Press Release
CONTACT:
Kathy Chrestensen – crestpictures@verizon.net
Crest Pictures – www.crestpictures.com
Seattle, WA ~ Oct 24, 2006. Emerging Northwest filmmaker Robert Chrestensen will debut his newest film Below the Clouds / Rainier Impressions on Seattle's KCTS Television November 16 at 10 pm. Crest Pictures, the filmmaker's production company, is proud to premiere the film during "sweeps" on the award-winning program About Us. The series showcases the work of Washington and British Columbia independent filmmakers highlighting topics and experiences that are distinctive to the Northwest.
There will also be a free sneak preview of the film at REI in Redmond on Nov 11 at 1 pm – in conjunction with the store's annual Snowfest event. Chrestensen will be on hand to present his film and answer questions.
Below the Clouds is not your typical nature film. It's not a travel log or a hiking guide. There are no bears named "Ginger" or expert talking heads. It's simply a filmmaker's intimate portrait of a Northwest icon – painted with stunning imagery and captivating original score by Northwest talent Annastasia Workman. It is art on film with nature being the palette. And, there's no narration so the audience is free to become totally immersed in the beautiful mountain scenery and inspiring musical themes.
While Mt Rainier is a world-renowned climbing destination, the national park offers so much more. This film focuses primarily on the land below the clouds – the heart and soul of "The Mountain." It progresses from the purely natural world, looks at human presence – their impacts and interactions, reveals the subtle blending of both worlds, and captures the simple harmony between animals and their natural habitat. It not only portrays the true essence of this unique mountain environment, but also clearly serves as a testimony for wilderness preservation.
Below the Clouds is not a Hollywood production (no film crews, big cameras, dollies or fly-overs), just a very personal experience with a mountain. Follow in his footsteps as the filmmaker artfully depicts the majesty and diversity of this extraordinary mountain. Chrestensen spends four years filming Mt Rainier while hiking and backpacking with his wife. He uses a lightweight mini-DV camera giving him access to less frequented and hard to reach wilderness locations. The couple covers over 600 miles and nearly 190,000 feet in elevation gain, and travels to various aspects on the mountain – to high vistas and into spectacular backcountry. He discovers the mountain's secrets and captures rare moments. Through his lens Chrestensen explores its natural textures, dancing clouds, subtle features and colors, dramatic reliefs, and impressive power.
Crest Pictures hopes to release Below the Clouds on DVD in time for the holidays. To complement the film there will be added bonus features, including a "locations" video gallery; a "Behind the Camera" discussion covering the How, What, Why and Hopes of the filmmaker; and a "Behind the Score" composer's discussion of her processes and challenges. The DVD will also include a guide to the seven principles of Leave No Trace, a program designed to educate those who enjoy wild places about the consequences of their actions and the techniques to prevent and minimize their impact.
This Fall watch for other free screenings around Puget Sound and the Portland area.
For additional information and a media kit go to: http://www.crestpictures.com/belowtheclouds/
Reviews:
"I believe you captured the mystique, beauty, spirit and soul of
my favorite mountain. This film allows each of us to personally
connect with Rainier."
– Peter Whittaker, Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.
"You can be proud that you have portrayed our mountain in such grandeur."
–
Cecelia Svinth Carpenter, Indian Historian and Author, Where The
Waters Begin, The Traditional Nisqually Indian History of Mount
Rainier
"If you love 'The Mountain,' you'll love Below
the Clouds."
– Mike Gauthier, Lead Climbing Ranger, Mt Rainier National Park and
Author, Mount Rainier: A Climbing Guide
"Loved the music. Flowers, animals, birds, TERRIFIC. Good show!"
– Harvey Manning, Author, 100 Classic Hikes in Washington
About Us airs every Thursday evening at 10 pm (PST) on these channels:
Washington: KCTS/Seattle (analog Channel 9), KCTS-DT (digital Channel
41), KYVE/Yakima (analog Channel 21), KYVE-DT (digital Channel 18)
British Columbia: Channel 19 - Victoria (Shaw Cable), Channel 27
- Vancouver and Lower Mainland (Delta, Coast and Shaw Cable), Channel
52 - Port Alberni, Courtney/Comox Valley and Powell Rivers (Shaw Cable)