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Chad Shackelford Interview

March 31, 2008

If you work in the BMX industry your life is always going, deadlines, trips, all that stuff. So when I sent Chad this interview a while back I had no idea when he would have a chance to get it done. However, he finally got a chance to do it up. This dude has made some real amazing videos in his day… Enjoy.

Name:
Chad Shackelford





Location:
Currently Nomad, soon to be Austin-ite

Years riding BMX?
12

Years filming and editing BMX / anything?
7

How did you get into filming and everything?
bike riding

What kind of cameras do you use? Are you fully “in HD” now?
HVX 200, fully HD





What do you use to edit?
Final Cut Studio

When did you realize you could make a career out of filming?
Never, just sorta fell into it.

What are some of your favorite projects you have worked on that are complete?
Shook, Odyssey, Hoffman, Local Exposure, Vice Versa.

What are you currently working on? You were in Barcelona for some stuff recently?
Sunday Bikes DVD. We were there for a week and will return this may for 2 months.





Who are some of your favorite people to film or work with and why?
Kurt Rasmusson, Ian Schwartz, Sean Sexton, Chase Hawk, Mike Aitken, Brad Simms, Eric Lichtenberger, Will Stroud, Dave Jacobs, Jim Bauer, etc…

Obviously your traveling a fair bit, where are your favorite places you have been?
South Africa, Estonia, Spain, Austin

Where are some places you have yet to go that you would like to?
Norway and Iran

What kind of advice do you have for people looking to get into filming and editing?
absorb as much information as possible.

Do you do photography at all?
I dont, but am becoming more and more interested in it.
I just bought my first point in shoot, which is hilarious, but I dont think it will be long before I get a fully professional setup.

What are your favorite websites?
Defgrip, Micreation, You Porn, Stumble upon, The come up, Woozy, Kayak, Myspace

What are some of your favorite bands?
MGMT, Talking Heads, Kimya Dawson, The Sword, Ghostland Observatory, clap your hands, of montreal, caribou, sabbath, black mountain, Nuetral milk hotel, band of horses, brian jonestown massacre, etc…..

Do you ever find it hard to pick music for edits?
nope, its what im into at the moment.

What do you have planned for 08′ so far?
work really hard on the Sunday DVD and ride more.

If you won the lottery what would you do with the money?
Buy a giant warehouse in Austin, section it off as a hostel, studio, club/bar, and cafe. Donate a lot to PETA and take my friends out and get hammered.

What is your dream car?
72 mini cooper with a type R vtech engine (everyday driver) Diesel Dodge Sprinter w/ veggie oil conversion (production vehicle)

Do you find yourself on Myspace a lot?
on a hourly basis.

What are some of your favorite movies regular and bmx wise?
Zeigeist, Loose Change, Anthem, Electronical, Left Right, SOBP, 1201, Donnie Darko, Thrashin, Rad, Breakfast club, No country for old men, there will be blood, babel, JFK, spaceballs, i could keep going.





What are 5 things you can’t live without?
air, water, food, music, books

What are some things you think people need to experience before they die?
traveling and experiencing cultures outside their bubble. Learning from others and striving to understand how different but alike we all are.

If you could spend the day with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
My grandfather, we never spent enough time.

What do you think your favorite part about riding is?
The freedom.

Do you ever get much time to ride when you go on trips, or is work constant?
mostly just work. i try but, im usually too busy.

Who are some of your favorite people to ride with?
Dave Jacobs, Tony neyer, Chase Hawk, Sean Sexton, Scooter, Willy, Ryan Vincent and Ian Montel.

If you could only ride one thing or do one trick for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Bank to subs, hang five variations.





What are some of your favorite tricks or things you like to do on your bike?
hang nothings.

You got some tattoos, do they have any special meaning or are they just cool looking?
the ones on my wrist were just for fun on Local exposure. The one on my chest, which was just recently finished has to do with Shook and my fingers say patience, which is a constant reminder.

What is the worst part about your job/life?
theres no worst part, the negative is as important as the positive.

What is the best part about your job/life?
traveling with friends.





Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Answering this interview if it continues, damn you got lots of questions, haha JK.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
BMX and the usual, family, friends, Odyssey, Sunday, Dave Jacobs, Will Stroud and everyone who has supported Shook and all the things Ive put work into.

I think thats it man, thanks for the opportunity.

you can find more of his work on Ninetofivefilms.com

BMXunion throws a contest!

March 31, 2008

So this contest has been in the works for the last few weeks and it is looking like it will be a real good time… I mean come on even Give D is sponsoring it? That should be all you have to know!
haha no but here is the flyer…


NEW FLYER AS OF APRIL 10th 2008


*Click to make big!

