The new So Cal skatepark documentary “Made In Venice” had its second preview screening at the Asbury Park skatepark fundraiser in New Jersey on July 23rd to a standing room only audience. The Asbury Park Skateboard Foundation hosted the event at the Carousel building on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, the location of the old Casino Skatepark, originally put together by Rob Stewart. Thank you Rob for bringing the Casino park to life in the ’90s, and thanks to the Skate Asbury crew for bringing it back to life today.
Jesse Martinez and Dan Levy flew out from Venice Beach to be there for the weekend, and Jersey skate legend, Jim “Murf” Murphy drove over from NYC to celebrate with the crew. Mike Vallely and Kristian Svitak also made an appearance as they passed through on the Streetplant “Open Hearted Tour” and signed autographs for all the kids.
The VIP list didn’t stop there for this weekend gathering of the skate tribe. Chris Nieratko and family, Derek Rinaldi, Lou from Metal Skateboards, Tim Donnelly, Zoli from FDR, photographer Mark Sullivan, DJ Houdini, author Shawn Zappo, Russ Iglay of NYHC band, Underdog and many more, made the trip to be part of a good cause and show support for a skatepark in Asbury Park.
Jesse Martinez introduces the "Made In Venice" movie screening at the
Skate Asbury skatepark fundraiser in Asbury Park, NJ. Big thanks for the
support from the East Coast. Video by Dan Levy.
At sundown, the Asbury Park Film Initiative screened “Made In Venice”, the Venice Skatepark documentary, to an appreciative audience. This is a great flick to inspire kids trying to get a skatepark going in their town, and maybe even inspire city officials to get on board with skateparks and be the hero in their hood.
Skate Asbury’s Derek Rinaldi shows Jesse Martinez and Dan Levy of Juice Magazine
the plans for the Red Bull bowl and street area to be installed at the Carousel
building on the boardwalk in Asbury Park, NJ. Lou Metal shows Mess the Metal
Skateboards deck with graphics of the old Casino and vintage boardwalk images
that is being used as a fundraiser for the Skate Asbury Foundation. Video by Dan Levy.
The Skate Asbury Foundation was founded in the spring of 2015 by a group of skateboarders committed to bringing a skatepark to the city of Asbury Park, NJ. Learn more about the fight for a skatepark in Asbury Park by visiting asburyparkskateboardfoundation.org. Don’t forget to make a donation while you’re there.
Skate Asbury has worked out a deal with the Carousel proprietors, to bring in the Red Bull bowl and a street course, to the site of the old Casino Skatepark, while they work on locking down a permanent location for a concrete skatepark in Asbury Park. Read more about the July 23rd Skate Asbury fundraiser in a story by GrindTV by clicking on this link.
For more about the story of the Venice Skatepark, stay tuned for “Made In Venice” the movie, coming to theaters this fall. The movie is the inside story of the skateboarders of Venice, California, and the struggle to make the dream of a skatepark come true. Follow @madeinvenicemovie on Instagram for updates on movie premiere dates and locations and go to www.madeinvenicemovie.com for more info and to buy a Wes Humpston designed t-shirt to support Jesse Martinez and the Venice Skatepark Foundation.
Jesse Martinez met up with Jim “Murf” Murphy, Mike Vallely, Kristian Svitak,
Russ Iglay and the Skate Asbury crew for the screening of Made In Venice.
Mess explains to Murf that this is a movie about more than skateboarding,
“This movie is about the story. It’s a different type of skate movie.”
Murf agrees, “It’s good. It shows what it takes to get concrete built.”
Video by Dan Levy.
Jesse Martinez, Mike Vallely, Bob Losito and Dan Levy at the Pro Skateboard
Shop in Belmar, NJ for the Streetplant Open Hearted Tour before the Skate
Asbury skatepark fundraiser event. Video by Dan Levy.
