I get really excited when I see filmmakers make something that is subtle and feels real. It is really tough to do right.

Taylor Steele

Categorized in : See Something Real Tough

Things always evolve and change on location, especially due to the nature of travel and the waves. A lot of unexpected things happen. Often we get lucky, but we also find ourselves scrambling a lot, especially when we are looking for waves in the remote spots of those locations.

looking nature change travel

Running with the bulls was the scariest and craziest thing I have ever done.

ever thing craziest done

I loved the fact that Mitch Coleborn wasn't on my radar for 'Stranger than Fiction' until he sent 10 waves of himself to us. Then he went from unknown to having a great section in the movie.

waves us loved great

For me, storytelling is the most interesting part of movie making.

most me storytelling interesting

'Proximity' features four legends and four rising stars who each bring their own athleticism, thoughts, and experiences in this behind-the-scenes look at modern surfing.

thoughts look legends stars

I started surfing at 10.

started surfing

My parents had bought a video camera for us to film Christmases and other family events. I took it down to the beach, set up a tripod, and I would grab two other friends, and we'd take turns filming and surfing. Then, at the end of the day, I'd go home and I'd make a video for everybody to watch.

parents day family home

I would love to document all the interesting characters out on the East End. There are some really inspiring people - you can feel the creative energy out there.

feel you love people

The nice thing about working in surf films so long is becoming part of the surf tribe. Anywhere I go where there are surfers, I get welcomed pretty easily.

pretty go nice long

Our project goal was to push the boundaries of VR technology to show what a surf trip feels like from the first-person perspective. I'm excited to share this. It's pretty incredible knowing my mom can now experience riding a 20-foot wave.

perspective experience technology mom

I think there just needs to be an emotional attachment to the surfer, however you get that, so that, when you watch the surfing, you can relate to that person, or you're rooting for them, in a way.

person think you way

With talent so stacked on a project like 'Proximity' and so many intense locations explored, it's almost impossible to showcase every highlight in the confines of one film.

project like talent impossible

A lot of new stuff just isn't having the same impact as it used to when people would wait for a specific DVD or video to come out and then watch it over and over and over. Now, it's a two-minute clip online and forgotten the next day.

wait new day people

When I started, I was 18 and really into punk rock and just wanted the action. Over the years, I've gravitated towards the travel and experience around surfing and trying to relay that feeling. Going forward, I'm interested in story-driven and personality-driven themes.

feeling experience action travel

You've got the movie, distribution, and marketing. All are equally important, so educate yourself on how to do the best you can at each of them.

yourself best you important

It's not about the equipment. Be less concerned about what kind of camera you have and more about what kind of effect you're trying to accomplish. Finding an original take is much more important than what you shoot it with.

camera you important trying

I feel like surf films are something I go back to for some balance - to reset myself as a filmmaker. They're something I'll always gravitate towards.

feel go myself balance

Surf films should be completely different from a webisode. They should give the viewer different feelings and emotions.

give emotions different feelings

Making surf films for a living isn't my business anymore, so it's really more of a way to get creative and have a lot of fun with it.

creative business fun way

I was hoping that I could one day get a job at Quik or Billabong working on their videos. So I made 'Momentum' on a shoestring budget for fun and sort of a resume to work for others.

job day work fun