So what do you want to see???

[watersnowdirt]

Haven't seen this year's flick yet, but will be sure to see it soon.

Having said that, my feedback might be off base.

I probably sound like a broken record, but MORE RIPPING WOMEN in the flicks. Goddammit - I know they're out there - I've skied/ridden with them, or just admired them from afar. It bothers me that so few women show up in these flicks. BUt again, I haven't seen this year's, so maybe it's chock full of talented women, in which case, right on Owens.

[Karl Stall]

Originally posted by truth
I've thought about this on more than one occasion, and it's a tough one. One thought I had was to follow a core group of riders from a certain locale throughout a season, truly documenting what "the life" is all about. Using time and date to dictate the storyline offers up some connection everyone's reality. Allowing viewers to go, yeah...I was blah blah blah on that day. This also allows for more development of the charachters than just a few witty sound bites before thier music kicks in. One thing that most movies miss completely is the true essence of what towns like JH, CB, T-ride, Bozeman, Nelson, etc are really all about. The dramas, the charachters, the vibe that comes from knowing everyone and dating half of em is to me the real soul of skiing...that and endless slow mo white room over the head face shot action. It's be cool to start with the jonesing for the first snows...first turns...and end with hiking for the last scraps hiding in the shadows, using the seasons to set the bookends of the film.

Wouldn't it be cool to roll into a premier for a flick...just drooling over the first big storm predicted for next week, and have the film open with your rockstar heros drooling for thier first turns as well?

I agree. Well put, Truth.

[Karl Stall]

Originally posted by acostiga


and i forget which movie it was, but i know it was a bunch of years back... there was a scene in some flick of some skiers hanging out somewhere in europe and drinking beers. that scene taught me how to chug a bottle of beer using a bendy drinking straw as ventilation. changed my life. i still bust out that trick now and then when tying one on, and it always reminds me of that particular movie.

Snowdrifters - one of the all-time greatest flicks, as well as M. Black's coming out party. The BC snowmobile stuff was also awesome - god I love that movie.

[Omen]

Thanks everyone for the input! I'll definately take all your ideas to heart and do my best to accomplish them. Of course there are so many variables in making ski movies that just aren't predictable, so what you imagine in your head doesn't alway play out the same way. It will definately have:
Rippin Chicks (naked or dressed)
Some tele rippers
More talking about lines with helmet cam and mic
No one wearing neon
And plenty of great white room pow shots

Thanks again for the input- OMEN

[Honc]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by truth
I've thought about this on more than one occasion, and it's a tough one. One thought I had was to follow a core group of riders from a certain locale throughout a season, truly documenting what "the life" is all about. Using time and date to dictate the storyline offers up some connection everyone's reality. Allowing viewers to go, yeah...I was blah blah blah on that day. This also allows for more development of the charachters than just a few witty sound bites before thier music kicks in. One thing that most movies miss completely is the true essence of what towns like JH, CB, T-ride, Bozeman, Nelson, etc are really all about. The dramas, the charachters, the vibe that comes from knowing everyone and dating half of em is to me the real soul of skiing...that and endless slow mo white room over the head face shot action. It's be cool to start with the jonesing for the first snows...first turns...and end with hiking for the last scraps hiding in the shadows, using the seasons to set the bookends of the film.

Wouldn't it be cool to roll into a premier for a flick...just drooling over the first big storm predicted for next week, and have the film open with your rockstar heros drooling for thier first turns as well?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



I agree. Well put, Truth.

I couldn't agree more. I have only been to Jackson once, but I sat in the tram line waiting for first dibs the morning after an 18 dump. As I waited for my first taste of Jackson this guy in front of me starting ripping on my G4s. His line was, "I guess it's cool to have mid-fats too." Same guy that told me "95 under-foot is a good everyday width." Classic. This dude was rocking duct tape pants, 5 months worth of beard, Raichle Flexons and AK Rockets. These are the people that could support an entire flick.

A movie detailing the lives of a group of people in a Jackson-type town would be amazing. Now where to find such a group...

[Omen]

Yeah...we were thinking about doing a bonus feature entitled "Chairlift Confessions". -

[CS]

Well put Truth. I think what is missing in most ski films is that home-hill feel. Sure the big fluted peaks are cool and all, but realistically people tend to like what they can relate to and really how many people can relate to the whole heli/big peak scene. Not to say it's not needed in a flick, but maybe in more moderation.
My favorite part about watching a flick is seeing a resort I've been to and getting all stoked because I know the area the person is skiing and can relate, even more so if I happened to be at the hill that particular day. It allows a certain sense of nostalgia as I relive time spent at that particular mountain and will more likely keep me coming back for more.
And yeah, more ripping ladies and telewhackers.

[Plakespear]

I got two words for ya, mang: MEG OSTER

[CascadeCrudSkier]

Originally posted by Julio

And Omen...stoked about the showing up here at PLU in Tacoma!
Thanks for the deal with that, it's gonna be huge.

What's the deal w/ this? Details? Telling people about this may help w/ the 'gonna be huge' factor.

