2007 assignments
BECKONING SILENCE
TV 90 minute feature film - following on from the success of "Touching the Void" Darlow Smithson Productions and C4 joined forces and produced a film based on Joe Simpson's book "Beckoning Silence". The film is substantially about the dramatic North Face of the Eiger and the action follows a particular harrowing accident in 1936 involving the tragic death of Kurz, Hinterstoisser, Angerer and Rainer
Starring Joe Simpson plus Swiss guides: Roger Schali, Andreas Abegglen, Simon Anthamatten, Cyrille Berthod
Made by Darlow Smithson Production, London
Shot in HDV
Filmed around and on the Eiger above Grindelwald , Switzerland during March and April 2007
Director / Producer - Louise Osmond
Exec Producer - John Smithson
DOP - Jeremy Hewson
Climbing Camera - Keith Partridge
1st - Olly Robinson
Line Producer - Emma Parsons
Location - Ady Ryf
Production Designer - Erica Okvist
Sound - Olly Astles-Jones
Film & Mountain provided:
Glacier & Climbing safety logistics
N face of Eiger logistics and helicopter operations
Period climbing action & rigging including fall sequences
Cast & Crew safety on glaciers and around cliffs
Action / Script advice
Crew training
Risk Assessment
Location finding
Climbing stunt coordination
Clothing and props advice and sourcing
Location still photography
Hire of Equipment
Organizing personnel -
Swiss guides - Roger Schali, Andreas Abegglen, Simon Anthamatten, Cyrille Berthod & Hansreuedi Gertsch
UK guides - Brian Hall, Paul Moores, Dave Cuthbertson & Rory Gregory
JACK OSBOURNE - ADRENALINE JUNKIE
Jack mentors a 5-person team whilst Leo Houlding tries to teach them Slacklining in spectacular locations. Based in the adrenaline capital of the world, Queenstown , New Zealand .
Starring Jack Osbourne and Leo Houlding
Made by Ginger Productions, London for C4
Filmed around Queenstown , New Zealand in March 2007
Exec Prod - Ed Stobart
Series Prod - Craig Pickles
Prod / Dir - Jon Turner
Producer - Amber Ronowicz
Dop - Daniel Bishop
Sound Dan Clarke
NZ guides / mountain logistics: Dave McLeod & Geoff Hunt
UK guide: Brian Hall
Film and Mountain provided:
Rigging expertise for slacklining
Location safety
Crew and team training
Risk Assessments
Liaison with NZ guides
Advise on clothing and equipment.
Location still photography
ULTIMATE ROCK CLIMB
Elite and extrovert climber Tim Emmett takes novice and "Watchdog" presenter Julia Bradbury on a journey to climb three iconic rock climbs in England, Wales and Scotland between mid April and mid May. Filmed for a BBC 1 hour special. Julia starts a complete beginner on "Commando Ridge" on the north coast of Cornwall then gains experience on "Crackstone Rib" in Llanberis Pass , Snowdonia before the ultimate challenge, reaching the summit of the impressive sea stack, "The Old Man of Stoer" off the NW coast of Scotland .
Starring Julia Bradbury and Tim Emmett
Made by Darlow Smithson Productions for BBC 1
On location in Cornwall , Llanberis Pass and NW Highlands
Exec Prod - Sarah Swingler
Prod / Dir - Paul Copeland (Amelia Hann in Cornwall )
AP - Gemma Chapman
Dop - Mike Carling
Climbing Camera - Ben Pritchard
Sound - Geoff Price
UK guide: Brian Hall, Paul Moores, Rory Gregory and Dave Cuthbertson
Film and Mountain provided:
Rigging and logistics on the cliffs
Action and program advice
Location safety for crew and cast
Crew and team training
Risk Assessments
Advise on clothing and equipment.
Equipment Hire
SITUATION CRITICAL - MT HOOD
A National Geographic doc on an accident that occurred on Mt Hood in 2002. Three separate parties were attempting to climb the peak. The first team reached the summit but then whilst descending slipped. They slid out of control on the steep snow and hit the second and third parties. Bodies and ropes entangled and most fell into a crevasse at the bottom of the slope. 3 were killed the rest survived but during the rescue one of the emergency helicopters crashed.
Made by Darlow Smithson for National Geographic
On location on the dormant volcano Mt Hood (3429 m), Oregon , USA in May 07
Shot on Sony HDW 750p
Director / Producer - Russell Eatough
DOP Michael Timney
AP Kathryn Johnson
Prod Coord Kate Bullions
UK guide & mountain expert Brian Hall
Various members of the Portland Mountain Rescue Team and Fire service
Film and Mountain provided:
Glacier & Climbing safety logistics
Rigging including fall and crevasse sequences
Cast & Crew safety on glaciers and around cliffs
Action advice
Risk Assessment
Location finding
Climbing & stunt coordination
Clothing and props advice and sourcing
Liaison with US mountain personnel
THE ROYAL
Popular Sunday night ITV 1960's para-medic drama centered round a hospital called the Royal. This dramatic episode follows the aftermath of a train crash.
Shot near Pudsey, Yorkshire in early July by ITV Yorkshire.
Producer Ken Horn
Director Ian Barber
1st AD Ken Cumberland
DOP Geoff Healey
Stunt Coordinator Jim Ryan
F & M provided safety and rigging crew - Brian Hall, Dave Cuthbertson and Rory Gregory.
Safeguarding crew and cast on the upturned sloping carriages sometimes up to 12 m above ground and in the confines inside the carriages. Staging rescues from the top of the carriage. Risk Assessments. Equipment.
Assisting & rigging for Stunt Coordinator.
THE GREAT CLIMB
A hugely ambitious project to make the first live HD outdoor broadcast of 4 climbs in the centre of the remote Cairngorms of Scotland.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/greatclimb/index.shtml
Seven Km of HD optical cable had to be rigged on Shelter Stone and Hell's Lum cliffs to film 4 climbs, "Citatdel", "The Steeple", "Stone Bastion" and a new hard climb (graded E10).
