Interview by Monica Staniec
Photos by Anthony Acosta

Geoff Rowley is a Pro Skateboarder, Director, Producer, Co-Owner of Flip Skateboards and a Member of the ASF (Academy of Skateboard Filmmakers). In this interview, Geoff talks about what got him into filmmaking, the future of skateboard videos, getting involved with The LA Skate Film Festival, and more.

Hi Geoff, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. First, I was wondering how you got into filmmaking.

During the first Flip Video Titled “Sorry”, which came out in 2002.

There’s been quite some progression in skateboard filmmaking. A brand video is not just all about the skaters anymore, there is a lot of efforts put into the filming and editing parts. What importance do the brands place on the creativity that’s happening behind the camera? How do you as a director make a video unique?

I cannot speak for brands as whole but at Flip we try to make videos that appeal to a wide variety of characters, from a young kid who has perhaps only been skating a few months to an old slasher that has been around since the 70′s! It is really important for us to embrace the bigger picture. There are so many stories that go along with a lot of the random clips you see in Flip videos, take Lance Mountain’s part in extremely sorry for example…..every clip had a meaning and a connection to Lance and his history as a pro skater. Some of the older guys may see all this, but the younger kids (who by the way loved his part!) may just be psyched on the vibe free, maximum stokeage you get from just watching the part. Two totally different feelings, but with the same kind of outcome, this is why skate videos rule. Some people may also have noted the claymation nod in extremely sorry to the famous old skateboard video “skateboard madness” an epic video.

What do you foresee for the future of skateboard filmmaking?

Better than ever. Greg Hunt, Fred Mortagne and Ty Evans are young, hungry and going to take us to the next level of skateboard filmmaking. I also saw a lot of great talent in the videos I reviewed for the film festival. Jack Mansfield from Sacramento is a radical filmer/editor, who has a sweet future ahead.

What was it about the LA Skate Film Festival that made you want to get involved?

I LOVE skateboard videos!

Being that you are part of the Academy of Skateboard filmmakers and you had watched several films that were submitted & nominated for the festival, is there any one in particular that resonated with you?

Jack Mansfield, from Sacramento is a radical filmer/editor, who has a sweet future ahead. He directed “19 Years Young”.

What are your 3 favorite movies?

Savanna Slamma (Raw, Crude, Stecyk art, Great Drunk Injuns Music)
Sorry (Memories Man…memories of good times with bro’s)
The Jerk (Steve Martin)

What’s your favorite breakfast meal?

Coffee.

What’s on your iTunes right now?

Lefty Frizzell…Old Skool Flare BABY!