[Julio]

Yeah...I'm still getting the details. I'll post about the Tacoma show when I'm positive about everything. Here is what I do know...December 3rd (yeah, it's a Wed.) here at PLU...I think 7pm. I'll post directions and more info in a seperate topic when i'm sure about the details.

[Bum Z]

The two most important things:
1. Quality skiing
2. Quality filming/cinematography

I'm all for the mini-plots. Tell me a little story behind each trip or each day skiing. Maybe tell me a little bit about the athlete or show him doing something funny. I don't want a VH1 behind the skier, especially if it's an unknown skier.

Make it feel like reading a great article in Powder. Make us feel like we are there ripping that line. Make us want to go on a trip to that place and ski some great snow.

[Big Tim]

How about TGR "Roadtrip". Would have to be shot on digital video. But put cameras in the hands of the local rippers at say 8 to 10 different regions. Say Tahoe/Mammoth, PNW/Wistler, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming/Mt, East Coast, Euro, And maybe some back counrty purists. Have them shoot for a couple of months their best skiing, partying, chicks and general fucking around. Cook it up into 10 minute segments. There would be mere mortal skiing plus I'm sure there are plenty of aspiring rock stars on this board. Shouldn't be too hard to find rippers in all regions on this board who could be relied upon.

[slim]

Originally posted by Bum Z
The two most important things:
1. Quality skiing
2. Quality filming/cinematography

I'd add a third to this. Quality use of music. So many ski flicks have music played over footage with absolutely no connection what so ever. The tone and feel of the music played should directly match the segment on the screen.

The greatest examples of how music affects and amplifies the power of the images on the screen are in Scorsese's movies. The images in Good Fellas or Casino have so much more impact with Scorsese's music selection.

As far as recent non-Omen ski porn goes:

High Life hit it during VJ's segment using Heart (even though I hate the band, the song really worked) as well as Billy Idol. A few of the hip-hop sections were good as well.

Junkshow had it in parts as well. The Supersucker Montana/AK segments worked, and I thought, the Tanner Hall segment was an excellent example as well (though the editing might have been a bit over the top).

[AntiSoCalSkier]

Everyone has already mentioned that they like more stories/plot to their movies, but I just have to add my 2c. My favorite stories in Powder are the road trip stories where lots of stuff goes wrong but it all turns out good. (The author's jeep breaks down in this town that looks like it should be in a horror story, then when they get to their destination it's raining and the lifts are closed, so they go to a strip club and hook up with a stripper who takes them to some sick backcountry line, etc). If that type of story could be translated to film, it would be awesome.

Or you could just do as ACE suggests and include more boobies. (I'm sure any loss in sales to minors would be made up for when Punani bought 50 copies.)

[Omen]

Originally posted by slim
I'd add a third to this. Quality use of music. So many ski flicks have music played over footage with absolutely no connection what so ever. The tone and feel of the music played should directly match the segment on the screen.

I totally agree. Music to me is extremely important and one of the hardest things to get right. I re-cut the beginning of amig... literally 5 times due to music. Its hard to find good music that is affordable. You'd be amazed at how much music rights cost.-

[AH]

I'm with Truth, follow guys through the season.. maybe put a euro-saisonier versus a Jackson local? All with solid cinematografy offcourse (but some handycam work might also work) and good tunes..

[Honc]

Maybe follow an investment banker around New York. Watch him insult mankind regularly and then record his annual trip to Vail. Catch him linking noodle-turns in the ankle deep back bowls, fully embracing every last second of the legendary "off-piste experience"

A nice link to the story would be their night time activities: Blind drunk and mowing on their faces thanks to a healthy diet of Grey Goose and crank, these men will troll bridge street asking everyone they see where they can find hookers. Unlucky and coming down rapidly, they retire to their swanky faux-tyrolian lodge and catch their rest. 1st trax come right after lunch, you know.

It's still in the drawing stage, this is by no means a finished draft. Running commentary appreciated.

[altagirl]

less jibbing, less rails, no comps. I like the story ideas - not that it has to take long, but if there's some interesting background to why they're skiing something - that's a plus. I'd also like to see the work that goes into setting up a big line - not a ton of that, mind you, but once - it would be nice.

Like to see a good variety of skiers, areas. And more POWDER - that's the one thing I cannot see there being too much footage of.

[robokill1981]

I hear a lot of people saying that there shouldn't be any rails/jibbing in the new films. I think those that make these requests are ignoring the fact that there is an entire demographic of younger skiers who want to see this stuff, and who will buy TGR films if it's in there. TGR tried doing two flicks a season to account for this, but it seems that High Life was an attempt to meld the two styles. Personally I want to see this stuff as well as the big mtn. stuff, so here are some suggestions:

1. Try to include as little park rail footage as possible. Park rails are too easy and of too little of consequence to really be worth filming. "Urban" rails on the other hand off real consequence and are much more difficult, and make the sport look better.
2. Backcountry kickers are much better than park kickers, but park scenes can be made better by using the park to the riders advantage. Film more lines through the park of multiple tricks in a row. This is much more difficult to do than one kicker, and it displays the skiers skill much better.
3. Use narratives sparingly. They go well with some segments, but hearing about the "soul" of skiing is cliche.
4. Creative editing. Skateboarding films are an excellent example of this. Ski films tend to be a little long-winded at times, but with some more 'artistic' editing they are easier to watch. Hire Kris Osteness for this.

edit-throw all of your riders into an RV and film them skiing all over the country, and interacting with one another. Nearly all action sports film industries have done something like this in one way or another, it's time for skiing to give it shot.

