- Title: FJ-HRN-534
- Summary: GRIDIRON GANG PREMIERE: HRN-534 Gridiron Gang Sean Porter A01. HRN-534 In: 00.00.34 Out: 00.01.53 B-roll: Chinese theatre. Reporters waiting. A02. HRN-534 In: 00.01.54 Out: 00.04.44 B-roll: People arriving: fat black guy with braids, some Asians and blacks, Kevin Dunn, Leon Rippy, Mentor Williams and Lynn Anderson A03. HRN-534 In: 00.04.45 Out: 00.05.10 Sound Bite: Mentor Williams and Lynn Anderson Lynn Anderson - Well, mentor and Lee Stanley are old friends, they uh, I guess Lees very first movie was- Mentor Williams Was On the Line, I did the music for his first movie years ago, On the Line, yes. Lynn Anderson and actually Lees redoing that same movie thats the next project, so thats up again Mentor Williams Possibly. Lynn Anderson - and Matt will be doing the music for it. Mentor Williams Possibly. Lady - Probably. Hopefully Ill finally get to sing a movie theme A04. HRN-534 In: 00.05.43 Out: 00.06.15 Sound Bite: Mentor Williams and Lynn Anderson Lynn Anderson I understand hes incredible. Mentor Williams I was, actually I was out to prison with Lee when they were filming several times on location out there, and its amazing, Lee always counseling, doing a movie class for some of the prisoners out there, and being very encouraging to those guys who were locked up out there and thats when he decided to do the documentary about the coach and the kids that he worked with out there. A05. HRN-534 In: 00.06.30 Out: 00.07.49 Sound Bite: Mentor Williams and Lynn Anderson Lynn Anderson Thats correct, that was a great song for me and it was redone by Martina McBride just this past year so it was number one again and re-nominated for country music song of the year so its one of those that will probably never go away just like Mentors song Drift Away. We got nominated this past year for a Grammy for the first time in 23 years for a Bluegrass record, so were still active, still having a great time with it. Mentor sings And Lee Stanley and I have been friends, hes co-producer in the movie and writer, for over thirty years now , so thats why were here, supporting Lee and having a great evening. Lynn Anderson - I think we may actually start having to call the Rock Dwayne after his performance in this movie, I think he may prove himself as a fine dramatic actor this time. (talks) I think he may gain a lot of respect. A06. HRN-534 In: 00.07.52.Out: 00.08.46 B-roll: Leon Rippy, black guys, XZibit. A07. HRN-534 In: 00.09.15 Out: 00.09.46 Sound Bite: Setu Taase I cant speak too much on his past experiences and his story, but I can definitely say that on set hes a great guy, hes very down to earth but also very professional in a way that hes kind of a role model for us on set but at the same time he doesnt put pressure on us, hes very cool you know, calm, he allows us to be ourselves and throw our own little thing into the mix which ended up working out you know for the best. A08. HRN-534 In: 00.09.57 Out: 00.10.24 Sound Bite: Setu Taase Well, we kind of just all had an understanding of it, you know, this is really big for him, kind of like a passion project for him, you know, its kind of going away from his action formula if thats what you wanna call it, going away from some of the stuff hes used to doing and you can tell that that kind of energy, the same kind of energy and passion that he puts into it, that its very important for him and were all very much aware of it and very very supportive of it. A09. HRN-534 In: 00.10.29 Out: 00.12.01 Sound Bite: Setu Taase Yes I did, I actually saw the documentary while we were having football camp and it was just amazing to me and kind of from there I understood that I was part of something that was greater than me or anybody else, you know, the story itself. So, you know, from there, about a month into filming I finally got a chance to meet the real Junior which was a great experience to see him, to know, to be able to connect with him on a personal level, to know that he was proud of the performance I was doing and I was proud to be to be helping to tell the story. (Talks) Hes actually supposed to be coming by soon, so keep an eye out, he should be here. (Talks) well actually, weve been keeping touch over the phone, so every time we get a chance we call each other and all that, see how each other are doing, so it will be very exciting to see him again. (Talks) I was, I was I played a little in High School, I played in Junior High I always played growing up, as far back as I can remember I had a football in my hand, throwing around with my brother so (Talks) Actually it was in a sense, most of our guys didnt have too much experience but they did throw us into a football camp which really helped out the other guys and it just kind of came naturally because they were all very athletic. A10. HRN-534 In: 00.12.37 Out: 00.13.12 Sound Bite: Leon Rippy He belongs in this world, thats what I think, I mean hes done a lot of action, hes known for it, but I, going sometimes athletes and