Ages ago, back in a far-away time remembered only as October 2010, a group of production technicians traveled from the gloom of the UK to the majestic valleys of Tehachapi, CA, home of Woodward West. They came with their fancy broadcast gear and a special remote-controlled “helicopter” to film three of the best bladers in the world, skating some of the best facilities in the world, in stunning 3D for a series on Discovery Channel 3D. Determined to see just what this expedition was all about, ONE made the trek up into the desert to check out the process, see the gear, and document the whole affair. Here’s what we saw. — ONE

The crew films some portraits and establishing shots with Haffey. The Velasquez clan looks on.

Chris talking a bit on-camera about blading, and what tricks he’s working to film.

Haffey throwing a monstrous 540 transfer.

The crew stuck a 3D camera in Shima’s hands and had him get some follow lines.

Chris preps some coping for a maneuver.

As filming progressed around the Enterprise skatepark, Chris hit this Rocket 360 over the crater.

WWW resident Johanny Velasquez did his part with this Parallel Grab over the hip.

That’s not a UFO, it’s more like a flying lawnmower with a specially-rigged 3D GoPro camera.

Chris and Brian debate lines while the remote flyer hovers above.

Homie mans the boom while the two remote flyer operators track their baby.

Two GoPro cameras wired together for the 3D effect, and one of the two remotes required to operate the thing. DO WANT!

Shima doing his part to rep blading to the audience.

Shima hitting a Mute 360 transfer.

Taking a break from the transfers, Shima does a Makio stall then lets it slide AO. Memory is hazy on whether he landed one clean or not. Whatever.

When filming moved indoors, Shima was hucking away on the foam pit. Haffey was too. His deals were TOP SECRET.

You can fly the remote cameras indoors… if you’re careful.

Working the remote flyer over the vert ramp.

We hope Eito Yasutoko is saying, “I’m the best, bitches!” But instead he was probably very polite. No fun!

Whatever Eito is doing he’s ripping. We think it was a Liu Kang flatspin 540.

Target skate plaza. How’d you like to have this in your backyard?

When we get an idea of when the show will be airing on Discovery 3D, we’ll let you all know.

Photos by Kris Troyer