:p Well you know Alphas are always up in everyone's business because they think being the first makes them historians. :p

I wonder if Alpha Phi Alpha will seek a preliminary injunction to prevent debut of the movie.

SC

Has anybody actually seen the movie? I think if there are images of A Phi A then they should be removed.

IMO, it's just a movie. A work of fiction and while I understand it may associate Black Fraternities and Sororities with stepping, black people aren't so simple that we can't differentiate fiction from real life... and believe it or not, there are some people who can go see a movie just for entertainment purposes without trying to connect what they've seen to real life

This is a small movie that will make $15M top at the box office, half the people going to see it are probably already in BGLO's so we already know the deal and any youngins who see this movie who then go to college and think it's all about stepping will get a dose of reality day one when they go out for said frat/sorority.

So if the boycott is because of trademark infringement, I hope the filmmakers remove all trademarks and then we can all ban together and support black filmmakers in an industry that really doesn't want them.

Just think, if people had boycotted Animal House the world may have never gotten to know Jim Belushi or John Landis who both went on to contribute greatly to the cinematic world. Since most of us have never seen the movie we don't know what this movie has to offer...

But with mounting legal costs due to incidents of hazing, I'm not surprised that the BGLO's are taking whatever steps necessary to protect the image and reputation of their organizations. Plus, the issue here is about intentional fallacy - what the creators intend is often different than how the general public perceives it. If people take away from the movie that BGLO's are a form of sancitioned "gang", then this will have a negative impact on the actual organizations. The letter from the Alphas' president was clear about their disapproval linking the organization to a movie about and/or dealing with gang culture. This point alone deserves consideration from the movie producers, not to mentio the trademark infringements.

Interesting analogy and conclusion. :eek:

You read my mind.

Oh I agree 100%. All references to AphiA should be removed and the filmmakers should not in anyway infringe on any trademarks.

But I think BGLO's are ultimately responsible for their image. There is some truth behind hazing but I don't feel they should take it out on this little movie. As far as Alpha Kappa Alpha goes, we are a service organization that has changed the world through our existence and our 99 years of dedicated service to mankind can not be undone by one little low budget movie. Our efforts speak for themselves.

I'd have to see the movie first to give my true opinion but if it's anything like drumline, I don't think it will affect BGLO's negatively... if it does.. I think it's a sad testement on society that filmgoers can't go see a movie and leave what happens in the movie in the theater and just view this as the simplistic movie that it probably is.

But in the end, I think this is about trademark infringement and I agree without a doubt that should be dealt with.

I don't know what you meant by this statement but as a avid film goer I know that Animal House began the careers of Belushi and Landis, both who went on to make classic movies that millions of people have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy for years to come including Blues Brothers, Thriller, Coming to America, An America Werewolf in Paris, etc... may not be your kind of movies but I for one appreciate their cinematic contributions.

Stomp the Yard Producer responds to false fraternity claims - FORWARD TO ALL GREEKS!!
 

Came across this, what do you think?

