Jason Lee: The American Photo Roadtrip - An ILFORD Inspires film

[@donniev8181]

I would love to see a full length American road trip Jason Lee documentary! I like his comment on the fictional movie our brains put together as we try to figure out what's going on in these towns. The oddities or objects we think are odd, make us rethink those mental fictional movies.

[@Exploredinary]

Thank you for this comment - so happy you enjoyed watching it! We agree - a longer piece would be epic!

[@gerritpiechowski5344]

Why isn't this 3hours? Could have watched it for ever!

[@Exploredinary]

Gerrit Piechowski would’ve loved to have it be 3 hours! Had to come out with a concise, short piece, but perhaps a director’s cut will one day be released ;) thanks for watching

[@nickcarophotography]

superb film making. thanks@@Exploredinary

[@Exploredinary]

nickcarophotography thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Exploredinary]

Matt Sparlin thanks so much Matt! Glad you enjoyed watching!

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

Perfect for a Jim Jarmusch project

[@The22Healer]

Love this! I want Jason’s road trips to be a series. Even if it’s only a couple of episodes a year, I’ll take it!

[@GreenEyedLady76]

please

[@Smaug1]

@@GreenEyedLady76 There was a LOT of work that went into producing and editing this.

[@GreenEyedLady76]

@@Smaug1 that sure is a true statement

[@thecaseclosedpikachufiles]

Jason lee is just another one of those humble people that I look up to as a role model

[@Caballeroshot]

Clearly you haven't met him in person.

[@4Dcruz]

I love that he talked about his eye as a photographer, what might grab his attention, how’d he’d frame a shot etc. Way too many videos are overly technical and focus way too much on the gear

[@Exploredinary]

duzer thanks for watching! Glad you liked that bit, we thought it would interesting to keep in the film. Cheers!

[@nickfanzo]

Because a lot of Instagram guys want to be famous so they make KZbin videos on cameras lenses and bad street photos vs real vision and how to see.

[@adamblackman6660]

As a fan of Jason Lee and of shooting film, and road trips, this speaks to my soul....

[@AlexScene]

Skateboarding is EXACTLY why I started photography.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

Someday I'm going to have to find out how skateboarding works. I've never done it and I don't know how that stuff is done.

[@RiverMikaelWrinch]

I love how this guy can just paint a portrait of the rural American lifestyle so well

[@CashmereDreamsTv]

this was great. I watched this whole video before I realized Jason Lee was an actor. An actor I enjoyed from "My Name Is Earl", at that. Exploredinary (Sarah Reyes & Daniel Driensky) did a great job and told the story of a skater who loves photography.

[@Ilfordphoto]

We love hearing this. It is a great film isn't it? Have you seen the other in this series? kzbin.info/aero/PLarwq93oldzQ7jebYkhYA6bagabds-Xib

[@matthewelsdon7949]

Really nice atmospheric film. More of this please.

[@jasongold6751]

My sister younger could and did skate, standing on her head. I've never seen anyone else even try it! Really like your images.

[@victorkreig6089]

ILford couldn't have chosen a better person to show off their brand, Jason is a really great guy and his photography should be how most approach subject matter

[@hanslehmann2124]

My son is taking media courses at CSUN and takes occasional trips out to Jason's photo store in Eagle Rock. Yesterday Jason gave him a cable release, no charge. Reminds me of my own younger days taking B&W photos and processing them in our makeshift darkroom.

[@nickfanzo]

I never knew this actor skateboarded or shot film or practiced photography. Now I love the guy.

[@williamshaffer9216]

Every time I watch this video, I feel Happy! I've been to Decatur a couple of times for PhotoRoad Trips and it is full of things to photograph. I see something new every time I go. I especially like theway Jason has blended in such beautiful music with his video! s photographers, I sometimes think we concentrate on the photography only and don't think about enhancements, such as music!

[@nicolakiss]

this is just beautiful man i mean its one thing everybody now with the street photography but where is the talent where is the composition skill. love ur photography ..

