The On Roof Top boys are at it again, this time "stealing" a digital sign high above the streets of Hong Kong in this sick behind-the-scenes video on how they did it all. Shockingly these guys are rarely caught, given the nature of the city and its crowded streets its almost impossible to catch everything that happens. We do have to thank them for risking their lives and pushing the limits of photography by doing what they do.
Having followed these guys for some time and first seeing their fame blow up on Instagram with the one and only Vitaliy Raskalov last year its incredible to see how far they are willing to go for the shot. Scaling rooftops in Russia, Tokyo, Hong Kong and beyond they have proven that they have no fear. Well, see for yourself in the video as they push their way through the packed streets of Hong Kong and into one of the tallest buildings in the heart of the city to hack a sign to read "What's up Hong Kong?" and then blast their new logo On Roof Tops.
You can find more of their shots on Instagram along with many of their outstanding YouTube videos on their page here.
[via Vitaliy Raskalov Youtube]
"We do have to thank them for risking their lives and pushing the limits of photography by doing what they do."
The hell we do. They don't do it for art or for anyone but themselves. Stupid, egotistical pranks and stunts do not necessarily equal art (neither does it disqualify it, BTW). What they do is generally without substance, imho. Then again, I might not see what they have accomplished because all I'm looking at is a bunch of people stuck in their adolescence.
I'm not saying they deserve to be beaten with a rubber hose or anything, but I can't really celebrate them either.
I should have stopped reading when you used the word "sick" as a positive adjective. Somehow, this article instantly turned me into a cranky old man. "GET OFF MY LAWN!"
Ha, appreciate the message man. The get off my lawn comment was awesome! Yea, in my opinion finding a creative that is willing to risk it all for a shot to share with hundreds of thousands of people is pretty cool in my book. I agree its not for everyone but to me its pretty neat to see.
I'm perfectly willing to admit that I could be completely wrong. However...
Whenever I see anyone do things like this, I can't help but ask the question, "Why?" The only answer I can come up with is ego.
I mean they put their name on top of a skyscraper. And then posted it to the internet so that others can revel in their cleverness. That is self congratulation on a massive scale, a ramped up version of tagging a water tower just so your friends can think you're cool.
Oh, and it also helps the public see all photographers as law breakers with an overactive sense of entitlement... "because it's for art, man."
I would like to report abuse. Your acting like a security guard...to each his own. What ever makes you....unhappy, bury it inside, there is no need to turn adventure into a negative experience. You may need to go take a walk into a hill full of flowers.
*you're
...and I thought I was weird.
Uhh...
This was a sponsored video with permission from the building. It's a faux impression of sneakiness and genius.
Take another look at the video. Notice product placements. Go Pro. Apple. The North Face...
Ah, I had heard rumors they boys have been touring the world hopping buildings for pay by sponsors but in the start of their fame it strictly was about sneaking around as I talked to Raskalov long ago about getting caught and paying the fines. Its interesting because what kind of waiver are these kids signing to not wear any protective gear or harness?
Wow.
That really sucks. They had permission, but pretended to be sneaky. I take back when I said earlier that it was all about ego.
It's about ego AND money. And it's disingenuous.
Good point. I also doubt that they have hired a helicopter to be able to record a few seconds scenes. OK, could have been a drone, too.
The drone appeared in several of the POV shots from the rooftop.
Weird that a building owner would "sponsor" a faux break-in of their premises. What do they have to gain except to foster an impression that their security is lax?
When did stealing become cool and FStoppers supporting these actions in a positive manner is "sick"…..
.
I wouldn't really say they were actually stealing (even if this wasn't a promotional video recorded with permission from the building's owner). I think that is more of marketing term to make them seem more rebellious, dangerous and tougher than they really are. It seems more like a prank, which was fairly harmless.
Of course, I might not feel that way if I were paying for that billboard to broadcast my message and not theirs.