Mike Mo Capaldi’s Sponsor Me Video Leaves the Vault

In the world of skate, killer sponsor me footage is as sacrosanct to amateurs as the Holy Grail was to King Arthur. It is what many hopefuls pin their dreams on. Despite that importance, some slap crap together and pray it catches someone's eye. Some search for excellence in an effort to prove they are worthy of fame's mantle. And still others fall somewhere in between. No matter where you are on your journey to skate greatness, it never hurts to learn from those who have gone before you. Other pro athletes do it all the time. That's why watching Mike Mo Capaldi's sponsor me video should be on every skater's agenda this week. Here are a few more details:

About the Video

The actual video that earned Mike Mo Capaldi his Spitfire Wheels sponsorship was released on December 7, 2011, as part of Deluxe Distribution's Year in Review. The video is posted on the company's website and was very well done. Of course Capaldi's skating is spot on, but amateurs should also look beyond the obvious for clues as to what makes a successful sponsor me video. Capaldi's video starts out with testimonials from pro skater Todd Huber and a family member. Afterward, it cuts to him skating at a skatepark. The camera work is steady and neither the background nor soundtracks are distracting. The camera angle varies to keep things interesting. The use of transitions are minimal and with purpose. His skating does the speaking for him and is the focus, as it should be. The end of the video features his contact information and brief biographical data that includes a mention of his favorite company, Spitfire Truck. You don't get much better than that. As a person who has created her fair share of promotional DVDs and television commercials my hat is off to Mike Mo and the crew that helped him create the tape. I encourage all amateur skaters to check it out for themselves.

About Mike Mo Capaldi

Mike Mo Capaldi is a 21 year old professional skater who has been skating competitively for quite some time now. He is known for his flatland skating and has been in such skate videos as Paul Rodriguez's Forecast and Lakai's Fully Flared. His sponsors include Girl Skateboards and Spitfire Wheels. He also participated in the Street League Series for the last two years.

My children are skaters and I have a history of following the sport. I also have a marketing degree and have spent many years working in the field, including creating commercials for television and radio.

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