Behind the Scenes of Free Solo

Exclusive photos of the making of Oscar-winning documentary, Free Solo

Mikey Schaefer frames up Alex Honnold as he observes El Capitan from Taft point

By Mary Anne Potts

Cinematographer and director Jimmy Chin’s right-hand man, Sam Crossley takes us behind the scenes of making Free Solo, which could win the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature tonight!

More on Free Solo:

Exclusive Interview with Alex Honnold

Jimmy Chin jugs into position on the day that Alex Honnold free soloed Freerider, seen from Samuel Crossley’s camera position hanging above the Enduro corner on El Capitan

Jimmy Chin, Alex Honnold, and Clair Popkin discuss plans for the day just two days before Alex free soloed El Capitan. There was a general plan ahead of each day but the specifics of getting cameramen into position on the wall, the summit and back on the ground required input from everyone involved

Mikey Schaefer frames up Alex Honnold as he observes El Capitan from Taft point

Jimmy Chin puts on his producer hat in his mobile office / production van. Jimmy directed, produced and shot Free Solo all while shooting a photo assignment for National Geographic. His photo assistant, Samuel Crossley, prepares images from the day for editing

Jimmy Chin with the Arri Amira, one of the camera systems used to film Free Solo

Cheyne Lempe, cameraman, frames up Alex Honnold on Canon’s 50-1000mm lens

Alex Honnold made a friend while in Morocco

Jimmy Chin directs Clair Popkin (cinematographer) just after Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell summit a route in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco

Mikey Schaefer, cinematographer, frames up Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell as they summit a route in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. This camera setup weighed over 75 pounds and required two backpacks to be hiked into position

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