kathy sledge presents we are family program

Kathy Sledge Presents
we are family program
419 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003 (212) 360-0399 (Main) (212) 994-1001 (F) www.wearefamily.com
1.0 - about we are family song
Families are the heart of America. They keep her vibrant, prosperous and serve as the catalyst to her
success. In 1979 Americas heart beat across the oceans, touching millions of lives in the form of the
timeless hit single, “We Are Family”. This infectious tune written by songwriters Bernard Edwards
and Nile Rogers about the Sister Sledge family, was lead by the undeniable vocalist, Kathy Sledge. This
dynamic writing duo knew in their hearts that Kathy Sledge and her sisters were the right artists to
develop the We Are Family song around and help catapult a successful brand name which could never
be measured.
Eventually, the label released the track as a single from the album of the same name. It began to quickly
gain club and radio play. “We Are Family” went multi-platinum and became the number one worldwide
hit. Along with the track, “He’s the Greatest Dancer” (lead by Kathy Sledge), “We Are Family” reached
number one on the charts in 1979. It was also the theme song for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who won
baseball’s World Series that same year, and was featured in the 1996 film The Birdcage, starring Robin
Williams and Nathan Lane, Mission Impossible, and a host of other major films.
In addition to Kathy and her family being invited to perform the “We Are Family” song at the White
House during Clinton’s administration, it was also adopted during the 2004 Democratic National
Convention in Boston and most recently at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.
“We Are Family” was re-released in 1993 in remix form in the UK, where the original had peaked
at number seven on the singles chart. Titled the “Sure Is Pure Remix Edit”, the single surpassed the
success of the original, reaching number five in the UK and remains their third biggest hit to date in
that country (after Sister Sledge’s hits, “Frankie” and the 1984 remix of “Lost in Music”).
“We Are Family” is also featured on DANCE! Online, a multi player online casual rhythm game, and the
karaoke game Karaoke Revolution Volume 2. During the 1980s and 1990s, The Disney Channel featured
the song in a D-TV music video set entirely to clips from the cartoon short Casey Bats Again.
419 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003 (212) 360-0399 (Main) (212) 994-1001 (F) www.wearefamily.com
2.0 - about Kathy Sledge presents we are family TV series
Everybody knows the song, “We Are Family”. In fact, it’s hard to even think about the phrase without
hearing the catchy chorus and melody in your mind. The “We Are Family” TV series will go beyond
this catchy chorus to imbue the phrase with a spectrum of raw emotion that everyone can relate to
when they think of their own family.
The driving force of the series will be Kathy Sledge’s passion to bring her estranged sisters back
together again and bring back the Sister Sledge legacy that has been embodied with family values, love,
commitment, trust, and music. We follow Kathy on her journey to re-unite with her sisters and in the
process meet her talented family, charismatic band members, and others in her tight circle.
In addition to tapping into a very human story of reaching out to long lost loved ones, We Are Family
also gives viewers access to raw conversations musicians have before they get on the stage and after
they get off the stage. It’s like having the most interesting guests in your home telling one captivating
story after another. Viewers are also introduced to the future Sledge talents as they uphold their
legacy and forge their own identities. Through We Are Family, the heart of America beats on!
Sister Sledge Family Legacy (26):
Kathy Lightfoot Sledge (4) Joni Sledge (3)
Philip Lightfoot Sr. (Husband)
Thadeus White Sr. (Ex-Husband)
Philip (Testimony) Lightfoot Jr. (Son)
Thadeus White Jr. (Son)
Kristen Gabrielle (Sledge) Lightfoot (Daughter)
Kim Allen Sledge (5)
Debbie DeBruine Sledge (9)
Mark Allen Sr. (Husband)
Jerone DeBruine (2nd Husband)
Mark Allen Jr. (Son)
Bernard Young Sr. (1st Husband)
Laura (Bella) (Sledge) Allen (Daughter) Amber Nori (Sledge) Young (Daughter)
Julie (Jules) (Sledge) Allen (Daughter)
Camille (Sledge) Young (Daughter)
Bernard Young Jr. (Son)
Carol Blackmon Sledge (5)
Stephan Young (Son)
Authur (Sonny) Blackmon (2nd Husband)
Carl Young (Son)
Lawrence Jahmal Jenkins (Son)
David Young (Son)
Ameer Blackmon (Son)
Kahry Blackmon (Son)
419 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003 (212) 360-0399 (Main) (212) 994-1001 (F) www.wearefamily.com
3.0 - about Kathy Sledge presents we are family PROGRAM
Kathy Sledge Presents We Are Family, a new reality program that permeates other shows organically
as Kathy interacts with her family and tight circle. Through We Are Family program, viewers gain some
behind the scenes access into other spun-off programs such as:
1. Kathy Sledge & Somebody Tell Joe Band (www.kathysledge.com)
Travel along with the Somebody Tell Joe Band as they educate, inspire, and give you backstage access
into life on tour with Kathy Sledge:
Mike Kwas - Music Director/Keyboards
Mark Walsh - Guitar
Derrick Graves - Bass
Philip Lightfoot Sr. - Drums
David Watson - Saxaphone
Darryl Dixon - Trumpet
Freddie Hendrix - Trumpet
Joe Johnson Jr. - Percussions
Audra Lomax, Su Wingate, and Kristen Gabrielle Sledge (Background Vocals)
Theo London - Tour Manager
2. Jes’ us in the Coffee House (www.testimonytheartist.com)
Does your family have a Testimony? Or as the Sledge family and friends call him Phil, a 26 year old
spoken word artist who uses his anointed gift to spread God’s biblical teachings. As the oldest sibling
of Philip Lightfoot Sr. and Kathy Sledge, viewers get glimpses into his life as he shares his passion for
developing a spiritual platform and stage for other young spoken word artists like him. Come along
as we witness Jes’ us in the Coffee House.
