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    ®

    a Brandi  Mitchell  film

    BUY TICKETS TO A SCREENING

     THE FILM

     

    POINT AND DRIVE is a documentary that presents the passion, talents, history, struggles and triumphs of the most imitated marching band of all time, The Florida A&M University Marching 100 from the voices of it’s successful alumni spanning over four decades.  It also shows the beauty and anatomy of the Historically Black College and University [HBCU] halftime show which the Marching 100’s founder, Dr. William P. Foster innovated, while chronicling the bands influence on young adults from all societal backgrounds; forever changing our lives, culture and traditions.
     

    Starring Grammy Winning Jazz legends like Scotty Barnhart, Wycliffe Gordon and Vincent Gardner, all of whom are alumni of the ground-breaking marching band and university, popular artists like Dwele, and a host of alumni from all "fields" of expertise, Point and Drive explores this tightly-knit underground culture that is the marching band. Shot over a three-year time period with unprecedented access, the film intimately explores what it takes to make the band, how it’s founder Dr. William P. Foster formed the band at the height of segregation, it’s historic rise, unexpected fall, and comeback after a 2011 hazing death which almost stopped the music from playing - indefinitely.


    Through original interviews, music, live performances, dancing and rare archival footage and images, we learn that the process of mastering Point and Drive, which is actually the form of precision marching that makes the famed band so eye catching, is so much more – it transfers into an innate bar of excellence that is the measurement and standard for success in their lives.

     

    Point and Drive tells the story of how the vision and passion of one soul can shape the lives of many, and the necessity of fighting to sustain what you believe in - no matter what happens. It is a story for people of all ages, one that will inspire, educate, and provoke a spirit of excellence.

     

     REVIEWS AND PRESS

    CELEBRATED PRODUCER AND FAMU GRAD DENISE HENDRICKS APPLAUDS POINT AND DRIVE

    “ POINT AND DRIVE is a moving historical and cultural documentary about the dynamic and unique role music and band life play in shaping purpose and character in a young person's life.”

     

    C. DENISE HENDRICKS / Senior Producer/ HLN

     

    "POINT AND DRIVE reminds us that no matter where you are from or where you start, being of excellence and living in your passion can support your dreams and aspirations as you stay the course.”

    MELISSA HUGHES/

    PRESIDENT | Live Rich. Spread Wealth

    “ POINT AND DRIVE is a moving historical and cultural documentary about the dynamic and unique role music and band life play in shaping purpose and character in a young person's life.”

     

    DONIELLE BROWN

    Educator

     

    "POINT AND DRIVE demonstrates how the vision and passion of one soul can shape the lives of many, and the necessity of fighting to sustain what you believe in - no matter what happens.  It is a story for people of all ages, one that will both inspire and provoke.”

    RENEE WALLACE

    CEO / Doers Consulting Alliance

    CMO OF TOP MARKETING AGENCY

    NICK NELSON SAYS "POINT AND DRIVE" GOES BEYOND THE SUPERFICIAL AND TELLS A REAL STORY OF THE BRILLIANCE OF HBCU MARCHING BANDS 

    “In her directorial debut, Brandi Mitchell has created a ground breaking documentary that displays the beauty, pageantry and excellence which is the HBCU Marching band experience. As a graduate of Florida A&M University, I understand the importance the Marching 100 plays in underscoring the pride and tradition of the school. This documentary goes beyond the superficial and tells a story from the mouths of former band members of how bands have developed character, provided opportunities and changed lives for the better.”