>> December 5, 2006
>>
>>
>>
>> Darryl Matthews, General President
>>
>> Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
>>
>> 2313 St. Paul St. >> >> Baltimore, MD 21218
>>
>>
>>
>> To: Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.
>>
>> General President
>>
>>
>>
>> From: Rob Hardy
>>
>> Executive Producer, Stomp the Yard
>>
>>
>> Re: Stomp the Yard
>>
>>
>> Brother Matthews:
>>
>> What a wonderful Centennial year it has been for our fraternity! Yet as
>> we celebrate this great milestone, I am deeply saddened after reading
>> your November 30th correspondence to the members of Alpha Phi Alpha
>> Fraternity Inc, regarding our motion picture.
>>
>>
>> Stomp the Yard presented us with an opportunity to do something that no
>> film has ever attempted on this level: feature Black Greek Letter
>> Organizations in the most positive of lights, as pillars of economic
>> stability, community service and brother and sisterhood within the
>> community. It is difficult to make ANY movie in Hollywood. You can only
>> imagine how difficult it was to make a film about a young
>> African-American male who finds hope, redemption and becomes a better
>> person through his experiences with a fictitious black fraternity at a
>> Historically Black Institution of Higher Learning. These are not
>> 'commercial' themes by Hollywood standards. These are, however, positive
>> ones that should be embraced and promoted by the African-American
>> community, especially those fortunate enough to understand the benefits
>> of higher education and fraternity life.
>>
>>
>> At no point does our film "juxtapose gang activity and Black Greek life".
>> What this film does is illustrate how lives can be enhanced by the
>> experience of college life.
>>
>>
>> It is troubling to me that at a time when we as a people face the reality
>> of inexplicable police slayings in New York, vile racist rants in LA and
>> many other social, economic and political issues around the country -
>> that you would choose this movie as a cause to unify and call to action
>> the fraternity's membership (as well as that of other Black Greek letter
>> organizations). The fact that you've taken this stance without responding
>> to my repeated attempts at contact and without having seen the film first
>> is disconcerting. In fact, you were one of the first people I attempted
>> to contact when we finally were given the green light to make Stomp the
>> Yard. Yet those attempts to reach you went unanswered. After sending
>> materials and conversing with your Executive Director, an in-person
>> meeting was finally set for us to discuss Alpha's support for the movie.
>> Neither you nor your Executive Director showed up at the meeting or had
>> the courtesy to provide an explanation or reschedule. The first
>> correspondence I received from you was the "call to action" you sent to
>> the entire brotherhood.
>>
>>
>> Our goal for this film is simply to make college life seem accessible to
>> all. In a society where the value and relevance of Black
>> Colleges/Universities, and Black Greek letter organizations are under
>> increased attack, the mainstream circulation of the types of images in
>> our film can renew interest among our youth.
>>
>>
>> One of the most encouraging things I overheard someone say after an
>> advance screening of Stomp The Yard was the fact that "they thought it
>> was just a dance movie" but after seeing it, it underscored the fact that
>> they wished "they could've pursued higher education, and that every young
>> black kid should see this movie."
>>
>>
>> At Rainforest, we share your vision of protecting the legacy and
>> promoting the future of our great fraternity. Stomp the Yard is a part of
>> that vision. We have done nothing illegal. Everything we have done was
>> within our legal rights as filmmakers. We did not disparage or tarnish
>> the images or logos of ours or any other organization. The inclusion of
>> real life members of Greek Letter organizations was a genuine attempt to
>> highlight these great organizations to a generation that questions the
>> relevancy of their very existence. It's unfortunate that Alpha feels the
>> need to urge other Alphas to not support a film made by Alphas. I wish
>> that we'd had the opportunity to sit down and settle this matter as
>> Brothers instead of having your lawyers attack myself, my partner, my
>> company and my film.
>>
>>
>> I am a proud 13-year brother of Alpha who has given much of my adult life
>> to upholding the aims of the fraternity. You and I have had a personal
>> relationship for over ten years. Our first film Chocolate City (which
>> also featured fraternity members) was screened, per your invitation, at
>> the 1995 Alpha Phi Alpha General Convention when you were the Executive
>> Director. Based on your appreciation for our work you personally
>> employed our company Rainforest Films, to create the Official video for
>> the fraternity the following year. While President of my college Chapter
>> (Beta Nu, Florida A&M University), we were selected as the Outstanding
>> College Chapter of the Year (1996) for all of Alpha, an award we earned
>> with your support. Further, my producing partner (and line brother) Will
>> Packer was District "College Brother of the Year" in 1996. As recently
>> as last month Will and I were selected to receive the Metro Atlanta
>> Centennial Award of Excellence as part of the Alpha Centennial
>> celebration in Atlanta. We have spent the last 10 years of our lives
>> upholding the light in an extremely difficult and challenging industry.
>> Alpha prepared us for many of the obstacles that we have had to overcome
>> in our path. We would never, ever do anything to tarnish the good name
>> of our beloved fraternity.
>>
>>
>> Film is one of the most powerful mediums in contemporary society. It
>> allows us to capture the attention of various generations of viewers at a
>> single moment in time. What better way to introduce and educate others
>> about the benefits of higher education than a film such as this. Although
>> we may differ in our methods for reaching our youth, I hope that you will
>> at some point take the opportunity to see the film and the spirit in
>> which it was made, before passing additional negative judgment. As we
>> work to move beyond this issue I look forward to a day when we can
>> galvanize the collective brotherhood, with a call to action that will
>> help push a social, economic or political agenda to better our entire
>> community. I will be the first person to help spread that message and
>> lead the charge.
>>
>>
>> Fraternally Yours,
>>
>> Rob Hardy
>> www.stomptheyard.com

Hi Lois!

As other great posters have said on this board.....

We. Got. This. Thanks.