[@therealpoka]

as a skateboarder and photographer I think that these three docs about skateboarding photographers is as inspiring to see before going and shooting as skateboard videos are inspiring to watch just before going out skating. You did a great job on these. I want more!

[@Exploredinary]

ban_one thanks so much for watching and leaving this feedback! We’re so happy to hear these films inspired you :)

[@alm5966]

I finally watched Dog Town and Z Boys almost 20 years after my then girlfriend wouldn't let me see in NYC. The photographs shown in the movie were amazing.

[@versnellingspookie]

@@alm5966 never let a girl decide for you what you can and cant do in your off time

[@barzdown1437]

this man was my childhood with Alvin and the Chipmunks and now he is doing photography... what a well rounded, productive man!

[@zarate1om]

Wow, I’m years late but this was a treat. As a skateboarder/photographer I was excited to see this pop up but man, what production quality! A genuinely good watch.

[@whiskeypete47]

Dang since he moved to Texas he's taking that Hank Hill transformation serious 😜, cool video like to see more like this

[@StanleyKubick1]

this is one of the best photography videos on youtube. Jason's views on taking photos are very enjoyable to listen to

[@Ilfordphoto]

Wow, thanks! Great to hear that. Have you watched the other videos on the ILFORD Inspires series?

[@Thegrainsilouk]

I’ve watched this vid about 50 times 😎👍

[@Ilfordphoto]

Love this! Have you watched the other videos in the ILFORD Inspires series too?

[@chrisantonuccio]

I could watch this for hours, simple and minimal...Jason is the man, so much inspiration

[@maibritton2882]

Aww I knew I liked Jason Lee for some reason. Thanks for showing a facet of the artist.

[@Ilfordphoto]

You're welcome, We're glad you enjoyed it.

[@wildbird78]

Keeping art original, true and organic. Please stay alive forever Jason Lee.

[@appleshampoo324]

I love how all the backstories of these great photographers are all the same. Starting as a skateboarder wanting to shoot photos of your friends and then branching out to other subjects... exactly how i started photography. The feeling of landing a difficult trick after an hour of battling is almost the same as finding a good composition/story and photographing it.

[@Exploredinary]

Thank you for watching!! This film and series was a blast to make, and all three guys were so kind to share their stories about their love for film and skateboarding!

[@appleshampoo324]

@@Exploredinary thank you for making these. Really well made. you can clearly feel the passion for photography when watching the films.

[@eifionjones8513]

"The feeling of landing a difficult trick after an hour of battling is almost the same as finding a good composition/story and photographing it" Boom, you just nailed it. I chose video/film but the same thing applies. I never saw the connection this way before. Skateboarding taught me to see differently and to perservere to capture that what I see.

[@Ilfordphoto]

I love that comparison! We're so glad you enjoyed the films.:)

[@harryg7678]

Wow, didn’t know such high quality storytelling still existed. Thank you.

[@EDHBlvd]

This was pretty dang cool. I also feel like I need to watch Mallrats again.

[@notgivennotgiven7776]

Rediscover Film and my name is Earl

[@matthewdixon3694]

Didn't realize this video existed until today. Fantastic little doc.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks Matthew, glad you enjoyed it. Pleease have a look at the other videos in our ILFORD Inspires series

[@miss.understood2160]

I am so honored you moved to Denton Jason. I am a Denton native and also a die-hard My Name is Earl fan. I couldn't be more stoked. You're the shit Jason!!!

[@zguy95135]

So good, there's nothing more freeing than road tripping with a camera in your hand.

[@Exploredinary]

Joseph Delgadillo such a good feeling! Thanks for watching!

[@mathewmccarthy429]

Another great production. What I really liked about this film is how Jason, as a documentary photographer, was open to the observations around him and reacted to them as opposed to having a storyboard script. To observe and react is a very organic way to document. Yes, we have to do our homework; yes we have to know generally what we want to shoot; yes we need to convince our editors we have something to offer. But once there, we need to be present and open to whatever comes our way as documentarians - otherwise we might as well photograph cardboard. Nicely done.

