By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, May 07, 2002 - 06:53 pm:

Valerie Simpson and Nick Ashford are about as professional as they come.

By lynn bruce (68.41.108.38 - 68.41.108.38) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 05:54 pm:

Babbitt&I played in a band in the mid-60,s,at the time what is now called the funk bros.,were a click of certain detroit musicians that were really funky like alot were, BUT they could read any chart that was given to them which alot of musicians could,nt. Babbitt would come in for our gig and keep us laughing all night with funny stories.For instance-when they first started useing strings on detroit soul music,they got them from the detroit symphony,these guys were real tight-ass,s. Babbitt said after afew session,s you,d see them come bopping in wearing beret,s and saying "say man,whas happnin". Babbitts probably got a million story,s better than this one. how bout it Babbit.

By soulboy (213.105.242.198 - 213.105.242.198) on Saturday, June 15, 2002 - 10:52 am:

On the yahoo movies website it reads that "STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN" is scheduled for August 2002 release, (in the US that is). From the information on this website and others this date does seem to be quite premature. It's a case of my heart want to believe it,but my head tells me not.
Anyone wish to comment???

http://movies.yahoo.com/movies/feature/comingsoon.html

By Paul Elliott (209.204.150.98 - 209.204.150.98) on Saturday, June 15, 2002 - 08:52 pm:

Hi, soulboy, and the rest of the Soulful Detroit gang -

The current plan for the U.S.A. release is in the last half of October, probably in fifteen major cities (this is an expansion of our earlier plans). Remember, plans get changed, but everyone involved is extremely enthusiastic about the film.

We are also making very good progress on a deal for the soundtrack CD, and it will almost certainly be released prior to the film premiere.

Progress is also being made on the international distribution front.

For those of you who are watching our website, or have signed up for the newsletter, my apologies for things being so quiet. I don't want to make any premature announcements, because things have a way of changing. Also, some of this is sensitive. As soon as we can say something, be assured that we will get the word out. Until then, we are in rumor-control mode.

Thanks for your support and enthusiasm!

Paul Elliott
Elliott Scott Productions, LLC
http://www.StandingInTheShadowsOfMotown.com

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Saturday, June 15, 2002 - 09:04 pm:

Hi Paul

Thanks for the update and for setting the record straight. I'm sure we'd all rather hear it from you and not depend on the accuracy of hearsay and scuttlebut.

We know you'll keep us posted, and you can be sure that we - your enthusiastic "unofficial promotions team" - will help spread the word!

By soulboy (213.105.242.198 - 213.105.242.198) on Sunday, June 16, 2002 - 10:29 am:

Thanks for the info Paul,

By Paul Elliott (209.204.150.108 - 209.204.150.108) on Sunday, June 23, 2002 - 07:45 am:

Here's some new info on the film:

Standing in the Shadows of Motown will be shown at the Woodstock Film Festival, which runs from Sept 19-22, 2002 in Woodstock, New York. We are there as part of the "Focus on Music" program, which looks really interesting. The exact date for our screening is to be announced.

Here is a link to the film festival press release:
http://www.woodstockfilmfestival.com/pressm%20releases/June%2012_focuonmusic.htm

As for the North American theatrical release, it looks like the date is sliding into November, instead of October. This is actually a good thing, because we are going to have a higher-profile launch than was initially planned, and we are taking the additional time to coordinate the publicity. This means that the film is now more likely to reach theaters in smaller cities.

Nothing new to report regarding the international release, but interest remains high.

Regards,
Paul Elliott
Elliott Scott Productions, LLC
http://www.StandingInTheShadowsOfMotown.com

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 07:00 pm:

This just appeared on the official Motown message board, posted by HW. Thought you'd all like to know:

The Funk Bros Movie Soundtrack:
"Yes, it's happening... album coming September 24 of this year, on Hip-O/Motown, the folks who brought you the Four Tops box set. Documentary film on the Funk Brothers to be released November 15 by Artisan Entertainment." - HW

R

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 07:39 pm:

Update:

Here's the track list:


STARRING THE FUNK BROTHERS ON ALL TRACKS

1. (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave � Joan Osborne
2. You�ve Really Got A Hold On Me � Meshell Ndegeocello
3. Do You Love Me � Bootsy Collins
4. Bernadette (instrumental) � The Funk Brothers *
5. Reach Out I�ll Be There � Gerald Levert
6. Ain�t Too Proud To Beg � Ben Harper
7. Shotgun � Gerald Levert featuring Tom Scott
8. What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted � Joan Osborne8. The Flick � Earl Van Dyke *
9. I Heard It Through The G****vine � Ben Harper
10. You Keep Me Hanging On (instrumental) � The Funk Brothers *
11. Cool Jerk � Bootsy Collins
12. Cloud Nine � Meshell Ndegeocello
13. What�s Going On � Chaka Khan
14. Band Introduction / Ain�t No Mountain High Enough � Chaka Khan &
Montell Jordan
15. The Flick - Earl Van Dyke *

Soundtrack Produced by Allan Slutsky, Harry Weinger and Ted Greenberg
*Original Motown Recordings

R

By Heather (167.167.239.55 - 167.167.239.55) on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 11:12 pm:

Hey all,

Just wanted to give you some more infomation, that was posted to the motown message board..
Exciting official news from Hip-O/Motown:

Yes, there will be a soundtrack album to this amazing film about Motown's Funk Brothers band. 'Standing In The Shadows Of Motown original soundtrack' will be in stores September 24, on Hip-O/Motown. (The film is releasing November 15 from Artisan Entertainment.) As a fan you know the great hits they made. You may not know that by the time Motown moved to L.A. these guys played on more Number One hits than the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, Elvis and the Beatles combined - which makes them the greatest hit machine in the history of popular music.

In the film the surviving Funks reunite to play music with some contemporary singers, live on stage. The fantastic results are in the movie and in this soundtrack. The 3 original Motown recordings, direct from the vault, are heard in the film but only briefly. The soundtrack versions are uncut.

For more info on the soundtrack and to sign up to become a Motown Ambassador. Check out http://www.universalmusicenterprises.com/soundtracks/shadows/
As a Motown Ambassador you will receive exclusive news, audio and video. As well as the chance to win some great prizes for helping to spread the word about the soundtrack and the movie. If you want to sign up go to:
http://www.universalmusicenterprises.com/soundtracks/shadows/signup.html

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 11:16 pm:

I was first in the queue!

By Confused? (213.1.131.183 - 213.1.131.183) on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 05:18 am:

Is this about Motown or just a marketing exercise.

It asked for preferred music and it didn't mention Motown at all.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 01:15 pm:

Perhaps Paul Elliot or someone directly involved with SITSOL can comment on this particular web-site.If it is in fact a direct benefit to the movie then I will allow the posting. However if the web-site in question is simply a promotional company, the posting will be deleted.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 01:17 pm:

I meant SITSOM...I was thinking of the Tops song...sorry

By Sue (64.12.102.178 - 64.12.102.178) on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 01:25 pm:

Ralph -- That website is Motown/Universal's, relating to the SITSOM soundtrack. They ask in a survey form what kinds of music you like, in return you get to be a "Motown ambassador" and get updates on the movie and soundtrack.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 01:44 pm:

OK,Thanks Sue.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 01:47 pm:

Please forgive a silly question from an uninformed Brit, but who actually are Hip-O ?

By Livonia Ken (136.2.1.153 - 136.2.1.153) on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 02:09 pm:

Hip-O are the "compilation and catalog redevelopment label of Universal Music Group". Sort of like Universal's answer to Rhino, although not exactly.

http://www.hip-o.com/

Regards,
Ken

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 02:21 pm:

Ken -

Thanks. I get it. Rhino, Hip-O.... I'd call that cheeky!

Or are they too thick-skinned to care? ;o)

By HW (12.110.192.128 - 12.110.192.128) on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 05:05 pm:

Hip-O issues compilations (and sometimes soundtracks) when there the repertoire includes music from more than one label or, like with this soundtrack, some of the music doesn't originate from any label at al.

That's why the 4 Tops box was on Hip-O, although because of the group's long-time connection and because most of the track were on Motown, it was branded 'Hip-O / Motown.'

By Livonia Ken (136.2.1.153 - 136.2.1.153) on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 06:02 pm:

Harry just covered my "not exactly" pretty thoroughly. Any chance of a cross-label Gladys Knight & the Pips Hip-O box set, Harry? Oops, I'm drifting way off topic, now.

I guess it makes sense with the soundtrack since based on the guest list, they will need a section of the liner notes to say "[these artists] appear courtesy of [every label under the sun]".

Anyway, I will definitely be pre-ordering the soundtrack and can't wait to see the film.

Regards,
Ken

By Paul Elliott (209.204.150.76 - 209.204.150.76) on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 06:54 pm:

Ralph,

About the pop-up sign-up form on the Motown site, this is being used to help spread the word about the film and soundtrack. I will be adding links from our website (http://www.StandingInTheShadowsOfMotown.com) to these Motown pages. So, yes, it's definitely commercial, but it also helps the film, the soundtrack, and the Funk Brothers.

Allan, Harry, and I were hoping to break the news here first about the soundtrack deal, but it looks like the marketing department beat us to it. Oh well, Artisan and UMG/Hip-O/Motown are really going to town on this, and we couldn't be more pleased. As you can see from the track list, it's going to be a great CD. You can hear excerpts from many of the new performances by going to the "Watch Trailers" page on our website.

As you may have seen from the soundtrack press release, the film will have it's North American premiere on November 15, with cities and theaters to be announced. We are still working on the International releases.

Thank you everyone for keeping the faith!

Sincerely,
Paul Elliott
Elliott Scott Productions, LLC

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 07:07 pm:

Paul,
Thanks for posting. I was just concerned that the particular site did indeed benifit the movie. Now I know. Best of luck with it.

By soulboy (213.105.242.198 - 213.105.242.198) on Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 04:05 pm:

Are we likely to see any singles released/re-issued as a part of this package??
I know songs like 'what becomes of the brokenhearted" have been covered on several occasions, But there may be some promotional value in releasing some of the records.Just an idea.

By Paul Elliott (209.204.150.92 - 209.204.150.92) on Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 04:40 pm:

Re: Singles

We are discussing possible singles, but I don't think we have a decision yet. There are several tracks that I could see getting some airplay, and the folks at Hip-O/Motown are definitely looking into it.

Regards,
Paul

By HW (68.37.217.106 - 68.37.217.106) on Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 05:46 pm:

Since the soundtrack will be out nearly 2 months prior to the film, people of course will decide what their favorite track is. There are many highlights and certainly, since it was mentioned, Joan Osborne singing "Brokenhearted" is an particularly impressive one. And you can see the guys in the band falling in love with her.

Sorry, Paul, I'll leak no more!

By SisDetroit (64.159.102.233 - 64.159.102.233) on Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 09:41 pm:

Joan Osborne just made that song as her own. That lady can sing.
Sis

By Paul Elliott (209.204.150.125 - 209.204.150.125) on Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 04:55 am:

Harry, I actually like the leaks. Just as long as I have my plausible deniability, I'm cool.

As for a favorite song, that's a tough one... I've had the rough-mix CD in my car for about six months now, and I still listen to it daily (on average). And not because I have to, but because I still love it. Every time I think I have a favorite track (say, "Brokenhearted" with Joan Osborne), another one sneaks up on me and steals my heart ("You Really Got a Hold on Me" with MeShell Ndegeocello, for example). Every song is killer. Some just take longer to set their hooks.

As I mentioned, anyone can hear excerpts from the performances by going to the film's website. On the "View Trailers" page, both the video trailer and the audio promo have selections from most of the songs.

Regards,
Paul Elliott

By Gary Rosen (12.234.95.0 - 12.234.95.0) on Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 05:19 am:

Well, after viewing the trailer I have to say in all honesty that I don't think the Funk Brothers sound as good as they did when they made the original records.

They sound even BETTER!!

I can't wait to see the movie and hear the complete soundtrack.

- Gary Rosen

By Livonia Ken (136.2.1.153 - 136.2.1.153) on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 - 05:28 pm:

There's a nice mention of the documentary in entertainment columnist Jeffrey Wells' column at reel.com. He listed it as one of the 13 most promising films coming this fall along with offerings by such "obscure" names as Spielberg, Soderbergh, & Scorsese. It is the only documentary on his list. Apparently you folks working on the promotion are getting the word out pretty effectively. He specifically mentions the Sundance preview and quotes the add copy.

Regards,
Ken

By Bradburger (172.186.98.144 - 172.186.98.144) on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 - 05:51 pm:

I have to agree with you Gary.

I finally saw the trailer and all I can say is I was blown away.

The Funks are just pure magic. To hear them playing together again was something special. Watching & listening sent chills down my spine.

I must say I really enjoyed all the tracks but for me Heatwave and Cooljerk seem to stand out. I've watched it about four times now and every time it has an effect on me.

I'm looking forward to watching the full film here in the U.K and hearing the soundtrack.

Anyone who hasn't seen it should really take a look.


Cheers

Paul

By Ritchie (62.254.0.7 - 62.254.0.7) on Thursday, August 15, 2002 - 09:21 am:

I'm asuming that the email I received from "Chris - Motown Soul Spot" inviting me to sign up the the "Motown Official Online Team" is not connected to the "Motown Ambassadors" discussed above...? If it hadn't displayed the Motown logo, I'd have binned it along with the rest of today's spam.

"This is the place to find out about new releases such as India.Arie's Voyage To India (coming this fall,) Remy Shand's The Way I Feel (out now!) and DJ Rogers Jr.'s Emosoul (coming this fall,) and Lathun's Fortunate (out now.) This team will also be integral in helping Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, Brian McKnight, with their upcoming releases later this year! And you'll also get the chance to win...." etc etc. UMG promotion goes into overdrive.

Interesting to note that the default "Favorite Genre" is "Alternative Country"

Jeez! Motown really HAS changed!

By HW (12.110.192.128 - 12.110.192.128) on Thursday, August 15, 2002 - 03:10 pm:

Ritchie - can you email me privately - ? Thanks

By Gary Rosen (12.234.95.0 - 12.234.95.0) on Thursday, August 15, 2002 - 08:06 pm:

No comment on whether Ritchie's "Motown Soul Spot" is spam or not, but the maybe the genre choices were listed alphabetically, hence "Alternative Country" first. Like when you fill out your address on the net and the first country on the pull-down menu is "Afghanistan" (no political commentary implied :^)).

- Gary Rosen

By Common (209.2.55.115 - 209.2.55.115) on Friday, August 16, 2002 - 01:56 pm:

Hello Everyone,

This is wonderful that there will finally be a documentary on the funk brothers. It's a tribute long overdue. I'm hoping it will open in the NY area. I would love to see it.

By Sue (205.188.196.34 - 205.188.196.34) on Friday, August 16, 2002 - 02:26 pm:

Common,
It's a national release, don't worry. Artisan is the nat'l distributor.

By Livonia Ken (136.2.1.153 - 136.2.1.153) on Friday, August 16, 2002 - 03:09 pm:

I have a feeling that the film will be the best reviewed, most financially successful documentary release of the year. Other than guaranteeing that it won't win an Oscar (the documentary category is strange this way), that's all good.

Regards,

By Common (209.2.55.115 - 209.2.55.115) on Friday, August 16, 2002 - 03:31 pm:

Hello Sue,

Thanks for the info. I just saw the addy for the site & I'll go over & check out the trailer. This sounds exciting!

BTW, The Grammys has a catergory for tv &, I think, films. Since there is a CD that goes along with the film, maybe it might stand a chance in being nominated. Ya think? :o)