All photos courtesy of Jordan Montgomery & Clay Mein.
Editor’s Note: This feature is presented by our partners at White Claw. Join us for the the World Premiere of HOMETOWN HYPE: Outer Banks on 8/30 at Outer Banks Brewing Station! Free RSVP while tickets last.
For filmmakers Jordan Montgomery and Clay Mein, the Outer Banks isn’t just a destination — it’s a community, and a second home. As they prepare for the premiere of their new film at The Inertia’s Hometown Hype film tour presented by White Claw, Jordan and Clay reflect on the challenges and inspirations that shaped their latest project.
From capturing the essence of a tight-knit surf community to honoring the authenticity of the Outer Banks lifestyle, they share their process of translating a deep-rooted passion for this beautiful coastal region onto the big screen. There are still a few tickets left for the world premiere on 8/30 at Outer Banks Brewing Station, too. Grab free tickets here.
Knowing how special the Outer Banks surf community is, what was most challenging about this project?
JM: A big aspect was wanting to fit in all the individuals into the talent pool for the film. We sure wish we could get more. To do so in the short production window was for sure a little challenging, but a necessary one. We also knew we had to focus our film on the area in a different way than some of the other films in this series. The Outer Banks is a bit different than other places. It’s not a single city or town, so to drop a needle on just Kitty Hawk or Buxton and say this is the Outer Banks wouldn’t work. It’s truly such a dynamic and vast area.
CM: The hardest part of this project was capturing the heart of the Outer Banks’ tight-knit surf community while staying true to their way of life. It’s about more than just surfing. It’s understanding the deep connection to the ocean and honoring their lifestyle. The challenge was to tell their story authentically, without misrepresenting or glossing over the real struggles and joys they experience, so they feel respected and truly seen.
Who are some of the people who have inspired you in the Outer Banks?
JM: Before I even knew what surfing was, the Outer Banks was an oasis for me. Then growing up, my surf coach as a kid was Noah Snyder for a period of time, he connected me with Hurley as a young surfer and those connections with athletes was critical to my success as a young g filmmaker in surfing. In addition to that, Noah’s Arc, which we were able to sample in this film from Noah Snyder and Nic McLean, is the first surf video I ever watched, the reason I started surfing and thus the reason I became a filmmaker, which is a fun full circle Easter egg for me.
CM: There are a few people who really inspired me early on, both as a young surfer and a filmmaker, and they still do today. Callaway Ramsey and Daniel Pullen’s ability to capture the Outer Banks through their photography. Jesse Hines’ and Brett Barley’s dedication to surfing as a way of life. People like Sterling King and Zach Edwards were also there to guide me as a teen, giving me the support I needed to chase my passions. Each of them played a key role in my journey and their influence still motivates me.
Acknowledging the relationship between Virginia Beach surfers and the Outer Banks is a bit nuanced, what do you love most about the Outer Banks and its surf community?
CM: I’m not local to either, but I’ve always felt a strong connection to the surf community in the Outer Banks from spending a lot of time there as a kid with friends and family. What I love most is how welcoming and supportive the people are. If you’re kind to them, they’ll have your back when it counts. I really admire that mentality, and it’s something I try to live by myself. It’s part of what keeps me coming back and makes me feel at home in that community.
Clay Mein goes to work with the Outer Banks’ famous scenery as a backdrop.
What was your reaction when you were invited to participate in Hometown Hype?
JM: I was, as many are probably thinking: “These guy’s are not even locals.” Which was my reaction as well. To live in the Outer Banks as Daniel Pullen puts it, “isn’t easy” so I would never take the local badge and wear it. They earn that [in OBX] more than most places. This video, it’s about this place and the people who are engrained in its history, present, and future. To peek into their world is an honor.
CM: I felt really lucky to be involved in such a cool project, especially in a place that means so much to me. I’ve always had a deep connection to the area, and I was mindful not to come across as if I were claiming that local identity. I wanted to show my respect for the community and honor the authenticity of the place. Working on this project, it quickly became more than just another job and turned into a passion project for me. The more I got involved, the more personal it became, and I found myself fully immersed in telling a story that felt true to both the place and the people who live there.
Clay in flight, capturing a different perspective.
What is your goal with the film? What do you hope to accomplish?
JM: The Outer Banks has been quite a backdrop for me in life and even in other shoots of ours at Abyss. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, but also is threatened by overdevelopment and the constant beat downs from mother nature. I’m hoping I can communicate how special this place is not only to me but also to the people who live there, why it must be cherished, and showcase the incredible strength that people who choose to live there possess.
CM: My goal with this film is to honor a place and community that holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, I spent a lot of time here with family and friends. Whether it was week-long family vacations, cramming into my mom’s Durango for weekend trips, or spontaneous trips couch surfing with friends, this place has felt like a second home to me for as long as I can remember. It’s given me so much, both mentally and emotionally, and I’ve always felt a strong pull to give something back. Through this film I hope to not only share my love for the Outer Banks, but also inspire young artists to create, just as others inspired me. I want to encourage others to spend time in wild places and let those experiences shape their creativity as this one has shaped mine.
This place is absolutely gorgeous.
Any shoutouts?
JM: Thanks to Jeffery O’Neil for helping us out with surf clips and sending this project to us alongside The Inertia. Brett, Daniel, Dawn, Jesse, Noah, Kevin, Scott, and all the people of the Outer Banks for allowing us to see into their world and hear their stories! Nic McLean for working with us to showcase elements from his film, Noah’s Arc, in our film. DC Camera Rentals for allowing us to elevate the project with some great vintage glass for our camera kits and production support at Abyss. Daniel Pullen and Callaway Ramsey for allowing us to use still imagery of theirs to showcase the island. Stephen Quick for shooting BTS stills and being a killer PA.
My Co-Director at Abyss Films Clay Mein for grinding it out with me. This shoot was many long days, late nights, and early mornings! But this is what we live for. Making projects the best we can and trying to find the emotional center in every story. Every time we hit the record button we want it to be able to mean something, somewhere, to someone.
Stephen Quick for shooting BTS stills and being a killer PA – see photos by him below.
CM: Family, friends, you know who you are.
