| It's Miller Time |
Wiley Miller locked in one of the starring roles in this year's Level 1 film. Josh Wisenthal drops a few questions to the future ski superstar.
Let’s start with this: what the hell kind of name is Wiley?
When I tell people my name is Wiley 9 times outa 10 they respond "like Wyle E. Coyote." It gets old but I have a unique name, I'm stoked on it, so it doesn't bother me. Lots of my friends call me Walter, and Willard... the list goes on but it's all in good spirit.
Where did you earn your chops skiing, and what is your current home base?
I grew up skiing in Big Sky MT. I didn't have a park to ride in so I spent most of my time in the BC with my bro, Jermo. After High School I moved to Utah where I'm hangin now. The city gets to me every now and then, but the winters are too good to pass up.
You’ve had a few movie appearances with different film companies. How do you feel about working with more than one director during a season? Does it water down the final product, or is it good to spread yourself around a little?
Ahh it's hectic for sure. This season was a constant struggle to balance time with differnt film companies. Utah this year was pretty rotten so traveling was the name of the game. I ended up traveling more than I planned to keep up with both projects. There are positives and negatives working with multiple directors. The potential for more exposure is there but at the same time it's harder to round out a segment.
What Level 1 shoots did you attend? How would you compare working with Berman versus others in the industry? ( editor’s note: feel free to answer this question very honestly)
Most of the shooting done with L1 was in the Montana Backcountry, a bit in CO, and UT. We traveled with a crew of 5 or less. Berman is a perfectionist with his films. He's very attentive to detail. Most other filmers I've worked with who are heading a film production are this way. I appreciate working with someone who takes their work seriously. Berman and Freedle both take their time to listen to me as well, which is cool. I've been out with filmers who want to "direct" too much, which makes it impossible to capture an athlete's true potential.
A somewhat prominent team manager once told me that every switch 10 is the same. What distinguishes an athlete is his personality, and this is what makes him a marketable entity. Thoughts?
For sure, with so many people doing the same tricks it takes that person who is gonna step up and not be scared to let people know who they are by expressing personality.
Do you care about marketing? Do you care about your value in the industry?
I think it can be easy to get caught up in who is getting what exposure, comp results, and film segments. For me it's more about marketing companies I believe in. It's important for me to get support from companies I respect and see a fit with. I can be more motivated to push a company when I see it this way, and see marketing as a more important piece to the puzzle. I'd like to see myself as valued in the industry. Our sport has a lot of room to grow and I'd get fulfillment out of knowing I was a part of that progression. I think there is value in that.
Is your emphasis on skiing or being a professional skier?
I'd like to think my emphasis would be on skiing. I have a super strong passion for filming, something about getting to create and watch the final project really gives me satisfaction. I suppose if it takes being a pro skier to do what I do in the winter. I wouldn't give it up for anything and I know I wouldn't be able to do it if i wasn't pursing a professional career.
Outside of skiing, what do you enjoy doing? Who do you enjoy doing it with?
Recently I've been working over the summer on a lake. For the most part I need to be around water. The ocean a lake or river. I've had a few oportunities to surf and I can never get enough of that shit. I also like to work though on anything. I need to be productive so I stay busy with work and a little schooling. It's always good to spend time with the MT homies, kayaking, fishing, and floatin it.
What quotations or words of wisdom best capture your state of being?
Time is money but money is not time...
Finally, take the time to name drop and thank a few people.
Well there are so many people i'd like to show my appreciation for but off the top of my head: my family for all the support, Matt and Joe at 4frnt, Austin and Andy at Saga, Berman and Freedle for sure, Melanie for keeping my hands warm, all the MT homies, and Kyler for always helping my broke ass when I'm hurtin.
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