The Cigarette Surfboard Founders
Since 2014, Ben Judkins and Taylor Lane have worked alongside each other to create a number of short films. As a video team, we’ve worked with notable clients such as CBS 60 Minutes, Red Bull Media, Men’s Journal, Outerknown, Stab Magazine, Adventure Sports Network, and Save the Waves Coalition. Since the first butt, we’ve juggled every role possible on a shoestring budget — and we’ve enjoyed the journey together along the way.
Ben Judkins / Filmmaker
Raised in Northern California, at age eight I found an old camcorder and discovered my medium to explore and create. After years videotaping my friends skateboarding and surfing, I landed at University of California Santa Cruz, majoring in Film Production. My senior project “Marshall” earned the Dean’s Award, and also won “Best Locally-Produced Work” at the 2017 Santa Cruz Film Festival. I’m an avid surfer who believes in the power of visual storytelling to move people to action. The Cigarette Surfboard documentary is my opportunity to influence a generation of surfers to do something to give back to the ocean.
Taylor Lane / Ciggy Board Creator
Growing up with a garage full of tools, I always tinkered. In the “live and let live” ethos of Venice Beach, California, I learned to appreciate alternative perspectives. After graduating from San José State University in 2017 with a B.S. in Industrial Design, I took on freelance gigs, along with an internship at The North Face as an Equipment Designer. With the Cigarette Surfboard, I realized I am most fulfilled by seeking solutions that address social and environmental problems. Since childhood, I’ve often been the one asked to fix something. Doesn’t always mean I can, but hell, I’ll try.
