Ultimate Rush is a 2011/2012 documentary television series produced by the Red Bull Media House in association with Matchstick Productions. It is also marketed as a combination of stupendous action sports endeavour, coupled with a cinematic-approach to storytelling. Through its wide distribution in the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Denmark, Austria and other territories, the series is evidence of the acceptance of extreme sports into mainstream television, and one of the most complete accounts thereof. The series focuses on the outrageous exploits of some of the best athletes in the world, and how they explore the fine line between extreme sports, philosophy and art. Most of the filming was conducted in the rugged backcountry of British Columbia, Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, the French Alps, the Himalayas and the Andes, but not at official events or secured sites.
Seasons 1-3 of Ultimate Rush was written and co-executive produced by Pulitzer Prize-nominee and Hollywood screenwriter Stephen Schiff, whose other works include the films Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, True Crime, The Deep End of the Ocean and Lolita.
The 20 episodes of Season 1, Ultimate Rush were directed by Murray Wais and Steve Winter. The narration was provided by the well-known veteran Hollywood actor, and three-time Academy Award-nominee, Nick Nolte. The series documented the exploits of several high-profile extreme sports stars including Chris Davenport, Hervé Cerutti, Steve Fisher - and the late, Antoine Montant and Shane McConkey.
Following the success of Season 1, Seasons 2-5 of Ultimate Rush featured narration by talented voice over actor, Sean Phillips, known also for his TV commercial and movie promo work, as well as several video game characters. With these subsequent seasons, Ultimate Rush went to even greater lengths to show audiences the thrills, dangers and colorful personalities of the extreme sports world.
Broadcast
Ultimate Rush premiered in December 2011 in German-speaking territories on Servus TV. The English-language version premiered in the United States on August 23, 2012 on Halogen TV, and was subsequently released on iTunes.
Episodes
1. "Speed Riding"
Antoine Montant, Francois Bon, and Hervé Cerutti aspire to integrate climbing, flying, and skiing in the sport of Speed Riding. The athletes challenge the mountains of the French Alps near Chamonix. Antoine, named the fastest speed rider, encounters an avalanche. The three athletes attempt to conquer one of the most famous and dangerous walls in the Alps. Antoine then takes on a riskier line and tempts his fate.
Episode Cast: Antoine Montant, Francois Bon, and Hervé Cerutti
2. "Scoping the Line"
In this episode, athletes seek extreme landscapes in search of a ‘Perfect Line.’ Skiers scope out steep mountain faces while kayakers see monumental waterfalls, bikers dense forests, and base jumpers an abundant stretch of sky.
Episode Cast: Kaj Zackrisson, Wade Simmons, Steve Fisher, Espin Fadnes, Cody Townsend, Mark Abma,
3. "Epic Pow"
Professional skiers James Heim, Mark Abma, and Eric ‘Hoji’ Hjorleifson go ski touring in search of big mountain backcountry powder they call ‘Epic Pow.’ With bare necessities the athletes survive in huts of the British Columbia mountains. They ski a variety of terrain including pillow features and spine zones.
Episode Cast: James Heim, Mark Abma, Eric Hjorleifson
4. "Eric’s Ski Quest"
Professional freeskiers Eric Hjorleifson, James Heim, and Ingrid Backstrom seek a vast isolated landscape just northwest of Whistler, BC. The Meager Group offers insane possibilities with amazing spine lines. The team sets up a base camp near the hot springs. They wait out the weather hoping for a perfect day. Eric experiences the extremes of glory and pain in the line of his life.
Episode Cast: Eric Hjorleifson, James Heim, Ingrid Backstrom,
5. "The Red Line"
Extreme skiing is defined with bigger lines, bigger mountains, and steeper faces. They say, “You fall, you die.” Professional skiers Chris Davenport and Stian Hagen sit down with the pioneer of extreme skiing Sylvain Saudan. The athletes share the truth they gain by using big mountains to peer into the depths of themselves. Chris and Stian ski the remote peaks of Alaska getting too close to ‘the red line.’
Episode Cast: Chris Davenport, Stian Hagen, Sylvain Saudan
6. "Haines"