Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Meet the Million Dollar Crew: Christoph Benfey

02/02/2022

Nearly 28,000 people from 131 countries submitted their favorite HERO10 Black clips for the chance to be featured in the third annual Million Dollar Challenge highlight reel. Ultimately, 62 creators made the cut, earning $16,129.03 a piece.

This series celebrates the stories and the creative processes of these talented creators. We hope these behind-the-scenes looks inspire you as much as they did us.

Cinematographer and drone pilot Christoph Benfey decided 2021 would be the first year he submitted to GoPro Award's Million Dollar Challenge contest. While the Ontario local has experience in creating cinematic greatness, he had never captured anything like this FPV footage of Victoria Falls. Not only was it a challenge to find the time to get the shot, but he only had enough battery for a few flights-mind you, he captured it all moments before hoping on a return flight to Canada.

We caught up with Christoph to learn more about his journey to MDC royalty. Check it out below.

GoPro: You were just awarded $16,129.03 USD! Congrats! What do you plan to do with your earnings?

CB: There are a few people who have helped me along the way as an FPV pilot, so Im going to surprise them with gift certificates. Ill pay off a bit of debt, purchase some new gear, and most importantly, book a trip somewhere epic so I can film something for the next Million Dollar Challenge!

When did you first start using GoPro?

I think it was for a family trip to Florida back in 2008 or 2009, so I could film underwater.

What inspired your awarded clip?

I was in Zimbabwe filming a documentary series about parents who left their home countries to raise their kids in North America, bringing them back to their home country to show them what their life was like growing up. I brought my FPV stuff because I was hoping wed have some free time at some epic locations to get a few personal shots or cool b-roll to supplement the show. But the shoot schedule was absolutely insane. We worked minimum 12hr days, usually 15-16, and didnt really get any days off for the month I was there.

We ended the trip in Victoria Falls, and once again I didnt have any time for personal shots, but on the last day, the day we flew out at noon, I left the hotel at 7 a.m. so I could get to Victoria Falls right when they opened. I ran to the spot I scouted on Google Maps to shoot from and quickly set up for a few flights. I only had enough batteries for a few attempts, so I kept it pretty simple, but I knew the location would do all the heavy lifting! I also knew I didnt have time to go looking for my drone if I crashed or anything.

Luckily the shoot went without a hitch and I got the shot! I have never been so anxious and excited about a shot at the same time. It was incredibly exhilarating! When I got the footage back on the computer, I couldnt believe I was looking at GoPro footage-it was so clean and crisp, and despite being sunrise, there was loads of information in the highlights and the shadows. I couldnt be more pleased with the results!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Christoph Benfey (@cbenfey)

--

What shots are you excited to chase on HERO10 Black now that youve seen the final video?

It was awesome to see so much FPV stuff in the video this year. I think were going to continue to see this hobby explode in the filmmaking world, and Im so excited to be a part of that!

But I think the shot that stood out to me the most was the dad pushing his kid around the apartment in the laundry basket. That one genuinely brought happy tears to my eyes. As someone planning a family, I cant wait to get a GoPro in my kids hands one day and see the kind of magic they create!

Would you participate again in the future?

Absolutely! I plan to use some of the prize money to do a trip somewhere so I can chase another epic shot!

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience with the Million Dollar Challenge?

I love that GoPro does this for its community. I know so many people who go out of their way to come up with crazy shots in hopes of making the cut. At a time where it can be hard to find inspiration, well take any excuse we can find to go out and shoot!

Watch the HERO10 Black Million Dollar Challenge reel here.
LINK: https://gopro.com/en/gb/news/million-dollar-challenge-creator-christop...
See more stories from gopro

More from GoPro

25/09/2023

GoPro for a Cause Spotlight: Celebrating World Gorilla Day with Angela + Lulingu

To celebrate Word Gorilla Day 2023, we're sharing the story of two very special gorillas-Angela, a western lowland gorilla born at the Los Angeles Zoo-and L...

06/09/2023

GoPro for a Cause Spotlight: Celebrating Latino Conservation Week with Latino Outdoors

The week of July 15, 2023 marked the 10th anniversary of Latino Conservation Wee...

06/09/2023

SoCal Surf Trip with HERO11 Black

Recently, a group of SoCal female surfers set out on an epic weekend road trip to score some of the local, iconic breaks in the area. They took GoPro along to c...

06/09/2023

Here's the Tea: HERO12 Black Million Dollar Challenge

We're pumped to have HERO12 Black out in the wild, and we can't wait to see what you create with the latest flagship! Our most recent Million Dollar Cha...

06/09/2023

All-New Quik Desktop App for GoPro Subscribers, Coming this November

Quik desktop brings the speed and convenience of the Quik mobile app to desktop users, but with an expanded list of features and capabilities that take advantag...