musicians that infiltrate this arena bring a fan base and a you know personality, but maybe not much depth, but the first two days working with this man I, every word I said, I watched it register and the precise amount of time was taken before he responded and the response was perfect, and hes a gentleman, what more could I ask out of any peer any other actor, so it was just great. A11. HRN-534 In: 00.13.39 Out: 00.14.10 Sound Bite: Leon Rippy No, I didnt, we emailed a few times before he passed in this Spring, untimely and unfortunately, and, but he left quite a legacy, he helped so many kids and his new job, he was very excited about in our emails and being the head of the probation of all of L.A. county, what a responsibility, so he didnt get to get out for much any of the filming, that I know of, I didnt get to meet him like I said but Im sure hes here tonight, I can feel it. A12. HRN-534 In: 00.14.28 Out: 00.14.57 Sound Bite: Leon Rippy And gave it a little extra too. (Talks) Well, go see it. Its just bringing it together and putting the characters with it is the extra, I mean, the script is just words on a page and its seldom that we read scripts that come across our desk and think that this is any more than a job or another movie and lots of car crashes with special effects and when you get a heartfelt one like this with some meaning and a true story and youre playing real people, and just a different level here for me. A13. HRN-534 In: 00.15.34 Out: 00.16.26 Sound Bite: Leon Rippy Or care about. And so if we can open up the mind of that little bit, then weve done our job. (Talks) Sure it has, I think, I had a friend that unfortunately went to prison for a year and a half or so back forty years ago. But, after he came out, you know, he was wealthy, he could have done anything he wanted to and never look back, but he started a group called NNG committed to offenders and he was so passionate about it for the remainder of his days and I got to hear him talk about it and second chances was what he was about too and Paul, bless his soul, the guy that I played, thats what he was aobut, and Sean was about, and I think Sean had to probably convince Paul, but Im just excited to be a part of it, its a great night. A14. HRN-534 In: 00.16.42 Out: 00. 17.23 Sound Bite: Sean Porter No, I didnt have to point anything out to him, hes a professional, hes got a wire, he studied the documentary, so he knew me probably better than I know myself. If you ask me how I act, I couldnt tell you what I do, you know my mannerisms, but he studied it, hes a master of his craft. (Talks) I went out a couple times to the set when they were at the camp and stuff and that was an interesting experience in itself going back to the site and seeing this all happen, and it was good. (Talks) Sure, some of the kids I still talk to, I talked to one of the kids today, one of the kids thats in the film, I talked to him today, so they keep in touch. A15. HRN-534 In: 00.17.57 Out: 00. 18.17 Sound Bite: Sean Porter Ive seen it but its a little, its wild, its very surreal, and the first time I saw it, I saw the screening, its a numbing experience for me, its very personal, and youre sitting there watching it, kind of critiquing a little bit, but not much to be critical about, its good, they did a real good job. A16. HRN-534 In: 00.18.22 Out: 00. 19.52 Sound Bite: Sean Porter Well the movie takes it to the step that I started alone, no, there was a group of people who started it, I was part of that group, and it was just people wanting to make a difference, to take a chance, do something different and make a difference. (Talks) The juvenile justice system in a lot of ways, when they remove kids to put them in camps or ranches or homes, nobody wants to see them, its part of the stealth part of the juvenile justice system where its undercover. So, people dont know it, they dont know what we do, they dont know how we do what we do, and a lot of people unfortunately dont really care, theyre just happy the kids out of their community, but we have to put some effort into it and change the kid before he goes back to the community, because if we dont change them, and he goes back the same then, what have we done? (Talks) In 22 years, Ive seen kids back and forth; Ive seen brothers, and siblings and cousins come back and families, and that tells you that now you have to change the kid, you have to change the home, you have to change the community, you have to change the culture sometimes, the way people think, you know, when you change the way an individual thinks and help him make choices in the future, thats the key, when you teach a parent how to parent differently, give them options, theres hope. Options and choices give you hope, and thats what we try to give the kids. A17. HRN-534 In: 00.19.55 Out: 00. 