Continuing on with the second part of three for the new Madera video interviews. In this instalment you can see the perspectives of Dave McDermott, Conall Keenan, Josh Eilken, and Tony Malouf from making the video.
Once again I remind you that some of these interviews have been done for months due to waiting for the video to be ready to drop, so if answers sound a little funny that is why. You can also see what the cover looks like below and disc at the bottom!
Name:
David McDermott
Years Riding:
11
Sponsors:
Madera, UGP
When you first got word about this new video project how did you feel? Did you know who you wanted to work with for filming?
I was very excited because I have had bad experiences with people editing my sections, using clips and music that I didn’t really like, so this idea really appealed to me. It’s way more reflective of the rider if they have some input. I knew right away that i was going to be filming with Conall. He has been real psyched on filming and editing in the past year or two and he is my best friend so that was an easy choice.
Did you have an idea of where or what you were going to film or was it more of a “if it comes up, it comes up” situation?
I basically just ride as usual and if I see or do something that I want to film then I make a note and go back when Conall is around to film it. It is always good to have spots from other cities in your part so I knew I wanted to travel a bit as well.
Have you done much traveling to get the filming done? Where all have you been? Any trips in the works?
We have traveled a lot actually. Mostly weekend trips to Athens, Miami, Tallahassee, and other spots around Florida. We went to Columbia over summer and filmed a few things there. That was before we knew about this video project, but it worked out good. We also went on a Madera trip to Milwaukee and Chicago which was great.
Have you had any complications come up like injuries, getting kicked out of spots, traveling to discover the spot had been destroyed?
Holy shit yeah. Sometimes it is so frustrating. Driving across town or even the state to hit a spot and just get kicked out immediately. We have pulled up to a spot with a set up that I really wanted to film and the whole place is completely demolished and gone. It really gets to you, but you just have to relax and stay positive and just be persistent… which I did none of.
How much left do you have to film for your part?
The deadline is in a few days actually. Matt really just has to call it because I would just keep filming. There are always more things that I want to get done, but I have enough so I guess that’s a wrap.
What’s the craziest, or coolest thing you have experienced while doing this project?
Every time you go on a trip with your friends its a great time and there is the usual rode trip incidents, but I would have to say Columbia for sure. Just a crazy place. We were getting yelled at by these police/military guys for riding this water treatment spot. The building was one huge tranny wall. So my friend’s dad, who was a native and was driving around with us, walked up to the heavily armed soldier and negotiated a price for him to let us ride. Everything was fine after that.
How do you feel people will react to this when it’s all done? “good” or “fucking awesome”?
Thats all up to the viewer. Every video gets heat. I just rode my bike and hopefully people enjoy it.
Whose part in the video are you anticipating most?
Probably Lil Jeff’s. I enjoy watching him ride and knowing that everything is filmed within one try or less. Bryce Toole’s section as well. I am really looking forward to seeing the final product.
Have you been working on any other filming projects outside of this video?
Nope.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I would like to thank Matt Coplon for all he has done, Chad Degroot for helping me, Teague, Osso, and everyone at Animal, Conall for putting up with my temper tantrums, and all of my friends because this list could go on for days…
Photo: Jon Wilson
Name:
Conall Keenan
Years filming/editing:
About 2.5 years
What kind of camera(s) and editing software are you using?
I use a Panasonic DVX 100a and I also have a Canon 814 Autozoom Electronic super 8 film camera. I edit with Final Cut Pro. I Color correct with Color and I’m buiding the DVD with DVD Studio 4. I’m also doing the graphics for the DVD menu with After Effects.
When you first found out you were picked to help film the project, what were you thinking? Have you filmed much with the person you have been working with before?
I was thrilled. The concept is pretty unique and the team is savage so it should be a good DVD. Dave and I grew up riding together so we’ve filmed and rode together for years.
How do you go about filming? Do you have a thought process at all when it comes to setting up a shot?
First I set my camera up. The usual stuff: white balance, apreture, frame rate, shutter speed, focus, and audio. Then I usually argue with Dave about fish eye or long lens. Dave is a fish eye fanatic. I just try and set up dynamic shots to and make the spots look interesting. If the trick isn’t deadly or really difficult I like to get two angles so I have choices when I edit.
Have you done much traveling to get the filming done? Where all have you been? Any trips in the works?
We traveled quite a bit. Almost every weekend we’d hit the road for mini road trips. We hit Miami, Tallahasse, Athens and other spots throughout Florida. We also were in Columbia but it wasn’t really a filming trip.
Have you had any complications? Camera failure/damage, lack of lighting, time, things not going as planned, etc?
Every filming trips have there obstacles. I’ve had no major catastrophes like camera smashes or anything, just the typical, getting kicked out of spots and rain. Deadlines are just a suggestion haha, we could just push deadlines back forever and keep filming.
Have you had any of your work in other videos?
I’ve had footage I’ve filmed in videos but never any of my editing.
What’s the craziest, or coolest thing you have experienced while doing this project?
I’d have to say Colombia. South America is amazing. Great spots and friendly people. We were having dinner at an outside cafe on our first night there and saw a pretty crazy motorcycle crash. Luckily both people on the motorcycle were not badly injured. Traffic laws are pretty loose down there.
How do you feel people will react to this when it’s all done? “good” or “fucking awesome”?
I don’t really care. We had fun making it. I hope it just gets them psyched to go out and ride.
Whose part in the video are you anticipating most?
