This fall has been packed with premieres from Encinitas to the Pacific Northwest, NYC, and beyond. It feels like we’ve been chasing the dream party all season. The Videograss movie tour was unforgettable, and every other movie along the way brought its own excitement. Wrapping up the Videograss tour at Skullcandy HQ felt like the perfect finale, tying everything together. Now that it’s over, there’s a bittersweet sense of closure. If you were there, you know what I mean. If not, here’s what went down:

Words: Katie Kennedy
Photos: Hiro Sun

The party kicked off at SLC’s favorite snowboard shop, Milo Sport, where Brighton Resort provided a shuttle service to Skullcandy’s Park City Headquarters. Aboard these shuttles were the stars of the two videos premiering that night. All the riders from Videograss and Bittersweet were in attendance, including Egan Wint, Bode Merrill, Desiree Melancon, Jeff Holce, Sierra Forchheimer, Jack Coyne, Stefi Luxton, Seb Picard, Darrah Reid-McLean, Tommy Gesme, Jill Perkins, Reid Smith, Louif Paradis, Justin Phipps, Dan Liedahl, Robby Meehan, and Mike Ravelson.

The shuttle service and double-feature premieres were two reasons we knew this would be a fun night, with all the extra details adding the perfect bonus. The spaceship Justin Meyer created for the Search Party opening scene was there—along with Spencer Shoeburt, the pilot. The Bittersweet crew set up a 'Dream Room' filled with clouds, stars, bean bags, and a VHS playing classic snowboard videos. 10 Barrel Brewing kept everyone supplied with beers, and a Lucky Slice food truck was dishing out pizza. People were skating the ramp, and STAY hosted a raffle with incredible prizes. McKenna was giving tours of Skullcandy, Bob Plumb had his camera in hand, and DJ Matty Mo was in his booth. Before we knew it, hundreds of people had gathered, and the dream party was coming to life.

When showtime arrived, the crowd shuffled toward the screen. Ted Borland and Desiree Melancon took the stage to introduce the world premiere of Bittersweet. Bittersweet: An Exploration of Dreams was a poetic and abstract reflection of last winter. The rider list was predominantly female—one of the best majority-female videos to date—with a perfect blend of street and powder. The audience saw dreams unfold for the first time; eyes were glued to the screen, and cheers filled the air. It’s safe to say Desiree and Ted did it again. 

There was a brief break after Bittersweet for the STAY raffle, giving everyone a moment to digest the footage they had just watched. Once the crowd settled, we were ready for Videograss’ Search Party. This final stop was extra special because the entire cast was present. As the riders were introduced and Meyer thanked everyone for coming, Reid Smith took the mic with some final words: 'My first movie was Videograss: Shoot the Moon, and it's such an honor to be in VG now.'

Search Party marks the resurgence of the beloved and legendary production company—a blend of old and new. Many of us have already seen the video, and it’s available early in select shops, so I'll just say this: it's a video we'll be watching for years to come. 

As the credits rolled and the crowd began to return to reality after 40 minutes of incredible snowboarding, a message appeared on the screen: 'We interrupt the regularly scheduled program to bring you this important announcement: REID SMITH IS PRO FOR RIDE.' Jill Perkins burst onto the stage as a Reid Smith montage by Jake Durham played on the screen. The Dustbox crew lifted Reid into the air. Champagne sprayed, confetti fell, and an ice luge was rolled onto the floor. Jed Anderson had designed the graphics for the Reid board, now being raised into the air. As Reid would say, 'That was a little too epic.'

The last stop of the VG tour was indeed a full-circle moment. At the first stop, Reid was surprised with the cover of Issue 4.1, and at the final stop, he went pro for Ride.

We look forward to many more premiere tours with you all and surprising Reid for the rest of his life.

Videograss is supported by 10 Barrel, Skullcandy, Ikon Pass, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Ride, Sun Bum, Salomon, Corduroy, K2, Vans, Capita, Union & 686.

Bittersweet is supported by by Skullcandy, Volcom, Salomon, Autumn Headwear, ThirtyTwo, Never Summer, Dinosaurs Will Die, & Lib Tech.

Bittersweet will be premiering at the Evo Women’s Film Festival. Find a stop near you here!