Jesse Martinez stopped in at Don's Pizza in Belmar, NJ to visit with Russ
Iglay, of NYHC band Underdog, and talk about skating the Blue Capsule pool
with Jay Adams in the ‘80s. Video by Dan Levy.
Jesse Martinez met up with Mike Vallely, Kristian Svitak and Bob Losito at
Pro Skateboard Shop in Belmar, NJ, for the Streeplant Open Hearted Tour
signing before the “Made In Venice” screening. Video by Dan Levy.
Jim “Murf” Murphy and Jesse Martinez talk story about the old Zorlac days,
the Savannah Slamma, Jeff Phillips, Chris Robison and skateboarding in the
‘80s. Video by Dan Levy.
Jesse Martinez talks about his first skate trip to NYC with Natas and Gonz.
Video by Dan Levy.
Jesse Martinez talks about how important it is, once you get a skatepark,
to keep it clean, at the “Made In Venice” movie screening at the Skate
Asbury skatepark fundraiser in Asbury Park, NJ. Video by Dan Levy.
MADE IN VENICE the movie is the inside story of the skateboarders of Venice, California, and the struggle to make the dream of a skatepark come true. MADE IN VENICE captures the firsthand stories and recollections of 40-plus years of skateboarding in Venice that started with the Z-Boys, and continued with its legendary street skaters and the iconic Venice Skatepark. Never-before-seen Super-8 and early video footage, along with rare black and white stills, take you back to innovative demos on the Boardwalk and skating the walls of the Pavilion, as the Venice skaters pushed the boundaries of street skating and put it on the global map. Coming to theaters August 25th from Abramorama. MADE IN VENICE the movie features interviews with: Jesse Martinez, Todd “Ger-I Lewis” Gessel, Cesario “Block” Montano, Aaron Murray, Christian Hosoi, Craig Stecyk III, Skip Engblom, Jeff Ho, Jay Adams, Tim Jackson, Ray Flores, Jim Muir, Eric “Tuma” Britton, Jamie Quaintance, James “Jimbo” Quaintance, Solo Scott, Joff Drinkwater, Pat Ngoho, Eddie Reategui, Nathan Pratt, Dave Duncan, Dan Levy, Jereme “Stoney” Shadler, Bennett Harada, Julien Martinez, Steve “Primo” Primeau, Joe “Shmoe” Ayala, Victor Blue, Kiko Francisco, Anthony “Tonan” Ruiz, Bart Saric, Dennis Ogden, Scott Oster, Joey Tran, Wally Hollyday, Lance Lemond, Mark Billik, Susanne Melanie Berry, Ruth Galanter, Lauren Seagrave, Heidi Lemmon, Katy Sullivan, Mike Bonin, Steve Mayorga, Mike Sherrod, Bill Rosendahl, Adam Hamilton, John Thomas, Zach Wormhoudt, Joe Connolly, Sgt Marc Reina, Asher Bradhaw, Pauline Bronon, Mario Narango, Mary Prideaux, Karington Smith and Dave Hackett… Surfing by Rick Massie… Featuring skateboarding by Tony Alva, Shane Borland, Chris Cudlip, Kien Lieu Donger, Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham, Connor Getzlaff, Mark Jones, Matt Lemond, Richard Massie, Gavin Obayashi, Papo, Adam Paul, Chris Rydgren, Bobby Rodriguez, Austin Seaholm, Kevin Stratil, Chris Swanson, Ennis Miller, Jereme “Stony” Shadler, Dave Duncan, Eric Dressen, Scott Oster, Christian Hosoi, George Wilson, Steve Hernandez, Mario Narango, Karington Smith, Pat Ngoho and many more… Follow @madeinvenicemovie on Instagram for updates on movie premiere dates and locations. The WORLD PREMIERE of skateboarding documentary, MADE IN VENICE, set for Aug. 25, 2016, sold out within 24 hours of tickets being announced. Additional Los Angeles screenings have now been added. Following its Los Angeles openings, the film will roll out in theaters across the country, For up-to-date screening times and locations, please visit madeinvenicemovie.com
