DAYMAKER

a feature documentary

An immigrant armed with a pair of shears and a dream, Mario Tricoci transformed the beauty industry from the ground up — “Daymaker” 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

"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 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.

"Daymaker" 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 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” 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.

Cinematic Reenactments

  • Tasteful, emotionally-driven recreations of key moments from Mario’s early life and rise to prominence.

  • Shot in a stylized, elevated tone — inspired by prestige biopics and classic Italian cinema — to evoke memory, emotion, and time.

  • Scenes include: Mario as a young boy sweeping a barbershop in Italy, his arrival in America, backstage at international competitions, and the early days of building his business with his wife by his side.

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

Part I

We open in Chicago, where Mario revisits the iconic salons that still carry his name. He reconnects with stylists, clients, and former coworkers — each interaction a small but meaningful exchange that reflects Mario’s lifelong mission: to be a daymaker.

In between these vibrant visits, we join Mario on the golf course with his brother and at home with his children and grandchildren. As they share memories and laughs, Mario begins to reflect on the arc of his life — from his humble beginnings in a small Italian village to immigrating to America, discovering his passion for hair, and building a brand that would forever change the beauty industry.

Animated sequences bring to life Mario’s earliest memories: sweeping salon floors, winning competitions, and the thrill of opening his first salon. But what shines through isn’t just his success — it’s his belief that the role of a stylist is to uplift, empower, and connect. To make someone feel seen. To make their day.

Part II

The story shifts to Tricoci University, where Mario meets with students, visits classrooms, and judges a student competition. This chapter focuses on mentorship, education, and Mario’s passion for education. But it also opens a window into his heart: his deep love for Cheryl, his late wife and philanthropic partner. Through personal stories and animated recollections, we explore their partnership — in life, in business, and in giving back.

Their shared belief in lifting others up — whether through a kind word or a life-changing opportunity — becomes the emotional anchor of the film.

Part III

In the final act, we join Mario at his home in Arizona. The pace slows. The colors soften. The world gets quiet.

Here, Mario reflects on his life’s journey and the loss of Cheryl. He speaks candidly about grief, aging, and the enduring question of what it all means. But even in stillness, his purpose is clear: to keep making days — even if only for his family, his students, or the stranger who recognizes him at the grocery store.

Using expressive hand-drawn animation, we drift between past and present — visualizing cherished memories, dreams, and moments that words alone cannot capture. The film closes not with a goodbye, but with a gentle reminder: that kindness, intention, and presence — the essence of being a daymaker — is what lasts.