Empty Airspace
The Ups and Downs of Planespotting
The Ups and Downs of Planespotting
Manchester Airport Viewing Park is an unlikely oasis. Below the roar of jet engines heading off to far-flung places stood a once thriving plane spotting community filled with steamy cups of tea, well-sauced bacon butties and deep- seated friendships. The pandemic suddenly put the viewing park’s life on pause, and with it, the lives of its revelers.
Set against the backdrop of North-West England in political turmoil and an aviation industry in existential crisis,this film is an intimate portrait of five plane spotters from Greater Manchester and their lives as they try to adapt to emptier skies brought about by COVID-19. This film shines a light on the role of a hobby in bringing purpose and placing value on doing more of what makes you feel most alive.
It has been filmed over a period of two and a half years, starting in 2021 in lockdown under empty airspace and ending with international air-travel back in full swing.
Set against the backdrop of North-West England in political turmoil and an aviation industry in existential crisis,this film is an intimate portrait of five plane spotters from Greater Manchester and their lives as they try to adapt to emptier skies brought about by COVID-19. This film shines a light on the role of a hobby in bringing purpose and placing value on doing more of what makes you feel most alive.
It has been filmed over a period of two and a half years, starting in 2021 in lockdown under empty airspace and ending with international air-travel back in full swing.
Directed and Produced by
Elena Heatherwick + Angus Dunsire
Pal Studios
Executive Producer
Anna Price
Cinematography
Lee Burnet
Music
Father
Cosmo Sheldrake
Nathan Coen
"I very much enjoyed the adventures of Bolton John and Co. A great group of people, well observed in an unhurried way. I felt wonderfully at ease after half an hour in their company. Realised how cluttered my own life is."
Michael Palin
Michael Palin
