Q&A with Taylor Hanley

How did you first get into filming and what made you start to focus more on that than riding?
I started helping my good friend Dusty (Dustin O’ferrall) shoot for a part he was looking to make. So he taught me the basics and from there I got into it pretty quick. I was constantly on the internet researching, trying new techniques, and figuring out how to master every camera I was working with. Also I wouldn’t necessarily say I shoot more then I ride now, I just enjoy doing it more now.

You’ve got a pretty cool collection of old film cameras, how does that play a role in your filmmaking and do you still use any on current projects?
Yea it’s a bit of an obsession (laughs). I like deciding how I’m going to shoot something based on the camera I’m using or footage I’m trying to match up. I find every format has a certain style, so it’s fun to get creative and sometimes you don’t know how things are going to turn out with film. But I’m usually really happy when the footage comes back from being developed, film produces the best spectrum of colors.

What is the best part about filming wakeboarding and wakeskating?
Being at a winch spot and after 8 hours your buddy stomps his trick and you nailed the shot.

What is the hardest part about filming wakeboarding and wakeskating?
Not getting the shot, or getting the camera wet.

What’s your favorite project you have worked on?
Everything I’ve worked on has been fun in one way or another. I try to keep every piece unique in its own way. I was pretty happy how “Humanoid & Friends” turned out, also “The Recipe” and “Nahunta”.

What’s your greatest accomplishment?
I would like to think I haven’t achieved it yet (laughs).

What’s in your camera bag these days?
It’s always changing but right now, Canon 60d, Canon 512 Super8, Sony trv-330 Digital8, 10mm fish, 24-105mm, 70-200mm, 1.4x extender, old Pentax 35mm for lens wacking, rode mic, custom handle I made for the fish, and a Manfrotto tripod.

Best travel partner?
That’s tough, probably Yan (Lecomte) because he’s prepared for everything, always wants to drive, and he’s a really mellow guy. I think a lot of people would agree with me on that.

Highlight of your career?
I would say the people that really appreciate the work/time you put into a project.

Favorite place cinematography has taken you?
Probably the Philippines for the first time. It was cool traveling around with the Slingshot guys, and its always fun shooting with Steffen (Vollert).

To see more videos from Taylor, check out https://vimeo.com/user5200206