Shoot to Thrill: Interview Sessions with Brian Cassie

This is the first of the Interview Sessions from the Red Bull / Color Mag contest called: Shoot to Thrill. Welcome Brian Caissie, the photographer of the winning team and also talented artist, impressive photographer and not to mention photo editor behind Concrete Magazine in Canada. Checkout his blog at Bneeth.com

Red Bull: When the Benny came to you with the concept, and considering you have a eye for film/photo/skate motion, did you add some idea's that altered the final video?

Brian Cassie: Not very much to be honest, they're all so talented. That and they had the whole thing planned out quite well on the day of shooting. Before hand we spoke of a lot of spots, which skaters and the general idea. It all came together very fast.

RB: How was it working with Benny on such a great project?
BC: I knew right away that it would be done right. He has a lot of expierence with skateboarding and standard films as well so i knew we could mash them together well. A lot of skateboard filmers have an eye for filming action but not portraits and a script.

RB: Did you have an idea that you guys would win?
BC: It was a possibility for sure. With the skaters we had, filmers and editors it was going to be a good project for sure. Some of the other teams definatly scared me though as canada has some amazing talent.

RB: About your photos, what format did you primarily use?
BC: I used 2 different digital cameras and medium format film as well.

RB: Magnus said that you guys filmed/shot way more then what was in the film, do you have any of those photos and were they used in the Color Magazine?
BC: We shot probably twice as much, but with the 5 minute maximum we had to cut out a lot. My favourite photo that never got used was a doubles ollie of Machnau and Ryan down the Black double. I stood at the bottom of the set with my fisheye and they both ollie and landed on each side of me. The photo is timmed as they are both at their peaks of the ollie. I was worried that one of them would kick out their board at my shins.
RB: You actually won the first year's STT about 3 years ago when it was soley a photo contest. What's your thoughts on how STT has evolved since the first one and where do you see it going?
BC: Yea I really like the new format of having both. It's sort of two contest's in one. As for the future we'll see. Maybe with the new cameras out there that film and shoot stills they could be used for next years contest? Or you could do a multimedia movie of just stills but edited to music and vocals. I would like to see that.

RB: How are you spending your winnings? What new products are you getting?
BC: Mostly just 4×5 film and lots of instant film for it as well.

RB: Who were some personal favorites from the event?
BC: I think just having Machnau there saved us quite a few times. He's older than the other guys but is always so excited to skate and takes charge of a session if it starts to fizzle out. Super motivator. That and having John Hanlon around is always amazing, he's super funny.

RB: Since you and and the team (Magnus, Decenzo and Machnau) are such good friends. How was it working with them, and do you remember any problems you guys had during the 3 days while making the film?
BC: No real problems. Ryan rolled his ankle the first 15 minutes of the first day which was bad. I think he was learning impossibles or something.

RB: Do you think Concrete Magazine will ever do something like this?
BC: Not sure yet, maybe a "Make a magazine" contest in 72 hours! Yikes, that would be a deadline nightmare actually.

RB: In closing, what are you working on next personally as a photographer?
BC: Actually , I'm working on a big photoshow in March that will have a lot photos. That should be a fun night. Also slowly in the works of putting my first photobook out as well. That's been on the back burner for over a year but is looking really good.