If you are rocking a facebook like a lot of kids are now days, I started up an event so feel free to add yourself to the list!- Event

So here is the low down..
May 18th at Renegade Skatepark here in Minnesota there is going to be a contest/jam/party… The goal of this is just to have a really good time!
So it’s $10 for the contest and ride all day.
It’s $5 if your not into contests but your into a real good session
It’s free if your just there to watch and see a bunch of cool shit!

For the expert/pro class were looking at whatever is made on entry fee’s to be the purse for the top 3 people, so in reality we have no clue how much will be up for grabs, but I have heard there will be a lot of people.
Then for the other class’s we will have a TON of prizes and stuff from the sponsors to hand out and give away.

We are also going to do a big game of footdown (winner gets something cool), Longest jump? (possibly 180), Big air, Best trick, Whatever people are feeling like competing about just throw out the ideas and we can do it..

Along with that we will have music, a B.B.Q (we will supply some stuff but if you could bring meat and you can use the grills and stuff! Bring for yourself or a bunch of people whatever works for you), and a party…

Plus Monster and a few of their girls will be there from what I have been told..



…Dibs.

Were looking at so far for sponsors:
Give D,The Take,Monster, Standard, Fit, DK, Alienation, Beloe Shoes, BMXinvasion, Interbmx.com, The Come Up, Ride BMX ,Hell On Earth,S&M,UGP,Albes, To Die For and BMXunion… Now this is just the start of the sponsors! MORE TO COME once they are confirmed..
So you know there will be some sweet prizes and cool stuff to get your hands on!

If you have any questions or want to sponsor the event Shoot me an email at BMXrochester@hotmail.com … Spread the word, get your friends together, steal your mom’s mini van, and make it out for this it is going to be a wild time. (p.s you got the flyer just copy and paste the link when you expand it! HOLLA)
Photos of the Park:
There will be a new spine next to the box and possibly a wallride up top of the box by the time the contest is ready.










BMXinvasion bike battle #8

March 31, 2008

BMXinvasion bike battle #8 contest
May 25th at Hackettstown park! All day event novice,expert and pro classes. Registration begins at 10am until 1pm. $25.00 to enter the class of your choice. The Monster energy crew will be at the event handing out tasters to fans,spectators and riders. The park is open friday night 10pm to 2:30am for practice and also saturday regular sessions all day. Sunday is the main event, jam format.
See more details on: www.bmxinvasion.com
Skate 57
13 west route 57
Hackettstown NJ. 07840
908-852-8155

Matt Desson: Four Corners

March 29, 2008

If you remember a while back I did a review for the No Bikes: Four Corners DVD… Matt Desson is a guy on BikeGuide whose riding I have always liked so I was super into this part. I think he uploaded it.


Nobikes.com

Cameron Birdwell Interview

March 28, 2008

Sometimes when I find people to interview, it is somebody I have never heard about or anything. I think those are the most interesting because you kind of have to do a little research about the person to think of some questions. Well as you know earlier this week Cameron had re-appeared on the BMX scene in a big way, I think every website had linked to his video. So I knew he was somebody I had to find out about, and here it is.

Name:
Cameron Birdwell





Location:
Santa Clara, California

Sponsors:
Solid Bikes

Years riding:
16 years

So you recently just re-appeared and the internet was stoked, did you expect that video to be as big as it was?
No, it surprised me a lot to know that people remembered my name!

Rumors say you hadn’t rode for a while, how long have you been back into it, seemed like you were pretty dialed?
For the last few years I rode about once a month, but since I stopped smoking cigarettes I have been tearing it up at least twice a week.

There was talk you got into some troubles and thats why you disappeared from the BMX scene, is that true at all?
ya man.

So I am assuming your back on the bike and clean or is there still some partying?
Ive been clean for about two years now.

You were in a few videos over the years, what ones and which one was your favorite part?
Transit video! Barry Page, who made Transit 9, told me I could have some time for my own section.. so I threw in street riding. No one ever saw that side of me before, so I busted it out.

Your a legend in california, how weird is it to have so many people know who you are because of BMX?
I really dont think too many people know who I am, just hard core riders who have been around for awhile. But having them know who I am is definitely rad.

Who were some of the dudes you grew up riding with?
Damian (squirrel) Schinella, Kurt (crowbar) Yaeger, Ryan Nyquist, Chad Kagy, Joey Garcia, Oscar Gonzales, Matt Mardesich, Eric Comey, Aaron Norel, just to name a few.





Do you still ride with any of them or is it an all new crew of guys?
Damian, Oscar and Matt mostly. But everytime we ride some other faces show up.

Compared to a few years ago, what do you think of the BMX world in general?
The level of riding is unbelievable. After watching some of Scotty Cranmer’s parts, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was nuts man. That kid is amazing.

