Description

Lighter Than Air is a project that stands apart for me. Before this, I had no experience filming sports documentaries, much less a feature-length one. But when I learned we’d be capturing someone scaling the K2 range while attempting to break the world paragliding record, I didn’t hesitate before saying, “Let’s do it.”

From the outset, the project has been a blend of opportunities and hurdles. What began as a concept for a YouTube series gradually evolved into a full-length documentary, each step marked by its own challenges. Yet, my primary concern has always been whether Antoine could safely and successfully complete his mission. For me, safety is paramount in any production, especially when venturing into the extremes.

I’ve long appreciated Josh and Jacob’s creative vision. In our initial discussions, we focused on the type of documentary we hoped to craft—one that diverges from typical sports films. We didn’t want the adrenaline rush alone; we aimed to convey a sense of vastness and awe. For these paragliders, pushing the sky’s boundaries is the goal. Our task is to illustrate that triumph while also highlighting the immense, humbling scale of the sky itself.

In May 2024, as we filmed Antoine’s training sessions in France, we were captivated by the grandeur of the sky and mountains. It was then that we knew this story belonged on the big screen. There’s an unmatched beauty in experiencing nature’s sublimity projected across a large canvas.

The June and July shoots brought their share of complications and unforeseen detours. Each new development reshaped our trajectory, leading the story in directions we hadn’t anticipated. Where this project will ultimately land is still uncertain, but the journey ahead is one I look forward to with great anticipation.

Team

Directors: Jacob Chang-Rascle, Joshua Pei

DP: Jacob Chang-Rascle

Writers: Aaron Hwang, Joshua Pei

Producer: Victor Pang