How a Childhood Love for the Snow Turned into a Passion for Storytelling
Renowned visionary Tobias Bonfanti specialises in sports, lifestyle and outdoor concepts. Growing up in Switzerland, his passion for snow and nature translates into this creative work, capturing dynamic footage from across the world. From large-scale productions to working closely with smaller crews, Tobias has honed in on his ability to bring home the most energetic and vibrant visuals imagined.
In this interview, the FAMILIA director opens up about his love for capturing movement and energy, the challenges of shooting in harsh environments, and why fuck ups can be a good thing.
LBB> Tell us about your earliest inspirations and influences growing up?
Tobias> My earliest inspirations and influences for filmmaking came from skateboarding and snowboarding films. Watching classics like 'Yeah Right', 'Fully Flared', and 'Afterbang' sparked my interest in the visual art of storytelling. The raw and authentic feel of these films inspired me to create my own films with friends, capturing our adventures and experiences. This led me to experiment with different camera angles, editing techniques, and storytelling styles, ultimately shaping my filmmaking style today. Of course, I also binged a fair share of feature films that kick started my interest for storytelling.
LBB> What’s your fondest memory of snow sports as a child to now?
Tobias> It's not a specific moment, but rather the feeling of a perfect day on the mountain with fresh powder and great friends. Just carving through untouched snow while surrounded by friends is unmatched. As I have grown older, these days on the mountain have become increasingly rare due to busy schedules and other commitments, but I still manage to catch a few each year. These memories hold a special place in my heart and continue to inspire me for new adventures .
LBB> You bring your passion for snow sports into your work. How have you developed your ability to capture nature and movement as a director?
Tobias> I have probably developed my skills a lot through trial and error. In the early years of making snowboard films, I had the opportunity to experiment with new ideas and techniques. Additionally, bouncing ideas back and forth between friends and other collaborators has been crucial in pushing concepts and refining my work. I guess the willingness to take risks and keep trying out new things helps a lot to evolve as a director.
LBB> At what moment did you know you wanted to capture the outdoors lifestyles of others?
Tobias> In the beginning, it was all about having fun with friends and sharing our adventures on film. As I continued to explore new countries and places, my curiosity grew and I became more interested in capturing nature and the people who live and play in it. However, my interests have evolved over time and now I also enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and sports outside of the outdoor industry. I find inspiration in capturing movement and energy in all forms, whether it's dancing, surfing, or something entirely different.
LBB> How does your first lifestyle directing project compare to your most recent? How have you developed your style as a director?
Tobias> The first projects were way smaller productions with very limited crew. Sometimes I kind of miss the more agile and DIY approach. The more recent projects involve a larger crew and more complex logistics. The process has become more organised and streamlined, with better planning and communication throughout.
In terms of the creative aspect, the early projects were more focused on documenting the action and capturing the essence of the lifestyle, whereas my recent work has involved more storytelling and creative concepts. Additionally, technology has advanced and opened up new possibilities for capturing footage, which has helped elevate the production value of my work. Overall, while there are some differences between my first and most recent projects, my passion for storytelling and capturing images has remained consistent.
LBB> Can you share your top directing highlight and why you chose it?
Tobias> I wouldn’t know. Each project brings its own unique challenges and rewards. Sometimes its about the crew or the talent, sometimes about where you’re shooting, sometimes it’s about the fuck ups that are not fuck ups at all. And so on. Most of the projects have taught me something new and as long this continues I guess I will keep going.
LBB> What’s the craziest problem you’ve come across when shooting in the snow in the course of a production – and how did you solve it?
Tobias> There’s a bunch of challenges: Batteries run low very quickly in the cold, so always bring extra and try to keep somewhere tucked away. You also have to be mindful of how the cold affects the crew and athletes, as people can get tired very quickly in the high altitude and harsh conditions. Additionally, moving around in the snow and mountains takes time and planning, and having a large crew on the mountain isn't always the best solution. We always plan our shoots carefully, make sure to have all necessary equipment and backup supplies, and work with experienced and adaptable crew members. Definitely not how I started but that's how we do it nowadays.
LBB> What’s your relationship with new technology and, if at all, how do you incorporate future-facing tech into your style of work?
Tobias> I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate technology. One example of this is using AI-generated images for treatments and storyboards. This allows me to create more detailed and accurate visuals of my ideas, which can help streamline the pre-production process. I'm also interested in exploring new technologies, such as race drones or NeRF scans, to capture unique and immersive footage.
However, I believe in maintaining a balance between new and traditional techniques to create a style that is both innovative and authentic. Ultimately, the goal is to use technology to support and enhance without sacrificing the quality and authenticity of films. And who knows maybe ChatGPT answered all these questions for me as well…
LBB> Finally, what’s next for Tobias Bonfanti in both snow sports and directing?
Tobias> Snow sports: I hope there’s good snow next winter. Directing: Sport will always play a hugely important role in my directorial output. On the other hand I've always been interested in narrative storytelling and this is something that I look forward to continuing to develop regardless of having a sport context or not.
