Stomp the Yard

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Interesting analogy and conclusion.

You read my mind.

[PinkPop]

Originally Posted by PhDiva

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.

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.

[PinkPop]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Interesting analogy and conclusion.

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.

[LoisLane]

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

[Senusret I]

Hi Lois!

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

We. Got. This. Thanks.

[Choo-ChooAKA]

"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.

[evaclear04]

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

[AKA_Monet]

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?

[PhDiva]

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

[SummerChild]

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

Originally Posted by PhDiva

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

[LoisLane]

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?

[SummerChild]

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

Originally Posted by LoisLane

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]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

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!

[lovelyivy84]

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.

[firecracker08]

Originally Posted by lovelyivy84

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.