Our goal is to create an image accessible to any viewer, not just bike nerds like ourselves. We’re taking an alternative approach at documenting the evolution of track bike culture and the direction that it’s headed, while still staying true to my roots as a ambiguous photographer. (Video artist) We’re exploring an as of yet, unseen setting for the basis of this film. As known, the rustbelt/great lakes region of the country experiences very harsh weather which is in no way conducive to riding these bikes. A large focus of this film is attempting to capture what it’s like to ride in a city of this nature, while still focusing on progressive riding in every form. We’re not trying to front a gimmick by doing this. We know there are many cities that experience this type of weather. With this in mind, we figured it was about time it was documented. – William BottriellWilliam Bottriell of Buffalo, New York produced his first feature length skate film, Vice Versa at the age of 18. He ended up breaking into the small fixed scene in Buffalo and met a few other individuals with that shared his passion for cycling. Bill then, along with the help of his partner Colin Phelan, decided to produce a full length fixed gear film, VéLOrue. Bill was kind enough to chat with me and answer a few questions about the project.

It takes a good deal of work to really pull together a full length video, huh?
Haha, definitely. It’s been a while since i released my last film, I forgot how much actually goes into it. It’s been nice to have help from Colin though it’s nice to be able to go out and just ride with the dudes once in a while and not have to worry so much about filming or actually get psyched to film a trick of my own and know the filming’s going to be on point.

What inspired you to produce a full length video in the first place?
A few months after I put out vice versa (video for sunday skate shop) I was getting really into riding everyday, it was taking over my life haha. From time to time I would mess around with filming some bike clips here and there just to get the feel and kind of experiment. I did that for about a year and got some really positive feedback from the few videos i put on vimeo, so i decided just to go for it.
I needed a new project anyway, it was about that time. Plus, I’m always a lot more motivated to get shit done when I know it’s going toward a feature length you know? Something bigger than just a web video that’s going to end up on blogs.

What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered during production?
Oh boy, haha. There have been quite a few since the end of summer. The weather is definitely a factor. Trying to stay positive and motivated about riding and progressing, not to mention filming, is always an ordeal in the winter. Especially when you add lake effect snow into the equation.

Is there anything special about your project that sets it apart from other films?
Fortunately, there are some really innovative videos coming out right now. Most of them are amazing because they’re paving new ground. I think what sets VéLOrue apart is simply my approach as a filmmaker. I think my style of filming differs from a lot of the stuff out there, mostly because of my roots in skateboarding. I also like to mix whatever project I’m working on, (whether it be skating or biking) with ambiguous art. Basically things I encounter that I find beautiful. You could call it video art or ambiguous photography. Not to mention Ben, Zach and Sam kill it, haha.

When will the video be available and how much do you plan to charge for it?
We’ll be finished filming around July. All we need is a few good months without snow to finish it up. With some full force editing and a little luck, it should be for sale at the beginning of August. I’m thinking about charging 10 or 15 bucks for the video, because if you’re broke like us you can’t afford a video that costs more than 20 bucks haha. We’re working really hard though, as soon as this horrible weather passes we’ll be in full force!So, any shout outs or anyone you’d like to thank?
Absolutely, I have to thank my parents for their being there for me. I’d be pretty lost without their motivation and support throughout the years.
Also the companies/people that have been helping us out. Dustin @ Cadence, thank you for your advice, it really sets me in a positive, productive frame of mind.
Mr. John Prolly @ Mishka for keeping us warm with big ass jackets and and gear to ride in these cold winter months. Also Leader Bike, Hold Fast, DVS, Fyxation, and Velocity.