ABOUT

Concept

Race to the Clouds with Robb Holland is a three-episode documentary series I directed for MAVTV and RACER TV, capturing the intensity, culture, and danger of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The creative goal was to bring a “Drive to Survive” sensibility to one of America’s most iconic and least understood races. We set out to follow Denver driver Robb Holland as he attempted to break the ten-minute barrier—a benchmark achieved by only a select few in the hill climb’s 100-plus-year history. To tell that story, the series blends character-driven documentary filmmaking with the raw spectacle of high-altitude motorsport.

Execution

We covered months of preparation, from early testing and mechanical development to dawn practices high on the mountain. Production required two parallel approaches: a high-end documentary crew capturing vérité drama, and a racing-specific unit outfitted with drones, in-car cameras, FPV systems, and long-lens coverage to film in extreme weather and thin air. I directed both the visual narrative and the interview structure, ensuring the show kept its focus on Robb’s mindset, team culture, and the escalating stakes as race day approached.
Post-production leaned heavily on a cinematic tone—dynamic pacing, atmospheric sound design, and a color palette that blended motorsport grit with the natural majesty of Pikes Peak. Each episode was built around commercial breaks while maintaining narrative momentum, creating a broadcast-ready structure without sacrificing emotional depth.

Results

Race to the Clouds aired nationally on MAVTV and across RACER TV’s digital platforms, giving audiences unprecedented access to one of the world’s most challenging races. The series expanded awareness of both the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and Robb Holland’s historic attempt, while establishing Mile High Films as a leading production partner for high-pressure motorsports storytelling. The project also strengthened our ongoing relationship with RACER and helped position our team for future long-form automotive and action-sports work. For Mile High Films, RTTC stands as a signature example of cinematic nonfiction storytelling—combining narrative clarity, technical precision, and rare behind-the-scenes access to a legendary motorsports event.