Dylan Rieder remains a monumental figure in skateboarding, influencing countless skaters with his unique style and approach. Even years after his passing, his impact is still profoundly felt. He was a pioneer, seamlessly blending skateboarding with fashion, and shifting the focus back to simple, stylish tricks, moving away from the emphasis on technical difficulty. His iconic video part, dylan., stands as a testament to his talent and vision, and marked a turning point in how skate parts were presented. This article delves into the creation of this masterpiece, drawing insights from an interview with filmmaker Greg Hunt, who worked closely with Rieder on the project.
The Genesis of a Friendship and a Film
Greg Hunt first met Dylan Rieder when he joined Alien Workshop around 2006, coinciding with the beginning of production for what would become Mind Field. Their working relationship quickly evolved into a close friendship. Hunt recalls an early memory of visiting Dylan at his dad’s place in Huntington Beach, discovering a shared love for music that went beyond the surface, revealing more depth to the young skater. This connection would prove instrumental in their later collaboration.
Mind Field: A Period of Struggle
The filming of Mind Field saw Dylan as a young talent with immense potential, but also struggling. Hunt, along with Heath Kirchart, were roommates with Dylan at a house paid for by Alien Workshop. Dylan’s lifestyle, marked by late nights, music, and a lack of rigid skating schedule, clashed with Kirchart’s disciplined approach. Dylan’s struggles with substance abuse during the latter stages of Mind Field filming led to a disappointing final part and a low point for the skater. While the part was appreciated by many, those who knew Dylan’s potential were left wanting more.
From Analog to Gravis: A New Chapter
After Mind Field, Dylan’s career and personal life started to take a positive turn. As the Analog team’s project started to fall apart, the decision was made to focus on individual parts for Dylan and Arto Saari. Dylan, determined to surpass his Mind Field performance, used this as an opportunity to make a change. He was given an ultimatum: get his act together or risk losing his place on the team. This led to a period of sobriety and intense focus that propelled him to new heights.
The Making of “dylan.”: Power and Precision
During the Gravis period, Dylan’s skating transformed. He became more selective, focusing on executing particular tricks with precision and power. According to Hunt, the powerful style wasn’t intentional, but rather a natural expression of his skating. He would work tirelessly, pushing himself to his physical limits, and his dedication resulted in the iconic tricks seen in dylan.. The tailslide kickflip out, for example, was not the result of repeated attempts to achieve a specific look, but the one he landed, showcasing his natural ability and determination.
Local Spots and Global Impact
What is remarkable is that most of the footage for dylan. was filmed within a short radius of his West Hollywood home. Dylan found unique and challenging spots in his neighborhood, like the car wash where he frontside heelflipped over a black fence. This approach defied the trend of international travel for skate videos at the time, proving that creativity and talent can be found anywhere. He didn’t need to travel to far-flung locations to produce some of the most iconic skateboarding moments of the era.
The NYC Impossible and “Super-Dylan”
While most of the part was filmed in his neighborhood, Dylan did travel for some of his memorable clips. He famously performed an impossible over a bench in NYC, a trick he had landed before. Hunt recalls that he landed the trick easily, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication. Jason Dill, recognizing Dylan’s transformation and improved skating, nicknamed him “Super-Dylan.”
A Video Part That Changed Perceptions
Hunt was aware of the negative perception that some people had of Dylan, especially after Mind Field. He believed that dylan. would challenge these views and reveal his true abilities and character. The video showcased not only Dylan’s unique style but also his courage to defy conventions and be true to himself, even when it went against the grain of what was popular at the time. He was a standout figure and wasn’t afraid to dress differently and express himself, which took courage during a time when skateboarding had a very specific aesthetic.
The Editing Process and Musical Choices
Hunt’s approach to editing dylan. was different. Rather than editing on a timeline during filming, he kept everything safe and would review footage periodically. He began the edit during the summer, and Dylan would often visit to review the footage. Hunt sought to create something that felt complete, like a short film rather than just a video part. The music, a collaboration between Hunt and Dylan, was crucial to the final product. Graham Nash’s “Better Days” became the iconic centerpiece, while songs by Cass McCombs and Danny Garcia added depth and feeling.
Breathing Room and Unique Style
Hunt wanted Dylan’s part to breathe, contrasting with the quick cuts and condensed tricks prevalent in skate videos at the time. He filmed everything, even the moments before and after the tricks, highlighting Dylan’s unique style and fluidity. This decision was motivated by Dylan’s skating, which was captivating even beyond his tricks. His board slides and back smiths were just as compelling as the tricks themselves.
A Free Part: Breaking the Mold
dylan. was released for free, a move that was unconventional at the time when solo parts were typically sold on platforms like iTunes. This decision made the part accessible to a wider audience and allowed it to make a larger impact. However, a pirated version with different music quickly emerged online. The free release, coupled with the extensive marketing campaign in The Skateboard Mag and Skateboarder, cemented its place in skate history.
A Defining Moment and Lasting Legacy
The impact of dylan. was immediate, with many noticing the strong influence he had on other skaters. Dylan’s influence extended beyond his skating, with many inspired by his unique style and way of being. He proved that it was possible to be an exceptional skater without compromising one’s unique style. This was not his highest point either, he continued to influence the sport.
The Enduring Influence
The last footage Hunt ever filmed of Dylan was the line in Cherry, which showed that even at that point, Dylan was still improving and pushing his limits. He was always evolving and getting better. In addition to being an incredible skateboarder, Dylan’s greatest strength was his ability to stay true to himself, and that is what made him truly great.
A Special Friendship
For Greg Hunt, dylan. is less about the video part and more about the time spent with Dylan, whom he remembers as a special friend. Dylan had a rare gift of seeing people for who they were and not judging them based on their looks or background. He treated people with kindness and loved them for who they were. The loss of Dylan was a tragedy that affected many, and to be intertwined with his legacy is something that is difficult to look past and look at as separate from their friendship.
The Dylan Factor
Greg Hunt acknowledges that while he played a role in shaping dylan., it was ultimately Dylan’s unique talent, style, and personality that made it a masterpiece. The success of the video was not due to any special effort on the part of the filmmaker, but because it featured one of the most gifted and influential skateboarders of all time.
In conclusion, dylan. is more than just a skate video; it is a testament to the talent, vision, and unique character of Dylan Rieder. It is a reminder of the impact one person can have on skateboarding and its culture. The film remains an inspiration for generations of skaters to come.
