2004-05-20 00:00:00, Nick Iwanyshyn
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Have you ever wondered what the best job in the world would be? Jeff Thomas from Theory 3 media would argue that he has it. Between shooting urban, hiking backcountry lines, lapping the park and mixing weird drinks we had a minute to sit down and get some questions with this very jolly little man.

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For those hermit people that haven’t herd about Theory 3, tell us a little bit about the company?

Well, Theory3 media was initially formed in late 2002 early 2003 by myself, Tyler Forman and Grant Gunderson. Basically we wanted to create a media company that focused it productions of films, and photography on a new group of riders in less exposed but progressive/creative areas. Theory3 is based out of the Pacific Northwest of North America and work mainly in those regions, but often we incorporate many different locations too. Currently in 2004, Tyler and I are just focusing on the film side of things, and Grant is working on his own, but we remain close friends and contributors to both. It has been hard, since we all are part/full time university students, spread out all over the place…but with that said, I would never think of stopping.

View the Breathe and Stop Trailers

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Tell us a little bit about yourself? And what you do within Theory 3.

Well, I like long walks on the beach with my partners in crime Tyler Forman, and Cody Carter….um yah...I am 21, grew up in Vancouver, skied since I was a wee guppy, and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. I head up video production; therefore, I edit, direct, produce, and seek out wonderful music groups nice enough to give us music. I do other things like cook for Tyler, give Cody foot massages, you know things like that.

What are everyone’s roles within the company?

Tyler Forman is Mr. Business, he does marketing, all the organization, that sort of stuff. He also keeps the house clean. Cody Carter is my video friend. He is pretty much my main squeeze when it comes to the film side. He helps film, gives wonderful ideas, some editing and he creates a mean martini. Dan McIntyre helps with the website, Teddy Knape contributes shots, in addition to a few other filmers and photographers.


All those names are out west, what are you doing stuck in this shitty east coast town when the rest of the crew is ripping up the other side of the country?

Well I like to transfer universities I guess…It will be 4 in 4 years starting this fall, I seem unable to stay put. But I am not leaving the west ever again. But yah I came out to film school in Ottawa, it was fun for a while, but it is time to leave. Everyone does a good job of making me feel very stupid for leaving, but I have had the chance to ride with a lot of my east coast buddies too.



So that’s your future, we know Theory 3 has only produced 1 video with one in the making, what kind of work have you done in the past?

I have made little videos for ever, since I was in grade 9 I think. That is about 6-7 years now I figure. Plus for film school, I have had to make a bunch, did some wedding videos too, I am definitely now starting to take it a lot more seriously as I am nearing the end of school and we actually are making money.

T-3 did a very good job with Focus, how would you describe the style of riding in that movie?

Well, I am glad you like it, but it is nothing compared to Breathe and Stop. Each year I have learned so much, this year I have learned the most so far. But to answer you question, the riding is typically strong, and pretty progressive. Definitely a lot of talent that has been blooming this season.

Now everyone that knows T-3 knows that you shoot a lot of backcountry, give us a run down of a typical day of shooting lines.

Well Cody pulls up his lawn chair and whines about how slow the riders are hiking. But for real its great, definitely my favorite type of cinematography. Watching a rider plan his line or trick of a feature, and then execute it to a T is impressive. Basically, we scout a bunch of lines, test the snow and wait for decent light. If its good and the rider isn’t to hung over, they hike hike and hike, then giver hard, and I cheer. We always have gear, always be safe, had some pretty horrific things happen to close friends in the last few years, definitely don’t want any more phone calls like those again.

Other then backcountry, Theory 3 has a balance of all different type of skiing from crazy urban to huge park jumps, How important do you think this is?

We 100 percent want to focus on everything within freeskiing. I grew up skiing out west, so I love pow, but I also jumped most of the time, so I have a great respect for every type of skier out there and want to cover it as best as possible. Breathe and Stop is a good example, pretty much split 25 urban, 25 park, 25 big mountain and 25 backcountry booters. The great thing about our group of riders is their ability to mesh a lot of these aspects together, and their ability to love the sport more then anyone while doing it.

I can’t wait for it, but what’s the most frustrating part about producing a good video?

Well our goal always has been to stick close to our friends because they are who we are, and riding and filming with them can not be beat. So the unfortunate downfall is that often these guys are by far some of the most talented guys, but are less known which is a pitfall when it comes to receiving money for production. I know Tyler, Cody, and myself have been working hard at Theory3. for one; because we love it and two; because our friends deserve the chance at being the best ….so the most frustrating thing about producing a good video is not receiving the chance to help ourselves help our buddies succeed at what they love.


Let’s get into the technical element of the job, what equipment do you use?

I personally shoot on a Sony VX2000, but I am hopefully purchasing a Panasonic Ag dvx1000 soon to add to my collection of toys. Theory3 only shoots 3 chip mini DV footage as of this year.

What can we expect for your next movie?

Breathe and Stop is a great mixture. We are very far into the film already, and it will be done by mid/late June. We will not be using summer footage in our film, but we will have some up on our website for anyone to view. The film will incorporate a great, very smooth soundtrack, and the film will have a very unique flow, that really never stops. We have thought up some extensive transitions for flow between sections that will hopefully stoke you all up. The film will begins with a great intro, that is being shot entirely in a subway system, it will be something fun and different. Basically, look forward to urban and rail destruction, big lines, big cliffs, deep pow, big jumps, big tricks and creative setups. We have a lot planned to finish up the film, and I know Tyler, Cody, and I will do our best to impress you the viewers. We also will be releasing our 2nd trailer in mid May, it will feature a complete different style and blow your mind footage, I promise.


With your job you get to meet a lot of people, Who do you really like working with?

I have met so many people, and everyone I have met is amazing. I definitely enjoy working with all the athletes, since a lot of them are best friends of mine. I would never change anything that has happened or anyone I have met.

Anyone that’s seen Focus can assume that Theory 3 works with some of the funniest riders in the industry, would you agree?

Oh man, definitely yes. 2nd trailer, this will help people understand Theory 3’s actually image. Zach, Matt, Erich, Heim, Mahre, Coby, Ben, Lokash, Coker, Weir, the list goes on. There very entertaining to say the least, scary also.

Who should we watch out for in the next few seasons?

Everyone in Breathe and Stop. A few guys are pretty well known, and have started to really get there foot where it deserves to be, but of the others I would have to say if the chances arise, Zach Davison & Jason Ghikadis on the jib side, and James Heim on the all around side, are the best, most driven 3 guys I have ever had the pleasure of skiing and working with.

Just before we end this, has there ever been a point in your life when you have contemplated putting down the camera for good?

Ha, well not really maybe once I am a bit older, but I hope not.


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