Browsing “Other”

Over at the SbA site we have just commissioned James James to cut this ripping Recon piece on the West Hobart Bowl which is the 2^nd oldest park in Australia. Here is a little sample of the visuals. The video is over here.

If geologists rated skateparks the West Hobart Bowl would be classified as Jurassic. It is a crusty, meandrous beast that will happily spit you (and your flesh) into the stratosphere if you hesitate or make an error in judgment. It is a lumpy 100m roller coaster ride that takes you from a shallow dish, through the belly of a snake, past the demonic ‘Thrasher’ corner into the actual bowl. The West Hobart Bowl, (which is actually more of a snake run) has been sessioned for thirty three years now…. (continued here)

“We thought Solitary Arts and their 50mm 87A “Black Eggs” wheels were rad. So much so that we were inspired to create this clip and bridge the gap between 2 skate crews: Solitary Arts and Circle A.” Featuring Sean Connolly, Rich Hart and friends.

When it comes to documenting Australian skateboarding in moving pictures, Chris Middlebrook is the most well known and no doubt one of the most devoted. Two of his most recent accomplishments include Nike SB Chronicles #1 and what is arguably the video part of the year: Nick Boserio’s Life Splicing part.

Aside from VX and HD Midds is also a bit of a Super 8 lord. Over at the SbA site we have recently unearthed Chris Middlebrook’s Super 8 reel from 2008. Inside you will find archival footage of: Shane O’Neill, Andrew Brophy Dane Burman, Lewis Marnell, Andrew Currie, Bryce Golder, Nick Boserio, Alex Campbell, Justin Brock, Tommy Fynn and a myriad of other talented rolling units.

Chris Middlebrook is currently working on a part for the next Transworld Video “The Cinematographer Project”: be prepared for some locally spawned lunacy in that one.

Merry Merry Season peoples. See you next year.

TOP 8 from THE ISLAND

1ST: Chima Ferguson ($4000)

2ND: Tommy Fynn ($2500)

3RD: Jack Fardell ($1500)

4TH: Jack Kirk ($800)

5TH: Jake Duncombe ($500)

6TH: Reece Warren ($300)

7TH: Alex Campbell ($200)

8TH: Joel McIlroy ($200)

ISLAND WRAP

Cockatoo Island is not only the largest isle in Sydney Harbour; it has one of the most colourful histories. Prior to being home to the first ever SbA Pro/Am Grand Final it was an imperial prison, an industrial school, a reformatory, a jail and was the site of one of Australia’s largest boat building docks. Cockatoo is also closely aligned with the legend of bushranger Captain Thunderbolt, who was one of two prisoners to ever escape the island. Their escape was aided by Thunder’s lover Mary Ann Bugg who swam through the harbours shark-infested waters to save them. Thunderbolt was given his name whilst on the job: during one of his robberies he knocked on a door as a clap of thunder and lightening ignited the skies. The victim asked who was at the door to which he replied: “Thunderbolt”. Of course prior to the intervention of colonialism Cockatoo was no doubt a sacred stomping ground for indigenous tribes and possibly the odd cockatoo.

During event lead up there were several trips out to the island. My first trip was with Cuzz and we were in charge of surface checks on the heritage-listed ground. After a serious run in with an egg-guarding screech-burger of a sea gull, and several heated discussions regarding the logistical problems of holding a comp on the island, we thought we would calm our nerves with a beverage. Whilst ordering the edge was taking off by a gruff but jovial chinless wonder of a Hungarian tuck-shop manager. He was the kind of odd character you would find in an old Bond film. His vibe somehow smoothed the situation and mid bev we ran back over to the site and finally sussed how the course could work.

Over the months of prep that followed it was no doubt that Logistics Manager Steve Murphy went through the most trials and tribulations. At one point he was heard ordering some fluorescent inflatable tower lights over the phone: “So how big are they mate?“… (pause)… “Oh so about as big as a fat person?” The attention to detail was phenomenal. So how do you get a skate course built on an island you ask? Every element had to come by barge: 24 of them! The course design and construction was a combination of efforts between SbA, Convic and Shane Serena’s Revolution crews. The course housed elements such as the bank to ledge to bank, the out rail (based on Perth’s swing out bar), the doorstop slappy kickers, the wheel chair ramp and the Sydney Harbour Bridge China Bank. (article continued with video over on the sba site)

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‘A to B’ is one of the SbA video regulars. It is a study of the journey from A to B on a skateboard. To instigate the mission I make a map on Google maps, give the map to the filmer and skater. I make sure that the path does take the duo past some good spots, and they are allowed to differ from the supplied route by maximum of one block. Once the mission is completed the filmer completes the edit. I chose Melbourne ripper Jeremy Corea as the subject of the first Victorian ‘A to B’, the filmer was SbA contributor Josh Roberts. Josh is the man responsible for the recent ‘In Good Company’ video from the 4 Skateboard Company, he also filmed the Alex Campbell ‘Three Spots’ from a couple of months back. For now: feast on the A to B with Jeremy Corea and I’ll keep you posted with any further additions.

Just in case u missed the link: A to B with Jeremy Corea

After hearing about this project from Jeff Hamada, I recently hosted a screening of the video An Island, filmed by Vincent Moon about the amazing band Efterklang. This film is certainly an inspiring look at how important sound is to regional cultures. They are now releasing a limited edition DVD/EP designed by Hvass&Hannibal featuring the photos by Antje Taiga Jandrig packaged in a custom-made cover printed by Stumptown Printers in Portland, Oregon.

The DVD is limited to 5000 copies and they are all individually numbered. The cover holds a 35 page booklet with lots of photos along with background info written by Efterklang. When ordering the DVD you get the new EFTERKLANG EP ‘Live at Roskilde Festival 2010? as a bonus! An Island is also available digitally after the Pay-What-You-Want model. Available via www.anisland.cc/home

Juice Magazine headquarters in Venice was home to a recent supergroup art show that was organized to benefit Mrs. Babette Ho, the wife of Jeff Ho. Check the video for interviews with the artists, including myself. Click here for more.

I’m honored to announce Brian Lotti as the newest member of the Broadcast team with this short concept video we made with Abby Portner. Enjoyoy!

Love em or hate em, there is no denying that these things are effing fun! Check the video here.

Chris Brigham, of Knife & Saw, the award winning designer and furniture maker, has updated his site. Though The Bike Shelf  continues to be the must-have wall piece, Chris’s craftsmanship goes above and beyond, pushing the limits of furniture design.

Below are a few examples of his craft, but for a real look into his work, click here.