WHEN: Screening Dates and Locations
8/25 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 7:30PM (Sold Out)
8/26 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 9:55PM
8/27 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 10:00AM
8/27 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 9:55PM
8/28 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 10:00AM
8/28 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 7:30PM
8/29 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 9:55PM
8/30 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 9:55PM
8/30 – Laemmle Playhouse 7 – Pasadena, CA – 7:30PM
8/31 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 9:55PM
8/31 – Laemmle NoHo 7 – North Hollywood, CA – 7:30PM
8/31 – Megaplex Gateway Theatre – Salt Lake City, UT – 7:00PM
8/31 – The Maple Theater & Kitchen, Detroit, MI – 7:00PM
9/1 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 9:55PM
9/1 – NorthWest Film Forum – Seattle, WA – 8:00PM
9/5 – Gateway Film Center – Columbus, OH – 9:00PM
9/7 – SIE Film Center – Denver, CO – 7:30PM
9/8 – Krikorian Buena Park, Buena Park, CA – 7:30PM
9/8 – Kirkorian Downey Cinema 10, Downey, CA – 7:30PM
9/8 – Krikorian Monrovia Cinema 12 – Monrovia, CA – 7:30PM
9/8 – Krikorian Redlands Cinema – Redlands, CA – 7:30PM
9/8 – Krikorian San Clemente Cinema 6 – San Clemente, CA – 7:30PM
9/11 – Hollywood Theatre – Portland, OR – 7:30PM
Photos by Dan Levy
Jesse Martinez at LAX on his way to Jersey for Skate Asbury weekend and the “Made In Venice” movie screening and he still can’t get away from the Venice Skatepark. Look how clean the skatepark looks in these photos… Yeah Jesse!!! #discoverLosAngeles #jerseyorbust Photo by Dan LevyJesse Martinez has landed in Jersey. It’s been 20 years since his last visit! Photo by Dan LevyJesse Martinez, Jim Murphy, Kristian Svitak, Mike Vallely & Skate Asbury crew. Photo by Dan LevyMade In Venice movie screening at Carousel building in Asbury Park. Photo by Dan LevyMess and DJ Houdini at Bodega L.E.S.. Photo by Dan LevyMess at the site of the old Casino Skatepark in Asbury Park, NJ. Photo by Dan LevyStanding room only at the Carousel for Made In Venice movie. Photo by Dan LevyGlide Surf Co hosted Mess for some tall tales of surf lore. Photo by Dan LevyThis night the Carousel was on fire again. Photo by Dan LevyInsta-check at Pro Skateboard Shop. Photo by Dan LevyMess & Nieratko. They’ve been trying trying to clean up AsburyPark for decades, but it’s still a Mess. Photo by Dan LevyLou, Rinaldi and Jesse at one of the proposed sites for the new Asbury Skatepark. Photo by Dan LevyJesse Martinez, Derek Rinaldi, Lou Metal. Photo by Dan LevyMess, Murf and Mike V. Photo by Dan LevyIt’s almost showtime for the Made In Venice movie. Photo by Dan LevyJesse Martinez and skate rocker, Russ Iglay of Underdog NYHC at Dons Pizza. Photo by Dan LevyLou Metal with the Carousel tribute deck. Photo by Dan LevyPhotographer selfie – Mark Sullivan and Dan Levy. Photo by Dan LevyMess atop the Carousel building surveying the damage left by Hurricane Sandy. Photo by Dan LevyBob Losito and Jesse Martinez at Pro Skateboard Shop. Photo by Dan LevyMess at Asbury. Photo by Dan LevyJesse knows the pain of skateboarding, just like this grom. Photo by Dan LevyMess talks to the kids at Pro Skateboard Shop. Photo by Dan LevyThe kids had a great time. Photo by Dan LevyPro Skateboard Shop knows how to host a cool event for all ages. Photo by Dan LevyIt’s called a phone booth for all you hipsters. Photo by Dan LevyMess