Somewhere I read that Solid was going to be hooking you up? How did that all come about?
I’ve been great friends with the solid guys for many years, and they float me stuff if I need it.

Do you think you might make a come back on the BMX scene or are you just doing it for fun? (either way its fun but you know what I mean)
Come back? shooot man I didnt go anywhere! haha just kidding. Man, I would definitely like to get a job in the industry somewhere if possible, not so much in the competition side.

What are you rocking for a set up? Is it the same one from a few years ago or did you update with all the weight weenies supply?
50/50. I lightened up a few things, but Im still riding 48’s. Riding a solid killing machine.

What kind of riding are you into, I know you have a lot of trails footage and park stuff you kill on?
Ramps, and dirt.





If you could ride any spot in the world, where would it be and why?
Lake Cunningham park. A huge new park here is San jose,ca that is built but not ridden yet, and doesnt open till middle of april. UNTOUCHED TERRITORY MAN!

Your the only dude I have ever seen do a superman peg grab, when did you start doing those and can you still do them?
I learned them when I was 16 on a dare for a six pack of beer. Can I still do them? I got that shit down!





I am sure this question has no real answer, but what is one trick you cannot do for the life of you?
Any flatland tricks. I just dont have the patience.

Who or what are your biggest influences when it comes to BMX?
Jay Miron, Joey Garcia, and Nyquist, I have a ton of respect for all these guys.

Outside of riding what are some things you are into?
I tear it up at ping pong. Im pimp at gas stopping right at the dollar. and my girl!

It would seem like you and your girl are pretty serious, is there any weddings or anything in the works?
Not yet, but very soon. We are about to get a place together and a dog.





You got some “fresh ink” haha, does the tattoo have any meaning behind it or is it just for looks?
My fresh ink is a JAY bird, on a WELL . Since my first name is actually Jay, and my last name is Birdwell, I thought it was Perfect!

What are some of your favorite movies?
Super Troopers, Shawshank Redemption.

What are some of your favorite bands? any that you think people need to check out?
Im a huge Andre Nickatina fan. Insolence is another great one.

If you could have any super power what would it be and why?
Instant healing power. No explanation needed.

Do you have some favorite websites?
you porn… bang bus.. red tube.. naw just kidding. SJBMX. COM, unevenground.org.

Where are some places you have travelled over the years?
Canada, all the lower 48 states like ten times a piece!

Where are some places you would like to go that you haven’t been yet?
All the places besides where ive been.

What do you do for work?
I sell stuff on ebay. Not illegally! Im looking for a job in the industry though.. know of anything?!

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next 5 years?
Marry my woman. Have a kid. Good job. Make some new tricks. and travel of course.

If you could spend the day with anybody, alive or dead, who would it be, why, and what would you do?
Id have to say Colin Winkleman. Just to try and talk to him. Such a talented guy.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
Invest, and travel

Who or what are your biggest influences in your life?
Parents,and all my Ride or die homies.





If you could change one thing about BMX what would it be and why?
I wouldnt change a thing.

What kind of advice do you have for people just getting into BMX?
Learn the basic tricks first to form your style, before going for big shit.

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks to my girl Kelly for typing out my interview, parents, Damian, Crowbar, Comey, Oscar, NA, and Solid bikes.

Anything else you would like to add that I forgot to ask?
Ride HARD or go HOME!

Cameron’s Recent Video on SJbmx.com

Jim C= EPIC

March 28, 2008

So I don’t know how many of you have seen the recent news that Jim C had broken BOTH of his legs. It was so ironic since he had gotten his new prototypes of his shoe and everything then couldn’t even wear shoes!
THEN.. I get an email from Brian this morning telling me to check the news on Beloe’s website haha..

All you need to know is that EVERYONE got punk’d

…

Where the hell is Ashton!?

*you won’t get why I put that picture on there unless you have seen the movie “Just Friends”

Josh Betley and Drew Hosselton

March 27, 2008

Remember that interview I did with Josh Betley the other day? He talked about a video with him and Drew Hosselton that Kyle Carlson was working on.. well it is up on Vital BMX

Or click this image to go there since their embed code is all messed up..


Betley Hosselton Video

On the horizon: FBM

March 26, 2008

I asked Crandall to give me an update as to what going on at FBM, any new plans, what’s up with the team, etc… His response? why don’t you ask me questions? Shit! I thought.. I wanted a cut and paste update for the site now I have to come up with questions… so I threw a few at him and this what he responded with. Enjoy… iTod

How you been? I am 33 years old, and I am still enjoying BMX, i guess i’m doing pretty good, thanks for asking. I rode bikes in NYC last weekend, and had so much fun, it was like I was 17. My knees were shot when I got home.

