TRICOCI

a feature documentary

LOGLINE

An immigrant armed with a pair of shears and a dream, Mario Tricoci transformed the beauty industry from the ground up — “Tricoci” is a powerful documentary portrait of a world-class hairstylist, visionary entrepreneur, and mentor who redefined what it means to make someone’s day.

synopsis

"Tricoci" 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 outside Naples, 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.

"Tricoci" follows Mario as he reflects on his storied career — from cutting hair in his basement 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 cinematic reenactments, 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.

While not a true sizzle, this video shines a light on Mario Tricoci and the impact he’s had on the beauty industry. The idea to produce a documentary about his life came from this project.

STYLE + TONE

“Tricoci” blends vérité realism with stylized cinematic storytelling to create a rich, emotionally resonant viewing experience.

Present-Day Footage

  • Intimate and observational: capturing Mario in his element — laughing with old friends, walking the halls of his salons, mentoring students, or hitting the golf course.

  • Visually rich locations: the texture of Italy’s countryside, the sleek modernism of his flagship salons, the energy of Tricoci University classrooms.

STYLIZED ANIMATION

  • Key moments from Mario’s past are reimagined through custom animation that evokes memory and emotion.

  • The animation style will be elegant and expressive — inspired by fashion illustration, editorial line art, and classic Italian design.

  • Moments like sweeping a barbershop floor in Italy, arriving in America for the first time, and competing in international hairstyling championships will be brought to life through visual metaphor and aesthetic abstraction rather than literal realism.

Archival

  • Rare photographs, home video, and press clippings will be woven in to ground the story in historical context.

Overall Aesthetic

  • A warm, sophisticated color palette: earthy tones from Italy, sleek whites and golds from the salons, natural textures from Mario’s personal world.

  • Inspired by editorial photography and the craftsmanship of high fashion — bringing beauty and substance together in every frame.

STORY + TIMELINE

ACT I: Roots & Rise

Themes: Aspiration, identity, resilience, reinvention

  • Childhood in postwar Italy: A modest upbringing in Calabria. Mario discovers beauty through simplicity and craftsmanship.

  • First steps into hairstyling: Apprenticeship, early passion, the start of a calling.

  • Immigration to America: Mario arrives in Chicago with a dream but little else. Culture shock, long hours, and hustle in a new land.

  • Blending traditions: Mario refines his skills by fusing Italian artistry with American trends, setting himself apart in the salon scene.

Emotional Hook: The immigrant dream begins to unfold — not through luck, but precision, perseverance, and passion.

ACT II: The Artist Becomes a Brand

Themes: Innovation, love, ambition, transformation

  • Mastery and acclaim: National and international competitions catapult Mario to the global stage.

  • Love & legacy: Enters a lifelong partnership with Cheryl — a love story and business alliance.

  • Creative breakthroughs: Sets trends, elevates the role of hairstylist from service provider to artist.

  • Building the Tricoci empire: The launch of his iconic salons and spas; redefines the customer experience.

  • Pioneering professionalism: Raises industry standards, mentors stylists, and reshapes public perception of beauty work.

Emotional Hook: The brand becomes more than a business — it becomes a movement rooted in elegance, innovation, and care.

ACT III: Legacy in Motion

Themes: Reflection, mentorship, loss, impact

  • Founding Tricoci University: Education as empowerment. Mario gives back by creating paths for others.

  • Philanthropy & advocacy: His commitment to community, mentorship, and inclusivity.

  • Cheryl’s passing: Personal heartbreak woven into a larger story of love, gratitude, and resilience.

  • Present-day reflections: Revisiting salons, students, and milestones.

  • Enduring legacy: Mario’s influence lives on in every stylist, every cut, every dreamer who believes beauty has power.

Emotional Hook: What began as one man’s dream has become a living, breathing legacy — built to last, and still evolving.

DAYMAKER

PODCAST

We plan to collaborate with Tricoci University to amplify the film’s reach, including leveraging their DayMaker Podcastas a platform for behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and audience engagement.

This partnership will help connect the film to the next generation of beauty professionals while honoring the educational legacy at the heart of Mario’s story.