By Jessie Rosenfeld
Staff Writer
As skateboarders land tricks and turn 180°’s on the streets of the western states, seniors Andrew Freeman and Ryan Lee capture every twist and turn.
Freeman and Lee have been filming different skateboarders between the ages of 17 and 22 throughout the western United States for two years. Recently, they compiled their clips, making a highlight reel of the best tricks and falls they captured.
They transformed the highlight reel into a full-length film, “Goosenectar,” which premiered at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse on April 25.
“The purpose of the film is to showcase these young adults’ skateboarding talents to a large audience and show how amazing some people’s talents are,” Freeman said.
The film consists of three to five-minute features on South Bay skateboarders, including Kevin Baekel, Jared Cleland, Julian Heller, Shane Fithian, Sean Imes, Cooper Latimer, Louie Lopez, Alec Majerus, Jack McNulty, Mason Silva and Steve Swanson. The featured skateboarders are sponsored by companies, such as Vanguard Skate Shop, Converse, Vans and Volcom.
“It was a great experience,” Silva said. “I have been friends with everyone involved for a while, so the filming process was relaxed.”
According to Lee, skaters can use “Goosenectar” as a part of their resumé. They can show companies clips from the film with the hope of getting sponsored and recognition while on the road to becoming a professional skater.
“The film is mostly for the skateboarders,” Lee said. “It does have its advantages for Freeman and I, but I started because I wanted to help my friends.”
When Freeman was five, his brother introduced him to skateboarding, and when he turned 14, he bought a small camera and started filming. Two years ago, Freeman created his first full-length skateboard film, “Disorganized Fun.” Along with filming skateboarding, Freeman has filmed and edited several commercials and promotional videos for companies like Analog Clothing, Gravis Shoes, Filmbot Grip, Nothingtowear, The Skateboard Mag and Subtle Luxury.
“I love filmmaking because I find it amazing how we can capture time in the form of a movie,” Freeman said. “I love history, and the camera is the best advancement to this day.”
Lee started skateboarding when he was in middle school, but he found his true passion when he picked up a camera and started filming his friends. Freeman started working on “Goosenectar” in April of 2012. In August of 2012, Freeman brought Lee on board to help film “Goosenectar” after Lee captured a skater completing a trick that Freeman wanted to feature in the film.
“I was at the premiere of the ‘Disorganized Fun,’ thinking that I really wanted to make one of these,” Lee said. “This is the thing that a skateboard filmer wants to do; make your own full-length video.”
Freeman and Lee traveled to cities such as Phoenix, San Francisco, Palm Springs, and Sacramento, and different parts of Los Angeles and Orange County to get footage. Once they had all of their footage, Freeman began the editing process and soon, “Goosenectar” was completed.
“There are a lot of people who want to see this new footage of skateboarders,” Lee said. “It is pretty interesting being able to deliver footage of skaters and to get people to want to skate more and support more companies.”
A total of 470 viewers attended the premiere to watch the first screening of “Goosenectar.“ Prior to the premiere, The Skateboard Mag featured clips from “Goosenectar.” Freeman and Lee sold 100 copies at the premiere and are continuing to sell the footage for $7.50 at Spyder Surf in Hermosa Beach and Vanguard Surf and Skate in Torrance.
“I loved the final product,” Silva said. “Lee’s filming, along with Freeman’s editing, was awesome to finally see. They are committed to and passionate about what they do, and it shows while watching their video.”
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