Over a dozen cameras, 8 climbers, a full BBC OB unit and a team of 12 of safety / riggers Plus a full production team with presenters and commentators, base camp managers and environmental officers.
After months of planning and over a week
of prep, torrential rain and poor
visibility over the weekend of the OB
(18th / 19th August) resulted in the
OB being called off. A huge disappointment to all concerned!
Mid August in the Loch A'an Basin of the Cairngorms, Scotland .
A Triple Echo Production for BBC2 Scotland - to be broadcast on BBC 2 Scotland, BBc2 network and the web.
Exec Producer BBC David Harron
Producers Richard Else & Meg Else
Production Manager Laura Hill
Head of Safety and Logistics Mark Diggins
OB Director Nick Loader
WILDERNESS: ST KILDA
A five part series of the life, history, fauna, flora and environment of the world heritage archipelago of St Kida - one of the UK 's remotest locations 40 miles west of the Outer Hebrides .
Filming presenter Steve Backshall climb an exciting 3 pitch new climb on the sea cliffs, reenact the way the St Kildans used to lower themselves down the cliffs to collect sea birds and explore the remote and spectacular island of Boreray.
Filmed in mid July by IWC Media, Glasgow for the BBC.
Presenters Kate Humble, Dan Snow & Steve Backshall
Producer John Lonsdale
Directors Craig Hunter & Ishbel Hall
Prod Manager Caroline Simpson
Camera Mike Carling & Mike Robinson
For F & M - Brian Hall & Dave Cuthbertson
Remote location and climbing safety and logistics
Climbing expertise and advice
Risk assessment
Hire of climbing and rigging equipment
TAKE ME TO THE EDGE
New series for Virgin by Ginger TV which travels the world mixing adventure sports with ethnic cultures. Leo Houlding presents and stars as world’s top rock climber, BASE jumper and all round adventurer with 5 “willing’ try anything team as they visit different tribal cultures and share their experiences
.… KENYA – Rock Climbing on the Fisher Tower in Hells Gate in the Rift Valley with Maasai warriors.
Slacklining on the cliffs of Lukenya south of Nairobi
Shot in November 07
Series Director -Craig Pickles
Exec Prod - Ed Stobart
Series Producer -Amber Ronowicz
Prod Manager -Clare Bailey
Associate - Producer Alex Turner
Camera -Vaughan Dagnell, Danny Bishop
and Ben Pritchard
Sound - Daniel Clarke
F & M provided:
Rigging, Training, Safety for crew and cast on the climbing, abseiling slackline, trees, Risk Assessments, Hire of equipment, Location finding.
Still photography
UK guides – Brian Hall
Oman logistics – Rob Gardner - Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre (and Justin & Carl). BASE jump expert Shaun Ellison.
Kerala tree rigging – Crispin Waddy
India – local climbing logistics
– Guy Wilson and Leo Blyth
TAKE ME TO THE EDGE
… KERALA, INDIA – Tree climbing whilst following the honey gatherers in the forests of Kerala. Rigging ropes and providing safety for the crew and Leo amongst swarming bees at night. Tree top adventure rope challenge.
Shot in December 07
TAKE ME TO THE EDGE
… OMAN – B.A.S.E. jump into the amazing Majlis al Jinn Cavern and Via Ferrata in Snake canyon. – Shot in January 2008
TV 90 minute feature film - following on from the success of "Touching the Void" Darlow Smithson Productions and C4 joined forces and produced a film based on Joe Simpson's book "Beckoning Silence". The film is substantially about the dramatic North Face of the Eiger and the action follows a particular harrowing accident in 1936 involving the tragic death of Kurz, Hinterstoisser, Angerer and Rainer
Starring Joe Simpson plus Swiss guides: Roger Schali, Andreas Abegglen, Simon Anthamatten, Cyrille Berthod
Made by Darlow Smithson Production, London
Shot in HDV
Filmed around and on the Eiger above Grindelwald , Switzerland during March and April 2007
Director / Producer - Louise Osmond
Exec Producer - John Smithson
DOP - Jeremy Hewson
Climbing Camera - Keith Partridge
1st - Olly Robinson
Line Producer - Emma Parsons
Location - Ady Ryf
Production Designer - Erica Okvist
Sound - Olly Astles-Jones
Film & Mountain provided:
Glacier & Climbing safety logistics
N face of Eiger logistics and helicopter operations
Period climbing action & rigging including fall sequences
Cast & Crew safety on glaciers and around cliffs
Action / Script advice
Crew training
Risk Assessment
Location finding
Climbing stunt coordination
Clothing and props advice and sourcing
Location still photography
Hire of Equipment
Organizing personnel -
Swiss guides - Roger Schali, Andreas Abegglen, Simon Anthamatten, Cyrille Berthod & Hansreuedi Gertsch
UK guides - Brian Hall, Paul Moores, Dave Cuthbertson & Rory Gregory
JACK OSBOURNE - ADRENALINE JUNKIE
Jack mentors a 5-person team whilst Leo Houlding tries to teach them Slacklining in spectacular locations. Based in the adrenaline capital of the world, Queenstown , New Zealand .
Starring Jack Osbourne and Leo Houlding
Made by Ginger Productions, London for C4
Filmed around Queenstown , New Zealand in March 2007
Exec Prod - Ed Stobart
Series Prod - Craig Pickles
Prod / Dir - Jon Turner
Producer - Amber Ronowicz
Dop - Daniel Bishop
Sound Dan Clarke
NZ guides / mountain logistics: Dave McLeod & Geoff Hunt
UK guide: Brian Hall
Film and Mountain provided:
Rigging expertise for slacklining
Location safety
Crew and team training
Risk Assessments
Liaison with NZ guides
Advise on clothing and equipment.
