The Final Interview: Kai Neville Talks About the M...

By Jeff Mull

Heard enough hype about the Modern Collective to last you a lifetime? Yeah, we didn't think so. On the heels of what is said to be one of the finest surf films to drop in years, if not decades, we got one final word in with the film's director, Kai Neville, to get his take on everything from dealing with the media blitz to what keeps him inspired in the editing bay.

It seems like I can't pick up a surf mag or go to a website without there being something on the Modern Collective lately. As your major debut, does the flood of media attention ever make you wonder if the film is being over-hyped and setting an unrealistic, golden standard for you?

The coverage has been wicked, I started the little blog on our first trip to France and we have generated a unique following. I assume the film will be very different from people’s expectations. The movie is session based so what you see is what you get. No two-minute bang of keepers. It showcases a more candid approach to the way these guys surf. I know people are expecting a lot out of this movie, the pressure is on for me to bring the goods. You can’t appeal to everyone though I’m trying to find an enjoyable medium. I religiously watched surf vids around the age 13-17 so my main focal point is to keep the younger generation psyched to go flair.

What or who do you look to for creative inspiration? I know surfing in the past hasn't been the most progressive of genres, but is there a person or a magazine or cinematographer that makes you reexamine how you do your job?

The audience for sure craves more today and I have been tapping into a few genres and music videos for ideas, taking what I like and trying to apply that technique to a surf film. Also, I draw ideas from design and culture magazines like Wonderland, Wallpaper, Dazed, etc. This style has created a really clean and minimal look to the project. More emphasis on the subject rather than applying wild motion graphics and titles across the screen. I love the look in most features and fashion ads of using small text with extravagant imagery apposed to covering the page with hideous graphics.

When the last of the editing is done and the film is released, how are you gonna unwind or are you gonna start plugging away at another film?

I’m stoked right now just finished the main edit. About to embark on a wild North American tour! After that I will be ready for a little break to actually go surf and also work on the pre-production for the next movie.

What's your take on mainstream style in the surf industry?

Pretty lame, to tell you the truth I haven’t even thought of buying surf related items of clothing for at least five years. Seems if you try something a little different you will be ridiculed, be smart, don’t listen, wear what you want. Create your own unique style. Magazine and video produces want to see someone looking fresh and companies can then market the shit out of you. Surfers were like rock stars in the 1970s!

What was the last non-surf film you really enjoyed and why?

Cedar Boys. It wasn’t the best film and you could tell they worked with a low budget. I just enjoy gangland-related subjects and this was an Australian film.