Deathbowl to Downtown

Last night there was an advance preview for the documentary film "Deathbowl to Downtown: The Evolution of Skateboarding in New York City." Held at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, this shit was the place to be. Everywhere you turned was another legendary figure in the history of NYC skate as well as the full crop of young rippers who are repping for the city today. Believe me, it was enough to make even the most jaded industry head gassed on the experience.

Directed by Coan "Buddy" Nichols and Rick Charnosky, and written by Jocko Weyland, "Deathbowl to Downtown" follows the history of skating in NY from the 70's until today through the eyes of the movement's major participants. Focusing heavily on the Zoo York and Shut crews, the flick is a necessary history lesson which hopefully won't be lost on the throngs of teenagers currently rushing into skate culture without a clue about where it came from.

Although underwritten predominantly by Mountain Dew, "Deathbowl" definitely did not come off as corporate propaganda and all that Pepsi money was clearly evident in the production value of the film - top fucking notch.

As this was a preview, there are likely to be changes to the film before it's final cut, most necessary is a bit more attention on the skaters who thrived during the early part of the 2000's - shouts to Rodney Torres!

Regardless, the theatre was alive with energy and with the exception of some boos when Chloe Sevigny's name came on screen listing her as the narrator, the film seemed to please everyone in the house.

You slept if you missed it. Peep the pics below.






Mountain Dew money means ushers on the street directing you to the theatre.

The golden ticket.

The first dude I ran into was Shut's Michael Cohen - good thing cause he had my ticket!

Dave was pumped!

Pat Conlon, not so much.

Do the Dew!

There was no shortage of models - get it?! Ha!

Or promo items, like these "Deathbowl" decks produced by 5Boro.

Shut's Kevin Carney and Luis Tolentino.

The Directors: Rick Charnoski and Buddy Nichols.

The Legends: Mike Hernandez and Jeff Pang.

Louie Louie and German Nieves holding it down with Steve Nardone and Joey Pepper.

JZ hooking up the new Natural Koncept video.

The coveted VIP pass.

That pass got you up in the good seats with the likes of Geo Moya and Keith Hufnagel.

The packed house.

The pre-screening speeches.

Shut's Adam Schatz

Shut Founder Rodney Smith who had a huge part in the film.

Decon's Peter Bittenbender and Jason Goldwach hugging it out.

Alex Corporan with Joe Humeres - feeling the love after his dope part in the film.

Mirrorball's Matt Hanrahan.

Trouble's Ian Longwell.

Yes, there were actually some girls there too.