Code Red: My Southwest Overflight

Flying his small plane from NY to LA the summer of 2021, a photographer/musician encountered drought, fires, and a record breaking heat wave in the 4 corners area of the Southwest. Recorded using a 360 wing cam, an easy flight turned into rude awakening of severe flight conditions, while observing the changing landscape below..have we already reached 1.5 C ?

  • Craig Peyton
    Director
  • Craig Peyton
    Writer
  • Craig Peyton
    Producer
  • Craig Peyton
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    38 minutes 56 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 12, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    360 Cam
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • CEFF Environmental Film Fest
    Golden, Colorado
    United States
    February 24, 2022
    North American
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Craig Peyton

Moving from music to film, Peyton has charted a unique creative course. His production, writing, and arranging skills contributed to many music hits. (including Peyton's own #1 charting release, "Latitude, 40 Degrees North") In the 80's and 90's Peyton worked with artists including Michael Mainieri, Michael Brecker, James Brown, Melba Moore, Nona Hendrix, Levon Helms, and Dan Hartman. Peyton's music has been been used for underscore music for the Friends TV series, the Smithsonian, PBS "Nature" series, and many TV productions and jingles.

Peyton's aerial photography has contributed to many films like "Along Came Polly" with Ben Stiller, "The Punisher" with John Travolta, "Storm" with Luke Perry, "Island of Doctor Moreau" with Marlon Brando, "What the Bleep", and music video footage including JayZ, TLC, as well as numerous TV and feature releases. Recent work includes an, Atlantic Crossing Video, and the kindle book "Cloudman". Peyton is currently serving as a Flying Ambassador for the Bahamas.

In 1991 Peyton, a 6,000 hour instrument rated pilot, founded EarthFlight.com, a multi media production and music company that combined his passion for flying, filming, and music.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Code Red came about as a result of telling people about a location shoot that became very challenging because of extreme climate conditions.

As I described the heat & fires to friends they suggested making a music/doc video of the experience. I was aided by the 360 video camera on my wing that allowed me to manipulate the image in post to 16x9. The music and images tell the main story of the area under duress, with observations as I worked my way through the area. The music was composed and performed live as I edited, using much of the same software.

In many ways I think we’ve already passed 1.5 C and this experience in June of 2021 was a frightening window into the possible future.