daymaker

A FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

& SOCIAL ECOSYSTEM TREATMENT

Beauty, Legacy, and Education

synopsis

"Daymaker" explores the extraordinary life and legacy of Mario Tricoci — an immigrant dreamer turned beauty icon who transformed an industry and empowered generations of artists to follow in his footsteps.

Born in a small village Calabria, Mario began his journey with a pair of shears and a passion for craftsmanship. After immigrating to the United States as a teenager, he honed his skills in the heart of Chicago, eventually building one of the most recognized salon empires in the country. The film traces his rise from modest beginnings to the global stage, where his signature techniques and commitment to excellence earned him acclaim as a world-class hairstylist and visionary entrepreneur.

We follow Mario as he reflects on his storied career — from sweeping floors in a small barber shop in Italy to creating a brand that would define beauty for decades. We travel with him as he revisits the salons he helped build, reconnects with longtime collaborators, and revisits key moments that shaped his path: winning international hair competitions, pioneering the day spa concept, and founding Tricoci University to elevate the next generation of beauty professionals.

Through intimate interviews, rare archival footage, and immersive storytelling, the documentary captures Mario’s influence not only on style and trends, but on the cultural perception of beauty itself. More than a biography, "Tricoci" is a celebration of artistry, resilience, and reinvention — a tribute to a man who never stopped believing in the power of making someone’s day.

STYLE + TONE

“Daymaker” combines vérité realism with stylized cinematic storytelling to create a rich and emotionally resonant viewing experience.

Present-Day Footage

The approach will be intimate and observational, capturing Mario in his element. We will see him laughing with old friends, walking through his salons, mentoring students, or relaxing on the golf course.

The visuals will feature striking locations including the textured countryside of Italy, the sleek modern design of his flagship salons, and the energetic environment of Tricoci University classrooms.

Animation

Instead of traditional cinematic reenactments, we will use a sophisticated, flowing animation style inspired by the spirit of the "sono io" t-shirts. This animated treatment will bring pivotal moments from Mario’s early life and his rise in the beauty industry to life in a unique and artistic way.

The fluid motion and brushstroke aesthetics will reflect the vibrancy of Mario’s journey and express the emotional highs and lows that shaped his story.

Archival

Rare photographs, home videos, and press clippings will be interwoven throughout the film. These materials will ground the narrative in historical context and add depth to the personal moments we explore on screen.

Social Content Strategy

Social content is built around three interconnected pillars. Transformation, education, and mentorship. Together, these create emotional resonance, repeat engagement, and broad sponsor appeal.

Core Social Series

  1. Daymakers Makeovers
    Stylists perform services for individuals navigating difficult life moments such as grief, transition, or burnout. Each episode documents the before and after visually and emotionally. The focus is not beauty as vanity but beauty as care and dignity.

  2. Beauty for Real Life
    Short educational segments that demystify professional techniques for everyday people. These pieces are practical, accessible, and highly evergreen, encouraging saving, sharing, and repeat viewing.

  3. Mentorship Moments
    Clips of Mario interacting with students and stylists at Tricoci University. These moments reinforce legacy, education, and the belief that knowledge should be passed forward.

  4. Behind the Brand
    Observational content inside salons, classrooms, and creative spaces that contextualizes the culture Mario built and the standards he upheld.

Release Strategy

The film targets a Venice Film Festival premiere followed by a Chicago International Film Festival screening. A transactional release follows during Christmas 2027 alongside Santa, positioning both as emotionally resonant, feel good seasonal content.

Key Timing Framework

Festival Targets: Venice 2027, Chicago International Film Festival 2027
Target Release: Christmas 2027

  • Vertical Development
    Q2 2026
    Story access, archival research, and creative planning

  • Social Phase 1
    Q3 2026
    6 to 8 weeks of transformation and education driven content

  • Premium Content Development
    Q3 2026
    Narrative structure and production planning locked

  • Premium Content Production
    Q4 2026
    Short focused production capturing salons, education, and interviews

  • Social Phase 2
    Q4 2026 to Q1 2027
    Educational content and behind the scenes

  • Premium Content Post Production
    Q1 to Q3 2027
    Edit, animation, sound, and festival finishing

  • Sponsorship and Merchandise
    Q3 2026 through Q4 2027
    Education and brand aligned sponsorships

  • Premium Content Release
    December 2027
    Aligned with Santa for feel good seasonal viewing

  • Social Phase 3
    Q1 2028 onward
    Evergreen education and inspiration content