[Nick B]

What would people like to see in a UK climbing film, with regards to style of shooting, extra shots between climbs, interviews, music, easy or hard climbs etc?

[Will Hunt]

I'd be interested to see people pushing themselves but on easier terrain. Not necessarily dead dead easy but committed climbers trying hard. Most likely to get this kind of shot at HVS-E4/5?

[Paul B]

I think it popped up in the other thread that people feel the latest climbing films have little behind the climbing unlike some previous productions like "Stick it!" etc. Others have tried but I found the hot aches stuff to be pretty godawful and cheesy as hell.

It would be good if people took advantage of the now affordable quality accessible via DSLR as well (this is showing through in plenty of shorts). Every man and his dog has something capable of capturing footage where everything is in focus and a tripod to go with it, give us something more interesting.

Not necessarily dead dead easy but committed climbers trying hard. Most likely to get this kind of shot at HVS-E4/5?

But you can just do this at Stanage popular? I'm not trying to be elitist but if I'm going to buy something it needs to be truly inspiring/interesting.

[Will Hunt]

I think that kind of stuff could be very inspiring. Easier to relate to for the average punter like me and not necessarily boring. Whippers on Big Greeny etc as they go ground up or onsight could be exciting and much more inspiring than bigger numbers getting headpointed which is a style of climbing I've never engaged in and can't really relate to.

Maybe as a concept you could get a group of climbers who are willing to commit to the project and want to improve but have never really pushed themselves before. Get them training and film the resulting crushment.

[Nick B]

I think that kind of stuff could be very inspiring. Easier to relate to for the average punter like me and not necessarily boring. Whippers on Big Greeny etc as they go ground up or onsight could be exciting and much more inspiring than bigger numbers getting headpointed which is a style of climbing I've never engaged in and can't really relate to.

Maybe as a concept you could get a group of climbers who are willing to commit to the project and want to improve but have never really pushed themselves before. Get them training and film the resulting crushment.

I think currently the film would be based around a select few boulderers operating at a fairly elite level.... Having said that, there is always opportunities to film 'easier' climbs. I know that there is a bit of trad on film and more planned, but so far mainly bouldering.

It would be good if people took advantage of the now affordable quality accessible via DSLR as well (this is showing through in plenty of shorts). Every man and his dog has something capable of capturing footage where everything is in focus and a tripod to go with it, give us something more interesting.

DSLR is a big part of it

[Paul B]

(hope you've got a focussing screen, that section of the prophet [although I'm informed wasn't filmed on a DSLR] was slightly frustrating to watch) 

Beastmaker the movie?

[andy_e]

Can we see some punters in godawful mountain hardware pants struggling up wet severes at stanage? I think the music should be out of the "overrated artists" thread and between the shots of climbing should be kittens playing with balls of string.

[Paul B]

[mikester]

Would be nice to see a film that doesn't start (or in fact include at all) driving-to-the-crag-whilst-filming-out-of-the-window shots (including speeded-up versions) or the closely-related driving-to-the-crag-whilst-filming-the passengers shots. This is climbing not Top Gear 

It always seems difficult to convey the difficulty of hard climbs, but I like to get a sense of how much effort goes into these things. Mind you, it's good to see wads cruising up them as well. Also be nice to see/hear some British crag  banter rather than the US style whoopin' n hollerin'!

[Muenchener]

Would be nice to see a film that doesn't start (or in fact include at all) driving-to-the-crag-whilst-filming-out-of-the-window shots

Similarly, bouldering footage that doesn't involve somebody walking through a wood carrying a pad.

[Muenchener]

OTOH - thinking of one particular recent entry in both Quality Bouldering Vids and DFBWGC - we need a whole lot more East European babes bathing in rivers.

But seriously though: what's unique to British climbing but isn't gritstone (which has been done to death on film anyway)? Sea Cliffs! I imagine the filming logistics might be horrendous, but there's certainly plenty of stuff at relatively modest grades on some really bizarre looking and photogenic rock. Mousetrap Zawn springs to mind.

