A journey of blood, sweat, and asbestos.
Mike Hom reached out to me in early May about the idea of coming out to the 5 year anniversary of Vertigo for the opportunity to shoot a sampler highlighting some of the local gems of Philadelphia. Inspired by dynamic and creative music, skate, and breakdancing videos, we knew we needed a one of a kind spot to realize our vision. With the help of Nick Decola and Jess Fielo, we took 5 different cameras to the streets to find a worthy location.
There was word of an abandoned factory, renowned for its exploration, film, and graffiti by the locals that seemed like the perfect canvas for the vision.Initial impressions had us rather concerned of the overall safety of the place as we walk by a large sign readibg "Asbestos Co", but nevertheless we continued down the rail road tracks to a small hole in the fence leading to a pitch black basement floor. Cautiously making our way through the darkness, the initial goosebumps gave way to awe as we stumbled upon a single beam of light filtering through a broken window that would become our first scene. But it was on the upper floors that the true magic unfolded – an expansive open floor filled with light leaks, graffiti, and industrial scenery like the grungiest film set imaginable. 
With every shot and additional level, the factory felt like a video game with surprises at every turn. Overwhelmed by the possibilities, we realized the project couldn't be completed in a single day. Undeterred, we returned the next day with a well-thought-out plan, ready to conquer the dust, glass, and nails once again. 
Throughout the shoot, the mixed media approach added a captivating dimension to the footage. Grungy film scans, the bloom filter on the Fuji, and the dynamic use of handheld and gimbal shots worked harmoniously to create a dynamic viewing experience that had us all geeking out. 
Despite the hazardous conditions of the shoot, we were thrilled with the results. The experience deepened my love for tricking and its cinematic potential. It was moments like these that sums up the passion – growing, exploring, and creating with like-minded individuals. 
Walking into that factory felt like stumbling into a gathering for the first time. The feeling of discovery, of finding something we didn't know we wanted but needed all along. 
As the project came to a close, we were filled with excitement to begin unloading the footage and sculpting a timeline. Nothing has gotten me quite as fired up as the feeling of walking away from that factory knowing we just filmed an absolute banger in a place that would give most people tetanus. 
In the end, this passion project took a turn for becoming one of my favorite experiences ive had creating a tricking sampler. And if you ask me, we would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
