Reprint of Interview with Mike Manzoori (Film Maker & Pro Skater)

This is a reprint of an interview that I did with Mike Manzoori. It originally appeared on Yahoo! Sports but all publishing rights now belong to me.

Over the years skate film maker and former pro skateboarder Mike Manzoori has been adept at capturing the essence of both skateboarding and the skaters themselves. Manzoori has been the force behind several skate films including his most recent one entitled “Aimless.” I was able to catch up with him this week to discuss skate film making, his career and the advice he’d give to aspiring skate film makers. Here’s what Manzoori had to say:

Gonzalez: Over the years how many skate films have you made?

Manzoori: I think nine or 10 full length and countless shorts for the web and other commercials/promos.

Gonzalez: Where was “Aimless” filmed and what is the name of the song/artist used in the soundtrack?

Manzoori: It was filmed in, and around, downtown Los Angeles for two main reasons. The first reason was for the efficiency of production, reducing any unnecessary driving time and carbon footprint. The second reason was because it’s where I live so I know the locations well and like to live vicariously through younger skaters whose skills are so far beyond mine. I was having a hard time licensing the music I originally wanted, so I scored the music for the film.

Gonzalez: Wow, I didn’t realize that. I liked the music a lot, it really added to the film. How long did it take you to create the film from inception to finished product?

Manzoori: It was created specifically for an art show in Paris at the La Gaite Art Museum. I had a few months leading into it to lay the foundations of the plan. The gallery has a lot of high tech options for displaying digital arts and I chose to work with their super panoramic projection system. Once I locked down the plan it was one week of shooting and three weeks for editing.

Gonzalez: What is your favorite film, skate or otherwise, and why?

Manzoori: I like it when people take some risks and try new things. Often it can take a long time for people to realize the genius. A perfect example of this is “2001 Space Odyssey.” I don’t think the audience really knew what hit them the first time. If you haven’t ruffled a few feathers then you probably haven’t tried to push yourself or your work, right?

Gonzalez: Yes, I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. When it comes to filmmaking equipment, what cameras and lens do you prefer?

Manzoori: I am guilty of being a bit of a nerd when it comes to trying new cameras, but really it’s whatever is appropriate for the situation. It could be Super 8 or Point and Shoot or a Red Camera – it all depends on the vibe you want to achieve.

Gonzalez: When you are heading out for a day of filming what are five essential items you always take with you?

Manzoori: A camera, batteries, film/memory cards, a skateboard and a tripod.

Gonzalez: What camera equipment would you recommend to an aspiring skate filmmaker?

Manzoori: These days the technology is progressing so fast. I guess whatever fits your budget really. Better equipment is nice, but not essential. If the content is compelling enough you could make an amazing film with a cell phone these days.

Gonzalez: What words of advice would you offer aspiring film makers in regards to capturing the perfect skateboarding action shot?

Manzoori: There’s no one right way but there’s a lot of wrong ways to capture skateboarding. Traditionally you have just a few seconds of screen time in which to present the action. Obviously it helps to be a skateboarder to have a true understanding of what the emphasis should be. So I suppose a creative composition that can tell that story and enhance the action is the goal.

Gonzalez: How has independent film making changed since you first immersed yourself in it?

Manzoori: The main difference these days is the affordability of equipment. You can produce some pretty high end results for relatively cheap; which of course means more people are producing junk than ever before, but more importantly the next Scorsese will hopefully be able to realize his or her potential.

Gonzalez: Do you think that today’s skate films add to the general public’s misconception about the nature of skaters and skateboarding or detract from it?

Manzoori: I think that the general public has a growing understanding of skateboarding and its culture. Skate films are a little more accessible to people who don’t skate then they used to be, skate videos, games and television contests are everywhere. The increased awareness of skateboarding is for the most part a good thing. However, when its presentation is via people who have no care or clue about skateboarding then the image too often gets warped, distorted and can be negative in the eyes of core skaters.

Gonzalez: In the course of your lifetime you have undoubtedly worked with many different skaters. Is there a particular skater that you have not worked with yet but would like too? If so, who is it and why that person?

Manzoori: John Cardiel is one of the most incredible skaters and an inspiration to everyone who has half a clue who he is. I did interview him once and just that was an honor and very memorable.

Gonzalez: What emerging trends are you seeing in independent film making?

Manzoori: Probably the most visible is the recent introduction of DSLR Cameras into the filmmaking world, mainly because they tend to have a distinctive look to them.

Gonzalez: Thus far, what has been the most memorable moment of your film making career?

Manzoori: I feel so incredibly lucky to have witnessed most of the world’s best skateboarders and some of the world’s best BMX riders during some of their finest moments. It accumulates into one big blurred memory. I couldn’t pin point one moment or situation.

Gonzalez: Please tell us the story of how you first became involved with etnies.

Manzoori: I was a pro skater when I was younger and used to be on the etnies team. That was back in 1993 and by about 1999 I was spending more time behind the camera then in front of it and have been a part of the etnies family ever since.

Gonzalez: Do you still skateboard? If so, how often and what are some of your favorite skate spots?

Manzoori: I try to skate as often as possible. My ramp at home is really fun and Stockwell Skatepark in London will always have a place in my heart.

Gonzalez: Do you share etnies’ passion for the environment and sustainable living?

Manzoori: Of course, doesn’t everyone these days? It’s overdue that we all have to do our part; this situation is pretty much out of control. People got to chill on their frivolous use of precious resources. Mother Nature will prevail regardless of whether people want to start living in harmony with her, so we might need to really rethink a few things.

Gonzalez: Are there any other social causes that you are passionate about? If so what are they and how are you involved with those causes?

Manzoori: There are so many issues that need attention. My wife, Sharon, and I have a real soft spot for helping animals. So rescuing, fostering and generally supporting animal causes are something that is going on constantly at my house. People like to separate themselves from animals as though we are somehow better or more important.

Gonzalez: Let’s change directions a bit. If you could cook and have dinner with five famous people, living or dead, who would you choose, what meal would you make and why?

Manzoori: Lenny Bruce, Stanley Kubrick, Noam Chomsky, Larry David and Lou Reed. Nothing fancy, just veggie bangers and mash.

Gonzalez: If could only be remembered for one thing in this life, what would you want that thing to be?

Manzoori: Wow, Heavy. I don’t know really. No big ambitions, just trying to have a good time without bothering anyone else.