Concrete Poets: “Writers Block”
November 05, 2007
“Concrete Poets: Writers Block”
The fourth instalment of The Story Store’s Filmmakers Guild
What Is It?
A very well produced, high-end London scene video by nineteen-year-old Henry Edward-Woods. This is also the first all British release from The Story Filmmakers Guild (and, before you say anything, “0114” doesn’t count)
Who’s On It?
Full sections from Greg Conroy, Jin Shimizu, Kyle Edwards, Shaun Currie and Scott Howes, with cameos from various London and Sheffield heads.
Highlights
I’ll make it clear from the start that this is a seriously well-made video. The standard of skating obviously varies, as it does in any scene production, but it’s apparent throughout that the filming and editing has obviously had a lot of time and effort put into it, which has resulted in a very fluid production.
Greg Conroy has the privilege of opening the DVD, and starts things off with flowing lines, technical manual combinations and a proper hardflip technique. Jin Shimizu is one of Landscapes newer recruits, displaying a relaxed style and the ability to kickflip full sized benches on a filming board, all set to Paul Weller. The winner of the “hardest looking bloke on the video” award goes to Kyle Edwards, who, despite looking like he could knock anyone in London clean out, also knows the definition of the term “bolts” and enjoys the occasional tricky manual or two. Good shit.
Shaun Currie’s section has been rewound so much tonight that I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched it. To the best of my knowledge, Shaun is the Concrete Poets Sheffield connection, having recently moved there from inner city London. With a style reminiscent of Lavar McBride, Mr Curries debut part is full of his trademark pivot based trickery and heelflip variations, though he’s also managed to log some serious bangers on the quiet, including a security defying heelflip down the TK Maxx double set in Sheffield, and an absolutely amazing bigspin heelflip over some backstreet roadgap in London. Shaun is definitely worth keeping an eye out for, and I’m sure he should be getting more coverage in the very near future. Mark Baines, Danny Beall and a few other Sheffield locals share a little friends interlude in Shauns section too, giving you a taster for the upcoming Story video.
The last section of the video is given to Scott Howes, who is more than deserving of the honour. At only 18 years old, Scott is displaying a lot of promise and his part here is testament to that. His section is packed with quick footed action, stylish cruising through some unseen London backstreet treats and technical ledge shockers that look like they came far too easily. Backlip shuvit around the Milton Keynes S bench, anyone? Scott is also the possessor of one of the finest switch frontside heelflips I’ve seen in recent years, the last one in his section is particularly ridiculous and needs to be witnessed in order to understand how perfect it is. In addition to everyone mentioned above, there is also a “Swedish Poets” section and a London montage featuring Chewy, Jak Pietryga, the ever-amazing Shaun Witherup and pretty much everyone else you could think of from the big smoke.
Overall
As I said at the start, this is a very well made scene video, with a shockingly high quality of skating, and very high production standards that are maintained throughout. It does possibly take itself a little too seriously at times, but that can be easily overlooked, resulting in a very enjoyable watch. “Writers Block” is a rare opportunity to see what’s going on in London at a scene level, and the amount of effort that has gone into its creation more than warrants the mere five pounds you’ll be asked to part with in order to own a copy for yourself.
Keep an eye on www.thestorystore.co.uk for release information, or hit up www.concretepoets.com to peep the trailer. Big ups to all involved.
Check the Online Silverscreen for an exclusive interview with Henry Edwards-Wood, along with an edit of unused footage.
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