Skater and videographer Dale Bailey is looking to highlight local creativity while raising money for a good cause at this week's Skate for SCARS event.
The first-time showcase, to be screened at the Metro Cinema on Sept. 28, is the result of a challenge issued to Alberta skateboarders to create a two- to five-minute film over the summer.
A good skate video is more than just a highlight reel of impressive tricks, said Bailey, and the creative aspect is something he and the team behind the competition have tried to encourage.
"We really wanted to promote the idea of making a fun skit around it or making a theme for the video rather than just like a bunch of heavy-hitter skaters going at it. So it is really inclusive to a lot of the skateboard community," Bailey said.
"So many people put up their tricks on Instagram, and it just kind of gets old. We just see so much of that. And I just really wanted to promote something where people made a film rather than just a skateboard edit."
Bailey has some experience with that, having directed the 2018 feature-length documentary All Aboard, which follows a group of four first-time train hoppers as they ride the rails and skate across North America.
Eight teams are competing in the video competition, including Tigers Skate Club, Switch Mallgrab Crew, and Rumor Boardshop. They had to collect at least $50 in donations to participate.
The winner will receive $2,500, thanks to sponsorship from Oodle Noodle, and the proceeds from the event will go to the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS). Tickets are $10.
Image: A screenshot from the Skate for SCARS highlight reel. (Skate for SCARS/Instagram)