12.08.2024
Images: Haruta
Phrases: 5
Captions: Gayle
A dream come true
Just a few weeks earlier than Taiwan’s (lunar) new 12 months vacation, I acquired information that my buddy Kenji from Japan was returning to Taiwan, and {that a} Nike SB shoot can be going down in the course of 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 individuals return to their dwelling cities to spend time with their households. The variety of individuals on the streets decreases and many of the safety guards within the buildings go dwelling. For skate boarders, this is a wonderful time since only a few individuals 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 means of the door, I couldn’t imagine my eyes. The skate boarders I had solely seen in movies had 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 occasions. I actually wished to ask if I might be 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 blissful.
My feelings had been blended – I used to be uncertain if my footage can be used – however I did my finest 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 appeared nice and appeared to love it very a lot. Due to Korahn’s phrases, I gained extra confidence in my filming.
Earlier than this journey, I assumed that skateboarding shoots can be critical, however unexpectedly, some individuals had been casually chatting about life, whereas others had been skating close by. I felt there was a form of tacit understanding between Will and the skaters, permitting them to create nice footage in a playful method. I’m very blissful to have participated on this journey. Due to 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.
