Community > Warren Miller Entertainment

According to the 21st century digital lyceum, a community is a group of interacting organisms sharing an environment. In human communities, intent, belief, resources, preferences, needs, risks, and a number of other conditions may be present and common, affecting the identity of the participants and their degree of cohesiveness.


Given the amount of time, finances, energy, passion, and commitment people pour into freeskiing, many participants develop a very close sense of community. The community follows trends, purchases similar products, and generally demonstrates tremendous brand loyalty. Exemplifying one of the brighter points of community, was the support given to Level 1 Productions in a recent law suit involving Warren Miller Entertainment Group. Today, Warren Miller himself voiced his disgust with Warren Miller Entertainment, a corporation with which he has absolutely zero involvement, and officially supported Level 1 Productions.



According to Mr. Miller:

“I consider Josh my friend and I have been very impressed with his efforts as a film maker, and more so as a human being. He is a very nice young man, and I was honored to oblige his request to participate in Refresh. I have been invigorated by working with his group, whose passion for skiing matches my own.

WME made clear to me long ago that they did not want me involved in their films – so I’ve essentially cut all of my ties to them. I have a legal and moral right to freely use my name, voice, and likeness as I choose. By suing Josh, I feel that WME is challenging my rights as a person and public figure. I will not stand by and let a young, talented artist like Josh get shoved around by a group that, in my opinion, has no genuine regard for the fans.”

Freedle, Berman, & Decker. Level 1

Josh Berman's [of Level 1 Productions] Statement:

“Since the lawsuit was filed, the support from every level of the ski industry has been overwhelming. Skiing as a whole is a global but tight-knit community, and it’s sincerely flattering to see so many people rallying behind our cause. To have Warren personally file a motion to intervene is a tremendous vote of confidence—it means a lot to me personally to have his support.”

For additional information regarding the Level 1 vs. WME lawsuit click the links below:

Freeskier
Newschoolers
Josh Bishop

Really?

In, Aerobic Exercise and Brain Health, Molly Kirk analyzed the research of Colombe et. al. (2006), Barclay (2008), and Eriksson and Kramer (2008) to demonstrate a positive relationship between physical activity and mental health. Expanding on her analysis, Atlantis et. al. (2004), Foley et. al. (2008), and Acil et. al., (2008) demonstrate that regular physical activity has a positive effect on mental health. Based on this research as well as my own patterns of physical activity, I too have found a positive relationship between working out and my overall mood throughout the day.

While conducting research at the local gymnasium last night, one of the receptionists told me I resemble Channing Tatum. At the time, I had no idea who this Channing character was or what particular features piqued the interest of the receptionist. Upon returning home, I searched his name to find many photos of Channing only to realize that we have little to no resemblance. This of course shattered my dreams of finding temporary employment as Channing's stunt double for the remainder of the off-season.

Effective Marketing Strategies: Rick Alden, Skullcandy Inc.

Action sports is a powerful marketing tool. When harnessed properly, entrepreneurs have the potential to make millions from exploiting cultures built upon principles fun, adventure, and the pursuit of dreams. Although hundreds of companies market their image particularly well, Rick Alden of Skullcandy Inc., created a multi-million dollar headphone company. Capitalizing on brand loyalty, a quality often associated with action sports participants, Alden realized a need to invigorate black and gray headphones and began creating flashy and fashionable cranium accessories. Founding Skullcandy in 2002, Alden sold $130,000 in product. Seven years later, Alden's sales were $85,494,000 in 2008. With phenomenal growth, a business model built upon creativity, and innovative products, Skullcandy Inc has successfully transcended the action sports market and can be purchased BestBuy, Staples, and a host of electronic stores around the globe. Given his successful business, Alden was recently nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year:



