When it comes to filming, having a talented person behind the lens is just as valuable as having a talented rider in front of the lens. One doesn’t really work without the other and the combination of the two seems to create BMX magic. Who are some people you enjoy working with and what is it like working with different filmers either at home, or when filming on a trip?
Luckily, I’ve been blessed enough to work with some of the best filmers in the game. I like working with Christian obviously; he was the first legit filmer I ever filmed with. I have been working with Doeby a lot lately, he’s one of my favorite people to film with the vibes are always chill and we just ride out. Will Stroud, Ryan Navazio, and John Hicks are all fun to work with as well, but I don’t get to work with them as often. I usually work with them on trips, which is always a good time. I’ve never really had bad vibes with any filmer, it’s gotta’ be a trust thing where I can do what I do and they do too. They all have different ways of filming me and it’s cool to see their eye in what they see.
Doeby is a name that has been coming up more and more over the years and he is quickly becoming a regular name in BMX. How did you guys meet and how long have you been working together now?
I’ve known Doeby for a while now, but only started filming with him a couple years ago. We worked on my CEEKLIFE part which was our first project together and that’s where I think we both realized we could vibe and make some dope stuff. He’s definitely one of my favorite filmers to work with right now.
What is it about having a good filmer that matters the most to you?
Just being able to be comfortable trying anything and knowing they got it. I don’t want to be in a position where I’m nervous about trying something and don’t trust the filmer to get it smooth too. I enjoy lines where a filmer can skate and ride the lines with me. That matters a lot in how I like my shit to look.
With that said, what makes a good filmer in your opinion?
Pretty much being a good skateboarder and being fun to hang out with.
You have to hand it to the filmers out there that can hold it down on a board and it seems like Doeby has the line thing pretty dialed. How long does it take to get used to filming with someone when it’s up close and personal?
Yeah it’s just a trust thing like I said. I can feel when a filmer is in that right spot and it motivates me to get it knowing it’s gonna’ look dope. It gets sketch when we get close, but it usually turns out fire!
It’s obvious that you and Doeby are on the same wavelength when it comes to filming. You let him do his thing while you focus on riding and on the opposite end of that he lets you do your thing, while he focuses on filming. That to me is the best-case scenario but it isn’t always like that. If you had to give some young filmers some words on how to be the best filmer they can be for the sake of the rider what would you say?
We have the same eye when it comes to the way tricks and spots should look giving everything justice. I like that VX “in there” feel, but HD crisp and that’s exactly Doeby’s style. He gets in there, and it’s fun to cruise lines with him. If I could give any advice to kids I’d say try to do it all and be creative. And definitely be careful of getting too in there, but do it because sometimes it looks sick. You need to trust each other though, that’s definitely important.