3. Epiphany - The Daughters of Sister Sledge
Introducing EPIPHANY: Camille, Gabrielle, Laura and Jules, the beautiful, talented and blessed daughters
of Sister Sledge. It’s as if time has stood still. Epiphany exudes melodious harmony, natural beauty and
elegant appeal. With a rich sound of their own, Epiphany is here to continue their family legacy.
4. In The Studio With Carvin Haggins
In The Studio With Carvin Haggins, a no-gimmick writer, producer and engineer who’s become an
influential force in RnB music. An undoubtedly talented producer with writing skills that go above and
beyond the norm, Carvin blends silky soulful compositions while drawing from personal experiences,
resulting in an invigorating dose of reality delivered brilliantly through his music.
419 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003 (212) 360-0399 (Main) (212) 994-1001 (F) www.wearefamily.com
5. Amber’s Kitchen
Welcome to Amber’s Kitchen, a new reality cooking show hosted by Amber Nori (Sledge) Young,
daughter of Debbie Sledge. A Black American Princess (BAP) with a hilarious personality character
sort of like a cross between Wendy Williams and Paris Hilton. The beauty and charisma of her mom,
but the unique gift of cooking like no other. From writing a family cook book, to lifeline recipe culinary
advice from family members, to entertaining surprise celebrity guests, this show will make you laugh
and hopefully fill your stomach.
6. First of the Fall: Gourmet & Wine Tasting Event
Nothing brings a family show together better than a Gourmet & Wine Tasting event to bring in the fall
season. “First of the Fall” is a private event in Newtown, PA in its 8th year presented by Kathy Sledge
during the first weekend in October filled with hayrides, a Gourmet Chef, delicious recipes from Cake
Love and Hershey’s Chocolate Cook Book. Try a recipe for a lemon shrimp scampi or grilled peaches.
Throw in celebrity guests, Sofistafunk Skirt & Dessert Girls, a few family skits, the Somebody Tell Joe
Band, and a Testimony and you have the legacy of the Sledge family under one roof.
7. The Family Room
The Family Room hosted by the Sledge Family is a reality program that follows “A Day In The Life
of...” celebrities, politicians, sports figures, and artists such as Will & Jada Pinkett-Smith, Al Sharpton,
Donovan McNabb, Alicia Keys, and Smokey Robinson to name a few. With in-depth interviews with
some of today’s most interesting influencers, The Family Room takes us into their homes and welcomes
the questions that viewers really want to know.
8. Kathy Sledge Presents The Manage Advantage
Kathy Sledge Presents The Manage Advantage, a viewer interactive show where the world gets to
manage the next generation of top tier talent. It’s the first artist development show created for the
people to vote and choose the group’s name (i.e. Spiked Heels or Made In Harlem), a producer, a stylist,
a photographer, a management team, and ultimately the hit song.
Come along as Host, Malcolm Jamal-Warner and choreographer Sisqo of Dru Hill takes The Manage
Advantage for an all access pass into the lives of up and coming artists to learn the ins and outs of
artist development and what it takes to build a successful brand.
