The documentary of how US Airways Flight 1549 was forced to land on New York’s Hudson River and was directed by Andover’s Simon George with several locals as extras is now available to watch online.
First shown in the UK on the National Geo UK channel, it tells of the incident that happened in 2009 when a flock of geese flew into both of the plane’s engines. The impact of the landing ripped a hole in the bottom of the aircraft, and water began to rise in the cabin.
The documentary includes interviews with passengers, who reflect on the heroism of the pilot, and the efforts of local boat owners to rescue them from the icy waters.
It was shot at Black Hangar Studios, Lasham Airfield, Alton and a number of Andover residents from the Andover Musical Theatre Company were used as extras in the film after Simon contacted his old school friend, Chairman Carol Robinson, looking for talent!
Earlier this year Simon won “Outstanding Graphic Design and Art Direction” at the 34th Annual News and Documentary EMMY Awards.
You can also watch the video here.
I watched the film and thought it was really good to have heard the personal stories of the survivors of one of the most miraculous plane “crashes” ever. I know two of the local “extras” but despite watching intently I only “think” I saw one of them 🙂