With Skullcandy employing innovative strategies and creating products that vibe with multiple demographics, it is interesting when other brands fail to connect with the youth market. From an outside perspective, one would assume certain marketing managers and brand representatives would use Skullcandy as an example, take notes, and restructure their advertising based on principles that work. Unfortunately, selling skis as "artwork" for nearly $1,000, depicting vectorized athletes wearing a moose headdress on the back of a magazine, having your athletes wrestle a bull, illustrated as cardboard action figures, encouraging consumers to match a baby picture with the respective athlete, running the exact same advertisement for six issues straight, marketing outdated athletes, or running photos from D-level photographers is genuinely ineffective. Regardless of product sales, if a company employed any of the aforementioned strategies in marketing, someone in their marketing team needs to be reassigned. If you are in a position to re-assign those individuals, chances are you're worried, especially in today's economic landscape. Thankfully, for the disconnected marketing director, I offer you a list of guidelines to hang up in your office and embrace when times get tough and creativity grows thin:

GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE MARKETING

1) North America is not Europe.
2) "Focus Groups" and "Market Analysis" can only go so far.
3) The California coastline has expensive real estate.
4) Embrace the Youth.
5) Grassroots Marketing is Effective.
6) No one can recall who won Gravity Games or the US Open 8 years ago.
7) Film segments last FOREVER.
8) Tom sells more products than your big mountain athlete.
9) FREE Movies >FREE Webisodes > DVDs > Edits > Photos > Contests > Swine Flu >W.M.E. Lawsuits
10) Long Jackets and Larger Pants SELL.
11) Freeskiing is not Racing.
12) Rockered twin tips are a necessity.
13) Bottle openers should not be attached to the back of skis
14) Obscure LA artists are not skiers
15) Dreams are Larger than Budgets. Use them to your advantage.

Question, deny, analyze, speculate, and speak poorly of this list at your leisure. However, be advised that my friends purchase products and your marketing director does not.

Below, the Surface team demonstrates guidelines #12 and #15 at Timberline, OR

Respect the Revolutionaries: Kent Kreitler

Despite having seen Reverence, a full-length film detailing Kent Kreitler's ski career, I am too young to convey how much of an influence Kreitler had on the industry. When his first segment was released, I was probably in diapers. However, I do know he skied professionally longer than I have been able to walk, and the mention of his name demands tremendous respect from all who knew his passion for skiing. Given his role as an athlete for multiple film companies, including Warren Miller Entertainment, it is interesting to read his thoughts on the pending lawsuit between Level 1 Productions and Warren Miller Entertainment. According to Kreitler:

"I just happened to very randomly come across this. These guys have generally been about doing as little as they possibly can for the skiers. I was banned from skiing for Warren Miller years ago because I would not sign their B.S. contracts giving them all the rights to everything you do and we had various confrontations over the one time that I did ski for them in AK. These guys have massive ticket sales and sell footage to ad agencies, reality television and others around the world and you won't ever see a thing. From what I have seen, you are treated no better than a circus monkey if you are in a Warren Miller film. You have to decide if you want your integrity or "exposure"- not an easy call all the time. I have absolutely no idea what is going on in the ski industry at this point but I hope you kids are standing together and putting an end to this type of thing by now. It's impossible to achieve much alone but together you can make things happen. Tons of love to all and WM himself."

Thank you Kreitler, keep dropping knowledge

Of Outrage & Staunch Legal Rhetoric Part II.

The Style of skiing illustrated by Level 1 Productions

VS

The Style of skiing illustrated by the Warren Miller Entertainment Group

In "Of Stanuch Outrage and Legal Rhetoric" Part I., Pushups and Optimism brought you a brief paragraph expressing genuine disappointment in the case of Jammie Thomas. In Part II, we present an issue that hits much closer to home and resonates with many of my friends within the ski industry.

