VIRAL CONTENT
``MONSTER MENTALITY``
Monster Energy approached us in the lead up to Summer X Games 2019 to create a unique video series for their top athletes. They wanted a series that offered more from their athletes and was different to the generic sport videos. We approached the project with intent to dig deeper into the mind of the athlete. Ask them the questions no one asks and get the answers never told. We wanted to tell the true story of their progress, the story of their career from their own personal perspective. Where they’ve been and where they are now mentally, leading into the biggest competition in action sports.
Monster Energy unveils a new four-part documentary video series, titled Monster Mentality, which explores the mental approach of four Monster Energy athletes as they prepare for X Games Minneapolis 2019. Released today and available for online viewing on the official Monster Energy YouTube channel, the five-minute videos follow skateboarders Nyjah Huston and Lizzie Armanto, as well as BMX rider James Foster and freestyle motocross icon Josh Sheehan.
But what exactly is the mindset that helps these athletes compete at the highest level and continue to push the limits of evolution in their respective sports? And what does it take to perform history-making stunts right when it counts, in front of a global audience of millions of connected viewers watching the Summer X Games?
NYJAH HUSTON
As the world’s most competitive street skateboarder, how does Nyjah Huston manage to perform under pressure and never miss a podium spot in thirteen X Games appearances? Huston made his X Games debut in 2006 at the age of 11and currently holds 15 X Games medals (ten gold, three silver, two bronze). The camera follows the 24-year-old pro street skateboarder as he trains at his private skate facility in Southern California and speaks on subjects such as injury, getting into the ‘zone’ during contest runs, and the constant evolution of riding technique in skateboarding.
LIZZIE ARMANTO
Monster Mentality also zooms in on women’s skateboarding ambassador Lizzie Armanto, who took gold in her X Games debut in Barcelona in 2013. The 26-year-old from Santa Monica, California, made history in 2018 as the first female skateboarder to complete the legendary ‘Loop of Death’ obstacle in a challenge hosted by skate icon Tony Hawk and currently endorses a signature colorway of the Vans Slip-On Pro shoe.
We catch up with Lizzie as she dials in new tricks at her local concrete skatepark and shares insights on the importance of individual style, her competitive drive, and the impact of X Games on her professional career.
JOSH SHEEHAN
Monster Mentality goes behind the scenes with freestyle motocross icon Josh Sheehan. An international ambassador for freestyle motocross, Sheehan broke new ground in 2015 by landing the world’s first triple backflip on a motorbike and currently holds eight X Games medals, including one freestyle Moto X gold. Filmed on his training compound in the Australian outback, the 33-year-old goes in search of the origins of his highly competitive nature. In this inspiring feature, ‘Sheeny’ also reveals the personality traits that propelled his career to the top and shows how he builds the mental and physical fortitude required to compete at an X Games level.
JAMES FOSTER
the video series puts the spotlight on BMX rider James Foster, who raised the bar by stomping the first-ever quadruple tailwhip to win BMX Big Air gold at X Games Minneapolis 2018. The 33-year-old from Redlands, California, is known for pushing the boundaries of freestyle BMX with trailblazing stunts such as triple backflips. The documentary shows the six-time X Games medalist away from the spotlight, enjoying a session at his regular spot and cruising the streets on his bike. In his candid interview, Foster reflects on his professional career, the push to land never-been-done tricks and his individual approach to maintaining his mental focus in competitions.
Written, directed and produced by our team at Headstrong Films.
VIRAL CONTENT
``MONSTER MENTALITY``
The Back Story
With Summer X Games just around the corner and a short working timeline, our team was able to write, produce and delivery the four part series within a month. We looked in our story boards and jumped on the next flight to the shored of California. Having only limited time with each athlete, we filmed Lizzie’s, James’s and Nyjah’s videos in under two days. We then flew back to Australia and spent a weekend filming on Josh Sheehan’s orchid farm in Donnybrook WA.
This piece is completely written, produced, directed, filmed and edited by our in house team of creatives.