MAY 2021
by Mike Ferrell
A chorus of crickets and frogs compete with solo hoots of an owl and the cathartic smells of jasmine and gardenia sift through my screen door – North Carolina summer is here. The change of seasons and 90-degree heat has me in a state of reflection. I think about how next month is TopTop’s 1-year anniversary and how much has changed in such a short time. Life in the U.S. is starting to resemble times of old albeit vastly different. But I can start to plan travel and harness the excitement and energy of landing somewhere new or at least different.
As I write this “Reflections” by Diana Ross and The Supremes is playing in my head and it takes me back to being a kid in the late 80s, early 90s and staying up “late” to watch China Beach – you're welcome.
In March 2020 we were hired to work on a commercial project to honor the legacy and humble beginnings of Marmot and celebrate its future. Due to the pandemic, we couldn't shoot new footage to capture our vision but thankfully we were able to pivot. We utilized some footage from Nick and sourced footage from epic creative talent.
We named the edit "Stoke Your Fire" as the narrator is the “Wild”, reminiscing on the good times and reminding us that although the world has changed, the "Wild" hasn’t, and neither have we. So stoke the fire burning inside you and get outside and explore.
Marmot changed course throughout the year and never launched the edit but we're proud of our first project as a team, and a test at Visual Storytelling.
Justin Dersham, affectionately known as “Dersh” to some, is a producer, director, and editor. He’s also one of the funniest people I’ve met and I don’t say that lightly. We hired Justin to be an editor on the first episode of our How To Series for The North Face and due to the quick turnaround we had him on location to edit. It was a good decision because not only is he great to have around but he has an uncanny ability to process information quickly and understand what makes a successful edit. Check out his work!
Little known fact, years ago Justin traveled the world competing as a mountainboarder. Mountainboarding is snowboarding without the snow using a board with “off-road” wheels. It doesn't sound like a good idea but I think you’re golden if you just throw on some Pit Viper shades and chug a Mountain Dew.
Alpha Mare is a short film by Victor Tadashi Suarez that taps into the past and psyche of Karin, a horse listener who lives in solitude in the hills of Marin County, California.
It reinforces that life isn’t a straightforward path but one of self-discovery if you’re willing to take the trip. It’s also a reminder that May is mental health awareness month. The past year has been isolating, difficult, but at times, beautiful and exciting. Let's check in with each other because you never know what a kind word or an open ear will do for someone.
Let's continue the theme of reflection and take a trip back to the 90s – the golden era of hip-hop. I had a blast putting this playlist together because it’s the music I grew up listening to and it brings me back to simpler times. Maybe a bit reckless but fun nonetheless. Hit shuffle and enjoy! Listen here!
Let's collaborate!
We're always looking to partner with good people and creative minds. So if you’re an athlete on a mission, a creative with a concept, or a marketer with an audience – we would love to collaborate with you. Email us, let's create something cool together.