Evidently, in Level 1 Production's 2009 film "REFRESH" Director Josh Berman enlisted none other than the legendary filmmaker Warren Miller to provide a voice-over for the film. Given that Warren Miller was the catalyst for the ski filmmaking industry, everyone in skiing owes him an applause. Unfortunately, Warren Miller Entertainment Group, an entity that no longer works with Mr. Miller but owns his likeness and trademark, filed a law suit against Level 1 Productions for copywrite infringement. Here is the article:

Warren Miller Entertainment (WME) filed a trademark infringement complaint Monday in the U.S. District Court of Colorado against Level 1 Productions for the use of Warren Miller in the ski movie “Refresh.” Appearing in the new film from Level 1, the 84-year-old Miller is considered a legendary pioneer in the ski filmmaking industry, but he sold his business and use of his name in 1988 to International Entertainment Group, the predecessor to WME.

Temporary restraining order denied

“Refresh” premiered in Denver on Sept. 11 and was shown at the International Freeski Film Festival in Montreal on Sept. 18. Along with the trademark complaint, WME also entered a motion Monday for a temporary restraining order to prevent more showings of the film. Judge Marcia Krieger denied the motion a day later on Tuesday, the day before a screening scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23 in Boulder, Colo.

Acting in place of Judge Christine Arguello, who was assigned to the main case but was busy with other hearings, Krieger wrote in her decision, “the Defendant apparently secured Mr. Miller’s agreement to appear in “Refresh,” and should be entitled to identify him to the public and advise the public that Mr. Miller does, in fact, appear in the film.

“According to the Complaint, every instance in which the Defendant used the 'WARREN MILLER' mark involved either Mr. Miller personally identifying himself or the Defendants making reference to Mr. Miller as a participant in the film,” Krieger added. “These uses of Mr. Miller’s name are entirely consonant with the public’s interest in being able to truthfully identify a specific person.” Krieger also scolded the plaintiff for the late timing of the motion. She questioned if sufficient time was given to Level 1 for a response or possible resolution to WME’s concerns before the matter was taken to court.

WME cites agreement with Miller

A 1995 agreement between WME and Miller submitted to the court states that “WME owns the exclusive right, in perpetuity, in all media, to the name, the personal endorsement, use of voice, and the likeness of Warren Miller, when used with its existing business, and the fruits of its related efforts.”

Miller’s narration and on-camera work in “Refresh” could be a matter of dispute in regards to this contract, but WME is suing Level 1, not Miller himself. Krieger remarked on this issue in her decision, “Whether Mr. Miller’s participation in and endorsement of “Refresh” breaches his exclusive licensing agreement with the Plaintiff is a question that does not appear to be presented in this case.”

WME owns “Warren Miller” trademark

WME argues in its complaint that it holds the U.S. trademark registration for the “Warren Miller” name. WME claims that it derives significant commercial advantages in the ski film arena from the exclusive rights to the well-known name. According to WME in the complaint, the use and promotion of Miller’s name by a competing ski-film producer, Level 1, are “likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake, or to deceive consumers or potential consumers wishing to purchase WME’s products."

Montreal crowd chants 'Warren, Warren'

An affidavit submitted to the court from Marie-Claude Drouin, an audience member for the Montreal screening, claims that the theater crowd chanted “Warren, Warren” at the beginning of the film. The affidavit also details the specific appearances of Miller and his name in the film.

Request calls for monetary damages, halt to film showings

The complaint objects to use of Miller’s name in promotion of the film. WME submitted examples from the Level 1 website and even “tweets” from the Level 1 Twitter account. Level 1 has now placed a disclaimer on its website, “Level 1, Refresh, and the Boulder premiere of Refresh have no relationship with, partnership with, or represent no claims to be associated with Warren Miller Entertainment Group.”

In response to the filing on Monday, Level 1 posted on Twitter, “Looking for a good Intellectual Property Attorney in the Denver area... someone, anyone?”

Along with an end to any promotion involving Miller’s name, WME wants any material including him to be removed from the film before it can be shown again. WME is also asking for trademark infringement monetary damages and attorney’s fees.