     

    NICK V. NELSON/

    CMO / Liquid Soul Marketing

    ROLLING OUT MAGAZINE : BRANDI MITCHELL'S "POINT AND DRIVE" MARCHES TO BEAT OF LIFE

    Anyone who has attended an HBCU is familiar with their school’s band and the hard work put in for each and every football game, and sometimes basketball game. Leading the pack is Florida A&M’s legendary Marching 100 Marching Band. Florida A&M alumna Brandi Mitchell’s new documentary takes the viewer on an intimate journey inside the HBCU Band phenomenon. Make sure you keep this on your radar to catch when it debuts later this year. READ MORE

     

    THE JAZZ INDUSTRYS BEST OF CLASS REPRESENT THEIR ROOTS IN UPCOMING DOCUMENTARY "POINT AND DRIVE"

    They are Legends in the industry, they have won Grammy's, traveled the world,  and have many awards of distinction. The one thing they have in common? They all came from the same music program and marched in the famed Florida A&M University Marching 100. Point and Drive has an all-star musical cast which such notables as  Scotty Barnhart, the director of the Count Basie Orchestra, trombonist of the year, Wycliffe Gordon, Vincent Gardner of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Jazz Legend and arranger, Lindsay Sarjeant. Point and Drive is sure to be a musicians dream film and become a classic.

    EMMY AWARD WINNING PRODUCER NIKKI WEBBER- ALLEN SAYS POINT AND DRIVE TOOK HER BACK TO HER DAYS ON THE YARD.

    “Through the viewpoint of the high stepping marching band, Point & Drive is an inspiring story that gives viewers a taste of the excitement, pride and fierce sense of community that embody the HBCU experience and leaves you hungry for more.”

     

    NIKKI WEBBER ALLEN/

    Emmy Award Winning Producer

    SHADOW LEAGUE.COM: HBCU BAND DOCUMENTARY IN THE WORKS

    Florida A&M graduate Brandi Mitchell is crafting a documentary that is long overdue. As the director of Point and Drive, the film gives viewers a look into the world of marching bands, its influence on those who join, and how this piece of Americana has grown to what it is today.  READ MORE

    POINT AND DRIVE GETS THE GREENLIGHT FOR  A 2016 SPRING TOUR SURE TO INSPIRE

    "I felt the best way to get Point and Drive  to the world was through a grassroots movement of sharing the film"  says Brandi Mitchell, Producer of Point and Drive. "I wanted to be able to create a conversation about the need for music education in the schools and inspire the youth and adults that they can become anything they want. I want to encourage them as I was; to use the vehicle of marching band to start the journey to success. It's the gift that keeps giving your entire life!" Point and Drive will be touring this year nationwide, entered into film festivals, and the producer Brandi Mitchell who is also a well known speaker, will be sharing the message of the film through keynotes addresses and panel discussions as well as media opportunities. 

