Why is the Australian Volcom team making a video?
There was talk around the Volcom Australia crew about how good the team is, and how we should make a video, so hey presto here we are then. It’s been in the works for a year now and we have been filming all over. We just got back from
Thailand and I was in New Zealand before that. The video is kinda like Dustin’s project, him and Peanut (team manager) are editing it now as we speak.
Why are you even in this Australian production, when you’re from a country that’s four hours away by plane?
Well, Volcom AU is the same as Volcom NZ. They do both countries from Australia because there is not enough money or market for NZ to have its own HQ (I’m guessing). So I’m just like the Kiwi on the team. I live in Australia, mostly because there is not enough going on in New Zealand, I mean there is only three million in NZ and 20 million here, and in Wellington where I come from; it rains sideways for most of the year.
What’s the title?
We have just changed the name of the film from “Beyond Thunderstone” to “Let’s Live”. I’m more psyched on the “Let’s Live” name myself. The video will also have a special dedication to Shane Cross (RIP). Apart from Shane, Jake Duncombe, Chima Ferguson, Lewis Marnell,
Dustin Dollin, Joe Pease, Shane Azar, and myself will all have full parts. There will also be guest parts from Rune Glifberg, Mark Appleyard, Nick Trapasso, Darrel Stanton and others from the U.S. stone family. Volcom U.S. is also the distributor of the film. Jake and Chima will blow minds in this video.
Who’s your favourite and least favourite team member to go filming with?
The best guy is the team photographer Mapstone, and the worst would have to be Dustin. He can be torture sometimes.
Do you all have to skate to Australian music?
Yeah, we have to use local music, but I’m a Kiwi so I’m using this NZ band called the “Mint Chicks”. They’re kind of like post punk indie power pop. I hope no-one chooses any Aussie hip hop. It’s the worst!
Chris Wood will be frontside flipping to the Mint Chicks in "Let's Live".
Will people be sick of seeing the golden Flinders Street Station rail after this film?
Haha, nah, I don’t think that rail will be in it.
Why is Volcom so big in Australia?
Maybe because they make the best clothes and have the best team.
If you could choose any Australian or NZ skater to have a part in the film, who would it be?
Either Cale Nuske or Dennis Durant.
What are you plans for promoting “Let’s Live”?
We are doing a premier tour in July. We’ll be visiting all major Australian cities, Auckland, LA and NYC (when the Brooklyn Banks contest is on). Then Jake, Dustin and Chima will be driving across the states, doing premieres all over. Hopefully me, Azar and Choi (filmer) will head to Europe after New York.
Are you excited about the whole project?
No, no. Not at all.
See Chris Wood's personal pictures and comments from the Thailand trip:
here.