New VIP-Stunt for "The Battle around the World"
High-Tech Rigging Above the Vikos Gorge
The Vikos Gorge in northern Greece—UNESCO World Heritage Site and, according to Guinness World Records, the deepest gorge in the world relative to its width—recently became the setting for a special project. For the TV format “Joko & Klaas – Das Duell um die Welt,” One Inch Dreams executed a complex stunt for Florida Entertainment featuring pop star Vanessa Mai. The goal: deliver spectacular visuals without compromising safety.
The challenge: designing, building, and operating a custom technical structure directly at the edge of the gorge, with vertical rock faces dropping nearly 1,000 meters— a classic scenario for our rope systems and personnel safety solutions under extreme conditions.
The episode set out to test, through a physics experiment, whether a single roll of duct tape could be strong enough to hold a person.
To achieve this, the artist was secured to a construction that appeared on camera like a wooden pole protruding over the edge and slowly swung out above the abyss. The visible duct tape was deliberately chosen as a dramatic element. Hidden behind it were additional redundant safety systems: rope backups, concealed anchor points, and a safety concept designed to reliably eliminate real risks.
Technical Setup: Frame, Truss, and Rope Systems
At the core of the setup was a specially engineered frame anchored directly into the rock. Attached to it was a four-meter aluminum truss clad with a wooden cover, making it appear on camera as a solid wooden pole. Vanessa Mai was secured to this clad truss using duct tape as well as a concealed rope safety system.
Multiple certified ropes, redirect pulleys, and patented H.O.I.S.T. winches enabled smooth, controlled lowering and re-raising of the structure. The extensively tested rigging setup was designed to channel lever forces of up to one metric ton safely into the rock via the frame and anchors.
Safety Through Planning, Redundancy, and a Well-Rehearsed Team
Before filming, our team conducted a thorough site inspection: assessing rock quality, analyzing access conditions, and testing potential anchor points. Based on this, we developed a setup with precisely calculated loads and backup systems on all critical levels.
In parallel with the primary load-bearing system, hidden safety lines and additional anchor points were installed. The winches were equipped with integrated braking and locking mechanisms, ensuring full control of movement at all times. The result was a smooth operation that followed the shooting schedule precisely and left room for creative work on set.
Our in-house engineer Marinus Spatzier was responsible for the design and load calculations. On site, Spatzier, Schulz, and Olszewski worked together as a well-coordinated team of rope technicians, rigging specialists, and highline professionals—calm, solution-oriented, and focused on safe execution. This combination of experience, technical expertise, and teamwork is what builds trust in our safety-critical special constructions and safeguarding VIPs.
Stunts & Rigging for International film sets
One Inch Dreams has its roots in alpinism and slackline world records; over the past ten years, we have specialized in high-altitude stunts and rigging for film sets. We design, secure, and execute adrenaline-charged scenes for international productions, with a strong focus on the safety of VIPs and protagonists.
Our references include, among others:
a slackline between two hot-air balloons with actress Nilam Farooq,
a 100-meter highline with well-known YouTube influencers in Landschaftspark Duisburg,
and stunt safety for ski stars Felix Neureuther and Marcel Hirscher.
More examples and insights can be found here 👉 Stunts & Rigging for Film and TV.
Are you planning a safety-critical shoot in an area at risk of falling?
👉 We develop customized safety concepts that give your creative ideas free rein:
