Poaching or Helping? Filming in the Age of Cell Phones
The cell phone. Every person young and old possess this modern totable marvel. A device equipped with an endless array of apps and gizmos that can fit in your pants pocket. Each one possessing ways to connect, buy things, zone out on an endless sea of lackluster entertainment or if you’re so inclined even get laid. All of which include a state of the art camera in some shape or form. The ability to document right in the palm of your hand. Not the crap grainy pixilated ones of old. 4K wide format on every device, for every person no matter there knowledge or interest in possessing or documenting with such a refined gadget. Picture or video it’s there none the less at your disposal. I should be amazed but if I'm being honest I’ve grown a bit of distain at this new ability that everyone seems to possess and exercise. No moment goes undocumented or unseen in this new world. No moment is yours its everyones ripe for the taking. I know I’m most likely coming off as a hypocrite. In fact I used my camera phone two seconds prior to sitting down to start typing this. My aggravation although totally hypocritical in some regard, in-fact comes from a particular ongoing circumstance. This one reason alone is the root cause of my distaste and that reason, poaching. Yes poaching as I have dubbed it. No not the delicious way to cook eggs or even the illegal way to kill protected delicious animals. More so the theft of creativity in real time. Any serious filmer has in some regard experienced this. Your filming (with a camera of some kind) for an edit or bigger project. Perhaps you're out with a crew or a rider and once your camera is out, everyone is set up and the documentation is about to go down the cell phones come out. As a filmier working on projects this is alarming. Maybe you make a stance and say something in the moment. Things are awkward but this may be your best bet to diminish your worry and prevent a loss of the footage. In other situations maybe you say nothing and the next thing you know its online in someones social media page being bounced around in some algorithm for the world to see. Said documentation you were saving for a project is now lost, stale, used and no longer secrete or safe aka “Gandalf” for the non indoctrinated. To myself this is the worst case scenario. The hard work of the rider and filmier spoiled by a cell phone. This thought is a growing concern every time I film with strangers present or in a large group. That said my brain wondered what others thought of this. So I set out to ask a handful of talented people who produce all different types of BMX content their thoughts on the matter. At the start of this article I really wanted to get both sides of this discussion. Sadly I did not accomplish that. These interviews although all different in response do seem to steer towards the notion that this matter is a concern they have all had to deal with. Below is a series of questions all asked to people producing BMX content today. These are riders and film makers I have a high amount of respect and admiration for. Collectively their bodies of work speak for itself and solidify their opinions and thoughts on any matter in the world of documentation. I hope you enjoy reading it.
-Shajn Raines
NEBB’s very own Ryan Martin getting down getting clips of the crew. Ryan is an underrated rider and creative type in the North East. Word has it they have a DVD in the works. If these rumors are true we here at Pareidolia are very excited and wait its release… Hint, Hint Ryan…
Name: Ryan Martin
Age: 34
Years Filming: 12ish
List of Projects: Obsolete Vol 1, 2, 2.5 (3 was a book), a bunch of NEBB stuff especially the longer videos that have been put to music such as "Socially Distant Vermont", and had helped film clips for a local vid called VideoTron and Joshua Lyford's Scenic Route project both around 2010 I believe.
Just to let the reader of this article get to know you and your filming style, if they aren’t familiar I’m just going to ask you a few questions before we dive into the main topic at hand.
How would you describe your filming style?
Ahh If I had to narrow it down i'd say im kinda just a journeyman. Not super particular about the finer details as long as it works. I definitely do like up close and quick clips with motion going on. I enjoy editing to punk and hardcore music so it kinda works well to keep it things moving.
In regards to filming, editing and even the overall encompassing task of making say a full length video who were your early influences as well who are some present day influences?
Definitely influenced by FBM videos in the sense that they are not perfect but just really capture a feeling. Half and Half might be my fav vid of all time. Anthem 2/ Stew for sure. Although I shoot with mostly prime lenses I really appreciate his zoom game. I edited Obsolete Vol 1 in black and white as a nod to anthem. These days the Fast and Loose dudes are ripping the more classic style of filming/editing and its rad. Also love me some Joshny Babu produced stuff. His work on the latest Relic vids has been really great. Also enjoy when you can tell someone actually edited to a song and didn't just slap it on a timeline. It makes for really memorable stuff.
How do you view the over abundance of content that comes out daily? As well your take on the easy accessibility of streaming said content? Do you feel there is something lost in the casual nature riding of all levels these can be documented and viewed these days? Or is this new accessibility a breath of fresh air?
To be honest in the last 2 or 3 months ive become burnt out on a lot of it. You cant even appreciate stuff anymore. Accessibility wise its great since the internet has become this vast catalog of videos/content. I have shoe boxes of dvds that I don't even know their location at the moment so it helps with that. Its great but needs to be done in moderation instead of tossing crap out there to feed the algorithm. We don't need 8 Colony vids a day.
Most riders if not all possess a phone with the ability to document at a high visual quality. I see high caliber content being posted via social media daily rather than being saved for say a bigger project. I have witnessed it first hand especially with the younger generation of riders ( and even some older) in my scene filming amazing riding and uploading to their favorite platforms. That said high quality cameras of all types are more affordable than ever. Yet I see fewer and fewer riders diving into the classic route of documentation and getting out to the masses. Of course there are outliers but the majority document via phone and share content via a social platform instantly. What is your take on this? Do you think this is the new way? Do you see a decline in the future of documentation in regards to thought out well crafted projects?
Bmx has a huge lack of actual filmers, at least in my area. So if a kid can film some stuff and edit on an iphone and that plants a seed to pursue it further then i'm all for that. Quality wise a phone is extremely dialed these days and it just fits in your pocket. I just think there's something special about lugging around a heavy camera bag that just can't be beat and the feeling of it coming out of the bag knowing somethings about to go down. Well crafted projects will come around again, we're already seeing it start back up again. Everything happens in cycles.
Do you find that the “film it put it out immediately” way of documentation has lead to a desensitizing of great riding from the viewers perspective? Or do you think over all this is the new way and only positive growth of the art that is BMX will come from this? I know personally I think the progression/ growth of riding at least on a technically level has sky rocketed since riding can be easy viewed. What are your over all thoughts?
Ya progression wise it has helped rocket things upwards but damn these reels are killing me.
Now to get into the topic of the article. I think to broach this subject and get your thoughts on the matter its best to set up a scenario that way our readers can say walk a mile in the shoes of anyone and everyone who has experienced this.
You’r in a new city with a rider or group of riders working on a new project/ video. You have enlisted a local to show you around and said local has brought two friends to join the session for the day. Although you are familiar with your tour guide you are not that close with his two companions who have joined him and your crew for the day. No worries they seem like great guys so they are welcomed into the fold for the day. The three begin to cart you and your crew around the city to different spots that they think the rider or riders you are working on the new video/ project with would like to ride. You finally find something that one of the crew wishes to film. You begin to set up. Pulling out multiple cameras, checking angles, white balancing, and over all dialing in your production equipment to produce the best product of said riders riding on this particular setup. You’r finally ready. Check with the rider he’s ready and you proceed to start the dance know as filming. When you look over you notice the two companions of your tour guides have thier cell phones out pointed at said rider and set up ready to film their own version of what’s about to take place. What are your thoughts in this moment? Please feel free to go into detail.
I'd say if they are just doing it to send it to you afterwards as a courtesy that's cool. Sometimes it's nice to have that iphone clip to hold you over till the actual video drop if youre the rider. If it's some super legit bigtime stuff that's gonna be wild just keep the phone in the pocket and watch the moment unfold. Let the rider/filmer have their space.
What type of person do you think would do something like this? Do you think there is a lack of awareness? Do you think their helping? Describe your take on this person.
Like I mentioned before it can be helpful as a little keepsake thing if they send it to you. Maybe on the other hand lacking some respect for the situation, some riders don't want to have all eyes on them but if people are taking their phones out to get their own piece of the action the rider/filmer can advocate for themselves if they aren't comfortable with what's happening.
Would you mind sharing a story of a time this happened to you? Please feel free to go into detail.
Honestly I cant recall, when my friends and I film we are usually on missions by ourselves and don't have a lot of people around. This is indirectly related but one time in the Ray's parking lot, my friend Toby and I were funnelling beers through dorito bags and empty busch cases and someone filmed us and the next day we randomly saw it on instagram. They had made a whole Rays trip edit and tossed in our shenans to give their vid the extra edge. It was hilariously weird.
Both had watched as you had set up multiple cameras what are your feeling on the behavior of this unsolicited documentation? Please feel free to go into detail.
f I was the one tagging along watching all this happen I would just ask the people involved if it's ok if I just capture a lil phone angle.
Are there concerns running in your mind about them having the documentation of said trick or stunt? Please feel free to go into detail.
Maybe if its banger material for a long form project, dont want it leaked. I just feel like if you've never met the person before just chill and keep the phone in the pocket.
How do you go about dealing with this situation? How do you handle this situation when said person or persons don’t seem to get the concept and persist.
Id probably let it slide the first time and afterwards just say "hey I kinda don't like other people filming me it makes me feel weird" or something and see if they get it then. If not maybe then just curbstomp their phone.
In regard to the unsolicited filming in those moments what’s one message you would like to convey to help them understand the serious filmmakers plight and say make things less awkward moving forward?
Would just say hey were trying to make something cool here is it alright if we all keep the phones away?
Shaun Gingras films Chris Childs for one of his many edits and video parts they have made together. Shaun and Chris are an amazing argument for every rider having their own personal filmer. Shaun’s body of work is amazing and unique which I feel stems from the fact that he’s in front of the lens as well putting as much effort into his riding as his filming. It’s simpatico.
Name: Shaun Gingras
Age: 29
Years Filming: 10?
List of Projects: BCAVE 1/2, Chris Childs welcome to Merritt, Chris Childs Welcome to S&M Pro, Chris Child’s Running out of Daylight, plus various mix edits throughout the years.
Just to let the reader of this article get to know you and your filming stye if they aren’t familiar I’m just going to ask you a few questions before we dive into the main topic at hand.
How would you describe your filming style?
Raw and gritty with a side of shaky.
In regards to filming, editing and even the overall encompassing task of making say a full length video who were your early influences as well who are some present day influences?
Early influences are Ed Allen, Mike Manzoori, Stew Johnson, and Navaz. I think that Navaz is the best BMX filmer/editor of all time. For newer influences, Rich Forne and Trent Lutske.
How do you view the over abundance of content that comes out daily? As well your take on the easy accessibility of streaming said content? Do you feel there is something lost in the casual nature riding of all levels these can be documented and viewed these days? Or is this new accessibility a breath of fresh air?
It can definitely be overwhelming, but when I was growing up, the only footage I saw was pro-level riding. It was hard to relate to it. Now kids can see all levels of riding, and I think that’s a good thing for motivation. It is unfortunate that people don’t seem to care about the quality of their clips though. I don’t see a lot of variety when it comes to tricks/spots, and there is an absurd amount of plaza footage.
Most riders if not all possess a phone with the ability to document at a high visual quality. I see high caliber content being posted via social media daily rather than being saved for say a bigger project. I have witnessed it first hand especially with the younger generation of riders ( and even some older) in my scene filming amazing riding and uploading to their favorite platforms. That said high quality cameras of all types are more affordable than ever. Yet I see fewer and fewer riders diving into the classic route of documentation and getting out to the masses. Of course there are outliers but the majority document via phone and share content via a social platform instantly. What is your take on this? Do you think this is the new way? Do you see a decline in the future of documentation in regards to thought out well crafted projects?
I can definitely see the appeal of posting stuff right to Instagram. When I was growing up I saw dudes like CB Coombs and Chris Zep filming sick ass videos and I got a lot of motivation from them. The younger generation that doesn’t have that kind of influence, especially in the Boston area. I think the decline has already happened, but the people who care about full-length parts and full videos will keep filming them. I do wish that the younger generation would try filming more thought out full parts. There is no better feeling than finishing up a part you spent months/years working for. People are just too eager to show everyone their sick new stunt.
Do you find that the “film it put it out immediately” way of documentation has lead to a desensitizing of great riding from the viewers perspective? Or do you think over all this is the new way and only positive growth of the art that is BMX will come from this? I know personally I think the progression/ growth of riding at least on a technically level has sky rocketed since riding can be easy viewed. What are your over all thoughts?
Oh it is absolutely desensitizing.. I think that riding will be more progressive because of this, but I also think that a lot of riders are doing very similar stuff lately.
Now to get into the topic of the article. I think to broach this subject and get your thoughts on the matter its best to set up a scenario that way our readers can say walk a mile in the shoes of anyone and everyone who has experienced this.
You’r in a new city with a rider or group of riders working on a new project/ video. You have enlisted a local to show you around and said local has brought two friends to join the session for the day. Although you are familiar with your tour guide you are not that close with his two companions who have joined him and your crew for the day. No worries they seem like great guys so they are welcomed into the fold for the day. The three begin to cart you and your crew around the city to different spots that they think the rider or riders you are working on the new video/ project with would like to ride. You finally find something that one of the crew wishes to film. You begin to set up. Pulling out multiple cameras, checking angles, white balancing, and over all dialing in your production equipment to produce the best product of said riders riding on this particular setup. You’r finally ready. Check with the rider he’s ready and you proceed to start the dance know as filming. When you look over you notice the two companions of your tour guides have thier cell phones out pointed at said rider and set up ready to film their own version of what’s about to take place.
What are your thoughts in this moment? Please feel free to go into detail.
Honestly, I kind of expect people to pull out their phones and start filming. It’s just the way things are. I wouldn’t be frustrated unless they were in the shot or something.
What type of person do you think would do something like this? Do you think there is a lack of awareness? Do you think their helping? Describe your take on this person.
It really depends on the person. There are a lot of riders who ‘don’t get it’ in terms of filming a project, so I would say it’s a lack of awareness in that circumstance. A lot of people do it to help though. Maybe they are getting a cool birds-eye shot from above? It really depends on how much the person understands the situation.
Would you mind sharing a story of a time this happened to you? Please feel free to go into detail.
Chris Childs, Walter Pieringer, and I went out to Fall River to finish up Chris’s welcome to Sunday part. My buddy Kyle lives there so he tagged along. We had some heavy shit in mind and when you’re filming with Chris, things usually go pretty quickly. He was doing a barspin off this huge retaining wall into a crusty ass bank. I think he was hesitating because the landing was completely blind. Anyway, this process took about 45 minutes which is a lot longer than it normally takes. After he landed it, we left the city and went home, stoked to get a few clips. Later that evening, I noticed that my friend Kyle posted the clips of him trying, and then landing the bar. I hit him up and was like dude, you’re a dumbass, delete that shit. He was a dude who didn’t get it. He had never gone through that process before and didn’t realize it was a big deal to post it. He was like ‘ah shit my bad I didn’t think it mattered since I don’t have that many followers who ride.’ I was like ‘yeah whatever fucking delete it’ haha.
Both had watched as you had set up multiple cameras what are your feeling on the behavior of this unsolicited documentation? Please feel free to go into detail.
I think there is a general lack of understanding for filming etiquette. In most cases, they just don’t understand how passionate some people are about filming. For me, filming for a part and filming a clip for Instagram are two different worlds. That line has been so blurred for a lot of people who grew up riding with a smart phone in their pocket.
Are there concerns running in your mind about them having the documentation of said trick or stunt? Please feel free to go into detail.
I guess it depends on what’s going down.. If homie does a backflip down El Toro you bet I’m doing my best to make sure no one leaks it. In the moment, I’m concerned about making sure I get the shot as well as I can.
How do you go about dealing with this situation? How do you handle this situation when said person or persons don’t seem to get the concept and persist.
I would approach the situation after homie lands the trick, unless they say something. I don’t like to distract the rider in any way when we’re trying to get shit done. I would just explain that we are working on a project and would appreciate it if they didn’t share the clip. If the person is persistent and weird about it, we’d probably just tell them to fuck off and continue the day without them. I think most riders would be cool about the scenario, but maybe I’m naive?