[@Exploredinary]

Mathew McCarthy thanks for watching Matthew! We’re happy that you liked the organic nature of this piece. All three films were shot unscripted, but this was definitely the most unplanned, we were along with Jason for the ride, and didn’t even know where we were headed, or what he would say, and we love the excitement of shooting that way. ❤️

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks for the feedback Matthew, it's great to hear that you enjoyed the film. We really liked how it gave us an insight into Jason's thought process as he's out shooting.

[@eladbari]

So goddamn true. Truth lies somewhere inbetween. I think going with the flow is amazing, but on some shoots i feel like part of my best shots were ones i pre-imagined beforehand. That's the creative struggle I personally have. Part of you wants to not plan anything, and the other part knows that preparation saved your ass many times. Just wondering...

[@Exploredinary]

eladbari and the beauty is you can change it up and be spontaneous one day, and super organized and planned other days. I think we all have a little bit of both sides in us. It’s all about what the brain and heart is feeling that day. Cheers!

[@mathewmccarthy429]

totally agree. i'm working on a documentary at the moment and today was a portrait session w a key subject. had the studio perfectly set; visualized the look i wanted; tested the equipment - well organized. Then power went out .... had to do the shoot outside - something I wasn't planning for. But we had fun and made it work. The film is now headed to Richard for processing.....We'll soon see.....

[@arcanics1971]

Now that, my friend, is a shared moment. That was a really interesting film.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Glad you enjoyed it. Have you watched the others in the series?

[@TheChuckism1]

Such a beautiful film. Hitting the road and recording the simplest of things that we’re too busy to notice or consider, today. Wonderfully narrated by Jason. Thx, Ilford.

[@colinstanley4676]

Im so glad that these genres have mixed so well over the years. Skateboarding as an artform.

[@Dmzfotografie]

one of the most interesting videos that i've seen since a long time. Absolutely great! Thanks so much for creating!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thank you - Glad that you enjoyed it Have the watched the others in the Legends of Skateboarding ILFORD Inspires series?

[@Exploredinary]

Thanks for watching and for your comment! Really happy you enjoyed it - Exploredinary

[@danielemilazzo432]

Thank you Jason Lee. Thank you Ilford. Amazing.

[@elram2649]

Jason's such a cool, chill guy, always liked him. And, I had no idea of this side of him. Plus, he's a potographer!!! Whaaaat! Dude's a star for the ages. 🤗

[@JakeBorchenko]

Thanks so much for doing these Legends of Skateboarding films. They're wonderful and so relatable.

[@Exploredinary]

Thank you for watching!! This film and the entire series was a blast to make. Glad they connected with you!

[@peaceandlove3822]

I am 22 and have been in to film sense disposable cameras times but when I turn 18 I became very interested in film an I got to say I love it and it is a different experience and my desire is to take it as deep as I can and maybe make a living on it ,so many cameras sow much film options I want to have them all and to be able to meet people like this man so I can know his wisdom and use it on my skills so that I can pass it on and for film to never die

[@luka5336]

This is so refreshing and inspiring, Earl is a thoughtful student of life. Personally photography is a way of escaping reality, feeling connected to place and pursuing the moment in simplicity. Its a great gift

[@thetalkingfly]

Nice! Very nice.

[@ColinBloodworth]

This was beautiful. So soothing and inspiring all at the same time.

[@Exploredinary]

Colin Bloodworth thanks so much for watching, we’re really happy to hear that feedback and glad you enjoyed it!!

[@christianonphotography]

This is pure inspiration. As some other already wrote down....I could watch it for hours. Thx a lot!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Glad you enjoyed it Christian. Make sure you keep an eye our on our lockdown sessions on ilfordphoto.com as we're hoping that Jason get involved:)

[@sly_snootles1639]

This short 15 minute film is one of the most beautiful and inspiring videos i've seen on KZbin in a very long time. Fantastically put together. Thank you.

