A Caerphilly-based video production company has represented Wales at London’s famous Pinewood Studios, after having a short-film featured at the Lift-Off Global Network Documentary Showcase.
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Steven Bollschweiler, of Insight Video Marketing, had his short-documentary film, ‘Journey to Basecamp’, featured at the festival which aims to celebrate and showcase the diversity of independent filmmakers.
Steven, who is based in the Welsh Government and ERDF funded Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise (ICE), worked with fellow ICE member and adventure travel company EverTrek, to document the challenges and triumphs of a group’s journey to the basecamp of Everest, along with the guides who got them there.
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The lift-off film festival held in March showcased seven other filmmakers with styles ranging from hard-hitting subjects such as parental loss to high-budget artistic films. The event consists of a series of screenings, discussions and presentations, with fellow filmmakers providing advice and feedback.
Steve Bollschweiler, the creative director behind the film, said he was blown away by the response: “It was daunting at first to head into Pinewood knowing my film would be shown alongside filmmakers from across the world. There was definitely a feeling of imposter syndrome, but thankfully, it went down really well. The filming itself had its own unique challenges, as it’s a tough enough job just to climb the mountain, but I also had to be mindful of the camera angles, sequences, sound, light and batteries – there aren’t many charging points on Everest!
“Thankfully it was worth it, and we received some very encouraging comments on both the cinematography and the narrative of the film, but perhaps the biggest compliment was the number of people who told us how inspiring they found it. Many even went as far as to say it made them want to make the trip to Base Camp, which is something that I know pleased my partner on this project, Andy.”
Also based in Welsh ICE, EverTrek is an adventure travel company that takes walkers and climbers to Everest Base Camp, along with other remote regions of the Himalayas.
Speaking of his collaboration on the film, founder of EverTrek, Andy Moore said: “I approached Steve after seeing some of his work in the ICE Community Facebook group – which is almost like a support tool in itself! After now helping more than 350 people get to Everest Base Camp, I wanted to get a film made about our work, so engaged with Steve. That’s one of the great things about ICE, there are so many varied businesses that if you’re a part of the community, you can’t help but work and collaborate with other members.
“We’re both incredibly proud of the film and are delighted it was received so well at one of the country’s most prestigious studios.“
The film is the product of a working collaboration between two local business, both based at the Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise (Welsh ICE). Collaboration between member businesses is not new to ICE; A recent independent report found that 74% of ICE members develop formal agreements with each other, fostering natural referrals.
Campus Director of Welsh ICE, Jamie McGowan said: “Welsh ICE is more than just work space, broadband and coffee. The community is the driving force behind our success, and it’s collaboration such as this that exemplifies what can be achieved. Before joining through our ICE 50 programme, Andy was working alone after leaving a career in finance and Steve was looking for a place to call home. A year later, and both businesses are scaling mountains – literally.
“We’d encourage anyone thinking of starting a business, or anyone who has recently started but are looking for help and support, to get in touch with us, and apply for the next cohort of funded ICE 50 spaces.”
