Using a Cine-Kodak and 16mm Kodachrome film, Olsen shot the film in 1942 on a Grand Canyon river trip conducted by Norman Nevills.
Olsen edited the film and sold it to Warner Brothers in 1946.
Lee Anthony and Gordon Hollingshead collaborated to re-edit and shorten the film to a one reel for theater release.
Facing Your Danger won an Oscar at the 19th Academy Awards in 1947 for Best Short Subject (One-Reel).
[1] This was the first time an Academy Award went to a film shot by an amateur filmmaker using a 16mm camera.