Ryan Schorman: I knew of Ty since I started skateboarding in 2000. He makes the most unique and innovative skate videos incorporating cutting edge equipment, style, and technique. I emulated a lot of what he did in my own skate videos including slow motion effects, dolly and crane shots, mixing 24p with 60p, and more.

Ryan first met Ty through a skate video contest that Ryan won and Ty judged. A mutual friend connected them again years later, and now the two catch up regularly at NAB and Cine Gear, and always find time to skate. Recently, Ryan had a chance to work with Ty directly, filming him skateboarding for an upcoming project.

Without a doubt, Wooden Camera’s relationship with Ty has grown over these years. While he continues to pave new avenues in the realm of action filmmaking, we wanted to step back and learn more about Ty’s introduction to this genre, as well as his current shooting style.

Wooden Camera: For those who don’t know, can you tell us a little about yourself? How would you describe your main profession?

Ty Evans: I am a Los Angeles-based filmmaker. I actually started in the early 90s with skateboarding films, and just grew with new technology. Back then I was using rudimentary consumer cameras, and shooting with 8mm and 16mm film. I think that understanding how film works provides a good base for understanding digital now. For me, my start with film has definitely shaped my style today. As the demand for work became greater, I eventually started my production company Ghost Digital Cinema and have since ben shooting commercials and action content. 

Wooden Camera: What kind of content do you typically shoot and how would you categorize your shooting style?

Ty Evans: I mostly shoot commercials, music videos, documentaries, and skateboarding videos, and just released my self-funded passion project called “The Flat Earth” in December 2017, with a 45-minute behind the scenes video showing the gear side of the film. Most recently, I shot a campaign for Nike Skateboarding with Nyjah Huston called “‘Til Death”.

My shooting style is traditional, yet fast and efficient because of all the new technologies out there. I prefer to build my transportation vehicles around my gear, so over time I’ve rigged a 15-passenger van into a mobile camera unit. It now has a custom built storage system with a one inch metal frame and sliding doors that can support up to 500 pounds, as well as a SHOTOVER F1 system mounted to the front, back, or roof. Having the cameras already built and ready to go in the van makes thing fast and streamlined. 

Wooden Camera: You’ve worked with a variety of cameras over the years, but what is your camera of choice?

Ty Evans: Well, I started with the consumer video camera systems, and worked my way through Super 8, 16mm, and 35mm motion picture cameras. I had to learn the basics, like how to properly load film and how shutter angles work. And now, seeing the advent of RED cameras, it’s the digital version of what I learned with film. So going with RED was a no-brainer. And I have a good relationship with RED, since they are a supporter of Ghost Digital Cinema. I use their cameras almost exclusively.

To contribute to his shooting style and use with his personal camera package, we shared our Zip Focus and Push Button ARRI Rosettes with Ty. We were excited to hear about his experience using the gear out in the field.