In regard to the unsolicited filming in those moments what’s one message you would like to convey to help them understand the serious filmmakers plight and say make things less awkward moving forward? I
In general, I think that the best thing you can do as a filmer is to be cool about explaining the situation to people who don’t get it. Always try to include people who don’t film with a real camera. It’s awesome to see someone’s reaction when you show them their first fisheye clip. A lot of people don’t know what it’s like to film on a real camera, so they don’t realize how much better things come out.
Dante Marcoccio taking a break from filming to slide this green gem. Dante’s filming is like his riding raw, amazing to watch and in the streets.
Name: Dante Marcoccio
Age: 23
Years Filming: 10
List of Projects: Crunch Time bmx dvd, Off the grid “OTG” video, Lowell, Ma, Rogue east vol 1
Just to let the reader of this article get to know you and your filming stye if they aren’t familiar I’m just going to ask you a few questions before we dive into the main topic at hand.
How would you describe your filming style?
I would say my filming style is primarily fisheye and wide angle clips getting as close to the rider as possible but still trying to show the overall spot and usage of every clip.
In regards to filming, editing and even the overall encompassing task of making say a full length video who were your early influences as well who are some present day influences?
My early influences in filming and editing full lengths would definitely be watching animal videos mostly filmed and edited by Bob Scerbo, 90 east videos filmed and edited by Lino Gonzalez and the deadline crew dvd filmed and edited by Tony Ennis that one was a game changer and huge influence for me! As for present day influences fiend videos always are sick filmed by Tony Ennis aswell as Darryl Tocco for what he does with the kink full length dvds.
How do you view the over abundance of content that comes out daily? As well your take on the easy accessibility of streaming said content? Do you feel there is something lost in the casual nature riding of all levels these can be documented and viewed these days? Or is this new accessibility a breath of fresh air?
I view it for what it is and just look at it as Instagram clips and that its just social media, it’s definitely something lost since a lot of people would rather just film all there clips for there Instagram rather then taking the time to film an edit or a part in a full length.
Most riders if not all possess a phone with the ability to document at a high visual quality. I see high caliber content being posted via social media daily rather than being saved for say a bigger project. I have witnessed it first hand especially with the younger generation of riders ( and even some older) in my scene filming amazing riding and uploading to their favorite platforms. That said high quality cameras of all types are more affordable than ever. Yet I see fewer and fewer riders diving into the classic route of documentation and getting out to the masses. Of course there are outliers but the majority document via phone and share content via a social platform instantly. What is your take on this? Do you think this is the new way? Do you see a decline in the future of documentation in regards to thought out well crafted projects?
Yeah I definitely see this alot it’s kinda like insta gratification posting your best clips you film as soon as you get them and I can see that not alot of the newer generation wants to sit on there best footage over the course of some time to make an actual project and just want people too see there best riding instantly so I think it’s a decline in the future of documentation for filming actual projects and has been for awhile.
Do you find that the “film it put it out immediately” way of documentation has lead to a desensitizing of great riding from the viewers perspective? Or do you think over all this is the new way and only positive growth of the art that is BMX will come from this? I know personally I think the progression/ growth of riding at least on a technically level has sky rocketed since riding can be easy viewed. What are your over all thoughts?
Yeah I think the progression of bmx technically has sky rocketed for sure being able to see the best clips being filmed by different people on a daily basis and helps the progression of riding for the next generation being able to see what’s possible and new tricks/styles everyday so easily.
Now to get into the topic of the article. I think to broach this subject and get your thoughts on the matter its best to set up a scenario that way our readers can say walk a mile in the shoes of anyone and everyone who has experienced this.
You’r in a new city with a rider or group of riders working on a new project/ video. You have enlisted a local to show you around and said local has brought two friends to join the session for the day. Although you are familiar with your tour guide you are not that close with his two companions who have joined him and your crew for the day. No worries they seem like great guys so they are welcomed into the fold for the day. The three begin to cart you and your crew around the city to different spots that they think the rider or riders you are working on the new video/ project with would like to ride. You finally find something that one of the crew wishes to film. You begin to set up. Pulling out multiple cameras, checking angles, white balancing, and over all dialing in your production equipment to produce the best product of said riders riding on this particular setup. You’r finally ready. Check with the rider he’s ready and you proceed to start the dance know as filming. When you look over you notice the two companions of your tour guides have thier cell phones out pointed at said rider and set up ready to film their own version of what’s about to take place.
What are your thoughts in this moment? Please feel free to go into detail.
Okay so this has happened to me and my crew plenty of times, but my thoughts in this exact moment for this scenario would be to keep filming what I was filming and if they were in the the shot I would ask them to get out of the shot and when I’m done filming the trick if I think there unaware of the whole filming for a full length/ dvd I would make sure to tell them that we’re filming for a full length project and make sure they know not to post it on any social media or spoil the clip in anyway.
What type of person do you think would do something like this? Do you think there is a lack of awareness? Do you think their helping? Describe your take on this person.
I think a lot of the time it’s a lack of awareness and they don’t really know too much about filming for projects, and they think the tricks are cool and want to film what there seeing, also sometimes it’s people who do know and want to help, I’ve been in the same situation and that person would be like “hey I filmed an i phone angle if you want me to airdrop it to you just so you can have another angle I’m not going to post it or anything”
Would you mind sharing a story of a time this happened to you? Please feel free to go into detail.