"Trademark infringement" is vague. Are the Alphas averse to such an avenue of "publicity," or do they simply want to be paid for the use of their letters? Are the producers refusing to pay them or does the national office feel Alpha should not be associated with a Hollywood picture? In other words, is it an ethical or a monetary issue? Neither of the letters make this clear to me.

The letter is well put...
I'm on the fence. I watched the trailer and read the bio for the story...again still on the fence

I kinna hate to be blunt, but I'm gonna do it...

There are a few reasons why the Alpha's and now, AKA's are boycotting "THIS" movie:

There are some parts in it that one cannot gage from the trailer, which comes too close to a "perceived" ritual of intake... I personnallly don't care to know what the MIP rituals of Alpha's are, but I am willing to "fathom" that there is some "focus" on one aspect of it, that pissed off the Old Head Alpha's...

Which comes to my second part, most the old head's HATE stepping... Some hate it with a passion. So, during the Alpha's centennial, they are asking do we have to hype ourselves up by stepping? Then this movie comes out to add insult to injury... I have heard them, "all these boys wanna do, is step... When you need dem at Alpha University, where are they? But when we sing the International Hymn, where are they... Blah, Blah, Blah"

It's like, this separation between the generations thing again... This is how the young folks market to each other. Just 'cuz some old heads hate it doesn't mean it's "gang activity". Who are these young folks "archetypes". At the same time, the young folks have to understand on how to communicate to the elders. They are a WEALTH of information...

We no longer do the civil rights protests from the 60's... Let it go... Besides, some racists have found a way to ignore it... Or even Suffragate...

We "myspace" and text msg. Hayle, we could have a "virtual Greek Organization..." I wouldn't like that because there is hella Community Service that's sorely needed and folks fail to volunteer generally...

But then, that may be a societal problem, where young folks are just ungrateful now and think things are owed to them... They barely had to suffer unless a parent was utterly dysfunctional...

Who knows?

AKA_Monet: I guess I can see both sides of this debate. I can agree with the Old Head perspective, we do need so much work done in the community but it seems that many younger folks take for granted the rights and privileges other people died for and service is the least of their worries.
But at the same time, with Black student enrollment in college declining and thus our presence on campuses (esp. PWIs) being so low, what other means do the D9 organizations have to spark initial interest but through highly visible and entertaining activities like stepping? It might be a good idea for both groups to brainstorm ways to grow memberships without losing touch of our founder's respective legacies. The fact of the matter is that our younger generations will have to carry on the work of our organizations and if they (as if I'm old) are not involved in the governance and decision making, I worry if our relevance will be lost.

Regarding the letter, it was well written and quite compelling but if not officially given the green light to use Alpha trademarks, I don't think legally the movie producers have any other choice but to remove them. It would be nice, but probably unlikely, that we'll ever know if this is about money or ethics.

PhDiva

PhDiva, as a patent and trademark atty, I can say that yes, you are gneerally right re permission to use trademarks. If the frat has not given permission to use their trademarks, they cannot be lawfully used. HOWEVER (BIG HOWEVER), the question really turns on just what the company is using. They may not be using the trademarks literally. I seriously doubt that Sony would be dumb enough to just use the fraternity's trademarks wholesale like that. I seriously doubt that Sony's legal counsel has not gone through the film with a fine tooth comb. However, anything is possible. I will stand by the fraternity however, b/c they paid good money for their intellectual property (I should know as I see our bills) and, more importantly, they have built up 100 years of goodwill in their trademarks, and if they believe that they are being used unlawfully, I will stand by them and not pay $$ for the film.

ETA: what is interesting is that Mr. Hardy would write this letter. it's almost as if he is *admitting* that he is using the trademarks in a round about kind of way. this might work against him if the Fraternity does haul him (and Sony) into court. i wonder if he got the advice of legal counsel before writing this letter. a phone call woud probably have been better. lol.


SC

ALL ABOUT MONEY?...
 

You all have made some interesting points.
I too agree that as owners Alpha Phi Alpha has every right to enforce the use of their trademark as they see fit, and if that was their position, I could respect that.
However in the call to boycott letter that Darryl Matthews issued the first thing he stated was that it was on the grounds of juxtaposition of gang violence as though the movie is misaligned with the vision, goals, and objectives of the fraternity. If Rob Hardy's letter is accurate, it’s hard for me to imagine that someone could come to that conclusion without having seen the movie. If they had seen it and came to that conclusion, fine. They are encouraging others not to see it, but they haven’t seen it either. It leads me to believe that it’s ALL ABOUT MONEY, but isn't it always?

