Bringing the world of competitive speed skating to the big screen is no small feat, but filmmaker Samuel L. Pierce was determined to capture the sport’s raw intensity and emotional highs with unflinching authenticity. In his latest film, ‘Off The Line’, Pierce blends gripping athletic drama with the personal journey of a young skater chasing glory against all odds.
In this exclusive behind-the-scenes candid conversation, Pierce opens up about the challenges of filming high-stakes race sequences, the creative choices that shaped the story, and the passion that fueled a production as fast-paced and unpredictable as the sport itself.
“When it came time to film the race scenes, our team knew we were venturing into territory that had rarely been attempted in a cinematic way. Racing on skates is fast, chaotic, and difficult to capture in a way that feels authentic to both skaters and audiences. We weren’t just filming action; we were trying to bottle adrenaline, speed, and tension into moving images. The mission was to make viewers feel like they were right there on the track, hearing the scrape of wheels, feeling the silence before the start, and then being jolted forward when the race erupted into motion.
The emotional design of these sequences was clear: audiences should experience the strange quiet before a race, the charged stillness when skaters crouch at the line, and the sudden explosion when the whistle blows. It’s that delicate balance, the almost meditative calm that flips in an instant into chaos, that became our guiding principle. We wanted the camera to breathe with the athletes, to slow down with them before the start, and then to accelerate alongside them once the race kicked off.”
Experimenting With Technique
“Our first approach relied on the familiar: a dolly on a track system. This gave us precision at the starting line and during wide crowd shots. The dolly setup allowed us to control movement carefully, hitting the same marks take after take. It was reliable and professional, but it didn’t always match the raw chaos of the race. That’s when we decided to get more experimental.
Our Director of Photography, James Starlin, suggested something unconventional: strip the camera down to its bare essentials, mount it onto a lightweight rig, and film while skating alongside the racers. Instead of using high-end gear on heavy mounts, James literally got on a skateboard and glided next to the athletes. It wasn’t just resourceful; it was thrilling. The footage had a wild, unfiltered energy, as if the camera itself were another racer. It gave the audience a point of view they had never seen before, one that felt dangerous, intimate, and alive.”
Crew Reactions
“For the crew, this approach was a revelation. Many of them had never seen a DP rolling through a set on a skateboard, weaving between athletes, and capturing shots inches from the action. It was new, risky, and undeniably entertaining. Laughter broke out after takes, and people swapped stories about near-misses or unexpected angles. What could have been a tense or stressful shoot turned into a kind of workshop in creativity, a reminder that filmmaking can still be fun, surprising, and playful even on high-pressure days. Those moments of humor and camaraderie ended up shaping the spirit of the production.”
Controlled Rink vs. Live Event
“The backbone of the scene was shot in two very different environments: a closed rink and the real NSC Battle in Seattle. In the controlled rink, we could focus on details such as lighting, deliberate camera moves, and carefully choreographed sequences with stunt doubles. This gave us a clean, cinematic core to build around.
But what truly brought the movie to life was the NSC Battle. That event, held at El Centro Skate Rink, gave us raw authenticity. The roar of the crowd, the rhythm of clapping hands, the squeak and grind of wheels on polished wood all of it pulsed with energy. Integrating real spectators, real athletes, and the natural chaos of a competitive event gave the film texture you cannot fake. The footage carried the sweat, sound, and unpredictability that only a live arena can provide. That contrast between the control of the closed rink and the authenticity of the live event made the final sequence feel layered, textured, and real.”
The Challenges
“Of course, filming at this pace came with unique challenges. One of the toughest was working with stunt doubles. To keep the energy intense and the action convincing, the doubles had to perform at full speed. But the trick was framing shots so audiences never noticed their faces or the empty spaces behind them that might break continuity. The cinematography had to disguise these elements without losing clarity. Every camera angle, every cut, and every background detail was carefully considered to keep the illusion seamless. It was a dance between artistry and problem-solving, between hiding what should not be seen and highlighting what mattered most.”
What We Learned
“This project reminded us that filmmaking is not just about technical precision, it is about capturing emotion. The dolly gave us stability, the skateboard gave us chaos, and the live event gave us authenticity. Together, they created a sequence that feels immersive, raw, and unforgettable. Watching the finished cut, you don’t just see skaters move, you feel the sudden silence before the whistle, the rush of bodies lunging forward, and the unrelenting chaos of competition.”
The Audience Experience
“At the heart of it all, we hope these scenes inspire audiences to not only feel the rush of skating but also to appreciate the sport itself. Speed skating is a world of its own, intense, demanding, and exhilarating. If viewers come away with a greater understanding of the sport, or maybe even enough curiosity to attend a live event one day, then the film has done more than entertain. It has opened a door to a culture and community that thrives on adrenaline, dedication, and the sheer joy of racing.”
Closing Thoughts
“Looking back, what began as a challenge became one of the most rewarding aspects of the production. We pushed ourselves technically, experimented fearlessly, and discovered new ways of bringing an audience into the middle of a race. Whether it was the controlled elegance of a dolly shot, the raw chaos of a skateboard-mounted camera, or the electric authenticity of a live crowd, every moment added to the story.
The result is not just a race sequence but an experience. It is a window into the thrill of skating at full speed, the quiet before the storm, and the beauty of controlled chaos. For us, and hopefully for audiences everywhere, this sequence proves that when you take risks and trust the process, you can create something that feels bigger than cinema: it feels real.”
As Off The Line races toward audiences, Samuel L. Pierce hopes the film leaves viewers breathless, not just from the action on screen, but from the heart behind it. By pushing creative boundaries and embracing both precision and spontaneity, Pierce and his team have crafted more than just a sports drama. They’ve captured the spirit of a community and the exhilaration of a sport that demands everything from its athletes.
In the end, it’s not only about winning or losing on the track, but about the unrelenting drive to move forward, and the stories that unfold when we dare to skate beyond the line.
Watch Off The Line on Amazon Prime. The keepsake DVD, which is just over two hours, can be purchased HERE.
For more on Samuel L. Pierce visit his website www.electricshockproductions.com and follow him on Instagram at HERE.
