At the heart of the new documentary "Skywalkers: A Love Story” lies a gripping narrative of love and perseverance, chronicling the tumultuous and inspiring journey of two extreme climbers, Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau. Produced by All Rise Films, XYZ Films, and Library Films and directed by longtime DDC collaborator Jeff Zimbalist, DDC was honored to have several team members participate in the making of the film. Colby Gottert was a Consulting Producer, Natalia de la Cuesta was a production coordinator, and Santiago Montenegro Perini was an assistant editor, whose dedication and technical prowess played a crucial role in the post production.
Santiago approached his role with a blend of technical expertise and creative ingenuity. He recounts the meticulous process of recreating the director's vision, clip by clip, while gaining invaluable insights into the art of storytelling through editing. Beyond the technical aspects, Santiago emphasizes the importance of versatility and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking.
A Tale of Love and Risk
At a recent online gathering of DDC’s global filmmakers network, Renato Borrayo Serrano, the Guatemalan cinematographer who shot the vertigo-inducing film, recounted his experience working closely with director Jeff Zimbalist. Together, they developed a storytelling approach that contrasts footage of the death-defying feats with intimate verité scenes that ensured audiences felt a connection with their characters.
Renato and his collaborator Pablo Rojas also acknowledged the physical demands of the shoot. The camera team had to keep up with their subjects, a pair of athletic climbers, as they illegally entered skyscrapers and ascended dozens of stories by foot - all while carrying camera gear, maintaining the proper shot, and capturing sound.
The choice of equipment was crucial in capturing the unpredictable nature of the climb. Borrayo Serrano opted for versatile gear such as the Canon EOS C300 Mark II and Canon EOS C70, allowing flexibility without compromising on image quality. From GoPros to drones, every tool was utilized to maximize storytelling potential in extreme conditions.
Asked about his main take-away from the experience, Renato advised aspiring cinematographers to prioritize storytelling and communication with their directors above all else.
Through their pioneering efforts, Jeff, Colby, Renato, Santiago, Natalia and the entire production team continue to push the boundaries of storytelling.
Skywalkers experienced remarkable success due to these endeavors. Following its January premiere at the esteemed 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it received universal praise, it was acquired by Netflix in a competitive bidding situation. The documentary is set to debut on IMAX screens on July 12, followed by its Netflix release on July 19.
Until then, we look forward to working with you on our next groundbreaking film!
