Skateboarding
Skateboarding
How to film a skate video: A guide for skaters and filmmakers
If you want to encourage other skaters and share your latest trick, here’s everything you need to know about how to film a skate video.
Whether it’s a big production or someone trying a trick for TikTok, skating videos can range from gnarly to amateur. Aside from it being just plain fun to film a skate video or for a skate video competition like Red Bull No Rewind, it also spreads the excitement for skating.
Red Bull skater Torey Pudwill is a perfect example. He works hard every day to get others to “...be as stoked for skateboarding” like he felt as a kid.
Torey Pudwill at Red Bull Drop In Tour 2023 in Melbourne, Australia
© Andrew Peters / Red Bull Content Pool
Pudwill’s big skateboarding videography hits, including “Big Bang” in 2011 and its follow-up “TRUE” in 2014, are great inspiration to skaters of all skill levels. If you want to encourage other skaters and share your latest trick, here’s everything you need to know about how to film a skate video.
01
Equipment essentials for filming a skate video
Choosing a camera for your skate video
The evolution of video cameras in skateboarding has come a long way from the days of VHS tapes, Hi8’s, and mini DVs from the '70s. The love for sharing a cool trick, however, remains unchanged. Today, skaters are still passing around cameras (or phones) to film their friends pulling off incredible moves.
A professional crew might use high-definition 6k cameras. A DSLR is one of the best cameras for skate videos, but a sports action camera is also a great budget-friendly option. You can also get great results with any smartphone with a current-enough camera. Whichever camera you choose, you’ll be recording a lot of data-heavy video, so make sure you’ve got plenty of memory.
When choosing your camera, look for a high frame rate (such as 60fps or 120fps), which can catch quick action smoothly. Resolution is also something you can’t forget because the more detailed your shot looks, the more impressive the trick looks. A 1080p is full HD, but 720p is also high-quality.
Vladik Scholz
© Fine Lines / Red Bull Content Pool
Auto tracking and autofocus (AF) capabilities also ensure your subject, the skater, isn’t pixelated. While auto tracking enables automatic tracking of a moving subject, autofocus sharpens the image, so your subject is in crystal-clear view. Both are super helpful if you’re filming yourself and the camera is set up somewhere else.
Additional accessories for filming a skateboarding video
Other helpful assistants include extra microphones (background sound can keep your video intriguing) and a sturdy tripod or a gimbal to keep the camera steady. The more “hands” on deck, even if they’re just objects holding the camera, the better.
Also, make sure to play with lenses — there are lens attachments even for smartphones, too. For example, wide-angle lenses can make it easier to capture the whole trick. Experimenting with different lens points of view can inspire new shots and make your video one-of-a-kind.
02
Filming techniques
Variety is the spice of every skateboarding video. Yes, the fisheye lens still reigns supreme from the '90s. With today’s technology accessibility, though, there’s no reason not to experiment with other skate video techniques. For example, use different angles for the same trick and record it multiple times. Close-ups, cutaways, freeze-framing, and playing with playback speed also keep viewers interested.
If you’re running your production solo, there are a few tips that can help you still catch the right shots. A trusted tripod can make a big difference in setting up – and capturing – the shot. Make sure your smartphone or camera is connected correctly. Then, find your framing: make sure the lens can capture every part of your skateboard trick. Use tape or chalk to mark the spots you need to hit to stay in frame.
Red Bull LEDGEnd in Vienna, Austria
© Sebastian Weissinger / Red Bull Content Pool
If you’ve got a buddy or a whole crew with you, get them to film you while they’re skating alongside you. Following the skater is a super dynamic way to capture grinds or a few tricks in a row. Make sure you go over the game plan of tricks together so you don’t miss out on a shot. Shaking can be hard to avoid in motion, but whoever is filming needs to keep a steady hand.
There are plenty of times when lighting isn’t your friend when filming a skate video. This is where you can play with your camera’s exposure, shutter speed, and white balance. If you are able to plan for lighting, go for the “magic hour” when the sun is not too high. This happens shortly after sunrise and before sunset. This natural light gives a great glow and helps avoid oddly-long shadows.
03
Where should you film your skate video?
Preferably, you’ll find the right location to film your video before shoot day. This way, you can make sure there are multiple spots to film different tricks in good light. Most importantly, head to skater-friendly locations. Nothing ruins a shoot like getting kicked out or fined for trespassing. That’s why skateparks are a great setup. If your heart is set on another location, though, double-check to see if you need a permit.
When you’ve found your spot, look for interesting obstacles and unique backgrounds. And think about how to frame your tricks. Use the environment’s already existing objects, such as plant life or building structures, to help with framing. Remember that variety will make your video stand out.
04
Capturing the right moments
Red Bull Unlocked
© Tyrone Bradley/Red Bull Content Pool
Sometimes the magic of the moment isn’t the actual trick, but the before and after. This is where things happen you can’t authentically recreate. So when you’re shooting, capture as much cool footage as possible. Sometimes, you can anticipate where an action is going. But stopping the film too early may create an awkward jump cut within a scene, even if you hit record again. There’s nothing wrong with keeping your skate fails recorded for the final edit.
Think about the story you want to tell with your video and capture lifestyle shots that enrich the narrative. For example, is there a room and a need for interviews? Should your transitions incorporate the city you’re calling home? Think about the final product and plan for a list of content you want to catch. Just make sure you always keep rolling. B-roll footage can quickly turn into A+ shots, depending on when you cut.
05
Editing and post-production
Do your footage justice and invest time and effort into the skate video edit. Sure, there are professional programs such as Final Cut Pro, but they can be pricey. There are still beginner-friendly software programs that are free, such as Avidemux, iMovie, or Windows Movie Maker. If you play around enough, you can produce high-quality skate films with what’s already installed on your computer.
Video cameras in skateboarding
© Lukas Wagneter / Red Bull Content Pool
Sound and music also play a major role in your video. Think about the song you choose as a movie’s film score. The right soundtrack can add emotion, drama, or even comic relief. One important thing to keep in mind is to make sure you can use the music legally if you plan on publishing your video. Otherwise, social media platforms might pull it down.
There are also things to avoid or use very sparingly. For example, silly sound effects lose their impact when overused. Also, hearing the skateboard wheels the entire time can get boring. While skating is fun, take your video seriously so that others will, too.
Sharing and promoting your skate video
You have your final film — now what? Share it and get others stoked about it, too. YouTube, Instagram, and Vimeo are inherently ideal platforms to upload your content since they’re so visual in nature. If you want to catch the community’s attention, share your video to skate sites and blogs. Think about where you head for skateboard content online and see where your video fits into those realms.
Lights, camera, action
You’re almost ready for your close-up. A couple of last bits of advice — bring extra batteries so your gear doesn’t die on you, or make sure you’ve fully charged before shoot day. And last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to practice your big trick a few times before the camera starts rolling.
