Over the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of videos from Bobby Kanode. From the videos featuring the Arizona crew like his new full-length video “Mediocre At Best” to his different videos for Subrosa that we’ve been seeing pop up for the past few months. Bobby’s videos have become ones we can always count on to come out with a good vibe and to have some quality filming and editing.
With the release of the DVD and his new role as the team filmer for Subrosa, we figured it was more than a good time to catch up with Bobby and find out a little bit more about how he got into filming, what he’s working on these days and more. We will also take a look at some of his latest work! Let’s check out what he had to say!
Name: Bobby Kanode
Location: Tempe, AZ
Years riding: 9
Years filming and editing: 6
What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
What about filming and editing? How did that all start for you?
My casual mountain biking around the neighborhood turned into learning 180’s and riding curbs after I saw Dan Cox’s “Voices.” Josh Bedford made 180’s look like the coolest thing in the world. I hope I’ll still be able to 180 when I’m old and decrepit. My neighbor and dear friend Cleon was always the camera man in the beginning, and I used to just help him film/edit. I loved being on camera in the early days, and there was nothing better than getting a little web edit done.
What was your first camera setup like?
I pretty much used other people’s stuff until I saved up enough to buy my friends beat up VX2100 about three years ago. 100+ edits later, still going strong. The nice things you always hear about a good VX are all true. She has earned a place in my heart.
How about these days? What are you working with for gear?
I use the same beat up vx2100, a cheap opteka fisheye lens, and a hand-me-down bag from Erik Hilburn. All you need is a good eye, steady hand, and a skateboard. I use an old capture cam to “protect my heads” even though I play back every clip. I literally play back every time I film something even if they don’t land the trick. It is sort of taboo but it really helped me to improve framing.
Do you have a dream setup or are you pretty content with what you have now?
The future is HD, and the future is pretty much here already… I’m behind on the times but I definitely want the HD set up soon…
Who were some of the first people you filmed with? Do you still ride with those guys?
Cleon, Drew Hosselton, Eric Bahlman, and my dude Brian Grant were all the early victims of my head choppings, and we are all still very close. Happy to say we all still cruise together.
You recently took on a pretty desirable job with Subrosa, where you are now the team filmer. How did that opportunity all come about?
I’ve always been a fan of Subrosa’s image since they first started putting out videos. I remember late last year I heard a little rumor they were looking for someone to fill the shoes of a videographer, so I sent Ryan a resume. A few months later, I was invited to Florida to meet and chill with Ryan for a week and hang out at Sparky’s Distribution to see if there was a spot for me in the family. We worked in the office for a week and then we had a team trip to Atlanta, where I was responsible for producing a video. I can’t say nice enough things about the employees/friends at Sparky’s. I learned more in a week at that office than I would in an entire semester of college. It was exciting to think that I might be a piece to a bigger puzzle. I’m still very excited, and I think you’re all in for many crispy Subrosa treats in 2014.
How long have you been working for them now? Have you had the chance to work on any projects yet?
I went to Florida in April, and I’ve been working for them since. Ryan does well to keep me pretty busy. I’m really stoked on the Combat Lock promo video we did. It was a nice change of pace to do an HD commercial, and working with Simone and Lahsaan on something not riding related was hilarious.
Now I know when Ryan Chadwick was trying to balance filming for both Shadow and Subrosa, he was logging some serious miles. What is your travel schedule looking like the next few months? Any trips or filming projects you are looking forward to?
Pretty much 2014 is going to be the best year of my life.
I know “Get Used To It” came out last year and everything… But I gotta ask. Has there been any talks of doing another DVD?
Maybe
Have you been working on any other projects outside of Subrosa? Didn’t your video “Mediocre at Best” come out recently?
“Mediocre at Best” premiered December 13th and it went very well. I was astounded at how many people showed up! The reaction so far has been nothing but positive. If you’re interested in checking it out, hit up mediocreatbest.bigcartel.com
Who were some of your influences when it came to film work growing up?
