Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator

From ExtremeWiki

"STOKED: the Rise and Fall of Gator," is a feature documentary film by the American filmmaker Helen Stickler, about 80’s professional skateboarding champion Mark “Gator” Rogowski, who is now serving life in prison for rape and murder. Mark Rogowski went by the name "Gator" and had one of the most popular signature skateboards in the 1980s, and the most coverage in skateboarding magazines and videos for a period of time in that era.

STOKED follows Gator's life in skateboarding and highlights his rise to fame and problem with alcohol and depression which, through various events in his life, led him to brutally rape and murder an acquaintance, Jessica Bergsten, who was his ex-girlfriend's former best friend. Interviews in the movie include Tony Hawk, Jason Jessee, Stacy Peralta, Lance Mountain, Steve Caballero, Brandi McClain and many others. The film features music from some of the most influential bands of the era and culture, including the Butthole Surfers, Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, Naked Raygun, and an original score by the talented American composer David Reid.

The film had a world premiere at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival and it was released theatrically in more than 70 US cities, as well as the UK, New Zealand, Australia and Japan. STOKED garnered critical and popular acclaim, including features in the New York Times and LA Times, and an interview on National Public Radio’s “Fresh Air.” LA Times critic Kenneth Turan wrote about the film, "Strongly directed and unexpectedly poignant ... An excellent documentary about the compelling dark side of the American dream."

The word "stoked" is a popular slang word used by those connected with Surfing, Skateboarding and BMX. It's used to mean pumped up, excited, and ready.

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Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator
This is an excerpt from the documentary of the same name and chronicles the life and downfall of Mark "Gator" Rogowski. From professional skateboarder to convicted murderer. Filmmaker: Helen Stickler

Stoked: DVD bonus scene: Fallbrook Christmas Party 1988
This clip from the dvd bonus footage for the film "Stoked: the Rise and Fall of Gator," by Helen Stickler, did not appear in the movie. This scene is of a Christmas Party at Ken and Michelle Park's house in Fallbrook in 1988, with guests Tony and Cindy Hawk, Joe Johnson, Mark Gonzales, Randy Janson, Chris Black, Rich Cook and others. Rich gets a snowboard from Ken and Michelle, and then Gator gives a speech saying he didn't buy any presents, but he's open for kisses under the mistletoe.

Stoked DVD bonus: Fallbrook Extended Scene
This is an extended scene from the dvd bonus footage for the film "Stoked: the Rise and Fall of Gator," by Helen Stickler. This scene gives insight to why Fallbrook, CA (north San Diego), was an exceptional breeding ground for the top vert skaters in the world in the mid to late 80s. Features Dave Duncan, Tony Hawk, Mark "Gator" Rogowski, Christian Hosoi and more.

Stoked DVD bonus: Oceanside World Cup, Old School
This is a bonus film/music video from the dvd extras for the film "STOKED: The Rise and Fall of Gator," by Helen Stickler. Featuring footage shot on 16mm film (with a bolex) and edited in camera, and cut to the song "Accelerate" by the faction. Footage shot at the Van's World Cup in Oceanside, CA in 2000, and at the first Old School Skate Jam at Skatelab in Simi Valley CA in early 2001. Features Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain, Mike Vallely, Tony Hawk, Steve Olson, Dave Duncan, Agent Orange and many more. © HMS Projects, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Stoked DVD bonus short film: "Vert Nostalgia"
This is a collection of 80s photos, super 8 and 16mm film shot in the mid to late 80s vert ramp skateboarding scene. Features Mark "Gator" Rogowski, Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero, Tony Hawk, Tony Magnusson, Garry Davis and others skating Houston Banks, Ken Park's ramp, and contests. Music by David Reid, footage by Don Hoffman, photos by Tod Swank. From the dvd extras to the film "STOKED: The Rise and Fall of Gator" by Helen Stickler. © HMS Projects, Inc. All Rights Reserved.