Ian Planchon is a talented cinematographer who finds great value in seeking a life outdoors
Here’s a quick interview with a guy we are pretty fortunate continues to walk in our store, stock up on Patagonia and let us know what he’s up to next..
Tell us a little bit about family life and where you came from.
I was born and raised in Anchorage, AK. My parents were really good about getting us outside and into a lot of places that were off the beaten path. Before I could pull my own weight, my dad would stuff me into his backpack and we would go off on long ski trips with my mom and sister. Trips like that really give you a strong love for the wilderness, and the outdoors.
What does an average day look like for you?
I am fortunate that there is no such thing as an average day. I can spend Monday working on a commercial for a local client, and Tuesday in Boulder for a National client. A 9-5, 5-day work week doesn’t exist in my industry. Sometimes that translates to a lot of down time, which is great for hanging out with my wife and two kids. Other times it means I am gone for a month in China.
What made you fall in love with filmmaking and want to pursue it as a career?
Growing up near the mountains usually means you get into a lot of gravity based sports. I did a lot of downhill biking and skiing with my friends. I also had a passion for nature photography and that evolved into a passion for making movies of me and my friends biking and skiing I got a job at a TV station as a sophomore in high school and have been in the video industry ever since.
When you aren't working, what do you love to do with your free time?
It’s all about the family time for me now. Being from Alaska and moving to Iowa made it pretty hard to stay current with my favorite activities like downhill skiing and biking. But once we had kids I found a new challenge to tackle. It’s awesome to watch my son and daughter learn about the outdoors and want to push themselves and try new adventures.
What has been your favorite creative project to date?
I always wanted to shoot high-end action sports movies. I was fortunate to team up with Freeride Entertainment and shoot a bike movie called “Where The Trail Ends”, as well as a lot of Red Bull events. And that all led to my favorite project to date: “On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter”. Dana Brown directed the movie. I was one of four primary cinematographers on the film. Dana Brown is also the man behind “Step into Liquid” and “Dust to Glory”, which are two of my all time favorite sports documentaries. “OAS: The Next Chapter” is the sequel to his father, Bruce Brown’s, original documentary “On Any Sunday”.
What was it like working on a film with veteran Dana Brown?
Dana is by far one of the best directors in the sports world. He has the classic laid back California attitude, but he never loses sight of the project. He keeps the crew laughing and having fun, which really brings out the best in people who are working on a long term project like that.
What's your favorite piece of film equipment you own?
By far it’s the RED Dragon cinema camera. It is the same camera I shot “On Any Sunday” with, and every piece of work since then. It has been in crazy hot deserts and -60º Alaskan Tundra, and has never missed a beat.
What motivates you to get outside?
It doesn’t take much to motivate me to be outside. But if it is 100º outside, it doesn’t take much to keep me inside either. Honestly, whether it’s getting out in the backyard with the kids to play soccer, or exploring a new area of Iowa for us – it’s just important to get out, and to make sure our kids know that there is a whole world out there beyond iPads, Kindles and tv’s.
If you could film any outdoor activity, what would it be and why?
I have been fortunate enough to film my favorite outdoor activities, but the one that tops them all is the Iditarod. 1,000 miles across Alaska with nothing more than your dogs and wits against some of the harshest terrain and weather imaginable. It is something truly spectacular. I love telling the stories of those mushers every year.
Which Patagonia item do you own that you couldn't live without?
I love Patagonia gear, so it’s tricky to pinpoint one item. But for skiing, the Snowshot jacket is epic. If you go with the lime green (like me) it gives you a bit of flair, but the all mountain versatility is unmatched. The Nanoair is probably the most comfortable lightweight synthetic jacket i have ever worn , and the insulated Powderbowl is my go to for Iditarod. It’s warm and Gortex, so you stay dry no matter what the weather.
Ian Planchon: Founder/ Director of Photography / Creative Director of 515 Productions