and Murf. Classic. Photo by Dan LevyJesse Martinez and the NYSkateboarding.com crew. Photo by Dan LevyMess with a photo of the old Casino skatepark bowl. Photo by Dan LevyMess, Rinaldi, Metal Lou. Photo by Dan LevyOcean view on the Jersey shore. Photo by Dan LevyMess signed autographs all day, just like back in the day. Photo by Dan LevyZoli drove all the way from FDR in Philly to be there. Photo by Dan LevyMike V and the grom squad. Photo by Dan LevyPacked house for Made In Venice movie. Photo by Dan LevyMade in Venice is on! Photo by Dan LevyMade In Venice was a hit in Jersey. Photo by Dan LevyMurf and the boys. Photo by Dan LevyMess and Murf – dedicated to skateboarding 100%. Photo by Dan LevyMurf and Russ catch up. Photo by Dan LevyNieratko family and Mess seaside. Photo by Dan LevySkate Asbury crew. Photo by Dan LevyTim Donnelly and Jesse Martinez. Photo by Dan LevyRinaldi and Mess. Last call. Photo by Dan Levy. Thank you Jersey!
Press and Social Media Coverage of Skate Asbury Fundraiser and Made In Venice Movie Screening in Asbury Park, NJ.
PRESS RELEASE:
Made In Venice
Documentary Tells True Story Of Skate Community’s 20+ Year Battle
Through Voices of Its Visionaries
Los Angeles, CA (August 17, 2016)– Made In Venice, a documentary, directed and produced by Jonathan Penson, featuring the inside story of the skateboarders of Venice, California, and their struggle to make the dream of a skatepark come true, will be released nationwide on August 25, 2016, via Abramorama.
The feature-length documentary carries the viewer through the history of Venice to present day, as it tells the story of the decades it took a relentless crew of skateboarders, surfers and civic activists to convince the City of Los Angeles to build a skatepark in the area that gave birth to modern skateboarding.
Made In Venice is not just a skate movie. It’s a tale of audacity, guts and hope filled with counterculture characters that overcame all obstacles to claim victory for the masses. Anyone that has fought for what they want can identify with this film. This is the story of visionaries that refused to give up the goal to build concrete terrain for future generations.
The film captures the firsthand stories and recollections of 40-plus years of skateboarding in Venice that started with the Z-Boys, and continued with its legendary street skaters and the iconic Venice Skatepark. Never-before-seen Super-8 and early video footage, along with rare black and white stills, take you back to innovative demos on the Boardwalk and skating the walls of the Pavilion, as the Venice skaters pushed the boundaries of street skating and put it on the global map.
Made In Venice features appearances by skateboarding legends, professionals, heroes, skatepark activists and skate icons: Jesse Martinez, Geri Lewis, Christian Hosoi, C.R. Stecyk III, Skip Engblom, Jay Adams, Jeff Ho, Aaron Murray, Scott Oster, Cesario “Block” Montano, Jim Muir, Tim Jackson, Ray Flores, Eddie Reategui, Eric Britton, Dave Duncan, David Hackett, Joey Tran, Pat Ngoho, Wally Hollyday, Jimbo Quaintance, Joff Drinkwater, Nathan Pratt, Solo Scott, Jamie Quaintance, Asher Bradshaw, Kiko Francisco,Bart Saric, Heidi Lemmon, Anthony “Tonan” Ruiz, Lance Lemond, Susanne Melanie Berry, Jereme Schadler, Dennis Ogden, Steve Mayorga, Julien Martinez, Victor Blue, Steve “Primo” Primeau, Mary Prideaux, Lauren Seagrave, Katie Sullivan, Adam Hamilton, Karington Smith, Mike Sherrod, Pauline Bronon, Mario Narango, Zack Wormhoudt and many more.
