The Great Digression. A project envisioned, directed, and executed by Kyle Schwartz.

"The Great Digression delves into the juxtaposition of our snowboard identity with our more personal, individual selves. We often identify to each other as “snowboarders” without further consideration for deeper connection, and this first piece with Travis Parker highlights topics that remain largely uncovered in our day-to-day world of pleasantries. 
From the outside, Travis Parker always seemed to be the one who had it all. He was incredible at snowboarding, a centerpiece of the best films, created a rich brand, and just made it all just look fun. But as we may know from other similarly brilliant personalities, those who project outward happiness and remarkable talent are sometimes unable to communicate the true difficulties of their lives. Mental illness is a phantom disability that can plague a person’s life and relationships without the visual clues that coincide with other ailments. In our snowboarding community, as elsewhere, these issues often estrange those who most need our support. Travis has given such a great deal to snowboarding and with the immense courage that he has put into this pilot episode of The Great Digression, he continues that legacy."
-Pat Moore

"I couldn’t be more proud of Travis for opening up for this honest conversation. As usual, he’s leading the charge into uncharted territory. Mental health issues are so stigmatized in our culture, and this unfortunate stigmatization creates a massive roadblock to the flow of information and education, effectively blocking downstream actions like connecting people with the care they need. This edit fires a bazooka at the roadblock of mental health stigmatization. It lowers the barrier-to-entry for diving into life-saving conversations, and is undoubtedly one of the most badass and influential things Travis has put down on film."
-Jesse Grandkoski   

"The Great Digression is a short film series about getting to know the people we look up to and admire in snowboarding, legends, young bloods, and seasoned veterans alike. It's a temporary departure from the main subject, told through thoughts, ideas, art, and advice. Humanizing these beloved characters with relevant and relatable life curve balls that go beyond the snow, but always returning to the main subject that bonds us together. The outcome of each episode is intended to provoke positivity through our common struggles as human beings. I personally owe so much to snowboarding and its community, for it has given me purpose and endless passion. The Great Digression film series is my way of giving back to a community that has given me so much. I'm really excited for the journey it takes us all on. Thank you for taking the time to check it out."
- Kyle Schwartz