If there was a video Bandit produced in the last 2 years Colden Rand either shot it, edited it, was offered the gig and couldn't because of some insane remote European snowboard project he got tapped for. Most recently, Colden put together this little number for our Fall '25 campaign:
Colden has been a creative force in the Bandit universe since November '23 and we are immensely grateful for his talent, perspective, hard work, and general big dawgness.
We sat down with Mr. Rand to chat cinematography, running, travel, snowboarding and more...
Hello sir, who and why are you?
I’m a cinematographer and editor originally from Portland, Oregon. I spent a lot of my childhood doing various outdoor sports like surfing and snowboarding. I’m an avid woodworker. I’ve worked a lot of different jobs growing up, arborist, surfboard repair, sales associate, etc. I also love fly fishing, It’s something I grew up doing with my pops. I think that taught me more lessons about patience than anything else in my life.
Who do you think you are?
The people call me Big Dawg.
Favorite camera:
Red V Raptor x
Film or digital?
This one is tough. I gotta go with film. I don't get to shoot on it enough, but when I do its a completely different experience to shooting digital.
When did you start snowboarding?
15 years old, which you might say is a little later in life considering it's a major part of my career now.
When did you start running?
14 years old, which you might say is a little later in life considering it's a major part of my career now.
When was the first time you picked up a camera?
I must have been 14 or 15, which you might say is a little later in life considering it's a major part of my career now.
What's your favorite Bandit project to date?
The SVG x Bandit Olympic campaign was probably my overall favorite one to date. The crew was all time, we managed to overcome a lot of logistical difficulties and I think the end result really showed that. With that being said, I’d say the Bandit GP was my favorite video piece I’ve made for Bandit.
Describe how you approach action sport cinematography.
Each sport has its own unique skillset. To me there’s 3 big things I take into each project. First is making sure I’m physically fit enough to keep up with everyone whether that’s on a snowboard, a skateboard or on a bike. Second is the production / concept, this can be anything from as broad as what feelings I want to portray through the piece to as narrow a super refined shot list. The last and arguably the most important part is making the people around you feel comfortable and involved in the project. Without that trust you’re just a camera in someone's face.
Favorite music video:
Favorite creative right now?
What was your first paid gig as a videographer?
My first ever paid gig was for a Swiss ski resort called Laax, I think I got $50 a day. They got robbed.
Favorite people you’ve ever documented?
Beyond Medals crew and the Technically Doing It crew have been my favorite groups to document. Being around so much raw talent and unique personalities has been so fun to experience.
Worst/craziest travel day you’ve had for a gig?
I’ve got too many to count. The worst one had to be this double shoot I had in Switzerland. I flew in from Oregon, had to run nearly 2 miles through some airport with all my bags to make my connection. I arrived in Zurich at 7am and went straight up to the mountains. We filmed from 10am until 1AM the following morning. From there, I had to drive to a different resort 4 hours away for a shoot at 7am the following morning. Got two speeding tickets and had to crash on my friend's couch who lived on the way to where I was headed. Slept for about an hour and then drove the remaining 2 hours for the next shoot. Filmed all day before finally getting some sleep after we wrapped.
Best cinematography advice?
Forget the rules you’ve learned about how something should or shouldn't be filmed. I believe if you approach film or any creative endeavor with an almost childlike mindset, it allows you to create in ways that are more organic and lets your own style shine through.
Describe your photos in three words...
Nostalgic, intimate, out of focus.
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Thanks again to Colden for the chat. Give the boi an IG follow.
