Name:
Dean Dickinson
Your new film Take It Or Leave It just premiered not too long ago, how did the show go?
The shit was rad! We had two showings all ages and then 21 and over. The all ages was good because my family and the younger kids we able to attend then when 9 o’clock rolled around for the 2nd showing that’s when things got loose. The Clinton Street Theater actually has a brewery connected to it with amazing beer. So you can imagine the mix: bmxers, beer,movie, and girls. Thanks to everyone who attended!
What gave you the idea to do this sort of a video?
I guess I was just sick and tired of being kicked out of public parks so I wanted to make a skate park access video but I didn’t want to focus on bitching and complaining. So instead of whining and crying we ride empty pools.
How long did the whole process take from idea to showing?
Well, I’ve had the idea for honestly about five years but production didn’t start until about three years ago and it premiered last month. Documentaries take alot of work out of ya!
Riding pools usually requires some breaking and entering, was there any tickets issued to anyone?
It’s funny you say that because I’m the only one in the video who got a ticket for riding a pool. Check out the “busted” part in the bonus!
Was it hard to find the different spots the movie was filmed in?
No not really considering pool riding is my favorite terrain and in Southern California pools are everywhere. Plus I just love the adventure of driving around abandoned neighborhoods searching for pools.
Was this film strictly for the film festival it was in? Or will it be on DVD, if so when and where and for how much can people pick it up for?
Well, I’ve been picking at this project for a while now. And when it came time to do my final for my Electronic Field Production class it was perfect timing. After months and months of filming I finished the project for my class but I knew I wasn’t done yet.Shortly after I graduated from school I moved back to the Northwest not knowing where the film was going togo. Then I got a call from Rich saying he wanted to put the movie out under the name of Lotek. Within a couple of months I completed the film and Rich sent it out to Tip Plus to get duplicated. And right after that I was notified that my movie was selected for the Boston Bike Film Festival. “Take It Or Leave It” is available on DVD through Tip Plus and Lotek for about $10.
Do you have any other projects in the works?
I helped shoot for the new Ride video but that’s just about wrapped up. And I’ve started to shoot for the bootleg TEAM SHRALP video but there are no deadlines just fun. I would like to start doing more documentaries in the near future. That’s for sure.
How long have you been riding?
About nine years
What kind of equipment do you film and edit with?
I shoot with a Sony VX200 and edit on Final Cut. But for the shralp documentary I shot a lot of 16mm film with an old Bolex and Super 8 film as well. I hope to be shooting more 16 in the near future.
Did you go to school for film?
In high school I took four years of advanced video production and when I graduated I moved to Orange County and got my two-year certificate in video/filmat OCC.
Who are some of your favorite people to ride and work with?
TEAM SHRALP, Sean “Fish” Hoskins, Ryan Navazio, Rich Hirsch, and Stew Johnson.
What exactly is Team Shralp and who is all involved with that?
TEAM SHRALP is just a tight group of riders/friendswho like to live fast and ride faster. Shralpin pools,gnarly parks, and street. The crew consists of:- Myself- Spencer McCabe- Austin McCabe- Shad Johnson- Chester Blacksmith- Jon Bristol- Jason Hendricks- Vince Kroft – Kurt Rassmusson- Dakota Roche- Brian Martyn- Mike Tokimoto Spencer makes all of the stickers and I provide the cheeseburgers. Hopefully we’ll make shirts soon.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations in your life?
God, my family, TEAM SHRALP, Evel Knievel, MatHoffman, Fat Mike, Johnie Tucker, Cindy Delong, Randy Howard, Kurt Heine, Ian MacKaye, Samantha Genovesi,and Ryan Navazio.
Have you lived in the Northwest all of your life?
Do you plan on ever moving somewhere else?I grew up in Vancouver, Washington and when I turned19 I moved to Southern California. I was there for about two and a half years then I moved back home. I can’t really say what’s going to happen considering I just bought a one-way ticket to LA this afternoon. Fire equals pools!
What is one thing you have never done that you would really like to do someday?
Eat a shralp burger with Evel Knievel
Do you have any advice for people who are looking toget into the film career?
If your not born into it or extremely motivated go to school, get an internship, and work as much as you can. And if you’re lucky you’ll find a project your willing to sacrifice everything for. That’s when you’ll learn there’s no turning back.
Any shout outs or thanks?
God, my family, TEAM SHRALP, The Rasmusson Family, Fat Mike, Johnie Tucker, Randy Howard, Kurt Heine,Samantha Genovesi, Ryan Navazio, Ben Ward, Rich Hirsch, Lotek, Tip Plus, Goods BMX, Odyssey, Sunday, Solid, Ride BMX, Dischord Records, Orange Coast College, and Sk8er Wes. And more importantly were all hoping the best for the biggest rock star in BMX Jimmy Levan. Do your part and help a man in need! Here’s the link to Empire’s JimmyFund: CLICK HERE TO DONATE ON THE EMPIRE SITE
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