On or before Oct. 5, counsel for the parties must contact Arguello to schedule the hearing of the case. WME is owned by Bonnier Corporation, also the parent company of Ski and Skiing magazines. Level 1 is a Colorado-based limited liability company founded by Josh Berman.

Representatives of WME and Level 1 could not be reached for immediate comment.

Although this article may sound like WMEG has a legitimate claim, nothing could be more distant from the truth. Thankfully, just like in Scent of a Woman, the truth has a way of changing the outcome of a situation, especially in the setting of a courtroom.

Warren Miller Entertainment is fighting to connect with a demographic they fail to understand. While their target audience is going to Florida and retiring to lavish links golf courses, the Level 1 demographic is thriving, changing the sport of freeskiing, purchasing products they relate to, and provide endless support for the company. Without a viable youth market, WMEG is watching their customers slip away year after year while Level 1 is watching their customers increase. In a futile attempt to tarnish the image of Level 1 Productions, WME has thrown a very expensive temper tantrum and created a childish, ill-informed, and embarrassing lawsuit that signifies the final S.O.S. for this sinking titanic of industry.

I bid you farewell Warren Miller Entertainment Group, may your childish antics devour your company's reputation as you sever any and all ties you had with the freeskiing market.

Below, an exclusive photograph of a Warren Miller Entertainment employee, shortly after threatening Boulder Theatre on Monday Morning:

An Excellent Video for an Excellent Day

Today is an absolute blast. If you're having fun, you will agree with me. If you're not having fun, I present this video in an attempt to brighten your day.

Enjoy

Cellphone Camera: 1.3 MegaPixels of Pure Fury

Henrik Harlaut, fresh off the plane from NZ at 3am

While in Mammoth, we spotted a Wolverine wandering through the trees just beyond the Mammoth Mountain Inn. According to National Geographic, there are only an estimated 300 wolverines left in North America.

Venturing into Edmonton with a few ladies. What an evening

Half asleep.

Andrew and Brian getting Walter's Jeep out of the mud. Quality NH entertainment

August sunset over Pigeon Lake

80 vs 80 Flip Cup for Davis's Birthday

Here are some random images I pulled off my camera phone. Enjoy.

When Worst comes to Worst, My People Come First

When I was 15, I bought a copy of "Expansion Team" by Dilated Peoples at a record store in Lebanon, NH. Along with influencing and molding my musical interests, the album became a staple of my headphones and continues to make appearances in my skiing play list. Since Expansion Team, Dilated has released a few different albums, which inspire the best in my thoughts and daily actions.

On Friday, Kevin Perron, a childhood friend that now lives in Salt Lake City, invited me to attend a Slightly Stoopid concert at the University of Utah. He had a free ticket, and since I'm always up for an adventure, I decided to go along. I was stoked, and even more excited when I realized Dilated Peoples were performing as the opening act. The show was sick, I was at the foot of the stage, knew every word to every song, and I can't thank Kevin enough for a free ticket to see one of my favorite groups. Is singing every lyric at a concert lame? Quite possibly. But so long as you're having an absolute blast, does it really matter?

Blending Musical and Skiing Talent: The Story of Hathbanger

During the 07/08 season, I lived with Andrew Hathaway (Hathbanger), Matt Walker (Daywalker/red haired super powers), and Teddy Karlinski (TK4UHH), in a basement in Breckenridge, CO. Prior to skiing, Hath would wake up every morning, crank techo and other obnoxiously loud electronic music and go to town with DJ software. At first, I wasn't too interested, but after he perfected his technique, the mashups became better and better and soon became a staple of my skiing playlist. What seemed like a side project soon transformed into an obsession, and as of late, a potential career.

Daywalker and Hathbanger spinning at the Level 1 Premiere, Denver CO.

