The term “flyover country” often dismisses the heartland of the US, but beneath the surface lies a vibrant and unique skateboarding culture. No Way, a video filmed around Indianapolis, Indiana, challenges this notion, offering a glimpse into the raw talent and gritty spots that define the Midwest skate scene. This isn’t your typical coastal skate video; it’s a testament to the creativity and passion found in often-overlooked locations. Edited by Cameron Brenkman and Austin Encinias, with Chris Zschunke heavily featured, No Way reveals the hidden gems and dedicated skaters thriving in middle America.
This article delves into the making of No Way, exploring the vision of its creators, their commitment to showcasing local talent, and the message they hope to convey to the broader skateboarding community. We spoke with editors Cameron Brenkman and Austin Encinias to understand how they turned the streets of Indianapolis into a compelling skate destination through their lens.
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Q&A with Cameron Brenkman and Austin Encinias
The opening track of the video has a distinct vibe. Was the goal to find something unsettling?
C: Not unsettling, but definitely something with an edge that matched Chris’s skating style. We wanted to avoid anything too cliché or overly aggressive. We were stoked it resonated that way.
A: It wasn’t about being unsettling. We aimed for a song that both represented our taste and what Chris wanted to hear for his part. It was about finding common ground and the right energy for his skating.
The video features local artists exclusively. Why was this important?
A: The goal was to showcase the Indianapolis skate scene and the talent within it. This area is often overlooked, and we wanted to highlight that we have great artists right here in our community. Making it all “in-house” makes it feel even more special.
C: Our friends Heath and Zernak are extremely talented. Including them made the project more meaningful. Indianapolis has a strong music scene that we wanted to feature alongside our skate scene.
Chris seems to favor stair skating. Why do you think this style has become less popular recently?
C: I think many skaters are tired of seeing endless rail grinds and huge gaps. Chris’s approach is refreshing. He skates what is in front of him with his unique style, making it relatable.
A: Trends are irrelevant. Do what you love and what makes you stoked.
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alt: A short video clip of Chris Zschunke skateboarding, showcasing his technical skills and style on street obstacles.
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Are slappies outdated?
C: Slappies are great when done on interesting spots. However, if you’re under 50, you should probably be jumping onto ledges.
A: Slappy-style tricks are definitely in. It’s all about the execution and the spot.
What is something that people should know about the Indianapolis skate scene?
C: The skate scene is thriving. Nyle Lovett recently turned pro for Theories, which has been a big inspiration to everyone. We just got a new park in memory of our friend Ethan, which is the first inner-city park in over two decades. The older generation has been instrumental in building the skate community here. Big shoutout to MoonTower, Jeremy Tubbs, and Tim Devlin.
A: Like any scene, we have our ups and downs. But at the end of the day, the people who truly care and are passionate make it amazing. People here may feel they need to go elsewhere to do something amazing, but hopefully this video will help to prove you can do it here. “Home is where you make it.”
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alt: A dynamic skateboarding clip featuring a variety of tricks and transitions on urban skate spots.
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Do you think Middle America skate scenes are overlooked?
A: Absolutely. There’s a tendency to focus on the coasts and bigger cities. Being from the Midwest and loving skateboarding means you have to really go out of your way to skate because it’s not as easily accessible. You have to love it and be creative because people might not pay attention to what’s going on in Indiana, but that’s changing now.
C: The Midwest is unique, and we are proud to represent it. There is a lot of incredible talent and culture here beyond skateboarding. People often don’t understand Indiana. They either can’t find it on a map or think everyone here is uncultured.
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alt: An engaging video clip showcasing various skateboarding tricks and unique filming angles within the urban landscape.
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What message do you hope people take away from watching No Way?
A: This project means so much. I’ve loved skateboarding since I was seven, so being a part of this video is amazing. Our goals for the video were simple: that Chris loves it, that his friends love it, and that it reaches as many people as possible, showcasing the talent in our scene. Chris is the embodiment of skateboarding to me. The way he skates is genuine.
We hope people get hyped and that anyone from the Midwest or any other overlooked place goes, “That’s us!”
C: This video is deeply personal to me. It’s a triumph to have completed it with Chris, especially after everything we’ve been through together. Skating brought us all together. We hope that it inspires kids in Indiana or other less-represented areas to break out of their bubble and build something within their own community. It takes a village to achieve something like this.
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alt: A skateboarding compilation showcasing various street tricks, edited to create an action-packed sequence.
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Any memorable or funny stories from filming?
C: We found a hex bag washed up on the shore in Miami, which was definitely a strange experience. Skating the streets in Indy, you’re bound to see some crazy things.
Filmed by: Joey Hansen
Edited by: Cameron Brenkman & Austin Encinias
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