This past Thursday night in the beach town of Encinitas, CA, Todd Richards introduced the world premier showing of the documentary that tells the story of "a kid growing up on the East coast who was a complete and total nerd who actually made something of himself despite everyone saying that he couldn't."
The movie is "Me, Myself and I", and it tells Todd's inspiring life story, from his first introduction to the barely known sport of snowboarding to his domination of the Winter X Games, to where he now- a family man, industry leader and owner of O'Matic snowboards.
Josh Landan is the award winning director of "Me, Myself and I - The Todd Richards Story". He has directed such films as "Against the Grain- The Tara Dakides Story" and "Flow- The True Story of a Surfing Revolution".
Josh is no stranger to what it takes to chronicle the life of a legend in a full length feature film, and he didn't hold back exposing the trials and tribulations that took place behind the scenes of Todd's high profile career. The documentary touches on sensitive subjects like Todd getting teased incessantly as a pre-teen and even the passing of his father right at the pinnacle of Todd's career. As Todd puts it "It has a lot less to do about snowboarding and it's a lot more of a coming-of-age-thing."
While at times the movie tugs at heartstrings, it also portrays many inspirational and heartwarming messages, like how important it is to follow your dreams and always have fun. Pro rider Luke Mitrani sums it up, "I hope every kid sees that. Especially every kid on [those websites] who just hate on every video. It's like 'It's just snowboarding. We're having a good time.'"
Check out the reaction video of the industry after the sneak peak world premier showing at La Paloma theatre in Encinitas and look for the release of "Me, Myself and I- The Todd Richards Story" in October, 2009.
Wow, I feel like such a prat "reporting" this, but here goes. It is confirmed that Snowboarding's own Louie Vito will be on this fall's season of "Dancing With the Stars".
Some fun facts about this situation:
Todd Richards, snowboard legend and owner of Vito's board sponsor company O'Matic Snowboards, broke the news to the industry via Twitter this morning.
According to Louie's "Official Website" (www.louievito.com), Louie CAN'T dance
Also according to his website, Louie has never even seen the show
The show premiers live on September 21st.
Louie is asking his fans for all the support he can get. "Please vote and vote often"
Admittedly I just requested tickets to the "live taping" in L.A. Looks like there is a wait-list, but either way you can be sure you'll hear more on this.
Also, big props to Vito for landing the first ever frontside double-cork 1080 in competition this past weekend at the Burton New Zealand Open during Semi's. Louie had the top score going into Finals but was ousted by Shaun White's back-to-back double-corks.
The 10th stop of the Cricket Campus Rail Jam Tour looked sicker than ever. Held at UCSD in La Jolla, tons of kids came out to support their local shredders. As the sun set, everyone continued slayin' it while the Galvanic Design crew got some awesome night shots of the riders hitting their set up. The last stop before the Portland finals is at Oregon State this Thursday, May 21st.