After Performing the Level 1 Premiere in Denver, Hath and Walker flew to Seattle, WA for the Tripple Threat Premiere, DJ'ed another show, and showcased both their musical and athletic talents to a crowd of 500+. Two shows, different time zones, in the same weekend. NBD.

Hathbanger is very popular among skiers after re-mixing a Lil' Wayne track for PBP's Everyday is a Saturday. Using a blend of hip hop and electronic with a diverse music library, Hathbanger creates some really fresh tracks for your listening pleasures. If you're interested in mashups, new music, or listening to something unique, be sure to check out these tracks as well as other Hathbanger exclusives:

Miley Cyrus & Notorious Mashup
Notorious Mashup
Jeff-Flee 4 yo Life, syrup

Stoked on Life: Hathbanger (skier/DJ)

15 Hours in Emerald City, WA

Starbucks was started in Seattle

Blake Nyman and his girlfriend Alex entering the Nimbus/PBP World Premiere

So stoked.

Rob Day and Mike Schneider of Surface Skis

The Emerald City

I just returned from Seattle.
What a city.
What an adventure.
All good things.

Let it Be

Jacob Martin Maxfield, 21, of Newport, New Hampshire passed away on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008, from injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Today, September 11th 2009, was his 23rd Birthday. He was my friend, and I miss him.

I remember the call as though it happened this morning. I was sitting in my jeep checking emails at a library on the Cape, when the phone rang and Leslie was on the other line. She was crying and could barely say the words out loud, "Josh, Jake is dead. I'm going home. Can you come too?" I calmed her down as best I could, told her I'd be there late that night, and in a blur of inconsolable anger and frustration; put on my running shoes and had one of the most physically demanding workouts of my life. Staring out at the ocean I burst out laughing and realize he'd be stoked to hear about the workout, and even more stoked to participate.

That's the thing about Jake, he poured his utmost attention and effort into everything he did, especially family, friends, and athletics. Growing up with Jake was an adventure, everything was a competition. he always wanted to win, and if he didn't, he would do everything in his power to have a re-match. If we were skiing, it was always a race, once he got his snowboard, he wanted to throw down in the park, and if we were skating, he would spend hours teaching himself new tricks. Since he had a trampoline, his house was the place to go, especially in grade 8, when we started trying different tricks on snow, and when Jake seemed to be just as stoked skating and snowboarding as he was on team sports. We would tramp and skate in the fall, spring, and summer, and build jumps in our backyards during the winter.

A year later, during the bomb threats in high school, Jake invited everyone over to his house and we built a jump. Since it was spring, the snow was really sticky and Eric Perry decided to build a chair in the jump. We were bored with the session, especially Jake. Looking around for something to do, he spotted the roof of his garage, decided it wasn't that tall, and proceeded to build a jump onto the roof. There was a good amount of snow on the garage, so it seemed like a legit plan. We built an in-run, finished the jump, and after a couple speed checks, Eric dropped in, ready to charge. The nose of his board caught the edge of the garage, he face planted on the roof, and he tumbled off the roof and onto the ground. Everyone was laughing hysterically as Jake yells, "DROPPPPING!" from the top of his hill, launches the step up onto his garage, and drops off the end into his driveway. There was yelling, everyone was stoked, and he came running up the hill to do it again.

After we got bored with the garage jump, everyone went skating. The roads were dry enough to session the curb, Towle School, and a few other spots. After returning home, we checked the messages and heard Jake's mom on the other line. "Jacob. I know you and your friends were jumping off the garage. You have to stop immediately." Everyone was laughing, and rather than send everyone home, Jake reassured us it was completely fine and wanted everyone to get ready for another backyard session.

That was the magic about Jake, he always wanted to push the envelope, always wanted to be superman, and tried everything he could to be the best. That passion for life propelled Jake to gain 30lbs of muscle, spend hours in the gym, and get a spot on his college football team. He was psyched, and even though we didn't see each other very often, it was guaranteed to be an adventure whenever we did.