[Bonjoy]

I'd echo what others have said. A good climbing film should have interesting dialogue with the climbers. Too often this is a boring add-on given little time and thought. As much or more effort should be put into the lead-up/context of an ascent rather than a token effort (or no effort) and then footage of the 'send'.
Some good crag banter would also be good. You very rarely see this on films, maybe because people instantly feel awkward and stop acting naturally as soon as someone turns on a video camera, so any banter also looks/sounds awkward. Keeping the camera running all day at the crag would get around this. Obviously this means the camera man has to concentrate on filming all day rather than trying to sneak in some climbing for themself.
Ditto what mikester says about cliches!

[tommytwotone]

Ditto what mikester says about cliches!

Always wondered about making a tongue in cheek cliche Font video along the lines of The Roots "What Do Video" - enough footage of driving through the forest, people carrying pads, slow pans around the forest etc and I reckon it'd be possible..

http://vodpod.com/watch/1833172-the-roots-never-do-what-they-do

[remus]

What bonjoy said. I dont really mind what sort of shots/music are used if it gets the point across. What I do care about is why they're doing whatever it is they're doing.

[SA Chris]

Would be nice to see a film that doesn't start (or in fact include at all) driving-to-the-crag-whilst-filming-out-of-the-window shots

Similarly, bouldering footage that doesn't involve somebody walking through a wood carrying a pad.

Then some clips of someone failing on a problem a few times, then a fade to black with a little title giving name and grade of problem just before they do it, thus removing any tension as to whether they will succeed or not on the next attempt.

[lagerstarfish]

It'd be good to hear people say what they're thinking about the climbing - and maybe how it fits in/messes up/enhances their life (or just that day if it's interesting)

Seeing a bit of emotion being expressed is always good, but I guess it's hard to get it on camera/mic without it all being a bit daytime/reality TVish. Sweary banter would suffice in the event that no tears are shed.

I think a few sound recording devices left running at all times and scattered around the bouldering and spotting areas could lead to a few minutes of interesting stuff to use instead of just music.

Maybe Nick-at-work singing his favourite kids TV theme songs?

[cheque]

Please don't use slow-motion shots of climbers chalking up by slapping their hands in the chalk then clapping them together like sumo wrestlers.

[nik at work]

Maybe Nick-at-work singing his favourite kids TV theme songs?

It's not just kids TV, you should hear my Animal Hospital.

[GCW]

Always happy to resurrect a classic (skip to 1:05)

[turnipturned]

Lakes, Yorkshire and Cornwall! Shot with a steady/glide cam! 

[iwasmexican]

Beastmaker the movie?

second

[lagerstarfish]

Please don't use slow-motion shots of climbers chalking up by slapping their hands in the chalk then clapping them together like sumo wrestlers.

Although...  slow motion shots of scantily clad female athletes chalking up their hands and slapping their thighs/buttocks like sumo wrestlers would get my attention.


Pro-Celebrity high balling could make interesting viewing.

Chris Sharma paired with Simon Schama
Johnny Dawes paired with Brian Blessed
Andy Earl paired with Bez
Boris Johnson paired with Sloper

just imagine the banter

[DaveC]

Boris Johnson paired with Sloper

just imagine the banter

If you don't mind I'd rather not.

[Fiend]

Proper onsighting / groundupping without skipping through all the faff and terror.

[Norton Sharley]

Please don't use slow-motion shots of climbers chalking up by slapping their hands in the chalk then clapping them together like sumo wrestlers.

Although...  slow motion shots of scantily clad female athletes chalking up their hands and slapping their thighs/buttocks like sumo wrestlers would get my attention.


Pro-Celebrity high balling could make interesting viewing.

Chris Sharma paired with Simon Schama
Johnny Dawes paired with Brian Blessed
Andy Earl paired with Bez
Boris Johnson paired with Sloper

just imagine the banter

Sounds like a great idea.  Remind me, what are the rules of Pro-Celebrity high balling?