Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Ray.
Hi Chris, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a skateboard filmer.
When I first started skateboarding at the age of 13, I had no idea it would take over my life, decide my career and shape the person I’ve become.
I became obsessed right away. Eventually, a friend came to me at school and said, “We should make our own skate films” and my mind was blown. I never even thought about doing that. As I watched my friends not take is seriously, I was the one that grabbed a camera and never put it down.
I continued to film my friends and other skaters for years. We made a ton of our own videos as I just thought this is what I’m supposed to do no matter what my job or life had going on…
At the age of 22, I was approached by filmmaker and idol Ty Evans who offered me a small retainer to help film his skate video for Lakai footwear, “Fully Flared”. I had no idea you could make money doing this. I couldn’t believe someone was going to pay me to do something I loved. I didn’t know that was possible.
Think about it – Someone is going to pay you to do what you love….
Once Ty took me under his wing and taught me how to really film, my whole life changed. I was able to work with all the best skateboarders in the world. Eventually, I got to work for Transworld magazine where Jon Holland and I made five full-length films together.
After Transworld, I left for DC Shoes. This lead to me filming more subjects under their categories, such as Moto, Lifestyle, fashion, womens, products, documentaries, and much more…
I learned a ton at DC. June 1st, 2022 will mark my 11th year working for the brand and also my last day as an employee. I’ve decided it was time to start my own company with my friend and fellow filmmaker, Martin Fobes.
As I’ll still work with DC – This change will help us work with many brands.
Even though we’re now more than “skateboard filmers”, we still get to do what we love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There’s nothing scarier than when someone hands you the opportunity to achieve your dream because now it’s a reality that you can possibly fail.
I worked hard to get where I am, but I was really scared to say yes and keep this dream alive.
I love what I do so much that nearly every opportunity that comes my way scares me in some way because I don’t want to be a failure. Sometimes I want to say no because of that reason but I’ve learned to rely on my experience during those times. It would be such a waste not to take those opportunities that are right there in front of me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started out in skateboarding at a young age and started filming in my teen years. I was always known among my friends as the filmer and to a point that continues to this day. That early introduction to filming has been my foundation and has driven me to expand past skateboarding. While I originally specialized in skateboarding, I feel that my areas of expertise are always expanding and I get the chance to film so many cool things. Even though I’ve branched out from skateboarding, I still take that concept into the other things that I am filming whether it’s NFL, music videos, car commercials and even Robbie Maddison riding a motorcycle on a wave-like we did for DC Shoes, “Pipe Dream.”
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m a huge football fan so I love listening to around the NFL podcast. I do have a few books that I keep around when I need some inspiration – It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be by Paul Arden and The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday. I like a good piece of inspiration to give me a push when I’m feeling stuck.
Contact Info:
- Email: chris@motionclubhouse.com
- Website: https://www.motionclubhouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisrayfilms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisrayfilms
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrisrayfilms
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MOTIONCLUBHOUSE
Image Credits
Motion Clubhouse
