ARC'TERYX // WELCOME TO THE PIT
Role - Director of Photography
In 2011, Steve Matthews had a bright idea—with his kids completely hooked on snowboarding, he rallied a few friends and set out to build Yellowknife’s first and only rope tow. Without city permission or permits, the team went to work on the abandoned gravel mine on the outskirts of town, creating what would eventually become the epicenter of community and snow-sliding in the Northwest Territories. Welcome to the Pit. "The Pit," as it's affectionately known, is more than just a snowboard hill in a gravel pit; it's a testament to the resilience and strong community spirit of Yellowknife, a land of extremes where nothing comes easy. Despite facing challenging conditions with temperatures dropping to -34°C, the dedicated crew, including characters like Scotty, Ryan, Liam, and "hill mom" Stacy, pour their passion and volunteer hours into making it a special place. This video celebrates their unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for kids and fostering a vibrant winter culture in one of Canada's most remote communities.
Director: Seth Gillis
Producer: Charléne Brochu
Director of Photography: Joey Schusler
Edit: Tim Symes
Story Consultant: Jen Randall
Colorist: Camera McCutcheon
Sound Mix: Keith White Audio
Featuring:
Liam Upton
Ryan Wallace
Scott Stirling
Stacy Ridgely
Steve Matthews
Mas Rossouw
Thomas De Bastiani
Andrew Goodwin