Picture North has released a new film for Kenya-based safari and helicopter adventure company, Ol Malo. The lodge is located north of Nairobi and has unprecedented access to some of Kenya's most exotic and remote destinations, from Mount Kenya to the Suguta Valley. The film showcases this incredible biodiversity and highlights the ease with which these sites can be visited. "It's a lot like choose your own adventure," said director and Executive Producer Martin Rodahl. "You have a helicopter at your disposal for whatever you want to do whether it’s hiking, fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, or camping. All of Kenya is your playground!"
The Picture North crew spent almost two weeks at Ol Malo, capturing truly unique moments from flying alongside several million flamingos to chasing dune buggies across dried out riverbeds. Comprised of almost exclusively stabilized, gimbal, and drone shots, the film is set to artist M83's epic soundtrack and features the narrating voice of Andrew Francombe whose parents initially founded Ol Malo decades ago.
The fast-paced, unknown environment and the extreme spectrum of weather competed for the title of “Biggest Challenge” on the production. Rodahl recalls one particular episode from a long day of shooting: “We were filming in freezing temperatures around Mount Kenya and the gimbal just died. Simeon, our Director of Photography, lost all feeling in his hands because we were flying open-door in the helicopter at 17,000 feet and he wasn't wearing gloves.” But while the cold temperatures were rough, a few hours later the team found themselves in the middle of a desert at sea level in 100+ degree temperatures.
Director of Photography Simeon Pratt says, “The whole experience was a shoot-scout combo, meaning every new location we shot in was our first and often only time seeing it. We generally had one or two chances for each shot. The high-pressure environment coupled with the complex technological variables—like shooting air-to-air from one heli to another—pushed the team and tested our limits.”
All that work has paid off as the finished project offers a compelling call to adventure. “I am so happy we can share this magical place with others who will then be inspired to go on their own journey,” remarks Executive Producer Neha Schultz.
Ol Malo is an immersive experience, connected to the local Samburu tribe who play a pivotal role in the company's operations and culture of preservation. Game drives and luxury lodging are included in the Ol Malo experience, but it's the concierge helicopter service that truly sets it apart from other safari offerings in East Africa. Most camp and tourist operations are limited to roads and trails, but with Ol Malo a different kind of African bush experience is unleashed. For more information and bookings please visit www.olmalo.com.
For an in-depth look at the production and behind-the-scenes content, please visit Picture North’s Instagram page @picture.north or the company’s website: www.picturenorth.com
Picture North offers production and post-production services to advertising agencies, record labels, and direct clients. The company represents directors André Øvredal, Jake Zalutsky, Markus Bader, Martin Rodahl, Nate Camponi, Nic & Sune, Ryan Patrick, and editor Talia Pasqua. For more information, please email hello@picturenorth.com.
