ALPHITA, a journey over the Alps

Logline:

Join veteran musician Steve Bayfield on an epic road journey capturing the breathtaking ascent and descent of the Umbrail Pass, enhanced by stunning animation and drone footage.

Synopsis:

In the summer of 2016, Steve Bayfield, a seasoned figure of the English free festival scene and a prolific traveler, embarks on a remarkable journey. With his medium-sized motor home, doubling as a mobile recording studio, Steve sets off from Cornwall, traversing the scenic landscapes of mainland Europe. His destination: the majestic Umbrail Pass, a high mountain pass at 2,501 meters (8,205 feet) on the Swiss-Italian border.

Equipped with a Go-Pro camera, Steve documents his real-time adventure over the pass, capturing the raw beauty and challenging terrain. The footage is transformed into two long-form musical tracks, representing the "up" and "down" segments of his journey.

Recognizing the potential for a more immersive experience, filmmaker and long-time collaborator David Bickley steps in. With a creative partnership dating back to the early 1980s, David and Steve have produced award-winning soundtracks and LPs. David envisions a condensed version of the journey, enriched with animation and drone footage.

The animation, crafted by talented level 6 students from Douglas St Campus in Cork, Ireland, where David teaches and operates his multi-media studio, brings a new dimension to the film. Utilizing traditional, digital, and 3D techniques, the students' work seamlessly integrates with Steve's original footage, creating a visually captivating and musically enriching experience.