I finally was able to get The Good Soldier, the film I made in 2009, online.
The Good Soldier – A Super 8 Film from Aaron Gibson on Vimeo.
The Good Soldier – Now online for free viewing
January 2, 2012 – 6:13 pm
Title for Oklahoma Climbing Documentary
November 27, 2011 – 7:29 pm
Looking back over my production notes going back to 2004 I’ve found an evolution of this project. Seems it began as just a “climbing video,” then it made it’s way to something more historical and became a “documentary.” Over those years it has also changed in scope, style and attitude.
Part of the challenge of a project such as this is coming up with the story but at the same time not really knowing where the story is going to take me.
The title changes when I began to branch out and include the entire scope of Oklahoma climbing and bring in multiple types of climbing and people from all over the state. In some cases the thread that binds the climbing community together is very fine – some people climb in relative secrecy without many other knowing exactly what is going on where. Sometimes it’s not until months or years later that word makes it out about so-and-so’s new area or a new route. In terms of the early days of climbing in Oklahoma I think the history ties together a bit better than it does now – there’s just so many more climbers now and the number of opportunities for substantial advances seems more narrow. Then again, I suppose if a 5.15 trad climb was discovered somewhere deep in confines of Charons Gardens, word would spread like wildfire across the prairie.
I’ve dabbled with a number of possible titles, many of which I’ve run by my wife, and some of which I’ve tried out on friends. My brain-storming session on this is never-ending. I’ll think of something in the middle of the night and jolt awake – at the time it sounds like the perfect title. Then I fall back asleep. In the morning I muddle it over and “x” it off the list.
Thematically, there’s so many ways to go and each has its own goods and bads. Problem is I don’t want to slant the picture too far one way or the other. The title needs to speak holistically to a number of elements.
I’ve looked to titles of other documentaries that I admire – The Fog of War, The Bridge, Exit Through the Gift Shop, Vertical Frontier, American Movie – none of them speak entirely about the subject matter but tend to be more representative of a greater agenda.
Maybe I’m over-thinking this. I’m sure I’m over-thinking this.
At some point I’m just going to pick a title and stick with it. That’s it. The next update will be the title of the film.
Oklahoma Climbing Documentary – Working it all out
November 18, 2011 – 3:43 pm
There are so many aspects to putting a documentary like this together and right now most of the individual pieces are spread out like puzzle pieces across a table. The list in my head currently reads like this: title of movie, equipment to purchase/acquire, names and contact info of people to interview, scoping of story and script, website development and promotional stuff, grants and fund-raising, scheduling and travel. Under each of these headings is another list, each with its own “to-dos.”
All of this coupled with the fact that my wife is due with our second child in about 8 weeks.
What am I doing?
Oklahoma Climbing Documentary – Production Announcement
November 16, 2011 – 4:37 pm
PRODUCTION ANNOUNCEMENT
F47 Productions, LLC announces the production of a feature length documentary motion picture about climbers and the history of climbing in Oklahoma. Research and principle photography for the documentary has begun and will take place over the course of 2012.
I am currently seeking information about historical milestones in Oklahoma climbing, central figures that have influenced Oklahoma climbing, and other individuals that might hold a place in Oklahoma climbing history.
This film (title forthcoming) is a documentary about climbers and the history of climbing in Oklahoma as told through the voices of first ascensionists and those that have followed. It’s a look at the personalities, the areas, and the routes that have etched themselves into Oklahoma climbing lore. These tales, told in personal interview format, are about routes climbed, trips taken, lessons learned, and legends created. It’s a look at the lifestyle of climbers who’ve cultivated a niche in the most unlikely of places for rock climbing, a place often overlooked as having any stone at all.
In the coming days there will be further announcements, including a website and Kickstarter page.
This is a big project, a worthwhile documentary, and a part of Oklahoma history at climbing history at large – I’m hoping to have community support to see it through. All keep you posted.
For inquires, questions, etc. please contact:
Aaron Gibson
A Day at Stanage Edge – Super 8 Film
November 30, 2010 – 9:26 pm
I’ve completed and uploaded another video from the trip to England. This one is of a day spent climbing and exploring Stanage Edge; a world famous gritstone area in the heart of The Peak District.
Unfortunately, we only had a day to experience the wealth of climbing in the area, and this was only enough to leave us wanting for more grit. So I’m hopeful that there will be a return trip in the not-so-distant future which will allow for several days of climbing and an opportunity to truly experience all that gritstone climbing has to offer.
This film was shot on a single roll of Tri-X Super 8 film using a Zeiss Ikon Movieflex S8 camera. The film was developed and transferred at Yale Film and Video in Burbank, CA. Post processing was all done in Final Cut Pro. The black and white (and grey) turned out pretty well on its own but I wanted to alter the image a bit in FCP. In this case I felt the use of a pink filter, upping the contrast and brightness (in some cases) added to the picture. Editing wise, I just did a little trimming here and there – I like to keep the sequence and the duration of the original film as much as possible.
With a film like this (meaning Super 8 ) I think it’s good to keep the home-movie feel. In fact, I would argue that it captures the experience more realistically – almost more documentary style.
The music is from a band/artist named Part Timer and the song is called Unwritten Letter no.9.
New Film – Exploring Cambridge
November 28, 2010 – 8:22 pm
Just completed editing a new short-short film. This one is very “home movie.” It’s some footage I shot while in Cambridge, England in April 2010. The person walking around is my brother, Adam.
The film was shot on-the-fly using a Zeiss Ikon Movieflex S8 camera. It’s really become one of my favorites, especially when it comes to usability. There’s not much to metering and focusing – just point and shoot. Of course you’ll be able to tell that it is auto-metering (instead of manual) because the brightness while change occasionally – but for on the run type of stuff, this camera works great.
This is a short film shot in Cambridge, England in April 2010 during a visit for the Cambridge International Super 8 Film Festival.
It was market day and the May Day celebration. My brother, Adam, walks the crowded streets, visits the open-air market and watches some street performers.
The sound was captured digitally using a hand-held Edirol R-09 recorder.
The film was predominantly shot on Kodak Ektachrome 64T but the last bit capturing “punting” was in Tri-X. Camera used was a Zeiss Ikon Movieflex S8.
All camera work by me.
Updated the site…
November 27, 2010 – 10:31 pm
Free Showing of Film – Saturday, June 26
June 23, 2010 – 8:54 pm
On Saturday, June 26 the Renegade Picture Show is presenting The Good Soldier and a feature film.
For details go to the Renegade Picture Show website.
http://renegadepictureshow.com
USA Premiere of The Good Soldier – FRIDAY, JUNE 11
June 9, 2010 – 7:52 am
So this is it! It’s been a long road to get to this point but the premiere of The Good Soldier is Friday, June 11 at 10 pm at the IAO Gallery in Oklahoma City, OK. It is part of the deadCenter Film Festival.
If you can make it please come on down and check it out.
If you wish to buy a complete festival pass they are $75. Or you can by a single ticket the day of the show for $10 at the door.
Go to the deadCenter schedule and scroll to Friday, June 11th at 10 pm. The Good Soldier is showing as part of “The X-Files” program. Here you can click on the film link, create an account for a calendar, and rate the film after you see it.
Super 8 Film – Stonehenge
May 28, 2010 – 12:27 pm
Just posted a new Super 8 film to YouTube. This one is of Stonehenge.
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