[@Exploredinary]

Sly_Snootles thanks so much for watching, and for the kind words about the film. We really appreciate that!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Wow what a fantastic compliment. Jason is a very inspiring man and we were lucky to have the talented @Exploredinary film and edit this series. They did a fantastic job.

[@daves5574]

wow this was a gorgeous piece. jason lee has a beautiful eye and mind that truly come out in both his skating and photography. thank you.

[@discojelly]

Great film! So awesome to Mr. Jason Lee as one of our business owners here in Denton Texas! Always great seeing his work!

[@Exploredinary]

Courts Griner thanks for watching Courts!

[@jonghoonlee1098]

Good to see you, Jason.. and thanks Ilford

[@morizenfoche]

I started that whole LINCOLN TOWNCAR trend by renting them on every THRASHER trip I took. Totaled a few. Went thru 3 of them on the trip to Salton Sea, which included high-speed egg-fights down the rural hwys, tequila, near-breaking of land-speed records, strange burritos, police chase, and no injuries.

[@djpooyen]

GREAT FILM Jason is the best and HP5 the best film ever

[@MrNorthshorepipe]

So extremely soothing and calming. Absolute favourite.

[@JohnSchellphoto]

Really really great stuff. Thank you, Jason for articulating so well all the reasons we load up our cars and drive for hours looking for something we can't seem to describe yet somehow know what it is when we see it.

[@therealchickentender]

Had no idea Jason was a film photog. Now I dig the guy even more.

[@Ms.GreenJeans]

Analog film is so much better. We used to make and buy things that LAST! Love this. Every single item has a story & capturing that is real truth.

[@professah12]

This is great..!!! Thank you

[@ThatGamingGuyfromthe70s]

This has been my favourite photo series by far. All 3 episodes were superb and worth many a repeat watch. I really hope you carry on with this series. Thanks for your hardwork in bringing these to us.

[@Exploredinary]

Jon Burtoft thanks so much for watching and for that wonderful compliment! This has been one of our favorite projects EVER to work on and we’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed the films. Cheers!

[@Ilfordphoto]

That's so good to hear Jon, going into this we really hoped that the series would resonate with people and looking at the amazing feedback, it seems to have done just that! We are definitely planning more in the ILFORD Inspires series in future so please keep watching :)

[@pocketsquareformat]

Very inspirational. I needed to see this today. Excellent work by Ilford, as always

[@mathisk8life]

I want that stereo deck that resembles the Matt Hensley graphic and board shape. At the beginning of the video. Dude that's one of my favorite shapes and sizes. Nice!!!!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Never mind teh stereo, check our the film and camera combo!

[@jdcyal8r]

Very cool - sorry I guess I am 5 years out but being an 80s kid (had a hat in the cat) great content!

[@znaykashuffler]

Hi ilford thank you for exposimg the side of art on skateboarding it's mean a lot for us. Please don't stop making this... So many people can understand more about skateboarding and photography too. Keep film alive, also thankyou for supporting us the film photographer

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thank you for the lovely feedback. we're glad you enjoyed the videos. Have you watch all of them in the series?

[@znaykashuffler]

@@Ilfordphoto not yet but i will recently i just saw the joe brook, truly one of my favourite photograoher at skateboarding. Hope you will make a series for arto too... I really enjoy this series

[@analog_process3156]

And now what? You presented the 3 photographers... but there are more to come, right? 😀 Again, great episode. 👍

[@Exploredinary]

Angelo C more coming soon. We wanted to release this series as a group but there are others in post production now 👍 thanks so much for following the series!

[@christiansaywhat4492]

@@Exploredinary These are great. I never knew I needed these.

[@veintequetzales2000]

@@Exploredinary yeeeeeeeees!!!!!

[@Ilfordphoto]

There's definitely more to come, and don't forget that you can go back on the ILFORD Inspires playlist and watch some of the previous videos too!

