Zoo York Video Premiere

“If you film it, they will come.”

Last night (6/4) was the long-awaited world premiere of Zoo York’s new video, “State of Mind.”  Held at the historic Sunshine Cinema on East Houston Street in Manhattan’s LES, approximately 1,000 Zoo fans were in the house to take in all the cinematic action.  Since the crowds were so large, three separate screenings were held at 8pm, 9pm and 10:15pm in order to divide and conquer.  The line to get in wrapped around the block, but I was one of the lucky ones who didn’t have to wait because I scored tickets to the first screening.  Thanks, Seamus!

The crowd was a virtual who’s who of NYC’s past and present skateboarding community, with the guests of honor of course being the Zoo Crew.  All the Zoo homies were in the house, and some of them rolled deep with their extended families in tow.  Even Zoo York founder and SHUT owner Rodney Smith was there, along with one of the most prominent OG “Soul Artists of Zoo York,” Andy Kessler.  The list of big names goes on and on, but what you really want to read about is the video, right?  So here goes…

“State of Mind” has literally been years in the making.  Since 2006, ZY team manager, Seamus Deegan, along with resident Zoo videographer, RB Umali, traveled with the team non-stop collecting footage from skate missions to Australia, Canada, China, Europe, South Africa, all over the US, and at home in the grimy streets of New York.  In my opinion, all their jet lag and hard work paid off, as “State of Mind” definitely delivered the goods.

Seamus Deegan, Chaz Ortiz and RB Umali

In the spirit of “Mixtape” from the late ‘90s, Zoo’s new offering is what I like to call a “skateboarders skate video.”  No bells and whistles, no big-budget special effects, no corny intros for each rider’s part; just a well shot and produced video with a dope soundtrack that highlights pure street skating at its finest.  It’s focused and relatable, and the raddest part is it makes you want to grab your board and go shred.

With a running time of approximately 45 minutes, “State of Mind” opened with a shout out to the late, great Harold Hunter, which drew respectful cheers from the crowd.  RIP Harold – Legends Never Die!

Newly minted Zoo pro, Brandon Westgate, had the first part and it was a banger!  That dude can ollie over pretty much anything... high ollie champ Luis Tolentino better watch his back, because you know Westgate is coming to snatch that crown.  Matt Miller was up next and laid down a solid part that highlighted his switch wizardry and deep bag of tech tricks.

Then it was on to young gun, Chaz Ortiz, who in his first major video part showed the world he’s way more than just a contest skater.  For a little guy, he’s got all the man-sized tricks on lock and can definitely hold it down in the streets.  Keep an eye on this kid.

One of my favorite skaters of all time, Donny Barley, followed Chaz and made it known that at age 35 his signature “Barley style” is still going strong.  If you live in Providence, RI, check out Barley’s shop, Fountain of Youth.

New Jersey’s own, Ron Deily, took to the screen next and you could tell Jersey was in the house – i.e., Chris Nieratko – because his buttery smooth yet burly style drew plenty of applause.  The shortest part in the movie went to Philly’s Kevin Taylor, but he still threw down some respectable hammers.  Like Deily, Anthony Shetler received some of the loudest cheers of the night.  With a no frills approach, he skates hard, goes big, and handles his business better than most.

Last night I was reminded that Miami Beach local, Forrest Kirby, is a combo master who flips in and out of pretty much every trick in the play book.  Lamar Hemmings also has the tech trickery nailed down.  Wish his part had been a bit longer, but he still represented.

Like Barley, Aaron Suski is one of my favorites because he skates clean and keeps the flip tricks to a minimum.  Flip tricks are dope and all, don’t get me wrong, but nothing beats watching a styled out Barley wall ride or effortless ollie blast from Suski.  On the opposite end of the age spectrum from Barley and Suski is Eli Reed.  A Boston native now living in NYC, Reed is definitely one to watch out for in the years to come as his shredding abilities are solid and only getting better.

The final and longest part went to LES resident Zered Bassett.  Although he’s only 24, Zered is an OG Zoo Yorker who has been killing it for years; and kept on killing it in “State of Mind.”  RB threw in a slow-mo section at the end of Zered’s part that was super fresh.  After Z’s part there was a bonus friends section and the requisite slam section.

Once the premiere was a wrap, the masses flocked to everyone’s favorite watering hole, Max Fish, for drink specials and beats by DJ Prolific.

All-in-all it was a dope night in NYC, and major props go out to all the Zoo Yorkers who put together a solid video and super fun premiere.  If you weren’t fortunate enough to attend last night, fear not because there are loads of regional premieres going down in the coming weeks at skateparks and shops in the US and abroad.  Get the full scoop at zooyork.com.

- Greg Waters