Location still photography
ULTIMATE ROCK CLIMB
Elite and extrovert climber Tim Emmett takes novice and "Watchdog" presenter Julia Bradbury on a journey to climb three iconic rock climbs in England, Wales and Scotland between mid April and mid May. Filmed for a BBC 1 hour special. Julia starts a complete beginner on "Commando Ridge" on the north coast of Cornwall then gains experience on "Crackstone Rib" in Llanberis Pass , Snowdonia before the ultimate challenge, reaching the summit of the impressive sea stack, "The Old Man of Stoer" off the NW coast of Scotland .
Starring Julia Bradbury and Tim Emmett
Made by Darlow Smithson Productions for BBC 1
On location in Cornwall , Llanberis Pass and NW Highlands
Exec Prod - Sarah Swingler
Prod / Dir - Paul Copeland (Amelia Hann in Cornwall )
AP - Gemma Chapman
Dop - Mike Carling
Climbing Camera - Ben Pritchard
Sound - Geoff Price
UK guide: Brian Hall, Paul Moores, Rory Gregory and Dave Cuthbertson
Film and Mountain provided:
Rigging and logistics on the cliffs
Action and program advice
Location safety for crew and cast
Crew and team training
Risk Assessments
Advise on clothing and equipment.
Equipment Hire
SITUATION CRITICAL - MT HOOD
A National Geographic doc on an accident that occurred on Mt Hood in 2002. Three separate parties were attempting to climb the peak. The first team reached the summit but then whilst descending slipped. They slid out of control on the steep snow and hit the second and third parties. Bodies and ropes entangled and most fell into a crevasse at the bottom of the slope. 3 were killed the rest survived but during the rescue one of the emergency helicopters crashed.
Made by Darlow Smithson for National Geographic
On location on the dormant volcano Mt Hood (3429 m), Oregon , USA in May 07
Shot on Sony HDW 750p
Director / Producer - Russell Eatough
DOP Michael Timney
AP Kathryn Johnson
Prod Coord Kate Bullions
UK guide & mountain expert Brian Hall
Various members of the Portland Mountain Rescue Team and Fire service
Film and Mountain provided:
Glacier & Climbing safety logistics
Rigging including fall and crevasse sequences
Cast & Crew safety on glaciers and around cliffs
Action advice
Risk Assessment
Location finding
Climbing & stunt coordination
Clothing and props advice and sourcing
Liaison with US mountain personnel
THE ROYAL
Popular Sunday night ITV 1960's para-medic drama centered round a hospital called the Royal. This dramatic episode follows the aftermath of a train crash.
Shot near Pudsey, Yorkshire in early July by ITV Yorkshire.
Producer Ken Horn
Director Ian Barber
1st AD Ken Cumberland
DOP Geoff Healey
Stunt Coordinator Jim Ryan
F & M provided safety and rigging crew - Brian Hall, Dave Cuthbertson and Rory Gregory.
Safeguarding crew and cast on the upturned sloping carriages sometimes up to 12 m above ground and in the confines inside the carriages. Staging rescues from the top of the carriage. Risk Assessments. Equipment.
Assisting & rigging for Stunt Coordinator.
THE GREAT CLIMB
A hugely ambitious project to make the first live HD outdoor broadcast of 4 climbs in the centre of the remote Cairngorms of Scotland.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/greatclimb/index.shtml
Seven Km of HD optical cable had to be rigged on Shelter Stone and Hell's Lum cliffs to film 4 climbs, "Citatdel", "The Steeple", "Stone Bastion" and a new hard climb (graded E10).
Over a dozen cameras, 8 climbers, a full BBC OB unit and a team of 12 of safety / riggers Plus a full production team with presenters and commentators, base camp managers and environmental officers.
After months of planning and over a week
of prep, torrential rain and poor
visibility over the weekend of the OB
(18th / 19th August) resulted in the
OB being called off. A huge disappointment to all concerned!
Mid August in the Loch A'an Basin of the Cairngorms, Scotland .
A Triple Echo Production for BBC2 Scotland - to be broadcast on BBC 2 Scotland, BBc2 network and the web.
Exec Producer BBC David Harron
Producers Richard Else & Meg Else
Production Manager Laura Hill
Head of Safety and Logistics Mark Diggins
OB Director Nick Loader
WILDERNESS: ST KILDA
A five part series of the life, history, fauna, flora and environment of the world heritage archipelago of St Kida - one of the UK 's remotest locations 40 miles west of the Outer Hebrides .
Filming presenter Steve Backshall climb an exciting 3 pitch new climb on the sea cliffs, reenact the way the St Kildans used to lower themselves down the cliffs to collect sea birds and explore the remote and spectacular island of Boreray.
Filmed in mid July by IWC Media, Glasgow for the BBC.
Presenters Kate Humble, Dan Snow & Steve Backshall
Producer John Lonsdale
Directors Craig Hunter & Ishbel Hall
Prod Manager Caroline Simpson
Camera Mike Carling & Mike Robinson
For F & M - Brian Hall & Dave Cuthbertson
Remote location and climbing safety and logistics
Climbing expertise and advice
Risk assessment
Hire of climbing and rigging equipment
TAKE ME TO THE EDGE
New series for Virgin by Ginger TV which travels the world mixing adventure sports with ethnic cultures. Leo Houlding presents and stars as world’s top rock climber, BASE jumper and all round adventurer with 5 “willing’ try anything team as they visit different tribal cultures and share their experiences
.… KENYA – Rock Climbing on the Fisher Tower in Hells Gate in the Rift Valley with Maasai warriors.
Slacklining on the cliffs of Lukenya south of Nairobi
Shot in November 07
Series Director -Craig Pickles
Exec Prod - Ed Stobart
Series Producer -Amber Ronowicz
Prod Manager -Clare Bailey
Associate - Producer Alex Turner
Camera -Vaughan Dagnell, Danny Bishop
and Ben Pritchard
Sound - Daniel Clarke
F & M provided:
Rigging, Training, Safety for crew and cast on the climbing, abseiling slackline, trees, Risk Assessments, Hire of equipment, Location finding.
