He had two full days of press, which meant I read snippets of his interviews in between wandering the city, and woke up to him on NBC early Saturday.
But the main event was Saturday night. It was a gamble to hold the screening outdoors, but the rain held off until later in the night. It was a little chillier than was comfortable, but there was still a great crowd and it didn't get windy until after the end credits rolled.
The set up several hours before the screening began.
The Gorilla doing a few interviews.
Introducing the film alongside his friend and co-producer.
A great crowd that really responded to the movie. They laughed when they were supposed to, gasped when they were supposed to. It's always interesting to watch and listen to a group experience for the first time something you've been working on for long time.
The movie begins.
Immediately after it was over, the pros took to the half pipe. It's was Mat's first time to ride in years, after he survived a terrible car accident. There was collective breath holding.
There was a party after, where we all toasted to a great night and a quality documentary. I'm so proud of The Gorilla and I can't wait for everyone to see the movie on ESPN this summer. Even if BMX is a not a subject you care about, I think you'll enjoy it. It's about a person, with extreme sports as a backdrop.
We're glad to be home, even though the next two months are lining up to be possibly the most chaotic of our lives.
Later this week I'll have more about New York, including my very favorite hotel. Also, we'll explore the pressing bangs issue.
