I wanted to know more about Dying Bravely, the USMNT video making rounds on the Internet, so I got in contact with its high school-aged creator, Nick Butler. His answers are below.

1) What inspired you to put together Dying Bravely?
I’m on a forum that discusses the world game and what not. Every six or so months they have a competition to see who can produce the best video. I decided to do a theme about the US. As the World Cup progressed, there was no question I was going to create a US video.

2) How long did it take you to cut all the footage together?
It probably took me about four hours just to capture the footage from my TiVo onto my PC. I also had to find clips of previous World Cups. I spent at least four weeks working on the video. I wanted it to be as good as possible so I took my time, thought of songs I could use, the best title for it, how to present it, and all that other good stuff.

3) You mentioned you uploaded this to a USMNT forum last week. Any idea how the popularity exploded from there?
I think most my hits came from there, then people started posting it on Facebook, Twitter, etc. I was actually able to locate the video from a user on Twitter who sent it to a few players including Stuart Holden. He actually replied to the user, saying “Cool video!! Thanks!” Pretty awesome knowing a player from the team watched it.

4) You were 10 in 2002. Do you remember the US’s run during that tournament?
Not so much the group stages, but definitely the Mexico and Germany games. I think Germany were very fortunate to walk away winners in that one. Not just because of the handball, but we created many chances and at some points played Germany off the pitch. I will never forget that game. We would have probably gotten through to the finals if we beat Germany.

5) Are you planning to make any other soccer-related videos?
Yes, I enjoy making them. I’ve been making them for some time now, but I haven’t really progressed much until this one. My other videos don’t come close to Dying Bravely. I believe my next video will be on Arsenal F.C.

6) What do you think the amount of support/views/comments you’ve gotten about Dying Bravely says about the US fanbase?
I think the US have an excellent fanbase. Just watch the world’s reaction to Donovan’s goal against Algeria. In the last week I have been getting more and more views and like I said earlier people are trying to get the video out through Facebook and Twitter to show the world what the game means to us Americans.

7) Prediction for the USMNT during the 2014 World Cup? Are you planning to go to Brazil?
It’s tough to say this early, but I’d say it looks promising. A couple players will be too old for another World Cup. We have a lot of young talent though I feel, especially in the midfield. I think the forwards will be more experienced in the next one as well. I do feel good things are to come. As for going, I’m not really sure. Of course I would love to, but right now I am focused on getting tickets for the Gold Cup final in LA to of course see the USA.

by noah