Master's Student: The Climbing Documentary || Chasing Dreams In Fontainebleau

[@EricKarlsson]

Big thank to everyone who has already signed up to the Patreon over the last few days! I'm excited to make more films for you, and also keep them Ad free through the film. If you enjoyed this film and would like to help support the channel, as well as get access to some extra content, please consider becoming a Patreon: www.patreon.com/Eric_Karlsson

[@plamentsalinski6844]

Absolutely incredible editing, visuals and audio man it gave me goosebumps. World class stuff cant wait for more!

[@ClimbingStuff]

It's wild how well this video captures the experience we had while in font. Thank you, Eric; for capturing this moment for me. And of course, thanks to Emil for coaching me through the send!

[@zynthrex1]

@@ClimbingStuff v16 dyno when my man?

[@DudexJta]

What a terrific performance man, honestly great job

[@balaenopteramusculus]

Amazing job, Branden, you old jokester. You fucking SENT Rainbow Rocket!!

[@TheJustinConnor]

my guy 🙌🙌

[@jeremymcnelley4419]

Awesome job, Branden! 👊🏻

[@ThatMumboJumbo]

The way this is shot does such a good job of showing the actual scale of Rainbow rocket. It's huge. Beautifully done!

[@EricKarlsson]

@@ThatMumboJumbo Really happy you watched the film :) I found your filmmaking and cinematography content last year and it’s been a big source of inspiration, so I want to thank you for helping me become a better filmmaker:)

[@mortilnis]

Collab when? 😘

[@lilcharles5528]

didn't know you were a climber wtf

[@Cqat1]

i did not think you'd watch bouldering videos lol

[@mortilnis]

@@Cqat1 He's also got a home board

[@freehandcorn]

The Church of Dynology will have to add this to the holy text

[@SuedeNWings]

@@freehandcorn and on the last day his dynoness with guidance from the Sloper Daddy found himself hitting the jug and ascending into v11 heaven.

[@Wijkert]

Really liked how the send was not telegraphed. Not in the title, no que's in the video as far as I could tell. It made the send so much more impactful.

[@EricKarlsson]

I really wanted to keep it a secret and pure until the end, so im glad you enjoyed the way this all played out :))

[@Wijkert]

@@EricKarlsson definitely worked out like you wanted!

[@mihkelhint]

Dude no fucking way, wtf lol. Didn't think he was even close, just slowly improving, and then he suddenly just nails it, insane!

[@EricKarlsson]

yeah really was mindblowing :D

[@slobodanpantelic4232]

@@EricKarlsson I love it how you didn't in any way make it so that we can expect that to be the climb he makes it, it was as big of a surprise for us as it was for you, I guess. Great video, thank you all guys!

[@ayuminor]

Feels like I'm sitting on a rock chilling out with y'all

[@EricKarlsson]

Makes me really happy you feel that way, really tried to push that :)

[@balaenopteramusculus]

Well said!

[@kamilogorek]

Peak bromance, peak cinematography. Thank you!

[@RiannaMariman]

Eric, really love how you didn't give any hints with music (or lack thereof) that it was the send go, I feel like usually in bouldering films you can tell with cues like this, but it was really fun to be taken by surprise when he stuck it. Just wanted to say I enjoyed that artistic choice!

[@EricKarlsson]

@@RiannaMariman thanks homie:) I wanted all of you to be as surprised as me and Emil during that send :D

[@RiannaMariman]

@@EricKarlsson it was such a cool moment to watch!

[@kissmate89]

One of the best climbing videos I've seen recently. It made me cry. ♥ Such an amazing effort and shows that climbing is really about encouraging each other to do better.

[@EricKarlsson]

So happy you feel that way, really wanted to portray and highlight that! :)

[@kissmate89]

@@EricKarlsson you really nailed it. Very minimalistic story telling but with that colour palette and the dynamic between the two guys…perfection

[@karachlorophyll2128]

I absolutely adore it on the send go when Emil yelled "YES" at the exact moment Brandons foot just touched the step-up, hasnt even seen the "dyno" part of the boulder. its almost like they both got the execution of that one single move so hard wired in that he knew that was it, and fully trusting on brandons ability to finish the 8A with the perfect step. Magnificent!

