With the recent release of the DVD These Days, I figured it would be a cool idea to talk with Stewart about what it took to make the DVD. It seems like so many people want to make a video these days and have a good chance of failing. So maybe, if you have ever wanted to make a BMX DVD, or a video in general, this might just help you make it a reality.

Name:
Stewart Munro

Location:
Brisbane,Queensland,Australia

Years involved with film:
I have been filming off and on for years. I have been filming full-time for the last 4 years now.

What was it the originally got you into video filming and editing?
I always would film Clint Millar and Colin Mackay when they were filming for Clint’s old Prody videos. When Colin got offered a part in the Ride BMX – Digital Interface DVD I filmed a lot of that when he was back in Australia.

Did you ever expect it to turn into a career?
Well I really had no idea what I wanted to do for a career so I ended up going to film school for 3 years. Now I have started my own production company (crf media). As of lately I have been getting a lot of free lance work with fuel tv usa and vitalbmx.com.

Your freshly released DVD “These Days” turned out really great. What was it that made you want to make a full length video in the first place?
I always wanted to see if I could make a full length dvd. I just started talking with Corey Boahn and he was really interested in doing a part. After that I got in contact with some other riders and things just started from there.

Was making the video a learning experience, or did you already have an idea of what you were getting yourself into?
Making These Days was a BIG learning experience! Trying to stick to a deadline, riders backing out on the dvd two days before the deadline, and just trying to keep everyone happy!

What kind of equiptment are you working with from cameras and lenses to computers and editing software?
I got a NTSC Panasonic AG-DVX100a, Krasnogorsk-3 Super 16mm camera, and a Canon 1014 XL-S super 8mm. I edited the dvd on a pc using Adobe – After Effects, and Premiere Pro.

What is your dream set up for gear, computers, software, etc?
I really want to buy a Panasonic hpx 170 HD camera and Mac book pro.

What kind of a budget were you working with? How did you go about getting riders to places to film and everything?
There was no budget!I paid for everything myself with the exception of Corey bohan paying for my flight and a hotel to finsh his part. I’m very greatful for that! I just want to say a big thanks to all the riders in the dvd and their filmers!

How long did it take to film the video from idea to final product?
16 months!

When filming what are some things you really like to focus on doing?
I just try and make sure my camera is set up right and the lens is clean. I also try and work out where the best spot to film is.

When editing what are some things you really like to focus on doing?
Music is one of thing I like focus on. I just lie making sure everything goes together right.

After you had finished filming and editing, what are the next steps to getting the video mass produced and then shipped around the world?
I just googled “DVD Duplication” and found a good place to get the dvd made. I talked to Clint Millar about how to get distributors for the DVD. I have to say getting distributors to take your DVD when they have not heard of you before is very hard. Clint got me hooked up with Joel from Tip Plus for the U.S.A and Triple 6 for distributing the dvd in Australia and New Zealand.

What do you think seperates your style of filming and editing to other professional videographers and editors out there?
That’s a hard one… I guess I try and have a differnt feeling with my DVD’s.

Who are some people that really influence your work, or who do you look up to?
well i look up to all the videographers like Chad Shack, Will Stroud , Glen PP, Ryan Navazio, Marco Svizzero, Mark Eaton, Cooper Brownlee. I have looked up to all of these guys and I have been buying all their DVD’s!

If you could change anything about “These Days”, what would you change and why?
I would not change a thing! I am so happy and very lucky to have all the riders that are in the DVD in it!

Do you have any plans on making another video? Will it be easier because of what you have learned doing this project?
Right now I’m just thinking about who I would like to have a parts in the next DVD. Nick Cooper is on board for the next one so far.

What are some other things involved in making a video that you don’t think most people understand?
The whole organization side of making a DVD is a really big thing. Also that most people just don’t understand how much time goes into making a dvd.

What kind of education did you have to learn what you do? Do you feel school is important or is it one of those things you will learn most of it as you just do it?
When I first went to film school I just wanted to know how to edit. After I got there I saw all the other cool stuff that it had to offer. Shooting on film was the next thing I really wanted to get into. I just love the way 16mm and super 8mm look.

