Contact: Laura Douglas Tel. 703.549.8887 Email: redeye@redeyepost.tv FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Krumping
The Latest Dance Phenomenon Gets a RIZE from RedEye, BET, & Lions Gate Films
Alexandria, Virginia - 2005 - Black Entertainment
Television and RedEye Professional Post opened the world’s
eyes to an amazing 30 minute behind-the-scenes look at a new
generation of dance Monday June 20, 2005 at 7:30pm on BET.
The dance documentary entitled RIZE produced by Lions
Gate Films and directed by Dave LaChapelle has become the
latest addition to the BET Access Granted Film Features.
Krumping is the latest dance phenomenon to come up from the
streets of South Central, Los Angeles.
Poet/Comedian Shang (www.IAMSHANG.com) hosts this extraordinary half hour
with an exclusive interview with creator, Tommy the Clown and members of his team. Shang
caught up with Tommy at the Debbie Allen Dance Studio during one of his monthly audition
battles. Tommy says, “We are just doing our thing, we just trying to rise. We’re just trying to
get up out of here and rise. We been in the hood, the hood is crazy, and we’ll use this movement
to rise, and RIZE together as a people. These kids need help, and I hope this dance, this
clownin’, this Krump dance is used to do that for these children. This hot half hour features
interviews and dancing from Tommy the Clown, Scorpio Viana, Buddy Lewis, Harry Perry, Lil
Mama, Lil tommy, Larry the Clown, the Hollywood Break Life Crew, and many young
upcoming talents.
I made this because I fell in love with this community-the camaraderie, the energy, and
the spirit. I hate to see the film gone. But it’s done and it’s changed me, says Director/Producer
David LaChapelle. Rize reveals a groundbreaking dance phenomenon that’s exploding on the
streets of South Central, Los Angeles. Taking advantage of unprecedented access, this
documentary film brings to first light a revolutionary form of artistic expression borne from
oppression. The aggressive and visually stunning dance
modernizes moves indigenous to African tribal rituals and
features mind-blowing, athletic movement sped up to
impossible speeds. RIZE tracks the fascinating evolution of
the dance: we meet Tommy Johnson (Tommy the Clown),
who first created the style as a response to the 1992 Rodney
King riots and named it “Clowning”, as well as the kids who
developed the movement into what they now call “Krumping”. Tommy Johnson adds, “the kids
use dance as an alternative to gangs and hustling: they form their own troupes and paint their
faces like warriors, meeting to outperform rival gangs of dancers or just to hone their skills. For
the dancers, Krumping becomes a way of life and because it’s authentic expression (in complete
opposition to the bling-bling hip-hop culture), the dance
becomes a vital part of who they are.
Owner and Senior Editor Laura Douglas of the Old
Town Alexandria based RedEye Professional Post
(www.redeyepost.tv) says, “I am so excited to work on this
BET special. The energy of both the feature documentary and
this half hour Access Granted RIZE reveals the personal insight
and commitment which gives these kids an authentic voice that
will create unique and meaningful friendships by breaking
down stereotypes and cultural differences.
BET Supervising Producer, Christian Teelucksingh says about RIZE, “Gritty raw
desire, coupled with an eclectic approach resulting in a kinetic energetic expression of life, love,
and dance! This project made me think….all that coupled with great food…keeps me coming
back for more (at RedEye Post).
RedEye Professional Post was excited to have another chance to work with BET and
Lions Gate Films on a project that captures a fresh portrayal of South Central’s inner-city youth
as they reveal their spirit and creativity. This fast-paced behind the scenes look at the originality
of urban culture has prove to be another
successful collaboration.
Offering one rate facility wide, easy access to gorgeous Old Town Alexandra, and the intense dedication of our professional editors and producers, RedEye Media is the future of the production industry. Clients are encouraged to visit the Old Town Alexandria office, minutes off the beltway, King Street Metro, and D.C. 705 Prince Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 ~ 703.549.8887 www.redeyepost.tv