Ephemeral
Short Summary
"Ephemeral: The Jeff Mercier Story"
In the heart of the world's most treacherous ice climbs, one man stands out among the rest: Jeff Mercier. At 53 years old, Jeff is not only renowned as one of the greatest climbers alive but also boasts an unparalleled wealth of experience in the realm of ice climbing. Yet, his journey to the top has been fraught with peril.
Surviving multiple accidents, including a harrowing encounter with an avalanche and the tragic loss of his mentor, Jeff's passion for ice climbing has been both his salvation and his burden. Now, faced with the looming threat of climate change, Jeff finds himself battling against warmer temperatures that melt away the very ice he so dearly loves.
Undeterred by the changing climate, Jeff embarks on a global quest to seek out alternative ice climbing locations, venturing deep into the icy heart of glaciers in Iceland. With unwavering determination, he pushes the limits of his own abilities, tackling towering ice walls and daunting challenges with unmatched resolve.
As we follow Jeff on his incredible journey, we are introduced not only to the fearless climber himself but also to the network of friends and family who support him along the way. Through their eyes, we glimpse the extraordinary personality that sets Jeff apart from the rest—an indomitable spirit fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence.
This documentary, a collaboration with esteemed brand sponsors such as Rab, Petzl, and LaSportiva, chronicles the remarkable career of Jeff Mercier. Through breathtaking footage and intimate interviews, "Ephemeral" offers a glimpse into the life of a true climbing legend—a man who defies the odds, embraces the unknown, and finds his greatest strength in the face of adversity.
Main protagonist - Jeff Mercier
The team:
- Francesco Valentinuzzi is Professional Action photographer and founder of 3Peaks Production LLC, a documentary producing company helping emerging athletes to elevate their profile and support their goals to have a greater exposure in a very competitive environment.
- Josiah Jones is the film director for this project, and he has experience filming athletes, working on projects for Arcteryx and GoreTex.
The campaign:
"Ephemeral" is more than just a documentary—it's the inaugural project in a series dedicated to supporting emerging athletes in the fiercely competitive realm of extreme sports. Through powerful storytelling, captivating documentaries, and strategic marketing, our goal is to provide a platform for athletes like Jeff Mercier to thrive, inspire, connect, and educate.
Find more information on francescovalentinuzzi.com
3Peaks Production LLC, is an indie production company founded in 2024, in collaboration with Outland Films, Boulder and the success of Ephemeral will allow to expand our work and help new clients and opening jobs to create more engaging material.
What We Need & What You Get
Break it down for folks in more detail:
- Flight tickets (5/6 tickets) - $10000
⁃ Food (5 to 7 days x min 7 people x +- $40 a day per person) = +- $2000
⁃ Gas - 800$ up to 1000$
⁃ Car rentals (TBD - one big van or 4x4 for 5-7 days or Iceland Mountain Guides could help us with the logistics )
⁃ Accommodation (TBD - Iceland Mountain Guides could help us with the logistics) - $2000
- Gear rent - $5000 - $7000
⁃ Music rights - $3000
- Editing - $8000
- Distribution - $10000
- Operations, Legal, & Permitting - $2000
- Additional and unexpected expenses = $5000
We are establishing our level of engagement for sponsor companies like Rab, Petzl and LaSportiva, which will help us to provide all the gear needed to our athletes and crew for a safe project.
The Impact
Embark on a journey into the thrilling world of extreme sports with us! Our mission is to craft captivating narratives that delve into the remarkable triumphs of both emerging and professional athletes. Through our documentaries, we unveil the hidden depths of their personalities, showcasing how determination can propel anyone to achieve greatness through passion and hard work.
But our vision extends far beyond the screen. We aim to create an immersive experience for our audience, inviting them to not only witness these awe-inspiring stories but to actively engage with them. Here's how:
Dive deeper into the narrative: Connect with our team to pitch ideas for new stories. Have a compelling tale you believe needs to be shared? We want to hear it! Your input could shape the next captivating documentary.
Meet the stars: Our athletes aren't just faces on a screen; they're real people with incredible stories to tell. Join us at exclusive events, from film premieres to interactive sessions at retail shops and gyms. Here, you'll have the chance to interact with the athletes firsthand, gaining insights, knowledge, and perhaps even finding inspiration for your own journey.
Be a part of something global: Our ambition knows no bounds. We're committed to showcasing stories from every corner of the globe, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs faced by athletes in all walks of life. One of our key objectives is to spotlight athletes from regions where accessing the right gear is a constant struggle. By sharing their stories, we not only inspire others but also work towards breaking down barriers and leveling the playing field.
But our mission doesn't end there. We're leveraging cutting-edge marketing strategies to ensure that our documentaries reach the widest audience possible. From targeted social media campaigns to strategic partnerships with key influencers and brands, we're spreading the word far and wide.
So join us on this exhilarating adventure as we celebrate the resilience, passion, and sheer determination of athletes around the world. Together, let's ignite a spark of inspiration that will fuel dreams, break boundaries, and redefine what's possible. Don't just watch the story—be a part of it.
Risks & Challenges
To ensure the safety of our team, we refuse to take unnecessary risks. Your contribution will enable us to enlist the expertise of local mountain guides, ensuring that every step of our journey is guided by safety and wisdom.
Our upcoming expedition to Iceland is the crown jewel of our adventure, but it's also the most unpredictable. Rather than blindly booking flights and crossing our fingers, we're taking a strategic approach. We'll only purchase tickets when we're confident we have the perfect weather window, minimizing the risk of losing precious transportation funds.
With your help, our ice-landing mountain guides will play a crucial role in this delicate balancing act. Their expertise will be invaluable as we navigate the ever-changing conditions, identifying the optimal moments for a successful expedition to Iceland.
Other Ways You Can Help
We love the ice climbing community!If you want to hear more about this amazing sport, helping Jeff and our team, please share our project through your social channels and we will make sure to thank you in our channels
- Make noise on IG! Tag @francesco_valentinuzzi, @jeff_mercier_ and @josiahfilm
- Make sure to include indiegogo link in your stories, post, reels!
Thank you all for supporting this incredible journey!