This fall, The Uninvited III, the third installment from Jess Kimura’s passion-fueled, collective-driven movie project will showcase the riding of female boarders setting the status quo in the streets. Taylor Elliott, new local to Salt Lake, has had some of the most creative clips in both The Uninvited I and II and will be reprising her place on the marquee in this year’s video. Taylor’s POV for unique spots is a hallmark of her past parts and over the past winter, she upped the ante at consequential locations–what this means is that her segment in the new movie will be one to watch, and while this is always true when it comes to @yungtaytay, it’s even moreso this time. Over the past three iterations of The Uninvited, Taylor’s become a staple in snowboarding, not only when strapped in, but also off her board, sharing her experience with up-and-coming peers and when coaching at Beyond the Boundaries women’s snowboard camps, as well as when speaking out about mental health and encouraging others to do the same. Taylor is the kind of person you want around, whether at a spot, on a road trip, or encouraging and supporting the overarching community. She’s truly one-of-a-kind and we can’t wait to watch her in The Uninvited III this November. – Mary T. Walsh
First off, you recently got married to your sweetheart and talented boarder, Brandon Cocard. How is married life?
Married life is good! Honestly not much has changed over here, feels the same as before, we just got to have an awesome party with all our friends and family.
Ok, looking back at this season, it was a challenging one, to say the least, both with the pandemic, of course, but also the weather. How did you make filming work last season?
It was definitely an interesting year. I did what I could with what I had! I got COVID the first week of January and that was a bit of a setback, physically and mentally. Later on, I went on a few quick trips, and eventually it snowed in Salt Lake, which was a huge win! I was grateful I got to go on any trips at all after COVID lockdown; it felt good to hang out with good friends and be productive.
Who did you spend time shooting with this season? You spent some time in Tahoe, yes?
It snowed in Reno, which was so sick. I got to hang out with Savannah Golden and Jen Chang, as well as Christine Savage, who is probably one of my favorite people to film with and hang out with in general. I also spent a night filming with the Pay the Rent/Strangebrew crew. Those guys showed up ten people-deep to help me with a session. I also linked with Madison Blackley, my buddy Kyle Nienhouse, Naima Antolin, and Jaime Deister.
What was your favorite trip that you went on and why?
My favorite trip was probably just here in Salt Lake. I was boarding with Naima, Kyle Green, Jamie Deister, and Shannon Evans, who is a new filmer. It was super productive and fun. Gill Montgomery came out to shoot photos, which is always a pleasure.
On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being barely tolerable and 10 being delicious, how are PBR coffee drinks?
Oh wow, those PBR coffee drinks really hit the spot. I’m going to give them a 15.
Three things (other than your snowboard gear) you always have in the streets with you?
I always bring my trusty shovel, extra pairs of mittens (I like the 686 Linear Mitt), and music (and maybe a beer or two).
You always seem to gravitate toward creative spots in the streets—what kind of spots get you jazzed? What was driving your creativity last winter?
I try to stay creative as much as I can, but you know sometimes I struggle with the question, What’s really “original?” This year my driving force was a bit more of the “fuck it” mentality. I really wanted to go bigger and scare myself.
What was the most intimidating spot you hit and how did you make it happen?
The scariest thing I hit, I didn’t actually end up with a clip at. It’s this down-flat-down ledge in Reno. I was terrified of this thing. I think about it all the time, honestly. I just had my heart set on it and I felt like I had failed. I know it’s not going anywhere, but you know how it is.
How did you battle that feeling of failure?
I guess I’ve battled it by trying to be grateful I tried it in the first place—overcoming the fear of that is the hardest part. I definitely want to go back for a rebate. I’ve got a bone to pick with that one
You have been speaking about mental health on your social media and with 686 through their outlets. Why do you feel it is important to talk about this in general, but also specifically within the context of snowboarding?
I think we all need to have hard conversations with each other; let’s break down the barriers of what’s considered “cool” and what’s considered “weak.” People are struggling. Let’s reach out to our friends. Maybe by sharing our personal struggles, someone that’s listening can relate and not feel so alone. I just want people to know they are not alone. As much as we all don’t know and understand about mental health and mental illness, we can try to learn and understand each other. We can show up for people—especially in snowboarding where people are isolated and trying to fit into this mold of what the industry is.
This is the third Uninvited movie that you have filmed for, of course. Looking back over each film and the seasons spent filming for the different videos, how has your outlook on filming and/or what drives you evolved during that time?
I think what’s changed the most is my mentality on what I want to achieve filming and not just hitting every spot we go to. Having a vision on what I want and following that.
You are also vocal in supporting other female riders, filmers, and photographers, and in your free time from filming, you coach at BTBounds snowboard camps. Why is developing this aspect of the snowboarding community important to you?
It’s important to me to share what I love with other people. I want people to have a chance at getting that adrenaline rush, finding a sense of community, and building confidence through passion.