What can we expect from your new company Cutting Floor Productions as time continues?
Well, I will be working on a new dvd straight up. I will also be having my site going live anyday now. I would like to try and do some video work for some bike companys in the USA. Also just getting more videos on Vital BMX.

Outside of BMX, what are some other projects you are typically working on?
Next month I am filming a pretty big Australian band called PNAU
at a music festival that will have 50,000 people there. I will be shooting the whole thing in 16mm.

What kind of advice do you have for people looking to get into filming and editing?
Just get out there and film. Jut have a go at it! Learn how to uses all the manaul settings!

Anything else you would like to say?
I would like to thank Corey Boahn, Cooper Brownlee, Marc@strictlybmx.com, Clint Millar,I can’t be fucked Glenny M, Colin Mackay, Cam, European Bianca, Tall Bianca, Dave D for filming the 2nd angle. Anyone who helped making this dvd and all the riders and filmers that were involed! And Kurt for giving me this interview!

If there is one thing BMX lacks, it is people with the same first name as me. Well, at least sounding the same. Actually, that really isn’t something to worry about. However, Kert is a real talented rider from Estonia who deserves some coverage. So check it out and let him know what you think in the comments.

Name:
Kert Petersel

Location:
Tallinn, Estonia

Sponsors:
simple bikes, mystic.ee, vision streetwear

Years riding:
I don’t know man, a few.

What was it that got you hooked on BMX?
The fun and crazy shit that’s involved with it got me hooked.

You are riding for Simple these days. How are things going with them? Do you have anything going on with them that you can tell us about?
Laid back and cool, things are awesome. Niels-wheels rocks

Have you been filming or anything lately? Will there be any video parts or web videos for people to check out anytime soon?
Trying to get some clips most of the time yeah, but I’m having a case of bad luck man. A cracked-whacked wrist, mountain wank. Some clips in the bonedeth video maybe, and plans on making a mystic video as well. We will see what will work out.

How are you looking travel wise these days? Any trips that you have planned?
Oh man, I have been stuck. Barca or some warmer land hopefully some time soon. Don’t have much plans though, I hate them when they don’t work out in the end

Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to check out? Where are some places you would like to go still?
Denmark was fun, always is. I haven’t really traveled with the bike, making the best of Estonia man.

If I remember right your brakeless and pegless. How do you feel about that trend picking up these days? Do you even plan on throwing pegs or brakes on again?
Don’t care at all, but pegs just feel weird for me, bananas I don’t get it. Pegless works fine now.

Were you ever one of those people who went out of their way to get sponsored or is the “just let it happen” thing more what happened for you?
It just happened yeah!

How are you feeling about contests these days? Any plans of getting to any anytime soon?
a-negative

What is the best feeling you can think of that you get from BMX?
Crashing and being fine, greatest thing ever. It makes for good laughs all caveman style.

What is something that pisses you off about BMX?
Shit’s all serious.

If you could be sponsored by any company BMX related or not, what would you pick and why?
I’m pretty stoked at the moment already!

What do you think you would be doing if you never got into BMX?
Probably would still play hockey, tackle them

Have you ever gotten action, a number, or anything from a girl because of BMX?
It doesn’t do any bad, heh

If you could no longer live where you live now. Where would you want to move to and why?
I Guess I would go place to place, don’t see myself stayin in one place too long.

Who or what have been the biggest influences on your life?
Friends man, friends

If you could have any job in the world other than riding BMX, what would it be and why?
It really isn’t a job for me anyway, as it keeps me only half alive. I get my beer money workin on random things

Aren’t you in school? What are you going for?
Got done with high school and now time off, lookin for a job, don’t really know what I want to do in the future I am clearin the head at the moment

Have you ever been in a fight or arrested? If so why? Did you win? or Why not?
Couple of times arrested for breakin shit. Got in a fight with my buddy, security guys tried to kick us out from an event. It was because we were smuggling crates of beer in and got pissed, they weren’t diggin it. After we got kicked out we started getting on their nerves and well that ended in a fight, bunches on all sides and ended up at the police station again, fun times. That’s one, but there’s more hah

What is the best/worst purchase you have ever made and why?
Some seaweed in a can thing, tasted like 5am diarrhea

If you could commit any crime and get away with it, what would you do and why?
Haha, oh man…

What is the best advice you can give people just getting into BMX?
Less talk, more rock’n’roll

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Simple bikes, Niels over there, All the guys behind mystic, friends for being who they are, anyone who has helped in a way, thanks mates!

