12.08.2024
Pictures: Haruta
Phrases: 5
Captions: Gayle
A dream come true
A couple of weeks earlier than Taiwan’s (lunar) new 12 months vacation, I obtained information that my buddy Kenji from Japan was returning to Taiwan, and {that a} Nike SB shoot could be going down through the vacation. I felt very excited and thrilled to have the chance to see skilled skate boarders come to Taiwan and couldn’t wait to introduce Taipei to them.
Throughout the brand new 12 months vacation, Taipei turns into an empty metropolis, as folks return to their dwelling cities to spend time with their households. The variety of folks on the streets decreases and a lot of the safety guards within the buildings go dwelling. For skate boarders, this is a wonderful time since only a few folks will disturb us or chase us away. The skate boarders had chosen the proper time to return to Taipei, permitting them to completely benefit from the spots solely out there throughout the brand new 12 months vacation.
February 7, 2024 was actually a big day. I went to a restaurant with Kenji to satisfy the Nike workforce. Once I walked by way of the door, I couldn’t imagine my eyes. The skate boarders I had solely seen in movies have been now in entrance of me. I used to be very nervous and a bit shaky, however I mustered the braveness to introduce myself and greet everybody. At that second, it felt like a dream come true.
7 Ball is a video created by filmmaker Will Miles, which I’ve watched numerous instances. I actually wished to ask if I may be a part of the shoot as second cameraman, however possibly as a result of I used to be nervous, I didn’t dare. I made a decision to assist with different issues first. After visiting just a few spots, I lastly gathered the braveness to ask him, and he agreed. Listening to this made me extremely joyful.
My feelings have been blended – I used to be uncertain if my footage could be used – however I did my greatest to seize the scenes nicely. One factor that left a deep impression on me was when Jake landed a trick, and Korahn stated: “Let’s see 5’s angle.” After reviewing the footage, they stated it seemed nice and appeared to love it very a lot. Because of Korahn’s phrases, I gained extra confidence in my filming.
Earlier than this journey, I believed that skateboarding shoots could be severe, however unexpectedly, some folks have been casually chatting about life, whereas others have been skating close by. I felt there was a type of tacit understanding between Will and the skaters, permitting them to create nice footage in a playful method. I’m very joyful to have participated on this journey. Because of Kenji for the introduction, and to Will and Korahn for giving me the chance to shoot and have my footage used. That is actually my biggest honour.
