BBC Fresh Profile: Kris Forrest and Chris Seager
Filmmakers Kris Forrest and Chris Seager explain why they made Peaks of Life
Kris and Chris specialise in filming action sports events. They embraced the challenge of constructing a strong narrative for their documentary Peaks of Life.
How/why did you get started in documentary film-making?
We have both always been interested in shooting films. Originally we both came from shooting action sports such as skateboarding and mountain biking. Action sports are great to shoot, just often they do lack a storyline as a lot of it is event coverage. This is why working with Tom was a refreshing change of pace - we had a real in depth story with lots of stock footage to back it up.
In doc-mentaries, a clear narrative and storyline is always important, which is exactly what we tried to do with Peaks of Life. Of course, we wanted to shoot it well but we really had to focus on the story, which documentary filmmaking is all about. Documentaries are all about taking the audience on a journey they can connect to and not just showing them the end destination.
What motivated you to make this film?
We just really wanted to tell Tom’s story. It was a touching story that some may have considered a tragedy at first, but with such a great outlook on life, Tom was able to never let his injury slow him down. We hoped the film would motivate others to see life how Tom does.
What camera did you use to shoot your film?
Sony FS700, Blackmagic Cinema Camera, Canon 7D.
Who/what inspires you?
Certain film makers inspire us, such as Clay Porter, who is very popular in the action sports industry. He was a key filmmaker who really tried to bring a great storyline into every video. Although what inspires me most is a great story that I can relate too.
What are your plans for the future?
Both of us film for various clients so will be carrying that on, but we both hope to work together on more documentaries in the future.
What is the most important thing you have learned so far?
Great stories normally make great videos. Of course having good kit is a big bonus, but most of the public have more connection to a great story than the latest kit.
