A true trailblazer in every sense of the word, Freeride Mountain Biker Brandon Semenuk prefers the path less traveled. More accurately, the non-existent path, and often the path with most resistance. Growing up racing bikes the Whistler-based pro athlete quickly mastered the usual courses. With a true 'If it doesn’t exist, build it' mentality, he ventured off the beaten path in search of a more creative space to ride. Deep in the woods, beyond the rules and regulations of conventional racing, Semenuk constructs his own courses to ride freely in an environment that's allowed him to become the 3-time FMB World Tour Gold Medalist that he is today.
In collaboration with friend and filmmaker Rupert Walker, Semenuk finds artistic expression on the long and winding dirt road to success. With their symbiotic work flow the two shine light on the creativity behind both freeride mountain biking and unconventional recreationalist who prefer to go their own way.
Rider: Brandon Semenuk Filmmaker: Rupert Walker Video by: Stefan Berrill Photography: Sterling Lorence
@scottsecco sorry to bother, but what cheap (really really cheap) setup to start filming would you recommend? to get like decent footage if it is possible. (camera and lens).
@rgaetek: Most smart phones shoot in 720 these days. Maybe get a refurbished or used GoPro and gimbal. Think about what you want to shoot and the style you want to shoot, then your budget, then start scouring the interwebs. Sometimes you gotta take a risk on ebay, but I highly recommend looking for refurbished items. Usually you get a warranty with them.
@bikesoverbritches: most smart phones shoot 1080p, so even better! slowmo on the iphone knocks it down to 720p though. @rgaetek if you want to get some unique footy, go with VHS. raw edits to the max, and cheap as hell.
@lyophilization: the Samsung Galaxy s7 has a great slo-mode and awesome pro mode that lets you customize everything from white balance to ISO. It's soooo nice. And, uh, it texts and calls and stuff
@rgaetek@Steezwhip Hey guys, always happy to answer any questions as best I can. If you're just starting out then I would echo @rgaetek's suggestion and pick up something like a Canon T5i or similar (buying used gear can be a good option to save money) with a lens that covers as much range as possible. The 15-55mm kit lens would be fine for learning the basics. For me personally, it was helpful to start out taking photos before moving on to video so I could understand what goes into composing a shot. DSLR's allow the option of doing both. Bringing a photography background into video will make your images better, it really is a ''motion picture'' you're making when filming. If you're looking for something a little more expensive then the Panasonic GH4 and Sony A7sII are both outstanding. Send me a message if you guys have any more questions. Hope that helps!
@scottsecco: Thank you so much! It's definitely motivating to get some guidance since there are so many choices, not only in gear, but also on the path that one tries to take to learn the most. I'm glad that I'm not the only one that is starting with photo, and then planning on transitioning over to film.
See this is where Semenuk wants to be. Everyone gives him grief because he "looks sad" in competitions, I'm sure winning is bitching but risking it in comps sucks. He's finally at the point where he's able to use his lifes work to create this kind of content and he seems way more at ease doing it. Every time he's not in a competition I'm actually happy because I know he doesn't always want to be there. He's a creative kid, competitions got him where he's at but now he's able to use his resources to do this kind of stuff comfortably. Nothing but admiration for those who get to this point. He has consistently set the bar a little higher for slope competitions since I started watching 4-5 years ago. I think it was the first Rotorura when he didn't land his final booter and didn't want to finish his second run where he brought combo tricks to the competitions, now everyone is doing them. Always on the forefront of new, this guy. We tried to follow him and paul genovese around a little at CGP, good f*cking joke. The kid rips on a big bike too.
Me and my buddies were riding that logging trail about a month ago during a friends bachelor-ride-trip and saw Brandon and Rupert trying to catch the sunset-shot ! didnt realize at first it was them. Stopped to say hello and a few pics. That trail is AWESOME ! i took a tumble halfway down but was having too much fun to notice. What a trip indeed !
someone should do a video about the creative person who was filming these creative people for this creative edit, and then another video about that guy.
I really enjoy watching Semenuk growing into his own and becoming much more than just a competitor. Its not too often you can find both innovation and talent from the same person. I dont think I have come across anything from Semenuk that wasnt exceptional. Keep up the good work!
So inspiring. Thanks for sharing this piece where you can honestly feel the connection between athlete, filmmaker and nature. It's team work from the moment you start thinking about a new project, a new line - with the ultimate goal to get out of your comfort zone and inspire others do create, ride and go outside. Thank guys !
One of the best riders alive, plus one of the best filmmakers; both with insanely creative minds, equals the craziest and sickest content to be coming out these days. Thank you to the both of you for doing what you're so good at.
it's great to see semenuk at the point where he can be creative in his very own way and make stuff like this happen, but yes the talk here is still awfully cliche. I wonder if they were stoked at all, though...
And, uh, it texts and calls and stuff