[@EricKarlsson]

Yeah it really was those incredible magical moments, I teared up filming it :)

[@benwallace2539]

Eric - your film making is top notch. Everything from the music, the colour grade, the composition... even the mics on the climbers. Shooting from a distance to give the sense of privacy between these 2 as they work on the problem. Minimal cuts so that it remains grounded and calm. Amazing work man!

[@daveeeeeeeeeed]

the pure raw emotion in that moment is amazing, i think i rewatched 16:01 like ten times now. Emil screaming OH MY GOD at the top of his lungs is the best part. incredibly captured Eric :) especially that last shot is so real

[@jpe-93]

I rarely write comments, I hope this reaches you. I was anticipating this video for a while now, and obviously I had my preconceptions and predictions. I expected something in the lines of Hidden Masters, eagerly so. You caught me off guard twice in this video. First the outdoor session vibe. How you left minutes of barely cut attempts and conversations, and the music choice, it gave me this feeling of continuity, inmersion. And the second time you caught me off guard, as in a real outdoor bouldering day, that send out of nowhere. No music change, no obvious build up. Just bam, the boy fucking did it. I had a grin from ear to ear, I have it now recalling it. What treat this was. Damn. Thank you. Really thank you.

[@EricKarlsson]

Thank you so much for writing such a beautiful message my friend :) You express my thoughts and plan perfectly, so this puts a big smile on my face :) All the best!

[@dodoinstars]

Out of words. The poet of climbing videos on full dispaly. Greatness.

[@EricKarlsson]

brew

[@BeautifulxBeginnings]

Wow, that moment of celebration with Emil just holding him was so powerful. Such a perfect depiction of joy. Makes me remember that humans can be so wonderful

[@bobfletcher175]

I thought this video was going to have a dismal ending, and then BOOM. Totally caught me off guard. Very emotional. Incredible storytelling.

[@EricKarlsson]

Ah I’m so glad I managed to surprise you and hopefully other :)

[@Morgan.Freeman]

I love his reaction when he sticks the hand, already starting to scream before bringing the other hand, you can tell how much it meant to him !

[@zynthrex1]

This is perfect Eric! A perfect blend of the bouldering and cinematics!

[@EricKarlsson]

[@Jackasmacka]

This video really captures the essence of projecting. The wholesome love for the sport is palpable.

[@romana316]

omg, this was so fucking wholesome it genuinely brought tears to my eyes. That reaction honestly caught me so completely off guard, but I am here for it. I've seen people win gold medals at the olympics and show less emotion than this. Congratulations Branden! And thank you to Emil and Eric for making this happen. :)

[@KuroNekoIX]

The film maker, the master, the student, the boulder, the scenery, the music, the everything are just right. I hope more people get to watch this. Not just climbers but everyone. I've always preferred to climb statically, but the more I watch Branden the more I want to step out of my comfort zone and try some of the dyno problems at my gym.

[@gekquad116]

I’m 3 minutes in and my main remark is that I feel like a fly on the wall while two friends have a session. I love this. Just a slice of life. Great work!!

[@markobrien2010]

I really enjoyed how this video heavily used long cut wide shots without stationary camera. Its really hard to articulate why but the style achieved was a great human experience that brought me into the environment more than your average stationary wide shot with lots of cuts to closer footage.

[@AnnaNibbs]

Stunning film! Music, colour, editing, pace, cinematography, I'm pretty new to climbing, and have hardly climbed outdoors yet, but this film captured everything I love about this sport. Beautiful storytelling, Eric. Congratulations to all of you - master, apprentice, and filmmaker. 🙌 Also... the way the light falls on the boys' *cheekbones* in that thumbnail 😍.

[@TotallySonya]

omg this made me cry! This is everything I love about this sport - the joy, the pride, the surprise, the camaraderie is PALPABLE even thru my tiny phone screen. Thank you for sharing this with us 🙏

[@joethompson11]

This was incredible! Just finished watching all the Olympics and now this. What a great week!

[@SuedeNWings]

I loved every minute of this and congrats to everyone who participated in this journey. I'm genuinely tearing up on how beautifully this was shot. It's magic.

[@EricKarlsson]

maan really puts a smile on my face when I read this, thank you for writing down your feelings :)

[@arzoru]

The fuckin best climbing video i’ve ever seen. I really believe that I was more happy with this send then with any of mine

[@R0bDanger0us]

I’m sitting in my living room screaming at the screen 😅 my face went ☺️🙂😩😄😆😂😳🤔😧😲😯😊🥹🥹🥹🥲😄😅🫣🫣🫣🤯🤩 Such a beautiful captured moment.

