The early 2000s are back in a big way, and Chason Trau’s Overload skate video perfectly captures that era’s raw, unpolished energy. This isn’t your typical modern skate video; Overload is a deliberate departure from the slow-motion zooms and overly polished aesthetics that dominate today’s scene. Instead, Trau embraces a chaotic, fast-paced editing style reminiscent of classic skate videos like Illegitimate Bastard Child and CKY2K. With its unapologetically raw skating and unconventional editing, Overload offers a refreshing and captivating viewing experience.
Overload is a product of passion and a rejection of current trends. Trau focused on the skateboarding itself, letting the skaters’ skills and the raw energy of each session speak for themselves. The result is a cohesive project that feels both nostalgic and fresh. There’s no trying to be what the audience expects. It’s a genuine expression of skateboarding culture from an underground perspective. To give you a taste of what this video is all about, we’re featuring our favorite section of the video, featuring Eli Williams and some other familiar faces. You can also check out the NSFW longer cut if you dare. But that’s just a small part of the overall project.
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To delve deeper into the mind behind Overload, we asked Chason Trau a few questions about his creative process.
Q&A with Chason Trau: The Mind Behind “Overload”
Why make a 2-hour skate video?
It was never intentional. It was a culmination of years of filming friends and traveling. It wasn’t until about a month before the premiere, when we put half the video in one sequence, that we realized we had made something longer than Fully Flared.
Can skaters even focus for that long?
The ones who aren’t too self-absorbed? Probably!
What is missing from mainstream skate videos?
Definitely face, feet, face, feet shots. That’s what we need to see.
What’s your editing process? Any essentials?
All-nighters fueled by Juul pods, primarily. Coffee, mixed drinks, beers, and mushrooms are bonuses. I once tried Adderall, but ended up cleaning my house instead.
Are you a VX guy, or do you film with an HPX?
The VX is the best camera for skateboarding; it’s compact and rugged. I also use a TRV-20 for those quick, greasy situations. I don’t own an HD camera, but I’m open to it. I can do a pretty good impression of a Strobeck, though.
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A short clip of skateboarders captured in a grainy gif format
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Did you actually get pooped on to film that clip later in the video?
No, the lens took all the brunt of it.
How did that dude poop on command?
It’s all thanks to his poor diet. USA deli wings and Takka vodka every day.
Have you ever let someone poop on you in the bedroom?
Absolutely not! Poop is funny, not sexy.
Did you have to lurk 4chan for any of the clips?
I filmed most of them myself. I’m not on any chans or subreddits. I got [Justin] Brock’s intro from a random porn site and the execution video from an ISIS site. That one was tough because they had already made the switch to HD.
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A short clip of a skateboarder performing a trick in a grainy gif format
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Was there anything you filmed that was too raunchy for the video?
Not yet. One girl threatened to sue me if I used her clips with the Hiroshi stunt cock in my last video, Mallgrabtofakie. She even came to the premiere to make sure it wasn’t in there.
What was your favorite thing about editing this video?
Laughing by myself or with friends in my office. Other than that, I hated it.
Will you show your parents this video?
Absolutely! They can’t wait to see it.
Video by: Chason Trau
Order the full video here.
Q&A by: Larry Lanza
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Overload is more than just a skate video; it’s a throwback to a time when skateboarding was raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically itself. Chason Trau’s unique vision and commitment to his craft have created a film that both entertains and inspires. If you are looking for a skate video that breaks away from the norm, Overload is a must-watch. Don’t expect anything fancy, just pure, unadulterated skateboarding.
