Snowboard filmers should think twice before shooting on Forest Service land without the proper permits, according to a situation outlined in a Brent Gardner-Smith story in the Aspen Daily News.
On April 4, 2008 Aspen snowboarder Wallace Westfeldt landed on a rock and died while riding for a Futuristic Films cinematographer who was shooting “a promotional film” in Tonar Bowl out of bounds at near Highlands.
During a Forest Service investigation of the tragic accident it was found that Futuristic Films had no permit to film on Forest Service land outside of the resort. The information resulted in three citations: Brendan Kiernan and cinematographer Frank Pickell of Futuristic Films were cited for “conducting an unauthorized work activity on National Forest lands” and Aspen Ski Company’s Director of Brand Development Steve Metcalf was charged with “aiding and abetting.”
The three men each paid a $525 fine in July and the Forest Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office consider the case closed.
The way the situation played out is much messier than this and well worth a read for anyone who has ever filmed or thought of filming a snowboard movie on Forest Service land. As usual, it’s all good until something bad happens.
[Link: Aspen Daily News]
