🎥 The Rise, Legacy, and Revival of 411 Video Magazine

In the golden age of VHS tapes and skateboarding's underground boom, one name stood out as the pulse of skate culture: 411 Video Magazine. More than just a video series, it was a movement—a visual diary of skateboarding’s evolution, capturing the grit, creativity, and raw energy of skaters around the world.

🛹 Origins: Where It All Began

411VM was born in 1993, the brainchild of Josh Friedberg and Steve Douglas, both deeply embedded in the skateboarding world. Based in California, the epicenter of skateboarding innovation, the duo envisioned a way to bring frequent, high-quality skate content to the masses—something that had been sorely lacking. Before 411, skaters had to wait years between major video releases. This new format changed everything.

📼 What Made 411VM Revolutionary?

411 wasn’t just another skate video—it was a quarterly video magazine, releasing four issues per year until its final issue in 2005. Each edition was packed with segments that became iconic:

• Openers: Slow-motion highlights of the best tricks

• Chaos: A wild mix of terrain and styles

• Wheels of Fortune: Spotlight on rising amateur talent

• Pro Files: Deep dives into professional skaters

• Road Trip: Behind-the-scenes footage of skate tours

• Day in the Life: Candid looks at skaters off the board

• Industry & Shop Profiles: Features on brands and local skate shops

These segments didn’t just entertain—they educated, inspired, and connected skaters across continents.

🌍 Global Reach and Sponsorships

Though rooted in California, 411VM had a truly global footprint. Skaters from the UK, Europe, and beyond were regularly featured, especially in segments like “Metrospective” and “World Report.” The magazine didn’t operate like a traditional sponsor, but it championed countless skaters, giving amateurs and pros alike a platform to shine. Many now-legendary names got their first exposure through 411’s lens.

📀 Format Evolution

Starting on VHS, 411VM transitioned to DVDs as technology evolved. But its essence remained the same: raw, authentic skateboarding, unfiltered and unpolished.

🧢 The Revival: What’s Happening Now?

After fading into obscurity in the mid-2000s, 411VM has seen a resurgence. The brand now operates a merchandise store, selling decks, apparel, and nostalgic collectibles. They’ve also launched an Instagram account, sharing archived footage and engaging with fans who grew up watching their tapes.

While they’re not producing new video issues in the same format, their legacy lives on through curated content, throwback clips, and a renewed presence in skate culture. It’s a revival that feels more like a tribute—an homage to a time when skateboarding was raw, rebellious, and beautifully analog.

411VM - Issue #1

Podus Operandi: Season 1 Episode 2, all about 411 Video Magazine, our favorite parts and more.