DESTINATION TRAIL | Dylan Does Editing

A pair of short documentaries digging into the beauty and brutality of 200-mile ultramarathons, and the passionate humans that push through to the finish line.

Branded Documentaries. 2022. 06:05-06:47

Roles: Editor, Sound Editor

Director: Justis Cooper

Deliverables: x2 Full Length

Client Brief: Using a bountiful amount of interviews and footage, sell the heck out of how stunning these marathons are, and find the stories of human suffering and triumph that make the stakes relatable to an audience.

06:47

The Bigfoot 200 Mile | Destination Trail Races

Ever wanted to try running a 200 mile race? Or didn't know it was even possible? Destination Trail Races is home to the infamous Triple Crown, a series of three 200 mile races created by Candice Burt. We took a deep dive into Bigfoot 200, which is arguably the most challenging of the three races due to its remoteness and wild PNW terrain. Visit www.destinationtrailrun.com for more. IG: @destinationtrail Film by Justis Cooper Media Directed and shot by Justis Cooper Produced by Hilary Matheson and Justis Cooper Edited by Dylan St. Aubin Colored by Gabriel Kava With thanks to all of the runners who shared their stories and thoughts with us for this piece. We hope we were able to capture the essence of the elusive Bigfoot for you.

06:05

TAHOE 200 MILE | THE OFFICIAL DESTINATION TRAIL PROMO

Explore incredible trails as you journey around the largest alpine lake in North America, as part of the stunning Tahoe 200 — our original 200, and the one that started them all. Most of the race follows the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT), with occasional detours to explore aspen meadows, rock gardens of giants, small impossibly blue lakes, thick canopied forests, and long ridge lines with stunning views. The route is nothing less than magical. Runners have 105 hours to complete this grueling yet rewarding race. Want to see for yourself? Find out more and sign up at www.destinationtrailrun.com/tahoe A film by Justis Cooper Produced by Hilary Matheson & Justis Cooper Edited by Dylan St. Aubin Colored by Gabriel Kava Additional Videography by Matt Kranitz With thanks and gratitude to Candice Burt, founder and owner of Destination Trail, Race President Garrett Froelich, the entire staff at Destination Trail, and all of the runners and volunteers who made this video and race possible.

FROM THE EDITING ROOM

Cutting the Destination Trail docs was like playing in a sandbox. The first time I booted up the footage, I got lost in the possibilities.

The turnover was extensive, with hours of interviews, drone footage, and boots-on-the-ground shots that required a healthy dose of athleticism to capture. With those materials, I was let loose with a single defining directive: show the toll these races take on humans.

As the edit developed, the sweeping locations and gritty in-situ footage became complementary to the real beating heart of these videos: the runners. People of all ages and ethnicities, pushing themselves past their limits on a harrowing journey, all united in their enthusiasm for crazy behaviour.

Rare is the project that makes you feel wonder as you work, but these did it for me. This was a full-immersion editing experience.