Anything else you would like to say?
LIVE FAST LAND FLAT

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Video 2

Mike is one of those midwest guys who is all over. I respect that guy a lot for how much effort he has put into education. I have always thought education was imporant for people. It takes a little more when you are able to do well with BMX and still be motivated to move in a different career path. So, I caught up with Mr. Hinkens as students would refer to him as to see what he is up to. Enjoy.

Name:
Mike Hinkens

Location:
Milwaukee, WI

Sponsors:
Madera, Sputnic, Sun Rims, LNKF

Years riding:
13 or 14

What was it that first got you into BMX?
Well fun I guess. When i was young I always enjoyed ramping off curbs and bumps, but i suppose when i really figured out that BMX was an organized and complex culture I really got “into it.” I would say seeing friends get real bikes and trying to grind really got me interested in doing more than just cruising.

You have recently made a switch from The Take over to Sputnic. How have things been going with them and do you have any trips, filming projects, or signature stuff in the works with them?
I am super stoked about the whole situation. At first I was kind of worried about making a switch, but unfortunately, after Jeff Harrington left The Take, it was a lot different. They always treated me good and were very cool, but I never felt like I was part of the family. Everyone who got me on the team and who I rode with had left the team. When the opportunity to ride for Sputnic came up, it just seemed like the natural step. Many of the team guys were close friends of mine or dudes I had ridden with or travelled with. It just made sense. Not to mention I am super stoked on all of their products. As far as stuff in the works, since Johnny is leaving and Ronnie has to take a more intense role, he has taken this opportunity it seems, to take the next step for Sputnic. He has been in close contact with all of us and we are presently filling up a huge list of new ideas, concepts, trips, etc. It is our hope to have a whole new front going by the new year. I really have high hopes and we will see very soon.

How about Madera, anything cool going on with you and them these days?
Man, Madera is fucking awesome. I could not ride for a better company run by a better bunch of dudes. I do not say this at all to plug or brown nose, but truly, having a close friend as team manager and awesome dudes as team mates is all I could ask for. When you get to travel with the dudes you are stoked on and ride parts you like, its all perfect. We are presently just coming up at a steady pace. New limited colorways occasionally, new seats, maybe a stem, and I am working on 2 different shirts personally. It is going just perfect.

How about the rest of the sponsors? Any big news?
At this moment, not much. Sun Rims always takes care of my wheel needs due to Jon Wells being such a bad ass dude. And LNKF is just some close friends making some shirts and stuff and having good times.

I noticed lately you have been doing some updates and projects with Midwest BMX. What are some of those things you got going on over there? You always seem to be organizing some sort of event. What are some of those things these days?
Its kind of strange actually that I just started making posts on Midwest BMX in the last month or so. I have been running with Jeff and Dom forever and I guess I just never did it. Now, its great to help them get the site up as well as allow me to promote different events I run. Right now we are doing a video contest where teams film for a weekend, edit for a few days, and then we have a premeire and vote for the winners of the cash pot. It has been going awesome and the premiere promises to be a good time. I hope to do another of my sports and music festivals this early summer, Stay posted.

What are your plans once the winter hits here soon? Plenty of sessions at 4 seasons or what?
AHHHH! I just can’t handle Wisconsin winters anymore. When I was younger, Rich Mungall and I would ride in 16 degrees with snow on the ground. Now, I really don’t have fun below 30 degrees or so and I can’t find a soul who will ride with me consistently once it drops below 50. I guess I don’t blame em…I am lucky enough to have 4Seasons though, which i ride weekly and maybe more when it gets extremely cold or too snowy. They are re-doing it now so I am excited for new stuff for the winter.

You have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit these last few years. Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to ride?
Seriously, I have not travelled as much as many dudes, but I still have trouble even remembering half of the stuff I have ridden. For me the spots usually don’t even matter anymore, its usually about who we are riding with. Lately I have really been liking Tampa due to Matt Coplon, good street, and warm weather. I did just go to Boulder, CO, and that was fucking amazing. Good spots, hot girls, cool city, awesome people, good food…the list goes on…

Where are some places you would really like to go someday?
Everywhere. I am presently looking at getting a job teaching overseas. I am unsure where yet, but I need to see some non-American and different cultures. I am partial to tropical regions though!

