The High Performance Zone

In this electrifying episode of the High Performance Zone, Gucci dives into an inspiring conversation with the executive producers of the new IMAX film, “The Blue Angels,” Greg “Boss” Wooldridge and Rob "Sticks" Stone. Greg, a three-time leader of the Blue Angels, and Rob, an acclaimed producer, share their journey of creating this groundbreaking documentary that captures the essence of the Blue Angels like never before. Get ready to soar through the skies and discover the dedication, challenges, and triumphs behind this extraordinary film.

Key Takeaways:
- (00:01:03) The Journey to Creating “The Blue Angels”.
Boss and Rob share the five-year journey of making the film, highlighting the dedication, perseverance, and setbacks they faced. They discuss the importance of showcasing the behind-the-scenes efforts that make the Blue Angels a symbol of excellence.

-(00:02:30) Capturing the Blue Angels’ Essence.
Rob elaborates on the challenge and privilege of capturing the Blue Angels’ daily excellence on film. He emphasizes the impact of new technology and the importance of showing the human side of these elite aviators.

-(00:05:05) Overcoming Challenges and Gaining Trust.
Boss and Rob recount the obstacles they encountered, from navigating Navy protocols to securing funding, and how they built trust with the Blue Angels team to film authentic, high-stakes moments.

- (00:10:23) Technical Mastery and Cinematic Excellence.
Boss discusses the technical aspects of filming with IMAX cameras and the meticulous planning required to capture the Blue Angels’ maneuvers.

(00:10:39) Experiencing the Magic of IMAX.
The conversation turns to the visceral experience of watching the Blue Angels on the big screen. Boss shares an anecdote about introducing IMAX executive John Turner to the Blue Angels’ awe-inspiring live performance.

(00:13:00) The Trust and Professionalism of the Blue Angels.
John, Boss, and Rob delve into the trust built between the filmmakers and the Blue Angels, essential for capturing the high-octane footage without compromising safety.

(00:31:33) Reflecting on the Journey.
The episode wraps up with reflections on the journey and the impact of the film. Boss and Rob express their gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the Blue Angels’ dedication and excellence to a wider audience.

Key Quotes:
“This project was years in the making and involved a lot of meticulous planning, but the result is a film that truly captures the essence of the Blue Angels.”

It’s one thing to see them in the air; it’s an amazing show. But having the opportunity to show the public what goes into how the Blue Angels do what they do and the level of excellence they meet on a day-to-day basis was really just a tremendous privilege.”

Join the Conversation
Tune in to this episode for an inside look at the making of “The Blue Angels” and be inspired by the stories of perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Don’t miss out on experiencing the magic of the Blue Angels —it’s a journey that will leave you saying, “Glad to be here!”

For more inspiring conversations and insights, visit John Gucci Foley’s website and join the High Performance Zone community.