Getting into adventure filmmaking has been one of the best decisions of my life. It started back when I was a teenager, filming surf clips with a cheap camera, and now, I have made a documentary that has won awards. My passion for storytelling and the outdoors has evolved into something bigger, allowing me to share the wild beauty and spirit of New Zealand with the world.

Finding My Way into Adventure Filmmaking

The Birth of Tararua S-K

My first big project, Tararua S-K, came from my deep love for the Tararua Range and the legendary SK Traverse. The SK, which involves crossing the rugged Tararua Range in one push, is a beast of a mission and a testament to the adventurous spirit that runs through New Zealand’s outdoor community.

The film includes interviews with nine key figures from the 60-year history of the SK. One of my favorite interviews was with Dave Capper, who completed the challenge in the ‘60s with gear that’s laughable by today’s standards. His stories of adventure were both humbling and inspiring.

Lessons I Learned Along the Way

  • Story is Everything: Visuals are great, but without a solid story, they don’t go far. The best advice I got was to finish the audio first. If the story stands on its own without visuals, you’re on the right track. People like Hans Weston, Trina & Ross from the Adventure Film School, and Wellington filmmaker Mark Albiston helped me create a better story.
  • Preparation is Key: When you’re filming in the mountains, anything can happen. Weather, terrain, and gear issues can all mess with your plans. We used three GoPros, a compact video camera, and a drone (which I learned to fly just days before our shoot) to capture the footage for Tararua S-K. I also pulled from ten years of previous trips to make sure we had enough material.
  • Collaboration Makes It Better: Filmmaking is a team sport. I teamed up with Hans Weston as a co-producer, and leaned on friends from the mountain running and tramping communities for help. I also reached out to the Tararua Tramping Club and gave a talk about my film to gather more support. If you’re going to make a great film, build a community around it.
  • Embrace the Challenges: Whether it’s weather issues, gear malfunctions, or unexpected twists in the story, the key is to roll with it. Filmmaking, like any adventure, is about overcoming challenges.

Tips for Aspiring Adventure Filmmakers

  • Start Small: Begin with short films or clips of your adventures. Experiment with different styles and techniques.
  • Story First: Before you worry about fancy shots, make sure your story is strong. It’s what will keep people watching.
  • Keep Learning: Take workshops, watch tutorials, and learn from others. Filmmaking is a craft on which you can keep improving.
  • Be Patient: Good films take time. Don’t rush the process. Let the story unfold naturally.
  • Capture the Heart of the Adventure: Adventure filmmaking is about more than stunning visuals — it’s about capturing the essence of exploration.

The Other Half: Film Distribution

Making a film is only half the adventure. Getting it seen by an audience is the other half, and trust me, it’s just as important. At first, I thought that entering a few festivals would get the film out there. Turns out, I was wrong. You need a solid plan for distribution. Here are some tips I picked up:

  • Take a Course: I took this Documentary Film Distribution course, which was super helpful.
  • Read the Right Books: Think Outside the Box Office is a great guide for figuring out distribution.
  • Watch Out for Scams: Some festivals charge a fee, but don’t offer much exposure. I got burned by the so-called “Tokyo Short Film Festival,” which was actually based in Italy and didn’t showcase my film to anyone.
  • Enter Local Festivals: Websites like Show Me Shorts can guide you through legit film festivals.
  • Host a Premiere Event: I hosted a screening at Penthouse Theatre and raised money for the Graeme Dingle Foundation, which added a community angle to the event.
  • Make a Film Poster: It might seem old-school, but having a film poster helps with promotion.
  • Add Your Film to IMDb: Get your film listed on IMDb (example) so people can rate and review it.
  • Sell Your Film Online: I use Vimeo OTT to sell my film directly through my website, TararuaSK.com.
  • Build an Email List: Gather emails from event attendees and buyers so you can keep them updated on future projects.
  • Write a Press Release: Get media attention by sending out press releases. Here’s my example.
  • Create a Press Page: Use a press page like this one to share with media and distributors.
  • Do Interviews and Podcasts: Get the word out by talking about your film on podcasts and in interviews.
  • Pitch to Airlines: I managed to get Tararua S-K on Air New Zealand’s in-flight entertainment by contacting their content management team at Touch.Aero.
  • Use Distribution Platforms: I licensed my film to FilmHub to get it distributed across streaming platforms.
  • Explore Apple TV: I used Silvertrak to get Tararua S-K onto Apple TV.

For me, the highlight of this whole distribution process was sitting in a packed theatre, listening to the audience gasp and laugh as they watched the film. Knowing that it resonated with people made all the work worth it.

Looking Ahead

The success of Tararua S-K has fueled my passion for adventure filmmaking. My next venture, ShortFilmsBigAdventures.com, is all about helping people turn their own big adventures into short films.

At the end of the day, adventure filmmaking is more than simply capturing a journey — it’s about inspiring others to get out there, push their limits, and discover the incredible beauty that lies off the beaten path. So grab your camera and start telling your story!

To Learn More About Tararua S-K

To learn more about the film, Tararua S-K, please check out:

Follow me on YouTube: Andy Carruthers
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