Dear Rider (HBO)

About Dear Rider (HBO)

"Dear Rider" is an HBO film that pays a befitting tribute to the life and legacy of Jake Burton Carpenter, a legend who single-handedly transformed snowboarding into a global phenomenon. This gripping biographical documentary encapsulates Carpenter's daring vision, as well as the tribulations and triumphs he experienced in his quest to popularise his beloved sport.

The film delves into the early days of Carpenter's career, revealing how he nurtured and revolutionised the unheeded sport of snowboarding-riling traditionalists, inspiring disciples, and fascinating spectators worldwide. It presents an intimate portrait of a visionary who defied norms, showcasing the profound impact he left on the sporting world before his untimely demise in 2019.

Making / Production

Directed by Jake Price, "Dear Rider" shines a spotlight on Carpenter's profound legacy, interweaving personal interviews, rare archival footage, and voice-over narration. It is a film that paints a vivid picture of Carpenter's journey from a hapless entrepreneur to an omnipresent figure in the action sports industry.

Actors

• Jake Burton Carpenter (Self): Footages of Carpenter himself enrich the film giving it authenticity as it features his firsthand accounts of his struggles and successes.
• Other casts: A host of interviews with industry insiders, fellow snowboarders, and those who knew and worked with Carpenter closely present a holistic view of the man behind the name.

Trivia / Interesting Facts about it

• The title "Dear Rider" stems from Burton's annual letter addressed to the snowboarding community, wherein he shared his reflections and aspirations for the sport.
• This film is as much an exploration of the snowboarding culture as it is a portrait of Carpenter, its pioneer.
• Jake Burton Carpenter, credited as the godfather of snowboarding, founded Burton Snowboards in 1977.

Quotes

• "My job is to watch out for snowboarding" - Jake Burton Carpenter
• "When you're watching snowboarding, you're watching freedom" - Interviewee

Music, Soundtrack

• The music in "Dear Rider" echoes the film's free-spirited ethos and underscores the energy, enthusiasm, and pure joy that Carpenter's innovation brought to the sporting world.