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60-404: Will Packer (born April 11, 1974) is an American film producer who founded Will Packer Productions, and Will Packer Media. Packer has produced or executive produced a wide range of movies that have grossed more than $ 1 billion worldwide at the box office, including 10 films that have opened at number one. He has produced more than 30 features including big-screen hit comedies such as Think Like

120-481: A Man (2012), Ride Along (2014), Think Like a Man Too (2014), The Wedding Ringer (2015), Girls Trip (2017), Night School (2018), What Men Want (2019) and Little (2019). He also produced the 2022 Academy Awards Oscars ceremony which was best known for the moment where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock . Packer is a Limited Partner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons (2024). [1] Packer

180-752: A Man , which grossed over $ 96 million worldwide after being released in April 2012, and Ride Along , which brought in box office receipts totaling nearly $ 150 million as of April 2014. In television, Packer, along with Andrew Young , Martin Luther King III , and Rainforest Films partner Rob Hardy, are co-founders of Bounce TV , a United States television network airing on digital terrestrial television stations. Promoted as "the first 24/7 digital multicast broadcast network created exclusively for African Americans," Bounce TV launched on September 26, 2011, and features programming geared toward blacks and African Americans in

240-474: A Ring On It for OWN, and That Girl Lay Lay for Nickelodeon. Will Packer Media also produces scripted and unscripted podcasts with iHeart Media including Fight Night and The Lower Bottoms . Packer served as the executive producer of the remake of Roots , for which he received an Emmy Award nomination. The company's WP Narrative_ division was a 2018 Webby Award Winner and 10th Annual Shorty Award winner for its work producing video short #TakeAKnee. WP Narrative

300-580: A branded content and digital production company, in partnership with Discovery Communications and Universal Pictures. As part of the launch, the company acquired digital ad firm Narrative_ to serve as the new venture's branded content arm, WP Narrative. In 2018, Will Packer Media acquired women's lifestyle site xoNecole. Will Packer Media produces episodic scripted and unscripted series across television and digital platforms, as well as content for brand clients and short-form digital content for millennial audiences. Current productions include Ready to Love and Put

360-451: A company that also deals with film distribution. Also, the cast and film crew often work at different times and places, and certain films even require a second unit . Even after shooting for a film is complete, the producers can still demand that additional scenes be filmed. In the case of a negative test screening , producers may even demand an alternative film ending. For example, when the audience reacted negatively to Rambo 's death in

420-497: A deal with Sony to produce and distribute urban films including Trois ' s sequel, Trois: The Escort , and Motives . The film Lockdown , released on home video under this Rainforest-Sony collaboration. In 2005, Rainforest Films released The Gospel . At this time, Packer started using the shortened moniker "Will Packer". Packer and Hardy wanted Rainforest's films to include established actors and actresses as well as those who are up and coming. 2007's This Christmas ,

480-472: A double-or-nothing battle. DJ accepts to Duron's dismay, knowing they risk violent retaliation from the opposing crew. The Goon Squad wins the second battle and the Thug Unit responds by ambushing DJ and his crewmates as they are walking home. A fight breaks out, and Sphere starts beating up DJ. Duron pushes him away and starts fighting him. Sphere pulls out a gun and fatally shoots Duron, devastating DJ. After DJ

540-467: A film about a middle-class family that reunites at Christmas time for the first time in many years, stars veteran actresses Loretta Devine and Regina King as well as R&B superstar Chris Brown in his feature film debut. Packer produced five #1 films with Rainforest, Stomp the Yard , Obsessed , Takers , Think like a Man and Ride Along . His biggest hits with Rainforest have been Think like

600-411: A major show on a major television network (ABC) and was televised in more than 200 territories worldwide. The 94th Oscars was the highest-rated entertainment special in primetime on any network in two years in both total viewers (16.6 million) and adults 18-49 (3.8/28). Kelly Lawler of USA Today wrote of the ceremony, "It was equal parts boring and terrifying, cringe-worthy and interminable." The show

660-550: A multi-segment film or television production. A field producer helps the producer by overseeing all of the production outside the studio in specific film locations. Considered executive employees in regard to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 in the United States, producers represent the management team of production and are charged by the studios to enforce the provisions of the union contracts negotiated by

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720-471: A national high school stepping competition in conjunction with the release of the film. The winning team was from North Stafford High School in the suburb of Stafford , Virginia . Rainforest Films announced a Stomp the Yard sequel, called Stomp the Yard: Homecoming . The studio signed on studio partner Rob Hardy to direct. Columbus Short, who starred in the original Sony Screen Gems release, makes