LoisLane, I guess I don't follow you. Of course they are encouraging others not to go and see it. The surest way to communicate one's point is to hit the other person in the pocket.

Also, if the grounds for the boycott are juxtaposition of gang violence (I don't recall what the grounds were) you have to ask yourself juxtaposition of *what* with gang violence. That is where the trademarked symbols, the Fraternity's goodwill (i.e., rep) that is associated with the symbols, etc. comes in isn't it?

Perhaps I have missed your point. Not sure.
SC

Quote "Please know that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. does not endorse the film Stomp the Yard. The Fraternity prefers not to be associated with a movie that juxtaposes gang activity with that of black Greek life."
SC
My argument poses this question--How do you as a national organization, rally support from the community based on POTENTIALLY unfounded claims? You have a responsibility to do your homework. This movie could exhibit a very positive, uplifting and accurate representation of Greek life. According to the letter Rob Hardy wrote, the producer's attempted to screen the movie for the members of the national body, why would they refuse to see it? The whole juxtaposition statement feels like a diversion to mask the fraternity's monetary intentions and ambitions. It makes me question why the fraternity felt the need to be misleading in order to garner support. If the fraternity came out and made a statement saying we want to milk Sony and the producers of this film for cash, would you still boycott this film? I wouldn't, but at least I could respect their honesty.
At the end of the day, if Sony does deliver the cash to the fraternity, everybody will get another memo instructing the Greek community and adjacent to support the film!

The premise of the film is that fraternities are RECRUITING some dude because he can dance and they want him to win the upcoming stepshow.

ACCURACY already went flying out the window, so it is no surprise to me that A Phi A wants nothing to do with this film.

Well put Soror! On those grounds, I completely agree and will not go see this film.

Hey LoisLane...how about you stay in your lane? Just a suggestion.

Good point, LovelyIvy84. Additionally, all one has to do is to look at the trailer for the film and see how the main character comes out of a "gang culture" into fraternity life. Real or imagined, many people have a similar perception of Black Greek Life - like fraternities and sororities are legalized gangs. I would guess that no BGLO wants a film utilizing their symbols to be associated with anything that could potentially reinforce this negative perception.

Now, maybe I'm just getting old and conservative, but where is the balance? Drumline and Stomp The Yard even School Daze focused on the more "entertaining" aspects of Black college life but can we see somebody going to class, studying, or even graduating from college? I call this the "BET effect" - ever since BET went to Viacom, all of the educational and informative shows have been replaced with a Black man self-destructing (DMX: Soul of a Man), dysfunctional Black couples (The Christies), more of the same tired music videos being repeated over and over again and re-runs of The Wayans' Brothers. Where is the substance? Where are the inspiring stories and news about what's happening in our communities...I wonder if films like Stomp the Yard will further contribute to the stereotype that all Black folks are good for is tap dancing, cooning and showin' all our teefs. I know entertaining sells but we need some balance.

PhDiva

Unspoken, that was cute and kinda funny. LoisLane...stay in your lane! ;) But no one is answering the million dollar question. If the fraternity had come out and said we want a pay day, would you you still boycott this film? This lawsuit just ensures that the next time black filmmakers go to a studio with a script that involves BGLO's or similar story lines that the door will be shut in their face. And I'm not okay with that.

I saw a prelim screening of the movie. Do I believe that this film is the authority on BGLO's? NO, NO AND NO! Do I believe that this film disrupts or negatively impacts the image of BGLO's? NO! The fraternity (APA) has great power and resources. I just don't believe this film is the enemy.

I will wait on the DVD, $1.00 Redbox rental:)

Um, I just watched a trailer at http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movie...ml?v_id=358333

and all of the guys in black (or brown, can't tell) are in Theta Nu Theta (or something - couldn't tell) letters BUT IT APPEARS THAT THE SOME OF THE WOMEN WEARING COLORS THAT APPEAR TO BE RED AND WHITE ARE WEARING DELTA SIGMA THETA LETTERS AND NEAR THE END, THERE IS SHOWN A PICTURE OF WOMEN OF DELTA SIGMA THETA THROWING UP THE HANDSIGN.

This is just ridiculous. What are the writers doing?

SC

No.

