DENVER, CO – September 15, 2009 – Ski film fans, professional skiers, snowsports industry magnates, and media gathered at Denver’s Bluebird Theater on Friday, September 11th for the official World Premiere of Level 1’s tenth anniversary ski film project, “Refresh.” The lineup at the ticket window formed at 7pm, and remained wrapped around the block long after the film’s scheduled start time of 9:30, as excited fans kept filing into the theater for the sold-out show.
DJs Hathbanger and Daywalker kept the enthused crowd entertained and dancing with their 2-hour long set, before gear from Dynastar, Under Armour, Skullcandy, Monster, Spyder, Spy, and other sponsors was raffled off and tossed into the crowd.
After the preliminary entertainment, the lights dimmed and the intro began. Director Josh Berman conveyed some of his early memories of watching ski films, the nostalgia of being ten years deep in creating his own films, and how like so many others, it was Warren Miller whose films first inspired him.
Surprise Participation from Icon Warren Miller:
None of the ensuing action over the scheduled 55 minutes of film- no matter how unbelievable the skiing, creative the shot, or epic the light- could have provoked the moment of contemplative silence, followed by deafening cheers, as when the voice of Warren Miller himself stepped in to add true insight and depth to where skiing has come from over the past sixty years, and how it has arrived at its current state. As Miller reflects in the film, “Today’s filmmakers have refreshed their perspectives of what’s possible on both sides of the camera. Skiing today, is not, what it once was…”
And it certainly is not.
From jib and jump superstar Tom Wallisch’s opening segment through Wiley Miller’s Alaskan big mountain lines that closed the film, the crowd roared from the first action shot through the last, pausing only to take in further exchanges between (Warren) Miller, the athletes, and the filmmakers behind “Refresh,” as they told stories of traveling, skiing, and filmmaking from across the globe.
The evening marked the release of Level 1’s most comprehensive ski film yet, as well as a unique milestone for Josh Berman and Level 1- the coveted and rare opportunity to work with ski filmmaking icon, Warren Miller. It was and is, quite certainly, a collaboration unlike any other which the skiing public has ever witnessed.
“Bringing in Warren Miller to share his thoughts, words, and perspective is the ultimate way for us to bridge the gap between our younger core audience, and the more traditional ski film fans,” said Berman, about the collaboration. “His knowledge and insight adds something to this year’s film that every generation will be able to take something away from, and if his closing words don’t make you want to go out and ski, nothing will!”
“Participating in ‘Refresh’ was a great opportunity for me to commemorate my 60-year heritage of adventure film-making by working with a young man and his production company, which mirror my own story in many ways,” said Warren Miller. “The ski industry has transformed and it has been both fun and gratifying for me to be interviewed for this project by a group whose enthusiasm for skiing and dedication to quality film-making are both genuine and infectious.”
About Level 1:
Based out of Denver, Colorado, Level 1 is one of the fastest growing brands in the Action Sports industry. Founded in 1999, and independently owned and operated by Josh Berman, Level 1 is recognized across the globe for its contribution to the sport of Skiing, finding and exposing the next generation of talent, and helping bring the sport back to the youth demographic. Josh and his team produce among the most widely distributed and broadcast ski films and ski action content in the world, and have received numerous awards for their work over the past ten years.
About Refresh:
Never before has the sport of skiing changed and progressed so much, so quickly, as it has over the past decade. With changes in equipment, accessibility of terrain, and most importantly the mindset of some of the world’s best athletes, skiing today is not what it once was… An integral part of these recent changes, Level 1 looks back and challenges perspectives of where the sport has come from, and where it’s going in their tenth-anniversary offering, “Refresh.” Keeping true to their humble roots while exploring every arena that skiing has to offer the Level 1 crew serves up the most diverse ski entertainment to date. New things will never get old- fresh images of big jumps, deep powder, technical urban exploits, steep lines, and memorable terrain park action with a collection of the sport’s best and brightest talent.
About Warren Miller:
One of the most recognizable names in the Winter Sports Industry, Warren Miller has been making ski films for more than half of a century. His annual films on skiing were renowned for their stunning photography, witty humor, classic storytelling, and exhibition of incredible talent showcasing participants of all levels, from everyday enthusiasts to professional athletes. Currently, Miller is busy writing a weekly column for numerous ski resort newspapers and working on his autobiography. Additionally, he has almost completed his cartoon book about the only sport as dumb as skiing, but done while wearing fewer clothes, golf. For more information about Warren, his products and his stories, please visit [https://www.warrenmiller.net] or join him on his Facebook page, [https://www.facebook.com/warrenmiller].
