The saga surrounding Illegal Civ and the alleged theft of skate footage felt like a high-stakes thriller. Mikey Alfred, cast as the antagonist, supposedly held crucial files, while Dalton Palacio emerged as the hero, battling through digital warfare to reclaim them. This real-life drama, involving a staggering $700,000 claim and valuable skate clips, eventually led to the creation of a new video, echoing the raw energy of classic Illegal Civ productions. This article delves into the story behind this video, featuring interviews with Dalton, Rob Mattox, and Logan Kirshak, shedding light on the challenges faced and the triumphant outcome.
The newly released video, showcasing a collective of talented Los Angeles skateboarders, perfectly captures the essence of street skating. It’s a blend of sidewalk banter, impressive double sets, and the raw passion that defines the skateboarding subculture. The fact that these skaters weren’t exploited for a sum equivalent to a down payment on a house makes the video all the more satisfying.
Q&A with Rob Mattox
How do you feel about the final video?
I’m really hyped about how everything turned out! Dalton deserves huge props for keeping the project alive despite all the drama. Honestly, we were all tight before things got weird, and that didn’t change. We just pushed each other to skate harder and make the video even better. The best thing about all of this is that we were able to create the video exactly how we wanted to.
Was there any trick you really wanted to land that didn’t make it into the video?
Yeah, there was one—a power ollie down this 19-stair rail. Or maybe it was 19 stairs, I forgot to count. The attempts are in my part, but the frat house owner warned me I’d get arrested if I ever tried it again, so I’m laying off that one.
Rob Mattox's powerful skateboarding style
Your videos often feature run-ins with the police. Do you ever feel bad about messing with them?
A lot of that was part of the image someone else tried to create for us after we left his team. We’re keeping it clean in this new full-length, so it doesn’t feature as much of that. But, street skating, especially in LA, always has some sort of bullshit attached to it.
How many DVDs did you make and how will you use the money?
We’ve made over 100 DVDs so far. We’re using the money to get Dalton a fisheye lens so he can keep filming. This video wasn’t about making money, though. It was about showcasing our art and doing what we love.
Rob Mattox showcasing his skateboarding skills
What are you most proud of in this video?
Everyone in the video absolutely killed it! Dalton did an incredible job filming, and to be a part of it, and see my guys shred the streets – there’s no better feeling. Logan, in particular, went off. He was clipping up faster than I’ve ever seen anyone. People talk about quality over quantity, but that kid’s got both.
What do you think skateboarding is missing right now?
I wouldn’t say that skateboarding as a whole is missing anything, it’s just where things are at the moment. I got really into skating when my parents dropped me off at the Skate Barn in North Carolina. Back then, the older skaters would yell at me to “walk it off” when I ate shit. We’d be dropping in on each other in the bowl, skating fast, bumping into each other, eating shit, having a great time, and no one cared. I feel that supporting other skaters is what’s missing in parts of the community.
I think the internet has put skateboarding in a strange place. Everything feels like a contest. It’s too serious. There is a lot of online hate, and weird internet beef. Skating is fun, and there are no contest points to that. For me, a kickflip with steez is worth more than a sketchy treflip crook nollie flip out. It’s not what tricks you do but how you do them. Inspiration is everything. We should all skate with each other, not against each other.
Rob Mattox captured mid-trick, showcasing his style
Q&A with Dalton Palacio
What made you want to create this video, and what’s the story behind the footage?
The goal was to create an epic full-length video. We didn’t plan on releasing these clips online at all but, at the end of the day, it’s all about skateboarding.
How much of the footage was originally intended for Hell Week, and how much is new?
I’d say it’s about 50/50. Most of Rob’s clips were filmed after all the drama unfolded.
Is there a possibility any of this footage will appear in Hell Week?
Yeah, most likely.
Dalton Palacio behind the lens, capturing the action
Tell us about the crew and the lineup in this video?
The crew includes Rob Mattox, Joaquin Palacio, Logan Kirshak, Brett Badger, Garren Desjardins, Aidan Suncire, Joey Ramos, Julian Hucklebee, Santana Saldana, Benicio Montalvo, Danton Guzman, Ryan Herman, Alonzo Lopez, Jaidyn Fisher, Diere Stephens, Jordan Norwood, Jaquez Evans, Ezra Snyder, and a bunch of other homies.
Are there any filmers you look up to for your style of filming, editing and music selection?
Davonte Jolly, and sometimes Bill Strobeck. I like Bill’s music choices, but I try to avoid doing the zoom-in stuff too much. I do admire his style and vision. Jolly goes hard as fuck. His filming style is amazing.
A still of Dalton Palacio's raw and dynamic skate video
What was the trick that took the most attempts to capture?
Low-key, it was Logan’s ender on that kink rail. Every time we went back, security would try to pepper spray us and hit us with batons.
Your videos often involve police interactions. Are you deliberately messing with them?
No, we’re not messing with them. Usually, we’re just at a spot for too long, and they show up.
Another glimpse into Dalton Palacio's skate video
Q&A with Logan Kirshak
How do you feel about your part in the video?
I feel like my part was good, but I know I could do better.
So, are you on FA now?
I’ve been flowing for FA for about two years now. Nakel put me on, but I don’t get paid. I was never getting anything from IC, or anything like that. I was just skating with my friends and getting clips.
Are you using any of the iPhone angle clips that Mikey filmed?
Yeah, I am going to use them in my part. Dalton has them in HD. I just wish we had all the clips Mikey filmed of everyone.
Logan Kirshak in action, showing his skateboarding talent
Has Mikey Alfred changed since you first met him?
Mikey definitely has changed since I first met him. I always felt weird about Mikey. I never knew much about him. He’s definitely gone crazy based on what he’s been posting.
If this video does well, do you think you guys might start a board brand?
I’m good on starting a board brand, but all the guys want to start a clothing brand. We don’t want it to be some corny brand called 700k, or anything to do with Mikey.
Logan Kirshak executes a trick with precision and style
What are you most proud of in the video?
I’m proud of all the boys for killing it. I’m hyped to see everyone’s clips all together. Rob Mattox has my favorite part; he’s too good.
What do you think skateboarding is missing right now?
Everything in skating is pretty sick at the moment. I can’t think of anything it’s missing.
Logan Kirshak captured in a moment of street skateboarding
Who are your favorite skaters of all time?
I have too many to name, but some of my favorites are Louie Lopez, Max Palmer, Joseph Campos, Diego Todd, Kader, and all the homies. I’m definitely forgetting some.
Anything else you want to share about the video or the situation?
I’m hyped how everything turned out and how we all stuck together. Mikey is fried. That’s about it.
Video by: Dalton Palacio
Intro words: Ben Komins
Photos by: Miguel Ramos
Q&A by: Alexis Castro
