Interview with Drone Exposure
1. For our readers that might not know, could you tell us a little bit about yourselves, what you're normally up to (when taking a break from hovering drones over cyclists for us), and how your services contribute to the overall L2M experience?
Ollie: I work in special effects for the film & TV industry. I’m currently based in Edinburgh where I’m working on a TV series that’ll be coming out next year. When not working I enjoy various outdoor activities including mountain biking, Scuba diving and paragliding.
Will: I work as a freelance cameraman and drone pilot. I've spent the past year and half filming around Antarctica and the Falkland Islands on a variety of wildlife conversation projects and a natural history documentary. It's been an amazing experience, and I'm now looking forward to the next adventure (after a summer back in Bristol of course!).
From time to time we join forces as Drone Exposure, which provides coverage of events, expeditions and motorsports.
We feel our L2M videos give an insider perspective to the ride, and show off some of the stunning sights and experiences to those who didn't take part. They also serve as a memory for the riders, who can watch them for years to come and be transported back to the saddle.
q2. When and how did you first get involved with Blue Marine and the London to Monaco (L2M) ride?
Will: In 2017 I got a call out of the blue to film the first day of L2M, and then ended up flying out to Monaco to cover the last day too. The next year I got another call, but this time asking if I wanted to film the whole ride. I knew this was an amazing opportunity, so I spoke to Ollie and we started planning how we could pull it off (which involved me hanging out of the back of his van with a camera)!
Ollie: I first worked with Blue Marine back in 2016 where I joined a project they were sponsoring Patagonia. We used my drone to locate and document an unprecedented amount of dead Sei whales found on various beaches. In 2018 I joined Will on the L2M trip to capture footage of the event (which it turns out is much more difficult given the speed the cyclists travel!)
q3. What is so special about Blue Marine and the L2M ride that attracts you to partner with us again this year?
Obviously the ride is for an incredible cause and we are both passionate about protecting our oceans, but it’s also great fun to join in on the adventure without suffering the knackered legs and saddle sores!
q4. What has been your fondest memory from working with Blue Marine and the L2M ride in previous years?
Ollie: I loved having the chance to get to visit places that I would probably have never stumbled upon if it wasn’t for the L2M ride. Not only that but in these beautiful remote locations we were often treated to some extremely tasty coffee - courtesy of Climpson's!
Will: One of my favourite moments was interviewing the riders at the top of the Col de Tourmalet, after having filmed them slog through the absolutely gruelling ascent. Spirits were all super high and the energy up there was incredible!
q5. What are you most looking forward to about L2M 2022?
Will: Getting back out onto the road after all these years being trapped inside. It seems like a great way to mark the end of covid in many ways.
Ollie: Similar to Will, after years of restrictions I’m really looking forward to the feeling of freedom every day on the road!
q6. From your previous experience of capturing the thrills & spills of our riders, is there any advice you would offer this years challengers before they set off?
Will: Make sure your brakes work! You'll need them for those huge alpine descents.
Ollie: Get used to riding against the wind as those days seemed to exhaust the riders more than the inclines!
q7. If you could come back in an afterlife as a sea creature - what would it be & why?
Ollie: A flying fish so I get the best of both worlds
Will: An elephant seal - I recently discovered they're amazing divers, and can go over a mile deep into the ocean. Apparently they even shut their brain down while they do so, to conserve energy. They also get to lie around on the beach all day surrounded by ladies!