20.43 Sound Bite: Sean Porter No, this probably wont even sink in until much later. (Talks) Yeah, it is, its um Im not really thinking about it, Im just kind of going with it to tell you the truth. (Talks) You know, the documentary, we didnt do, there wasnt much press with it the first time I saw the documentary I was sitting in my couch in my living room. Lee Stanley did a great job putting it together, got it out there, I saw it in my living room, there wasnt anything like this with it, this is a beast of its own, its neat, its a good experience. My wife will sit here, and shell be able to tell me about it later, what really happened because Im just going to float through here. (Wife: Just enjoy it, enjoy the moment.) Thats what I plan to do tonight. A18. HRN-534 In: 00.21.38 Out: 00. 23.38 Sound Bite: Kevin Dunn People will draw their own, I mean, its but the message is kind of, if you have the right mentors and kids need mentors, I just remember in my life having a few people that kind of save you and take you to the right direction, kind of nudge you in the right direction. (Talks) My perspective remains the same, you know, its tough growing up, Im glad Im not growing up now, and theres something missing in a lot of these kids lives. Fine line that separates the kids that make it from the kids that dont. (Talks) No, my counterpart was kind of in a amalgam of naysayer so I kind of represented the people who didnt think it was going to work, as with the most of the other characters who were actually the real deal, I was several stirred up into a brew. A19. HRN-534 In: 00. 23.45 Out: 00. 24.24 Sound Bite: Kevin Dunn He knew it was a very different role for him, but I think he was kind of looking forward to it. To get that opportunity, as actors you always look for an opportunity to show what you can do, and they dont come up a lot, you get put into a space and you feel that space in a movie, youre a cop, a doctor, a nurse. So I think he embraced it and he wasnt nervous, Im real happy for him, and I was happy to work with him, hes first rate A20. HRN-534 In: 00.24.35 Out: 00. 25.48 Sound Bite: XZIBIT I mean this movie, a couple different things to me; I think it speaks for accountability, these guys really over extended themselves and made it possible for these kids to have something to reach out to. I think accountability, and hope and stay in focus and being driven for the right purposes. Saw the documentary, got choked up. A21. HRN-534 In: 00.26.09 Out: 00. 28.32 black guy Talks about his character cant really talk. A22. HRN-534 In: 00.28.52 Out: 00. 32.45 Directors yapping A23. HRN-534 In: 00. 33.00 Out: 00.34.50 Fat black guy Yakking A24. HRN-534 In: 00.35.00 Out: 00. 35.35 B-roll: The Rock A25. HRN-534 In: 00.37.00 Out: 00. 40.00 Bald guy maybe director talks about film. A26. HRN-534 In: 00.40.00 Out: 00.42.04 B-roll: The Rock A27. HRN-534 In: 00.42.23 Out: 00. 43.50 Bald guy talking about rights to documentary A28. HRN-534 In: 00.44.05 Out: 00. 45.01 Sound Bite: The Rock I sat down with Neil Moritz who said listen, I believe youre my guy heres the script, heres the documentary, before you read the script, all I ask is that watch this documentary, I watched the documentary that night, I was moved man, I laughed, I cried, I got inspired, called my wife crying saying you gotta see this movie, this documentary, I called him up at 2 in the morning and said, Im in, and there were a lot of reasons for that, I understand where these kids come from, Ive always been upfront and honest about my past and I wouldnt change anything; I got arrested numerous amounts of times, could have easily been one of these kids, and fortunately I had somebody in my life like Sean porter who cared. A29. HRN-534 In: 00.45.01 Out: 00.45.30 Sound Bite: The Rock I did, well first of all I was lucky that Im able to do comedies and action movies but then when you get a script like this, material like this its just an incredible story; first of all, I was grateful, I was like this is fantastic its a fantastic incredible story to tell, not only that but as an actor you look to be challenged, I wanna be challenged, I wanna grow, whether its material like this whether its a bad ass action movie, or a great comedy, either way, I just wanna grow. A30. HRN-534 In: 00.45.36 Out: 00.46.00 Sound Bite: The Rock Right now what I have coming up is a family comedy with Disney its called the game plan and I play a professional quarterback and my life gets turned upside down when I find out I have a baby girl who calls me daddy. A31. HRN-534 In: 00.46.00 Out: 00.49.00 Black guy talks about his character Leon. A32. HRN-534 In: 00.49.01 Out: 00.51.00 Another black guy talks about movie A33. HRN-534 In: 00.51.00 Out: 00.54.30. B-roll: Theatre, everyone, Rock. PD01. HRN-534 In: 00.43.28 Out: 00.43.51 Sound Bite: Neil Moritz We finished the movie probably about six or seven months ago and they were so successful they said lets tie it to the beginning of football season when we can promote it with NFL Foot ball, just you know everybody gets in the mood for football (talks) Yes you will if you turn on your TV this weekend you will see Gridiron Gang everywhere.
