Cody Smith's "Shift" Premiere (Event)

Cody Smith's full length video, "Shift" represents the transition of one's proximity to California, as most of the skateboarders featured in this video have visited and/or made California their permanent home due to the unifying force of skateboarding. Some of their home states include Ohio, Indiana, New Orleans, Maryland, Tennessee, New York, Florida, Kentucky, London, and more! "Shift" is solely filmed and edited by Cody Smith, despite several second angle clips accredited by other filmers. Cody has previously released two full length videos, including Hood Pussy and Project Taco, which was a collaborative work that was also filmed and edited by Steven Page as well. Therefore, "Shift" marks Cody's first full length video to be produced individually. I am very proud of his hard work and dedication through filming and editing this piece, which is all deservingly so. The premiere of "Shift" had a swarming energy of unity and connectivity that I hope you can share with us too. The skateboarders featured in "Shift" include the following (listed in the order that they appear in "Shift"): Cody Smith, Terrence Williams, Joe Tocco, Cody Reigle, Shinya Masuda, Jace Johansen, Melissa Miller (me), Clay Stein, Aiden Hutchison, Andy Husley, Derek Clinger, Grant Moxely, Bryce Benifield, Micah Wu, William Gomez, Bryan Betz, Dylan Cahoon, Jim Bish, Adrian Sisk, Pero Simic, George Poole, Gaby Dos Santos, Jay Fairman, Nate Barker, Johnny Magana, Ruby Lilley, Sam Ogden, Ty Tarzetti, Nick Fuller, Pedro Deoliveira, Joel Espinal, Dan Corrigan, Dale Decker, Becker Dunn, Daniel Scales, Christian Dufrene, Marcos Montoya, Cody Heil, and Craig Edwards.

Linked below is the full video of "Shift" which is publicly accessible on YouTube as well. (Also keep reading for more details on the premiere itself and the artistic process of making "Shift").

-"Shift"-

-Cody Heil (@cody_heil) — Crook Tail Grab at Hollywood High-

This is the flyer for the premiere of "Shift". It premiered at the Goodbar and Eatery in Long Beach on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 8p.m. which was thus extended to the actual showing at 10p.m. Unforgettable is an understatement of this night. The energy and community that skateboarding brings is like no other, and the overall atmosphere of this premiere transcended to a surreal liveliness. It's incredible how many people are connected and united through the link of skateboarding— and that's what "Shift" is all about. Something special about the premiere of "Shift" is being personally stoked for one another's parts on the big screen. Being able to witness the hours, days, and even months of filming a clip is so rewarding to watch collectively as I have a deeper understanding of the energy that went into executing it. I'm really proud of everyone's drive, determination, and progress with skateboarding. Whether its filming a trick behind or in front of the camera, it can be mentally anguishing. There's a shared vulnerability between the skater, filmer, and observers (if there are friends on the session) that is expressed in the exposure of a skateboarder's core state. For instance, when Cody and I were filming my 50/50 in Oceanside, I was on the edge with my frustration. Dehydrated, dizzy, and weakened down by the excruciating sun, I revealed my most vulnerable state of self. Its in those delicate moments, that a powerful connection is formed. Cody saw me at my core, yet he understood, and somehow loves me still, and through this, just like other bonds, skateboarding is so explicitly intimate.

-Becker Dunn (@becker_dunn) — Boardslide-

In addition, I'd like to sincerely thank everyone who came out to the premiere of "Shift". Your support means layers to myself and everyone who's apart of it too. Watching back to back great parts with such great company embarks the premiere that is the most nearest and dearest to heart.

-Craig Edwards (@shredwards86) —Push-

-Cody Smith (@_smithcody) —Backside Flip-

-Ty Tarzetti (@tytarzetti) — Front Blunt-

-Terrence Williams (@nollienow) — Switch Varial Heel-

I am very humbled and honored to have a part in "Shift", thus marking my first part in any skate video. I've been skateboarding for about a year, and being able to film with Cody has given me a deeper appreciation for the endurance and artistic decisions (angles, lens, b-roll, etc.) that play a role in filming. Anyone who's filmed with Cody knows how patient and precise he is and how that is translated in his work. I owe my greatest thanks to him for teaching me how to skate and allowing me to be apart of "Shift".

-Tom Green as Colorado Skate Shop Owner from Grind-

-Johnny Magana's Intro with incorporations from The Shining-

The four images above signify some of the movie/TV references incorporated in "Shift". Cody added Tom Green's iconic scene from Grind (a skateboard movie that is one of our all time favorites), conversations with Beavis and Butthead (also including the Braski TV), the timeless encounter from The Shining, and allusions to It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. These popular references add a feel of familiarity and enjoyment to viewers. The making and production of "Shift" also enhances Cody's artistic approach. The introduction portrays a black and white montage of pushes from the parts of skateboarders in the film. Furthermore, all of the b-roll in "Shift" is in black and white, creating a distinction between clips, while simultaneously emphasizing the film's aesthetics. Moreover, Cody was very selective and successful in his choice of music. The soundtrack of "Shift" correlates not only with the skating itself, but also with who the skateboarders are in accordance with the song. These are some of the artistic elements that makeup "Shift".

-(left) me and (right) Shannen Robinson (@freck.le) — Watch and you'll find out-

-Cody Heil (@cody_heil) — Face to Concrete-

-Joe Tocco (@joetocco_) — Just Being Joe-

A Special Moment—I wanted to share the memory behind that photo that is very fond to me. To the left, Johnny Magana, lands his ender of a switch hand plant. That alone was already an incredible experience to witness, but the emotional/spiritual component behind it is even more remarkable to me. After Johnny landed his ender, he facetimed Cody Heil, expressing that the motivation that finally get him to commit was through his mom, Jeannie, passed away this last year. It tears me up every time I think about it. There's nothing more true and more empowering than the bond through skateboarding. There's a brotherhood not through blood, but through the board, bringing them even closer than blood. (As you notice in the intro, "Shift" is also dedicated to Jeannie— you belong among the wildflowers).

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