[@MarcS4R]

thank you Ilford. i love you for bringing out this series

[@Ilfordphoto]

You're welcome Marc. We had such good fun making it. Ray, Joe and Jason are all such talented and inspiring people with different stories to tell and we were really lucky to work with the lovely Daniel and Sarah @Exploredinary to be able to bring them to you.

[@austintexas29]

Loved every single one of these videos, and this one did not disappoint. Cannot wait for you guys to make more!

[@Exploredinary]

Austin Hulme thanks for watching!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@douggottlieb]

What a wonderful film. I've always liked Jason Lee, the actor. He was great in "Almost Famous." I had no idea of his skateboarding history or his photography. And what a great tune that is accompanying the end credits! But most of all, what an inspiring, beautiful piece of storytelling by the makers of this film. Just when I thought that "The American Photo Roadtrip" could not be any more romantic or enticing, you've gone and made it even more so. Thanks Ilford. Liked. Subscribed. And now have commented. Please keep making film. And keep making videos like this one.

[@Exploredinary]

Douglas Gottlieb thanks so much for watching! This was a fun series to make, please watch the films on Joe Brook and Ray Barbee that are part of this series as well- you’ll enjoy them!

[@douggottlieb]

Exploredinary Thanks for the pointer! Just watched these two. Just as moving and inspiring. The entire series has such beautiful production design and pacing. And the subjects are all doing such great work. Kudos. Keep these coming! I'll keep an eye out for Exploredinary videos and films! You guys are great. I'd buy a larger compilation of these film shooter skateboard artist shorts if it were a feature film. Love your work

[@andreadallalibera]

Thank you guys for sharing these documentaries of skateboarding legends, they've ispired me a lot !

[@Exploredinary]

andrea dalla libera thanks for watching!! Really happy to hear that these have inspired you!!

[@lisamichelehutto799]

Oh Jason, I knew your Dad. He loved you so!!!!

[@janmyskowski1204]

Another great bid, folks. Thanks for putting these out there.

[@HayesPeterson]

Loved every one of these short films! I hope you can do more. Ilford's the best!!!

[@Exploredinary]

HayesPeterson thanks so much for watching the series!! There will definitely be more coming soon 👍

[@HayesPeterson]

@@Exploredinary Heck yeah man!! If you're ever in Portland doing a project and need extra hands hit me up. Would love to help. ;)

[@devonrumpel]

loved this. Makes me want to photograph my town. Thank you Sarah, Daniel and Jason!

[@Exploredinary]

Devon Rumpel thanks so much for watching. It makes us happy to hear that you enjoyed it!

[@MrYerbaMate1]

This films have been a great inspiration. Lovely work.

[@Radders123]

This is absolutely stunning.

[@ArmTheCreative]

Loved it. Man, traveling in a Towncar is not cheap! lol.....

[@kevinjohnthomson]

Really great series. Great photos, filmography and music. Inspiring stuff.

[@Exploredinary]

Glad you enjoyed it! Raymond Molinar (another skateboarder) made the score and is also an incredible photographer. Find him on IG at @raymond.molinar and he also co-curates with Jason at @Filmphotographic

[@tadeusz11000]

That’s why we all love, ‘Americana.’

[@basschurink]

I love these movies. Great !!

[@Exploredinary]

Bas Schurink thanks for watching! Happy you enjoyed this series!

[@jonlouis2582]

Great short film, very compelling, great music.

[@Exploredinary]

jon louis thanks for watching! The main music is skater Raymond Molinar and was recorded on Jason’s farm. The ending song is Jason himself with his friend Eric Pulido from the band Midlake 👍

[@michelk5]

Just beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

[@Exploredinary]

Fujimichel thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@samirifat]

Really enjoyed this film. I'd love to see more!

[@Ilfordphoto]

That's good to hear. We do have some more videos lined up for later this year, so make sure you subscribe! Also you can always check out the rest of the videos in the Ilford Inspires playlist

[@christianmejia4839]

This is a super cool film, love everything about it.

[@mladen5016]

The best thing about this is driving around in that Town car!

