Tonight:


We have a few tickets left for tomorrow evening’s screening of Epoch,
produced by Burlington-based Meathead Films, at Higher Ground. Epoch
portrays seven friends attempting to climb and ski the highest summits in
five northeastern states in one season. The one-of-a-kind documentary
showcases each mountain’s fascinating history, along with Meathead’s
incredible journey. After the Meathead Films feature, there will also be a
special screening of The Lost Season, a film by Josh Murphy ’93 and
UnParalleled Productions.

Higher Ground
1214 Williston Road
South Burlington

6:00 p.m. Reception
7:00 p.m. Movie

Reserve your tickets ONLINE TODAY or by calling 1-888-458-8691. Tickets are
$10 before the event and $12 at the door.


We recently sat down with Geoff McDonald ’04, founder of Meathead Films, to
find out more about how he got started and to describe his perfect day of
skiing.


How was skiing part of your educational experience at UVM?

I started out as an Environmental Science major until I purchased my first
video camera during my freshman year. I got heavily involved with the UVMTV
station and produced several full length television shows about campus life
during my sophomore year. During the winter of my sophomore year I began
production on my first real action sports movie that combined skiing,
snowboarding and skateboarding around the Northeast. Entitled A Natural
Force, I released about 200 copies on VHS and had my first true movie
premiere at the CC Theater. About 300 people showed up! It was at that
moment that I realized I had the chance to create something unique for
winter sports enthusiasts in the East. I wanted to keep pushing the business
side of the productions in order to set things up for when I graduated.
During my senior year I was involved in the production of Meathead Films'
first two publicly released movies, Schooled and Epoch. Epoch began as an
idea that I pitched to Ted Lyman in the Video Production Department. I
wanted to do it as an independent study/senior thesis. Although the movie
wasn't complete at the time I graduated (it took me another year to finish!)
I had enough of it done to put together a short trailer to show the UVM
Video Department.


Did anyone at UVM encourage the development of your ski films or your business?

I'd like to thank Walter Ungerer and Ted Lyman in the Video Production
Department for their expertise and encouragement. Also I'd like to thank
Walter Bartlau in Residential Life for all his support of my TV show at
UVMTV. Much of my inspiration and determination has come from the people I
meet while touring with the films. There are lots of skiers and outdoor
enthusiasts who care deeply about Eastern skiing and its respect in the
industry. Our World Premieres every fall at UVM are always incredible. The
crowds are always large and rowdy and it’s one of my favorite premiere
locations.


What was the first film you made?

The first complete film I made was a video about Freestyle Walking called
Yield to Pedestrians. If you aren't familiar with it, Freestyle Walking
basically consists of running around and leaping over rocks, over picnic
tables, down bleachers, and sliding on hand rails all while wearing slightly
modified sneakers (they have a plastic plate underneath the arch of your foot).


Do your films help make skiing heroes?

Sort of. None of the athletes we work with are "Pro Skiers" because they
don't make a full time living off of the industry. However, I know that our
films have helped certain athletes dramatically increase their presence in
the ski industry. Athletes like Joe Morabito (a UVM graduate student) and
Simon Thomson have become fairly well known in certain circles of skiing.
These two athletes have been with us from the beginning and have pushed the
limits of Eastern skiing farther than anyone ever has. They've skied lines
and dropped cliffs that were unthinkable just a few years ago. Although
Epoch does not really do their skiing complete justice, our other movies
like Schooled and Born >From Ice certainly attest to their skills.


Tell me about the East vs. West thing?

Eastern skiing is a different breed altogether. Not only are the mountains
different, but the culture surrounding the sport is extremely unique in this
region. I think Eastern skiers and snowboarders feel a certain camaraderie
by being here. There is a pride and enthusiasm in the East that is found
nowhere else. The East is where skiing in the U.S. began and where it will
continue to thrive as long as people are still excited about an 8 inch
powder day, springtime moguls, and tailgating in the resort parking lot.


Describe your perfect day of skiing?

No cameras. Two feet of fresh powder at Stowe. All of the Meatheads just
skiing for fun. This is pretty much how it was on Valentine’s Day this year.


Is there something about UVM and/or Vermont that is embodied in your
approach to skiing/filming? A Green Mountain approach or aesthetic?

Well, we are based in Burlington, VT, the epicenter for skiing in the
Northeast. Burlington is the central location for all the best mountains:
the Green Mountains, the Whites, the Adirondacks, the Laurentians, the Chic
Chocs, the Berkshires, and lots more. It is common for several segments of
our new movies to be based in the Vermont area. Many of our current athletes
are currently attending or have recently graduated from UVM — Joe Morabito,
Andrew Whiteford, Chris Germain, Erme Catino, Will Wesson, Tyler Secrest,
Pat Waite, and John Weichecki. One thing I've definitely taken away from UVM
is the independent spirit, the courage to be an entrepreneur and do
something on my own. Both the state of Vermont and UVM are a breeding ground
for people who think outside the box and want to contribute something unique
to society. It is my goal to contribute entertaining and inspiring movies
that encourage viewers to go out and enjoy the Eastern wilderness.

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