Pic: Nate Goodman

Erin Valverde and John Roderick have put together one of the season’s must-see films Float. It’s an all-girl affair filmed with a global array of riders in locations all over the world. We caught up with Erin and dragged her away from her marketing work on the movie to tell us a bit about her involvement.

Float is available to buy in the US and Canada through www.floatfilm.com.  In Europe it will be available as a cover-mount with the November edition of Onboard magazine and in Japan it will be available with one of this season’s editions of Snowstyle magazine.

How did you get involved in the creation of Float?

John and I have always worked well together, and we both wanted to film again. With Chunkyknit and Misschief not making films this year, we decided to make one so all of us girls that wanted to film could have a place to put their shots.

What have your main roles been in the project?

I was the graphic designer, artist, co-producer, and marketing lady…

Pic: Jeff Count

We've seen you in action in some of the Chunkyknit Production films. Did you pick up any tips on how to make a film from Josie and the crew during that?

I didn’t really pick up tips from the Chunkyknit crew to make a movie. I have just been in films for a bit and know how much work it is just to get one shot. By snowboarding for Chunkyknit, I really think it helped me to be motivated in getting shots, but as far as making a film, John and I were complete novices. However John knew a bit more than me, since he filmed a lot of the Chunkyknit movies.

Have you been involved, behind the scenes, in any other movies or similar projects?

Yeah, before Chunkyknit, I was in a Helly Hansen movie when I rode for them. That was my first year trying to make a video part. It was really fun! Also, my husband Eric Pollard made a film last year called Idea. He is a skier, so it was with two other skiers Andy Mayhr and Pep Fujas. We were both working all year on these films helping each other on things and feeding off each others motivation.

As a rider, do think you were able to give the film any direction or ideas that only an experienced snowboarder could?

I am sure I did, but I can’t really think of any examples.

Were you able to use it as a chance to visit any places you've never been before?

We didn’t really have that many choices this year because of the select places that had snow. Usually I can pick more places that I haven’t been to before. This year though I went to Mt. Baker three times and I hadn’t been there prior to last season. It is such an amazing mountain!

Was the weather generally for or against you during the filming?

It was hit or miss this year… at first it was all for me, but towards the end of the year it turned a bit.

Did you get to ride with and spend time with any riders you didn't know so well before?

Yes. I rode with Meghann O’Brian a lot. She is an amazing rider with a realty unique and cool personality. I also got to ride with Lisa Filzmoser again and she is always super fun!

Pic: Nate Goodman

How did the editing process work? Was it a quick/easy process or was it tough?

It was not quick and easy by any means. I went down to Colorado to help John for a week or so and we were doing like 12 hour days every day… He had a rough summer because he was doing days like this for two months or more! He deserves all the credit in the world for the amazing editing he did!

What have been the biggest learning experiences for you making this film?

Organisation and marketing. I think marketing is key to a successful project. I am still doing marketing now - it just takes a lot of time on emails to get the word out.

How much time did you spend on the road working on the film?

All winter and spring.

How did you manage fitting all your filming commitments round other things you had to do? Did you manage to squeeze it all in or did some trips/plans have to go?

Definitely I tried to squeeze in as much as possible, but some trips I couldn’t go on due to school and other personal things. I was graduating in June, finishing the movie, and trying to film all at once! It was a really hard year.

As a sponsored rider, how important is it to get roles in movies these days? Is it seem as an important element of a rider's coverage by sponsors?

Pic: Jeff Counts

Yes, I think it is very important. For me I don’t compete, so I find it the best way to get my name out there is in the movies.

What have you got planned to promote the film?

We have a lot of our sponsors helping us out in this, as well as doing premiers, online awareness, ads etc.

Who did all the colorful artwork for the film? It's fantastic?

That was me… and thank you!

What happens now? Are you making another film? Taking a long holiday?

We are undecided. John might move on to other filming jobs, so I am not sure what to do. Maybe I will find another filmer and do another one… but it will be hard to since I don’t know of anyone as motivated and talented as John.

For more info on Float visit the website at www.floatfilm.com

Watch out for an interview with John Roderick for his perspective on making Float.