National Geographic "Free Solo 360" Film
Justin served as Director of Photography for National Geographic’s Emmy-winning “Free Solo 360” short film, which was part of the Oscar-winning feature documentary of the same name. The film features the story of solo climber Alex Honnold as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: ascending the face of the world’s most famous rock, the 3,200-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park… without a rope.
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The film presented unique challenges, requiring the capture of a feat with an unknown outcome subject to many variables. Justin worked for several days climbing up and down El Cap, hanging from the side of the wall on ropes, rigging cameras and anchoring tripods up to 3,000 feet above the valley floor with Director Jimmy Chin, to bring the immersive experience to life. Each day the team would return to the ground and review the footage with Aron Hjartarson, executive creative director at Framestore, who was overseeing the development of the film.
The primary challenge was for Justin and his team to devise a narrative 360 story that would unfold in a series of takes; an unusual accomplishment given that 360 or VR films are usually shot in a single take, in a single environment. Multiple takes required consideration of viewer perspective, and how and where scenes were entered and exited… all while 3,200 feet above the ground.
Awards
Emmy - Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media
Clio Gold - Theatrical Original Content
View in your desktop web browser or on your mobile device using the YouTube App. For the best immersive experience watch the 360 film using a VR headset. Enjoy!
View the Free Solo 360 Film here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRGF77fBAeM
CREDITS
Client: National Geographic
Director/Producer: Jimmy Chin, E. Chai Vasarhelyi
Director of Photography: Justin Bastien
Producer: Evan Hayes
Post Production: Framestore
Executive Creative Director, Framestore: Aron Hjartarson
Tags: photography, motion, digital, Justin Bastien, photographer, media, National Park,
film, rock, documentary, 360, VR, virtual reality, El Capitan, Yosemite, Alex Honnold, Free Solo,
climbing, National Geographic, Nat Geo, Jimmy Chin