Whenever I film with the crew for projects it’s usually a light session with just people In the crew or at least associated with the crew or have knowledge of filming projects so it’s usually not a problem and everyone knows what we’re doing but one time we were all filming for a project with the usuals and a couple other homies we ride with sometimes, and one of there homies brought one of there friends who we all didn’t know, this person literally filmed everything we were filming on the real cameras on his iPhone and we thought he knew we were filming for a project so we didn’t think much of it but the next day we saw an Instagram edit of all our clips we battled for mixed with just a few of his clips he filmed on his phone of himself it was pretty disappointing seeing all our clips spoiled for his Instagram edit like that.
Both had watched as you had set up multiple cameras what are your feeling on the behavior of this unsolicited documentation? Please feel free to go into detail.
Are there concerns running in your mind about them having the documentation of said trick or stunt? Please feel free to go into detail.
Before I wouldn’t of had much concerns but after having seen stuff we were filming get spoiled before the video even dropped due to the person posting the clips on Instagram I would handle the situation by talking to them and making sure they know not to post the clip any where.
In regard to the unsolicited filming in those moments what’s one message you would like to convey to help them understand the serious filmmakers plight and say make things less awkward moving forward?
I would say you should always ask if you can film an angle and not film someone’s riding that there filming with real cameras on your phone without asking if you don’t know the rider/filmer or crew that well.
Chain hops are dangerous anyone that knows knows. Matt West with a deadly hop somewhere in the North East in between documenting his scene. I have a lot of respect for Matts work because it’s a true representation of his lifestyle. From the riding he and his crew produces to the feel of his productions. Pic by. Adam Bayoussef (@adambaybmx on IG)
Matt in true originality decided to condense his answers in a few well worded paragraphs. Because of this I did not include the questions for his responses. The questions for him were the same so by now as the reader you get the drift. If not refer above or below matts interview to remind you of the questions.
Name: Matt West
Age: 24
Years Filming: about 8 years
List of projects : LowerAllstonStankCrew(2016), LA Ventures 21’, Countless IG edits for me and the homies (BostonBmx)
I would describe my film style as more of a Documentary of my perspective , unique , grimey , and street esk. I like to capture the things going on around and the events encountered during sessions. Especially the wild shit that you see going on in and around the city.
Some of my biggest influences include Skavenger FYL , Props Road Fools , FBM All Time Low , Animal bikes QSS’s , BoneDeth Surfin For Ugly Broads , 90east Sound of the city , Orange Line Projects.
It’s great to be able to see so much content being produced , but it also seems somewhat counter productive to real video parts. At the same time it’s pushing the boundaries of said riding. The clips people are putting on IG at this point can most of the time be full length video worthy in my opinion. This pushes the overall level of riding expected in full lengths. It seems to take some of the hype and anticipation away from somebody having a full length video part though . Especially when you can hop on IG everyday and see them doing something new. Also I feel like some people out do themselves with what they are posting as “just a jib”. Making a video part feel almost lackluster. I don’t necessarily see a decline in proper bmx documentation because those who love it will continue to do so. Personally I love the idea of putting in some work and spending time with the homies to produce a well thought out project. It holds more purpose and gives me a reason to try some of those bigger set ups for a bit more of a sense of accomplishment , compared to a simple IG post.
Scenario response - If I’m in another city and some random riding homies pull out phones to record something that is obviously being filmed for real (with multiple angles and real cameras) I’m going to check them on that. If it’s a simple IG jib and they are just grabbing an alt angle that’s cool but if I didn’t ask or they didn’t offer I would definitely have to say something. Especially if what is being filmed is intended for a bigger project. We’re all grown adults and no one should have an issue with you speaking up or speaking your mind. This could come from lack of awareness , or even a place of genuine respect. Either way it should be communicated about. Some dudes might just wanna hook you up with what they thought was a cool angle or perspective. Or it could simply be they are trying to flex association for social media! Social media is weird like that. This has happened to me before with many people who want to be seen as a filmer or for their own social media gain. But most of the time it’s dudes who are genuinely trying to help out and they communicate that! Now if it’s more of a case of unsolicited documentation then it’s something completely different, especially if they disregard your request to not film something. I personally know that if I’m filming at certain locations or a specific clip that I want to keep low key for a part. I’m going to be selective in the crew that’s present. Other times you can’t control that and just gotta roll with the punches. Technically speaking it’s the same as some random crowd walking down the street and someone wants to film you doing some crazy shit. They have every right to do so. But if they are hip to the culture I don’t think that will be the case. Also if you don’t speak up for yourself , that’s your own problem at the end of the day. If someone persists in trying to film something you asked them not too , I guess that’s for the individual to decide how they approach that situation. Me personally, I would just take note of the spots and try to come back with my selective crew and get it done without said individuals present. You win some , you lose some. Make the right decisions and choices where you have the ability to do so…
Mike has an eye for creativity both in front and behind the lens. The latest Ride video he created is one of my favorites in a long list of Ride productions. Right up there with Thunder and Insight for myself.
Name: Mike Mastroni
Age: 33
Years Filming: 15-20
List of Projects: For full length stuff I've filmed & edited we got: OSS “Football”, OSS “Denver Nugz”, Volume “The Finer Things”, Volume “Volume 1” & “Volume 2”, & RideBMX “Headlights”. As for shorter web projects I’ve definitely lost count, but I’ve done a whole bunch of videos for my friends over the years which encompasses most of the major brands in BMX. Some more recent ones are Jake Seeley’s X-Games “RealBMX” Part and Tate Roskelley’s GT "Wait What?” part.