419 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003 (212) 360-0399 (Main) (212) 994-1001 (F) www.wearefamily.com
4.0 - about Kathy Sledge presents we are family PROGRAM
pilot production schedule
Kathy Sledge Presents We Are Family TV Series Shoot Dates:
1. Kathy Sledge & Somebody Tell Joe Band (12 day shoot)
Tour starts August 2nd through 29th, 2009 according to the following schedule:
• August 2nd - Chicago, IL (filmed)
• August 13th - Las Vegas
• August 21st - London (filmed)
• August 23rd - Henley (filmed)
• August 26th - Ipswich
• August 27th - Brighton
• August 29th - Italy
• January 10, 2010 - Bayside, NY
• March 2010 - UK Dates TBA
2. In The Studio With Carvin Haggins (1 day shoot)
• Kathy Sledge and Epiphany Studio Session: September 8th, 2009 - Philadelphia, PA
• DOLITA Casting Shoot w/ Camille: September 11th, 2009
3. Jes’ us in the Coffee House (1 day shoot)
• Testimony featuring TWA at the Coffee House (Sharon Baptist Church): September 11th, 2009
- Newtown, PA
4. Kathy Sledge Presents The Manage Advantage (2 day shoot)
• Sofistafunk Skirt & Dessert Party Promotion w/ Spiked Heels: September 10th, 2009
• Sisqo introduction to Spiked Heels: September 17th (Thursday) - Phildelphia, PA
5. First of the Fall, Amber’s Kitchen, The Family Room (3 day shoot)
• October 2nd - 4th, 2009 - Newtown, PA
6. Sledge Family Thanksgiving (1 day shoot)
• The Sledge Family Thanksgiving: November 26th, 2009 - Newtown, PA
419 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003 (212) 360-0399 (Main) (212) 994-1001 (F) www.wearefamily.com
4.1 - about Kathy Sledge presents we are family PROGRAM
Pilot production logistics
Company:
Fly Wheel Music Group
P.O. Box 241
Newtown, PA 18940
www.flywheelmusicgroup.com
Contact: Kathy Sledge
PaintBox Laboratories, LLC
419 Lafayette Street, 2nd Fl., New York, NY 10003
212.360.0399 (B) 917.273.7734 (Mobile)
www.paintboxlabs.com
Contact: Chris Surrey
WAF Production Team:
Kathy Sledge - Executive Producer
Chris Surrey - Co-Executive Producer/Director
Amber Noir (Sledge) Young (Amber’s Kitchen), Kristen Gabrielle (Sledge) Lightfoot (Epiphany and
Spiked Heels), Testimony (Jes’ us in the Coffee House), Carvin Haggins (In The Studio with Carvin
Haggins) - Co-Producers
Theo London - Associate Producer (Somebody Tell Joe Band, Jes’ us in the Coffee House)
PBL Team:
Edward J. Harris Jr. - Co-Director
Paulio Shakespeare - Director of Photography
Patrick Mauler, Daniel Rodriguez - Assistant DP
Colin Fredericson - Sound Engineer
Donovan Thompson, Kevin Lawrence, Bobby Sansivero - Videographers
Donovan Thompson, Kevin Lawrence, Daniel Rodriguez - Editors
Andy Ly - Writer/Strategist
Mallie Mickens - Interactive Creative Director (www.pixod.com)
LaVern Whitt - Journey Entertainment, LLC
Website:
www.wearefamily.com
Contact E-Mail:
[email protected]
419 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003 (212) 360-0399 (Main) (212) 994-1001 (F) www.wearefamily.com
5.0 - LOCATION AGREEMENT
The following will serve to confirm the agreement between (“Company”) and you as follows:
1.You hereby grant to Company, its producers, artists, employees and directors the privilege to enter
and use the premises known as ______________________________, and located at ________
__________________________, (“Premises”) for the purpose of producing a videotape or film
(“Shooting”) on the following dates:___________________.
2.. Company shall maintain in full force and effect, at its own expense, during the period of this
agreement, a comprehensive policy of liability insurance. Said policy shall insure and protect Company
and you against any and all claims, liability or litigation arising out of or directly connected with the
Shooting on the Premises. Company shall have in effect coverage for Company employees against
workers compensation claims, as required by law, in the statutory amount.
3. This agreement is subject to immediate termination by you or Company in the event of riots,
strikes, acts of God, or any other legitimate conditions outside your or Company’s control rendering
use of the Premises dangerous or impossible. If possible, should the above termination be required,
the production of the Shooting may be rescheduled under the same terms and conditions as stated
herein. In no event shall (a) you be liable for any damages to Company for such cancellation; or (b)
Company be liable for any damages to you for such cancellation. Company and its licensees shall have
the perpetual right to use all footage of the Premises for any purpose and in any media.
The undersigned represent and warrant that they have full authority to execute this agreement.
AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
Signature: ___________________________________
Title: ______________________________________
419 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003 (212) 360-0399 (Main) (212) 994-1001 (F) www.wearefamily.com
6.0 - AUTHORIZATION TO REPRODUCE PHYSICAL LIKENESS
For good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which from We Are Family TV, Fly Wheel Music
Group, Project54Tour, PaintBox Laboratories, LLC, 1L1W (production company) is acknowledged,
I hereby expressly grant to said production company and to its employees, agents, and assigns, the
right to photograph me and use my picture, silhouette, biography and other facsimiles of my physical
likeness (as they may appear in any still camera photograph and/or motion picture film or videotape,
in and in connection with the exhibition, theatrically, on television or otherwise, of any motion
pictures or videotape in which the same may be used or incorporated, and also in the advertising,
exploiting and/or publicizing of any such motion picture or videotape, in perpetuity, throughout the
world but not limited to television or theatrical motion pictures and may be released in any other
or future media.
I further give the said company the right to reproduce in any manner whatsoever any recordation made
by said company of my voice and all instrumental, musical, or other sound effects produced by me.
I hereby waive any right to inspect the finished work or approve the use to which it may be applied.
I hereby certify and represent that I have read the foregoing and fully understand the meaning and effect
thereof and, intending to be legally bound, I have set my hand this __________________, 2009.
Name (please print): ___________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code: ___________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________
AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
Signature: ___________________________________
Authorized Representation of Interviewee
Signature: ___________________________________
Authorized Representative of Interviewee
Date: _________________
419 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003 (212) 360-0399 (Main) (212) 994-1001 (F) www.wearefamily.com