Introduction
“I remember RyyS from the time that he started his career as a videographer. He was a very humble guy, full of passion and commitment, for all his projects. A couple of years later, despite the huge popularity of his films, he still remained a very same guy! He’s still devoted to what he’s doing and is always ready for sacrifices, to obtain the best shots (e.g. filming all day, being exposed to temperatures far below zero!). I guess this is the reason that his films are so attractive and nice to watch!” – Maciej Kiwak.
- Ryys.
Questions
Morning Mr Syryczyński. To start with, let me thank you for the use of your promotional bike videos over the last few weeks. They’ve been received well. Let’s get the wheels in motion with this interview – Can you start by introducing yourself? Thanks. Hi, my name is Ryszard Syryczyński, I’m 25 years old and I’m a film maker.
Tell us a bit about your youth in Milanówek… In fact, it was quite a fortunate youth in terms of filming bikes. Milanówek have always had a pretty strong bike scene, with guys like Michał “Nypel” Jasiński, who was pushing everything forward, both riding skills and organizing annual dirt championships.
How would you describe your style/preferences as a rider? Smooth and stylish for sure, at least that’s how I’m trying to ride, to make everything I’m doing looking as easy as possible. I’ve been into so many different things during all these years, but I’ll definitely stay with BMX. Maybe I’ll get a free-ride bike in the future, but who knows…
- “Oh Shit!”
In recent years you’ve built a sound reputation as a film maker – What inspired this career route? How does the story go? I first got interested with bikes due to movies – “Disorders”, etc. So the ‘movie’ aspect of bikes was always quite important to me. After a few years I tried to film something on my own; to be honest, it was shitty, but I guess it’s always hard to begin. Slowly filming has become a very important part of my life. I can’t ride as good as I’d like to, therefore, filming is my way to be the part of what I really enjoy.
When you’ve got the option, what type of riding do you prefer to film? And why? I’m choosing street for sure. It’s far more interesting and creative, when considering the surroundings. I mean, finding spots, searching for something new and unique. I really enjoy the fact that street filming always brings something new to me and also to the rider, cause every street spot is different.
Who do you feel you have been fortunate to work with? That’s a good question. There were many guys, who were really into filming and contributed a lot to my life. One of them for is Janek “Elvis” Kiliński – I started filming with him at the beginning of my filming adventure. For some reason I miss those days, when it was only about getting the camera out of the bag and pushing the “REC” button, without any kind of preparations, without taking out a bunch of filming stuff. Next one is Piotrek “Kraja” Krajewski. It’s interesting because I’ve started to work with him at the time he appeared on the scene and consequently has begun to win every single contest in Poland for the whole year. I also consider myself being lucky because of meeting and working with Wojtek Gola, who is a living legend of the Polish bike scene. Unfortunately, he’s not riding anymore and I really miss him, because of his completely unique personality and making the scene a lot more fun and interesting.
Eduards Zunda /// Latvia from RyyS on Vimeo.
How have your operations, as a videographer, become more sophisticated since the inception of your career? Few years ago it was just a small camera inside of my pocket, now it’s a car full of various stuff. A drawback is that every single piece of equipment means longer preparation’s time. And more consideration – Angles, distance etc. However, you can clearly see the results of all the investments of time and money. Editing has changed a lot. Back then, it was just putting everything on the timeline, doing some transitions and that’s it. I could do a 15 minutes video from the event that I would do a 2 minutes now. Everything has to be a lot faster and I’m a way more critical of what to show nowadays. I could have done a 3 minutes section of a rider from one day of riding. Now it might be whole season of riding to make a 3 minutes section. On the other hand, I’m trying to keep it simple – No fancy effects, transitions, colors, vignettes, etc… When you start messing with them, you want to put as many as you can and that can easily ruin the final look.
Generally, how do you divide your time between filming and riding? And how many hours would you estimate you put in a week? It really sucks that I have very little time for riding – Like 90% filming, 10% riding. But I’ll try to change the proportions a bit in upcoming season, I promise. I have to use the opportunity and learn something from the guys I’m filming.
How did you become involved with Dartmoor Bikes? And how’s the opportunity been fruitful? Few years ago, I’ve started with doing some really short videos from small contests for them. I was involved in many things apart from films, like team, contests, trips etc. So that has created some kind of relationship, which will remain for a long time, I hope.
So, what are you currently riding? My present BMX is built onto Dartmoor Yuki frame – But I want to change it for Nami (Dartmoor). That would be more appropriate to me, as a better frame for street usage. Rest of the parts also come from Dartmoor.
You’ve also been involved with the Bike Hall Contest – How does filming an event of such magnitude, compare with ‘everyday’ filming? And are you going again this year? BikeHall is one of many contests that I’m filming during the season. Most of them are dirt contests, so something different, like the indoor skatepark contest, is really nice. I’m still not sure about this year because there’s another contest in Poland scheduled at the same time. I’d really like to go to Trutnov, but if my crew will go elsewhere, then I’m going with them.
Eduards Zunda /// BikeHall Contest ’09 Trutnov from RyyS on Vimeo.
Looking back at the Bike Hall Contest, was there a notable difference in the standard between the BMX and Mtb riders? And how do you feel that wheel size influenced the riders style/performance? Definitely, the Bike Hall Contest is one those contests, where you can clearly see the difference between Mtb and BMX. The level of riding is much higher in BMX, it’s also got more creativity and better style. I like to watch riders, who can surprise me with something. Of course, there are some exceptions.
What was the highlight of last years event? And did you enjoy the after-parties? I suppose (like every year!), Michael Beran did all the highlights – E.g front-flip on the spine or 360-barspin to tailwhip (or 360 tail-whip to bar-spin!). Moreover, Dawid Godziek riding during training, did so many awesome, unique lines. The evening was really good, I was not at the after-party – I was with group of my friends, cruising around the town.
- Good times…
Do you have anything else you would like to talk about? Projects, memories, events, etc… I’ve just finished editing my new movie for Dartmoor called “Ride Your Way”. We’ve got a movie theater’s premiere in a week, few days later it’s gonna be released on the Internet. It’s probably the biggest project I’ve ever worked on. There’s more than 10 riders, a lot of different styles (from Freeride to BMX street), many trips etc. So stay tuned!
Ride Your Way trailer from dartmoor-bikes.com on Vimeo.
That’s just about a wrap… Do you have any one you would like to say thanks to? First of all, I’d like to say thanks to my girlfriend, who is supporting me in so many things, to my dad, to everyone I’m working with. And finally to Andy from Dartmoor, who made a lot of my “wish list” a reality.
Brilliant stuff – Thanks for your – VS
Simpel Session 2010 from RyyS on Vimeo.
Links: –
- http://www.dartmoor-bikes.com/ (Check out the 2011 range of Dartmoor parts, etc).
- http://www.ryys.pl/ (Ryys’s personal website).
- http://www.bikehallcontest.com/ (Check out the news for the Bike Hall contest!).
- http://www.session.ee/2011/ (Simpel Session website!).
Credits: –
- Agnieszka Pałtynowicz.
- Kuba Konwent.
- Jan Kilińsi.