Just to let the reader of this article get to know you and your filming stye if they aren’t familiar I’m just going to ask you a few questions before we dive into the main topic at hand.
How would you describe your filming style?
I’d say pretty clean & controlled, but also up close & personal. I love getting up in the club with the fish and make sure to focus long lens filming on complimenting the trick as well as the spot in some sort of harmony.
In regards to filming, editing and even the overall encompassing task of making say a full length video who were your early influences as well who are some present day influences?
Early influences in BMX were honestly just other kids my age. I’d see the George Boyd’s V-Club stuff coming out of Texas, or just like kids in my area getting a clip or two in a Shook video or something. Stuff like that made filming seem a lot more accessible and it was a really new, exciting, and inspiring direction to go for me. Fast forward to present day I feel like there are SO many good filmers out there in BMX, Skateboarding, and beyond. These days I mostly watch Skate & Snow videos to get hyped to go ride/film.
How do you view the over abundance of content that comes out daily? As well your take on the easy accessibility of streaming said content? Do you feel there is something lost in the casual nature riding of all levels these can be documented and viewed these days? Or is this new accessibility a breath of fresh air?
I think it’s kind of a double edged sword. On the one hand it’s cool because the rate of progression all over the world is ramped up exponentially. Like, some Canadian kid could do something crazy on insta, and the next day you’ll see another kid half way around the world doing the same trick, which is awesome for the overall growth of BMX.
What I do think is definitely lost in the mix is intent & artistry. I’m not saying it’s totally gone because obviously people are still making good videos, but personally I feel like the whole process of just “getting a clip for the gram” is so boring. As a video maker and as a rider, I think there’s something really special about being super selective with your spots, filming things a certain way, choosing the perfect music, etc. It’s almost like its about what you aren’t showing just as much as what you’re showing. All that stuff is intent, and it’s the whole package ya know?
Most riders if not all possess a phone with the ability to document at a high visual quality. I see high caliber content being posted via social media daily rather than being saved for say a bigger project. I have witnessed it first hand especially with the younger generation of riders ( and even some older) in my scene filming amazing riding and uploading to their favorite platforms. That said high quality cameras of all types are more affordable than ever. Yet I see fewer and fewer riders diving into the classic route of documentation and getting out to the masses. Of course there are outliers but the majority document via phone and share content via a social platform instantly. What is your take on this? Do you think this is the new way? Do you see a decline in the future of documentation in regards to thought out well crafted projects?
I think it really just comes down to instant gratification and need for attention winning out over any sort of artistry and longevity. It’s also just way easier. Like, it’s definitely a bit of a learning curve and a huge commitment to invest in camera equipment, computer, editing software, tripods, camera bag, etc..when really if getting your tricks out there is really the only end goal…then yeah why not just film with your phone? It’s also just what’s in front of everyone’s faces all the time. I honestly would probably rather see clips filmed with a phone if I’m looking at Instagram, vs “real” camera stuff cropped down and square pegged into a round hole ya know? The phone is just the tool for the job for insta, and the video camera is the tool for the job of an actual video part destined for YouTube or DVD. I think there’s still plenty of room for both…if anything the current landscape is making it even easier for people who do care about video parts to stand out, because there are less and less people putting fourth the effort to the more traditional route…at least in BMX. Now, weather or not those “real” videos do the same view numbers as they used to is definitely up for debate haha.
Do you find that the “film it put it out immediately” way of documentation has lead to a desensitizing of great riding from the viewers perspective? Or do you think over all this is the new way and only positive growth of the art that is BMX will come from this? I know personally I think the progression/ growth of riding at least on a technically level has sky rocketed since riding can be easy viewed. What are your over all thoughts?
I think it can definitely be desensitizing, as well as overwhelming for sure. I get overwhelmed looking at Instagram as someone who’s been in the mix for a long time, so I can only imagine how a young up and coming rider or filmer would feel. I think it’s like anything tho…we just live in a more rapid fire information digital landscape these days, and at a certain point it’s kind of up to the individual to decide how they navigate that. My suggestion, just go ride and have fun…instagram isn’t real life.
Now to get into the topic of the article. I think to broach this subject and get your thoughts on the matter its best to set up a scenario that way our readers can say walk a mile in the shoes of anyone and everyone who has experienced this.
You’r in a new city with a rider or group of riders working on a new project/ video. You have enlisted a local to show you around and said local has brought two friends to join the session for the day. Although you are familiar with your tour guide you are not that close with his two companions who have joined him and your crew for the day. No worries they seem like great guys so they are welcomed into the fold for the day. The three begin to cart you and your crew around the city to different spots that they think the rider or riders you are working on the new video/ project with would like to ride. You finally find something that one of the crew wishes to film. You begin to set up. Pulling out multiple cameras, checking angles, white balancing, and over all dialing in your production equipment to produce the best product of said riders riding on this particular setup. You’r finally ready. Check with the rider he’s ready and you proceed to start the dance know as filming. When you look over you notice the two companions of your tour guides have thier cell phones out pointed at said rider and set up ready to film their own version of what’s about to take place.
What are your thoughts in this moment? Please feel free to go into detail.
