Introduce Yourself : The Ohio Players Movie by Vincent Steele

As you stated attachment... Production Agreement with Bill Duke Director, Leah Daniel's Butler Casting Director and Pat Sandston on post. 4.2 in tax credit, as well as music permissions and more, but the real question is, can you help?

Vincent, I think you have a great story here - if done right. But, the campaign video - to me, at least - doesn't evoke that. I LOVE the photos and the erotic album covers that they were known for, but I would have had someone prominent narrating copy that told their story - the Reader's Digest version, rather than all of the interviews. Because there IS a story here that should be told. From their inception as the Ohio Untouchables, to their unreliable leader, Robert Ward, known for walking off the stage during gigs. And, how Ward and Marshall "Rock" Jones got into a fistfight and the group broke up. But, how Jones and the others replaced Ward with Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner and renamed the group Ohio Players. I think going to fans of the group is an excellent idea for crowdfunding. BUT, I also think going to influential musicians in the community who were inspired by the Ohio Players could help. You could also find an actor that is a fan of theirs to attach. For instance, I am friends with a prominent African-American actor, who is a huge fan of Nat King Cole and actually performs his music often. You can find an actor with their own production company. Or perhaps Berry Gordy or Tyler Perry? I think IF the package is right, you can find someone. But, you have to tell the story in the video, right down to how Notorious B.I.G. used part of their song without their permission. You can show the influences right down to this day and how in 2013 they were inducted into the inaugural class of the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. Did they perform at this event? ALSO, KEY: Do you have the rights to their music OR story? You will need the music to make this work; songs such as Fire, Love Rollercoaster, Funky Worm, Here Today and Gone Tomorrow and their cover of Over The Rainbow, just to name a few. I'd take a look at the movies Jersey Boys and Bohemian Rhapsody. What is the Title of the script? Just curious. But, I know their sound and their erotic album covers were unique at the time. Look at how Queen was formed and how they got the audience involved in their music - audience participation actually became a thing for them. But, if you have the rights to the music and if the story is being backed by the relatives of the deceased members and any remaining members, that's a great start. I'm happy to offer advice - just reach out. BREAK LEGS with this! And, as I always say, GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!!

Excellent idea, Vincent! I've always loved the Ohio Players for their eclectic blend of horn-heavy jazz, funk, soul and old school R&B. Off the top of my head, I'm thinking that because both of their dads were very prominent jazz musicians, NAZ and Spike Lee would be great people to start with. So would Wynton Marsalis. Then I'd consider reaching out to Ken Burns - since he put together that ten part series on the art form that is American Jazz - for PBS. as I'm sure you already know. With so many old school jazz and steppers clubs scattered across America , I'd find a way to tap into that built-in audience for crowd-sourcing. The founder of Stage 32, RB, has a book on the subject and there is even a link somewhere on the site that will let you download it for free. Best of luck!