How long have you been filming and editing?
About 11 years now
What is your current camera, lenses, and other gear you are working with these days?
I shoot almost everything in HD these days with my Panasonic HVX-200. For lenses I’m using the Century Optics .3x HD fisheye with a rail support system since the lens is really heavy. I’m using Sennheiser wireless mics. For computer setups I have my Apple Quad-Core Desktop with 2 TB of storage and a 30” HD Apple Cinema Display that stays in my office. For traveling I have an older Apple Powerbook G4 that’s about to die on me as I type this. I also have 2 older 16mm film cameras that I don’t get to use so much anymore because of the cost of film and processing. I have a couple new short 16mm edits I shot for Red Bull that will be online soon.
Are you fully HD only now, or do you still work with 3ccd and other cameras?
I shoot about 95% HD these days. When I have a budget I always like to shoot 16mm film. I haven’t been able to shoot any 35mm yet, but that would be awesome if I ever get the chance. I sold my VX-2100 about 2 years ago and that was the last time I used an SD video camera. I’ve come to really like the look of the HD camera. It has so much resolution and color options that you can’t get with SD cameras.
What are you currently working on for projects?
My main focus right now is producing the Levi’s® weekly web videos. They will start dropping again in May and I have 40 videos to produce for Levi’s® this year. That’s pretty intimidating but so far we are getting a lot of footage so far. Other than Levi’s®, I’m working on some filming and editing for Nike 6.0, Red Bull, Fuel TV, and Verde. I’m just happy to be staying busy and have work in this economy.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
There’s not really one shot that I feel is the best shot I’ve ever filmed. I am really happy with the first shot of my demo reel that was in the Odyssey video. It’s the Glidecam shot of several of the team guys riding the full pipes in San Diego. That shot just looks cool and was the perfect time of day for lighting.
Favorite rider to film with?
That’s a hard question because I’ve been able to film with so many good dudes. I’d have to say Chris Doyle because he is one of my best friends and he’s the first rider I ever really filmed back in 1996.
Who is somebody you haven’t had the chance to film with yet, but would like to?
There’s so many riders that would be cool to film with. I really want to film a full length section with Corey Bohan someday. We’ve gotten to do little shoots here and there but that guy needs a full length section. He’s got such great style and a really cool guy too.
What do you tell security or cops when they try to throw you out of spots for filming?
I like using the infamous Dave Chappelle quote “I didn’t know I couldn’t do that”. No really, I just try to keep the situation as chill as possible and leave without getting a ticket. I’ve had some close calls but nothing too serious.
Who do you consider to be your favorite filmer? What do you look to for inspiration?
Wow, that’s a hard question. Someone who’s been impressing me lately is Tony Ennis. He made End Search with Josh Harrington and a few good web edits these days. We’re talking about collabing on a project sometime soon so hopefully that will work out. For inspiration I usually watch movies and read art and photography magazines.
How are things going with NinetoFive these days?
It’s going good. It’s just me running the company so it’s just another name for me to use besides my name. I’m having fun with it.
Where can we see more of your work?
Check out my vimeo.com page www.vimeo.com/ninetofivefilms. I’m working on a new website but it will be a while before it’s up.
Anything else going on with you that you want to tell us about?
I’m about to be running late to get to the airport so I got to get going. Thanks for the interview!