But what do I know, I don't have a psychic friend like you apparently do. ;)

Damn! Just when we were about to put this film on the FBI list of terrorists. :rolleyes:

Correct. That is an actual Delta chapter because there was actually a stepshow competition. :)

A lot of BGLO members used to be in gangs. Some still are. That's life.

I don't see how this film would reinforce an image of Greeks as legalized gangs or sway potential members. I think political parties are legalized gangs but that hasn't stopped folks from affiliating.

My taste in movies is a little more discerning about what are considered classics. But then it could just be a generation gap.

That may be the situation in Alpha, but in my experience that is not an overeaching sentiment. My mother until she died at 84 always bought tickets to the step shows at our conventions and conferences. She and the rest of the "Delta Dears" clamored for the best seats, because they loved the step shows.

As an old head myself, I too, enjoy the shows. What I don't like are obscenity and sororities acting like frats, but that's a whole 'nother issue.

As for this issue. Again the fundamental issue is trademark infringement and folx feeling as if they can just represent our orgs without properapprovals. That to me is a no brainer. If you aren't willing to go through the proper channels, what are you hiding about the end product?

And again, if you really just wanted to make a point with the movie why not just fictionalize the names?

Hi DSTChaos, Oh ok. I posted that b/c I did not know if your organization was ok with being featured in the movie and no one had mentioned it so I was surprised when I saw it and thought I'd like to let someone know. :)

SC

Despite all the brew-ha-ha, I am going to see the movie and take my two boys as well. I have been trying to introduce them to fraternities early so that they will consider joining when they go to college. I think that this movie is an opportunity to educate the next generation about what is good and bad in BGLOs.

I don't know the logistics behind their appearance in it and haven't heard anything from NHQ regarding it.

Soror, check your PM. ;)

Akeelah and the Bee, domestic gross = $18,848,430
Drumline, domestic gross = $56,399,184

So basically filmmakers can make movies all day long about blacks going to class, studying and graduating but it's not their fault people aren't going out to see them. Instead of blaming filmmakers for the lack of depth in movies one should really be blaming their peers for not supporting the movies that do dig a little deeper.

And on that note, I'm a firm believer that movies should entertain and not be responsible for educating people. It's fiction, a chance to escape reality for a few hours. If you look at the top grossing movies of all time, not one of them mirror real-life... Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Shrek, Finding Nemo, etc... People clearly want to see movies that are far removed from real-life so I never understood why many people feel black movies are supposed to be some kind of education tool.

Maybe because the media does educate people whether we like it or not. It educates people to see us as entertainers, whores, and thugs, and to see Whites as diverse people with diverse interests, professions, and positions in life. Some Black people would like to see our own diversity also reflected.

As for movies which support stereotypes making more money...they are made for mostly White audiences. Of course when White people want to see us dance, they are going to pay to see it. Movies that portray Black history (i.e. Beloved), Blacks who are educated, etc. are made for much smaller mostly Black audiences.

I don't know if anyone else has seen it, but in the trailer, the part where he tries to run through the Mu Gamma lines, and they push him, if you PAUSE it, the sigma letters on the Deltas are backwards. I don't know if that's a camera glitch or not, and it seems to happen on the gamma letter as well.

Might just be something that happened in editting for the trailer.

pardon my jumping in...but just watched the stepping program on ESPN2 tonight...amazing....the brotherhood and sisterhood displayed are fantastic!! but the trailer for the STOMP THE YARD did hit me just as you said...like Annapollis didnt do anything for the Naval Academy, or any other movie which is just seeking an audience but not for the enrichment of the school or organization...for me, I would like to know the true beginning of stepping in colleges. Tried to do it on line but not good enough. I know it has to have a wonderfully historic and important source. My kids all did Color Guard and they worked as hard as the groups on the ESPN show....know how tired and exhausted they got but the adrenaline was amazing until they got thru their moment--then they practically drooped from relaxing. The commercialism of the show was also apparent due to the movies' support and the many trailers shown and the source of the checks for the winners came from "Army Strong" the US Army. Who knows? But despite the commercialism, I adored the show and am furious that the tv programs all had it wrongly advertised...if it werent for GC, wouldnt even have known about the show!! Dumbass ESPN

Who told you this?

I grew up around the behind-the-scenes of the film industry and have always been close with actors, producers, and directors. When a film like Akeelah and the Bee is made, they know very well that they aren't going to get too many Whites going to see it.