Made In Venice will be showing Aug 25-Sept 1 at the Laemmle Monica in Santa Monica, California. Following its Los Angeles openings, the film will roll out in theaters across the country, including skateboarding hotspots such as Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York City and more.
WHEN: Screening Dates and Locations
8/25 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 7:30PM (Sold Out)
8/26 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 9:55PM
8/27 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 10:00AM
8/27 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 9:55PM
8/28 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 10:00AM
8/28 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 7:30PM
8/29 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 9:55PM
8/30 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 9:55PM
8/30 – Laemmle Playhouse 7 – Pasadena, CA – 7:30PM
8/31 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 9:55PM
8/31 – Laemmle NoHo 7 – North Hollywood, CA – 7:30PM
8/31 – Megaplex Gateway Theatre – Salt Lake City, UT – 7:00PM
8/31 – The Maple Theater & Kitchen, Detroit, MI – 7:00PM
9/1 – Laemmle Monica – Santa Monica, CA – 9:55PM
9/1 – NorthWest Film Forum – Seattle, WA – 8:00PM
9/5 – Gateway Film Center – Columbus, OH – 9:00PM
9/7 – SIE Film Center – Denver, CO – 7:30PM
9/8 – Krikorian Buena Park, Buena Park, CA – 7:30PM
9/8 – Kirkorian Downey Cinema 10, Downey, CA – 7:30PM
9/8 – Krikorian Monrovia Cinema 12 – Monrovia, CA – 7:30PM
9/8 – Krikorian Redlands Cinema – Redlands, CA – 7:30PM
9/8 – Krikorian San Clemente Cinema 6 – San Clemente, CA – 7:30PM
9/11 – Hollywood Theatre – Portland, OR – 7:30PM
MADE IN VENICE SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook @Made In Venice – The Movie Instagram @madeinvenicemovie Twitter @madeinvenicedoc Tumblr @madeinvenicemovie
Tag #madeinvenicemovie for all social media.
For more information and upcoming screening dates go to
“Made In Venice is a step by step manifesto for skate/civic activism. It is a remarkable documentation of hard working visionary individuals transforming society.” – C.R. Stecyk III –Dogtown Chronicles
“Go and see the Made In Venice movie. It’s got a great story and you’ll learn a lot about skateboarding. Support skateboarding worldwide.” – Jesse Martinez – street skating pioneer
“Venice is a place where respect is earned! Jesse Martinez epitomizes that statement. Made in Venice documents the lives of those who fight for their community and the cause to make a way for future generations of skateboarders. Fight for your dreams and they will become a reality!!! – Christian Hosoi – skate legend
“Made in Venice is a must-see documentary. Skateparks are a vital part of the evolution of skateboarding culture, which has become a worldwide phenomenon.” – Jeff Ho – founder of Zephyr, Z-Boys
“You should go see this movie if you’re trying to get a skatepark built in your town because it shows what a community can do when they really get together and work towards something they want that would also benefit the community as a whole, especially the kids. Isn’t that what it’s about?” – Eric “Tuma” Britton
“Going to see Made in Venice brings my generation of skaters full circle from the days when the Dogtown scene influenced us in the ’70’s! – Jim Murphy – Stronghold Society, Wounded Knee Skateboards
“Made in Venice is an inspirational story for any skateboarder to never give up. People don’t understand what it takes to get a skatepark built and Made In Venice tells that story. – Dave Duncan – skate legend
“Made In Venice tells you the history of Venice skating. I dug the movie. It had a lot of really cool history that I didn’t know before. I knew Jesse, but I didn’t know all the history that went down in the ‘80s in Venice. I used to watch those guys skate at the Pavilion. There was a lot more going on that was in the movie that I didn’t know that was cool. I was stoked to see all that.” – Wes Humpston – Dogtown skate art icon
“Being a ramp builder, I know the struggles of cutting through red tape to get a skatepark built. The Made in Venice movie was an amazing journey and I loved it.” – Eddie Reategui – skate legend, park builder
“Made in Venice – the movie – a must see! This film is an essential piece of history, acknowledging and paying tribute to the ground soldiers whose tireless efforts brought to fruition a skatepark on the sand that millions now enjoy.” – Alex Stowell – Venice Paparazzi
“An epic tale of what people will do for the love of skateboarding.” – Lou Metal – Metal Skateboards
“Made in Venice celebrates the hard work and countless hours that it takes to not just build a skatepark but to build a skate community.” – Derek Rinaldi – SkateDaily.net
“Made in Venice will help others prepare for all the bs surrounding government projects. Thanks for making this.” – NYSkateboarding.com
Wes Humpston Design Limited Edition T-Shirt For Made In Venice
Artist and Dogtown pioneer Wes Humpston designed a one of a kind t-shirt for the Made In Venice movie, which is available at www.madeinvenicemovie.com. All proceeds from the sales of the shirts go to the Venice Skatepark Foundation, the non-profit organization that Jesse Martinez is involved with that has been volunteering to keep the Venice Skatepark clean. Get a cool shirt and support a great cause at the same time.