Still photography
UK guides – Brian Hall
Oman logistics – Rob Gardner - Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre (and Justin & Carl). BASE jump expert Shaun Ellison.
Kerala tree rigging – Crispin Waddy
India – local climbing logistics
– Guy Wilson and Leo Blyth
TAKE ME TO THE EDGE
… KERALA, INDIA – Tree climbing whilst following the honey gatherers in the forests of Kerala. Rigging ropes and providing safety for the crew and Leo amongst swarming bees at night. Tree top adventure rope challenge.
Shot in December 07
TAKE ME TO THE EDGE
… OMAN – B.A.S.E. jump into the amazing Majlis al Jinn Cavern and Via Ferrata in Snake canyon. – Shot in January 2008
2006 assignments
TRUE NORTH
Feature film - a dark story of Inuit persecution and love in the frozen northern lands.
Starring Michelle Yeoh, Sean Bean and Michelle Krusiec
Made by Freeze Frame Films / Bureau Film Company, London
Shot in 35mm anamorphic
Filmed in Svalbard (Spitzbergen) - Svea and Tuna glaciers during September / October 2006
Director Asif Kapadia
Producer Bertrand Faivre
DOP Roman Osin
1 st Jack Ravenscroft
Line Producer Gina Marsh
Svalbard Location - Jason Roberts
Film & Mountain provided - Glacier Climbing and safety logistics
Crevasse action - fall sequences
Cast & Crew safety on glaciers and around crevasses.
Action / Script advice
Actor and crew training
Risk Assessment, Location finding
Glacier action and mountaineering stunt coordination
Clothing and props advice and sourcing
Hire of Equipment
ESCAPE FROM AVALANCHE ALLEY
Drama / Doc – 1 hour on Digi Beta
For Survivors Series for Ch 4 & Discovery
Production Company - Darlow Smithson
Series Producer – Alex Merango
Director Renny Bartlett
D.O.P. David Scott
Climbing Camera Keith Partridge
Location - Mont Blanc Region – French and Italian Alps based in Chamonix.
December 05 & January 06
Mountaineering story of a horrific climbing accident in Alaska.
Location finding.
Climbing safety and logistics.
Actor & crew training.
Script advice.
Risk assessment.
Climbing action & mountaineering stunts coordination.
Organising climbing guides & transport of equipment in the mountains. Clothing and equipment advice. Hire of equipment.
Still photographer.
FROZEN AT 20,000FT
Three British mountaineers fight for survival near the freezing summit of McKinley, North Americas highest peak. For "ALIVE" Series 2 for Ch 4 & Discovery "I SHOULDN'T BE ALIVE"
Drama doc - 1 hour on Digi Beta.
Director Crispin Reece
DOP Michael Timney
Exec Producer Paul Wooding
Series Producer Kate Botting
Location - Swiss Alps above Grindelwald June /July 2006
Providing - Location finding
Climbing and safety logistics, Script advice, Actor and crew training, Risk Assessment, Climbing action and mountaineering stunt coordination, Clothing and props advice & sourcing, Hire of Equipment, Organising climbing guides & transport of equipment in the mountains.
ST KILDA - A GAELIC ARTS AGENCY/ PAN EUROPEAN ARTS PROJECT
Filming vertical dance performed by the Parisian "Compagnie Retouramont" on the spectacular Scottish sea cliffs. Part of a large pan European arts project on the life of the remote Scottish Island of St Kilda.
Producers Proiseact nan Ealan
(Gaelic Arts Agency - Stornoway , Scotland )
Climbing Cameraman - Keith Partridge
Location - Screaming Geo, Isles of Lewis , Scotland . August 2006
Filmed on Digi Beta
Providing - Climbing and safety logistics.
Rigging for camera positions and camera safety.
Risk Assessments, Climbing fall coordination.
Climbing equipment and ropes
Rigging camera platforms on vertical cliff walls.
DOC MARTIN
Autumn Special - of the TV popular series staring Martin Clunes screened on Christmas day 06.
Made by Buffalo Pictures for ITV 1
Director Ben Bolt
Producer Philippa Braithwaite
DOP - Dick Dodd
Associate Producer Sandy Poustie
Location Pentire Head, Cornwall , UK - September 2006
Providing - Climbing and safety logistics.
Rigging for camera positions and camera & crew safety on the sea cliffs.
Risk Assessments
Climbing, hoisting and lowering coordination on the cliff
Climbing equipment and ropes
Rigging camera platforms on cliff walls.
Working with stunt coordinator Tom Delmar on climbing action with stunt men.
Feature film - a dark story of Inuit persecution and love in the frozen northern lands.
Starring Michelle Yeoh, Sean Bean and Michelle Krusiec
Made by Freeze Frame Films / Bureau Film Company, London
Shot in 35mm anamorphic
Filmed in Svalbard (Spitzbergen) - Svea and Tuna glaciers during September / October 2006
Director Asif Kapadia
Producer Bertrand Faivre
DOP Roman Osin
1 st Jack Ravenscroft
Line Producer Gina Marsh
Svalbard Location - Jason Roberts
Film & Mountain provided - Glacier Climbing and safety logistics
Crevasse action - fall sequences
Cast & Crew safety on glaciers and around crevasses.
Action / Script advice
Actor and crew training
Risk Assessment, Location finding
Glacier action and mountaineering stunt coordination
Clothing and props advice and sourcing
Hire of Equipment
ESCAPE FROM AVALANCHE ALLEY
Drama / Doc – 1 hour on Digi Beta
For Survivors Series for Ch 4 & Discovery
Production Company - Darlow Smithson
Series Producer – Alex Merango
Director Renny Bartlett
D.O.P. David Scott
Climbing Camera Keith Partridge
Location - Mont Blanc Region – French and Italian Alps based in Chamonix.