What is the best part about traveling? What is the most frustrating part of it?
The best part of travelling has to be the newness of everything. Just not knowing what each day, each turn, each place will hold. As far as the most frustrating, probably the cost and the difficulty that being a “real adult” with a “career” adds to actually doing it. Its tough to just up and leave sometimes.

Who is your usual riding crew these days? Any stand out riders you think should be getting some coverage?
As of late I have been cruising with Jeff Dowhen, Jeff Klugiewicz, and Grant Castelluzzo. Those dudes all push me in different ways and we almost always have a great session. Jeff D. and Grant both are underrated as hell. They both shred hard as hell everyday and just smile the whole time. They deserve all that they should get because they are in it for the right reasons…fun and friends.

What is it about the Midwest scene that makes it different from any other scene in BMX?
I am unsure really since I have lived in this scene my whole life and only sampled others. I can tell you what makes our scene strong though: We have a group of kids that have grown up far from “pros,” companies, and sponsorships and really, honestly, don’t give a fuck about anything in bike riding except riding with friends. There is no talk of “coming up” or who rides for who, its just about riding. Obviously there are some exceptions, but in Milwaukee, most kids are super chill.

If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
This is a tough one. Its like when your favorite band in high school suddenly hit it big and was on MTV or the radio and you suddenly didn’t like them and you called them sell outs. Its a bitter sweet thing to see BMX getting so big. On one hand, to share what has made me happy with so many other kids and to have so many people I can call brothers is a great thing. Plus, there are more companies making cool stuff and more parks. But on the other hand, as a street rider at heart, more kids equals less street. Spots are not infinite. They do not get built as fast as they are taken away. As more people ride, spots get wrecked, skate stopped, etc. From that standpoint, more BMX, wrecks it for me. Thats a pretty selfish outlook though and I generally say, fuck changing BMX as a whole, just do what you want to see happen in your own scene.

What do you think you would be into if you never got into BMX?
I honestly think much worse off. Its hard to say, but BMX introduced me to the people who helped shape my life: open minded people, travellers, free thinkers, straight edge kids. I can’t say where I would be, but I feel like I would not be as full a man as I am now.

Outside of riding and working what are you usually doing?
Well, there is not that much time outside of those two things, but I guess anything to keep me busy. I dabbled in singing in bands for a while and am still working on that, I hang with the girlfriend and family, I like fishing and hunting when I get a chance…oh, and I love to eat. Ha.

If I remember right you have been doing the teaching thing for a little while now. How are things going with that these days?
Its crazy I guess. I don’t yet have my own classroom so as of now I work at one school filling in everyday where ever I am needed. I have taught everything from Gym, Math, History, Spanish, Auto, etc…I am no expert in any of those except social studies but its really awesome and random everyday. I hope to have my own classroom next year though and to really get into it.

What is the first song to come to mind?
This fucking horrendous song that all the milwaukee dudes keep screaming at each other lately to get it stuck in each others heads. It really sucks to have P.O.D. “Alive” in your head constantly.

Have you seen any good movies lately?
Yeah, “Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull.” I fucking love that character and want to someday be him. Also, “Blood Diamond.” Its a really graphic depiction of the many conflicts and chaos in Africa and it really makes you think about how crazy this world really is. Scary.

What is something about yourself that most people really don’t know or have a hard time believing?
Well, usually it that I am a teacher. And from that follows, “you did good in school?” Its sad that BMXers are always veiwed as idiots.

Do you plan on voting at all here soon? Do you care to share your views on the topic?
I do plan on voting.Unfortunately as a Social Studies teacher I should know more and have more faith in the political system, however, I just vote so I have a right to complain. I really have little faith that either candidate will fix what I see is wrong…the entire root of all issues: capitalism and our brain-washed society.