- Description:00:00:34 - B-roll: Chinese theatre. Reporters waiting. 00:01:54 - B-roll: People arriving: fat black guy with braids, some Asians and blacks, Kevin Dunn, Leon Rippy, Mentor Williams and Lynn Anderson 00:04:45 - Sound Bite: Mentor Williams and Lynn Anderson Lynn Anderson - Well, mentor and Lee Stanley are old friends, they uh, I guess Lees very first movie was- Mentor Williams Was On the Line, I did the music for his first movie years ago, On the Line, yes. Lynn Anderson and actually Lees redoing that same movie thats the next project, so thats up again Mentor Williams Possibly. Lynn Anderson - and Matt will be doing the music for it. Mentor Williams Possibly. Lady - Probably. Hopefully Ill finally get to sing a movie theme 00:05:43 - Sound Bite: Mentor Williams and Lynn Anderson Lynn Anderson I understand hes incredible. Mentor Williams I was, actually I was out to prison with Lee when they were filming several times on location out there, and its amazing, Lee always counseling, doing a movie class for some of the prisoners out there, and being very encouraging to those guys who were locked up out there and thats when he decided to do the documentary about the coach and the kids that he worked with out there. 00:06:30 - Sound Bite: Mentor Williams and Lynn Anderson Lynn Anderson Thats correct, that was a great song for me and it was redone by Martina McBride just this past year so it was number one again and re-nominated for country music song of the year so its one of those that will probably never go away just like Mentors song Drift Away. We got nominated this past year for a Grammy for the first time in 23 years for a Bluegrass record, so were still active, still having a great time with it. Mentor sings And Lee Stanley and I have been friends, hes co-producer in the movie and writer, for over thirty years now , so thats why were here, supporting Lee and having a great evening. Lynn Anderson - I think we may actually start having to call the Rock Dwayne after his performance in this movie, I think he may prove himself as a fine dramatic actor this time. (talks) I think he may gain a lot of respect. 00:07:52 - B-roll: Leon Rippy, black guys, XZibit. 00:09:15 - Sound Bite: Setu Taase I cant speak too much on his past experiences and his story, but I can definitely say that on set hes a great guy, hes very down to earth but also very professional in a way that hes kind of a role model for us on set but at the same time he doesnt put pressure on us, hes very cool you know, calm, he allows us to be ourselves and throw our own little thing into the mix which ended up working out you know for the best. 00:09:57 - Sound Bite: Setu Taase Well, we kind of just all had an understanding of it, you know, this is really big for him, kind of like a passion project for him, you know, its kind of going away from his action formula if thats what you wanna call it, going away from some of the stuff hes used to doing and you can tell that that kind of energy, the same kind of energy and passion that he puts into it, that its very important for him and were all very much aware of it and very very supportive of it. 00:10:29 - Sound Bite: Setu Taase Yes I did, I actually saw the documentary while we were having football camp and it was just amazing to me and kind of from there I understood that I was part of something that was greater than me or anybody else, you know, the story itself. So, you know, from there, about a month into filming I finally got a chance to meet the real Junior which was a great experience to see him, to know, to be able to connect with him on a personal level, to know that he was proud of the performance I was doing and I was proud to be to be helping to tell the story. (Talks) Hes actually supposed to be coming by soon, so keep an eye out, he should be here. (Talks) well actually, weve been keeping touch over the phone, so every time we get a chance we call each other and all that, see how each other are doing, so it will be very exciting to see him again. (Talks) I was, I was I played a little in High School, I played in Junior High I always played growing up, as far back as I can remember I had a football in my hand, throwing around with my brother so (Talks) Actually it was in a sense, most of our guys didnt have too much experience but they did throw us into a football camp which really helped out the other guys and it just kind of came naturally because they were all very athletic. 