December 05 & January 06
Mountaineering story of a horrific climbing accident in Alaska.
Location finding.
Climbing safety and logistics.
Actor & crew training.
Script advice.
Risk assessment.
Climbing action & mountaineering stunts coordination.
Organising climbing guides & transport of equipment in the mountains. Clothing and equipment advice. Hire of equipment.
Still photographer.
FROZEN AT 20,000FT
Three British mountaineers fight for survival near the freezing summit of McKinley, North Americas highest peak. For "ALIVE" Series 2 for Ch 4 & Discovery "I SHOULDN'T BE ALIVE"
Drama doc - 1 hour on Digi Beta.
Director Crispin Reece
DOP Michael Timney
Exec Producer Paul Wooding
Series Producer Kate Botting
Location - Swiss Alps above Grindelwald June /July 2006
Providing - Location finding
Climbing and safety logistics, Script advice, Actor and crew training, Risk Assessment, Climbing action and mountaineering stunt coordination, Clothing and props advice & sourcing, Hire of Equipment, Organising climbing guides & transport of equipment in the mountains.
ST KILDA - A GAELIC ARTS AGENCY/ PAN EUROPEAN ARTS PROJECT
Filming vertical dance performed by the Parisian "Compagnie Retouramont" on the spectacular Scottish sea cliffs. Part of a large pan European arts project on the life of the remote Scottish Island of St Kilda.
Producers Proiseact nan Ealan
(Gaelic Arts Agency - Stornoway , Scotland )
Climbing Cameraman - Keith Partridge
Location - Screaming Geo, Isles of Lewis , Scotland . August 2006
Filmed on Digi Beta
Providing - Climbing and safety logistics.
Rigging for camera positions and camera safety.
Risk Assessments, Climbing fall coordination.
Climbing equipment and ropes
Rigging camera platforms on vertical cliff walls.
DOC MARTIN
Autumn Special - of the TV popular series staring Martin Clunes screened on Christmas day 06.
Made by Buffalo Pictures for ITV 1
Director Ben Bolt
Producer Philippa Braithwaite
DOP - Dick Dodd
Associate Producer Sandy Poustie
Location Pentire Head, Cornwall , UK - September 2006
Providing - Climbing and safety logistics.
Rigging for camera positions and camera & crew safety on the sea cliffs.
Risk Assessments
Climbing, hoisting and lowering coordination on the cliff
Climbing equipment and ropes
Rigging camera platforms on cliff walls.
Working with stunt coordinator Tom Delmar on climbing action with stunt men.
2005 assignments
The busiest year yet started with the caving horror film the Descent then four TV "Survivor" docu dramas in Turkey, Canada, France and Italy. Between these rock climbing for Top Gear, adverts for Vodafone, filming on the Eiger and finishing with the Emmerdale Xmas special!
THE DESCENT
Highly rated horror feature film shot on 35mm
For Celador Films / Pathe
Director Neil Marshal
Producers – Paul Richie, Christian Colson
D.O.P. Sam McCurdy
Location - Pinewood, UK
JanuaryActor training – Take 6 actresses and director down Giants Pothole, Derbyshire. Climbing and Caving technique training and physical fitness at Westway Climbing Centre, London.
Advice on set design (with Simon Bowles), costume and action.
Rigging ropes for action, safety and stunts in Pinewood studio.
Abseiling rigging and safety on location.
Working in close collaboration with Stunt coordinators Jim Dowdall and Paul Hornsby
TOP GEAR
For BBC series
Presenter – Jeremy Clarkeson
Director – Nigel Simpkiss
D.O.P. Casper Leaver
Climbing Cameraman Keith Partridge
Digi beta
Location – Verdon Gorge, Provence, France. SeptemberSpectacular Rock Climbing and Base Jumping action with Audi RS 4. Top rock climbers Leo Houlding and Tim Emmett race Jeremy Clarkson. Then Base Jump of the cliff (BASE safety and filming by Shaun Elison). Rigging and film crew safety.
DOUGAL HASTON - MEMORIES OF A MOUNTAIN MAN
Pelicula Films for BBC
Producer Douglas Eadie
Director – Mike Alexander
Climbing cameraman – Keith Partridge
Location – North Face Eiger Switzerland
August
Filming an interview and action on the North Face of the Eiger for doc on one of the world's greatest mountaineers.
Safety and location advice. Filmed out of the Eigerwand "window". Climbing action doubling.
LOST ON THE MOUNTAIN
Drama / Doc – 1 hour
For ALIVE Series for Ch 4 & Discovery
Production Company - Darlow Smithson
Series Producer – Alex Merango
Director Bren Simson
DOP Paul Lang , Chris Hartley
Producer Erika Dodd
Location – Turkey - Kartalkaya, near Bolu (North West of Ankara)
Feb / MarchSurvival story of father and child in a ski resort and surrounding mountain forest area.
Ski and wilderness safety. Location hunting. Logistics and load carrying in the ski area. Equipment and clothing advice. Training and assessment of actors skiing.
Still photographer.
LOST IN THE SNOW
Drama / Doc – 1 hour
For ALIVE Series for Ch 4 & Discovery
Production Company - Darlow Smithson
Series Producer – Alex Merango
Director – Mary Crisp
D.O.P. – Toby Moore
Location – Yukon, Canada
April / MayLost in the N American mountain wilderness survival story of a young couple and their baby.
Location advise. Managing crew and actor safety in snow covered wilderness locations. Clothing and equipment advise. Doubling. Risk Assessment.
TRAPPED AT TEN THOUSAND FEET
A Remote Yukon terrain was used to replicate the US Sierra landscape in winter.
Drama / Doc – half hour – digi beta
For Survivors series ITV
Producers – Charlie Roger & Cat Lewis
Director Baz Taylor
D.O.P. – Michael Timney
Location – Mt Blanc region of France & Italy Alps
AprilThe story of the tragic mountaineering accident of Jamie Andrew and Jamie Fisher.
