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The Last Fighter Down

After crash-landing into an Austrian lake during the last day of World War II in Europe, the combat-proven P-47 Thunderbolt, affectionately known as 'Dottie Mae,' becomes the 'Last Fighter Down' of the war. Submerged for 60 years, this extraordinary story unfolds as we journey from the original pilot's perspective to the dedicated individuals who resurrected her, revealing the historic tale of 'Dottie Mae' finally brought back to life.

  • Rob W. Scribner
    Director
    Warbird Pilot: Behind The Visor
  • Rob W. Scribner
    Writer
    Warbird Pilot: Behind The Visor
  • Nick Collias
    Writer
  • Rob W. Scribner
    Producer
    Warbird Pilot: Behind The Visor
  • Mark Doubleday
    Producer
    Warbird Pilot: Behind The Visor
  • Rick J Thompson ll
    Producer
  • Nick Collias
    Narrator
  • Larry Kuhl
    Key Cast
  • Leonard V. Hitchman Jr.
    Key Cast
  • Ralph Van Kerkhove
    Key Cast
  • Mike Breshears
    Key Cast
  • Bob Nightingale
    Key Cast
  • Wolfgang Falch
    Key Cast
  • Jack Croul
    Key Cast
  • Brian Kenney
    Key Cast
  • Johnny Maloney
    Key Cast
  • Mark Peterson
    Key Cast
  • Marcus Breshears
    Key Cast
  • Angela Coleman
    Key Cast
  • Jeff Devy
    Key Cast
  • Mark Doubleday
    Sound Designer
  • Jim Raeder
    Photographer
  • Rob W. Scribner
    Editor
  • Melissa A. Scribner
    Assistant Editor
  • Rob W. Scribner
    Director of Photography
  • Rob W. Scribner
    Camera Department
  • Rick J. Thompson ll
    Camera Department
  • Melissa A. Scribner
    Camera Department
  • Jonathan Case
    Aerial Cam Operator
  • Jack Croul
    Executive Producer
  • Mike Breshears
    Executive Producer
  • National Archives
    Archival Footage
  • Spiegel TV
    Archival Footage
  • Critial Past
    Archival Footage
  • Spiegel TV
    Recovery Footage
  • Premium beats
    Music
  • Artlist.IO
    Music
  • Edit Elements
    Music
  • Mark Doubleday
    Orginal Music
  • Warhawk Museum
    Special Thanks
  • Allied Flighters
    Special Thanks
  • Vintage Airframes
    Special Thanks
  • Spiegel TV
    Special Thanks
  • Sandy Air Corps.
    Special Thanks
  • Woldgang Falch
    Special Thanks
  • Brian Kenny
    Special Thanks
  • Bob Nightingale
    Special Thanks
  • Beyond The Sky Films
    Production Companies
  • Spiegel TV
    Production Companies
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    Aviation
  • Runtime:
    42 minutes 18 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 26, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    42,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, FS7, FS72, FS5, FX9
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • 2024 Los Angeles Film Awards

    2024 Semi Finalist
Director Biography - Rob W. Scribner

With a solid foundation in electronics and mechanics from my service in the USAF as an F-16 Avionics Technician and Mechanic at Lockheed Martin on the F-35 program, my journey into filmmaking began. Discovering my passion when I first held a camera during my aviation days, I transitioned to film school at the Art Institute of Seattle and later Full Sail University, earning my bachelor's degree in Cinematography in 2014.

My early focus on editing and motion graphics propelled me into a deep understanding of storytelling dynamics. This proficiency allowed me to expedite my journey toward becoming a Cinematographer. Through years of experience, I learned to envision how my shots contribute to the narrative during both filming and post-production. This unique perspective facilitated an early leap in my career, transitioning into the role of a DP.

My approach to cinematography involves relying on instinct and intuition, discerning when a shot is just right. I revel in experimenting with different color temperatures and exploring contrast ratios, avoiding repetitive lighting setups. Instead, my choices are dictated by the specific scene and the emotional nuances within the narrative.

Beyond my technical skills, I've been fortunate to receive recognition for my work. Achievements include accolades during film school, featured articles in Sony @ction Magazine, appearances in the Sony FS7/FS5 Brochure, and recognition in ASC's American Cinematographer. I was also a finalist in prestigious film festivals, such as the Sun Valley Film Fest and Tree Fort Films Fest. Winning the 2015 Gordon Willis ASC Heritage Award for my mini-documentary, "Warbird Pilot: Behind The Visor," remains a cherished highlight of my career.

Currently, I am committed to producing outstanding documentaries and commercials, balancing a desire for on-location filming with meticulous planning. Aspiring to be recognized as an ASC, my ultimate goal is to share my knowledge with fellow filmmakers. Teaching is a passion, rooted in my own journey of trial and error. I find great satisfaction in helping others navigate their paths and avoid common pitfalls in the dynamic world of filmmaking.

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Director Statement

As a lifelong aviation enthusiast, my journey into filmmaking was catalyzed by my early fascination with airplanes, leading me to join the Air Force at the age of 17. Although military life wasn't a long-term career path for me, it provided an unexpected doorway to my true passion when I discovered a camera. This marked the beginning of my love affair with filmmaking, and it didn't take long for me to recognize the potential of crafting a film about something I intimately understood.

"Warbird Pilot: Behind the Visor" became the manifestation of that vision, a film meant to inspire and motivate. Its success opened numerous doors for my career, fueling my desire to explore aviation filmmaking further. When the opportunity arose to document the restoration of the Plane K4-S, I eagerly seized it as a chance to experiment with new techniques and gain hands-on experience.

Embarking on my first full-length feature documentary with "The Last Fighter Down," I aimed to create a viewing experience reminiscent of documentaries seen on Discovery Channel or National Geographic. In a landscape oversaturated with avant-garde content, I wanted to harken back to the traditional educational documentaries that influenced my filmmaking journey. The film's 2:35 aspect ratio was a deliberate choice, symbolically framing the plane in a wide perspective, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Securing historical content for this project posed a unique challenge, deviating from my usual practice of shooting everything in the final edit. The difficulties encountered in acquiring historical footage provided valuable lessons, expanding my understanding of content acquisition—a skill set I would not have developed otherwise.

The meticulous animation of still frames with a parallax effect during the editing process was a labor-intensive decision aimed at infusing life into the visuals. While time-consuming, this approach was chosen to elevate the production value and bring dynamism to the static images, reflecting my appreciation for movement and visual depth.

"The Last Fighter Down" became a special and challenging project, taking approximately six years to complete. Despite facing numerous obstacles, the project evolved into something beyond our initial vision, a testament to perseverance and adaptability. The film, now a source of pride, serves as a platform to apply the lessons learned to future endeavors. With each twist and turn, the project reinforced the importance of resilience, and I am eager to leverage this experience in my next major undertaking.