[@sherlockholmieblitz4814]

I'll be watching every one of these mini-documentary style videos you release. Awesome capturing of intimate moments.

[@j.l.5966]

WOW! That payoff at the end!! One of the best climbing vids on KZbin by far!!!❤

[@EricKarlsson]

Im so happy you enjoyed the film and you felt so happy with how it was made, puts a big smile on my face :))

[@jorenvanlaer2927]

Wow Eric, wow. I could watch this all day, hats off to Branden for sending and to Emil for being the best teacher and friend!

[@Cj7Pongs]

Watching Emil and Branden celebrate the send together brought me to tears. Just them hugging and holding each other in elation made me feel what is truly so beautiful about climbing, and I could feel Eric’s joy through the camera too.

[@FrenchieSensei]

This genuinely brought tears to my eyes. So freaking happy for Brande, you could tell it was a huge deal for him. Great moment captured here, and to think it happened a couple hours from my home is funny. Much love to you all ♥

[@darrylhscroggins]

"Be the tall boy you were meant to be." 5:23 I needed this, Emil. As a 6 foot climber, I often feel like I need to apologize for using "tall boy beta". Thanks for the liberating words!

[@garnix5427]

Crazy dedication by everyone! Brandon sends it, Emil coaches and Eric with the killer cinematography and score. Great video

[@carjessu]

Loved every minute of this masterpiece, this could easily be on Netflix.

[@ilikepizza9924]

As someone who’s dream Boulder is also Rainbow rocket and someone who feels terrible at climbing whenever I try dynos, this was really inspiring to see, reminded me to never give up. Great send and great video! Very authentic feel to it.

[@vasishtagonzlez3418]

This film was so moving it made me tear up at the end. One of the best climbing films I have ever seen!

[@EricKarlsson]

Maan that makes me so happy to hear :))

[@agario5161]

Wow one of the best climnbing movies i have ever seen, i was cheering so hard and was so surpised when he actually got it :)

[@HaveAnAwesomeDay1]

If Terrence Malick did a climbing vid, this would be it.

[@christianmaslak]

I legit teared up a little bit at the send and their mutual reaction. Such a lovely, sort of fragile moment. And the music was spot on. Good work man. 🤙

[@EricKarlsson]

Thank you so much homie :) glad you enjoyed it!

[@kavali6320]

Marvelous work Eric! I loved the colours, the soft music and of course the two guys in front of the camera. Emil's tips were gold and gave Brandon the strength to surpass himself. Congratulations to the dyno-padawan! This video reminded me of when you filmed Linda sending 'New Base Line'. Tears of joy and all. Pure emotions at 19:36 🤎.

[@EricKarlsson]

Thank you so much for always cheering us on throughout the years :) you are to kind

[@Shin-bq8bg]

Honestly so breathtaking video, this is art 110%!! I loved the pure joy in the sent and after when Emil ran to Brandon and they were so happy in the moment. Great CC, very well put together and undescribable vibe :D, Great job!

[@devbom878]

Commenting for the algorithm, because this needs to be seen by more people!!!!

[@Jonez5]

Pure emotion. That’s what climbing is all about.

[@durabelle]

Such a cool film, brilliant storytelling! It's nice to see a different side to Branden through somebody else's perspective, and obviously after some gentle but serious coaching from Emil. The only time I've seen Branden try this hard before was on the boulder comp where he topped the step-up dyno problem, so I was expecting him to dig deep and find that mode again, but I wasn't at all prepared for the genuinely emotional reactions from everyone after he finally did it! So much of what we see and how it makes us feel comes down to the choices in the editing stage, and in your videos there's always this warmth and beauty that shows us how you see the world and especially the people around you. Please keep doing your magic, Eric!

[@williammolloy3234]

Your videos encapsulate a tremendous sense of beauty, everything y'all touch is full of tremendous beauty, two thumbs way up!

[@IndividualName]

Excellent cinematography! I was always waiting for Frodo, Merry, Pippin and Sam walking through the picture. Also great climbing! Jumping! Whatever!

[@andrewwastaken2]

Mad Tolkien vibes in this. Gollum getting spotted by Boromir on Rainbow Rocket is something I never thought I would see in my lifetime.

[@MrTheHegemon]

This is by far one of the best climbing videos ever made.

