POINT AND DRIVE
The Story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities Marching Band Culture is the first and only feature documentary to document, research, and share in rich detail the history of the marching band culture infused with the personal stories from HBCU Marching Band alumni spanning 70 years.
WATCH THE TRAILER
Take a look at the man behind the brand and the band, the legendary director, Dr. William P.Foster.
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.
THE PRODUCER + DIRECTOR
BRANDI MITCHELL
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.
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
Point and Drive Promo Tour Highlights
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
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.
"More than a Movie it's Become a Movement!"
The Point and Drive Movement includes Screenings, Panel Discussions, and Keynotes based off the film.
HOST A SCREENING
CREATE DIALOGUE
THE POINT AND DRIVE EXPERIENCE
POINT AND DRIVE'S SIGNATURE PANEL
"STARTED FROM THE BAND AND NOW WE'RE HERE!"
How Success on the Marching Band Field Creates Success in Life"
INSPIRE AND EDUCATE
KEYNOTES AND WORKSHOPS
WITH PRODUCER/DIRECTOR BRANDI MITCHELL
a documentary feature film
a Gathering of successful band alumni from various hbcu's doing amazing things in their careers converge to inspire audiences of all ages .
A platform to celebrate the success and accomplishments of former band members that are now influencing their communitites and career environment
SOCIAL MEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA
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