Buster and Hunter O’Shea and their “A Happy Medium” films, Jackson Casey, and Jason Hernandez. Its one thing to have great skating or riding in your video, but its another to present it in such a way that the audience gets a full audio/visual experience. Going to the local premieres for the O’Shea’s videos and Casey’s videos definitely inspired the shit out of me.
Who are the guys that really get you stoked these days?
The BMX DVDs that came out this year were absolutely amazing and the people behind them are the ones who get me most stoked i.e. Tony Ennis, Christian Rigal, Dakota, and Navaz. “Talk is Cheap”, “Deadline” and “Markit”. Those are what I think of as the titans. I know there are several other scenes who just do DVD’s and I’m sure I’m sleeping on a few, but I’m super extra hyped on Matt Miller and Chocolate Truck. I hope the idea of gathering a crew, taking your time, and making sure what you put out is something you’d be proud enough to show a movie theatre full of people spreads. Shout out to Utley and Killjoy by the way. His weird goth style is so damn appealing to me.
Obviously, work can take up a lot of time… Have you been riding much lately? What keeps you motivated to ride these days?
It is now my job to have fun, ride, and film. There are different days for me. Some days I wake up and I want to be the designated filmer. I won’t even bring my bike out. Those are good for getting a productive, “let’s do work” vibe going. But the real fun is when you just pedal with the homies. I always prefer not carrying a bag, but double duty as filmer/rider can be pretty rewarding. I don’t take riding as serious as I used to and I’m stoked on that.
Where can you be found riding these days? Any fresh hot spots?
Find me at the coffee shop kicking Hosselton’s ass in chess. Find me on my bike bombing the parking garage or bridge on ASU campus. Find me in a van with all the boys driving who knows where to get some footage. Find me at home behind this damn computer screen melting my brain with editing. Find me using the phrase “find me” too much.
Can we expect a new edit out of you anytime soon?
I have a section in Mediocre at Best! Woot woot
What do you think you would be doing today if you never got into BMX or filming? Any guesses?
No fucking clue. I wanted to be a math teacher… I went to school for business, and I had a sales job. Man I would hate to be in sales my whole life.
What are you doing when you aren’t riding or working these days? Any hobbies or anything else?
I play chess, find music, and tutor part time. I live in somewhat of a party house so there is always something going on…
Did you go to school for film at all or was it all self-taught? Do you feel college is necessary to get into a field like this?
The last thing you need to find a place in this field is a college degree. I went to college because that’s just what you do when you’re a kid from the suburbs. I studied business and didn’t learn that much. Chasing your passion is what I would recommend. If you like doing something, keep doing it for yourself and I’m sure something will come of it. For me, it was filming and editing silly BMX videos.
Do you do film work outside of BMX? Could you see yourself doing anything other than film BMX someday?
I have done a few projects not related to BMX, and they just don’t hold my interest. The money is deece and I could see when I have more expenses getting into the wedding scene or somewhere that pays well.
Are you available to do other work? How can people get ahold of you if they need a filmer?
Freelance work will always be something I’m keen to do if I have the time. Obviously Subrosa is going to keep me busy but I like little side projects here and there. My email is mediocreatbestvideo@gmail.com
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Any goals at all?
5 years ago I never would’ve imagined I’d be where I’m at. I like to think that if you focus on doing something productive everyday, you’ll end up somewhere pretty sweet. Life just kind of happens.
How can people keep up with you? Are you on Instagram, Twitter or any of that? Do you have a portfolio site?
Drew has been bragging so hard lately about him having more instagram followers than I do. Follow me! @bkanode
You can check out some of my work at www.vimeo.com/kanode
A lot more on the Subrosa Brand Youtube page
I have twitter too, rarely use it: @bobbykanode
What’s the last song you heard, movie you watched and website you visited?
Just finished a documentary on Lee Atwood, one evil son of a bitch in politics. The last song is Mr. Ouija by Bone Thugs. And the last site was bandcamp.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Shout out to Ryan Sher and Ron Bonner. Shout out to the Subrosa crew. Shout out to my Dad for thinking I’d never use the camera when I bought it.
Anything else you want to say?
Filmer-selfies have to stop.