ABOUT Made In Venice
Directed and Produced by Jonathan Penson
Executive Producers: Dianne E. Lerner
Written and Co-Produced by Diane Rozas
Creative Consultants: Kevin Hynes, Christian L. Rehr
Editors: Kenn Bartlett, Jonathan Penson
Co-Producers: Jesse Martinez, Joel Klug, Masao Miyashiro, Todd Gessel
Cinematography: Jonathan Penson, Ian Congdon
Production Company: Racing the Sun Pictures
TRT: 77 minutes
ABOUT ABRAMORAMA
Abramorama is an independent distribution and marketing company. An industry leader in the focused, personalized form of film distribution, Abramorama provides invaluable alternatives to filmmakers and content owners. Coming off the successful releases of Laurie Anderson’s astonishing New York Times critics’ pick, HEART OF A DOG, and Dawn Porter’s Sundance Award-winner TRAPPED, Abramorama’s recent multiple-nominated and award-winning titles also include Showtime’s LISTEN TO ME MARLON (National Board of Review Winner) and Drafthouse’s THE LOOK OF SILENCE (2016 Documentary Academy Award® Nominee and 2015 IDA Best Documentary Winner).
Over the course of more than 20 years, Abramorama has successfully distributed and marketed hundreds of films, including Asif Kapadia’s SENNA, Robert Stone’s PANDORA’S PROMISE, Cameron Crowe’s PEARL JAM TWENTY, Sacha Gervasi’s ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL, Banksy’s Academy Award®-nominated, EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP, the surprise indie hit AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA, and the critically acclaimed documentaries PARTICLE FEVER and AN HONEST LIAR.
Abramorama continues to lead in event cinema distribution, with current titles including HAMLET starring Maxine Peake from Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre, Operas from La Scala, Roma, Fenice & Torino, and recent titles including the Royal Opera House Ballet and Opera Cinema Season, Green Day’s HEART LIKE A HAND GRENADE, Avi Lewis and Naomi Klein’s THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING, Charles Ferguson’s TIME TO CHOOSE, Barbara Kopple’s MISS SHARON JONES!, Luke Meyer’s BREAKING A MONSTER, and Ron Howard’s THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK- THE TOURING YEARS.
The Venice Skatepark is a 16,000 square foot oceanfront concrete skatepark featuring a world-renowned skate plaza with two bowls, a unique old school style snake run, designed by Jesse Martinez, and a street-inspired area with stairs, ledges & rails. It took over 20 years for this skatepark to come to fruition, and 10 months to build. It opened to the public on October 3, 2009, at a cost of $3,500,000. This iconic site attracts visitors from all over the world and it is estimated that approximately 30,000 people visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk on a daily basis. It is the second most-visited destination in Southern California, with an average of over ten million visitors per year. It is known as one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions. Please do your part to keep it clean by donating to the Venice Skatepark Foundation.