780-499: A top-producing school is one of the most efficient ways a student can gain industry credibility. While education is one way to begin a career as a film producer, experience is also usually required to land a job. Internships are a way to gain experience while in school and give students a foundation to build a career. Many internships are paid, which enables students to earn money while gaining hands-on skills from industry professionals. Through internships, students can network within

840-523: A winner. Unknown to DJ and the Thetas, the Gammas had recorded DJ practicing his moves prior to the competition. Going first, Grant uses some of DJ’s moves from the videotape. After he finishes, DJ matches Grant move for move, then finishes with Duron's signature move, something the Gammas didn't get on tape. The Thetas finally defeat the Gammas. April goes on stage to hug and kiss DJ. While celebrating their victory, DJ

900-484: Is April's father, calls in DJ to his office. He says he is willing to lift his suspension on the condition that DJ stays away from April. DJ declines the ultimatum and walks away. DJ then tells Nate and Jackie about the suspension. They then reveal that Jackie dated Dr. Palmer, a Gamma, until she met Nate and there has been animosity between Nate and Palmer ever since. Jackie confronts Palmer about DJ's suspension and Palmer claims he

960-423: Is a person who oversees film production . Either employed by a production company or working independently , producers plan and coordinate various aspects of film production, such as selecting the script , coordinating writing, directing, editing, and arranging financing. The producer is responsible for finding and selecting promising material for development. Unless the film is based on an existing script,

1020-456: Is arrested and convicted of assault, his mother (wanting him to avoid prison) sends him to live with his aunt Jackie and uncle Nate in Atlanta , Georgia, where he is to attend the historically black Truth University. Nate, the physical plant director at Truth, aims to teach DJ responsibility and puts him to work doing maintenance as part of a work-study program. DJ sees April Palmer, to whom he

1080-437: Is becoming more and more common to split this role into two for creative projects. These are the executive producer and the showrunner. A showrunner, in this context, is the most senior creative, working on writing and producing their vision; they are effectively the same as the producer; overseeing, arranging, managing, and beginning every aspect of production. Whereas the executive producer focuses more on budgeting and predicting

1140-419: Is her favorite color. She grows closer to DJ and they eventually become a couple. While at practice, DJ, Rich, Noel and other new members realize the step dance moves are old fashioned and aren't good enough to win the stepping competition. They decide to take the time to learn fresher moves. Sly then gathers his older members and challenges DJ and the rest to an old school vs. new school stepping contest. DJ blows

1200-544: Is immediately attracted. After registration, he moves into his dorm room, where he meets his new roommate Rich Brown. Rich meets with DJ at a stepping competition on the green between the Truth chapters of rival fraternities Theta Nu Theta and Mu Gamma Xi. The Mu Gamma Xi crew, seven-time national stepping champions, easily steals the show until DJ runs right through their step line in an attempt to speak to April. April rebuffs DJ's romantic attempts and returns to her boyfriend Grant,

1260-417: Is only protecting April, who then confronts her father about the situation, having been listening from outside the door. Dr. Palmer reinstates DJ, deciding that he would rather deal with DJ in April's life than to lose April in his. DJ rejoins the Thetas to compete alongside them against the Gammas in the stepping competition. Both teams are tied at the end and it is brought into sudden death rules to determine

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1320-623: Is still wearing Duron's gloves, and he kisses his fist and throws it in the air in honor of his brother. The Thetas have their picture taken, and it is displayed in Heritage Hall. A soundtrack containing hip hop music was released on April 24, 2007 by Artists' Addiction Records. It peaked at 20 on the Top Soundtracks . "Hall Of Fame" written by Jason Horns & performed by Tha J-Squad Published by Tha J Squad Beat Mastaz (ASCAP) Courtesy of Tha J Squad Beat Mastaz Productionz A boycott of

1380-635: The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) with the below-the-line employees. Founded in 1924 by the U.S. Trade Association as the Association of Motion Picture Producers, the AMPTP was initially responsible for negotiating labor contracts. Still, during the mid-1930s, it took over all contract negotiation responsibilities previously controlled by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences . Today,