Mountain location advise. Safety and rigging in the mountains. Risk Assessment. Clothing / equipment advice and hire. Mountaineering action and stunts. Actor training.
VODAFONE
Advert produced by New Moon
Director Daryl Goodrich
D.O.P. Simon Werry
Climbing camera man Keith Partridge.
16mm & DV
Commando Ridge, Bosigran sea cliffs, Cornwall, UKFilming quadruple amputee Jamie Andrew climbing sea cliffs for mobile phone ad.
Location advice, rigging, safety of camera crew and Jamie Andrew.
Risk Assessment.
Helicopter communications.
EMMERDALE
YTV (UK)
YTV light entertainment / popular soap – Christmas day special.
Studio & Outdoor location near Leeds, UK
Safety and rigging for filming mine shaft rescue. Risk Assessments. Working in conjunction with stunt coordinator Stuart St Paul.
THE DESCENT
Highly rated horror feature film shot on 35mm
For Celador Films / Pathe
Director Neil Marshal
Producers – Paul Richie, Christian Colson
D.O.P. Sam McCurdy
Location - Pinewood, UK
JanuaryActor training – Take 6 actresses and director down Giants Pothole, Derbyshire. Climbing and Caving technique training and physical fitness at Westway Climbing Centre, London.
Advice on set design (with Simon Bowles), costume and action.
Rigging ropes for action, safety and stunts in Pinewood studio.
Abseiling rigging and safety on location.
Working in close collaboration with Stunt coordinators Jim Dowdall and Paul Hornsby
TOP GEAR
For BBC series
Presenter – Jeremy Clarkeson
Director – Nigel Simpkiss
D.O.P. Casper Leaver
Climbing Cameraman Keith Partridge
Digi beta
Location – Verdon Gorge, Provence, France. SeptemberSpectacular Rock Climbing and Base Jumping action with Audi RS 4. Top rock climbers Leo Houlding and Tim Emmett race Jeremy Clarkson. Then Base Jump of the cliff (BASE safety and filming by Shaun Elison). Rigging and film crew safety.
DOUGAL HASTON - MEMORIES OF A MOUNTAIN MAN
Pelicula Films for BBC
Producer Douglas Eadie
Director – Mike Alexander
Climbing cameraman – Keith Partridge
Location – North Face Eiger Switzerland
August
Filming an interview and action on the North Face of the Eiger for doc on one of the world's greatest mountaineers.
Safety and location advice. Filmed out of the Eigerwand "window". Climbing action doubling.
LOST ON THE MOUNTAIN
Drama / Doc – 1 hour
For ALIVE Series for Ch 4 & Discovery
Production Company - Darlow Smithson
Series Producer – Alex Merango
Director Bren Simson
DOP Paul Lang , Chris Hartley
Producer Erika Dodd
Location – Turkey - Kartalkaya, near Bolu (North West of Ankara)
Feb / MarchSurvival story of father and child in a ski resort and surrounding mountain forest area.
Ski and wilderness safety. Location hunting. Logistics and load carrying in the ski area. Equipment and clothing advice. Training and assessment of actors skiing.
Still photographer.
LOST IN THE SNOW
Drama / Doc – 1 hour
For ALIVE Series for Ch 4 & Discovery
Production Company - Darlow Smithson
Series Producer – Alex Merango
Director – Mary Crisp
D.O.P. – Toby Moore
Location – Yukon, Canada
April / MayLost in the N American mountain wilderness survival story of a young couple and their baby.
Location advise. Managing crew and actor safety in snow covered wilderness locations. Clothing and equipment advise. Doubling. Risk Assessment.
TRAPPED AT TEN THOUSAND FEET
A Remote Yukon terrain was used to replicate the US Sierra landscape in winter.
Drama / Doc – half hour – digi beta
For Survivors series ITV
Producers – Charlie Roger & Cat Lewis
Director Baz Taylor
D.O.P. – Michael Timney
Location – Mt Blanc region of France & Italy Alps
AprilThe story of the tragic mountaineering accident of Jamie Andrew and Jamie Fisher.
Mountain location advise. Safety and rigging in the mountains. Risk Assessment. Clothing / equipment advice and hire. Mountaineering action and stunts. Actor training.
VODAFONE
Advert produced by New Moon
Director Daryl Goodrich
D.O.P. Simon Werry
Climbing camera man Keith Partridge.
16mm & DV
Commando Ridge, Bosigran sea cliffs, Cornwall, UKFilming quadruple amputee Jamie Andrew climbing sea cliffs for mobile phone ad.
Location advice, rigging, safety of camera crew and Jamie Andrew.
Risk Assessment.
Helicopter communications.
EMMERDALE
YTV (UK)
YTV light entertainment / popular soap – Christmas day special.
Studio & Outdoor location near Leeds, UK
Safety and rigging for filming mine shaft rescue. Risk Assessments. Working in conjunction with stunt coordinator Stuart St Paul.
2004 assignments
Skiing logistics and safety in Austria for Bridget Jones, ice climbing for AvP in Chamonix then glacier safety and rigging for the Dragons fantasy filled the first half of the year. Producing and directing a film on disabled climber Jamie Andrew took up much of the autumn.
BRIDGET JONES "ON THE EDGE"
TE Films (Working Title Films)
Feature Film - 35 mm
Producers - Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner & Jonathan Cavendish
Director - Beeban Kidron
D.O.P. - Adrian Biddle
Ski Unit Management
Working on Ski Unit Management and Safety for both 1 st and 2 nd Unit in Lech , Austria in January 2004.
A three man team from Film & Mountain included Brian Hall, John Whittle and John Falkiner.
Safety, logistics and training for the first unit filming Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Jacinda Barrett, David Verry and Mark Tangy
Safety and logistics whilst second unit filming with Didier Lafond (2nd Unit Director) and Jean Pierre Bassin (Ski Cameraman).