[@catey62]

Thank you Ilford

[@desmtb]

Beautiful. Thank you to everyone involved.

[@The_Mister]

Awesome. I loved this. I like to shoot a lot of the same stuff and do photography road trips and shoot film, and also a skateboarder. So many of his observations about the connections were spot on. Thanks for doing this.

[@bernadette828]

this could've been hours long, i wouldn't have had enough. incredible of course Jason Lee but the cinematography and editing, the way this was put together is simply breathtaking and beyond inspiring. endless thank you

[@Exploredinary]

Thank you!! 🙌❤️

[@FerrisThomas]

From a fellow 1970er, well done. Keep on keeping on.

[@jakebrown3822]

Thank you Ilford.

[@petepetersen]

I really enjoyed watching this film. Great choice of pictures, music and narrative. I didn’t know that Jason was a Pro Skateboarder and is a photographer. What I do know is that he is a great actor. I love the movies he was in Mallrats, Jay and Silent Bob etc. And “My Name is Earl was hilarious! Thanks for making and sharing this!

[@Exploredinary]

Peter Milke thanks for watching! We’re happy this film was enlightening and helped you to learn about Jason’s many talents. We knew many people who know him for acting may not know of his skateboarding history or his photography, so it was a fun challenge to squeeze it all in here. Cheers!

[@Ilfordphoto]

Really glad you enjoyed watching Peter. Jason is a very multi talented man, and @Exploredinary did an amazing job of bringing everything together.

[@Cinelliguerciotti]

I love his classic, old school ideology. Made me think of Ansel Adams hiking around with quite heavy large format camera and wooden tripod

[@alkismakris]

what an amazing guy.

[@liamclark4794]

This has been such an amazing series from Ilford. Beautifully shot, wonderfully edited and it really captures the therapeutic experience of creating images.

[@Exploredinary]

thanks so much for watching and for the compliment!

[@pgnewfoundland]

Yeah everything about this was great. From Jason's talking about photography and experiencing places and who ever did the video and editing what a great job. I echo the person below could total enjoy some form of extended version of this!

[@Exploredinary]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it! Check out the first film we made with Jason: OUR CITY vimeo.com/229490822

[@erikfehrenbach1862]

Long live the 28mm. These are awesome to watch !

[@petertaranscorsese2900]

Excellent film :- )

[@Exploredinary]

Thank you for watching! Happy to hear you enjoyed it! - Exploredinary

[@hoffen]

As a kid I always studied skateboard magazines religiously. Wondering how all those photos came to be. Any Spike Jonze skate shot would send my mind racing to find out how he did this. I can definately relate to skateboarding being an inspiration in photography. Great video!

[@Exploredinary]

hoffen thanks so much for watching! Love Spike’s photography so much. The shot in the film of Jason and Mark was shot by Spike in 1990 and was actually a print on Jason’s wall. So rad!

[@FrequentSnapper]

Inspirational. Don't think I'll ever get on a skateboard, but I can't wait 'til my next photo road trip.

[@Ilfordphoto]

Thanks Jerry. We'd love to see some of your shots from your next photo road trip.

[@pressureflipin1992]

Non better than Jason Lee. Plain and simple! Greatest style ever

[@ryan2stix]

Man, what a great channel...inspiring...amazing soulful sound scores...truly inspiring... So glad I found this channel. Thank you....I just might have to wonder with my camera tonight.

[@Exploredinary]

ryan2stix thanks for watching and thanks for the compliment on the scores!! All are Texas musicians except for the score of this film, though the ending track on this one is by Jason Lee and Eric Pulido (of Midlake) who are currently Texans

[@PurgatoryProductions]

Very cool, honestly I never even knew that "photographer road trips" were a thing until now. I'd love to hear other stories about people's time on the road, that seems so much fun. I know a few of the more prominent online photographers get their best work on the road, maybe it's time for me to try it out at some point!

[@FocalMatter]

this means the world to me...

[@francisbombus3949]

love it! Please more of this stuff.