about

Thom Pollard of EYES OPEN PRODUCTIONS is an award-winning Director of Photography and Filmmaker who has filmed from Easter Island to the summit of Mount Everest and everything in between. His films and camera work have won numerous television, film and production awards, including an Emmy for (Orphan Orca/PBS), finalist of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts for best cinematography (Lost on Everest/BBC) as well as a Silver Telly in the Nature/Wildlife category for his camera work on a Mako shark documentary (Monster Fish). His photographs have appeared in dozens of books and languages worldwide, as well as in numerous publications, including National Geographic Magazine.
Thom is an experienced public speaker, thrilling audiences across North America with his tales of adventure, using his brilliant photographs and films. He is said to have the “It” factor. His presentations create powerful impressions for schools, businesses and annual events.
Thom has filmed three Everest documentaries spanning two decades. Notably, he was high-altitude cameraman during the discovery of the body of lost British mountaineer George Leigh Mallory at nearly 27,000 feet in 1999, 75 years after his disappearance (Lost on Everest, PBS/BBC).
speaking
Speaker and storyteller Thom Pollard delivers exceptional presentations to audiences throughout North America. Said to have the ‘It’ factor, Pollard’s presentations are geared to inspire a deeper understanding of self and elicit the motivations which drive us to tackle seemingly insurmountable goals.
Drawing upon his extensive adventure career, Thom shares his most intimate experiences as a filmmaker and climber in a rich and emotionally moving presentation. His knowledge of the history of Mount Everest and his own personal triumphs and losses on the world’s highest peak create a dramatic backdrop from which Thom artfully weaves his presentation.
Motivation, Performance, Teamwork, Self Image and Overcoming Obstacles are all interwoven into Thom’s presentations. Each presentation is tailored to fit each event or business theme.
Marmot • Boston Museum of Science • Boston University • Harvard Travellers Club • Wilderness Risk Management Conference • TEDx Olympic Manufacturing • National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs • Moorhead State University, Minnesota
Thom joined us for an afternoon in Ronhert Park California at our Marmot world headquarters. Thom spoke to the team for a little over an hour and fielded questions for an additional 30 minutes. Thom was great. His story is a great combination of intrigue, life and death, inspiration and the perfect amount of humor. Thom is an engaging speaker that connects with his audience. The question and answer period was outstanding. The team loved it. Our time spent with him was great! I highly recommend him as a speaker.
Rich Wuerthele, CEO - Outdoor and Recreation Division, Newell Brands
Awesome. That is the one word that comes to mind to describe your presentation to the Appalachian Mountain Club…
Dale A. Geslien Program Chair
I am writing to you in thanksgiving for your exceptionally inspirational presentation… It is not often that such greatness and accomplishment is accompanied by fairness, feminism and spiritual goodness. You…have combined these elements in a magically transcendental way and for that I am grateful.
Attorney Mary Ann Mierzwa Vernon, CT
The Mt. Everest mission...was spellbinding, from the first shot of a climber hanging off the edge of a vertical drop through the slides of what it means to attempt a climb into the Death Zone… You were more than a high mountain-climber or expert cameraman. You let us think in broader perspectives about courage, risk, and life's values, which relates to everyone of us.
Karin Soderberg Membership Program Manager, Mystic Seaport
everest
Thom has filmed three Everest documentaries spanning two decades. He was high altitude cameraman during the expedition that discovered the body of lost British mountaineer George Leigh Mallory at nearly 27,000 feet in 1999, 75 years after his disappearance (PBS/BBC). He also filmed Accidental Climber in 2014, which was released to critical acclaim in 2018. In 2016, during the filming of Sharing Everest, Thom reached the summit on May 22nd under a brilliant full moon. Sharing Everest is currently in production.
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Thom Dharma PollardThe Explorers Club, 2001American Alpine Club, 2000
Brand Ambassador: Kolo/Top Drawer Shop
Sponsor: Marmot