 Rezurgence interview with Tony Butler
We first met Tony Butler on the mountain at Vigo in Spain last year for round one of the DH world cup. For us this was a cracking weekend with a quick flight home to recharge for round 2. For Tony it was the start of a long campaign across the world to capture the worlds best Downhill riders to produce a DVD namely, Super 8.
As the world cup circus travelled around the world we caught up with Tony at each venue and he looked more and more battered each time. At Angel Fire USA he needed a break but kept on going. At Fort William (the last round) he was ill but still pitched up to do filming and then went back to his tent to recover. Yes his tent.
If ever you guys need a lesson of how to do it on a budget and keep on going speak to Tony Butler. It seems to have worked out for Tony. The DVD has attracted sponsors and looks set to be awesome.Finally, for us Tony encapsulated the true spirit of a mountain biker and mountain biking. He made it happen – awesome.
Rezinfo: So Tony, what made you want to do this DVD and did you expect it to be so hard to keep going?
TB: I guess growing up riding and racing DH gave me the bike side of it and my love of all things photographic [both still and film]. I love the sport and believe that DH racing needs to be pushed as hard as ‘freeriding’ as DH racers are the best and most polished riders there are. Also the idea of travelling the world combining both your passions seemed like [and was] a great idea and hopefully this comes across in the film. In the planning stage before we left Australia I didn’t think it would be as tough as it turned out. Don’t get me wrong we loved every minute of it, but being on the go non stop for 6 months in countries where you can’t understand anyone, and every country’s money is better than the Aussie dollar wears you down a bit.[we spent a lot of nights sleeping in the front seats of cars}. But I would do it again tomorrow.
Rezinfo: How many events did you cover?
TB: We covered every world cup except Brazil due to visa reasons [but will make amends for that this year] also the world champs, Lisbon Downtown, Adidas slopestyle, freeriding with racers Chris Kovarik, Greg Minnaar, Matti Lehikoinen, Mick Hannah and Hannah Steffens. And an awesome session with Darren Pokoj at Woodward west. That’s 8 world cups hence the name super8.
Rezinfo: What makes this DVD different from all the others?
TB: I believe that the main and defining difference between super8 and the others is that super8 is a whole. The film isn’t just a bunch of random segments following each other, there’s a story line, a journey following individuals throughout the season. The film captures the emotions of winning and losing a world cup. Even the freeriding sections have a purpose for the overall feel of the film. I believe that super8 flows so well that if any segment was removed the story wouldn’t be complete.
Rezinfo: If you could pick the highlight of the trip what would it be?
TB: Being able to travel the world with your best and closest friend [Jen Ley] was pretty special, There was too many racing highlights to pinpoint one, probably the World Champs (the track was something else) Fort Bill because Peaty winning and the sheer size of the crowd made you believe that you’re witnessing something pretty amazing. Long live racing. Oh and anytime Sam Hill won !
Rezinfo: And low point?
TB: Just making it to the Pila world cup in Italy towards the end of the season and realising that we would have to spend the rest of the trip (6 weeks) Living on the side of the road like gypsies due to dwindling funds . At this stage we couldn’t even afford a campsite.
Rezinfo: How have the riders reacted to this DVD?
TB: This was probably my biggest worry because I wanted the riders to look good, after all it is about them. I really didn’t know how they would react cause of the format of the film. All was revealed at the launch and when Sam Hill congratulates you for creating an awesome film and Sabrina Jonnier buys 2 on top of the copy she was given, I guess they must have liked what they saw.
Rezinfo: Best event for you?
TB: I guess the best race for me was schladming due to the aussie 1 aussie 2 aussie 3 finish. Although Peaty winning at the Bill was quite emotional even if Im not a pom. For something different I recommend everyone check out the Lisbon downtown. Unforgettable.
Rezinfo: Do us Poms feature?
TB: Poms! Of course, plenty of cheeky Peaty comments and riding Beaumont and athertons, young Brendan Fairclough the list goes on.
Rezinfo: When can we expect to see it in the UK?
TB: You Poms should see it up there early March. It is distributed throughout the UK by Chilli and will also be available in Europe through X-Treme video. For more info visit my website www.super8themovie.com
Rezinfo: Do you have any other plans to produce any more DVD’s?
TB: Absolutely, I am currently working out the logistics of how I can get back over for this season. Should be over for Fort Bill and everything after especially Brazil. Have bigger and better ideas so hopefully can pull them off.
Rezinfo: So why were you ill in Fort Bill?
TB: To be honest with you I can’t even remember, . Oh I just remembered I ate dodgy food at some chippery in town and it went right through me so energy, gone. Surprising that the footage from the bill probably turned out the best and thinking it would be the worst.
Rezinfo: After Fort Bill did you go straight home?
TB: We actually planned to hang in the UK for another month but our last credit card was nearing an end so had to head home via Thailand for a couple of days to chill out. Hoping I can see more of the sunny UK next season.
Rezinfo: We want to make a faith DVD for MTB’s - you interested?
TB: Im very interested if I can help the sport and make it look good through the lens (cause I definitely don’t by riding) then count me in. I also like what you guys are doing because at the end of the day we are all shooting for a common cause. MTB wins.!
Rezinfo: In your view which bit of the DVD do you like most and why?
TB: I personally loved editing the World Champs because it turns the film in a different direction, It has a cool vibe to it and captures the emotion of the biggest race of the year.
Rezinfo: Thanks Tony – See you soon |
