‘High Energy. Time Is Up’: Breaking Records with the Turner Twins
Some projects stick with you. This was one of them.
The Turner Twins—Hugo and Ross—are no strangers to ambitious challenges, and when they came to us with their latest idea, we knew it was going to be something special. The goal? To set the altitude world record for an electric paramotor in the French Alps. It’s the kind of project that makes you pause and say, “Alright, let’s make this incredible.”
This wasn’t our first rodeo with the Twins either. Over the years, we’ve documented their adventures on land, sea, and now, in the air. But this was different. It wasn’t just about exploring; it was about pushing technology, challenging convention, and sparking conversations about how we interact with the world. And, honestly, we couldn’t wait to get stuck in.
Building the Narrative
Every project needs a story, and this one practically wrote itself. From day one, we were working closely with the Twins and their partners—Breitling, Panasonic Toughbook, Belstaff, Parajet, and Ozone Paragliders—to craft a narrative that blended adventure with a clear purpose. This wasn’t just about breaking a record; it was about showing what’s possible when innovation meets sustainability.
The structure fell into place pretty naturally:
Act 1: The Build
We kicked things off at Parajet HQ, the birthplace of the electric paramotor. This wasn’t just a workshop; it was a lab of possibilities. We filmed Gilo Cardozo, the man behind the machine, as he talked us through the tech. The build process was intricate, and we made sure to capture every detail—from attaching the propellor to wiring up the battery. Those little moments of precision made it clear just how groundbreaking this machine is.Act 2: The Test
Dartmoor. Wild, unpredictable, and the perfect testing ground. Watching the Twins navigate their first flight here was a mix of tension and excitement. We had drones buzzing above, GoPros strapped to the paramotor, and a crew ready to grab every angle. Seeing the paramotor lift off for the first time was electric (pun intended). This was where the reality of the challenge really set in—for them and for us.Act 3: The Record
The Alps were the final frontier, and they didn’t disappoint. This is where we pulled out all the stops—dawn shots, sweeping drone footage, close-ups of Breitling watches tracking the record-breaking flight. You could feel the energy building as they climbed higher and higher, the hum of the motor echoing against the mountains. And when they finally hit their target? Pure elation.
Overcoming the Hurdles
Let’s not sugarcoat it—this project came with its fair share of challenges. Weather delays, international logistics, and the not-so-small task of ensuring we had an official observer, Gilles Salah, to verify the record all kept us on our toes. There were also the creative hurdles: how do we make this feel intimate and epic at the same time? How do we tell a story that’s both technical and deeply human?
The answers came in the details. Candid interviews with Hugo and Ross gave the project heart. Technical insights from Gilo added depth. And the sheer beauty of the Alps provided the cinematic punch. Plus, knowing the film would feature on Waterbear, a platform dedicated to sustainability and innovation, pushed us to make every frame count.
Delivering the Goods
This wasn’t just about the film (though we’re seriously proud of how it turned out). The deliverables included:
A 5-10 minute hero film that tells the whole story.
A 30-second sponsor cut for Breitling and Panasonic Toughbook.
Three punchy 15-second social edits designed to grab attention fast.
Over 40 high-impact photos—from behind-the-scenes moments to breathtaking in-flight shots—perfect for press, social, and sponsor use.
Photography played a massive role in this project. The Twins’ story isn’t just told in motion; the stills capture the quiet moments, the tension, and the triumph. It’s a visual record of a groundbreaking achievement.
Why It Matters
At its core, this project was about pushing boundaries—not just in altitude, but in how we think about exploration. The Turner Twins are proof that adventure doesn’t have to come at the cost of the planet, and we’re proud to have been part of a project that sends that message loud and clear.
For us, it was more than just a job. It was a chance to work with old friends, make something we’re genuinely proud of, and show what’s possible when great stories meet great production. If you’ve got a bold idea, let’s chat. Who knows? Maybe it’ll be the next one that sticks.
