Joseph Kittinger, the original rocket man
I only heard about Joseph Kittinger very recently and if you haven’t heard of him, allow me shed a little light on this little known legend. 50 years after his historic skydive from the edge of the atmosphere Joseph still holds the world record for the highest fastest and longest skydive.
Project Excelsior began in 1958. The purpose, to design a parachute system to be used for very high altitude jumps. After an ascent of one hour and 31 minutes to an altitude of 102,800 ft (The average cruising altitude of a Jumbo jet is 35,000ft) Joseph took a leap from the highest step in the world and jumped.
He was in free-fall for 4 and a half minutes reaching speeds of 614mph, before opening his main chute. The total duration of the jump was 13 minutes and 45 seconds. Personally I was so awestruck by the archive footage that I decided to write to Mr. Kittinger. Amazingly an envelope arrived a few days ago, he had actually written back. Superrocketman salutes you Joseph Kittinger, you’re an inspiration.
Smile London, I know it’s raining but at least try
superrocketman collaborated with the Smile for London art project, bringing art and moving image to the London Underground coming in the new year. Look out for updates here and at http://www.smileforlondon.com
I also worked with the up and coming opera superstar Katherine Sayles - you heard about her here first. Check out Katherine at: http://www.katherinesayles.sm4.biz/
Stop! Or I’ll Shoot
It’s a busy time for superrocketman. There are several up and coming projects that will appear this site over the next few months. The first, a secret project that will premiere on superrocketman, I shall say no more, except look out for it, especially if you love cinema. Also in pre-production that a short film (title TBC). It's all so mysterious.
AE
Deep in thought & back on set, this time as First AD for the anti-gun and knife crime film 'After Effects' directed by Mark One (on right). It was truly a humbling experience to be around so many talented people, who gave up their free time to make a difference. The film was supported by the Robert Levy Foundation, for more information go check out: www.markone.tv
Catwalk
Ok, this one isn't film, it's fashion. In this writing period I decided to get away from the typewriter and attended fashion designer and old friend Holly Fulton's Autumn Winter 2010 collection at London Fashion Week @ Somerset House. Was a great show too, even though I am biased. Check out her stuff for yourself at www.hollyfulton.com
Have a look around
These four had a look around and look at the joy on their faces! You can't fake that. There will be more regular content on this site, so check in from time to time.
Hello World
Welcome to the News page and superrocketman blog. Here you’ll be able to follow the daredevil exploits of Mr. Superrocketman on a daily basis, so why not make yourself comfortable, take a load off, slip into that smoking jacket and puff on that Montechristo cigar that your mate Dave smuggled back from Cuba.
superrocketman is the website for the writer and director Robert Samuels and a home for his projects. Visit soon for updates & have a look around, don’t be shy.
