SENDING

SENDING is an immersive cinematic narrative about a lifetime of rock climbing experience, shown through the intimate perspective of a group of friends coming together for a late winter weekend of bouldering in The Buttermilks.

An introspective exploration of the personal pursuit of spiritual fulfillment through bouldering. Waking after late night drives through darkness, our friends share beautifully sunlit mountain wanderings of psychedelic-like natural highs that are eventually brought back to earth by climbing's sharply humbling crux of patience and perseverance. It’s an inspiring cycle that leads to the majestic summit of reward - Sending the Project - with the embrace of friendship supporting from below, and then celebrating around the fire, beneath the stars in the moonlit glow.

  • Carlos Mason
    Director
  • Carlos Mason
    Writer
  • Carlos Mason
    Producer
  • Douglas Riggs
    Producer
    Burros
  • Max Albert
    Producer
  • Ethan Pringle
    Key Cast
  • Anna Hazlett
    Key Cast
  • Dan Beall
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Climbing, Adventure, Automotive, Visual Poem
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 12, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Carlos Mason

Carlos was first introduced to rock climbing in the hillsides of Rainbow, CA at just 4 years old. While growing up in San Diego, climbing became his preeminent source of life guiding inspiration and friendships. With family ties to the climbing community originating from Camp 4 in 1970’s Yosemite, he has a deep appreciation for the culture and adventure of outdoor mountain sports.

Starting filmmaking in the early 2000’s, Carlos shot and edited climbing videos with close friends Chris Lindner, Paul Dusatko, and other prominent climbers throughout Southern California. In these early years of creative exploration, bouldering in Bishop and Squamish, and sport climbing around Las Vegas and Utah defined his passion for climbing, travel, and adventure driven visual storytelling.

Carlos is now based in Los Angeles, CA, and works as a producer and cinematographer focused on nationally branded commercial content, and narrative film.

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Director Statement

SENDING is greatly influenced by the immense natural beauty of California’s Redwood forests and The Eastern Sierras. However unique these places may be, I feel that the emotions they evoke are a reflection of the experience enjoyed by an ever growing number of impassioned climbers around the world.

For all the rightfully earned attention given to dramatic first ascents, death defying feats, and world class competition, I feel that much of what makes climbing so deeply fulfilling is unfortunately overlooked. In hopes of shining light on some of the unrecognized magic of our sport, I share with you the un-graded, life enriching, authentically emotional personal and social journey that I’ve gratefully found through climbing.

The people I’ve met along the way have inspired me with admiration and friendship that will last a lifetime. Appreciating the magnificence that climbing has shown me in our natural world, I simply could not accept working my way through another year without creatively sharing this story for all to see. It was a paramount pleasure to make, and it gave me a voice and cinematographic purpose I haven’t felt since the first days I held a camera. I hope you enjoy.

Thank You
- Carlos