[@EricKarlsson]

@@MrTheHegemon I’m really happpy that you enjoyed the film and thank you for writing this to me :)

[@dave990]

Are you being serious or just using kind words to make them feel good. Don't get me wrong it's quite a cool watch but I don't think it's even in the top 50 climbing videos! Rainbow rocket is as we all know - a dyno from jug to jug with a bit of foot coordination that is easier the taller the person is! Basketball ball players, track n field, parkour and many more athletes that would climb 6c below could do RR!!!

[@aRockOrSomething2]

I loved how you told this story Eric. The longer the video went on watching Branden being far from the send, the more I started to doubt he would get it. The absolutely rush of emotions when I watched him stick it literally made me tear up. Never saw it coming and made the moment feel so amazing. So beautifully told, thank you.

[@billy44talent]

Pretty epic. This is what climbing is about. Supporting the homies. We all gonna make it

[@RedHornSSS]

Man the constant of this well-composed wide shot really tied the whole film together. Amazing!

[@spencerzoppoth719]

Eric, you portrayed this story incredibly with this film and it brought me such insane stoke to see Brandon send his dream project. I hope to someday have moments like this. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@floriandanton7614]

So freaking cool, epic on any level!

[@prgnify]

Holy shit Eric, what a privilege it is to be able to watch your productions. Amazing work.

[@MonkeyBarred]

beautful.. content, editing and the pure emotion of the send and Emil's and Eric's response were so proud and happy for his send.

[@mathkrGames]

Great effort by Brandon and Emil is the goat as always. But my gosh what an amazingly well made film. I loved it.

[@555noize]

Color grading, editing, music, ... absolute masterclass! Siked for more!

[@FB711_]

Man, I really need to expand my vocabulary because this was beyond gorgeous. I could watch films like this for hours on end. I’ve only been indoor bouldering and watching climbing videos for a couple months now (the latter not to be underestimated; I’m obsessed and it’s basically all I do on my free time) and it’s beautiful to watch everyone’s growth through your videos. Eric’s climbing and filmmaking (from the actual filming to the storytelling to the editing and all it encompasses), Emil’s climbing and coaching, Nikken’s and the rest of the crew’s setting and climbing. And, most of all, I love the energy and the good vibes the videos exude. This film feels like the perfect combination of all of these qualities while, rather than a culmination of things, managing to feel like a new beginning. Kudos and the warmest of hugs to everyone involved, and thanks for taking your time to put this out there of us to enjoy.

[@EricKarlsson]

I'm so happy you feel that way! Also sweet to hear that you have found climbing and you are invested in the people and communities here on climbing youtube! :) All the best!

[@Wijkert]

Beautiful video Eric! I miss Font a lot and this really helps to get a sniff of the vibes when you are there.

[@tronco1093]

Let's F***ing go, Brandon! This video is as inspirational as heart warming. Emil seems like one of the nicest people in the world, supporting his young try-hard padawan!

[@fireclub493]

what a great portrait of fighting in the forest :) so cool to watch that learning process + see ya'll support each other so wholeheartedly. Can't wait for the future vids from font!

[@petosorus]

Eric, the film is so beautiful, great job and thank you for the tears. The guys, thanks for being so open and chill on camera. I'm at a bit of a weird time regarding relatoonships and exterior apparences. Your love and sensibility/sensitivity showed here and it felt great❤ Also Branden what the fuck you sent the meme

[@Theboardbro]

Such a beautiful and fantastic film!

[@siken_]

Seriously such a good film of yours, also the send is so amazing, the slow progress, and all the emotions that came with it, thank you Eric, thank you so much

[@EricKarlsson]

Thank you so much for such a nice message

[@garrettmaynrd]

Such a big fan of this. The entire thing was perfectly filmed and led to the perfect conclusion. I wasn't sure he'd actually do it and found myself clapping with teary eyes when he finally sent it. Kudos to all involved!

[@lenardvandermaas6893]

This is such a great representation of the feeling when sending a hard project. It's just unlike anything else and you captured it perfectly! It really felt like I was there witnessing it.

[@manumo1]

Eric really have a talent with videos and editing, such simple moments yet so beautifully displayed. Congrats to Brendan for his accomplishment and Emil for being a great sensei!

[@EricKarlsson]

[@LostSolesClimbing]

All the emotions, LFG!!

