What's going on with the Blondie Florence Ballard movie?

smark21 · 04-03-2011, 01:40 PM

The production company announced on their Facebook page there will be casting announcements on Monday. Meanwhile, the picture of Faith Evans, who was supposed to play Flo, has been removed from the Facebook page and she is no longer listed [[in fact no actors are listed) on the imdb page for the project.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1773312/

**carlo** · 04-04-2011, 09:13 PM

Jurnee Smollett will be playing Flo:

Adrien Brody will be playing Peter Benjaminson

Kandi Burruss will be playing Maxine, Flo's sister:

More to come...

**Motown_M_1056** · 04-04-2011, 10:28 PM

MM HMM. PITIFUL. It's gone from being a first class film to A LOW BUDGET melodrama with HAS BEENS AND NEVER WASES. I told you Faith Evans would not portray Florence Ballard.

**carlo** · 04-04-2011, 10:55 PM

Adrien Brody is a big name actor. He's done some amazing movies. It looks like a good cast to me.

**Motown_M_1056** · 04-04-2011, 10:59 PM

Adrien Brody won an Oscar BUT has done one mediocre film after another ever since. I like Jurnee Smollet though, but she too as struggled to find good films. The cast is not A list.

**carlo** · 04-04-2011, 11:40 PM

I guess it's just the optimist in me...I think there's some great potential here. This is an independent film, so of course it won't have A list actors/actresses...but they're still big names and have lot's of talent. I don't know if this movie will ever come to fruition, but I would love to see that happen. It's important to have Flo's story told.

**rod_rick** · 04-05-2011, 12:10 AM

And Faith Evans was A list. At least they have real actors now, nothing against Faith, but she's a singer not an actress and she's had too much negative pub lately.

smark21 · 04-05-2011, 07:47 AM

This is a low budget movie, it was never going to be A List. Faith Evans was too old for the part anyway and she's a has-been and I think she has some legal problems as well.

**marv2** · 04-05-2011, 08:42 AM

Jurnee Smollett is VERY nice looking. hmmm.........

**Roberta75** · 04-05-2011, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by smark21

This is a low budget movie, it was never going to be A List. Faith Evans was too old for the part anyway and she's a has-been and I think she has some legal problems as well.

If this Florence Ballard movie gets made it will probably air on Lifetime or TNT. I seriously doubt this film is going to be a theatrical release in movie theaters. That said, I wish the producers the very best of luck.

**selbmarsh2000** · 04-05-2011, 01:47 PM

And Lisa Chapman is NOT happy about the change:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Blo...15757185155264

Lisa Chapman
I AM SO UPSET! I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO FIND OUT ABOUT THIS ON FACEBOOK. ME AND MY SISTERS SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN A PHONE CALL ! I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY IM SCHOCKED, UPSET, DISAPPOINTED, HURT, EMBARRASED AND SADDEND. I THINK ME AND MY SISTERS DESEREVE AN EXPLANATION A.S.A.P. IM NOT SPEARING ANYONES FEELINGS ANYMORE BECAUSE ITS CLEAR THAT NO ONE CARES ABOUT MINE!

35 minutes ago · LikeUnlike ·

**robbert** · 04-05-2011, 02:25 PM

However understandable, an emotional reaction like Lisa Chapman's will not help any project or film.
The legacy of Florence Ballard deserves a respectful approach, by all parties concerned. If one party is let down, it probably hurts, but please keep your dignity at all times.
You may loose a battle once in a while, but you can always win the war.

smark21 · 04-05-2011, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by selbmarsh2000

And Lisa Chapman is NOT happy about the change:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Blo...15757185155264

The administrators of the Blondie Facebook page have deleted Lisa's post.

**stalebagel** · 04-06-2011, 11:44 AM

Wow! That's amazing how they have suddenly learned how to make deletions on Facebook.
Whenever I have written Karen Spencer of Spirit of Life films to request removal of my copyrighted images illegally posted on the site, I receive a totally unprofessional venom-filled reply from Ms. Spencer not only refusing to remove the photos, but threatening me with legal action for even asking her. Although I was tempted to post her correspondence to give everyone a heads-up about dealing with her, I went to Facebook and filed a formal complaint. They took immediate action. Check out the page, it is loaded with other people's copyrighted images as well. Is it any surprise they are now on their third announced director and leave their associate producers in the dark about their casting, uncasting and recasting changes? It is just poor boorish behavior. I can only imagine the untruths they are likely to palm off in this movie about all the people they are going to falsely blame for Flo's failures. This should keep lawyers in business for the next 20+ years.

**Kamasu_Jr** · 04-06-2011, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by stalebagel

Wow! That's amazing how they have suddenly learned how to make deletions on Facebook.
Whenever I have written Karen Spencer of Spirit of Life films to request removal of my copyrighted images illegally posted on the site, I receive a totally unprofessional venom-filled reply from Ms. Spencer not only refusing to remove the photos, but threatening me with legal action for even asking her. Although I was tempted to post her correspondence to give everyone a heads-up about dealing with her, I went to Facebook and filed a formal complaint. They took immediate action. Check out the page, it is loaded with other people's copyrighted images as well. Is it any surprise they are now on their third announced director and leave their associate producers in the dark about their casting, uncasting and recasting changes? It is just poor boorish behavior. I can only imagine the untruths they are likely to palm off in this movie about all the people they are going to falsely blame for Flo's failures. This should keep lawyers in business for the next 20+ years.

