Upwards

At a time when AI, VFX, and virtual production increasingly dominate filmmaking, this project set out to achieve something different...authenticity through real-world, practical execution.
The film follows Susie, inspired by a climbing documentary, as she pushes beyond her comfort zone. What begins in her apartment leads to an indoor climbing gym, where early struggles give way to strength, confidence, and progress.
As her abilities grow, the story expands to the Colorado Rockies, where Susie takes on a real mountain climb. The controlled environment of the gym gives way to unpredictable terrain, physical strain, and the mental demands of the ascent.
Intercut with her climb is a parallel journey, Susie reviewing her Fidelity account. As she moves upward, her financial future progresses alongside her physical achievement, reinforcing the idea of long-term growth.
To bring this vision to life, the production relied on practical execution at every stage. Filming took place both in a real climbing gym and on location in the Rocky Mountains, utilizing a specialized crew capable of capturing high-altitude, technical footage in challenging conditions. The transition from indoor training to outdoor ascent mirrors Susie’s transformation from beginner to capable climber.
At its core, the film is about progress, how consistent effort builds toward meaningful outcomes. By pairing a physical journey with a financial one, the story positions Fidelity as a partner in that growth.
The film concludes with Susie reaching the summit, overlooking the landscape—a simple, powerful image of achievement and possibility