JÉRÔME TANON'S "THE ETERNAL BEAUTY OF SNOW BOARDING"

Three years ago, French photographer Jérôme Tanon fixed a video camera to the top of his photo camera in an effort to document every up, down and in-between of the video part filming process. Producing a full part is incredibly demanding, often requiring zen-like patience from all involved, and Mr. Tanon felt it was time for a candid examination of what exactly this long road entails. The end result, to be released next fall, will close the gap between perception and reality and likely offer as many questions as it does answers to one of our most revered traditions.

jerome_set_up_small.jpg
Jerome Tanon, double threat guy

Please introduce yourself for those who are not paying attention.
- I am Jérôme Tanon. I have been shooting snowboarding for about 8 years now. I grew up in France and now I live in Annecy. 

You started filming for this project 3 years ago. Did you know at that time what you were going to do with all the footage?
- Yes, I had a rough idea of doing exactly this; but nobody believed me. 

Do people get bummed when you are literally filming "all" the time?
- Yes, sometimes, but they get used to it pretty quickly. And actually, they don't care too much. They find it funny.

scan_p67_delta3200_220_grego_campi_naked_run_hd_small.jpg
If there ain't nudity, it ain't the full picture

What's the longest (time-wise) you think you've waited around for someone to get a shot?
- On a rail mission, it is not uncommon to have a guy send more than 50 tries on the same trick. The more tired he gets, the less chances he has to stomp it. In the backcountry, I have seen guys try a double cork the whole season on five different kickers before stomping it clean. So it could be hours, or it could be days...

We love a lot of things about the film, particularly your honesty. Do you think there will be people who interpret your candid take on what we do as too negative? 
- Yes, they might. But in the end it's going to be a real love declaration toward snowboarding, and the end of the movie, hopefully, should be very positive. That's if I can get people to watch all my crap to the end!

f5_hp5_594_victor_delerue_poppy_tomahawk_hd_small.jpg
Generally speaking, ya win some, and lose a whole bunch


Is there too much disconnect between what actually happens to film a video part and what the public thinks happens? Does that matter?
- I think it matters, because one can truly appreciate the shots he is seeing when he know how they have been made, and what it takes to get them. There is quite a disconnect - watching a video part makes you feel like these guys land everything they try in epic style. In truth they suck most of the time, and by contrast, that's why we are so stoked to watch a hammer.

It's uncommon for a filmmaker to ask such honest questions of their own habits. Is this solely because we think this won't sell, or are we afraid to look that closely sometimes? 
- I think it's rare to take a few steps back and question your environment. I tend to do this with my life and my surroundings, which brought me to make this movie. We ride. We shoot. We get likes on Facebook. We don't really think too much about the whole picture. That's because we are so passionate about snowboarding that it takes all the possible room in our lives.

f5_hp5_338_victor_delerue_super_fish_man_riding_down_glacier_followcam_hd_small.jpg
And then there are these surreal moments of vindication

I think it's easier today than ever to avoid such self-examinations. Would you agree?
- Maybe you are right, yeah. In today's world, you literally never have one second without anything to do. If you do, you pull out your phone and refresh Instagram. You don't get to wait half an hour for the bus, stare at nothing, and eventually ask yourself questions. That's something quite crazy about today.

There is a shot in the teaser where everyone is sitting around on their cell phones. Do you think we are close to a world where technology fully controls humans? Are we already there?
- I wouldn't say it controls us. I say we let it take such a huge part in our lives because as humans we are fundamentally lazy. What is remarkable is that those riders who spend so much time on their phones are also always outside trekking between the seasons, surfing, camping and hiking around. Snowboarders might not be the worst out of everyone when it comes to lagging on the phone, but we have a strong Instagram culture.

f5_160vc_361_one_more_block_crew_hd_small.jpg
Brick by brick, shot by shot. Enjoy the process

What is the end goal of "The Eternal Beauty of Snowboarding"? Is there something particular you are looking to accomplish or a statement you hope to make?
- I don't have all the answers to my questions, and I hope to find them when putting all my shots together and looking at it with a fresh eye. And we'll answer these together. I'll try not to be biased, like in a philosophy exam. 


Despite the hassles of filming a part and the things we do in the process (massive traveling, shoveling, hiking, etc.), which normal people would probably find absurd, the subjects in your teaser appear to be having the time of their lives. What is it about snowboarders that makes this so?
- Man, good point! Is it a drug? Is riding down a plank of wood so insanely sick to do that it's worth all the hassle? We might have to conclude with a yes.

natura_bergger400_545_manuel_diaz_garrett_warnick_roadtrip_tatamobile_hd_small.jpg
Diaz, Warnick and the open road

Some would argue that these sacrifices are not worth the reward. Why would you disagree?
- Those are the guys who go on to ride pow and don't care about the scene, filming, or shooting. And they are the happiest people I know. Not every rider has the will to make video part, to be professional about it, because they have another balance in life.

Finally, within this madness, is there anything truly beautiful?
-  I think so, but that does not count. We have to prove it. 

We've got a feeling that the end product will indeed have a positive message, showing the true commitment and the pure energy and passion it takes to produce the parts we love so much. Where and when can we find out?!
- Next fall! I'd love to take it to some festivals. How fun would it be to premiere it between Absinthe and the next Travis Rice movie?!

poster_final_2000_small.jpg
Stay tuned