Last summer, we were both in Newport, had just graduated, and were bored out of our minds. We saw each other in the gym everyday, and eventually started hitting up local bars to see old friends. Despite not hanging out with Jake for an extended period of time throughout college, it was like we never skipped a beat and were instantly close friends. The last night I saw Jake, we kicked it at Leslie's, went in the hot tub, reminisced about being kids, and talked about the journey that lies ahead. He told me he was headed to Colorado to work on a ranch, experience something new, and head up to the mountains to ride with me once the snow started falling. He told me I better be hanging out with him when we're 80, cracking beers on his front porch, and bullshitting about our lives. I ensured him that I would produce some hilarious content, and in his typical competitive nature, he replied, "I bet you will, but I think mine will be better"

One year later, I can't help but reflect on my friend's life. I could go for hours about parties, adventurous evenings, his savoir-faire with the ladies, and random AIM messages after late nights in college. As the day goes on, I'll continue to think about more ways he influenced my life and help mold who I am as a person. For me, Jake was someone that woke up every morning, kicked life in the ass, never backed down from a challenge, and took advantage of EVERY opportunity.

Looking ahead, I'm going to spend the next 80+ years of my life building material so I can tell Jake some impressive and outrageous stories. Rather than be sad, angry, or emotionally drained thinking about Jake's death, I'm going to relive the moments that made Jake one of my favorite individuals and continue to take full advantage of life. Even more comforting, you and I both know he's throwing one hell of a party in heaven.

I can't even begin to explain the positive influence you had on my life.
Happy Birthday.
I love you buddy,

- Josh

Jacob Martin Maxfield
September 11th 1986 - August 10th 2008

VANcity & Lounging with BIG L

After a casual morning of driving around the city looking for a breakfast spot, I ventured back to catch up with Big L. He and the roommates were headed to IKEA. This Swedish owned furniture store is absolutely massive, has a bar and a dining hall on the second floor, and is so complex they have arrows on the ground to keep customers moving in the proper direction. In some ways, it is very similar to a casino with very few or no clocks, no windows, and kilometer after kilometer of indoor lights. GNARLY. Check out all the fun things we did at IKEA:

This here is BIG L. His real name is Eliel Hindert, but it has a lot of syllables, so referring to him as BIG L is a reference to his daunting size and pays homage to the late NYC rap artist, Lamont Coleman (aka BIG L).

One thing I really like about IKEA is placing the Swedish name of the product above the item being sold. That way, it allows the lesser educated folk, such as myself, to learn Swedish during our shopping experience. Here, this is the Swedish word for CLOCK:

Ikea is so pimp that they have complete living room set-ups throughout the store. This allows people to see real-life placement of the objects being sold. By doing so, the items are much more likely to sell.

Further adding to the baller status of IKEA, is the complete line of HOVAS footstools. Obviously Jay-Z's signature line of furniture.

My shopping list at IKEA was very extensive. Since I was told you could purchase "anything" in the store, here is what I came up with:

BIG L and his roommate lounging on the furniture collection

After a 3.5 hour tour of the interior of the store, the sunlight is refreshing.

As you can tell for this ladies entire face shield, vitamin D is not for everyone

BIG L lost his entire purchase all over the parking lot. Well done.

Vancouver

Vancouver was first settled by Europeans in the 1860s as a result of immigration to the Colony of British Columbia caused by the Fraser and Cariboo Gold Rushes, though only a very few settled in what would become the city of Vancouver. The city's roots are based in logging and the founding of a large lumber mill, which gave birth to Gastown. The settlement expanded rapidly in the 1880s into a metropolitan centre following the arrival of the transcontinental railway in 1887. The Port of Vancouver became internationally significant as a node in the global trade network of the British Empire with the combined steamship and railway of the Canadian Pacific Railway shortening shipping times from the Orient to London. The port is now the busiest in Canada, and the fourth largest port (by tonnage) in North America.