I think it kinda depends on who these people are and their level of awareness with what’s going on. If they’re in the know, I don’t even think i’d have to say anything…and stuff like that is cool because then when the video comes out, the rider might have a little BTS phone angle for the gram or whatever. If it was maybe some younger riders or guys I don’t really know or something I’d probably just be like “hey guys, just keep it off the gram” or something along those lines, and make sure they understand clearly that they can’t post anything or show everyone they know the clip. If its like really, really young kids who can’t be trusted, or some random passerby’s or something I usually just straight up just tell them to put the phone away…usually they understand and are totally cool with that.
What type of person do you think would do something like this? Do you think there is a lack of awareness? Do you think their helping? Describe your take on this person.
I think it’s just an awareness thing for sure. Some BMX dudes are just hyped, maybe they don’t have pros or video project type guys coming around a lot and they’re just living in the moment, while the guy’s trying to film for the project are actually kinda living in the future haha. I don’t think that necessarily makes them a lame person or anything like that, it’s just that their version of BMX hasn’t led them down a filming type path up until this point. Maybe this is their first time being in the mix with this type of environment, or maybe on the flip side they’re contriburing some hype from behind the scenes which his helping the rider get the trick…I think each situation is unique and should be treated as such.
Would you mind sharing a story of a time this happened to you? Please feel free to go into detail.
I honestly can’t think of one off the top for those particular circumstances. I think overall tho, the only time it REALLY bothers me, is when it’s a spot that I found or put in the work to make rideable, then brought my guy there to get a real clip on for a project, and then some random we don’t really want on the session decides to show up and get in Instgram clip on it. That shit drives me nuts…probably the reason I don’t really ride with big crews these days haha.
Both had watched as you had set up multiple cameras what are your feeling on the behavior of this unsolicited documentation? Please feel free to go into detail.
I mean yeah it’s definitely a little rude in principal. It’s not like you walk up to an actual movie production and pull out your phone to get a clip of you favorite actor or actress…but with stuff like that there’s also plenty of security measures in place to ensure you can never get that close either. BMX or Skating or whatever is obviously more raw, DIY, and in the moment…so it’s definitely pretty easy to see where the lines can be blurred.
Are there concerns running in your mind about them having the documentation of said trick or stunt? Please feel free to go into detail.
For sure, especially if something gnarly get’s leaked. Again if it’s a couple of pro riders or industry guys, I already know that they know better and I don’t feel the need to say anything. If it’s kids I’ll be really clear that they either need to put the phone down or keep it to themselves until after the video comes out…all situation dependent.
How do you go about dealing with this situation? How do you handle this situation when said person or persons don’t seem to get the concept and persist.
I mean, if someone persists after I tell them to put the phone away….I have no idea haha...definitely never had to cross that bridge. I think most people are pretty reasonable and would understand with that stuff…if they aren’t they’re definitely not getting invited on the session again that’s for sure.
In regard to the unsolicited filming in those moments what’s one message you would like to convey to help them understand the serious filmmakers plight and say make things less awkward moving forward?
I think just better communication is key. If you’re a filmer or in a crew being affected by this regularly you’ve gotta speak up and draw clear lines with this stuff. If people for some reason are continuing to violate your boundaries, then I guess they need to somehow strongly get the message that what they’re doing is disrespectful, and that they aren’t welcome around your crew. Again, I feel like most of these situations can be resolved with a friendly, straightforward conversation.
Stew Johnson twisting one up in between film sessions. Stew doesn’t know this but Lights Out was the first video I got when I started riding. He was one of the first influential people in BMX for me. Loved that he rode and filmed/ made videos. For evidence find and watch the ride video Role Models for proof of 9th street shredding by Mr. Stew.
Pic by. Steve Crandall
Name: Stew Johnson
Age: 48
Years Filming: 27 years.
List of Projects:
Scum 1201, Scum Lights Out! Anthem Home of the Brave, Anthem II, too many Props Video Magazine/Road Fools/Megatours/Year Ends and Special releases to mention. Various projects for Trend, MacNeil, FBM, Etnies, Vans, FitBikeCo. S&M, Tree Bicycle Co., 2-Hip, Dig, Ride Magazine, Producer of X Games Real BMX TV show, and probably a whole lot of projects that i’m forgetting.
Just to let the reader of this article get to know you and your filming stye if they aren’t familiar I’m just going to ask you a few questions before we dive into the main topic at hand.
How would you describe your filming style?
Not really sure. I guess i just try to make my videos pretty straightforward and simple with what i think is good music. ha. I dunno, you might get a better description of my style if you ask someone other than me.
In regards to filming, editing and even the overall encompassing task of making say a full length video who were your early influences as well who are some present day influences?
Early influences would definitely be Eddie Roman and Dave Parrick, they're the masters. Modern day-ish? Navaz always made great stuff. Peter Adam, Darryl Tocco, Ryan Chadwick, Justin Benthein and Rich Forne have all made great full length videos. Too many people to mention, really.
How do you view the over abundance of content that comes out daily? As well your take on the easy accessibility of streaming said content? Do you feel there is something lost in the casual nature riding of all levels these can be documented and viewed these days? Or is this new accessibility a breath of fresh air?
There is way too much daily content to keep up with, that’s for sure, but who am i to say that’s a bad thing? I don’t want to watch an hour’s worth of new content every day, but i don’t have to. I do like that the playing field is kind of levelled now and that if you’re a new guy and you make good stuff, people will share it and it will be seen. You don’t need to have any connections or be in with the right people to get your stuff out there now and I absolutely love that part about the internet.
