Dare to Leap A collaboration of human spirit and evolution of science

Article originally posted at: https://www.lbbonline.com/news/dare-to-leap-a-collaboration-of-human-spirit-and-evolution-of-science

Leaps by Bayer, Chapter III, Leap Forward is a 2-minute narrative film which maps the journey of solo kite surfer Olivia Jenkins as she crosses the International Dateline between American Samoa and Samoa supported by a team of expert meteorologists and navigators. The film is part III in an epic trilogy series and funded by Leaps by Bayer, a company dedicated to providing early-stage investment to paradigm-shifting advances in the life sciences and human spirit. Narratively speaking, this vision gives the film structure a true sense of purpose and drive. Captured by Production and Post Production studios, Iconoclast (Germany) and Heckler (Sydney).

The film expresses the emotional and energetic journey felt both on and off screen. Presenting the intensity, beauty and obstacles of shooting in the South Pacific soon after lockdown release and the innate challenges of world first feat at the mercy of Mother Nature.

 

Stefan José, Director & DOP says: 

 

“From the treatment stage I had a very clear and particularly ambitious vision for this project. Visually I wanted the film to feel immersive; making the audience feel like they are there, washed along by the same current and wind, exposed to the same challenges and witness to a frontier of human achievement being forged. The collaboration and individual expertise of each crew member and post artist was integral to not only pulling off the feat itself but to execute every detail for the vision of the film. Something I am forever grateful to each and every person involved in this project”.

 

Directed by Director / DOP Stefan José (Iconoclast) and edited by award-winning Editor, Andrew Holmes (Heckler), the duo over a two week period crafted the initial vision, narrative, rhythm, and approach, reliving the shoot with multiple cameras. The refinement process and final result was the product of thousands of micro decisions from both José and Holmes, who share the same energy which merges the line between job and passion. 

 

Says Andrew, Lead Editor: 

 

“As an editor visual storytelling is everything. You’re entrusted to understand how an audience will interpret the story, so you must make the most of that responsibility. Stefan and I knew we had something special. When collaborating with Stefan the creative process unfolded naturally. It is a beautiful thing to craft a film that will take your audience on a journey like this one”.

 

Equally, José’s work with Heckler Sound’s Senior Sound Designer, Dave Robertson and Californian Composer Dustin Lau was multi-layered and uniquely crafted. Robertson delivers the dynamic nature through his sound design by bringing in real world sounds captured on location in Samoa with a finely calibrated mix of ambient sound effects. Lau and José bring electronica-inspired sounds representing the rational, scientific world, while acoustic and analogue instrumentation represent the more personalized, human perspective of the kitesurfer Olivia Jenkins. Both the film score and mix was crafted through the collaboration of José’s vision and ear, Holmes’s edit, Robertson’s and Lau’s execution, serving the narrative and tone to compliment the elevated visuals. 

 

This film offers an insight into the nature of organic film production met with carefully curated post production and the unique experience of the unification and magic of collaboration. Iconoclast, TLGG, Heckler and Leaps By Bayer have unleashed a new wave for working globally and remotely allowing for the creative industry to leap into the future. 

 

Heckler occupies the iconic Paramount House, Surry Hills. For new project enquiries please contact coralie@heckler.tv or will@heckler.tv

Agency TLGG

Production Company Iconoclast

Post Production Heckler

Music and Sound Heckler Sound

 

Agency

TLGG Producer, Anna Frommberger-Oatman

TLGG Creative Director, Felix Stock

TLGG Creative Director, Frauke Sichma

TLGG Art Director, Alejandro Márquez

TLGG Account Director, Lara Esser

TLGG Managing Director, Hannes Gärtner

 

Production Company

Director, DOP & Water Op, Stefan Jose

Iconoclast Executive Producer, Jan Dressler

Iconoclast Producer, Sarah Hawkins

Iconoclast Post Supervisor, Jens Maier-Rothe

Iconoclast Post Assistant, Robert Sieg

 

Post Production

Post Executive Producer, Will Alexander

Post Producer, Coralie Tapper

Editor, Andrew Holmes

Colourist, Fergus Rotherham

Design Director, Gina Wagstaffe

Lead Compositor, Bertrand Polivka

Compositor, Nitin Amin

Online Artist, Soren Dyne

Edit Assistant, Daniel Page

 

Crew

1st AD, Toby Churchill-Brown

Production Manager, Mandy Nicole

A Cam, 1st AC, Tommy Rolfe

A Cam, 2nd AC, James Campbell

B Cam Op & Water Op, Andrew Gough

B Cam 1st AC, Jackson Lana

Gaffer, Matt Russell

Grip, Richie Brown

Best Boy Grip, Sam Chapman

Sound Recordist, Steve Nossiter

Production Designer, Imogen Walsh

Stills Photographer, Woody Gooch

Drone, Heliguy TV

Drone Operator, Anthony Driver

Water Safety and Stunt Coordinator, Che McGuiness

Sound & Music

Sound Executive Producer, Bonnie Law

Sound Creative Director, Johnny Green

Music Composer, Dustin Lau

Sound Designer, Dave Robertson

Sound Project Coordinator, Jack Okeby

 

Talent

Kitesurfer, Olivia Jenkins

Meteorologist & Navigator, Alicia Ageno

Technical Advisor, Johannes Olszewski

VO Artist , Doug Gochman

Sports Production Consultants

Kite Surf Producer & Consultant, Camila Péndola

Sports Producer & Consultant, Johannes Olszewski

Pure Indulgence Skipper & Fixer, Greg Tropping

Pure Indulgence Deckhand, Sally Asafo

Pure Indulgence Deckhand, Tautua Hunt

Fua II Skipper & Fixer, Vaughan Simpson

Fua II Deckhand, Laeon Simpson

Free Spirit Skipper , Ian Malruni

 

Special Thanks to:

Duotone Kiteboarding

Garmin

Beautiful Samoa

American Samoa Marine Safety Patrol 

American Samoa Visitors Bureau 

Equipment Rental Cine2481