Omar Massiah: The Man Behind 'Vice II'

We had the opportunity to interview the creator of 'Vice II' Omar Massiah. The film, shot and edited by Massiah, features some of the brightest talents in Florida, from the likes of Zion and Jax Effs, part of the up-and-coming 'next generation' to seasoned pros like Jamie Foy and Zion Wright. We talk influences, filming processes, and life advice. Massiah was a pleasure to talk to, and the film is well worth watching. 

Omar, what got you into making skate films? I presume you skate yourself?

As a kid, making a montage with friends was a big trend. I remember seeing so many videos with the same song for some time. I enjoy the editing part of making a video, and I skate myself, so it comes hand in hand. 

What's the feeling behind the camera when you know you've captured something great?

It all depends on the person's reaction after they get the clip. Mostly, I am always hyped to share the moment and the angle with the person I filmed.

How would you describe the nuances of films like yours compared to some bigger budget but perhaps less authentic films?

I think no matter what the budget size of each film is, we are all here with the same objective and driven purpose to finish parts and films for the people to see. More budget can mean maybe more effects, traveling, or people, but I think just enjoying the process and getting out what you want to share with an audience is all that matters. After that, it's more of an opinion; to each its own. 

Is authenticity a theme purposely focused on, or is it pure coincidence?

There was no exact theme for the video. I knew who would be involved because we are all a very close group of friends, we're together a lot so we are always acting ourselves around each other. Luckily it just came together smoothly.

I think a lot of people would be interested to know what the filming process was like. For example, was there much direction, planning, attention to detail, etc., or was there more of an emphasis on capturing the moment?

With our schedules, we met a lot more on weekends because during the week, we may work; a lot of these skate spots are open here in Florida. There was a good routine of practicing where they wanted to get a clip at maybe a park and take it to the spot that next weekend or even day. We probably had to go back for many of these clips, perhaps even more than 3-5 times. We get kicked out a lot, rained out, and hurt. A lot can happen while filming. You just have to work around it.

The choice of music seemed to fit each part of the film perfectly and really blended it all together very well. Was that intentional? 

My first objective with the video was to make sure whoever part I'm working on they liked how it came out 100%. I also wanted to pick music for a larger audience so it didn't seem like it had one image. Making it more diverse, if that makes sense. I just wanted it to have a taste for everyone in some way and to show some parts of the video that we are from Florida. That's why, for example, I chose the Kodak Black song Super Gremlin. 

If you could give one piece of advice to our readers, aspiring filmmakers, or the wider skating community in general, what would it be? 

Make sure you are always having fun with the people you are working on your projects with because you always win in the end, no matter what. Compared to what I've done in the past, it was different, but you're always getting better, so don't ever look at one project as your last. Everyone can improve with practice, and I'm glad to have done this with my friends.

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