#211 – Jake Holland and the New Way Up
Jake Holland is a British filmmaker and adventure pilot based in Chamonix. In this episode we discuss his totally wild experiences this season and last in Pakistan with professional climbers Will Sim and Fabi Buhl, and pilots and adventurers Aaron Durogati, Antoine Girard, Veso Ovcharov and others, and the challenges of capturing these high altitude adventures on film. We discuss the mission of using paragliders as an access tool to explore remote mountains, the economics of filmmaking in the paragliding industry, and the risks and safety considerations involved. Jake shares his background in flying and filmmaking, as well as the logistics of traveling with heavy equipment. We touch on the impact of paragliding on the climbing community and the accessibility of paragliding adventures in Pakistan. Jake discusses various themes related to adventure flying and filmmaking. We discuss the importance of understanding the sky and weather conditions and the importance of backcountry knowledge. The conversation touches on Jake’s Tanzania trip with Tom de Dorlodot and Horacio Llorens, as well as the challenges of filmmaking and maintaining creative control, and the difficulties and rewards of flying in Alaska and Pakistan. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of slowing down and embracing the adventure of being out in nature. Enjoy!Takeaways* Paragliders can be used as an efficient and lightweight tool to access remote mountains and explore new lines.
* Filmmaking in the paragliding industry can be challenging due to the economics involved, but there are opportunities to collaborate with outdoor brands and create marketing films.
* Paragliding adventures in Pakistan offer unique flying conditions, with high cloud bases and the potential for long-distance flights.
* Flying with skis and landing in high-altitude environments requires careful piloting skills and consideration of the weather conditions.
* Traveling with heavy camera gear and equipment can be a logistical challenge, but airlines like Turkish Airlines offer free ski bags for international flights. Understanding the sky and weather conditions is crucial for adventure flying.
* Backcountry knowledge, especially about snow conditions, is essential for safe flying.
* Drones have revolutionized aerial filming, providing filmmakers with unique perspectives.
* Adventure flying is gaining popularity, attracting more people to explore remote and challenging locations.
* French pilots are known for their daring and innovative approach to adventure sports.
* Filmmaking in remote locations requires careful planning and balancing creative control with budget constraints.
* Flying in Alaska presents unique challenges due to unpredictable weather and flying conditions.
* Pakistan offers incredible flying opportunities, but conditions can vary, requiring adaptability and patience. Unplugging from technology and immersing oneself in nature and community can be a deeply fulfilling experience.
* Exploring the Grand Canyon during the winter offers a unique and less crowded experience.
* The Grand Canyon offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, and whitewater rafting.
* Dreaming and planning for future adventures can bring excitement and anticipation.