Film-maker takes things to the edge
Ten skaters and half-pipe ramp helicoptered on to an inaccessible mountain ledge with spectacular views were the key ingredients for Queenstown film-maker James Holman’s Easter shoot for GoPro cameras.
The multi-award winning filmmaker was the sole New Zealander chosen to take part in the inaugural GoPro Film-Makers Challenge, where 10 global artists were tasked with creating a short film on skateboarding, which had to be entirely shot on new GoPro Hero Black Edition cameras.
The top three films will be screened at the International Skateboard Film Festival in November in Los Angeles.
Holman relied heavily on help from local businesses including The World Bar, Luanda Boat Experience and Heli Tours, which flew the skate ramp, equipment and crew to ‘‘The Ledge’’ high on Cecil Peak for the Easter Saturday shoot. ‘‘I’m beyond excited to not only compete in this competition but have had the chance to showcase the amazing Queenstown views from ‘ The Ledge’ to the rest of the world,’’ Holman said.
‘‘There’s nowhere else in the world where you can get this kind of amazing scenery, and nowhere else in the world where businesses would be so supportive of making something like this happen – so I’m very thankful to be based in such an amazing, supportive place.’’
Support crew and skaters started the day with safety briefings at 9am, then launched off from Frankton marina on The Luanda before landing at the base of Cecil Peak, near Hidden Island. Crew were then ferried by helicopter to the ledge where action filming began, with skaters and crew fuelled by a World Bar BBQ chef, and a DJ providing a soundtrack.
Curious flyovers by other helicopters honing in on action was not uncommon.
To kill time between action sequences a box full of golf balls was hit off the ledge, with a golf driver the only casualty of the day.
It is not the first time Queenstown scenery has featured heavily for GoPro cameras promotions, as locations such as The Remarkables and Glenorchy’s Earnslaw Burn were used for the TV commercial launching the GoPro Hero3 last winter, which was shot through Queenstown production company MAP Productions. The clip has so far had almost 18.5 million views on YouTube.
grant.bryant@stl.co.nz
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