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Steam locomotive in IMAX! Starring CP 2816, Rocky Mountain Express tells the tale of constructing the Canadian Transcontinental Railroad. Director Stephen Low joins us to discuss his career in documentary filmmaking, what led to the creation of this film, and provides us with insight behind some of the amazing scenes!
Rocky Mountain Express – Director Stephen Low
Stephen was interested in trains from an early age, volunteering at the Canadian Railway Museum in Montreal. Following his father into the filmmaking business, he eventually begin production on Rocky Mountain Express. Filmed using high-definition IMAX film (not digital) over the course of years, he balanced the historical storytelling with impressive scenes featuring Canadian Pacific #2816. Mounting big IMAX cameras on the locomotive was not easy, and he tells us about how different angles were achieved. He also explains how the award-winning sound was captured and edited into the film.
One of the strongest elements of the film are its impressive aerial shots. Stephen describes how a helicopter with a camera attached on the front was used for these scenes. Impressively, the train was not staged in advance – these were “run and gun” shots filmed during regular excursions!
Find this film near you at the official website.
This interview was recorded in January of 2014 for another show, so some elements discussed may be outdated.
Question of the Day (1:28:47)
What aspect of Canadian railroad history fascinates you the most? Let me know and I will respond to your comments in our next episode.
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- Some of the POV’s were done with a diesel locomotive. This locomotive is brand new—Stephen got to operate it pulling about twenty coal cars, much of the way through the Rockies. Photo provided by Stephen Low.
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- The camera is loaded while the crew waits for the train. Stephen on the left. Steve Flynn, the pilot is sitting and Ralph Mendoza the camera operator, DOP is loading the camera. Photo provided by Stephen Low.
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- Production crew mixed with steam crew. Photo provided by Stephen Low.
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- The front mount with IMAX camera is headed out of the shop for a quick test. Photo provided by Stephen Low.
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- Big engine, big camera. Dillon Reade is the first camera assistant and operator. Photo provided by Stephen Low.
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- Director Stephen Low fits the camera for the rods shots. Photo provided by Stephen Low.
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- Loading the IMAX camera for the boiler running board shot looking back at the cab. Photo provided by Stephen Low.
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- It’s a big heavy job just loading the camera. It uses a thousand feet (one ocean liner long) every three minutes! Photo provided by Stephen Low.
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- Camera on crane for night shooting. Photo provided by Stephen Low.
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- Testing side mount for the next day’s shoot. It was constantly sprayed with hot oil…a big problem. It also exceeded the loading gauge of the railway so the crew had to take it on and off very quickly before a passing freight train did. Photo provided by Stephen Low.