Assisting location finding and planning in the Autumn of 2003
Safety, clothing and equipment advice for crew and cast.
Choosing and training ski doubles.
Choreography and practising of ski sequences together with stunt co-ordinator Julian Spencer.
Working with Heath & Safety to complete risk assessments.
A v P (Alien vs. Predator)
Lonlink Productions Ltd
Feature Film 35mm
Producers - John Davis Chris Symes
Co- Producer - Chris Symes
Director - Paul Anderson
DOP - David Johnson
Actors - Sanna Lathan & Colin Salmon
Mountain / Ice Climbing Unit
Filming a spectacular Ice climbing sequence in the Mont Blanc Range - on the flanks of the Argentiere Glacier near Chamonix , France and Point Hellbronner, near Courmayeur , Italy . February 2004.
A 10 person team included Paul Moores, Brian Hall, John Whittle, Dave Cuthbertson, Rory Gregory, Ollie Allen and assisted by Harry Taylor, Dr Jon Morgan, John Falkiner and Chrissie Barnes
First Unit filming - safety, rigging and logistics at 3400 m on alpine glacial terrain in temperatures on occasions below minus 20 C with winds of over 50 km/hr.
Location finding.
Mountain film planning including construction of an artificial ice wall.
Training ice climbing double Debbie Birch.
All logistics, rigging and safety whilst second unit filming spectacular ice climbing with second unit cameraman and director Keith Partridge.
Helicopter logistics.
Mountain medical backup
DRAGONS
TV Documentary Drama 35 mm
For Channel 4 - Animal Planets / Discovery USA
Production Company - Darlow Smithson
Producer - Ceri Barnes
Director - Justin Hardy
DOP - John Howarth
A 3 man crew from Film & Mountain of Brian Hall, Dave Cuthbertson and Harry Taylor with support from Ollie Ryall over a 2 week period in the Mt Blanc area of the Alps.
Location finding in the European Alps
Location logistics and safety on glaciers and snow covered ground.
Rigging and camera, and crew safety
Transport of equipment on glaciers.
Health & Safety assessments and adherence
Climbing and action stunts
Acting on snow and ice
Supply of specialist equipment and advice on clothing.
Training of crew for work on snow and ice.
ONE ACCOUNT
Advert 35 mm and DV
For Royal Bank of Scotland – One Account
Agency / Production Company - Clemmon Hornby Inge / Rogue Films
Location – Chamonix , French Alps.
Director Kevin Macdonald
D.O.P. Mike Eley
September
Mountain Filming
Replicate Himalayan High altitude mountaineering for advert.
Location finding, mountain safety and helicopter access. Safety clothing and equipment.
Acting as one of the mountaineers.
BALANCE OF RISK
Short film shot on DV
Producer – Brian Hall, Keith Partridge & Jamie Andrew
Director – Brian Hall
D.O.P. Keith Partridge
Location - Ardnamurchan, Scotish Highlands, June
Produce and direct climbing film
A 10 minute short on quadruple amputee Jamie Andrew rock climbing. Finalist at Banff and other mountain film festivals. Production, location hunting, camera work, safety and film directing.
MY PARENTS ARE ALIENS
YTV Light entertainment / Children’s comedy series
Studio Leeds, UK
Abseil stunt in studio with Stunt coordinator Stuart St Paul
EMMERDALE
YTV light entertainment / popular soap
Nr Leeds, Yorkshire.
July - Safety and Rigging on roof top action.
September - Safety on quarry edge action.
WORLD INDOOR CLIMBING COMPETITION
Documentary for BBC Scotland - digi beta
Production Company – Triple Echo
Producer / Director – Richard Else
Location – Ratho Climbing Centre, nr Edinburgh, Scotland
September
Safety & rigging filming indoor climbing. Risk assessments.
BRIDGET JONES "ON THE EDGE"
TE Films (Working Title Films)
Feature Film - 35 mm
Producers - Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner & Jonathan Cavendish
Director - Beeban Kidron
D.O.P. - Adrian Biddle
Ski Unit Management
Working on Ski Unit Management and Safety for both 1 st and 2 nd Unit in Lech , Austria in January 2004.
A three man team from Film & Mountain included Brian Hall, John Whittle and John Falkiner.
Safety, logistics and training for the first unit filming Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Jacinda Barrett, David Verry and Mark Tangy
Safety and logistics whilst second unit filming with Didier Lafond (2nd Unit Director) and Jean Pierre Bassin (Ski Cameraman).
Assisting location finding and planning in the Autumn of 2003
Safety, clothing and equipment advice for crew and cast.
Choosing and training ski doubles.
Choreography and practising of ski sequences together with stunt co-ordinator Julian Spencer.
Working with Heath & Safety to complete risk assessments.
A v P (Alien vs. Predator)
Lonlink Productions Ltd
Feature Film 35mm
Producers - John Davis Chris Symes
Co- Producer - Chris Symes
Director - Paul Anderson
DOP - David Johnson
Actors - Sanna Lathan & Colin Salmon
Mountain / Ice Climbing Unit
Filming a spectacular Ice climbing sequence in the Mont Blanc Range - on the flanks of the Argentiere Glacier near Chamonix , France and Point Hellbronner, near Courmayeur , Italy . February 2004.
A 10 person team included Paul Moores, Brian Hall, John Whittle, Dave Cuthbertson, Rory Gregory, Ollie Allen and assisted by Harry Taylor, Dr Jon Morgan, John Falkiner and Chrissie Barnes
First Unit filming - safety, rigging and logistics at 3400 m on alpine glacial terrain in temperatures on occasions below minus 20 C with winds of over 50 km/hr.
Location finding.
Mountain film planning including construction of an artificial ice wall.
Training ice climbing double Debbie Birch.
All logistics, rigging and safety whilst second unit filming spectacular ice climbing with second unit cameraman and director Keith Partridge.
