22/02/2008UpsideDown Wales Film Premiere
George Smith is well known on the North Wales climbing scene for having a great sense of humour and a perverse attraction for establishing new routes of an upside down nature. His latest project is a film tackling this obsession. However, it is much more than just about climbing and along the way the film highlights aspects of North Wales' character that makes the area unique. UpsideDown is very much a projection of George's personality. The film was the result of a talented team effort: written by Smith, shot and directed by Alun Hughes with additional footage from the film-maker Paul Higginson and edited by Ray Saunders who also provides the original music. The results can be seen publicly for the first time at LLAMFF on the evening of Saturday 8th March. If George's hugely amusing talk at last year's Kendal film festival about the making of UpsideDown is anything to go by then this film isn't one to miss.
You can see a promo clip for the film on Alun's website by clicking here. The DVD should be out in April. Here are a few questions we put to George:
What makes it different from simply being a climbing film?
We wanted to make it accessible to a wide audience and show the world allied to the climbing I've been involved in. There are cameo features from characters such as Joe Brown and Ginger Caine that have made the North Wales climbing scene so vibrant through the ages. There are lots of asides on the special identity of North Wales: expect poetry and brass bands!
How long did the film take to make?
Al Hughes sparked off the idea of making the film about three years ago when he suggested we made use of some old footage he had previously shot. But then the theme developed of following the journey my climbing has taken me on with the older me (now) looking back at the young me and checking out the next generation coming through who are picking up the baton.
How was it working with so many disparate creatives?
Different people tended to carry the project when motivation hit a low. Behind the credits is the energy of Ray Saunders, the aesthetic sensitivity of Paul Higginson and the pragmatic experience of Alun Hughes. The cross-over of skills is exceptional.
It's never been just about the climbing for you?
I am the chief obsessive in the film but going to say a sea-cliff has always been about the complete experience; be it the seals, colourful lichens, outrageous positions and the craic with your mates. I really hope people enjoy the film and you can always leave feedback here.
Can you give us your ten favourite new routes for anyone wishing to follow in your footholds?
I'm sure they'll find these very entertaining......!The Ultra-Violet Exterminator E7 6b, Gogarth (pic on right)
Swift Undercut E6 6b, Tremadog.
Deep Sea Spex E6 6b, Lleyn Peninsula.
Rock of Ages E7 6b, Gogarth.
Thug E7 6b, Gogarth.
The Bogle Roof E6 6b, Gogarth.
Heinous Flytrap E7 6b, Gogarth.
Bar Fly E6/7 6b, Gogarth.
The Flying Shed E5 6a, Gogarth.
Undercut Finish to the Grooves E5 6b, Cyrn Las.
Photos
top: The man himself, George Smith, loving the holds on Jerry's Roof. © Ray Wood
bottom: George Smith caught in his Heinous Flytrap E7 6b, Gogarth. © Ray Wood