There’s no better insight into ones own snowboard filming ideologies than hearing what their influences are. Blake's picks include historical and modern day examples of different shades of his own boarding. His Top 5 proves we are products of our own influences.
David Benedek - Robotfood's Lame (2003)
I wanted to do this list without diving too deep into what incapsulates the “best” video part, but more based off what came to mind the quickest and what influenced me growing up. Lame was my first video, I got the VHS in the metal case for Christmas from my brother. He got The Shakedown from my Mom. We watched them endlessly that winter, and I continued on the Robot Food craze when Afterlame came out the following season. The rest is history, I was so hooked on the vibe. When I think about this point in my life, I remember being in awe of David Benedek’s riding, kits, deeper thought process, and unique tricks. He had a solid perfected style that was so smooth and effortless, even when he was riding big shit. One of those guys that looks like he’s meant to be on a snowboard.
Dave Downing - Standard Films TB4 (1994)
I picked this one because it hits home regarding the 2020 winter season spent mostly at Brighton UT. I’ve always respected how fluid Dave rode and how he created his own lane in backcountry snowboarding. Most of this part was shot at Brighton and we were on the hunt to figure out where everything was filmed. The first half of the season seemed to have endless pow day after pow day. This was my first winter really spending time riding and getting to know the zones there. I was living with Griffin Siebert and we were checking off all the old TB videos. I think it was Tonino who told us to watch Dave’s part in TB4. We studied those movies, putting them on every morning to get hyped to ride.
The Community Project (2006)
I get to cop out on choosing a part from this one because it's not a part video, but I can’t leave it out. The Jackson location section, Tyler Lepore footage, and O.G. Travis Rice gnarly shit really influenced me as a young kid living in Jackson. The intro with the paper boy was filmed in the neighborhood next to the one I grew up in, and a bunch of local snowboarders/older friends I knew were a part of the movie. It was my introduction to the scene at the time. I’ll still go back for a re-watch today, but you need the dvd because it doesn’t exist online.
Keegan Valaika - In Color (2010)
I’ve always looked up to Keegan and been fan of his snowboarding. I think this part just came out at a pivotal time for me. I was still in high school, but was riding more than ever and burying myself in everything snowboarding had to offer. It was right before the decline of full-length movies and a year prior to Instagram. I still remember the anticipation for videos and rewatching a certain part over and over. I was so hyped on the song and the teaser for this video. Also looking back, the ollie and front 180 over the the rail to bank then duck clips are still so fresh.
Sam Taxwood - Landline (2018)
I'm biased, but it can’t go without mention of Sam’s opener in the Vans video. Being close to the situation I just saw how hard Sam worked for this one. He puts his whole life and heart into snowboarding and filming. Lots of injury, heartbreak, hard work, all leading to major success. Sam’s become the people’s champ—everyone knows he does it for all the right reasons. He’s the modern day A.T.V. and continues to impress and inspire me daily on and off the board. This felt like his first big part even though he’s been killing it forever. It's just awesome to watch it all come together. :)