Unite: What can we expect from Mitch Woodland in Nic Barclay’s new film, The Three Conscious Project?

Mitch Woodland: I’m not too sure really, Nic has kept it pretty wrapped up which is good ‘cause it will be just as much a surprise for me as it will everyone else. I guess you can expect a level of new age and progressive riding which I was trying to keep up with and keep in mind while filming for the video.

For a young filmmaker, Nic is pretty onto it. What was it like working with him?

Yeah, he’s pretty onto it, but also he blunders just like everyone else haha. It was awesome working with him ‘cause we were friends before we started the video and we became even better friends, and each others critic, by the end. He is a frother but pretends he’s not, I just tell him to embrace it haha. It was pretty cool showing him that the video could be achieved ‘cause before we started he had doubts of ever even getting to film Pierre [Louis Costes] and [Michael] Novy and now he’s mates with them and a bit starstruck I think haha.

Why did you decide to work on this rather than just put out a few clips on the Internet?

Because I’m a procrastinator and in my opinion, having a project to work towards is what life is all about. As soon as we finished filming I was off it ‘cause now I have to look for something else to work towards and get stoked on.

They seem to be the trend at the moment, do you think that Internet clips and Podcasts are a positive or negative for filmmakers and the sport in general?

I guess they can be both. They’re good to get the footage out there as quickly as possible and with little effort. If we’re talking money then it could be negative for filmmakers but no one is really making videos anymore anyway. I think everything within bodyboarding at the moment has to be done for the love and hopefully the progression of the sport ‘cause you can forget about making any money off it.

You filmed for 12 months and travelled to Hawaii and all across Australia, was there a single standout session for you?

There were sessions that set the level then another one would come along and smash it to pieces. My surfing changed so much over the year so by the time the video was nearly done I wanted all those new sessions included so to show my current riding. As far as memorable sessions go though we definitely had some epic ones at North Point and WA in general. My low points were missing the Canaries due to sponsor issues and getting to Hawaii a day late after a few pumping weeks. That’s just life though.

Michael Novy, Alex Halsey, Pierre Louis Costes and Jake Stone also feature in the film. In your opinion, who do you reckon will have the stand out section?

It will be close. Everyone was ripping and I guess it comes down to your personal preference of riding. I haven’t seen any of the video but I know that most of it is going to stand out!

What are your plans now that filming for the video is done? Do you have any other projects in the works?

Take everything we’ve learnt and experienced from this and go one better I think. There’s always going to be new cameras coming out, new moves being tried, different locations to travel to… the level will keep rising and I hope to be a part of that and document it.

The Three Conscious Project will premiere this Saturday, 24th September at the Regal Theatre, Subiaco, Western Australia. Doors open at 7.30pm, grab your tickets here for only $12.00. Tickets will also be available at the door and you’ll be able to pick up the DVD for just 20 bucks on the night. For more information, visit threeconscious.com.

Exclusive frame grab courtesy of Nic Barclay and Three Conscious.