Sample This tells the story of Michael Viner’s Incredible Bongo Band and how, despite creating an incredible album, it went nowhere until it was discovered and sampled by DJ Herc in 1973.
The film is set for a day-and-date release in theaters and VOD September 13th, 2013. Hit the break for the full release.
Los Angeles, CA (August 13, 2013) — GoDigital, Inc. has announced today that they have acquired theatrical and VOD rights to the music documentary SAMPLE THIS, written and directed by Dan Forrer. The film, narrated by Gene Simmons of KISS, tells the untold story of Michael Viner’s Incredible Bongo Band and how one track in particular started a musical revolution back in the 1970’s. SAMPLE THIS was produced by Bob Burris for Propinquity Films, and also features Ahmir Khalib Thompson (aka Questlove), King Errisson, Jerry Butler, Freda Payne, Grandmaster Caz, Melle Mel, Roosevelt Grier, and Afrika Bambaataa. The film, which premiered at the 2012 Austin Film Festival and recently screened at the British Film Institute in a special program, is slated for a day-and-date release on theatrical and VOD on September 13, 2013.
SAMPLE THIS is the true story of how unknown music producer Michael Viner brought together the greatest studio musicians of the 1970’s to create an album that ultimately went nowhere… until the summer of 1973, when DJ Herc took the percussion breaks from that obscure album and extended them by playing them back to back. His beats became an anthem on the streets of the Bronx and ultimately the genre of Hip Hop, becoming one of the most sampled tracks in history and used by artists from Will Smith and Missy Elliot to Amy Winehouse and Jay-Z.
Noor Ahmed of Reder & Feig, LLP negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.
“This film is bound by a wide range of intriguing musical ties between previously divided modern and historical events and icons,” said GoDigital’s head of marketing Kailey Peterson.
“It’s a value to followers of any genre of music, film and cultural curiosity, and we’re thrilled to be sharing it with audiences everywhere.”“A piece of music grabbed a hold of me when I was twelve years old and it never let go,” explains Forrer. “When I learned the incredible story behind what turned out to be an important part of musical history, I was inspired to make this film. After a four year long journey, I’m ecstatic to be partnering with the inspired team at GoDigital to bring this unlikely story to life.”
