’07 pack pushes Storm Show to extremes

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

By Sam Petri

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-By Jackson Hole standards, a 300-inch snow year is pretty lame. But while riders may have griped, the less-than-stellar snow pack also created steeper lines and more exposure, and set the tone for Storm Show Studio’s latest ski and snowboard flick, “300”.”

Darrell Miller premieres the new, tight, 35-minute high-definition flick at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday in the Center Theater, 250 S. Cache St.

Storm Show Studio’s ski and snowboard films have gained notoriety  throughout the country, but it’s still a small grassroots operation based in our small town. Over the years, the action has been mostly local or regional, supplied by area athletes. Miller has described the operation as him filming his buddies out playing in the snow.

The “editing studio” is Miller’s computer in the living room of his rented apartment in East Jackson.

This year’s film, however, includes a short travel segment with footage from far off places like Girdwood and Haines, Alaska, Golden, B.C., and La Grave, France. Miller also noted that  more than ever the movie depends on other people’s footage – Ryan Van Lannon, Jason Elms, Matt Combs and other local athletes.

In addition to “300”,” Miller will screen flicks he created about two of the largest events that happened last year at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort – Dick’s Ditch and the Freeskiing Open – as well as the trailer for a film he is making about a trip he took to South America with the Jackson Hole Paragliding Team.

A fourth film offers something out of left field. “Jasmine’s Best Birthday Ever,” about fairies in the Tetons, was created by Miller and his daughter, Cora, 7, who drew images that her dad scanned and animated with a program called FinalCut Pro. “It’s one of the highlights of the whole night,” said Miller. “People might even like it better than the ski flick.”

The night will also feature beer, music, a raffle to benefit the Brent Newton Memorial Foundation, a silent auction (prizes include a day of filming with Storm Show), give-aways, and an after party at the Jackson Hole Playhouse with local hip hop act Biomecca, whose music is featured in the film.

Some will recall that Miller said last year’s “Trial and Air” would be his final film. It turns out he says that every year after a season of filming followed by 100 days or more spent in front of a computer editing.  “By the time people ask me if I’m going to make another movie, I pretty much just finished one and it’s the last thing I want to think about,” said Miller.

But while he’s not making a million bucks with each film, Miller’s work allows him to sustain a lifestyle in this Million Dollar Shanty Town. Bottom line, he has the ski bum’s dream gig.

“I don’t want to sell real estate,” said Miller. “I feel really fortunate to have fallen into this position and to have made it happen for myself. I’m stoked to see the community support. This year everyone will have a good seat for the show.”

Tickets to the premiere cost $14, $18 day of show, and are available at the Center Box Office or  www.JHCenterForTheArts.org. Admission to the after party at the Jackson Hole Playhouse costs $10 at the door.

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’07 pack pushes Storm Show to extremes | Planet JH News Article: General Music Arts and Culture

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