06/09/2023

Introducing the New HERO12 Black + Game-Changing Max Lens Mod 2.0

The $399 Flagship Camera Features Up to 2x Longer Runtimes, 5.3K and 4K HDR Video, Wireless Audio Support for Apple AirPods Other Bluetooth Devices, Plus Pow...

05/09/2023

GoPro's Guide to the Ultimate Family Vacation: Mounting from a Kid's Perspective

We're smack dab in the middle of summer, which means it's family vacatio...

31/08/2023

GoPro Becomes the Official Action Camera Partner of MotoGP

We are excited to announce that, as of today, GoPro is the official action camera of MotoGP . The new multi-year contract sees GoPro returning as the official ...

25/08/2023

How To Use Your GoPro As A Swimming Camera

You might think swimming with a camera is complicated, but GoPro loves thinking outside the box and making things simple! Whether youre a long-distance swimmer...

25/08/2023

How To Make Time Lapse Video

With its high-resolution video, waterproof construction, built-in image stabilization, compact size and low cost compared to the majority of DSLR cameras, GoPro...

21/08/2023

SoCal Surfer Girls Trip with HERO11 Black

Recently, a group of SoCal female surfers set out on an epic weekend road trip to score some of the local, iconic breaks in the area. They took GoPro along to c...

11/08/2023

Our Hearts Are with Maui-Here's How to Support Relief Efforts

The devastating wildfires that swept across Maui over the last 48-plus hours have left countless families, victims and first responders in desperate need of aid...

08/08/2023

GoPro Becomes the Official Action Camera Partner of Formula DRIFT

We are stoked to announce that, as of today, GoPro is the official action camera partner of Formula DRIFT. Currently, the latest GoPro cameras, including HERO1...

01/08/2023

Family Portraits: Stella Liu

Family Portraits is an employee spotlight series, highlighting the incredible people at GoPro around the globe. In this series, you'll meet employees workin...

01/08/2023

Complete the Garmin GoPro Badge Challenge This Month + Get 11% Off A Camera

Unleash your inner HERO with your Garmin by participating in August's GoPro Badge Challenge. Throughout the month of August, your goal is to complete 11 act...

27/07/2023

GoPro for a Cause Spotlight: Tracking Tiger Sharks with Beneath the Waves

Each year the world tunes into Shark Week-highly anticipated programming dedicated to the science and conservation of one of the ocean's most misunderstood ...

25/07/2023

GoPro's 2023 Sustainability Snapshot: Sharing Our Progress on Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives

Were excited to announce the next step in our Corporate Social Responsibility jo...

20/07/2023

GoPro Surf Athlete Lakey Peterson Wins J-Bay WSL Comp

GoPro surf athlete Lakey Peterson put on an incredible showing at the 2023 Corona Open J-Bay in South Africa this week, ultimately earning her a well-deserved f...

17/07/2023

The 3 Best GoPro Sports Cameras in 2023

Whether you board, bike, hike, drive, ride, ski, skydive, surf, skate, run-or all the above-you need a sports camera that can keep up. And even more importantly...

01/07/2023

GoPro for a Cause Spotlight: Rescuing Seals with Ocean Conservation Namibia

Namibia is well-known in the surf community for its legendary barrels, but there is a dedicated group of locals bringing attention to the regions marine life. O...

01/07/2023

How To Use Your GoPro as the Ultimate Boat Camera

From wakeboarding and waterskiing to high-speed boating, you need an action camera to capture all the fun that happens on the water, and GoPro has you covered! ...

27/06/2023

How To Use GoPro As Skateboarding Camera

Did you know that GoPro has always been a front-runner in the skate industry? We brought an affordable video camera to skaters everywhere in the early 2000s, an...

15/06/2023

GoPro Captures One HERO's 1,000 Mile Journey to Get His Head Straight

When Alistair Klinkenburg set out on his mission to explore the different ways people deal with their head noise-after suffering years of chronic mental health ...

08/06/2023

The 2023 GoPro Mountain Games Are Taking Over Vail This Weekend

June is here and summer is in the air in Vail, Colo., and that can only mean one thing-the 2023 GoPro Mountain Games are upon us! We're back and taking over...

02/06/2023

GoPro Awards Has $100K Up for Grabs Over the Next 100 Days

Cool off this summer by fanning yourself with dollar bills from GoPro Awards! Beginning June 1, we're celebrating the season with a new GoPro Awards Challen...

20/05/2023

Best GoPro Action Camera Tripods in 2023

What is the Best GoPro Tripod? When youre traveling around the world and having new experiences, you need a tripod that can hold up wherever the journey takes ...

20/05/2023

Rare Jellyfish Captured on GoPro

What's the size of a soccer ball, swims quite fast and is more elusive than Big Foot? The Chirodectes macalatus Box jellyfish of course! Captured on GoPro...