I’m excited to see Bryce Toole’s part. Bryce is a very unique rider and Bobby Valentine is an awesome filmer/editor so it should be good. Also little Jeff is a machine, can’t wait to see his part.
Have you been working on any other filming projects outside of this video?
Umm. I filmed a wedding the other day and a music video for some pop punk band. I’d like to do more.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Big thanks to Matt, Jim and Nancy. I’d also like to thank Jon Wilson and the Miami crew for always taking such good care of us. All my friends. Anyone who let us stay with them while filming and showing us spots. The Nappo, Maria, and the rest of the Pinzon family. Shout outs to my Mom, Dad, Aoife and Neil. Also shout outs to Flaco and the two Charlies.
Name:
Josh Eilken
Years Riding:
9
Sponsors:
Madera bmx and Federal Bikes
When your first got word about this new video project how did you feel?
I was so psyched. I’ve always wanted to film a section for a DVD ever since I was a little kid. Plus, it’s way better than just puttin footie on the web.
Did you know who you wanted to work with for filming?
Yaarrrrrr! I’ve been riding with Tony for a long time. We live pretty close to each other, and he’s really good at filming and editing, and Miles helped film too. There are two angles for a lot of the clips- all of the filming is amazing.
Did you have an idea of where or what you were going to film or was it more of a “if it comes up, it comes up” situation?
I had some stuff planned out- but most of it was just rollin’ up to random spots. I also had a lot more clips planned out that I didn’t even get to film.
Have you done much traveling to get the filming done?
We traveled a little bit. Where all have you been? We went to Daven Port Iowa and stayed with Drew York, and we also went to Tulsa Oklahoma and stayed with Miles Rogoish.
Any trips in the works?
There’s talk of trips with Federal, and I think there’s also talk of Madera going to Tulsa.
Have you had any complications come up like injuries, getting kicked out of spots, traveling to discover the spot had been destroyed?
I didn’t get hurt too bad, but I got worked on a wall ride a bunch of times. Besides that, everything worked out well. We got kicked out of some spots, but that’s bound to happen. Every spot we rode was amazing.
How much left do you have to film for your part?
Tony and I wrapped it up three weeks ago. It’s finally done, and I’m really happy with it.
What’s the craziest, or coolest thing you have experienced while doing this project?
Just getting to travel, meeting new people, and riding the craziest spots.
How do you feel people will react to this when it’s all done? “good” or “fucking awesome”?
Fucking awesome!
Whose part in the video are you anticipating most?
John’s for sure.
Have you been working on any other filming projects outside of this video?
I’m going to start filming for Tony and Miles’ video, but that’s about it for right now.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
No doubt. Madera- for giving me a chance to film for a dvd. Federal- for hookin me up. My family, and my girl friend Katy for not trippin when I go ride and travel. Everyone I ride with: Matt Markese, Crunchy, Marco, Matt and Jeff Mayfield, Mike D, Dook (eughhhhhhhh), and Jeff Wescott. Also, Miles and Drew for lettin me stay at their cribs- and Tony for filming.
Name:
Tony Malouf
Years filming/editing:
4-5
What kind of camera(s) and editing software are you using?
I film with a Sony VX-2100. I have a Century Optics Mark 2 fish eye lens for that. And I edit with Final Cut Pro.
When you first found out you were picked to help film the project, what were you thinking? Have you filmed much with the person you have been working with before?
I was psyched. I had already gone along on a Madera trip before this to help film. I have been filming with Josh for years now.
How do you go about filming? Do you have a thought process at all when it comes to setting up a shot?
Yeah, first thing that I consider is weather to film long or fish. If I’m filming fish it’s pretty instinct. Just shoot the shit. Filming long is a bit more complicated but you get much more creative.
Have you done much traveling to get the filming done? Where all have you been? Do you have any other trips in the works?
Josh and I took 2 trips. One was to Davenport Iowa. And the other was to Tulsa, OK. Both were real productive filming wise and we had a blast riding and kickin it.
Have you had any complications? Camera failure/damage, lack of lighting, time, things not going as planned, etc?
Josh hit my camera once 3ing down a double set. I was little too close trying to get all skater with it and Smack! Everything was good though. We also had two clips glitch. Cause my camera needs a good professional cleaning.
Have you had any of your work in other videos?
Yeah. I’ve helped on a lot of shit over the years. Most recently I filmed a lot of the Miles Rogoish Bio in Props and the Brian Kachinsky Interveiw in the same Issue.
What’s the craziest, or coolest thing you have experienced while doing this project?
Josh’s banger was ridiculous to watch. He took some crazy slams and kept going for it. When he did it I was relieved. I knew right then his section was going to turn heads.
How do you feel people will react to this when it’s all done? “good” or “fucking awesome”?
I feel like this section could get thrown anywhere in the video and it will still hit you just as hard as it would if it were first or last or whatever. So I guess “fucking awesome!”
Whose part in the video are you anticipating most?
I’m looking forward to seeing Bryce’s and Jeff’s sections.
Have you been working on any other filming projects outside of this video?
Yeah, I just finished a local video of my area near Chicago. It features local riders and skateboarders just shredding and partying. Also I have been working on another project with Miles Rogoish, a Full Length one. That’s kind of hush though.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Shouts go out to all my buddies that I ride with or have filmed with. Anyone I’ve just partied with and had a good time. I wanna thank Matt at Profile/Madera. Josh for picking me to film his section. Kurt for this interview and one I did a while back. Drew York and Miles for letting us crash at their place. Dook Wallace of course. Anyone else I forgot. You know how I forget shit.
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