Fd: How did you first get into making fly-fishing videos?
RC: I worked for a ski production company, Teton Gravity Research, for about 2 years. I learned a ton from those guys and gals - that crew KNOWS how to make a movie. I feel lucky to have been a part of that in a small way. From there, I decided what we’re doing with skiing/snowboarding can easily be done with fly fishing. The rest just fell into place.
Fd: What can the viewers of your latest film, Tributaries, expect? What is it about?
RC: Tributaries is a departure from me telling a personal story about my fishing experience. I wanted to see the world through different fly fishing communities eyes, and find the contrasts, but more importantly, I wanted to find what’s similar. This film is about three different guides in three very different places, The Bahamas, Iceland and Argentina, and their collective perspectives on the world that surrounds them. There’s also some fun fishing action too!
Fd: How long did the filming of Tributaries take? How was life on the road?
RC: I travelled to the Bahamas, Iceland and Argentina to what amounts to 6-7 months of travelling and around 20,000 miles of plane time. Life on the road was amazing. Everyday something new. From wearing flip-flops in The Bahamas directly to wearing every piece of clothing I own in Iceland, to walking into a Patagonian spring - I was lucky enough to see a small chunk of the world in it’s finest dress, so to say.
Fd: After filming in Bahamas, Argentina and Iceland, what are the things that impressed you the most from those places and its people?
RC: If you’re a fisherman, you’re automatically one of the crew. Anywhere you go. I loved that. The tight-knit, international community that surrounds our sport is something I have learned not to take for granted. Further, it gives me a new perspective on “easterners” (gapers) fishing our “western” waters - My spanish is terrible! I don’t know a lick of Icelandic - if it wasn’t for the kind hearts in the fishing community, I’d still be lost. I’m inspired to share that feeling with anyone who visits and fishes my homewaters (a secret).
Tributaries Fly Fishing Film Trailer #1 from RC Cone on Vimeo.
Fd: What kind of camera system do you use when you go filming outdoors?
RC: For Tributaries I was lucky enough to lug around a Sony FS-700 and a couple DSLRs. It was fun to be able to shoot at 240fps when meter long salmon are jumping!
Fd: About your first film, Breathe. What was the message behind it and what kind of response did you get?
RC: Breathe, my first film, was a realization that offices, computers and careers aren’t everything in life - balance is important. I travelled around Montana living in the back of a pick-up truck, asking Montanans: How do you Breathe?
The response from Breathe has been amazing. I’ve received multiple emails from people saying they’ve been inspired to go on a similar “vision quest”. That to me is the most rewarding thing that’s happened from being a filmmaker - My inspiration sparks other peoples imaginations and inspirations. I live for that.
Breathe. from RC Cone on Vimeo.
Fd: Regarding filmmaking, do you have any influences or particular styles that you like?
RC: Big question! I can talk about this all day. For 2013 my top films were - Gravity, Her and An Oversimplification of Her Beauty. Not only were all these films beautiful cinematically, they pushed the boundaries of our relationships with ourselves, our loved ones and the earth.I’m a Wes Anderson nerd, The Royal Tenenbaums is top 3 movies ever for me. Lastly, growing up watching snowboard flicks like Robot Food’s Afterlame were a great source of inspiration. 1. You don’t always have to be serious. 2. There’s more depth to these sports than what the naked eye sees.
Fd: Finally, what does fly fishing mean to you, and what do you enjoy the most from the whole process of making outdoor productions?
RC: I keep saying this in interviews but it stuck with me: Prescott Smith (my guide in the Bahamas) said to me “RC, I wouldn’t fly fish if it wasn’t for the bigger picture”. He sees fly fishing as a way to build not only an equitable and just society but for being a good steward for the Earth. I’m inclined to agree with him. I enjoy being out there. Just being there. My cast is not fit for the big screen but if I can participate by telling stories on that big screen, I couldn’t be happier.
To watch the RC's full films, both Tributaries and Breathe, please visit: