UNDER THE BANNER
What's Going On In and Around Black College Sports
TROUBLE WITH "DRUMLINE": A lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York
in early November against 20th Century Fox, Fox
Entertainment Group and Rupert Murdock (owner of Fox
News Corporation), producers and distributors of the
film, "Drumline, " claiming that ideas from the film "Pay
The Price," were stolen and included in their film. Famed
Attorney Willie Gary, who represents Darryl D.
Lassiter and David L. Gough, producers of "Pay The Price," was
present at a press conference announcing the suit. Gary played a
40-minute videotape comparing 40 scenes from the two
films. The plaintiffs say "Drumline," has nearly 30 scenes
that resemble scenes in "Pay The Price," and includes three of
the same cast members (Jay Anthony Brown, Crystal Porter
and Malcolm Spears). Both films are based in Atlanta
focusing on students struggling to join a black college marching
band. Both films used Clark Atlanta University
and Morris Brown College bands, both featured band directors
that loved classical music and both ended in a 'battle of the
bands' competition. The plaintiffs are seeking damages that
could total $450 million and an additional $150 million for
Lassiter's personal losses. "Pay The Price" was based on
Lassiter's experience in Alabama State
University's Marching Band where he was trumpet section leader for three years and
band treasurer. Lassiter wrote his screenplay and registered
it with the Library of Congress and Writers Guild of
America in 1992. He produced "Pay The Price" in 1999 and won
first place in the New York Film Festival in July, 2000. He
has also produced and directed 37 music videos. Gough is
the founder and president of the Gospel Music Hall of
Fame. Known as "The Mayor of Gospel," he has recorded
seven albums and the acclaimed hit "Highly Recommend"
which is performed in the movie. He met Lassiter while in
Las Vegas and they began working on a music video.
Gough later financed PTP. "Drumline" was produced by
Atlanta music mogul Dallas Austin for $20 million and grossed
$54 million in domestic box office receipts. Lassiter said he
met an assistant to Austin in 2000 proposing that Austin
help finance distribution of "Pay The Price."
O'NEAL FALLS SHORT: Former Jackson State golfer Tim O'Neal fell three shots short of making to the final stage of PGA Tour Qualifying School. Playing at the King and Bear Course of the World Golf Village in St. Augustine's, Fl., one of six sites for second stage qualifying, O'Neal shot 73-70-69-70282 (-6). A score of 272 (-9) was needed to advance. The top 20 places and ties advanced to the final stage. O'Neal finished in a tie for 28th place.
© 2003 Azeez Communications, Inc.