How are things at FBM going so far? -so far in relation to what? things are good, we area small business struggling in a tough industry to stay afloat, especially with in house manufacturing in a community that seems ambiguous to these things. We are doing it on our own, forging our own path, and we have a lot of irons in the fire so to speak, we are headed in a real positive direction.
I noticed that you have revamped the team this year. bringing on new riders. Seeing older riders move on. What’s going on over there with the Team? Refresh us as to who’s on the team now.- Currently our team, aside from employees and original fbm gangsters- is Joel Barnett, Mickey Marshall, Garrett Guilliams, Joey Juarsti, Nate Richter, Mike Tag, Derrick Girard, Tom Blyth, Josh Elkington, Kie Asworth, William Ashby and Ruel “wormz” Smith. Less formality, Less emphasis on having a “pro” team, just some dudes stoked on bikes, and stoked on FBM.

Looking at the 2008 line, you guys seem to have a newer direction going as far as frames go. hell the whole company has been getting a new look in recent years, is FBM all done with Fire,Beer, and Mayhem? and moving towards Fun, Bikes, and Mylanta?
Fbm is based loosely on good times, with friends, and riding bikes, whatever else falls under that umbrella is fine with us. We were caught somewhere between Albert Street, and becoming a Normal Business for a while, we are just trying to keep it fun and do cool shit right now.

Any big plans for the team members this year that you know of? road trips, contests, video parts, etc? We are having a Jam at Rays in May, and another Old School Dirt comp at the Belmar, Brawlin at the Belmar 2, we have talked about some video Ideas, but nothing set in stone. We are doing a Team tour in the Midwest in May though…. we’ll be filming on that.

Clothing has been and always be a part of FBM. over the years designs change and evolve with the company. how important is it to you to continue making cool shirts for riders to express their sport in? -Its how we got started in this whole gig, and its an important part of our product line, its a pretty good way to express who we are and what we are into. Its a pretty good canvas to showcase FBM ideas and imagery.

How has growing older changed the face of FBM? -I think the ideas that FBM were founded on have remained pretty close to when I was younger, but how it relates to the current BMXer has changed, and thats something that will always change. I hope the simplicity of a good time, and wanting to support people who promote that in BMX will remain important enough for people like us to stay involved. It’s Weird that I am twice as old as the average BMX rider/consumer/internetter, hopefully the youngsters at FBM keep me in check though.

Aren’t you that guy from Fuel TV? ever get sick of that question? hell, ever think when you were younger, people would stop you on the street and ask you that shit? I don’t own a television, and I have never seen 1 episode of that show (not a lie). Most people in the town I live in haven’t seen it either, I don’t think Fuel is on the regular cable package in Ithaca. When i travel though, it is totally fucking weird though… the whole thing was pretty informal, since I grew up with the Props guys, and am friends with them. I didn’t realize how much of it would end up broadcasted, and how many people would see it though. Its better than people asking me if I am Jack Osbourne though, that sucks.

Contests…. last year it was Brawling at the BelMar, in years past it was the ghetto jam. I see this year the BelMar comp is on again. ever think of doing more of the ghetto type comps. in the future?
I think the Ghetto comp ran its course…. I would like to, but there would be too much hype for it to live u to that last one…

where is Lou Bickle? Lou Is currently serving time in a Pennsylvania correctional center, I think he is doing a 20 month bid… Write him a letter-Lou Bickel HJ6769 S.C.I. Camphill P.O. Box 200 Camphill, PA 17001 (editors note : Seriously you should write him something.. even if you don’t know him write him.. make a convict smile)
Forecasts….

Frames..

–

We are working on making lighter, stronger frames that are cool looking an handbuilt in New york. The Howler is a step in that Direction.

Team… Back to our grassroots, just dudes having fun, traveling, riding, More Lifestyle, less professionalism.
soft goods…. We are working on keeping a fresh lineup of silly ass softgoods, belt buckles,and retarded beer coozys.


unreleased new products…. Working on a revamped FBM hardgoods lineup, its looking good so far.

the sword… I love Unicorns! Forks in the R and D stages…
How has the Sword been accepted with in the fixed gear crowd? do you think FBM will expand it’s self into that market as well?
More frames, clothing, accessories? People seem stoked on the Bike, the quality, functionality, and the overall package is awesome, and its made In a small independent machine shop, Cycle enthusiast seem pretty supportive of that.

I am pretty sure I speak for a lot of people when I say this, I have always loved the videos put out by FBM. from the little web edits to the full length videos, do you think you will ever do another full length video, or has that time come and gone for BMX?
I am working on a full length version of The Derrick Girard Commercial, combined with the one where I was in a bathtub full of spaghetti. Mikey Corts and I have some plans or another FBM video, but its a little ways off. THe new Props has an 8 minute bonus FBM promo that will be online shortly.

Check out more of what’s going on at FBM by heading over to the website….

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