THE STUDIO
We're not just a production company. We're the architects of freeride's visual history.
Jay Schweitzer
Director / Cinematographer
ABOUT POWERBAND FILMS
Powerband Films has dedicated the last 20+ years to rejuvenating freestyle motocross and bringing it back to its roots, FREERIDING. We specialize in making TV shows and producing motocross contests alongside world-class DVD/Digital releases.
In the last few years we have single handedly created the mecca freeriding destinations known as Jackpot Ranch, Danimals Domain, and Frankensteins which have proven to be the best motocross riding areas in the world. Powerband Films brings a hollywood feel to everything it creates and still manages to stay true to the core riders and their image.
In addition to the On the Pipe motocross films, we shoot and direct several sports commercials including offroad trucks, toys, and feature profiles. We shoot on RED digital cinema cameras and Ultimate Arm tracking vehicles to deliver unmatched visual fidelity.
DIRECTOR'S BIO
Jay Schweitzer's passion for film started while attending Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe. Graduating with a bachelors degree in Business Administration and a minor in Electronic Arts, Jay set course on becoming the best in the business.
In the late 90's, Jay interned under Mack Dawg Productions, the leading snowboard film company in the world. Under Mike McEntire, Jay learned the ins-and-outs of field cinematography. He soon met Kurt Haller, owner of MOTO XXX, and made the legendary MOTO XXX 3-6 videos, organizing the shoots and editing the final runs.
In 2003, Jay was approached by Transworld Motocross Magazine to make their first ever motocross film Crush. Recognizing the massive demand for natural terrain riding, Jay created the first ever-natural terrain competition known as Ride to the Hills. In 2004, Jay teamed back up with Mack Dawg to establish Powerband Films—giving birth to the massive On The Pipe franchise.
THE ARSENAL
Hollywood-grade cinema systems deployed to the most unforgiving terrain on Earth. Every rig purpose-built for high-speed, high-risk capture.
RED Weapon 8K
Full-frame 8K sensor for unparalleled detail in extreme conditions
Phantom Flex4K
1,000fps high-speed capture for slow-motion impact shots
Shotover F1
Gyro-stabilized helicopter system — steady at 120mph from ¼ mile
Ultimate Arm
Precision pursuit vehicle platform for ground-level tracking
DJI Inspire 2 X7
Aerial drone unit for impossible angles beyond helicopter reach
MōVI Pro Gimbal
Stabilized handheld rig for run-and-gun combat cinematography
Arri SkyPanel S60
Broadcast-grade LED lighting for interview & shop environments
Custom Pursuit Rigs
Armored camera housings designed for crash-zone proximity
GLOBAL
TERRAIN
From the barren desert canyons of California to the streets of Havana, these are the legendary locations where Powerband Films has planted its flag.
California, USA
California, USA
California, USA
California, USA
Cuba
California, USA
California, USA
Montana, USA
Hawaii, USA
Nevada, USA
Nevada, USA
Mexico
MILESTONES
Two decades of industry firsts
Moto XXX Era
Jay Schweitzer joins Kurt Haller to produce Moto XXX 3–6 and the punk-rock music DVD Eargasm, defining the underground VHS freeride era.
Ride to the Hills
Created the first-ever organized natural terrain FMX competition — paving the way for modern events like Red Bull Imagination.
On The Pipe 1 / Crush
Jay teams with Mike McEntire (Mack Dawg) to create On The Pipe. The same year, Jay produces Crush for Transworld Motocross Magazine — their first-ever film.
Powerband Films Founded
Powerband Films is officially incorporated. On The Pipe 2: Still Smokin' drops and the franchise ignites.
IFC Feature / OTP 3
On The Pipe 3: Another Hit drops. Jay is profiled by the Independent Film Channel (IFC) as a pioneer of indie action sports cinema.
OTP 4: Another Score
The franchise explodes. Another Score becomes the best-selling freeride motocross film in history.
OTP 5: Still Alive
Dedicated to the memory of Jeremy Lusk (1986–2009), who tragically died in Costa Rica. His segments in the film remain a powerful tribute.
OTP 6: Pack It Up
Powerband adopts RED digital cinema cameras and Phantom high-speed units. OTP6 pushes the franchise to global locations — Australia, Spain, France.
OTP 7: The Last Hit
The final chapter of the On The Pipe franchise. Shot on RED Weapon 8K, The Last Hit closes the book on the series that redefined freeride cinema.
Hollywood Crossover
The studio films Jay Leno's Garage, Red Bull Terrafirma with Ken Roczen, and BJ Baldwin's Recoil 4 in Cuba.
GNARNIA
The ultimate freeride odyssey. Starring Colby Raha with 15 riders. A tribute to Alex Harvill and Tanner Chadwick. Now streaming on Apple TV.
FROM THE FIELD
BTS Archive & Rigging
TRUSTED BY
The brands, networks, and athletes that have put their legacy in our hands.
23+
Years
8
Films Released
100+
Riders Filmed
4K
Master Archives