David Pettit found himself in a remarkable situation while working on the set of “F1: The Movie”, a high-profile film featuring Brad Pitt as a former Formula One driver. As the senior vice president of marketing and business operations for the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), Pettit was tasked with guiding the production team during their filming at Daytona International Speedway (DIS). The collaboration between Hollywood filmmakers, including producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Joseph Kosinski, and motorsports professionals was aimed at capturing the thrill and authenticity of racing.
To kick off the movie, which explores Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, the production team sought to film his character competing in the prestigious Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. Given that both Daytona and IMSA are owned by the France family, Pettit successfully facilitated the filmmakers’ access to the racetrack, ensuring they could create a compelling portrayal of the sport. The team immersed themselves in the action during January 2024, spending weeks at DIS leading up to the race, where they utilized the expansive infield for their production setup.
One of the crucial aspects of the film is Hayes’ journey of redemption, showcasing his competitive spirit even as an older driver. Although the storyline includes him winning the Rolex 24, producers shifted their strategy to accommodate the integrity of the actual race, suggesting a partnership with a competing team that would allow for cinematic racing footage while maintaining the true essence of the event. Wright Motorsports, which entered a Porsche in the race, was selected for this collaboration.
Throughout the filming, authenticity was a priority. Pettit and the IMSA team worked closely with the filmmakers, emphasizing the need to realistically depict the racing world. There were moments of collaboration, such as the creative solution for capturing a pit stop sequence featuring Pitt, and even accommodating for fireworks shots that added visual impact to the film.
Moreover, some resistance arose when the production team wanted to film a victory lane celebration during the actual Rolex 24 race. Pettit, backed by Kelleher, emphasized the potential authenticity issue this posed, leading to a more realistic celebration sequence that aligned with the chaotic environment of a real motorsports victory lane.
As the collaboration came to a close, moments of camaraderie emerged. Brad Pitt expressed gratitude towards Kelleher for his contributions to ensuring the film portrayed racing accurately. The entire experience highlighted the powerful synergy between the world of film and motorsports, ultimately aiming to deliver a compelling story to audiences while honoring the motorsport culture.
The collaboration between the two industries showcases the potential for authentic storytelling, merging the thrill of racing with cinematic drama. With continued partnerships like these, audiences can expect more exciting narratives that celebrate the spirit of motorsports in the future.