[@SauceVinaigrette]

The way you beautifully captured this journey and climbing moment was amazing. Seeing Emil and Branden being so hyped and hugging like that was so emotional

[@vicentecatalan1825]

Broo i cried this is top rock climbing content. Excellent film

[@budoo88]

That was sick 🤘

[@liamcuff8131]

One of my favourite videos I’ve seen in years, honestly beautiful and exciting and nostalgic and everything!!! I love you I’m front of the camera Eric but I also LOVE you behind the camera!!!

[@glasseyes5844]

Absolutely magical 🙌

[@miroz5824]

This ...is ...so beautiful!

[@chrisembry3736]

Congratulations Emil and Branden A masterpiece Eric. From the music, to the coloring, camera work, all the editing and cuts. Fantastic work.

[@HazzorPlaysGames]

👨‍🍳💋 Great film Eric. Really nice to see the progress and coaching from the candid perspective contrasted with the adrenaline come down happy babbling at the end.

[@matthewsayers5387]

LOVED the long takes and music in this! The editing and shooting of this video really brought me there with these guys. Keep up the amazing work :)

[@adamhaas141]

True effort comes from the soul. Amazing, all three of you.🙇‍♂

[@zacharyhiggs1629]

I love a lot of the uncut shots, makes you feel like you’re right there too!

[@gekquad116]

So proud of you all. Eric I hope this is a 1/10, it deserves to be!

[@EricKarlsson]

I wish it was the case, but hopefully the people will watch it more over the next few weeks :)

[@peanutsraisins]

Such a beautiful story, made me tear up! Fantastically well done by all three lads!

[@MatsSandfors]

Amazing, had to look at this masterpiece twice. Wild story and excellent captured and edited. Bravo Eric!

[@moomy4604]

I just started climbing and obsessively watching you, Emil, and Branden for the wide variety of content y'all produce and to see this moment was absolutely beautiful. It's easy to see them as just people on a screen but your filmmaking (oh my god the composition! the color! the narrative arc!) really brought them to life as if I knew them. Thank you for sharing this journey and friendship :)

[@omaramr6107]

This is why I love outdoor climbing. This was filmed and scored so nicely and the emotions at the end was so pure. Massive smile on my face when you stuck it!!!

[@mattiasvds]

The stoke is soooo real on this one! Looking forward to the next projects!❤

[@mayiko_001]

That genuine reaction when Branden got it ... damn felt so warm. I have that too every time my daughter sends a route she worked so hard in ... Love you guys :-) Tx for making this wonderful movie @EricKarlsson

[@svenningen]

What a wild ride! Beautifully put together as awalys, Eric!

[@tuftofflowers]

Love everything about this. Such a touching and wonderful film. Proud of you guys

[@RJessick]

That was such an amazing video man. Didn't know I'd ever be crying over a climbing video. Especially not one @ClimbingStuff is in :D

[@EricKarlsson]

The big dream I had, was for people to tear up in that moment, all that build up through the video for it :) I found that song 4 months ago and I instantly knew it was the one for that ending, so feels good to hear you and others had that reaction :)

[@natenunes2832]

Dude this was beautiful!! Congrats!!! I’m not crying you’re crying….

[@nandoroy88]

Wonderful! What a beautiful trip, congratulations 🎉🕺

[@Cqat1]

Went on my second trip to bleau this summer. Didn't go to rainbow rocket, unfortunately, but i got to project some sick 7as and actually did my first 7a there. We went to a different area each day with one "rest day" in Karma, where we got to see Sam Avezou train for the olympics and I actually tried a ton of hard boulders and did way too much campus boarding at the end. After 5 days spent climbing in bleau, 3 days of which i spent trying a 7a and getting really close to doing it but just barely not being able to send it, on the 6th and final day of the trip i finally sent one. This video really makes me "nostalgic" of those days, of the time i spent with my friends there, the amazing and beautiful boulders i tried and the nature and feeling. Amazing video, Eric!

[@graydeotto2820]

Omg I was waiting to see him in Font, stoked!

[@valentinfx]

Love the cinematography on this one! You knocked it out of the park!

[@EricKarlsson]

Thank you so much man! :)

[@Mcnew77]

@@EricKarlsson And doing it with two brokenish ankles. Mad respect.

[@surferderek11]

This is absolutely amazing. Cinematics, great story, hard climbing, full package. Thank you Eric🙏🏻

[@Bobbzorzen]

Beautiful film! Both content wise and cinematography!