Interview with Azur Allen
Flying 101 is one of the most exciting dunk crews ever. They have come out with a jam packed DVD of insane dunks and extras that is available on their website, www.flying101.org. They have performed at halftime shows, streetball games, charities, and multiple other events drawing huge crowds. Azur Allen, creator of Flying101, was kind enough to do an interview with me about his success, what went on behind the scenes, and what it takes to make an enterprise of this size all come together.
1Q. Flying101 is a big success. The DVD was a hit and the dunkers are becoming very well known. Did you ever imagine that your work would become so popular?
1A. We started off as a DVD, purposely trying to stay just a DVD and not become a team. As far as DVD goes, it wasn't anywhere near as successful as we'd hoped or thought in terms of the # of viewers, but ironically, because of youtube our success came in the team aspect. So the popularity isn't surprising but rather ironic.
2Q. Why did you want to start flying101 and make a DVD?
2A. The DVD was started because I wanted to open peoples eyes to the artistry of the dunk, and how it was the ultimate symbol of stretching the imagination and human limits. Also, we wanted to show how ordinary people can be just as good if not better at something (and not just dunking), than those who get the media coverage, but they are just ignored or lack the outlets.
3Q. How difficult was the process of putting everything together? (getting dunkers, footage, the time, editing, etc...)
3A. It's a simple process, but very very time consuming and tough on the pockets. At first everything came out of my own pockets, plane tickets etc., but I was lucky in that many of the dunkers shared in my vision and were willing to participate without monetary incentive to start.
4Q. Who were the first dunkers you worked with?
4A. The ones on the dvd. 1) brent petway 2) jenelle carter 3) werm, 2eazy, snapp 4) ziani and s1s1f 5) myree
5Q. Who was your main inspiration?
5A. at the time: James White, Kadour Ziani
6Q. I am sure it was a tough decision to go in a new direction with Flying101, but also a relieving one. Can you talk a little bit about this dramatic change? (Do you ever miss the old team, hows the team doing now, what kind of work you do now, etc...)
6A. I'm glad we made the change...the idea was to use dunking as a tool to promote positive messages rather than be the focus itself. I don't regret the change, but I admit I could've handled it a bit better, a lot of feelings were unintentionally hurt.
7Q. There was always talk about who was better, TFB or Flying101. Did this ever concern you or your team and what was your teams relationship with TFB(if there was one...)?
7A. That's all people talked about on the internet, so we definitely enjoyed the competition and tried to be better than them, although it wasn't the main focus. But it helped push us along and we had fun competing with them.
8Q. Do you have any big plans for the future?
8A. For Flying101 - we just have to take it 1 day at a time and hope something big can happen for us that can turn it into a living for us. For my life personally, my biggest aim is maximizing my potential in given areas, and at this time I am debating whether or not to become a D1 track runner.
9Q. What are some of your other hobbies?
9A. I am a runner, violinist, pianist, movie addict
10. Thanks for your time and the info!
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