New Warren Miller film shown at USU
One of Warren Miller’s famed action sport movies was shown at USU’s Kent Concert Hall Thursday night to a crowd of hundreds.
Audience members cheered as the film “Off the Grid” progressed, showing athletes performing unthinkable stunts in dangerous, snow-filled terrain. It was filmed around the world including locations in India and Canada.
“This is an exciting event. It’s kind of like the night before Christmas and now there is snow falling outside; it’s just the ambience of the whole event. It is to rejoice the transition from fall to winter,” said John Louviere, director of the USU Outdoor Recreational Center (ORC).
In cooperation with Al’s Sporting Goods, the ORC sponsored the Miller film as part of several programs offered by the center. Not only is this an event to energize participants in winter sports, Louviere said it also benefits the community and local businesses.
“The goal of the ORC is to provide the resources to get outside – to provide the equipment, information and inspiration. And that is where Warren Miller’s movie falls, in inspiration,” Loviere said.
In a press release published by Warren Miller, it said, “Olympic skier-turned NFL football player Jeremy Bloom serves as narrator as the world’s best winter sports athletes embark on a global mission to discover the deepest snow, the steepest mountains and the world’s gnarliest snowball fight.”
Gary Nate, a director and cameraman for Warren Miller, said “Off the Grid” features a lot of everything and is something everyone can enjoy. Nate said this film has big mountain skiers, the Special Olympics, comedy and travel.
“There is always excitement. We’ve got someone going off a 245-foot cliff. He lives and goes in head first. It is absolutely amazing,” Nate said.
Louviere said the event nearly sells out every year and definitely had a good turnout this year.
Featuring Miller films is an annual event at USU and has become a tradition for many.
Mark Hirschi, a sophomore majoring in landscape architecture, said he has gone for many years.
“It’s really cool. I have gone ever since I was little,” Hirschi said. “There were some pretty cool new things. It’s a great thing that [Miller] does.”
Nate said he loves coming to Logan and showing Miller films. He has worked with Miller for 28 years and said he has shown his work in Logan for 25 years.
“I absolutely love it. I called Warren the other day and said ‘Warren, you’ve ruined my life. Thank you.’ I love working more than anything else,” Nate said.
“Off the Grid” is currently touring around the country, appearing in 180 cities, with sponsors of the tour including Ski Utah, X-Box, Pioneer, Corona and Skiing Magazine.
Miller’s press release also said, “Warren Miller’s “Off the Grid” brings fans deeper into the heart of the mountains, touring in true cinematic widescreen as the country’s only high definition nationwide film tour.”
For more information about Warren Miller and “Off the Grid,” visit warrenmiller.com.
-ariek@cc.usu.edu