You saw Bill Strobeck's video featuring Chloë in her archive collection for OC. Here, the beat goes on as we interview the OC friend / Chloë bestie / filmmaker.

How did the idea for the film come about?
The idea came about when Chloë asked me if I'd like to make a film for the line, and I said yes to it. Then two days later, she came over to my place and we made it.

The feel is pretty raw. What kind of camera did you use, and what were you going for in the style?
I wasn't really going for any feel, I just had all these cameras lying around my place and wanted to use them. Actually, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to use them as she asked me if I could do the project the next day. Also, I wanted to make something a little different than I have in the past.

The feeling I get when I watch it isn't raw, but I do feel it's less modern. Or actually, it's modern but filmed with older cameras to dull today's looks––today everything is filmed on hi-tech cameras that make everything look "more than real." So instead, I went with a Hi8 camera and a PixelVision camera, which were used in the 80s. But the program I edited it on is modern, and Chloe and I are in the present, so making the video was a mix of old and new.

Can you describe the first time you met Chloë?
Yes. About 10 years ago in Tompkins Park, a bunch of friends was sitting on the benches. I went down the line of people saying hello to each of them, and at the end of the line was Chloë. We shook hands and I said "Hello... You're quite pretty." Straight out the gate.

What's your favorite thing about making videos with her?
What I like about working with her is that everything we have ever worked on hasn't felt like a job. Seriously, none of them were jobs but just us hanging out. There was no rush and it was just easy and fun to do. That's what is missing in filmmaking––when things are forced they can at times look it. Look at her in the Coconut Records video that the Gonz and I made, and you'll see what I mean. She looked great in it––she was totally unforced, no pressure, and her hair was cool in that video. Like a beach child.

You're known for your skateboarding videos. How did you get into filming skating?
I got into filming skateboarding when at 14 my grandmother purchased me an 8mm Panasonic camera as a gift. I would document my friends, then come home and watch it, and live through what I had done earlier that day again. I do the same thing today but it's more of a schedule. I guess you can say it's a job, but it still feels like I'm hanging with interesting personalities all day.

Who did you idolize growing up?
I don't quite remember but I was obsessed with the show The Incredible Hulk, the one with Bill Bixby. I was excited by it but also scared of it. Maybe the excitement was being scared... It's kinda bipolar-ish I guess.

Tell us about how you met Mark Gonzales for the first time. What has your friendship been like over the years?
I can't remember where I first met him, but I remember being at The Hole on 2nd Avenue and 2nd Street once. I was sitting there, and he came up and asked, "Are you alright?" A month later I made a 3-day documentary video with him called Dizzy that I produced and put out myself. Today, we text or e-mail pretty much all day long––pictures and goofy texts. You should see the stuff we write to each other. It's all over the place, but that's why it's fun.

What are your top three favorite clips you have filmed?
That's a hard one, there are so many years of footage. But I'm sure it's of Mark Gonzales or JR Reynolds or some homeless person.

If you had to leave New York City, where would you go? 
I fantasize about moving to Colorado, because I stopped in this small town when I took Amtrak from New York cross country to SF. It was beautiful where I stopped for an hour. But I'll probably move upstate to live and travel for work.

What's the most annoying thing someone could do on a subway ride?
I dunno, maybe puke.

Pimp Juice, Crunk Juice, or Funky Cold Medina?
Codeine cough medicine. Two tablespoons every six hours.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Now, knowing there is not much time left.
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Shop the Chloë Sevigny for OC collection Here


FILED UNDER: OCTV , Video , William Strobeck , Chloe Sevigny , Interview , Sofia Cavallo