[altagirl]

Agreed. But he did say "What do YOU want to see"...

I don't mind rails if they're something unusual. But 10 people sliding the same rail/doing similar spinny flippy things off one jump doesn't do anything for me. And long segments of park comp footage make me reach for the remote. I know it's amazing and I can't do any of it - it just doesn't glue me to the tv like pow/big mountain segments do.

When I say big mountain I actually mean anyting that's just a great line of natural terrain type skiing - I like seeing resort stuff too. Films that are too focused on heli-skiing aren't good either - it's nice to see people challenging themselves in areas the average person can afford skiing... And I think both High Life and Ah-mig-da-lah did that well this year.

[robokill1981]

Originally posted by altagirl
Films that are too focused on heli-skiing aren't good either - it's nice to see people challenging themselves in areas the average person can afford skiing...

I can't agree with you more. I love seeing footage of places I've ridden. It's so much easier to connect with, and thus get wayyyy more stoked on.

[LegoSkier]

OK, I actually had a dream about this the other night. Granted, to pull it off would probably require about 10x the buget for a whole movie but it would be cool. And maybe it will give you some ideas.
Its a gap jump scene.

1. Build a nice big gap jump.

2. Underneath the whole gap between take off and landing dig a trench and put in a string of high powered lights facing up.

3. cover this trench with clear plexiglass plates and cover those with about 2 inches of snow. This will create a diffuse lighting source under the whole gap length.

4. Above the whole gap from take off to landing build a track system for the camera to slide on. (of course has to be high enough so the jumper dosent smack into it)

5. On this track system mount a camera on an extendible arm. Also mount spot flood lights on this arm. The arm (and camera) needs to be able to move on the track as fast as the jumper is flying through the air across the gap.

6. Shoot all this at night.

So think about the shots you could get with this set up. The skier hits the gap and sails across it, while the camera goes along at the same speed shooting them. Shots that could be possible include:
1. Skier shot from camera directly above against diffuse white light background.

2. Skier shot from either side flood lit.

3. Skier shot from either directly in front of or directly behind at the same level flood lit.

[Omen]

Originally posted by altagirl
Agreed. But he did say "What do YOU want to see"...

I don't mind rails if they're something unusual. But 10 people sliding the same rail/doing similar spinny flippy things off one jump doesn't do anything for me. And long segments of park comp footage make me reach for the remote. I know it's amazing and I can't do any of it - it just doesn't glue me to the tv like pow/big mountain segments do.

When I say big mountain I actually mean anyting that's just a great line of natural terrain type skiing - I like seeing resort stuff too. Films that are too focused on heli-skiing aren't good either - it's nice to see people challenging themselves in areas the average person can afford skiing... And I think both High Life and Ah-mig-da-lah did that well this year.

I agree...and thanks . Although "jibbing" is a cool aspect of the sport, I think its being done to death. I'm glad people are taking their park skills to the bigmnt arena. Looking forward to coming out to Utah this yr to shoot. Thanks again everyone.

[Plakespear]

Originally posted by LegoSkier
OK, I actually had a dream about this the other night. Granted, to pull it off would probably require about 10x the buget for a whole movie but it would be cool. And maybe it will give you some ideas.
Its a gap jump scene.

1. Build a nice big gap jump.

2. Underneath the whole gap between take off and landing dig a trench and put in a string of high powered lights facing up.

3. cover this trench with clear plexiglass plates and cover those with about 2 inches of snow. This will create a diffuse lighting source under the whole gap length.

4. Above the whole gap from take off to landing build a track system for the camera to slide on. (of course has to be high enough so the jumper dosent smack into it)

5. On this track system mount a camera on an extendible arm. Also mount spot flood lights on this arm. The arm (and camera) needs to be able to move on the track as fast as the jumper is flying through the air across the gap.

6. Shoot all this at night.

So think about the shots you could get with this set up. The skier hits the gap and sails across it, while the camera goes along at the same speed shooting them. Shots that could be possible include:
1. Skier shot from camera directly above against diffuse white light background.

2. Skier shot from either side flood lit.

3. Skier shot from either directly in front of or directly behind at the same level flood lit.

The equipment costs for this shot would probably be huge- minimum 10 grand. Getting all that gear out to wherever you build the jump would be difficult- but not impossible.

Also, the lights would melt the snow. There are better ways to light this. However, if Omen wants to attempt your idea, I'll voulunteer all my grip/electric knowledge and skill to make it happen.

[778skier]

How about more shots of a group ripping terrain as opposed to one guy, i mean really how many people ski alone all the time? i think everyone loves to rip with friends so naturally i'd think everyone would love to see more people ripping with their friends.