Henninger Media Services, Washington, D.C.’s premier media production firm, produced the first ever high-definition interpretive film for Mt. Rainier National Park. This visually stunning film, which features breathtaking views and spectacular aerials, was mastered in high definition and finished with 5.1 Surround Sound at Henninger’s Arlington facility. The film exceeded the National Park Service’s expectations and has already begun to impress audiences at the newly opened Mt. Rainier Visitor Center, where the film is currently playing.
Production on the film began in 2006 and was completed in October 2008. Over the course of filming, the production team came up against a number of logistical challenges, including being trapped at 10,500 feet in an off-season blizzard while attempting to summit. The weather proved to be a constant challenge; rain during the spring and fall, below freezing temperatures through the winter shoots and intense heat in the summer months took its toll on the equipment and crew. Finding creative solutions became a daily task; using disposable shower caps on exposed lenses, extending the life of camera batteries with heating packs and hiring off duty climbing guides to help with heavy loads were all part of Henninger’s continuing plan to make the best film possible regardless of the elements. The production team also worked hard to get equipment to wherever the best shot were, this included building a 30-foot jib arm on top of a very precarious waterfall. Despite the sometimes extreme conditions on Mt. Rainier, the production team stayed focused on the goal of creating an extraordinary film that was tailored to the National Park Service’s needs.
Henninger’s Spencer Parker has been involved with the film since the first meeting with the National Park Service in 2006. Parker noted, “one of the biggest challenges in making this film was trying to capture the paradox of a place that is constantly changing and yet somehow remains unchanged.” It was incredibly important that, along with high-quality visuals, the film stayed true to the National Park Service’s message. Parker added that “we tried to inspire visitors to venture out into the park, educate them about the powerful and complex nature of Mt. Rainier, and most of all, challenge them to be stewards of such an incredible natural treasure.”
The film was so moving for the park superintendent, Dave Uberuaga, that when interviewed by The News Tribune he stated “I came up late Wednesday night to see how things were going, and I watched the movie (about the park) for the first time. I was choked up at the end. This is the highlight of my career, to be here for this.” Visitors to Mt. Rainier can watch the film at the park’s visitor center. To find out more about the Mt Rainier production project, please visit http://www.henninger.com/productions/mt_rainier.
About Henninger Media Services
Henninger Media Services (HMS) specializes in a full range of high definition services, including original script-to-screen production, video editing, color correction, film transfer, quality control, and duplication; as well as surround sound audio, motion graphics, design, and DVD. HMS has served broadcast, corporate and government clients for over 25 years, with facilities in Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia. Information on Henninger Media Services can be obtained by calling Michael Delpierre at 703-908-4021 or by email at mdelpierre@henninger.com. Further information is available online at www.henninger.com.