16/05/2023

How to Capture Aurora Borealis + Greater Alaska on HERO11 Black

Last month, we joined forces with Travel Alaska to create the ultimate Alaskan bucket list adventure, bringing travel aficionados and creators from across North...

16/05/2023

Best Travel Cameras in 2023 - Ultimate GoPro Guide

What is the Best Travel Camera? Whether youre a backpacker looking for adventure or a suitcase-toting city traveler, your camera is a must-pack travel essentia...

16/05/2023

How to Use GoPro as a Helmet Camera

How to Use Your GoPro as a Helmet Camera Whether you're mountain biking, cycling cross country, cruising on your motorcycle, skiing down a mountain, flying...

10/05/2023

Announcing New $399 Price for the Award-Winning HERO11 Black

Just in time for your summer adventures, were restoring our camera lineup to lower, pre-pandemic prices. Effective worldwide today at GoPro retailers and on GoP...

26/04/2023

HERO11 Black Wins 2023 Edison Award

We at GoPro are thrilled and honored to have HERO11 Black be awarded a 2023 Edison Award. The latest flagship camera took home the Bronze in the Personal Techno...

25/04/2023

GoPro for a Cause Spotlight: Celebrating Earth Day

On Earth Day, we're honoring our home planet in the best way GoPro knows how-a video. We invite you to sit back, crank your sound up and take a few moments...

25/04/2023

Guide to HERO11 Night Photography: Celebrating International Dark Sky Week with GoPro

The following words and images are by Imaging Solutions Technical Program Manage...

19/04/2023

GoPro for a Cause Spotlight: Restoring Coral Reefs with Sustainable Surf + SeaTrees

In recognition of Earth Month, were catching up with Sustainable Surf-a nonprofi...

13/04/2023

Best Travel Backpacks: 2023 Ultimate Guide

When youre on the road, you need a backpack that keeps your belongings organized, secure and protected from the elements without holding you back. The best trav...

13/04/2023

Best Cameras for Hiking: 2023 Ultimate Guide

The whole point of hiking is to enjoy the outdoors. That means unplugging from the noise of your smartphone, it means living in the present moment, and most of ...

13/04/2023

Kayak Cameras: Ultimate 2023 GoPro Guide

Waterfall drops with your kayak camera arent just thrilling, they are life-changing and, with a waterproof camera along for the ride, your friends get a look at...

13/04/2023

Best Motorcycle Cameras: 2023 Ultimate Guide

Whether its wheelie races, shredding the local track or sunset cruising that revs you up, adding a GoPro motorcycle camera will ensure that you can relive the m...

13/04/2023

The Ultimate Guide to Using Your GoPro as a Biking Camera

From road biking to track cycling, mountain biking to BMX, theres never a dull moment when youre riding your trusty two-wheeler. Its capturing the excitement-in...

13/04/2023

Best Surfing Cameras: 2023 Ultimate Guide

What Is The Best GoPro Camera for Surfing? Surfing is a solo art form. The ritual of getting up at dawn, throwing on a wetsuit and bracing the crisp ocean wate...

13/04/2023

Fishing Camera Guide: How To Mount Your Camera

Whether you're fly fishing, spinning or trolling or-when you reel in the Big One, it comes with a story to tell and an even better one to show. That's w...

13/04/2023

The Absolute Best Underwater Cameras of 2023

Whether you're a surfer, swimmer, snorkeler, Sea-Doo-er or just plain love water, getting awesome underwater video is the ultimate way to share your submers...

13/04/2023

GoPro x Melin Release Floating Hat Collab

Boating, beach days, pool parties, lake life, you name the fun-filled location and we've got a wonderful new hat for you to sport. We've teamed up with ...

11/04/2023

GoPro + Creators Team Up with Thailand to Experience Songkran Water Festival

GoPro is teaming up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to bring a group of creators to Thailand to experience one of the worlds largest water festival...

10/04/2023

Meet the HERO Behind the Incredible Sidecountry Rescue Captured on GoPro

When Francis Zuber left his house in Bellingham, Wash., March 3 to ski his local mountain, Mt. Baker, it started out like any normal day trip. It was an easy ho...

04/04/2023

GoPro Awards Announces Earth Day Photo Challenge

Happy Earth Month! We're constantly in awe of the beauty that Mother Earth offers us every day and want to see this beauty through your lens, so we are ki...

04/04/2023

Introducing Boom: A Premium Extension Rig Kit

Legend has it that the GoPro media team created a disappearing pole mount at one point and coined it the narwal mount (inspired by a narwhale). For years Go...

30/03/2023

GoPro for a Cause Spotlight: Leveling the Playing Field with Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative

In celebration of Women's History Month, we're shining the spotlight on ...

30/03/2023

Newsweek Names GoPro to 2023 Most Trustworthy Companies in America' List

We're thrilled to announce that GoPro has landed on Newsweek's list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America-for the second year in a row! The awar...