    THE CAST
    DWELE
    DWELE
    Three- Time Grammy nominated artist, Producer, and Writer
    WYCLIFFE GORDON
    WYCLIFFE GORDON
    Renowned Trombonist, Trombonist of the Year
    SCOTTY BARNHART
    SCOTTY BARNHART
    Director, Count Basie Orchestra, Two-Time Grammy Winner
    KEVIN BURCH
    KEVIN BURCH
    IT Leader, Sales Technologies
    BERNARD KINSEY
    BERNARD KINSEY
    Philanthropist | Owner: The Kinsey Collection
    DR. JERMAINE FLEMING
    DR. JERMAINE FLEMING
    Principal, Innovative Educator
    VINCENT GARDNER
    VINCENT GARDNER
    Featured Trombonist, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Professor at Northwestern
    DR. JULIAN WHITE
    DR. JULIAN WHITE
    Director, Goodwill Community Band | Retired Band Director FAMU Marching 100
    LINDSAY SARJEANT
    LINDSAY SARJEANT
    Chairman of Dept. of Music, Florida A&M University, Arranger for FAMU Marching 100
    DR. SHELBY CHIPMAN
    DR. SHELBY CHIPMAN
    Asst. Band Director of FAMU Marching 100, Director of FAMU Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Bands
    JOE BULLARD
    JOE BULLARD
    "The Voice" The Announcer for the FAMU Marching 100
    NATHAN HAYMER
    NATHAN HAYMER
    Director of Bands | Southern University "Human Jukebox"
    WALEED SHAMSID-DEEN
    WALEED SHAMSID-DEEN
    President |CEO of Supreme Fish Delight, Founder YouthVibe
    RICHARD INGRAHAM
    RICHARD INGRAHAM
    Celebrity Personal Chef and President of RLI
    DON ROBERTS
    DON ROBERTS
    Creator - Drumline LIVE!, Executive Band Consultant - Drumline films
    L. SPENCER SMITH
    L. SPENCER SMITH
    Pastor, Author, Award Winning Recording Artist
    LEVEY MARCHING BAND
    LEVEY MARCHING BAND
    "Pride of Southfield" Band Director Jeff Smith
    EDWIN SLYVAIN
    EDWIN SLYVAIN
    Radio Personality | Entertainment Specialist
    COBBIN MCGEE
    COBBIN MCGEE
    Developer Reviewer,
    City of Orlando
    BRIAN SNELL
    BRIAN SNELL
    Marching Band Consultant & Casting, Actor Drumline Films, Drumline LIVE!
    BRANDI MITCHELL
    BRANDI MITCHELL
    President, KORIS Media, Producer, Three-Time Author, Speaker
    RAY "QUASI" NELSON JR.
    RAY "QUASI" NELSON JR.
    Professional Percussionist, Graduate Student
    CHUCK MALDANADO
    CHUCK MALDANADO
    Choreographer for Film and TV | North Carolina A&T "Blue and Gold Marching Machine"
    CALVIN BOYD
    CALVIN BOYD
    Medical Industry | University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff Marching Band
    DENNIS JOHNSON
    DENNIS JOHNSON
    Owner, Construction Company | University of Arkansas- Pine Bluff Marching Band
    KENYA DAVIS
    KENYA DAVIS
    Social Worker | Jackson State University "Sonic Boom of the South" Prancing J-Sette
    PRENTISS DAVIS
    PRENTISS DAVIS
    Chef | Jackson State University "Sonic Boom of the South"
    LASHAWN GARY
    LASHAWN GARY
    Recording Artist,Musician | Southern University "Human Jukebox"
    DR. CHRIS RODGERS
    DR. CHRIS RODGERS
    Sales, Education | Southern University "Human Jukebox"
    IVAN WILBORN
    IVAN WILBORN
    Management for United Postal Service
    NELSON RENDER
    NELSON RENDER
    Principal, Founder, The PR Experience
    DEWITT HUGHES | RAY NELSON
    DEWITT HUGHES | RAY NELSON
    LADIEDRA ELLIS
    LADIEDRA ELLIS
    Professor of Business Studies, Fitness Instructor
    GERARD SANDERS
    GERARD SANDERS
    Owner, Tightwerks
    ELIJAH THOMAS
    ELIJAH THOMAS
    Music Educator, Entrepreneur
    JORIM REID
    JORIM REID
    Director of Bands, Fayetteville State University
    WILLIAM AND TESSIE HERRIOT
    WILLIAM AND TESSIE HERRIOT
    Music Educators
    KIMBERLY HOLLOWAY
    KIMBERLY HOLLOWAY
    Recording Artist
    JERRY ANDREWS
    JERRY ANDREWS
    Fire Chief, City of Atlanta
    NATASHA GRIFFIN
    NATASHA GRIFFIN
    Health Industry
    KORY MITCHELL
    KORY MITCHELL
    Roswell High School Marching Band
    SEAN PATTON
    SEAN PATTON
    Music Educator
    Show More
    THE DIRECTOR

    Ask Brandi Mitchell what her secret to success has been and she will tell you very quickly her faith, and her experience in marching band have been the two driving forces which have allowed her to blaze paths that most would call “unconventional”. Brandi Mitchell is the owner of KORIS Publishing, a multi-faceted publishing and media company which helps to monetize the messages, intellectual property, and personas of great brands to it's audience through producing high caliber content in print, television, film, and digital media.

