Film-maker John launches bikers’ channel

Jenny Tinmouth - local film maker John Matthews launches new online channel "Speed on a Shoestring".

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LOCAL film maker John Matthews has launched his own brand new online motor-cycling channel this week.

John, from Uppermill directed the ITV film “Joey – the Man Who Conquered the TT” which aired last night on ITV4

He decided to launch the new internet channel the same day — during TT week which sees thousands of avid bikers descend on the Isle of Man for the TT Races.

John said: “There are 40,000 motor-cycling fans on the Isle of Man this week and a whole lot more who would like to be there so it struck me as being the perfect week to launch the channel.

“Also, one of my films was on the telly on June 9 so what better time?”

The new show, which is produced entirely for the internet, is presented by former British Champion Jamie Whitham, who also presents Superbikes on BSKYB, and Jenny Tinmouth, who holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest woman to lap the TT.

John said: “The programme is all about having fun on motor-bikes. We already have a massive following on the internet and we need as many people to go to as possible tomorrow.”

Bigger Picture decided to launch the new show immediately after John’s ITV film was shown on TV.

John said: “I’m very excited about this new venture as it puts us directly in contact with our own audience. I’m a keen motor-cyclist myself doing some competing on classic bikes. This is a programme for motor-cyclists made by motor-cyclists, and you can tell.”

Jamie added: “What I like about the show is we can do whatever we want, and we are free to have fun. I like working with these guys and they make excellent films. You can already see it’s going to be very popular.”

“Speed on a Shoestring” has been financed by crowd funding, where members of the public invest as much or as little money as they like and in exchange are offered various perks as the project grows.

John said: “What this means is ordinary people have put their hands in their pockets to have something made that they are genuinely interested in which makes this series quite unique. A lot of people have invested into this and you can feel the anticipation. I’m extremely humbled by their generosity. We have been selling T-shirts, posters, stickers and party tickets to get this thing going and I have loved every minute of it so far.”

Speed on a Shoestring was launched at 11.30pm on June 9.

Visit the channel at www.speedonashoestring.com