Bill Strobeck: The Visionary Behind the Lens

Bill Strobeck is a name that resonates deeply within the skateboarding world—not for his tricks, but for his ability to capture the raw essence of skate culture through his lens. Born William Prentice Strobeck on March 17, 1978, in Syracuse, New York, Strobeck’s journey into skateboarding was shaped by his surroundings and a deep-rooted passion for creativity.

Early Life & Introduction to Skateboarding

Growing up in Syracuse, Strobeck found solace in skateboarding, a sport that allowed him to express himself freely. His early years were marked by challenges, including his mother’s battle with schizophrenia, which led him to live with different family members. Despite these hardships, skateboarding became his escape, and soon, his fascination with filming took center stage.

As a teenager in the 1990s, Strobeck began filming his friends skating outside the Everson Museum of Art, a spot that welcomed skaters as artists. This environment nurtured his love for documenting skateboarding, and by 1996, he moved to Philadelphia, immersing himself in the legendary Love Park skate scene.

Career & Notable Works

Strobeck’s big break came when Alien Workshop recognized his talent and offered him a position as a skate videographer. By 1998, he had left community college and his delivery job to work full-time on Photosynthesis, one of the most iconic skate videos of its time.

Over the years, Strobeck has directed and filmed numerous influential skate videos, including:

• DIZZY (2004) – A day-in-the-life film featuring Mark Gonzales and Jason Dill.

• Cherry (2014) – His first full-length feature for Supreme, which redefined modern skate cinematography.

• BLESSED (2018) – Another Supreme masterpiece showcasing raw, unfiltered skateboarding.

• CANDYLAND (2019) – A visually striking film that continued his unique storytelling approach.

• STALLION (2021) – A bold and energetic skate video.

• PLAY DEAD (2022) – His latest work, pushing the boundaries of skate filmmaking.

Style & Influence

Unlike traditional skate videographers, Strobeck’s filming style is intimate, raw, and immersive. He often uses tight close-ups, capturing the emotions and personalities of skaters in a way that feels personal and unfiltered. His work has been instrumental in shaping the aesthetic of modern skate videos, blending high fashion, street culture, and skateboarding seamlessly.

Sponsors & Pro Model Decks

While Strobeck is not known for his own skateboarding tricks, his influence has earned him collaborations with brands like Supreme and Vans. His work with Supreme has been particularly groundbreaking, helping to elevate the brand’s presence in skateboarding and streetwear.

What’s He Up to Now?

As of today, Strobeck continues to push the boundaries of skate filmmaking. He remains deeply involved in the skate scene, working on new projects and collaborating with brands and skaters to create visually stunning and culturally impactful films. His ability to capture the spirit of skateboarding ensures that his work remains timeless, inspiring both skaters and filmmakers alike.

Bill Strobeck is more than just a filmmaker—he’s a storyteller, a visionary, and an integral part of skateboarding’s evolution. His work continues to shape the way skateboarding is perceived, proving that sometimes, the most influential figures aren’t the ones landing the tricks, but the ones capturing them.

"HEADBANGER" (2025)

Small Town Hero to NYC Skateboarding Legend | XG Grind & Unwind w/ Bill Strobeck Ep. 45