Exclusive Interview: TGR Reunites with Filmmaking Pioneer Mike Hatchett to Create 30th Annual Ski and Snowboard Film ‘Pressure Drop’

Mike Hatchett is a legendary figure in action sports filmmaking, with a career spanning over three decades. As the founder of Standard Films, he was a pioneer in the snowboard film industry, creating the iconic "Totally Board" series that we all know and love. His work in the 1990s was groundbreaking, capturing some of the first descents in the remote Alaskan wilderness and pushing the boundaries of high-altitude helicopter cinematography. Named one of "The Most Influential People in Snowboarding" by Transworld Publications, Hatchett's films are known for their raw energy, incredible riding, and powerful, music-driven soundtracks. After taking a 10 year hiatus from directing feature-length snowboard films, Hatchett has returned to the scene by collaborating with Teton Gravity Research. He directed the 2023 TGR Snowboard film Flying High Again and is now a producer for TGR's 30th anniversary film, Pressure Drop.

TGR: You started out making films at a time when the medium was so different, shooting on 16mm film, with every second literally costing money. How did the early constraints and grassroots energy shape you as a filmmaker, and what lessons from that time still guide you today? 

Hatchett: When I started filming on 16mm you had to think about each shot, and only film when you thought you were getting a good shot. That went for the action as well as the lifestyle footage. Today that helps me not burn a bunch of extra card space just rolling and rolling. Also, always trying to make an effort to shoot in the best light possible. That could be at sunrise or even during a dumping snowstorm. The lighting is so key to getting A grade footage. Along with good composition, lens selection, etc etc. Also, when you shot on film you had to plan your shots and visualize what you wanted it to look like ahead of time. You did not have as much wiggle room to do things in post. Things like whether or not to shoot slow motion. Also, the way you framed shots was so key. You can create a mood for a shot by doing things like a subtle zoom in as a rider is approaching the lip of a jump.

TGR: After a decade away from directing and producing feature-length snowboard films, you joined TGR in 2023 to direct Flying High Again and are now producing 2025’s Pressure Drop. What was it about Teton Gravity Research, and specifically that call from Todd and Steve Jones, that made you want to get back in the chair?

Hatchett: Todd, Steve, and I have a long history together. I have always enjoyed working with them. It started in the mid 90’s when I filmed with Doug Coombs in Alaska for TGR. In return TGR filmed Jeremy Jones for Standard Films. That went on for years.  After I stopped doing the Standard Films snowboard videos, TGR hired me to direct “Locals” which was a TV show TGR made for Outside TV. The show was a ton of fun to shoot. We got to travel all over the place. Todd and Steve would join the crew on a lot of the shoots. It was always hard work, but a good time with positive vibes. 

TGR: Since this is now your second film with TGR, how has your experience on that first project informed your approach to producing Pressure Drop and collaborating with the Jones brothers?

Hatchett: I am getting to know the TGR work flow on the films. That makes each one a little easier to get my head around. There are a lot of moving parts to keep track of. Especially on the sponsorship front.

TGR: TGR is celebrating 30 years with this film. Is there a sense of looking back and honoring the past in Pressure Drop, or is it all about pushing the boundaries of what's next? How did you approach the balance between celebrating a legacy and forging a new path?

Hatchett: That is pretty easy. TGR has a history in ski film making. There are more than enough story points to choose from looking back to the past. Then looking forward you just need to look at what the younger generation is doing. 

TGR: You’ve been the primary director and filmer for so many projects, but on Pressure Drop, you were mainly the producer. Can you talk about the shift in roles? What was your focus as the producer on this project, and how did that differ from your past work?

Hatchett: The main shift in roles was I organized a lot of the trips and worked with the cinematographers to make a game plan. It was a bit of a desk job at times. I am usually in the field more filming, directing and working very closely with the editing process. When I ran Standard Films I did all the roles. Producing, directing, filming, and editing. So none of these things are new to me. But I have never done this in the ski industry. I have been so focused on snowboarding my entire career. So learning the ski world has been a good challenge.

TGR: For the Tahoe segment with Jeremy, you stepped back into the director role. Having worked with Jeremy Jones on so many iconic Tahoe segments in the past, what was it like returning to those familiar lines with him for this film?

Hatchett: It was great. Jeremy was stoked on the idea to go back to some of the spots we filmed for his segments. This winter in Tahoe was not great and Jeremy was pretty busy. We ended up getting lucky at the end of the season and it all came together with just a few days of filming. It was so cool to see Jeremy in his element with his kids. Both Mia and Cass rip and they are learning the filming process. When Cass rode Grizzly Spines it was pretty intense.

TGR: Looking at the film landscape today, with so much content on social media, why is it still important to make a full-length, cinematic feature like Pressure Drop for audiences to experience on a big screen?

Hatchett: Watching a full movie on the big screen is so different than watching a few clips on your phone. The whole experience of going to watch a movie and seeing people get pumped up for winter is very cool. Way better than staring at your phone sitting on the couch. As an athlete, putting together a full video part or even a solid section in a location part is difficult and takes skill and commitment.

If you rip it shows. If you have a cool personality it shows. Not every athlete is cut out to be a film star and that's a good thing in my opinion.

TGR: As a veteran filmmaker who has seen the industry change dramatically, and with TGR now launching the Dream Factory Digital Film Festival to showcase up-and-coming talent, what is the single most important piece of advice you would give to an aspiring filmmaker who is just starting out and looking to make their mark today?

Hatchett: Get a tripod. Just kidding. Mack Dawg said that once in an interview and it stuck in my head since. My one piece of advice is learn as much as possible about your craft whether it is filming, editing, producing, directing. Some people do all these things well. Some people focus on just one thing.

We’re fired up to have Mike in the mix for our 30th annual film Pressure Drop. His eye for creativity, love for being on snow, and shared vision helped tie this project together in a way that just feels right. The film’s about to hit the road with over 200 stops worldwide, and chances are we’re pulling up to your hometown. Lock in your tickets, rally the crew, and get ready to kick off winter ‘25/26 the way it should be—loud, stoked, and shoulder to shoulder with the TGR family.