ryan Metzler
Director/Co-Producer/Sound Recordist: Veronica Pinkham
Cinematographer: Kyle Scoble
Camera Assistants/Grips: Ruby Paiva and Megan Boaglio
Additional Cinematography/Editor: Zack Windheim
FAQ
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31
Backers
$850
pledged of $700 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Nov 27, 2011 -
Dec 27, 2011
(30 days)
- First created · 3 backed
- Has not connected Facebook
- Website: youtube.com
Pledge $10 or more
5 backers
THE BENCH PRESS - Your name in the movie!: you will be thanked in the end credits of the film.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $15 or more
4 backers
BULKING UP - Not only will your name appear in the end credits, but you will also receive a Hi-Res digital download of the completed film.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $20 or more
10 backers
PUMPING IRON - In addition to your name in the end credits and a digital download of the film, you will also get a DVD copy of the movie with special features (extended interviews with competitors, insight from the director and crew, and a deeper look into a Muscle Beach competition).
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $30 or more
3 backers
SHREDDED - You will have your name in the end credits, a digital download of the film, a DVD copy including special features, and a poster from the film's premiere at Occidental College, signed by the crew.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $40 or more
4 backers
MR./MS. OLYMPIA - In addition to all previous rewards, you will also receive a hand-written invitation to see Cutting Up screen alongside a collection of senior film projects at their premiere in Thorne Hall at Occidental College, April 2012.
Estimated delivery: May 2012