Helicopter logistics.
Mountain medical backup
DRAGONS
TV Documentary Drama 35 mm
For Channel 4 - Animal Planets / Discovery USA
Production Company - Darlow Smithson
Producer - Ceri Barnes
Director - Justin Hardy
DOP - John Howarth
A 3 man crew from Film & Mountain of Brian Hall, Dave Cuthbertson and Harry Taylor with support from Ollie Ryall over a 2 week period in the Mt Blanc area of the Alps.
Location finding in the European Alps
Location logistics and safety on glaciers and snow covered ground.
Rigging and camera, and crew safety
Transport of equipment on glaciers.
Health & Safety assessments and adherence
Climbing and action stunts
Acting on snow and ice
Supply of specialist equipment and advice on clothing.
Training of crew for work on snow and ice.
ONE ACCOUNT
Advert 35 mm and DV
For Royal Bank of Scotland – One Account
Agency / Production Company - Clemmon Hornby Inge / Rogue Films
Location – Chamonix , French Alps.
Director Kevin Macdonald
D.O.P. Mike Eley
September
Mountain Filming
Replicate Himalayan High altitude mountaineering for advert.
Location finding, mountain safety and helicopter access. Safety clothing and equipment.
Acting as one of the mountaineers.
BALANCE OF RISK
Short film shot on DV
Producer – Brian Hall, Keith Partridge & Jamie Andrew
Director – Brian Hall
D.O.P. Keith Partridge
Location - Ardnamurchan, Scotish Highlands, June
Produce and direct climbing film
A 10 minute short on quadruple amputee Jamie Andrew rock climbing. Finalist at Banff and other mountain film festivals. Production, location hunting, camera work, safety and film directing.
MY PARENTS ARE ALIENS
YTV Light entertainment / Children’s comedy series
Studio Leeds, UK
Abseil stunt in studio with Stunt coordinator Stuart St Paul
EMMERDALE
YTV light entertainment / popular soap
Nr Leeds, Yorkshire.
July - Safety and Rigging on roof top action.
September - Safety on quarry edge action.
WORLD INDOOR CLIMBING COMPETITION
Documentary for BBC Scotland - digi beta
Production Company – Triple Echo
Producer / Director – Richard Else
Location – Ratho Climbing Centre, nr Edinburgh, Scotland
September
Safety & rigging filming indoor climbing. Risk assessments.
2003 assignments
This year has continued to be a challenging one with further shooting for the 'Touching The Void' project plus an exciting shoot in Mexico for the BBC's 'Extreme Lives' series.
"TOUCHING THE VOID" CHANNEL 4 FILMS - CONTINUED...
Director Kevin Macdonald
Producer John Smithson
The shooting finished in the late winter with more spectacular footage of ice climbing shot in the Mont Blanc region of the Alps. (see 2002 assignment for further details) Alpine temperatures dropped to -20C with strong winds and plenty of spindrift.
Film & Mountain were involved throughout the filming and were key in staging the climbing and mountain sequences for this film and the realism of the storm conditions and the climbing are one of the reasons why the film has received so much acclaim. Released on December 12th, the film has now won many awards including
"MY RIGHT FOOT" EXTREME LIVES, BBC1.
Produced & directed by Ed Stobart, Ginger Productions
After a career threatening accident on Cerro Torre in Patagonia, Brian Hall and Paul Moores accompanied Leo Holding & Tim O'Neil to Potrero Chico in Mexico. Rigging & safety was challenging on huge limestone cliffs. This enabled cameraman Keith Partridge &director Ed Stobart to take spectacular & intimate footage on Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path), the climb Leo tried as his come-back.
"BATTLE OF THE BORGS" FOR ITV CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMES
Prism Entertainment
Producer - Sam Rogerson
Director - Patrick Titley
Indoor challenge game on a set in an old aircraft hanger. Teams of children control individual athletes and acrobats, gymnasts etc to complete tasks. Film & Mountain was involved in rigging, design and safety on a number of these games including a climbing wall game and one involving bungee jumping.
"TOUCHING THE VOID" CHANNEL 4 FILMS - CONTINUED...
Director Kevin Macdonald
Producer John Smithson
The shooting finished in the late winter with more spectacular footage of ice climbing shot in the Mont Blanc region of the Alps. (see 2002 assignment for further details) Alpine temperatures dropped to -20C with strong winds and plenty of spindrift.
Film & Mountain were involved throughout the filming and were key in staging the climbing and mountain sequences for this film and the realism of the storm conditions and the climbing are one of the reasons why the film has received so much acclaim. Released on December 12th, the film has now won many awards including
- BAFTA for Outstanding British Film - 2004
- The Evening Standard Best film of the year - 2004
- "Best Feature Film" Banff Mountain film festival - 2003
- Prix Special du Jury Festival International du film d'Autrans Montagne & Aventure. - 2003
- "The Grand Prize" Kendal Mountain Film Festival - 2003
- "Peoples Choice" Kendal Mountain Film Festival - 2003
"MY RIGHT FOOT" EXTREME LIVES, BBC1.
Produced & directed by Ed Stobart, Ginger Productions
After a career threatening accident on Cerro Torre in Patagonia, Brian Hall and Paul Moores accompanied Leo Holding & Tim O'Neil to Potrero Chico in Mexico. Rigging & safety was challenging on huge limestone cliffs. This enabled cameraman Keith Partridge &director Ed Stobart to take spectacular & intimate footage on Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path), the climb Leo tried as his come-back.
"BATTLE OF THE BORGS" FOR ITV CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMES
Prism Entertainment
Producer - Sam Rogerson
Director - Patrick Titley
Indoor challenge game on a set in an old aircraft hanger. Teams of children control individual athletes and acrobats, gymnasts etc to complete tasks. Film & Mountain was involved in rigging, design and safety on a number of these games including a climbing wall game and one involving bungee jumping.