Watch the 'Skate Juice 4' Full-Length and Exclusive Interview With Creator Brent Hyden

For as long as I can remember, I've always really admired homie videos. Like many of you, I had my crew growing up and we made a few of our own as well. Looking back, they were obviously pretty budget, but honestly... the times, memories and videos themselves are absolutely priceless as far as I'm concerned.

But we obviously aren't here to talk about me. We're to talk about Brent Hyden, the man behind the independent skate film series, Skate Juice . Having just wrapped up his fourth—and potentially final—full-length video, I reached out to this ambitious lensman (and ripping skater in his own right) to talk all things Skate Juice —past and present.

Four full-length videos is no small feat! What are you doing now that the video and premiere are over? Do you take the time to relax a bit or are you eager to get rolling on the next project?

Now that the premiere/screenings are over, and the video has been released I have been spending more time with family and setting up our new storefront located in Oceanside. After releasing projects in the past, I always felt sad when it was all over when it should be a time of celebration. This video around, I prepared myself to just let go after the release and be happy with what we collectively made. I am definitely enjoying some much needed downtime, but knowing myself I'm going to start feeling eager to get back to it here shortly.

Who are some of your influences when it comes to filming, editing, creating, etc. Both skate and non-skate?

Growing up I was influenced by the Shep Dawgs videos from Jacob Nuñez. Being raised in north county San Diego I saw a ton of recognizable spots in their videos. The skating, filming, editing and music was inspiring to me. My non-skate related influence would have to go to Martin Scorsese. His movies always felt so badass to me. The music, characters, culture and stylistic storytelling has left an unforgettable impact on me.

How long did it take to film SJ4 ? And was it a longer/shorter window than the others? What keeps you motivated to keep going?

We spent about 2 and a half years making SJ4 . This one took longer to feel complete to me. I didn't want to rush it just because our previous videos didn't take as long. Knowing that my friends and I have something special going on is what motivates us to keep it going and I know that a crew like this is hard to come by. It's not like we are a team of skaters that are forced to skate and film a video together. We have a brother/sisterhood, we all motivate each other and hold each other accountable which I really appreciate.

What would you say was different about filming Skate Juice 4 compared to the other three?

What was different about filming Skate Juice 4 was the amount of recognition we were getting at skate spots, parks and everywhere we went after the release of Skate Juice 3 . I took the same approach filming this one as I did with the other videos but knowing how much of an impact we made over time was an eye opener during the process of Skate Juice 4 .

There were some Skate Juice OGs in this video and a few new names. How do you choose who's going to have a full part in each video?

Ace Pelka and Gabe "Cannonball King" Gasanov are the 2 OG's that have filmed a part in every video. The lineup has gone through a few different phases since the beginning, but I can say it's stronger than ever now. Since Skate Juice is an organic thing and I'm not forcing a particular lineup, it all depends on who is producing enough footage within the time frame and who has the ability to film a part that they are proud of while also having other filming obligations for their sponsors.

Finding the time to produce a full video can be tough. It's no small feat, but you guys all really came through. Was it challenging to pull it off? Are you and the crew all working jobs and stuff?

Every Saturday and Sunday we would carpool from Oceanside to San Diego or Los Angeles. Some weekends we would film both days in LA, so after a long day in the streets on Saturdays we would head to Malibu, camp out, wake up and get back to it before heading home Sunday night. I got to know everyone's schedule during the week and would get out with them individually whenever I could. We would plot everything out days in advance rather than just winging it. During the beginning stages of the video, I would pick up Kento in Lemon Grove and take him to spots I knew of. He was living in San Diego as a foreign exchange high school student from Japan at the time. I knew that my time filming with him was limited so I took every opportunity I could with him.

Whose part was the easiest to film / whose part was the hardest?

I wouldn't say anyone's part was easiest or hardest to film. Each part presented different challenges to me in order to make something that everyone is individually proud of. I think it's extremely important to be flexible as a filmmaker, and to understand that everyone comes from different backgrounds. Knowing everyone on a personal level always comes first, the filming will come naturally after that.

Did you learn anything throughout the process of making these videos that you didn't expect to learn along the way?

There is so much I have learned in this endeavor of mine. I learned how to commit to something, to carry a vision from start to finish, to have faith in the process, the list goes on.

Any memorable sessions / moments while filming that are worth mentioning?

There are 3 that immediately come to mind. Kento said he wanted to inward heel tailslide clipper hubba so we got the crew together and hit the road to SF. Day 1, he battled for hours in the wind and eventually we had to call it a day. We went back a few days later on the trip. After another battle he landed it and then big flipped the Embarcadero block set the same day. Next would have to be Gabe's cannonball halfcab flip down Oceanside 10. That took 3 trips and numerous attempts each time. Every time we went, there were a lot of pedestrians walking by that stopped to watch. A lot of them were stoked on us, and the rest were confused why he was throwing his body down the stairs so many times. Lastly, I gotta go with Brennan's back smith down the 16. Lot's of intensity on that session.

Do you have a favorite video from the series?

Skate Juice 4 would have to be my favorite video out of the series. When I take a step back and visualize the group as a whole, I am so proud of how far everyone has come on and off the board.

What are you most proud of after knocking out your fourth full-length?

I feel like at this point I could walk away from it all and be happy with what I have done over the years. Although I feel accomplished, I also feel like I'm just getting started. I'm learning to never look back and to only look ahead now.

Can we expect a Skate Juice 5 ?

Skate Juice 4 will be our last full length video. We still plan on producing videos, just not anymore that take 2+ years to make.

Anyone you want to thank/shout out?

Shout out to my friends and family. Love you all.

---

Thumbnail Photo / Dustin McWethy ( @dudestin )

Follow @skatejuice on IG!

Peep the Skate Juice storefront: 1012 S. Coast HWY. Ste F Oceanside, CA 92056

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more quality skate content.