SSX Character Inspiration Blog #2: Alex and Tane
dmcdonagh
2011-07-30
Here is the second blog in the SSX Character Inspiration Blog Series written by Producer Sean Smillie, looking at two new characters – Alex and Tane.
In looking at our cast as a whole, we decided to stick with SSX tradition and introduce some new characters. We really wanted to add some European flavor into the mix and knowing France has a long history of legendary extreme riders/adventurers we began to do some research. A lot of inspiration came from video footage (circa 1970-80) of epic descents at Mt. Blanc. We also wanted to introduce a new female rider into the SSX universe.
Looking at our current female cast, the idea for Alex was sort of an alternative to Elise. Alex is tall and carries herself with confidence - but where Elise is Amazonian in stature and practically an action hero in her own right, Alex represents a more refined and sexy vibe.
We positioned her as a bit of a Bond girl - a fashion model, gracing the cover of magazines from around the world, hanging with the rich and famous.
In her other life she is the Chamonix Assassin, a rider who strives for perfection on her descents, taking down all challengers with an ease and attitude that could be described as surgical. The dark hair, lean body and clean lines of her outfits make her a fresh addition to the popular SSX cast of women. SSX has always strived to introduce memorable unique characters and we really think Alex Moreau is a cool new personality that fans will enjoy!
The re-launch of SSX had our team looking for inspiration from multiple sports, genres and lifestyles. An obvious choice was the world of surfing. I've been fortunate enough that surfing has been a large part of my life and in travelling to ride various breaks around the world have met a handful of surfers that truly embody the lifestyle. We wanted to introduce a new character that represented the easy-going attitude and fluid riding style seen in so many wave-chasers. A lot of our characters are over the top personalities who attack the mountain in a hardcore style; Psymon, Zoe, and Mac for example. Tane represents the type of rider that can do everything the others do - but with an ease and style that surfers perpetuate.
Tane's look, to me, represents fun. His bright clothes and tie-dyed patterns say that he doesn't take things too seriously. His face speaks to the fact that he has spent his life on the water, under the sun at breaks from Hawaii to Australia to Alaska. His gear and clothing represent the fact that he can cut under a cornice with the same style as he would shooting a pipe.
To fit with the SSX style, I also really wanted him to be a character with a sense of humour. With Tane, I want people to believe that this is the kind of rider who would enjoy carving down a mountain as a massive avalanche hurtles down after him. That type of thing wouldn’t shake Tane; he would be smiling and laughing, calling out to his chopper pilot that “this is what it's all about” - riding and living life to the fullest.
