Based in the USA.
Erik Otto, www.monolithic.us, may 2006: Monolithic ™ is dedicated to advancing the world of art and entertainment one medium at a time. This vast stage includes computer gaming software, screenplays, fiction, graphic novels, film production, art and music. Encompassing everything that thrills and moves me in so many different ways. We are bringing together a supremely talented and diverse group of programmers, writers, artists, composers and filmmakers. The ultimate purpose of such an endeavor is to foster an environment of unrivaled creativity and focus with each member dedicated to collaboration and bringing their respective art form to the next level, the highest possible level. I feel that there is no point in pursuing this venture if we aren’t going to change the face of entertainment forever. And by doing so, change the world itself. Show them something that they have never seen or heard before. So with that being said, if you are talented enough and have the same creative fire that I do, contact us and together we will show the world what is beyond the cutting edge. We will show them the future.
www.monolithic.us, may 2006: BMX Flatland is an art form that blends style, athleticism, balance, flow and imagination. The brotherhood that exists between flatland riders today is simply amazing and the positivity of this lifestyle was never more evident than it was at the first annual Texas Flatland Roundup in San Marcos, Texas on July 9th, 2005. See everything from the young up and comers to the veteran Pros and the great event they experienced up close and personal. Riders include: Terry Adams, Art Thomason, Scott O'Brien, Will Redd, Scott Ditchfield, Eugene Collins, Stephen Hearn, Chadwick Davis, Kelly Baldwin, Adam DiClaudio, Sean Maher, Chris “EZ” Anderson, Lee “Huck” Edwards, Diego Tejada, Cesar Calderon, Jeff Smee and more. 2 hours runtime. A portion of the proceeds goes directly to the Texas Flatland Roundup 2006. Help support Flatland!
Ilan Giguel, www.global-flat.com, october 2005: It’s written on it: « The Brotherhood » and that name fits the video perfectly, the concept is quite simple: It’s merely a contest, nothing more, nothing less. We can even precise: a modest contest (not to compare with some big one like the worlds or the flatground of course...) but still with a sympatic level.
As soon as it begins, the definition is displayed: Broth-er-hood: noun, defined as: 1.The state or relationship of being brothers. 2.Fellowship. 3.An association of men, such as a fraternity or union, united for common purposes.
If this definition was still to be proved concerning Flatland: it is now done!
I like the pared-down side of this video, different from some others that would use lots of effects, for exemple slow motions, enhancing the form, here we don’t find such work but a really honored content: more centered on the essence of Flatland, one of its princips being underlined (see intro hehe): the contact between riders (which is sometimes unfortunately forgotten on the bigest contests). The obvious pleasure they all have to be there to ride together, the pleasant feeling that each of them is more present to enjoy the moment and spend some good time with the others than to walk off with the price-money, beating everybody. Even Terry Adams, whose level was obviously higher than every rider there seems to be at the contest more to enjoy it than to win. An Intimist contest, far away from professionnalist riding!
So through it’s simplistic form, this video gives a good view of the atmosphere of the event, the “contest ambiance” is really well shown. You watch it like you were sitting on the floor of a gymnasium, watching other’s riding. “I hope that, with our first DVD, we have captured the spirit of the riders that make Flatland the incredible art form that it is today.” Erik Otto
We indeed undestand after having watched “the brotherhood” that if you want to understand the riding, you’ll have to understand the spirit of the riders first. Moreover, while watching it, it gives us the feeling to be be able to succeed in this attempt. Of course that “simplicity” I like, firtst, might not be appreciated by some others (each of us knows what he likes concerning videos), second, I disliked some aspect of it, for instance the fact that they kept the original music of the contest (sometimes irritating) as for the speaker who yells all along the event. But anyway, no video can be perfect: if it is simplicity you seek in a contest video report, that annoying side is inevitable, simply because a contest means also some noise!
Now I’ll give you some more detail about this production of Monolithic©.
No surprise there, simple and efficient, a menu with bonus including amateur class, and in the video itself you can find the expert and pro class, in short: the whole contest. Let’s add that each winner is presented before his class qualifications, through some longer footage, the finals follow the qualifs... Before seing the expert class, you can find the “rookies and veterans” section including promising riding along with interesting old school vibes. Each rider, from the beginner to Terry Adams is granted a part in the vid. Once again, that witnesses to the brotherhood of riders in Flatland. Kelly Baldwin, the expert winner is quite angry on his bike! Or sometimes on his un-bike, if you don’t know what an unbike is: front wheel fork stem and bars only. The man can pull some nice kickflip, among lots of other stuff... After having seen each rider of the Expert comp (one by one) Here comes the Pro part, beginning with Terry Adams. Since I don’t really know how to tell you let’s do it simple: “pedaling deathtruck jump to backpacker caboose”.... yes! I assure you. Though Terry seems to have won easily, he isn’t the only rider whose riding is interesting at all! I discovered in this DVD a scene that I hadn’t but heard about: the one of Texas and its area, and quite a few riders impressed me with their style: First, Scott Ditchfield who opens the pro-riders section with his old school flavoured riding, which, well mastered is at least very nice! Rolling and brakeless lovers will apreciate Will Redd’s style!! As for Mr. Art Thomason, who does not steal his 2nd place shows us a nice smoothistic riding!
I stop before I told too much about it, now you have to see for yourself!
To make it simple:
+ Pleasant, simplistic concept, Contest ambiance well rendered, Discovery of a scene which isn’t given so much attention by the media.
- Level not as high as in some other vids, Music is sometimes irritating.
Terry Adams on the front cover.
Rodney Williams, www.monolithic.us, may 2006: This video really threw me back in so many ways. I was absolutely delighted and refreshed every single second viewing this innovative and inspiring work of art! The sense of camaraderie and universal friendship between all of us is something so imperative and special. This aura has been absent in all videos. It is so pleasant Erik that you have brought this element back into BMX viewings. It is very, very much appreciated. BMX needs this to survive! The editing and flow of this masterpiece is unbelievable and precisely calculated! One would believe that Mr. Otto is a seasoned veteran at producing videos and to realize that this is only video number two proves his skills and authority in the BMX video world! The music in here is a perfect choice and flows with the riding and is just one of the many details that “seals the deal”. Now I love BMX videos but Erik’s product I would watch over and over until 10 in the morning! I mean seriously you can’t ask for anything else in a viewing. The riding is insane. The fact that Erik filmed so many riders is rad. So many multiple styles and personalities in one single video. It flat out rules. It is purely an eye candy buffet! There is something for everyone. This video stands on its own and is in High Definition. Everyone needs to go and buy Flatstyle Volume One! You will not be disappointed. This video just doesn’t cover all the bases, it covers the entire field! Out of a 1 to 10 rating, I would give it a 30! I highly recommend The Brotherhood, Flatstyle Volume One and any future work that Erik Otto and Monolithic produces for us all.
Isaiha Jordan and James McGraw at the 2005 York Jam on the front cover.
Featuring the 2005 York Jam and the Texoma Flatland Contest SouthRider Relief Fund Benefit. These events showcased the talents of some of the best riders in the world. The very sickest flow from Cory Fester, Brian Huffman, TJ Perry, Isaiah Jordan, Brian Chapman, Leif Valin, Jeff Smee, James McGraw, Mickey Gaidos, Rodney Williams, Adam DiClaudio, David Weathersby, Chris "EZ" Anderson, Diego Tejada, Kelly Baldwin, Chris Balles, Mando Stevens and many others. All in HD Widescreen glory with dope music and that positive vibe that makes Flatland riders unique.