It’s often said that skateboarding reveals the hidden potential of urban landscapes, and nowhere is this more evident than in China. The abundance of marble ledges and perfectly skateable architecture often sparks the question: are Chinese architects secretly skateboarders? It’s easy to lose track of where the skatepark ends and the streets begin. This intriguing blend of skate-friendly design and urban life provides the backdrop for Amerigo Brini’s captivating video, Fear and Loathing in Shanghai, showcasing incredible ledge tricks and smooth lines.
While the skaters in Shanghai might not grapple with the same spot repair issues, they have faced unique challenges navigating the ongoing Covid-19 situation. As many countries have returned to maskless gatherings, China has been balancing its efforts to control the spread of the virus with a desire to open up. Amerigo’s video offers a creative perspective, contrasting the pre-lockdown night skating sessions with smaller, more intimate day sessions that occurred during lockdown restrictions. It’s a reminder of the impact of the pandemic on daily life while also showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the skateboarding community. We talked with Amerigo to better understand his experience in Shanghai, his video, and the skate scene there.
Amerigo Brini skating in Shanghai
Q&A with Amerigo Brini
Your video has the energy of a high-octane action movie. Who are your filming influences, both within and outside of skateboarding?
I’m glad my work creates that impression. Baker 3 has always been a major influence in skateboarding for me. I admire how they captured both the skating and the lifestyle; that’s what I strive to achieve in my videos, with a more “cinematic” look. Outside of skateboarding, I’d say my editing style is heavily influenced by commercials. They’re short, yet their structure can be complex and engaging, keeping the viewer interested throughout.
Sometimes skate video formulas feel predictable. Are there lessons skate filmers could learn from Hollywood movies?
I appreciate when someone adds a “story” or concept to a video, like Shorty’s Guilty, but I’m more drawn to skate videos structured like documentaries. I find telling the story of a famous spot or skater more compelling.
Shanghai street skating
There’s a significant amount of night filming in your video. Why is that, and what are your tips for achieving the right lighting at night?
Shanghai is ideal for skating during the day, but not so much at night. Around 10 pm, most city lights are turned off, but I still wanted to capture that aspect of Shanghai skateboarding. For night filming, more lights are always better. I typically use a few small LEDs, one on the camera and another handheld. If needed, I’ll ask a friend to hold an extra light for better control, or place it on a small tripod. It’s a cheap and effective approach.
“Living in China often feels like you’re not fully in reality.”
Drawing a parallel to the classic book, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, what’s the nightlife scene like in Shanghai? Aside from skating, what do you do after dark?
The title Fear and Loathing in Shanghai reflects the surreal experience of living here during the pandemic. Between bizarre policies, constant city changes, and the complete chaos of lockdown, life in China often feels detached from reality. Shanghai once had a thriving nightlife scene, attracting many for both skating and partying. However, stricter drug policies and COVID restrictions have made it less vibrant. Over the past few years, we mostly spent nights hanging out at Family Mart, a convenience store. I’m sure Shanghai’s nightlife still has a lot to offer, but that’s what we did most of the time.
Do you think dropping acid is a good way to get through a heavy editing session?
[laughs] I’ve never tried acid, but I’m sure it would provide a unique perspective to the edit.
Amerigo Brini mixing video
You mentioned that a lot of filming was done during the Covid pandemic. Was that experience similar to the US, where lockdowns made previously unskateable spots available for the first time?
Initially, in early 2020, Shanghai was surprisingly relaxed, and we skated daily. There was less security and fewer people around, which was great. If you’re interested in our experiences during this period, I made a documentary. Unfortunately, while I was filming for the new clip, cases began rising despite the strict Zero Covid Policy. This led to even stricter rules. It started with smaller, random lockdowns of blocks or buildings, followed by a citywide lockdown in April. We were all confined to our apartments for 60 days, making skating impossible.
The music in your video is quite unique. How did you choose the soundtrack?
Finding the right music is always the most challenging part of post-production for me. I spent about a year looking for these three songs. I prefer instrumental music that complements the tricks without being distracting. It should set a mood without overshadowing the skating. Recently, I find it hard to watch a skate video if I don’t like the song [laughs].
I noticed a few security encounters in the video. How is skateboarding generally received in Shanghai, and how is the security presence?
Years ago, it was a paradise; you could skate anywhere. Nowadays, security is getting tighter. Many famous spots are now busts, but luckily, new spots emerge every month, offering new opportunities before we get caught. In China, security guards are everywhere. Some don’t care, and some will shout, but we never feel unsafe.
Skateboarding in Shanghai
Now that skateboarding is an Olympic sport, has the infrastructure in China seen an increase in support from the Olympics?
I believe so. In recent years, they’ve built many new skateparks for the national team to train for the Olympics. I think it has also made skateboarding more socially acceptable. Now, you see more people skateboarding. However, I am not sure how much it has helped street skating.
Do Chinese skateboarders still need to move to the US to make a living through skateboarding? Are there any full-time pro skaters in China?
There are many talented skaters in China, but I don’t personally know anyone who makes a living solely from skating. From what I’ve seen, if you want to make a long-term career out of skateboarding, you usually need to start your own business, like a skate brand or shop.
“There are a lot of very good skaters in China but I don’t personally know anyone who makes a living just through skating.”
What excites you most about the skate scene in China? Are there any other filmers or skate crews you enjoy?
The best thing about China is the spots. I remember when we discovered Hongqiao Square; it seemed designed for skating, with banks, stairs, manny pads, and more. We were speechless. Even though I’ve left China, I still enjoy following the Chinese skate scene. I really like the Avenue & Son crew and as filmers, I like Lulu, Nankin Joe, and Maomao.
Have you ever had to bondo a spot in Shanghai, or is that unnecessary because everything is already so perfect?
Not really, there are so many spots that if one gets ruined, it’s not a big deal. There’s probably an even better one nearby.
Video & photos by: Amerigo Brini
Words: Ben Komins