00:12:37 - Sound Bite: Leon Rippy He belongs in this world, thats what I think, I mean hes done a lot of action, hes known for it, but I, going sometimes athletes and musicians that infiltrate this arena bring a fan base and a you know personality, but maybe not much depth, but the first two days working with this man I, every word I said, I watched it register and the precise amount of time was taken before he responded and the response was perfect, and hes a gentleman, what more could I ask out of any peer any other actor, so it was just great. 00:13:39 - Sound Bite: Leon Rippy No, I didnt, we emailed a few times before he passed in this Spring, untimely and unfortunately, and, but he left quite a legacy, he helped so many kids and his new job, he was very excited about in our emails and being the head of the probation of all of L.A. county, what a responsibility, so he didnt get to get out for much any of the filming, that I know of, I didnt get to meet him like I said but Im sure hes here tonight, I can feel it. 00:14:28 - Sound Bite: Leon Rippy And gave it a little extra too. (Talks) Well, go see it. Its just bringing it together and putting the characters with it is the extra, I mean, the script is just words on a page and its seldom that we read scripts that come across our desk and think that this is any more than a job or another movie and lots of car crashes with special effects and when you get a heartfelt one like this with some meaning and a true story and youre playing real people, and just a different level here for me. 00:15:34 - Sound Bite: Leon Rippy Or care about. And so if we can open up the mind of that little bit, then weve done our job. (Talks) Sure it has, I think, I had a friend that unfortunately went to prison for a year and a half or so back forty years ago. But, after he came out, you know, he was wealthy, he could have done anything he wanted to and never look back, but he started a group called NNG committed to offenders and he was so passionate about it for the remainder of his days and I got to hear him talk about it and second chances was what he was about too and Paul, bless his soul, the guy that I played, thats what he was aobut, and Sean was about, and I think Sean had to probably convince Paul, but Im just excited to be a part of it, its a great night. 00:16:42 - Sound Bite: Sean Porter No, I didnt have to point anything out to him, hes a professional, hes got a wire, he studied the documentary, so he knew me probably better than I know myself. If you ask me how I act, I couldnt tell you what I do, you know my mannerisms, but he studied it, hes a master of his craft. (Talks) I went out a couple times to the set when they were at the camp and stuff and that was an interesting experience in itself going back to the site and seeing this all happen, and it was good. (Talks) Sure, some of the kids I still talk to, I talked to one of the kids today, one of the kids thats in the film, I talked to him today, so they keep in touch. 00:17:57 - Sound Bite: Sean Porter Ive seen it but its a little, its wild, its very surreal, and the first time I saw it, I saw the screening, its a numbing experience for me, its very personal, and youre sitting there watching it, kind of critiquing a little bit, but not much to be critical about, its good, they did a real good job. 00:18:22 - Sound Bite: Sean Porter Well the movie takes it to the step that I started alone, no, there was a group of people who started it, I was part of that group, and it was just people wanting to make a difference, to take a chance, do something different and make a difference. (Talks) The juvenile justice system in a lot of ways, when they remove kids to put them in camps or ranches or homes, nobody wants to see them, its part of the stealth part of the juvenile justice system where its undercover. So, people dont know it, they dont know what we do, they dont know how we do what we do, and a lot of people unfortunately dont really care, theyre just happy the kids out of their community, but we have to put some effort into it and change the kid before he goes back to the community, because if we dont change them, and he goes back the same then, what have we done? (Talks) In 22 years, Ive seen kids back and forth; Ive seen brothers, and siblings and cousins come back and families, and that tells you that now you have to change the kid, you have to change the home, you have to change the community, you have to change the culture sometimes, the way people think, you know, when you change the way an individual thinks and help him make choices in the future, thats the key, when you teach a parent how to parent differently, give them options, theres hope. Options and choices give you hope, and thats what we try to give the kids. 00:19:55 - Sound Bite: Sean Porter No, this probably wont even sink in until much later. (Talks) Yeah, it is, its um Im not really thinking about it, Im just kind of going with it to tell you the truth. (Talks) You know, the documentary, we didnt do, there wasnt much press with it the first time I saw the documentary I was sitting in my couch in my living room. Lee Stanley did a great job putting it together, got it out there, I saw it in my living room, there wasnt anything like this with it, this is a beast of its own, its neat, its a good experience. My wife will sit here, and shell be able to tell me about it later, what really happened because Im just going to float through here. (Wife: Just enjoy it, enjoy the moment.) Thats what I plan to do tonight. 