WHO ARE THE 46ERS?

The 46ers are those who have climbed all 46 High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains in New York State.  The first 46ers, Herbert Clark, along with brothers Robert and George Marshall identified 46 mountains in upstate New York with an elevation of 4,000 feet or higher. Between 1918-1925 they hiked to the top of all 46 peaks. Since then, over 8,000 people have done the same.  Subsequent surveys have found that four of these peaks are less than 4,000 feet, yet these original peaks are still the basis for becoming a 46er.  

WHAT IS THE FILM ABOUT?

This documentary tells the stories of ordinary men and women who have done the extraordinary.  What draws these people?  It is not all beautiful views and comfortable conditions because climbing these mountains is tough.  The journey can be treacherous, even life threatening, yet these individuals persevere.  The allure to reach the top is fueled by more than just a casual interest; rather, there is a force of nature which calls them home.  Ultimately, love triumphs the physical challenges of hiking – love between the mountains and the people who hike them. Through this heart of care and concern, the 46ers provide incredible volunteer work and extensive education to help preserve these precious resources. This film chronicles the history of the 46ers and tells the stories of those individuals who have made this journey.

WHY IS FUNDING NEEDED?

This project is now two years in the making and we are close to the finish line.  Many people have volunteered their time and expertise to help make this film a reality.  We’ve hiked 100 plus miles over rugged terrain with camera equipment, interviewed more than 24 people and captured over one hundred hours of footage including gorgeous aerial shots of the mountains.  The film is now pretty much complete.  A rough cut is done, and we are now at “picture lock,” ready to put on the final touches. Here's where we need your help. We now need to raise funds in order to send the film to a professional sound mixing studio for Sound Design, Mixing and Mastering. We also need funds for Digital Color Correction and Distribution expenses. To cover these fixed costs, we need to raise at least $15,000. 

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

You can receive a CD copy of the soundtrack, a DVD or Blue Ray copy of the film, a 46ers Film athletic t-shirt, an official movie poster, a ticket to a premiere showing, a photo book, and even Associate Producer credit, depending upon your level of support.

WHO IS THE FILM MAKER?

Blake Cortright’s passion for telling stories through film began while watching “The Ten Commandments” at age five. Impressed by the grand, sweeping cinematography, it still influences his work today.  Blake is currently a senior at Regent University studying Film and Television. 

His love for the outdoors was also kindled early on. Since childhood, Blake has spent a week every summer at Silver Bay, New York State’s premier YMCA camp, located on the shores of Lake George in the southern Adirondacks. In 2010, while still in high school, Blake produced The First Encampment, a feature-length documentary on the first Boy Scout camp in America, located at Silver Bay. It aired on PBS television stations across upstate New York and was released on DVD, receiving much acclaim from scouts and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Blake went on to intern at a PBS-affiliated station where he was a crew member for several other documentaries.

In August of 2012, Blake summited Mount Marcy (New York's tallest peak) for the first time. The view from the mountaintop captivated his imagination and inspired him to create a film about the Adirondack High Peaks. In October of the same year, Blake received a letter of interest from Mountain Lake PBS in Plattsburgh, NY and the team at Arche Productions began planning for the film.  Blake set out to answer the question, “What transforms ordinary men and women into the legendary 46ers?”