Making a skate video is a monumental task. Skaters push their limits, physically and mentally; filmers endure uncomfortable positions, and the entire production team faces the challenge of creating something unique in the context of over 30 years of skate video history. After filming, editing, securing music rights, and organizing a premiere, this work of art is released into a saturated media landscape where most viewers skim clips between other activities. It’s a challenging environment for both creators and viewers.
While many of us feel compelled to watch every new release, the sheer volume of content and the increasing diversity of skateboarding styles can lead to a sense of video fatigue. Clips can feel repetitive, music can sound stale, and filming techniques can seem contrived. It’s never been more difficult to be an engaged and appreciative skate video viewer. To help keep the experience of watching skate videos special, here are some tactics to enhance your appreciation and enjoyment.
Respect the Setup
Skate videos are not made to be watched on a small phone screen with tinny audio. Filmmakers and editors meticulously craft their projects for an optimal viewing experience. Do you think Greg Hunt considers how his animations will look on an iPhone? If you are excited about a new video, set it up properly. Use a real screen, a good sound system, and turn up the volume. Consider grabbing some snacks and drinks, and invite friends. Give the video the respect it deserves and immerse yourself fully in the viewing experience.
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Skip the Social Media Edit
A rule should be implemented to prevent Instagram edits of skate videos until at least a week after the video’s official release. There’s nothing worse than having the best parts of a much-anticipated skate video ruined by a brand or skater posting spoilers. Remember when trailers were common? It is up to us to manage our own media consumption, so avoid any posts you see about a video as long as it takes. When you finally watch the video and have your jaw drop at an incredible trick, you’ll be glad you did. You will get a richer experience and appreciate the artistry that went into creating the entire video, rather than just isolated clips.
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Pace Yourself
The skateboarding industry lacks a shared release calendar. Some weeks are quiet, while others see multiple full-length videos released at once. Remember the barrage of content last August? It’s easy to fall behind. But, are you truly appreciating each moment and trick if you’re speed-watching multiple videos back-to-back? Probably not. Realistically, we can probably absorb about an hour of skateboarding per day. Pacing yourself allows you to digest each video fully and enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed.
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Don’t Hate Watch
Despite what it may feel like, you do not have to watch every single skate video, especially if it doesn’t align with your tastes. Perhaps you dislike the clothing style, the filming, or the music. Instead of hate-watching and looking for every flaw or cringe-worthy moment, simply skip it. There’s no need to waste your time and energy complaining about it in a group chat or on forums. Remember that someone put a lot of effort into the project and it likely wasn’t made with you in mind. Move on and spend your time watching videos you enjoy.
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Return to Your Favorites
One of the advantages of stepping away from the constant stream of skate media is the opportunity to spend more time with projects you love. In the past, when new videos were released less frequently, you would watch the same videos repeatedly out of necessity. Nowadays, a new Vans Europe video might drop in the time it takes to watch the previous one. By the time you finish watching Kader’s Baker part, he’s likely already released a new promotional video. If you find a video you genuinely love, watch it again and again. Become obsessed with every detail, and move on only when you feel it’s the right time. By revisiting your favorite videos, you’ll discover new details and deepen your appreciation for the artistry within.
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In conclusion, being a true skate video fan requires mindful engagement and an appreciation for the effort put into these projects. By respecting the viewing setup, skipping social media spoilers, pacing your viewing, avoiding hate-watching, and revisiting your favorites, you can enhance your enjoyment and keep the skate video experience special. The goal is not just to consume content, but to fully appreciate the art and dedication involved in creating these unique pieces of skateboarding culture.
Words by: Thomas Barker
Illustrations by: Van Eggers
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