TRICOCI
Story of a daymaker
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 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
“Tricoci” 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.
production plan
Shooting Schedule Breakdown:
1 day at Tricoci Salons:
Capture Mario reconnecting with staff, greeting clients, and engaging in the daily rhythm of the salon environment. These vérité scenes will highlight his lasting impact on the brand and showcase authentic, unscripted moments that reflect his legacy in motion.
1 day at Tricoci University:
Focus on Mario’s interactions with students and faculty, emphasizing his role as an educator and mentor. This day will spotlight his passion for advancing the beauty industry through education and the empowering mission of the university that bears his name.
1 day at Mario’s Chicago Home
Film inside Mario’s iconic penthouse, capturing intimate moments like enjoying a coffee, exploring his wardrobe and home decor, and flipping through old photo albums. This provides a personal and reflective layer to the story, grounded in his home environment.
2 days in Chicago
Capture Mario’s presence and legacy as a Chicago icon. Highlights include a ceremonial City Council recognition, a special guest appearance at a local radio station, and a public moment of civic pride as he sings the 7th Inning Stretch at a Cubs game.
2 days with family and friends:
Follow Mario as he spends time with loved ones in natural, joyful settings whether it be on the golf course, at a family gathering, or dining out with close friends. These moments will reveal his warmth, humor, and values outside the public eye.
2 days in Italy:
Travel with Mario to his hometown in Calabria. Capture his emotional return to familiar streets, visits to local landmarks, and reflections at the site of his childhood home. These scenes will create powerful visual and narrative contrast with his life in America and serve as a symbolic thread connecting past to present.
3 days for interviews:
Conduct sit-down interviews with Mario, his family, friends, longtime collaborators, and industry peers. These interviews will serve as the backbone of the narrative, providing both insight and historical context.