Now here's a thread I can relate to.
There's this young Aussie bloke who holds the world record for the fastest 80' pole climb, under 10 seconds.
I have a link to a video you really need to watch so you understand what this is all about. Thanks for the video Ekka, ya only got about 200 of them!
http://www.palmtreeservices.com.au/v...oleclimber.wmv 18mb long.
A realistic but great switch would be ...
Climber runs up pole belayed from crane higher up. As he reaches top and end of pole he runs straight off it and jumps onto something else ... tree, building etc. You'd shoot the fast ascent but recut in the top jump as another sequence, could even be green screened then just erase the belay line.
Down in Victoria and Tasmania they have no shortage of large trees. You'll also find shooting in Oz very easy on the budget and allow more for stunts and effects, you'll get more movie for your bucks.
In Tasmania they have a place called Valley of the Giants. Huge eucs, 300'+, no shortage of willing town folk as extras or co-operation from authorities ...