A: It basically came about as a small sequel to a small local cincy vid. It started as a simple Cincinnati scene video, but once I began devoting time to select riders and their parts, it became clear the impossibility of filming the entire cincinnati scene. so, the video sort of progressed into only showcasing a select number of riders. But as time went by, Cincinnati began getting exposure on a national level regularly. It's still surreal to me, because Just a few years ago cincinnati was just like many other BMX scenes: good riders, but nothing truely special or unique. But the talent that has developed in the last few years is extremely diverse and unique. This would be a good time to get into the riders. Travis Kiesow is our newest Cincinnati member, originally from Long Beach California, moved here about 4 years ago for god knows why. All in all, is probably the most well rounded and most talented out of anyone I know. He spent his whole life riding park and dirt for atleast 10 years before he moved to cincy, and has spent the last 4 years transforming into a brakeless street shredder, and oh god do I mean shredder. Josh Suhre came into the project fresh off of filming for his Shook "Scared To Look" part, but has had a string of bad luck over the past 2 years and has spent a good portion of that injured. So unfortunately, we haven't accomplished what we had hoped, but what we have so far is definately a step forward from his shook part. John Burnham Dixon is our full time photographer, and is also one of the creative and eye opening street riders in the group. He is alot like me, and cant crank out clips like a machine, but when he does.....banger. Jeremiah Smith is the hot shit right now. He developed so many original moves in the last few years, that he has basically become untouchable in his select disciplines. With pushing pegless rail moves, as well as brakeless foot maneuvers on park, he has truely made it clear of his skill. Joey Hill is going to be our featured "park" rider. Although he like anyone else is more than a park rider, he chooses to focus his progression on ramps, and so that will be the focus of his video part as well. Then we have Tony Neyer, who has busted his ass harder in the last two years harder than anyone in BMX to achieve what he has today. He has gotten probably 15 features in RideBMX and BMXPlus in the last 18 months, and not a single photo or interview is dull. I couldn't be more proud of what he has accomplished and how successful he has become thus far, and still makes time to call me. I love the guy. The rest of the video is going to feature clips from amazing cincinnati riders that I haven't been able to devote enough time for full parts. As well as out of town riders filming clips inside Cincinnati such as Karl Poynter, Mark Pappas, Jeff K(whether he likes it or not), and hopefully some Brad Simms bangers. The video was set to be released this fall, but due to virutally every rider on the roster being injured at once point or even multiple times this summer, we have been forced to push back the release to sometime in early 07.
Q: Filming with Names such as Tony Neyer and Josh Suhre would scare some... How you deal with this wildness day 2 day?
A: Well, with Tony I spent most of the last few years not worrying because he has proven time and time again, that he is just too big to get injured. It doesn't make sense to me nor most anyone, but he manages to take heavy falls and always be able to walk it off. Up until his aweful crash which has a full write up on www.bmxonline.com. And as far as josh goes, it varies. He is more experience with deadman tricks than most anyone, so I tend to relax and remain confident in him. But then things like recent freak accidents happen. He ran into a tree after pulling a gap and broke his collarbone for the third time. And a few weeks before that he head went into the corner of a building resulting in 9 staples in his head. It's times like that when I can barely cope with filming because I dont deal well with watching close friends getting hurt.
Q: Do you think that your involvment with shook has helped you be a better filmer and editor? if so, how?
A: well Chad basically taught me most of the things I know about Sony cameras. But he basically left the filming up to me. I believe that the best way to become an excellent filmer is to just simply film for a long time. Nobody magically is amazing at it, it takes a few years in my opinion to really develope a steady hand, skill with zooming, and just to have an eye for the best way to create a good shot rather than always filming with a fisheye. Although I do enjoy some shots with a fisheye, I always prefer if possible to figure out a better way to film long. And as far as editing goes, I basically look up to Shooks for inspiration, but like filming, it's important to develope skills rather than copy someone elses. And especially doing work for Chad, I want to make sure that my editing techniques never resemble an anamorphosis edit.
Q: Sometimes riding and filming can be a hassle, do you always ride with your camera on you?
A: ea I do, but I think a better way to phrase it is I always film with my bike with me. The last two years have had so many ups and downs on a personal level with my riding. I had a bad night tonight at the skatepark so Im definately on a down right now. But sometimes on a rare occasion, Im proud of myself. But most the time Im pissed off because it seems I spend more time trying to get tricks back, rather than learning anything new. thanks for bringing that one up.....soft spot Jeff, really soft.
Q: My bad man... i think its a soft spot for any rider/filmer... from you sound of that last answer im guessing you film on a daily basis, so you see those guys on a regular basis, who else do you ride with on a normal basis? and what types of things do you enjoy riding?
A: I mostly ride with Travis and Burny more than anyone. But my friend Tyler comes down a bunch which is always refreshing because he's always a blast to be with. And I dont get to ride with some people nearly as much as I'd like to, such as a special friend Mitchell Lamb. We ride together less than once a month, but when we do...it's sweet. And I enjoy a good nose manual pad from time to time. But I spent most my time bunny hopping over shit, as well as banks on street are always a treat.
Q: Speaking of bunnyhopping over shit I always see you whiping up and over crazy obsicles, does your daily protein shake contribute to you bunny hopping skills?
A: um, Im not sure what caused this bunny hopping epidemic. I think since my arms are so long and useless, I figured out that I can utilize them to atleast help me jump over stuff. It's seemed to work pretty well so far, and clipping shit when trying to jump over something has been minimal so as long as that trend stays, this train's gonna keep on rockin.
Q: Well thanx so much for doing this interview... i cant wait to see the video and ride with you again any Shoutouts/Thanx/Last Words?
A: Um, I cant give enough thanks to every rider and friend who has contributed, or made an effort to make this video such a blessing to be able to create. Thank Chad Shack for all the opportunities, Dave Jacobs for the inspiration and constant help, my parents for always being supportive, my wonderful girlfriend for putting up with my shit, and skate videos. I love to watch skate videos.