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I want your girlfriend.

Vertical_X

11-May-2006
11:16:45 PM

Hi there again everyone, my name is Travis Bigg, I am currently in pre production on a climbing documentary for my studies at the VCA titled “Kachoong: Pulling the Lip” (Synopsis included below). I have been a climber since 2000 and now that I’m studying film & TV, it seems the perfect documentary to make.

I have had such a fantastic response since my last post on Chockstone from Kachoong virgins (glad that I have set them a date that they can no longer put off) keen to climb this iconic line. Many top climbers have also agreed to be interviewed for the doco too. So thanks to everyone that has got in contact with me so far, the project is really gathering momentum.

The only problem is that I have been overwhelmed by male climbers keen to jump onboard and not one single female climber has shown interest. C’mon ladies I know there must be some of you out there keen to onsight this route and show up the boys in front of the camera lens.

If this is not you but it sounds like your girlfriend, or sister, or cousin, or climbing partner, or any female climber you know then pass the message on to them.

The project will involve for you and your partner: an interview session about a week before your trip and interviews on the day, before and after your climb. Your climb will be filmed by three cameras in different positions and there will also be a roving stills photographer on the day.

You will receive copies of all the footage & photos of your climb, and then when the final piece is cut together you will receive copies of this as well. You will also be advised on the festivals the documentary will be screened at.

If you have previously climbed Kachoong and have a female climbing partner who is keen to lead it for the first time this may work as well if I can’t find a ‘double on-sight’ team. Pass the word around; email this letter to any female climbers you know who might be keen.

Contact me with your intent and we’ll go from there.

Happy Climbing,

Travis Bigg
Vertical_X@yahoo.com

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Kachoong: Pulling the Lip
Synopsis Draft 2 – 16.4.06

If you’re a climber in Australia, you no doubt want to climb at Mt Arapiles. If you’re climbing at Mt Arapiles you have either; conquered, gazed up at, fallen off of or dreamed of climbing – “Kachoong”. Kachoong is one of the most photographed (and photogenic) climbs in the world; it has an almost magical pull on climbers from all over.

The documentary is about this classic climb and what it means to climbers everywhere. The route was established by mistake back in 1977 by a pair of instrumental figures in the Australian scene. Since then it has seen thousands of repeat accents and has long been considered a test piece for all aspiring climbers.

The story will follow three teams of climbers on their very first assents as they psych themselves up and either ‘pull the lip’ or fall off trying. Accompanied by interviews with prominent climbers, both past and present, we will get a unique glimpse of why this climb is so special, seen through the eyes of those with an affinity for the sport.

Through their journeys the piece will explore the cathartic experience of climbing at your limit. When you are leading you stand naked in front of the world; when all distractions are out of the way and where every move can be a life or death decision, your inner mettle is on display for all to see.

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BoaredOfTheRings

11-May-2006
11:46:58 PM

On 11/05/2006 Vertical_X wrote:
>Your climb will be filmed by three cameras in different positions
>and there will also be a roving stills photographer on the day.
>
What if there's somebody already on it?

Vertical_X

12-May-2006
12:09:03 AM

Well spotted

We’ll be taking over the route from before dawn till about 1pm while we film our teams on the 24th of September with a bail out of the next week on the 1st of October (in case of bad wether). Notices will be placed around the campsites and the locals informed of our intentions, I don’t foresee a problem.

Travis Bigg

drdeviousii

12-May-2006
9:06:25 AM

On 12/05/2006 Vertical_X wrote:
>We’ll be taking over the route from before dawn till about 1pm while we
>film our teams on the 24th of September with a bail out of the next week
>on the 1st of October (in case of bad wether). Notices will be placed
>around the campsites and the locals informed of our intentions, I don’t
>foresee a problem.

I presume you have gained permission from Parks Victoria? I imagine Bored and his friends might decide to climb the route in a leisurely fashion on the day of your filming. That is the sort of fun guys that they are. Do all the climbers attempt an onsight on the same day? I also presume you put the other teams in isolation so as not to ruin their onsight.

Vertical_X

12-May-2006
9:31:10 AM

All teams will be onsighting on the day one after another, the teams not climbing will be kept in the ‘green room’ on top of the route so as not to ruin their onsight attempts. We have all the necessary permissions and permits in place.

All the crew will be at the route before dawn setting up so as to catch the morning sun on the wall for the shoot. This should mean that we are there first in the morning. Of course there is always the chance of finding some cool guys waking up in a hanging bivvy under the roof and insisting on eating a relaxed breakfast before finishing a slow aided ascent to the top. Don’t get any ideas Bored.

Look if there is anyone that want’s to tick Kachoong that day, we should be done by no later than 1pm and we would be happy to film whom ever is lined up while we still have all the gear in place. It might even be included somewhere in the final cut.

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