Most riders if not all possess a phone with the ability to document at a high visual quality. I see high caliber content being posted via social media daily rather than being saved for say a bigger project. I have witnessed it first hand especially with the younger generation of riders ( and even some older) in my scene filming amazing riding and uploading to their favorite platforms. That said high quality cameras of all types are more affordable than ever. Yet I see fewer and fewer riders diving into the classic route of documentation and getting out to the masses. Of course there are outliers but the majority document via phone and share content via a social platform instantly. What is your take on this? Do you think this is the new way? Do you see a decline in the future of documentation in regards to thought out well crafted projects?
This new way just is what it is, you can't stop technology or change. Lots of riders don’t want to sit on footage for a year or two and they don’t see much value in trying to put out a well edited part. And on the flip side, you’ll always have crews or riders that have a legit filmer and are all into making a project that shows off their scene or friends. It’s fewer and further between, but i think that’s something that will always be around to an extent, just a lot less than it used to be. Plus, i don’t think many people realize how much time and energy really goes into making a full length. It can be exhausting. Not everyone is cut out for it.
Do you find that the “film it put it out immediately” way of documentation has lead to a desensitizing of great riding from the viewers perspective? Or do you think over all this is the new way and only positive growth of the art that is BMX will come from this? I know personally I think the progression/ growth of riding at least on a technically level has sky rocketed since riding can be easy viewed. What are your over all thoughts?
There’s no doubt that we’ve all been desensitized to insane riding by seeing it every hour of every day. Lots of people just want to crank it out, be it for the purpose of getting credit as the first person to pull a certain trick, or even just posting it for the sake of keeping their sponsors happy. Some riders do try to put a little art into the shorter one or two clip videos, and i really appreciate that, but for the most part there just isn’t a whole lot of thought put into it. The film it and put it out immediately way has definitely pushed technical progression, just in the same way that full length videos did when they came along. People see other people doing something new and it breaks down that invisible wall of “that trick isn’t possible”, then before long, everyone is doing what seemed impossible a year ago.
Now to get into the topic of the article. I think to broach this subject and get your thoughts on the matter its best to set up a scenario that way our readers can say walk a mile in the shoes of anyone and everyone who has experienced this.
You're in a new city with a rider or group of riders working on a new project/ video. You have enlisted a local to show you around and said local has brought two friends to join the session for the day. Although you are familiar with your tour guide you are not that close with his two companions who have joined him and your crew for the day. No worries they seem like great guys so they are welcomed into the fold for the day. The three begin to cart you and your crew around the city to different spots that they think the rider or riders you are working on the new video/ project with would like to ride. You finally find something that one of the crew wishes to film. You begin to set up. Pulling out multiple cameras, checking angles, white balancing, and over all dialing in your production equipment to produce the best product of said riders riding on this particular setup. You’r finally ready. Check with the rider he’s ready and you proceed to start the dance know as filming. When you look over you notice the two companions of your tour guides have thier cell phones out pointed at said rider and set up ready to film their own version of what’s about to take place.
What are your thoughts in this moment? Please feel free to go into detail.
This type of situation is a little bit of a bummer, but I just assume they don’t really know or understand the etiquette involved with filming for a project, so I just ask them politely not to film. If they don’t get why, I calmly explain that we’re spending time and money traveling and working on this specific project and that the project will have a bigger impact if the general public hasn’t seen the footage already. Obviously, my concern is that the footage would get leaked to the public before our project came out, and that’s kind of demotivating.
Like I said, I don't think many people have experienced filming for a full length project and understand all the hard work that goes into it. Pulling the cell phone out doesn’t instantly make them a bad person, they just don’t understand how important this is to you, and it probably just means that they’re stoked to see this particular trick go down in their presence and I totally understand that. If I ask that they put their phones away, I just say ‘thanks for understanding’ and then we continue on filming the clip. I don’t consider it a big deal, unless they escalate it into one.
I honestly don’t remember a specific instance where this scenario happened to me, although I'm sure it must’ve happened a time or two, but if it did, I'm sure the person understood where i was coming from and complied with my request to not film it.
Now, if they don’t want to put their cell phone away, i’m going to either talk to the friend that’s showing us around, or one of the riders and have them convey to the cell phone filmers that we don’t want them filming it. If they STILL don’t get it, then we’re just gonna cruise the city without these guys. Chances are by now they’ve already killed the vibe and we’re not interested in being around them.
What type of person do you think would do something like this? Do you think there is a lack of awareness? Do you think their helping? Describe your take on this person.
Answered above.
Would you mind sharing a story of a time this happened to you? Please feel free to go into detail.
Answered above.
Both had watched as you had set up multiple cameras what are your feeling on the behavior of this unsolicited documentation? Please feel free to go into detail.
Answered above.
Are there concerns running in your mind about them having the documentation of said trick or stunt? Please feel free to go into detail.
Answered above.
How do you go about dealing with this situation? How do you handle this situation when said person or persons don’t seem to get the concept and persist.
Answered above.
In regard to the unsolicited filming in those moments what’s one message you would like to convey to help them understand the serious filmmakers plight and say make things less awkward moving forward?
Not sure i have a specific message for them, other than please respect the rider's wishes, they're the one putting their ass on the line. Their response and actions are what will determine if things are less awkward moving forward.