Reckless Abandon

In 2019, when Bode Merrill and cinematographer Jon Ray set out to collaborate on a movie, it was everyone’s best guess that the resulting film would be nothing short of really, really good. Well, after traversing the better part of the winter-plagued world during the 2015-16 season, the duo exceeded the already high expectations with a movie that seamlessly blended Bode’s larger-than-life riding abilities and earnest sense of humor with the talents of four ardent up and comers. The location-based narrative of Reckless Abandon was capped off with an ending segment featuring Bode himself and, honestly, if that was the video above, that would be well-worthy of your repeated viewing. But, true to form for the video that Jon and Bode created, the above full part is an extended cut, re-edited with even more of Bode’s mental footage.

"I wanted to give kids a behind-the-scenes look of the filming of the movie, so I bought 5 disposable cameras and gave them to the people in the film and told them to go nuts. There are also some action shots in here, but it seems like every snowboard magazine you pick up features beautiful, crisp, colorful action shots on expensive cameras but I wanted to mix in a grainy, candid view of the making of RECKLESS ABANDON too. I hope you enjoy the film and the book. If not, then try skiing."

– Bode Merrill