S5E7: Tom Day - Long Underwear Podcast
How one of the best skiers became one of the most iconic ski cinematographers, why spontaneity helps create art, the similarities in carpentry and filmmaking and why life is just meant to be enjoyed.
For episode 7 of season 5 of the “Long Underwear” Podcast presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, host Amie Engerbretson sat down with veteran athlete turned long-time cinematographer Tom Day.
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Tom Day makes turns in front of the camera at Big Sky Resort while filming for "Future Retro".
About
Tom Day started working on Warren Miller films in 1984 alongside Scot Schmidt. He started as a young, extreme skier pushing the boundaries and today, he is one of the most celebrated ski cinematographers in the industry. Tom skied in front of the camera for Warren Miller and then went on to work for Warren as a cameraman because he loved the adventurous travel associated with making the films. As of 2020, he has been to all continents except Australia. This year, he was featured as an athlete for the first time in over 30 years in the new film, “Future Retro” with fellow legends Scot Schmidt, Dan Egan and John Egan. The four men reunited in Montana and Tom was able to be in front of the camera.Tom was also the lead cinematographer for the Killington segment, as well as the Alaska segment for this year’s film.
Tom shows skier Jim Ryan what he's captured while on location at Killington Resort for "Future Retro".
No More “S” Word:
Once the topic of skiing and snowboarding is off limits, Amie asks Tom about his love for filmmaking beyond winter sports and Tom gives a handy piece of philosophy: stay focussed but be open to change and being spontaneous (as well as some other golden nuggets of advice).
From there, Tom talks about his work ethic and the satisfaction he gets from seeing a finished product, knowing he put every last bit of effort into making it a success.
After that, Tom discusses what filmmaking has taught him about speaking up and directing others and Amie asks Tom about his love for carpentry.
Then, Amie asks Tom what his other life would look like if he had taken a different route and Tom certifies that he wouldn’t change a single thing and tells the story of being a young child and admiring a ski bum who was working as a dishwasher.
Carrying on, Tom discusses the low of losing his father and how COVID has impacted and mom, and the highs of celebrating his dad’s life and the large amount of family time that 2020 has given him.
To wrap it up, Tom tells the story of being in Italy with Amie for a film shoot and how they ended up at a local’s spot, exhausted, drunk and on fire…
Tom Day making movie magic.
You can follow Tom along on his adventures here.
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