Jessy Jean-Bart or Black Sparrow decided to go to California a few weeks ago, and film a skateboarding part himself with his Insta360 in Los Angeles and Vegas. It’s a pretty complex project and you have to be really prepared before getting into it. Here are Jessy Jean-Bart’s 5 tips for filming your next skateboard part in 360.

1. Be aware of the environment and the position of the camera

Filming yourself while skateboarding is an additional variable to take into account, as you can get injured much more easily. You are so caught up in your bubble because you want to get your line right, that you don’t realize what’s around and you forget that you’re filming. And that’s where it can be very dangerous. So it’s very important that you are aware of your surroundings.

On the other hand, what’s really crazy is that it’s impossible to miss the sequence when you’re filming in 360 mode and on top of that, the camera erases the selfie stick. It’s perfect for shooting lines. I also discovered while filming that the camera always films in fisheye. So it’s possible to create endless lines by making cuts in the right places between tricks.

2. Plan the session strategically 
It’s important to create a list of spots before you leave, and if you’re in unknown territory, to anticipate the routes between each one. You also have to take into account that when you are shooting in 360, the environment is as important as the tricks.

I’ve found that the best equipment for productivity is to have a bike! It’s more efficient to get around and even to discover new spots. It is also necessary to include in your list an iPhone and a 360 camera with the application, a tripod, a selfie-stick, a battery charger, bandaids and Purell.

I’d say that the biggest secret is to have fun. You have to do it for yourself and not take yourself too seriously. You have to know when to stop trying a trick to keep yourself in shape for the next spot on the day’s list. So, with a solid strategy, if a day or a spot doesn’t work out, you can keep shooting without putting your entire part on the line. By taking a step back to the project, you realize that it’s not the final product that’s most important, it’s the in between, the experiences and the memories.

3. Know how to edit in 360/Imovie or Premiere Pro
.A part like this requires as much editing as any other part, if not more, so you definitely need to have skills (or know someone who does) with Imovie or Premiere Pro. The fact that it’s always shot the same way requires even more creativity in editing so that the result can be as dynamic as a classic part, shot from different angles.

4. Expect to be limited in tricks

The way you shoot (selfie-stick or tripod) will limit you in terms of tricks. When you shoot with a stick, you are definitely more limited since you have to hold the camera in your hand. You have to know where you’re going at the same time as holding the camera. It’s a triple multitask. However, with an insta360 camera, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities and you might not be able to do the same tricks as when you’re filming normally. The camera itself makes everything look cool and look good.

5. Choisir la bonne musique
Finally, the music is very important. The song I used was a big inspiration. It gave me a guideline. Fantasmas by Twin Tribes. The title of the song is a Latin word that means ghost. It was a funny coincidence that it was my bail that ended my trip. That’s why I put the shot at the beginning of the video.

Anyway, my biggest advice is to be careful, stay focused and do it for fun. It’s nothing serious: practice in the park or test with friends. Filming a solo part is a lot of multitasking and it’s pretty dangerous, but when you’re prepared it’s worth it.