What is the best advice you can give somebody?
Listen to what Nike says, “Just do it.” Seriously, think of something you wanna do, and then take the steps to make it happen. Its that easy to get started and then you just run with it.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Hell yeah…Thanks to the usuals, You and BMX Union for this, Matt at Profile, Ronnie and Johnny at Sputnic, A.J. at LNFK, Jon and Logan at Sun, Chad at UGP, all the dudes I ride with on a usual basis, Casey, Kyle, Jeff and Jeff, Grant, etc. And any person who has had a session with me and smiled with me. Good times.

It seems like these days I can’t help but associate amazing riding with the word Australia. Another thing that comes from Australia is Clint Millar and his company Colony. I had the chance to meet Clint at Interbike and it was really interesting to see what he has going on these days. So, after your done reading this one leave him a little love in the comments!

Name:
Clint Millar

Location:
Brisbane, Australia

Sponsors:
Carhartt, Vans, Triple six Distributions & I own Colony.

Years riding:
20

What was it that first got you into BMX, and what keeps you going still to this day?
I moved up from Coffs Harbour to Brisbane & the first friends I made were just getting into BMX. I always had a bike but never knew you could do tricks on them. I got my bike out & started riding around with them after school. The feeling of learning a new trick was so amazing. So I just kept wanting to get that feeling, so I kept riding. I owe heaps to both Michael Canfield & Bob Herbohn for getting me into riding. Thanks guys.

Not only are you a real talented bike rider, you are the man in charge at Colony. Do you ever find it hard to balance out riding and working?
Oh thank you, yes I find it very hard to balance the two. These days my passion really is more towards running Colony but I also love it when I can get out on my bike. It makes you really appreciate the times when I can get on my bike.

What is the best part about owning your own company, what is the worst?
Best part would be able to make everything exactly how I want it & how I feel things should be ran. The worst thing is having to make decisions on a business side that sometimes conflict on a personal level.

You guys had a few new products at Interbike. Care to share any details on those things?
Yeah we had a few new items that have been in development for quite a while. Our Colonial cranks have been in development for two years now & are finally out. I am really stoked on how they came out. Our Fantastic Plastic pedals are perfected now & are in production right now. Liam’s Hell Stallion frame & fork are available now & are having great feedback out there. Mick Bayzand’s Teddy Bars are out now as are our Clone hubsets. We also have the beginnings of our flatland program started with Shane Badman’s Cube frame out as well as pivotal seat & seatposts for flatlanders. All our frames have been re-vamped for 2009 & are lighter, stronger than our 2008 models. So yeah, we got heaps of new shit about to drop or in some countries has dropped already.

It is pretty fair to say that having front brakes is a pretty small crew these days. How do you feel about the whole brakeless trend? Have you ever considered brakeless?
Yeah I tried brakeless a little bit there. It just wasn’t for me at all. I love it when you see someone who pulls off riding brakeless & makes it look effortless. It’s amazing to watch. I have just been riding brakes for far too long now & I guess you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Haha. I love being different from the norm out there & it’s just what I am used too so why change? Plus I love doing Canadian nosepicks… best feeling trick ever.

The riding scene is so ridiculous in Australia. It seems like every day there is a new kid who kills it. Can you please finally tell us what it is about Australians and BMX?
Good question. I don’t know to be honest! I guess we just have an abundance of free public parks & great weather, which just breeds so many riders. Also the fact that we are so far away from the rest of the world everyone looks towards videos & magazines rather heavily & rides like we see in these mediums.

You have had the chance to travel quite a bit because of BMX. What are some of your all time favorite trips?
Yeah there have been so many for sure. It’s too hard to pick one out but if I have too it would be a trip in Europe for 4 weeks with Dave Osato & Dustin Guenther. We went to so many places & saw so many things, one & off the bikes. We saw the Colesium in Rome, swam in the ocean off the coast of Italy, got drunk on a bus ride through Berlin at the Rebeljam, drove a car from Prague to Cologne & all while on someone else’s expense. Perfect.

This one seems to be pretty hard to answer for a lot of people. If you could go on a road trip with only 5 people, who would you bring, where would you go, and why?
Ryan Guettler – always fun to ride with & hang out with. Been on hundreds of trips with Ryan over the years & hope to do hundreds more.

Alex Hiam – the kid flat out rules & I can watch him ride all day long.

