From abandon halls to a packed House of Vans Event in Detroit
When the call came to film the House of Vans Event at the abandoned Jefferson Intermediate School in Detroit, I knew I was in for a unique and thrilling experience. Little did I know that this project would take me on a journey through empty halls, abandoned lockers, and eerie, dark bathrooms months before the event unfolded in the following year. The challenge was not just to capture visuals but to tell a story of a space frozen in time, with the echoes of its past still resonating in the present. This pice of the video was used to promote the upcoming House of Vans event in Detroit. At the time, I had no idea why exactly I was filming this abandon school for Vans.
Navigating a Million-Dollar Ghost Town
Despite the school’s abandonment, the Jefferson Intermediate School was far from deserted. Heavy surveillance kept a watchful eye on the property, a reminder that even in its dilapidated state, this building held substantial value. It was a surreal experience to roam through the school’s hollowed halls, capturing the haunting beauty of its decay while constantly aware of the watchful eyes on the other side of the lenses. The building featured an indoor basketball court in great condition, with hoops hung at each end.
From Abandoned Halls to Social Media Stardom
The footage captured during the pre-event exploration didn’t just fade into the archives. Vans recognized the power of the visuals and utilized them in social media teasers leading up to the grand House of Vans Event. The juxtaposition of a forgotten educational institution becoming the canvas for an iconic skateboarding event added layers of intrigue, creating a buzz that echoed across digital platforms.
Braving the Cold for the Main Event
As the main event approached, a cold and snowy weekend in February set the stage for the House of Vans spectacle. Tasked with filming a highlight reel for the event, I embraced the challenge of capturing the energy, skill, and camaraderie that define the world of skateboarding. The resulting highlight video aimed to not only document the event but to encapsulate the spirit of a community coming together in the name of skate culture.
The Drop Heard ‘Round Detroit
In the midst of the skateboarding competition, a standout moment emerged—a skater determined to land a drop off the backboard. It was a heart-pounding scene that demanded persistence and precision. As a filmmaker, I had to stick with it, navigating the adrenaline and anticipation to ensure the shot was captured flawlessly. This skater’s determination became the grand finale, a fitting end to an epic weekend that showcased Detroit as a thriving hub for skateboard culture.
The Future of Action-Packed Content
As I reflect on this unforgettable experience, I’m fueled by the desire to find myself in more positions to capture action-packed content that transcends the ordinary. The House of Vans Event at the Jefferson Intermediate School not only provided a canvas for visual storytelling but also opened doors to a world where abandoned spaces transform into vibrant stages for expression. Here’s to the thrill of capturing the next unforgettable moment, one frame at a time.
