Identity rolls out local skateboarding film

An enthusiastic crowd of 250 people visited The Music Hall in Portsmouth this weekend for the premiere of “Slackers,” a local skateboarding film produced by Identity Footwear and Apparel on Congress Street.

The title pays tribute to the skateboard shop formerly on Market Street, where Identity’s co-owner Matt Jagman used to work, and to Slacker’s former owner Perry Silverstein, who has been supportive of the new shop. The lightning bolt, heavy metal-influenced font used on the video was designed by Jagman years ago, but he admits he had little to do with the film production.

Will Jackson, who celebrated his 20th birthday at the premiere on Saturday, directed the film, and Noel Gutierrez edited it. Both are local skateboarders and Jackson is more or less a manager at Identity, while Gutierrez is looking for more filming work.

Co-owner Chris Rice said the title of the film also reflects the lackadaisical nature of the kids involved, since they missed their original deadline. But the finished product gives an opposite impression. It is impressive.

Much of the filming was done in familiar Seacoast spots, both park and street, and filmed by about six different skateboarders, often following on skateboards. Some are better than others—sometimes the lens is dirty and sometimes there’s too much fisheye—but it all comes together with a succinct vision. It’s common for kids to film skateboarding, for “sponsor me” videos or just to have, but Slackers represents a professional collaboration of some of the area’s best up-and-coming skateboarders.

At the premiere, billed under The Music Hall’s Wildcard film series, a casually dressed crowd of all ages reacted with applause and whistling throughout the film. It was obvious many of the guests knew the people in the film, and many of the kids in attendance had apparently skipped the high school prom that night. The action is fast-paced, non-stop and set to a fun soundtrack.

Like most of these films, the best was saved for last, and when the final segment with friends Matt Fennel and Josh Perkins played, someone shouted, “Here we go!” Fennel, who skates for Hoodlum, and Perkins, with Creature, are naturals with easy styles and difficult tricks. The video ends with a rail slide over more than 15 stairs and a collision into the cameraman.  

Other highlights from the IFA team include Dana Erickson, who is heavy on the street style, and Chris Trembley, who is technical and inventive. Dover skaters Matty Johnson and Ian Davis share a part, even handing off the camera at one point while both are riding. Another perfect match, husband and wife team Kelly O’Brien of Pioneers and Perri Morgan rip it up together to a sweet M. Ward song. 

There’s also the always graceful Lance Meyer, ballsy John Coyne, Brad Miller and Nicky Lamarche, plus cameos from shop kids. There seems to always be kids in Identity, whether shopping, watching videos or meeting up with friends. Rice said the shop’s team video is “a way to support them back.” 

“Slackers” is available for sale at Identity at 130 Congress St., Portsmouth, 603-436-9393.