1440-570: The MAK Historic District of Decatur , Georgia. Elsewhere Short, Alonso and Brown had also starred together in the film This Christmas . DJ Williams is a young man in inner-city Los Angeles . He and his younger brother Duron compete in local dance competitions as members of a crew known as the "Goon Squad". At the end of an intense dance battle, the Goon Squad wins a cash-prize. Sphere, the leader of rival crew The Thug Unit, goes all in for

1500-451: The 25–54 age range. In June 2014, Packer and Hardy dissolved Rainforest Films. The pair were included in a lawsuit brought by former business partner Bernard Bronner in late June 2014. In 2013, Packer launched Will Packer Productions. In July 2013, he signed a two-year deal with Universal Television to develop new projects for the studio. Later that year, he signed a three-year deal with Universal Pictures . Packer-produced films under

1560-465: The AMPTP has been responsible for negotiating these union agreements and is now considered the official contract negotiation representative for everyone within the film and television industry. While individual producers are responsible for negotiating deals with the studios distributing their films, the Producers Guild of America offers guidance to protect and promote the interests of producers and

1620-636: The AMPTP negotiates with various industry associations when dealing with union contracts, including the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the Directors Guild of America (DGA), and the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). In 2012, the AMPTP negotiated over eighty industry-wide union agreements on behalf of 350 studios and independent production companies. Since 1982,

1680-591: The Fraternity's 103rd Anniversary Convention held in New Orleans in 2009. The film opened at number-one with a first-weekend gross of $ 22 million, becoming the first film in three weekends to beat out Night at the Museum at the box office. Stomp the Yard , produced on a budget of $ 13 million, eventually went on to gross $ 61 million in the United States and $ 75 million worldwide. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes ,

1740-634: The Meritorious Achievement Award from Florida A&M, the highest honor the university bestows. It was at FAMU that he started filmmaking with colleague and future business partner Rob Hardy while participating in an internship with veteran producer Warrington Hudlin . In 1994, Packer and Hardy produced their first film, Chocolate City , for $ 20,000 and Packer helped broker a small distribution deal with Blockbuster video . After graduating, Packer and Hardy moved to Atlanta, Georgia and co-founded Rainforest Films . Packer produced and oversaw

1800-489: The Theta Nu Theta chapter's leader Sylvester. After learning that April is a student history tutor, DJ signs himself up for tutoring so that he can spend time with her. The two slowly begin a friendship and DJ takes April out to dinner. During their date, April discusses the importance of black fraternities and sororities with DJ, and tells him to visit Heritage Hall on the campus' Greek Row. The next day, DJ learns about

1860-631: The Will Packer Productions banner include #1 box office openers Ride Along 2 , No Good Deed and Think Like a Man Too along with The Wedding Ringer and Girls Trip . Girls Trip was the highest grossing live action comedy of 2017 and the first film written, directed, produced, and starring African-Americans to gross over $ 100 million. The film went on to gross $ 140 million on a $ 19 million budget. Packer also served as executive producer on NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton and on 2016 television mini-series Roots . He has produced

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1920-651: The artist management firm for Lil' Wayne and his YMCMB label from 2007 to 2014). The Packer family is made up of Packer’s son Dominique, and two daughters, Maya and Nija, from his previous relationship and Zion with Heather Hayslett. They were divorced in February 2009. Packer proposed to his fiancé Heather Hayslett live on stage at the 2013 Essence Music Festival . They were married in August 2015 in Georgia. Producer Executive producer Film producer A film producer

1980-557: The average annual salary for a producer in the U.S. is listed as $ 70,180 per year, with an estimated range from $ 43,000 to $ 150,000. When examining more than 15,000 producers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the average annual salary is $ 138,640. Producers can also have an agreement to take a percentage of a movie's sales. There is no average workday for film producers since their tasks change from day to day. A producer's work hours are often irregular and can consist of long days with

2040-549: The co-leader of the Gammas. That night, DJ, Rich, and their friends Byron, Paul and East go out to a local club called the Phoenix for the "Rep Your City" event. Hoping to impress April and upstage Grant and the Gammas (all of whom are also in attendance), DJ takes to the floor. Despite the animosity between DJ and Grant, the Gammas recognize his skills as a dancer and their chapter president Zeke invites him to pledge for Mu Gamma Xi. DJ turns down both Zeke's offer as well as an offer from

