When you have a specific vision for a project, sometimes the only thing you can do is take matters into your own hands. For Spencer Schubert and Blake Paul—a duo that has been at it since the Dragon #WeAreFrameless Tour days—that’s exactly what they did last year. We heard that Spencer pitched a passionate plan at an annual TNF athlete retreat, and shortly after got tapped on the shoulder with access to that year’s Exploration Fund (a once-a-year budget from The North Face awarded to one athlete and their vision). The support was in the right place, the momentum followed suit, and everything lined up to make a video that truly redefined what “rider-driven project” meant. Here’s a nod to TNF, this is exactly what happens when you listen to riders and let Blake, Spencer, Kennedi, Austin, and Cole take the reins.
Featuring: Spencer Schubert, Blake Paul, Kennedi Deck, Austin Smith, Cole Navin, and Jake Blauvelt
Directed and Edited by: Colton Feldman
Cinematography: Colton Feldman, Brock Nielsen, Cole Navin, Jake Price
Photography by: Alex Pashley and Silvano Zeiter
If you’re looking for authenticity, let things unfold. When Spencer and I pitched this project, we had a vision and a plan. Winter and its unpredictability had another, and our preconceptions morphed into something different—and more honest.
It had been ten years since Spencer, Colton Feldman and I worked together. Everyone had their moments; Austin Smith disappeared in the backcountry for hours without a radio, Mike Bogs overshot (but still landed) every jump by thirty feet. Cole Navin filmed second angle and always needed food, Alex Pashley played producer and managed to get most of the photos in focus along the way. Kennedi joined up in January, which was the energy we needed.
Blitz taught us that without the spark to create something, purpose and passion lie unfulfilled. Let go, and let an unknown outcome create the excitement that made snowboarding fun in the first place. When it doesn’t turn out as planned, it turns out better.
- Blake Paul
