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Meet the creators of 'Dear Rider - The Jake Burton Story' on the Red Bench

  • Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum via ZOOM Virtual Event United States (map)

Dear Rider director Fernando Villena, Producer Ben Bryan and Burton’s own Mike Cox will join us on the Red Bench to talk about the making of the movie which premiered on HBO in 2021. This should be a fascinating discussion!

RSVP here to receive a ZOOM invite. Virtual doors to the Museum open and the discussion begins at 7:00 PM. The event is complimentary, but a $10 donation from each guest is encouraged, greatly appreciated, and helps us keep this series going. You can also purchase a 2022/23 Red Bench Series Season Pass here.

Film Director Fernando Villena and Co-Producers Ben Bryan and Mike Cox will join moderator and former Burton rep Chris Copley for an in-depth look at the creation of the movie that documents the life and vision of Jake Burton Carpenter, the Burton Snowboards founder and owner as he built Burton and snowboarding into a global and cultural phenomenon. 

Learn how each panelist contributed unique and intimate aspects to the film. A Q&A session will follow.

Fernando Villena began his career editing documentaries, then transitioned to producing music videos with artists such as Incubus, Tupac, and The Black Eyed Peas. His film credits include David Lachapelle's Rize (2005), Every Little Step (2008), and Crank: High Voltage (2009). Villena made the leap into directing with Any One of Us. Next came Giving Voice, a Netflix Original, co-directed with Jim Stern, and most recently Dear Rider. 

Ben Bryan, the Co-Producer of Dear Rider, leads and oversees a dynamic team at Red Bull Media that develops and produces unscripted content for the market. His projects include the multi-platform release of The Art of Flight, McConkey, Any One of Us, The Alpinist, and most recently Dear Rider. 

Bryan’s Co-Producer, Mike Cox spent 25 years as Burton Snowboards sales rep in the Midwest. He transitioned into Jake Burton’s right-hand man, traveling the globe attending product launches, events, and helping to keep Jake on schedule.

No stranger to the Red Bench, moderating this discussion is Chris Copley. He’s a 20-year Burton veteran as the Pro Team Manager and announcer for the US Open at Stratton. He has a history of witnessing, commenting, and heckling the best riders in the world.

Jake Burton and his wife Donna, are Vermont Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame 2012 Inductees.

Series sponsors include Schoeller Textilr.k. Miles, AJ's Ski & Sports, Sisler Builders, and Vermont Ski + Ride 

Support the Red Bench Speaker Series by making a donation today!

Earlier Event: January 19
Scott Lenhardt on the Red Bench