2100-749: The comedies Night School (2018), starring Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish , What Men Want (2019), starring Taraji P. Henson, and Little (2019), starring Marsai Martin and Regina Hall, The Photograph (2020) , starring Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield, and Beast (2022), starring Idris Elba.  Packer has been included in several high-profile lists, including The Hollywood Reporter 's "40(ish) Most Powerful People in Comedy" , GIANT magazine's "The GIANT 100", Jet magazine's "Who's Hot To Watch in 2008" and Black Enterprise ' s "Most Powerful Players Under 40." In 2017, Packer launched Will Packer Media,

2160-438: The company's studio-financed and self-financed films and distribution projects. Packer and Hardy's vision was to make films that would appeal to black audiences who hadn't seen genre films starring people like themselves. In 2000, Trois , Rainforest Film's first movie to be released theatrically, grossed over $ 1.2 million and became the fastest million-dollar grossing film independently distributed by African Americans. Trois

2220-455: The contest due to his showboating. They remind DJ, much like Duron did, that it is about the team and not about him. DJ apologizes to the entire fraternity and is quickly forgiven. Sly also requests that DJ show the team some of his street moves. A few days before the competition, Grant stumbles upon DJ's file and discovers his assault record and presents it to the board. The board suspends DJ for not disclosing his criminal record. Dr. Palmer, who

2280-428: The creative process of screenplay development and often aids in script rewrites. They can also fulfill the executive producer's role of overseeing other producers. Within the production process, a producer can oversee, arrange, manage, and begin every aspect of production. They are typically involved in every stage of the overall production process. A co-producer is a member of a team of producers that perform all of

2340-426: The entire project remains on track. They are also usually in charge of managing the film's finances and all other business aspects. On a television series an executive producer is often a writer and given credit in a creative capacity. In a feature film or movie, the executive producer is often the person directly funding the project or is directly responsible for bringing in investors for funding. In television, it

2400-436: The film holds an approval rating of 27% based on 90 reviews, with an average rating of 4.6/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "While Stomp the Yard contains impressive musical and dance numbers, it loses its momentum during the intervening soap opera-style subplots." On Metacritic , the film has a weighted average score of 44 out of 100, based on 24 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Sony Pictures held

2460-458: The film industry, which is an important way to make necessary industry connections. Once an internship is over, the next step will typically be to land a junior position, such as a production assistant . Pay can vary based on the producer's role and the filming location. In the United States, the salary can start between $ 20,000 and $ 70,000, even doubling when working in Los Angeles. As of 2022,

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2520-454: The film is to be based on an original script, the producer must find an appropriate screenwriter . If an existing script is considered flawed, the producer can order a new version or decide to hire a script doctor . The producer also gives final approval when hiring the film director , cast members, and other staff. In some cases, producers also have the last word when it comes to casting questions. A producer will also approve locations,

2580-427: The film was threatened by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and supported by Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, due to a conflict between the organizations and Stomp the Yard producers Will Packer and Rob Hardy (both members of Alpha Phi Alpha) over the unauthorized use of some of Alpha Phi Alpha's trademarks in the film. The groups ended their threat when Sony Pictures and Screen Gems agreed to the removal of all references to

2640-400: The film, as well as other key crew members. Whereas the director makes the creative decisions during the production, the producer typically manages logistics and business operations, though some directors also produce their own films. The producer must ensure the film is delivered on time and within budget, and in the later stages before release, will oversee the marketing and distribution of

2700-409: The film. Producers cannot always supervise all of the production. In this case, the primary producer or executive producer may hire and delegate work to associate producers, assistant producers, line producers , or unit production managers . During this stage of the production process, producers bring together people like the film director , cinematographer , and production designer . Unless

2760-537: The fraternity from the film. Sony and Screen Gems made a decision for a donation to The Washington D. C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation , a project of Alpha Phi Alpha. The disputed scenes of Alpha Phi Alpha steppers which were deleted from the final release print appear in both versions of the Stomp the Yard movie trailer . Despite the controversy, the filmmakers were honored by Alpha Phi Alpha at

2820-461: The functions and roles that a single producer would in a given project. A coordinating producer coordinates the work/role of multiple producers trying to achieve a shared result. The associate or assistant producer helps the producer during the production process. They can sometimes be involved in coordinating others' jobs, such as creating peoples' schedules and hiring the main talent. A segment producer produces one or more specific segments of

2880-661: The industry attempted to recover lost time due to the COVID-19 pandemic . The unions supporting the report make up over 20 million television, film, and arts workers worldwide. Many producers begin in a college, university, or film school . Film schools and many universities offer courses covering film production knowledge, with some courses specially designed for future film producers. These courses focus on key topics like pitching, script development , script assessment, shooting schedule design, and budgeting. Students can also expect practical training on post-production. Training at

