Noel Hendrickson’s shoot for the luxury train service Rocky Mountaineer was a massive project that spanned a period of three years. Spotty cell service, restricted use of helicopters, the banning of drones, unpredictable train schedules, changing weather and wildfires, a touring season that only lasts from May to September, and the occasional aggressive bear were just a few of the many challenges Noel and his crew faced. Key to success: communication, with the agency, DDB, the client, and other various regulatory jurisdictions and governing bodies.
Another key to success: intensive planning. Once Noel was awarded the project, he and his crew worked intensely with the agency, DDB, the client team, and multiple location scouts to establish an overall creative approach and look, identify the exact location, angle, train direction, season, and potential issues involved with shooting each of twenty-six hero images. He aligned the proposed shot list with the existing train schedule to create a shooting schedule that would span more than years.
There were of course some memorable moments. Being chased by grizzly bears and elk, being blown off his feet standing too close to a passing train, nearly tipping in a canoe in rapids along with all his gear, are just a few. It’s clear that to get this job done, it took an adventurous and resilient spirit.
