To the casual observer, filming skateboarding might seem straightforward: get a decent camera with a fisheye lens, keep the skater in the frame, and ensure the colors aren’t washed out. However, delving deeper reveals a significant disparity between amateur and professional skate filmers. This article shines a spotlight on the true lens masters, highlighting the exceptional maneuvers they’ve executed, often risking their safety and equipment for the perfect shot.
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Brian Panebianco – Sabotage x DC
Philadelphia, a city steeped in history from its founding fathers to Rocky Balboa, has also been home to the DC skate team. In the Sabotage x DC video, Brian Panebianco starts his part with a varial heel while simultaneously filming Kevin Bilyeu at Muni. This feat of coordination and nonchalant style is arguably one of the most impressive things a filmer has ever accomplished on a skateboard.
This clip was not only impressive enough to earn Brian a place in Boil The Ocean’s “Filmers Who Rip on the Board Hall of Fame” but also solidifies his spot on this list of exceptional skateboard filmers.
Jacob Harris – Atlantic Drift: Tom Knox
While the spotlight often falls on Tom Knox’s smooth skating across rough terrain in Atlantic Drift, the masterful filming of Jacob Harris often goes unacknowledged. The unpredictable, rain-soaked streets of Britain pose a significant challenge for any filmer, yet Jacob consistently delivers perfectly level shots.
Maintaining a steady shot on those uneven surfaces requires incredible skill. It’s as if he replaced his wheels with Tonka truck wheels to achieve such smooth tracking, demonstrating a mastery of filming that is as impressive as the skating itself.
Dane Brady – We Blew it at Some Point
Dane Brady’s filming often includes subtle, yet remarkable achievements that most viewers might miss. In one particular clip, he follows Emile Laurent as he skates full speed down four city blocks of red bricks, maintaining perfect framing throughout. This showcases Dane’s skill at keeping pace and staying focused in challenging filming conditions.
His ability to seamlessly track fast-moving subjects while maintaining steady footage emphasizes his dedication and expertise in capturing the essence of skateboarding.
Chris Gregson – Masher: Martino
Like the little yellow guy from Mario Kart who always knows the wrong way, Chris Gregson is always right behind the skater. No matter how uneven or chaotic the terrain, he consistently delivers dead-on shots with no camera shake, demonstrating a unique ability to keep the action in frame, regardless of the conditions.
His consistency in capturing flawless footage under various circumstances is a testament to his skills and dedication as a filmer.
Gustav Tønnesen – The Sour Solution II
The clip in The Sour Solution II is one of those rare cases where the filmer almost overshadows the skater. Gustav Tønnesen expertly bombs a hill, one foot on his board, while filming with a VX1000. While Josef Scott Jatta performs a couple of ollies, it’s Tønnesen’s daring filming that steals the show.
Tønnesen’s risk-taking and precision behind the lens make this a noteworthy and memorable clip, highlighting his exceptional skill as a filmer.
Colin Kennedy – Miles Silvas One Stop
Filming an almost five-minute line across several iconic spots in Los Angeles is a herculean task. Colin Kennedy’s work with Miles Silvas in Miles Silvas One Stop required hours of dedication and meticulous effort, resulting in a seamless and captivating sequence.
The sheer length and complexity of this continuous line demonstrate the skill and patience involved in capturing such ambitious footage. Kennedy’s focus and attention to detail are evident in the flawless end product.
Colin Read – Spirit Quest
While a GoPro might be more resilient for extreme filming situations, Colin Read takes a different approach in Spirit Quest by using a VX1000 as an underwater camera. Submerging this delicate piece of equipment in the Max Palmer fountains multiple times, he creates a unique and surreal visual experience.
His willingness to risk his equipment and venture outside the norm is a testament to his creativity and unconventional approach to skate filming.
Benny Magliano – Mind Field
Benny Magliano’s work filming Omar Salazar’s line down a water slide in Mind Field is another example of dedication and risk-taking by a filmer. He not only keeps pace with the skater but also navigates the treacherous terrain with impressive steadiness.
Benny’s ability to perfectly capture such a risky line is a testament to his skill, courage, and dedication to his craft as a filmer, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in skate videography.
Jacob Harris – Atlantic Drift Catfish Clip #2
Jacob Harris’s drone-like filming in Atlantic Drift Catfish Clip #2 is just too good to not be mentioned twice. His ability to seamlessly move closer and farther from Nik Stain creates a mesmerizing effect, drawing the viewer into a hypnotic trance.
Harris’ unique filming style demonstrates a rare ability to not only capture the action but also to create an immersive and visually captivating experience, setting him apart as one of skateboarding’s most innovative filmers.
In conclusion, these filmers are not just bystanders with cameras; they are integral to the art of skateboarding. They risk their bodies and equipment, consistently push boundaries, and demonstrate that capturing the perfect shot is an art form in itself. Their dedication and unique skills are a driving force in the skateboarding world, and it’s time we acknowledge and appreciate their contributions.