2940-577: The possibility of working nights and weekends. Stomp the Yard The film stars Columbus Short , Meagan Good , Darrin Henson , Brian White , Laz Alonso , and Valarie Pettiford , with Harry Lennix , and, in their film debuts, R&B singers Ne-Yo & Chris Brown . Stomp the Yard was filmed in Atlanta , Georgia , on the campuses of Morris Brown College , Georgia Institute of Technology , Morehouse College , and Clark Atlanta University , and in

3000-407: The producer hires a screenwriter and oversees the script's development . These activities culminate with the pitch , led by the producer, to secure the financial backing that enables production to begin. If all succeeds, the project is " greenlit ". The producer supervises the pre-production , principal photography and post-production stages of filmmaking . A producer hires a director for

3060-496: The production team in film, television, and new media, offering the framework to provide health insurance and pension benefits, and assists in establishing safe working conditions and vetting the validity of screen credits. In December 2021, global unions filed a report titled Demanding Dignity Behind the Scenes to attempt to end the "long hours culture" of the television and film industry, citing in part that abuses increased in 2021 as

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3120-576: The show saying, "And the reason they didn't go and take him out is because that would have been another 15-, 20-minute explanation of why we're taking the Black man out five seconds before they're about to decide whether he's won an Oscar or not." Packer is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (inducted into the Beta Nu Chapter at FAMU). Packer married his first wife Nina Packer (general manager of Bryant Management and Dir. Of Operations for Blueprint Group,

3180-526: The significant number of African-American historical figures and celebrities who were members of various Greek-letter organizations, and decides to pledge for the Theta chapter along with Rich and their friend Noel. After "crossing over" to become official Theta members, DJ, Rich, and Noel join the Thetas' step crew. While having dinner, April breaks up with Grant due to his arrogant and selfish behavior and his failure to know anything about her, particularly that green

3240-558: The studio hire, the final shooting script , the production schedule , and the budget. Spending more time and money in pre-production can reduce budget waste and delays during the production stage. During production, the producer's job is to ensure the film remains on schedule and under budget. To this end, they must remain in constant contact with directors and other key creative team members. Producers cannot always personally supervise all parts of their production but will instead delegate tasks as needed. For example, some producers run

3300-400: The test screening of the film First Blood , the producers requested a new ending be filmed. Producers also oversee the film's sales, marketing, and distribution rights, often working with third-party specialist firms. Different types of producers and their roles within the industry today include: An executive producer oversees all other producers under a specific project and ensures that

3360-527: The views of the higher authorities in the wider company; trying to ground the showrunner's vision to tangible limits. A co-executive producer is someone whose input is considered as valuable as that of the executive producer, despite having a junior or unofficial role. A line producer manages the staff and the day-to-day operations and oversees each physical aspect involved in making a film or television program. The line producer can be credited as "produced by" in certain cases. A supervising producer supervises

3420-552: Was also honored for its #BackedByAxe campaign created for Showtime's Billions , winning at the Clio Entertainment awards, 10th Annual Shorty Awards and 2018 D&AD Awards. Central Ave , an entertainment magazine series, debuted November 4, 2019 on Fox television stations. Packer was named the Producer of the 94th Annual Academy Awards which aired on March 27, 2022. This marked his first "live" television production credit for

3480-517: Was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida . He graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1991 and began attending Florida A&M University that fall. In 1996, Packer graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering . On October 29, 2021, FAMU personally honored Packer by renaming its amphitheater the Will Packer Amphitheater. Packer also received

3540-497: Was in the Top 50 Highest Grossing Independent Films of the year, according to Daily Variety , and Rainforest Films was at #34 on the list of Top 100 Film Distributors of 2000 listed by The Hollywood Reporter in August 2001. Due to the success of their first film, Packer and Hardy were listed among the "New Establishment" of Black power brokers in Hollywood. In 2001, Packer helped broker

3600-522: Was overshadowed by Will Smith walking on stage and slapping host Chris Rock after he made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith 's, hair. Packer immediately tweeted, "Welp… I said it wouldn’t be boring", before deleting the tweet after criticism that he was being smug. He later tweeted that it was "a very painful moment for me". Variety reported that Packer "was the key to Smith remaining in his seat". Academy Board of Governors member Whoopi Goldberg defended Packer's decision to carry on with

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