Exclusive with legendary ski filmmaker Greg Stump and his film Legend of Aahhh's

This area, being what it is with the weather in winter, is loaded with ski enthusiasts of all styles. I knew several back in high school that raced seriously and were quite good from what I remember. I hit the slopes for years myself at Labrador, Toggenburg, Greek Peak, and Song Mountains. It’s Syracuse; we get snow and a lot of it.

So all of you skiers and snowboarders will have interest in this one, a new film by filmmaker Greg Stump, the ski film pioneer who changed the sport forever with his award winning, 1988 classic Blizzard of Aahhh’s, presents a unique look at the ski world with his latest film Legend of Aahhh’s. The feature takes a semi-autobiographical approach to explore the history of the ski film genre and the way in which these films have influenced big mountain skiing and pop culture.

The insights offered up by so many current and past legends of these extreme sports people is part comical at times and part retrospective. The shots themselves are those that make all of us say, well, AAHHH!! Stunning!

The film has amazing action shots, stunning scenery, and great looks at life behind the camera. - David Garlow, Examiner.com/Syracuse

From the birth of the extreme sports movement following Blizzard of Aahhh’s release, to Glen Plake and Scot Schmidt’s introduction of the concept “extreme” to mainstream America on NBC’s Today Show, veteran filmmaker Greg Stump provides insight to it all in this one of a kind film.

The film features interviews with Warren Miller, Dick Barrymore, Otto Lang, John Jay, Klaus Obermeyer, and astonishing skiing by (and interviews with) Scot Schmidt, Glen Plake, Mike Hattrup, Lynne Wieland, and many more. Identifying the impact music has had in ski films, Legend of Aahhh’s also touts an amazing soundtrack, featuring Lukas Nelson and Promise ofthe Real, Fort Knox Five, Bran Van 3000, and many more. The film is directed, written, produced and narrated by Greg Stump. Androo Mitchell also produced the film, while Robert E. Nunn executive produced. The film’s official website is www.legendofaahhhsmovie.com

Greg, named by Skiing Magazine as one of the Top 25 most influential people in skiing, the past fifteen years has seen Greg turn his directing skills towards commercials (Disney’s 2001 Tony Hawk Super Bowl ad) and music videos for greats such as Willie Nelson and The Beach Boys. Legend of Aahhh’s marks Greg’s return to the genre he has forever changed, and it showcases why he is considered the best.

Interview with Greg Stump

You have extensive work that is very influential in film, skiing, and snowboarding. You also won a lot of competitions as a skier yourself. Where did you grow up and what got you started in the sport?

I (allegedly) grew up in Gorham, Maine. We started skiing at he Kiwanis club rope tow there. For me skiing was escapism... something I was good at. As a scared kid being good at something was solid ground to grow on.

The film looks at ski filming from the 1920’s to today; what do you feel has been your biggest impact on the filming techniques of today and what do you see coming in the future?

Actually, the film starts with Leni Reifansthall in the mid 1930's. She developed so much of the camera and editing technique that all sports film makers employ today. When you look at "Olympiad" you experience her use of moving cameras, music and smooth editing.

I think my biggest impact on film technique was sex, neon and rock and roll.

The future is exciting especially with the GoPros and all the energy that is creating. It's like the Gutenberg Bible... everyone can read now.

With so many new filming tools available in HD format today, what would be your advice for a budding filmmaker with little budget who wants to attempt some shots at a ski resort or even around snowmobiles for that matter?

GoPro and Final Cut Pro... dive in the pool.

How much of what you shoot is scripted out or uses a storyboard and how often do those plans get thrown out on the spot due to landscape, weather, or other factors?

In making a ski film one is exclusively weather dependent... so it is up to providence. Part of what was so exciting and intensely challenging about "Legend Of Aahhh's" was that it was not weather dependent... it was planned... but once into the plan I realized the plan was flawed... behind every historical door I opened there were ten more doors behind which another ten doors lurked... exponential My Dear Watson.

Having grown up in the Syracuse, NY area; we are used to the snow. Skiing and winter sports are a way of life here; have you ever been to the area or somewhat nearby to check out the slopes?

I had a van break down in Fishkill once... is that close? Seriously, we skied everywhere in New England as kids competing in Freestyle. The biggest thing I knew about Syracuse was the great John Witt who was National Mogul Skiing Champion back in the day... he could ski fast and hard.

Thank you for taking the time to do this, what would you like to say to your fans, the ski fans, and your potential audience?