TRICOCI

A FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

A story of craft, legacy, and the pursuit of excellence

Overview

This film is intended to explore the life and legacy of Mario Tricoci through a deeply human lens. More than a story about beauty or business, it is an immigrant story about building something meaningful through discipline, taste, and an unwavering respect for people.

At its core, the film would focus on identity, family, and the pursuit of excellence. It will examine how Mario carved his own path, the values that shaped him, and the impact those values continue to have today through his family, his brand, and the people he mentored.

The tone would be elegant, emotional, and reflective. Visually, the film could blend grounded verité storytelling with stylized elements, including watercolor inspired animation to bring key memories and formative moments to life. A classical and operatic score could help anchor the story in Mario’s heritage while elevating its emotional weight.

Narrative Approach

The story could be built around a small group of key voices:

  • Family and close collaborators

  • Stylists and students influenced by his work

  • Friends and peers who understand his journey

We would spend time inside salons and campuses, capturing the culture and philosophy that define the Tricoci name today. These present day moments could be interwoven with reflections on Mario’s early life, his immigration story, his relationship with his wife and family, and the defining decisions that shaped his career.

It would also be important to capture Mario in more personal settings. This includes time with friends and family on the golf course, during holidays, and at meaningful gatherings. These moments will help reveal who he is beyond his accomplishments and allow the audience to experience his warmth, humor, and presence.

To help establish his place within the fabric of Chicago, there may also be opportunities to capture him in more iconic settings, such as throwing a first pitch or participating in the 7th inning stretch at a Cubs game. These moments would celebrate his legacy in a way that feels both cinematic and authentic.

The goal would be to create something that feels intimate and honest, while also reflecting the broader impact of his life and work.

Production Approach

(One Possible Path)

Narrative Development (April – June)
Define story direction, identify key voices, and outline a production plan.

Production (Summer / Early Fall)
Approximately 10 days of filming across multiple environments:

  • Interviews with key storytellers

  • Salons and Tricoci University campuses

  • Time with family, friends, and personal archives

  • Lifestyle moments including golf, gatherings, and holidays

  • Potential travel to Italy

Story Edit (Fall – Winter)
Shape the narrative and develop a working cut.

Final Polish (Spring)
Refinement, music, animation, color, and final mix.

Festival Positioning (Next Year)
Allow the film the time it needs creatively and position it for a strong premiere the following year.

Budget Overview

Estimated Production Budget: $150,000
(Discounted from $250,000)

Illustrative Monthly Range: Approximately $12,500
(If spread across the full 12 month timeline)

This is intended to show how the project could be structured over time, with flexibility depending on scope and pacing.

Positioning

The goal would be to create a film that lives beyond the beauty industry.

A premiere at Venice could connect the story to Mario’s Italian roots and introduce it to an international audience. A Chicago premiere would bring the story home and celebrate his legacy in the city where it was built.

Taking a measured approach allows for a more thoughtful and elevated final film, maximizing both its creative impact and long term value.

Additional Consideration

I’ll be meeting with Steve Sarowitz of Wayfarer Studios on April 6. If there is alignment around the direction of the project, it could create an opportunity to explore his involvement in supporting the film’s positioning, marketing, and distribution.

There may also be an opportunity to build a thoughtful social and marketing layer around the film to expand its reach and impact. This could be supported through sponsorship and strategic partners rather than placing additional burden on the project itself.