'Video Days', released by Blind Skateboards in 1991 and directed by a then-unknown Spike Jonze, is widely regarded as one of the most influential skate videos of all time. Featuring Mark Gonzales, ...
'Video Days', released by Blind Skateboards in 1991 and directed by a then-unknown Spike Jonze, is widely regarded as one of the most influential skate videos of all time. Featuring Mark Gonzales, Guy Mariano, Jason Lee, Rudy Johnson, and Jordan Richter, the video captured a pivotal moment in skateboarding history—when the culture was shifting away from the polished vert skating of the '80s into raw, expressive street skating.
Shot with a DIY approach, the skaters were deeply involved in filming, often just hitting the streets together, skating for fun. This authenticity—blended with quirky skits, an eclectic soundtrack, and spontaneous moments—created a blueprint for future skate videos. Guy Mariano later reflected that none of them realized the impact it would have at the time, but its innocence and camaraderie are what made it timeless (see 'chrome ball interview #64: guy mariano' for more).
The film’s structure—anchored by the skaters’ journey in a beat-up Oldsmobile—delivered a sense of narrative that was rare in skate videos, and each skater’s part showcased both technical progression and personality. It helped launch the directing career of Spike Jonze and the acting career of Jason Lee. 'Video Days' didn’t just document skateboarding—it redefined how skate culture would be shared and remembered for decades to come.
