Making It Happen:
Gabe Rovick on Creating For Freeskier
F4D Studio’s Gabe Rovick gives us an in-depth look into the ‘FREESKIER: ON LOCATION’ shoot at Sun Valley.
Q & A: Gabriel Rovick
Gabriel
Rovick
Founder/Director Cinematographer
Project: ON LOCATION @ Sun Valley, ID
Client: FREESKIER MAGAZINE
This past month we had the wonderful opportunity to hit the slopes with our friends at Freeskier Magazine to capture photo and video content for their “On Location” series.
In this episode of the series we got to visit Sun Valley in Central Idaho with Julian Carr, Amy David, Mark Morris, Chris Fisher, and Danielle Pucherelli as our tour guides. Following them into historic downtown, through the groomers and backcountry, and into some incredible eateries convinced us that Sun Valley has got it all (and that’s coming from a group of Colorado skiers).
Q: Can you give us an overview of the client Freeskier, the relationship with the client, and the project as a whole?
A: We have been working on projects with Freeskier Magazine for about 5 years. Our partnership with them is predominantly focused on content creation. Freeskier puts their trust in F4D for specific projects to show up on location and be prepared to Direct, Capture, Edit and Deliver the requested assets after the shoot. This project is called Freeskier on Location. Visit SunValley Freeskier’s is the client. We helped Freeskier create content that eventually gets packaged and distributed on Freeskier’s marketing channels.
Q: This shoot involves a lot of equipment (skiing and camera). What is it like preparing for a shoot like this?
A: On a project like this, it is important to think about how much you will be moving around. These are short projects with a lot packed into each day. Essentially, I was running a run and gun kit for this project. So, I think about how I can get as much quality content in a short period of time, with what I can carry in my bag. I typically have a Sony DSLR or equivalent with 2-3 lenses, so I can shoot photos and video. I also carry a GoPro, a drone, a tripod, a gimbal, and rocky talkie communication devices.
Q: Who all was on the trip? It seemed like there were some pretty big names from the ski industry there?
A: It was a pleasure to link up with this particular crew in Sun Valley. Freeskier brought out some of Icelantic’s ski team for this project. I was excited about that since I have worked with each of them several times, Julian Carr, Amy David, Mark Morris, and Chris Fisher. Not only was the talent great to work with but Ray Gadd, Sun Valley’s Director of Marketing and PR, was the still photographer on the project and was an absolute joy to create with.
Q: What is it like managing/directing professional skiers on a shoot to get the best shots possible?
A: I love working with athletes. They are inspiring and always collaborate with me to find aesthetic locations and we always discuss their movements before we shoot. It’s really fun to create moving images with people that are equally as passionate about their craft, after all Skiing is an art form as well.
Q: Also, how the heck do you keep up with these incredible skiers while holding thousands of dollars in camera equipment?!
A: I’ve been skiing since I was 2yrs old so I can keep up with the best of them. A Lot of times I forget I have all the expensive gear. I am so focused on getting the shot that I just forget. Also, ski filming is a lot different than a regular ski day, it takes a long time to get a good shot and it is a slow process, so being strategic about where you position yourself and how you plan your day is really helpful in getting the right shots.
Q: What does the schedule of an average day look like on a project like this?
A: I typically start my day well before sunrise, getting early morning shots, time lapses, drone shots, really whatever I think will make for the best image to tell the story. I also use the mornings to look for locations for later in the day or the next day. Then I take a break for breakfast and meeting the athletes to plan. Then we hit it hard until essentially sundown. I always am filming at sunset and into the dark, sometimes late at night if I am going for a timelapse. Most production days can be up to 16hrs.
Q: How closely are you working with the client, Freeskier, during the project? Are they directing you, or are you directing them?
A. We are collaborative daily, Freeskier gives me a lot of artistic freedom, we have built a solid line of trust and they know I am going to deliver above and beyond.
Q: How do you stay organized/focused with such chaos happening around you to get all of the shots you need?
A: I try to take my time as much as I can. When you get rushed stuff gets lost and broken and the shots are sloppy. Also, when I go on a project I fully immerse myself in creating the story and you have to do that just like an athlete does when performing amazing feats.
Q: What is your favorite part of these types of projects?
A: I love working with the athletes, I love when everything lines up like the weather, the talent and the vibes are high. It’s really just like going on a ski trip if it all goes well.
Q: What is it like to see the final products come to life after all of the hard work you put in on location?
A: It makes me so happy to see the work come out, I love reading the comments and having the athletes and clients tell me I did a great job. Seeing the editor put the story together is always rewarding when it lines up. You know you went out and crafted a story when someone that wasn’t even there can realize your vision.
Still Photography: Ray Gadd
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