00:21:38 - Sound Bite: Kevin Dunn People will draw their own, I mean, its but the message is kind of, if you have the right mentors and kids need mentors, I just remember in my life having a few people that kind of save you and take you to the right direction, kind of nudge you in the right direction. (Talks) My perspective remains the same, you know, its tough growing up, Im glad Im not growing up now, and theres something missing in a lot of these kids lives. Fine line that separates the kids that make it from the kids that dont. (Talks) No, my counterpart was kind of in a amalgam of naysayer so I kind of represented the people who didnt think it was going to work, as with the most of the other characters who were actually the real deal, I was several stirred up into a brew. 00:23:45 - Sound Bite: Kevin Dunn He knew it was a very different role for him, but I think he was kind of looking forward to it. To get that opportunity, as actors you always look for an opportunity to show what you can do, and they dont come up a lot, you get put into a space and you feel that space in a movie, youre a cop, a doctor, a nurse. So I think he embraced it and he wasnt nervous, Im real happy for him, and I was happy to work with him, hes first rate 00:24:35 - Sound Bite: XZIBIT I mean this movie, a couple different things to me; I think it speaks for accountability, these guys really over extended themselves and made it possible for these kids to have something to reach out to. I think accountability, and hope and stay in focus and being driven for the right purposes. Saw the documentary, got choked up. 00:26:09 - black guy Talks about his character cant really talk. 00:28:52 - Directors yapping 00:33:00 - Fat black guy Yakking 00:35:00 - B-roll: The Rock 00:37:00 - Bald guy maybe director talks about film. 00:40:00 - B-roll: The Rock 00:42:23 - Bald guy talking about rights to documentary 00:44:05 - Sound Bite: The Rock I sat down with Neil Moritz who said listen, I believe youre my guy heres the script, heres the documentary, before you read the script, all I ask is that watch this documentary, I watched the documentary that night, I was moved man, I laughed, I cried, I got inspired, called my wife crying saying you gotta see this movie, this documentary, I called him up at 2 in the morning and said, Im in, and there were a lot of reasons for that, I understand where these kids come from, Ive always been upfront and honest about my past and I wouldnt change anything; I got arrested numerous amounts of times, could have easily been one of these kids, and fortunately I had somebody in my life like Sean porter who cared. 00:45:01 - Sound Bite: The Rock I did, well first of all I was lucky that Im able to do comedies and action movies but then when you get a script like this, material like this its just an incredible story; first of all, I was grateful, I was like this is fantastic its a fantastic incredible story to tell, not only that but as an actor you look to be challenged, I wanna be challenged, I wanna grow, whether its material like this whether its a bad ass action movie, or a great comedy, either way, I just wanna grow. 00:45:36 - Sound Bite: The Rock Right now what I have coming up is a family comedy with Disney its called the game plan and I play a professional quarterback and my life gets turned upside down when I find out I have a baby girl who calls me daddy. 00:46:00 - Black guy talks about his character Leon. 00:49:01 - Another black guy talks about movie 00:51:00 - B-roll: Theatre, everyone, Rock. 00:53:28 - PD01. HRN-534 In: 00.43.28 Out: 00.43.51 Sound Bite: Neil Moritz We finished the movie probably about six or seven months ago and they were so successful they said lets tie it to the beginning of football season when we can promote it with NFL Foot ball, just you know everybody gets in the mood for football (talks) Yes you will if you turn on your TV this weekend you will see Gridiron Gang everywhere.
- Collection: Historic Films
- Producer:Historic Films
- Transmission Date:01/01/2006
- Rights:On request
- Decade: 2000s
- File Name: FJ-HRN-534