This inspiring short film from Will Robson-Scott follows Graeme: a man with Asperger’s Syndrome whose intense passion for skating has kept him on a board for over 25 years.
 
We were very excited when we heard that Top Deck photographer Will Robson-Scott was working on something new. For the London issue, Will’s series of photos taken from the top of a double decker bus reveal a unique and fleeting view of public life. For his latest project, Graeme, Will has picked up a film camera and moved down to ground level, this time to follow just one man.
 
The film documents the middle-aged skater across skate parks in the city as he remembers the scene in the early 90s and about everything else one man possibly could about skateboarding. We caught up with Will this week to find out more about Graeme and any other projects he has in the pipeline.
 
How long have you been making films?
Will Robson-Scott: First bit of moving image I did was last summer with Action Bronson, I wouldn’t call it a film though.
 
Where did you meet Graeme?
Graeme has been around for years. I think the first time I met him was probably about 15 years ago at St Albans skatepark, Harrow or Southbank. I sort of left skating at the way side for a few years and my focus drifted to other things, but I’ve started skating again when I can. So I forgot about Graeme; I remembered him again looking at an old portrait I took of him in 2002, then Jake from Slam City helped me get in contact with him.
 
What did you find most inspiring about him?
He is an oracle of knowledge and overcomes obstacles in life that many people don’t face, he’s one of those people that everyone in London knows and I was very surprised no one had documented him in any form.
 
Do you skate yourself?
Yes I skate, its something I feel formed my adult existence.
 
How long did you spend together shooting the film? It seems like just one day.
No I shot Graeme for a month or so, there are bits missing, but I find it hard to finish projects so sometimes you have to say enough is enough.
 
Did you and Graeme skate together much while you were making the film?
Yes we skated around together. Graeme does participate but is more of a spectator of sorts.
 
What sort of projects have you got lined up for the future?
I just did a video with Topsafe and Vans. Ive got a few more video portraits like Graeme in the pipeline, and working a book project with Topsafe.
 

 
By Zara Miller