When was the last time you bought a skate video? Seriously, though. I don't mean to sound like I'm out of my 20s or anything, but as they say, the times, they-are-a-changing. If you look at how a traditional skate movie used to make money, it went something like this: pay the filmer, film the skaters, hopefully get some cash from sponsors, pay the editor to make the movie, pay for DVD's, and then finally sell the DVD to make your money back. Now-a-days, instead of buying the skate video, kids just go onto video sharing websites like Vimeo and YouTube and search out the exactly part that they're looking for.
The point I'm trying to make here, is that this advancement in technology has pros and cons, especially when it comes to someone like Jarvis Nigelsky who's dedicated the last decade to making great skate videos. He's filmed the skaters himself, found sponsors himself, edited the videos himself, hosted premiers himself, and sold the damn thing to retailers and distributors himself. Straight up, this guy is a worker who gets things done no matter what. "I'm an independent contractor and I will work with anyone," Jarvis says. "Well, not anyone, I have a blacklist of companies and names. But I am pretty much down for good projects."
I recently took the time to sit down with Jarvis ask him straight-up why he still makes videos during this time of change. Let's get into it, shall we?
How long have you been filming skateboarding?
I have been filming skating for a hella long time. Actually, since I was 17. I originally got a video camera so that I could make a "sponsor me" tape for myself, but I ended up filming my friends ‘cause no one else would at the time, and I saw potential in them.
Did you film anything else?
Well, at the time when I started, I recorded house parties, fights and stupid shit. It was fun during high school. But after high school, I went to art school and studied film and video production. That is when I found my calling. I had filmed tons of stuff: Music concerts, kickboxing tournaments, basketball games, amateur wresting out in Cloverdale, city council meetings... too many things to list. Skateboarding is my favorite, ‘cause I do it with my friends wherever we want. So much freedom...
What is it that you particularly like about filming?
I am not sure what I like about it... The process of filmmaking is always new and evolving. It's never boring. I still get excited during the "golden hour", you know, just as the sun rises or sets. I just love that time for filming.
I like this clip because Carl Labelle and I took this old refrigerator from some random guys house near my house. We transported it the same spot that Geoff Dermer skates in his Port Moody Blues video part. Carl learned back 180 nosegrinds that day and then some how he managed to do flip into one with a revert. Carl is amazing, I wish that he was still skating. - Jarvis
How hard is it to be a filmer, for real?
Well, skateboard filming can be both easy and painfully hard. I could write an essay and bore everyone with my bullshit. Some people think all we're doing is just pushing a red button and that's it. There are no frills being a Canadian skateboard filmer. You have to budget everything, be organized, know all the skate spots, know the tricks that have been done, find good music, buy and learn new software and hardware, track down payments, and tons of other shit. It's actually a lot of work with little benefit. But I guess I owe skateboarding a lot and I want to pass the fruits onto the next generation.
What was the first video you ever made, from start to finish?
The first full-length skate video I made is called The Substance. It has parts with Jordan Hoffart, Dustin Montie, Nathan LaCoste, Randy Monchalin, Scott Reid, Mike Chalmers and Russ Milligan. It got released in 2001. I just made it because I wanted to. I lived in Abbotsford for a few years and then moved to North Vancouver, so I just filmed with all these skaters all along my skateboard journey.
Out of all the movies that you've made, which is your favorite?
I don't really like any of them... I find so many faults in my work. The only video I am proud of is the video I made for my mother's 50th birthday. I found all those old photos of her at my grandmother's house and made a video collage. Family is so important in life and it is easy to forget sometimes.
I have been filming with Dustin Montie for countless years now. I have so many clips with him. I think this clip at Hasting's 3 Block is probably the best filmed shot I have of him. I like how clean he lands the hard flip. -Jarvis
Now that we know about your past projects, what are working on right now?
I am currently working on another skate video called City Of New Lights with Ryan Bonnell, Micky Papa, Dustin Montie, Lee Saunders, Josh Clark, Spencer Hamilton, Chad Dickson and a long list of Canadian homies.
How will this project be different from your last one?
It's not gonna be too different from Yesterday's Future, but it will have more personality. City Of New Lights is a personal project, so my only intent is to make a skate video that is enjoyable and memorable.
What makes a good filmer?
The same thing that makes a good person: passion and patience.
This clip of Warren Ouinjan is my favorite skate line I filmed. We were skating back to my car after the Vancouver fireworks in English Bay. We thought it would be cool to skate the middle of Robson Street with all these people walking by. You can hear the girls scream as Warren pulls out his bag of flip tricks. - Jarvis
Who wakes up first: the filmer or the person being filmed?
Usually the skater went out drinking the night before, but sometimes the filmer pulls an all-nighter edit, so it depends.
Who are your favorite people to film with? Why?
Chad Dickson is always a good time. When he wants to go filming he puts out his best and takes direction very well. Ryan Bonnell is another person; he is always mellow like me. But I think my favorite skater I've filmed with is Carl Labelle. Carl is like an Energizer battery. He constantly bursts energy. He skates fast, skates tech and always has a smile. He doesn't have an attitude or a worry. He deserves more recognition.
Do you have a favorite skate video of all time?
There's only one video: Mouse.
Do you have a favorite road trip to date?
My trip to South Korea last fall is my favorite trip so far. I got an invitation from a friend to bring three skaters to compete in the Tre-X Games. Flight and food were all paid for, so I brought Spencer Hamilton, Micky Papa and Dustin Montie. We were only there for a week, but it was hella good to see new places and meet new faces. Plus my girlfriend was there, so that is a bonus.
Is there anything else in life that makes you happy other then what we've talked about above?
There are countless things that make me happy: The hugs I get from my nephew and niece whenever I see them, my girlfriend's kisses after a horrible day, high-fives after someone lands a trick after trying it for days, the sound my car makes when I shift into fifth, first try kickflips, John Williams' soundtracks, when a plan comes together, and fade- to-blacks.
Shout Outs?
Thanks to all those people that still pay for their videos and all those companies that support the production of skate videos. Go to cityofnewlights.com.
Last question: Have you ever had your camera gear stolen?
Negative. I am an ugly motherfucker. No one wants to deal with me.
Demo reel, 2008.
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An Inside Look: Brian Caissie, Part 2: Video
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