Mick Bayzand – to throw him down every crazy rail I see! Mick is a fucking champ, plain & simple.

Liam Fahy-Hampton – Cause I need someone to see the impossible line that no-one else even saw & get it done. Liam clocks bangers, period.

Chris Harrison (Triplesix Distributions) – cause we never get to do many roadtrips & he is always fun to hang out with. Afterall, he is the boss.

As for where would we go? Let’s say Russia for something different?

What is one trick that nobody will ever see you do, and why?
Backies or fronties… I am an idiot when it comes to getting upside down. I can’t even do either into foam. I suck.

If you could do anything differently about a decision you made relating to BMX in any way, what would you do differently?
Overall I am very happy with how things have worked out. Maybe one thing is I could’ve started Colony earlier?

If you could change anything about BMX as a whole, what would you change and why?
All the shit talk. There is no need for all the negativity we all see on some websites out there. But hey what do I know? haha

What do you think you would be up to if you never got involved with BMX?
I always wanted to be an airforce jet fighter pilot when younger, so maybe that? Who knows? I can’t even imagine life without BMX.

When you aren’t working, or out riding, what are you up to?
It’s late at night here & my lady & I have just spent all of this rainy day on the sofa watching multiple DVD’s… a really nice lazy day for once. This is where you can find me for sure.

What is one thing you feel you are really good at that nobody really knows about?
Don’t know about really good but I like to play chess & feel I do OK at it. haha

Australia becomes infested with man eating crabs.. take it as you will… Where do you move and why?
Haha… funny thing is we probably do have man eating crabs here already… haha. If I were to move anywhere else I would say perhaps Vancouver. I love that place, reminds me of here in so many ways.

What is one band you would really like to see live?
Don’t laugh but Bon Jovi, if they only played the classics from back in the ‘80’s.

Have you seen any good movies lately?
My mind is a blank when it comes to movies right now. I have seen so many on planes etc that they all blend into one.

You obviously have spent a good amount of time on airplanes. What is the craziest story you have involving airports, planes, anything like that?
I had a ‘friend’ who was banned from the US for 5 years for ultimately ticking the wrong box on a visa application. One time when he tried to pass through on his way to Canada & was stopped & held for 36 hours to be only sent back home. He had nothing to eat but apples & water the entire time.

Have you ever been arrested or in a fight?
Arrested, no. Fight, kinda. It was rather one sided in my defense as he tried to choke me & I knocked the other guy out in one hit.

If you could be a professional at anything else other than BMX. What would you be and why?
Bringing out the hard questions !! Geez… porn star? haha

You got the accent chicks seem to love so much. What is your key to success with the ladies?
Success with the ladies? Nah got the wrong guy here. Haha.

If you could have three wishes, what would you ask for?
1. For the world to not pollute & destroy itself by the human race.
2. To be happy in life in all aspects such as love, money & friends.
3. Another 100 wishes!

What are some necessities for a good night of partying?
Good friends, Bundy & Coke & good music.

Have you had any near death experiences?
Nah not even… closest was I found out I was allergic to prawns the hard way about 10 years ago. No shrimp on the barbie for me mate!

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years?
Progress Colony to a point that it is one of the most respected & successful BMX companies out there. To keep enjoying riding, with a little progression thrown in the mix.

What kinds of advice do you have for people out there looking to start a company?
If you’re like myself when I started I thought I would have plenty of spare time and get to ride heaps. Trust me, it’s totally the opposite! I have never ridden less in my life than the last few years which kind of sucks but I’ve had a pretty damn good 20 years before now so I’m OK with it…for now. Basically though, if you have the dollars to start up (and a BMX company isn’t cheap to start up either), have the passion to make it happen and you’re willing to make the sacrifices, then go for it!

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to Chris Harrison from Triplesix Distributions for all that he has afforded me over the years, I really do appreciate it. All my present & past sponsors, all my past & present team members of Colony, all my distributors around the world, anyone who has ever supported Colony or myself in any form, all the websites & magazines that have ever given myself or Colony coverage, everyone at Triplesix, everyone at wethepeople, all my friends & family & my girl, Niki.

Anything else you would like to say?
Thanks to you Kurt for this opportunity !!

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