We really only started talking seriously about doing the video in August this year when we realised that Joel, Ash and Mike were all sitting on a minute or so of footage each. We thought it would be rad to do something based on those three Brisbane based guys, then feature all the rest of the team dudes as well. So it’s all come together really quickly.
Once the boys knew it was on, they started going hard! As with any video process, it’s had its ups and downs, but overall it’s been a great experience. The highlight for sure was our trip to Newcastle. While not the first spot crew think of when going somewhere to film a video, there are actually a tonne of spots and having a tour guide like Russ Grundy meant it was super productive. We’re stoked for everyone to see what we’ve been working on. I’m really happy with how the video came together. Matt O’Sullivan killed it on the graphics, Aydan Crick edited it together beautifully and I’m stoked for the world to see just how good these guys are!
BEN VENTRESS: PROJECT DISTRIBUTION BOSS-MAN
MIKE LAWRY | 28 | NORTHGATE, BRISBANE [FAKIE FLIP]
What do you even say about Lawry? The dude has more ledge tricks than Ali G has pubes and ain’t afraid to throw himself down some heavy terrain. Off the board Lawry is one of the most morally sound dudes I have ever met and has overcome a lot of ‘not ideal’ situations in his time to be where he’s at now, a true G.
There was a pretty quick turnaround to film and make this clip, how did you find the whole process?
I just find it fun and natural to film, cos’ that’s just what I do every weekend anyway [Laughs]. It was great when I started to get a bit of stuff together and even better when the other guys started getting stuff.
Does a trick come to mind that was a major battle for you?
Oh yeah, my last trick. The nollie back heel in Newcastle. I remember lying on the ground and in my head I just knew I was done. Then Russell Grundy ran over and picked me up, dusted me off and pushed me back up the stairs. I got it next shot. If it wasn’t for him I would have given up.
MIKE | FRONTSIDE BLUNT, GHETTO-BIRD OUT
You work in the Project Distribution warehouse too right?
Yeah, it doesn’t feel like work though, being in there with all your mates.
Growing up in Brisbane, was there a particular local who inspired your skateboarding?
Well, I actually grew up in Launceston, Tasmania, but moved to Redcliff, when I started skating. Back then I got into the video Non Regulation Fun by Kwala and really liked Jon Lorcan, Aaron Rowe and Jay Musk.
Talking favourites, who’s your favourite current rider on a Project brand?
Way too many to answer that. But I just grew up being all about everyone on Alien who skated in Photosynthesis.
Queenslanders are known for their Queensland pride. What’s your theory on this?
Well, having not been born here, I might have a bit of a different take on it. But I feel like there’s not as many spots up here compared to Sydney and Melbourne, and also most of the industry is located down there too, so everyone up here just hangs together and makes the most of it.
ASH LINAKER | 20 | LOGAN, BRISBANE [CROOKS]
Being a couple of years younger than me I watched Ash grow up at the Alex Heads skatepark on the Sunshine Coast. He was the little freak kid hooning around fucking shredding the scoot, BMX & skateboard but with a bit of guidance from the boys found his niche and is carving a name for himself out here in Bris! His skating looks so natural it’s a beautiful thing to watch
There was a pretty quick turnaround to film and make this clip, how did you find the whole process?
Yeah, only six months to film and I kind of started a fresh, because before that I’d been filming for the Bay clip. I’m pretty satisfied with how it all went, but like with any video there are always ups and downs. Like when you only have the weekend to film and you don’t get anything and then that happens again the next weekend, and the whole time in the back of your head you’re just thinking “Damn, I only have six months!”
Does a trick come to mind that was a major battle for you?
Not really? Oh, There was this one rail that I thought was destined to be my last trick. I went there a bunch of times, kooked it, got hurt and it never ended up happening. Mind battles…
All three off you work in the Project Distribution warehouse too right?
I was there working last Christmas, but I think my griptape skills weren’t quite up to scratch, so I got the flick [Laughs] But the other boys are still there.
ASH | 360 SHOVE-IT
Growing up on the Sunny Coast, was there a particular local who inspired your skateboarding?
Guys like Adam Dawes and Woody Butwilowsky were the guys I looked up to.
Talking favourites, who’s your favourite current rider on a Project brand?
Chima, Nugget, Dane… They’re the first that come to mind.
Queenslanders are known for their Queensland pride. What’s your theory on this?
The State of Origin, and the fact all the Brisbane skaters have all their little crews and gangs, but they all just hang out together. It’s a great scene.
ASH | FRONTSIDE FEEBLE
JOEL WILSHERE | 23 | KELVIN GROVE, BRISBANE [POP-SHOVE-IT]
Limpy from Gympie. Hailing from the old gold mining town just north of the Sunny Coast, where the spots are rough and the people are even rougher, has given him the ability to handle any situation or spot and disregard his bodies aches & pains. He will literally huck for hours.
There was a pretty quick turnaround to film and make this clip, how did you find the whole process?
It was pretty hectic at times. I had a few injuries when we got started and that made it a bit of a struggle, but I managed to pull a little something together. It was still a whole lotta fun though, and I’m really hyped on how all the boys did considering the short time frame.
Does a trick come to mind that was a major battle for you?
Yeah, for sure. I ollied this wheelchair ramp just by Red Tile in the city and that thing was a nightmare. Kind of a down hill run-up to a slight up-hill kicker that you barely call a kicker. It had an over grown bush hanging out of the garden right where you have to sharply carve to the left into a strip of skate stoppers. So, once you bash through this bush, you slide on some skate stoppers then have to pop over the rail there’s a little brick wall you gotta clear as well, I kneed myself in the chin a bunch of times trying get over it. Like I said, that was a nightmare.
JOEL | BACKSIDE FLIP
All three off you work in the Project Distribution warehouse too right?
Lawry and myself do at the moment, Ash came through a couple times and helped out the boys. I love working with the homies and being surrounded by the thing you love
Growing up in Brisbane, was there a particular local who inspired your skateboarding?
Definitely Dennis (Durrant), he’s the man!
Talking favourites, who’s your favourite current rider on a Project brand?
Mike Lawry for sure!! He’s a straight killer on and off the board. Definitely my favourite person to skate with as well cause he gets me motivated and hyped to try new things
Queenslanders are known for their Queensland pride. What’s your theory on this?
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