    Brandi began her career in entertainment as a celebrity makeup and hair artist working on numerous projects for TLC, TBS, BET, MTV, and TV ONE with a diverse group of talent including Steve Harvey, Ruby Dee, Anthony Mackie, Eric Benet, to Eminem. But it was her exposure and intrigue to production that drove her to  explore directing and producing. Her collaborative learning experiences grant her the distinguishing edge to think out of the box, make a project marketable, and bring authentic truth to an audience to empower them to take action or see subjects in their true light.

     

    Brandi took on the herculean task of independently creating, producing, directing, and financing Point and Drive®, which she credits as her greatest teacher in the film industry. Brandi got the inspiration to create Point and Drive while sitting in the homegoing service of her beloved band director of the Florida A&M University Marching 100, Dr. William P. Foster. It was in that service that she realized she felt the same way just 5 years previously at her high school band directors homegoing, Mr. Bobby L. Brown - that the power and brilliance of who they were needed to be celebrated and that a story on who you become because of music needed to have it’s voice. She knew it would only be a matter of time before she had to tell the story of what the band meant to her and thousands of band members across the globe.

     

    “ You always hear people say that “they” should do this, or that”, I believe that the “they” that you’re referring to is usually YOU, says Brandi. “I believe that when you feel or see a need to help or in this instance, tell a story, you need to step up and be a part of the solution. Telling our story in Point and Drive was my part in helping to preserve the beauty of music education and honor the marching band, it’s teachers, and it’s schools and universities which have helped to make me, and so many of my colleagues who we are today”.

    BRANDI MITCHELL

    SPEAKING TOPICS RELATING TO THE FILM
    READ THE DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

    8th Grade

    Drew Middle School Band - Detroit

    Senior Year

    Mackenzie High Band - Detroit

    Sophmore Year

    Florida A&M University

    Marching 100

    Brandi's Son Kory

    Roswell High Marching Band

     

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    Want to see the film?

    HOST A SCREENING

    Bring your community together to further engage on issues like pursuing purpose, perserving HBCU's, fueling music and marching band programs, career and leadership development, and personal development. Inquire about our Empowerment Tour and how to host a local screening!

    LEARN MORE

    #IAMPOINTANDDRIVE

    POINT AND DRIVE demonstrates that by operating in excellence and applying the lessons we learned through music , we have immense power to create change and inspire the next generation of musicians and youth. These alumni and successful individuals passionately  shared their stories and were able to transfer what they learned on the marching band field to their lives. What did being in the band teach you and who have you become because of music?

    TELL US WHY YOU HAVE POINT AND DRIVE
    GALLERY
    SHAWN AND CHRIS
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    ABOUT THE POINT AND DRIVE MOVEMENT

    Point and Drive unites girls, women, boys and men: all those who have ever played in the band, were fans of the band, or support music programs to share their stories, and be a part of the movement to provide todays young adults the resources and opportunity to explore music. Point and Drive also wants to be the spark to "reignite the drive" in those who may need to revisit their past accomplishments to empower them for the next phase in their lives and careers.  The movement uses the power of storytelling to build a global community designed to fuel the marching band community and their schools and universities, with emphasis on the Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCU]. The film, screenings, speaking, and social interaction are designed to raise awareness and inspire individuals to act on behalf of music programs, career development, and fulfill their birthright to pursue excellence no matter what age or stage they may be in life.

     

    Point and Drive® was launched by three-time author, producer, and brand strategist Brandi Mitchell who also serves as the films producer and director and is the product of the benefits of being in a music program throughout her academic career.

     

    The Point and Drive Movement includes:

    POINT AND DRIVE

    #IAM POINT AND DRIVE

    KEYNOTES AND

    PANEL DISCUSSIONS 

    BUY TICKETS NOW

    a documentary feature film

    A platform to celebrate the success and accomplishments of former band members that are now influencing their communitites and career environment

    Keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops on core messages discussed in the film: 

     

    • music education: the importance of music and arts education, marching band programs

    • college and career development

    • personal development: using perseverance and discipline to create the life you want, and reigniting drive when faced with conflict or obstacles.

    LEARN MORE
    LEARN MORE
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