Black Diamond

Cracked Out

Chris Burkard, Yosemite granite and the strange appeal of a very uncomfortable climb.

Ted’s role: Producer · Director · Director of Photography
Project: Brand / Adventure
Watch: 6:41

The story

Cracked Out follows Chris Burkard onto Yosemite’s Hardman Offwidth Circuit, a collection of climbs that demand an unusually intimate relationship with rock. Ted produced, directed and shot the Black Diamond film, finding a character story in Burkard’s enthusiasm for a discipline known for bruised knees, scraped elbows and stubborn commitment.

The work

Film production and direction
Yosemite climbing cinematography
Campaign film and companion behind-the-scenes film

The person inside the pursuit

The subject is a photographer familiar to millions of people, seen here through a less familiar obsession. His humor and appetite for the awkward make the climbing as much a portrait of character as a physical challenge.

On the wall, behind the scenes

The project pairs climbing cinematography with Burkard’s account of what draws him to offwidths. A companion behind-the-scenes piece documented the work and camaraderie of making the film.

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