Well said. I knew this proposed film was going to be trouble as soon as it was announced.

**captainjames** · 04-06-2011, 01:44 PM

Well, it would be in "their" best interest to get Lisa Chapman back on board with what they are doing before trying to move forward. There is nothing like the daughter of Florence Ballard expressing her disapproval if it comes to that. I wonder where Richard Benjamin stands in all this. I know a lot of folks are saying they are glad if anything gets done on it but, it is my opinion that if it’s not done right then why bother.I think I remember Adrian Brody from Cadillac and Predators but other than that I don't know much about him

**stalebagel** · 04-06-2011, 04:14 PM

My concern is about how this movie will assign the blame for the failure of Flo's unsuccessful solo career. I don't think they will even attempt to pin the blame on Berry or Diana, or even Motown, as well they shouldn't because they were not to blame. Flo's diehard fans don't want to hear the truth, but the problem rests solely on the shoulders of Flo and Tommy [[remember the NY apartment?) and members of Flo's immediate family whose greed motivated them into attacking many of those who helped Flo [[such as the Detroit Free Press and its editors) in threatened lawsuits.
Oh, does this bit of news come as a surprise to many people? Ever read the filings?
Every one of the small and loyal group of industry professionals who took a chance to help Flo succeed all received nothing in return when the plug was pulled. But how convenient it would be for this movie to make them the scapegoats.
How do I know? I was there. Watch Unsung or read Pete's book. Karen Spencer may try to deny my existence, but the truth prevails. I'll go on any show, on any forum, at any time and debate her. I've got the proof.
Look, I can share in Pete Benjaminson's excitement over having Adrien Brody portray him, and to that degree I am happy for Pete. But in my book, personal and longstanding loyalties trump cheap fame any day.
Flo deserves so much better than this.

**carlo** · 04-06-2011, 04:20 PM

Stalebagel: I don't mean to come off as sounding rude or disrespectful, but who are you exactly? I've never seen you post on this forum before and you mentioned you wrote a book? What book would that be? Just curious.

**stalebagel** · 04-06-2011, 04:27 PM

Carlo:
I'm merely a Senior Member of this forum.
Do your homework.
Or Google "Al Abrams Motown."
Al

**carlo** · 04-06-2011, 04:40 PM

Hi Mr. Abrams. Like I said, I didn't mean to sound rude, I was just wondering who you were. I've always known who Al Abrams is of course, but I didn't know you posted on here as "stalebagel". I didn't recognize your screen name. My apologies. Thank you for introducing yourself to me.

**stalebagel** · 04-06-2011, 04:47 PM

No problem Carlo. I hope I didn't come across as rude either. Anyway, I'm glad to meet you, I like many of your posts.

**carlo** · 04-06-2011, 04:50 PM

No, you didn't come across as rude either. Thank you, I very much appreciate the compliment, especially when it comes from you, Mr. Abrams. It's great to have you posting here.

**marv2** · 04-06-2011, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by carlo

Stalebagel: I don't mean to come off as sounding rude or disrespectful, but who are you exactly? I've never seen you post on this forum before and you mentioned you wrote a book? What book would that be? Just curious.

Carlo, I'll put it this way. If there never was a Stalebagel, [[Al Abrams) you, I or any of us may have never heard of The Supremes, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson or Florence Ballard! I am serious.

**carlo** · 04-06-2011, 07:09 PM

The plot thickens...the Facebook page has vanished.

smark21 · 04-06-2011, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by captainjames

Well, it would be in "their" best interest to get Lisa Chapman back on board with what they are doing before trying to move forward. There is nothing like the daughter of Florence Ballard expressing her disapproval if it comes to that. I wonder where Richard Benjamin stands in all this. I know a lot of folks are saying they are glad if anything gets done on it but, it is my opinion that if it’s not done right then why bother.I think I remember Adrian Brody from Cadillac and Predators but other than that I don't know much about him

Adrien Brody won an Oscar for Best Actor a few years back for his role in The Pianist. He's a very good actor. But odd he would take a role in this production [[that is, if it's ever filmed, and given the lack of professionalism of this production company, is a very iffy proposition). I guess the role of Peter Benjaminson will be a major role.

smark21 · 04-06-2011, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by carlo

The plot thickens...the Facebook page has vanished.

What a fiasco.

**captainjames** · 04-06-2011, 08:19 PM

................and so there you have it !!

Originally Posted by carlo

The plot thickens...the Facebook page has vanished.

**captainjames** · 04-06-2011, 08:21 PM

I am so glad you mentioned where the problem rests as far as the blame. Hopefully, they will believe you.

Originally Posted by stalebagel

My concern is about how this movie will assign the blame for the failure of Flo's unsuccessful solo career. I don't think they will even attempt to pin the blame on Berry or Diana, or even Motown, as well they shouldn't because they were not to blame. Flo's diehard fans don't want to hear the truth, but the problem rests solely on the shoulders of Flo and Tommy [[remember the NY apartment?) and members of Flo's immediate family whose greed motivated them into attacking many of those who helped Flo [[such as the Detroit Free Press and its editors) in threatened lawsuits.
Oh, does this bit of news come as a surprise to many people? Ever read the filings?
Every one of the small and loyal group of industry professionals who took a chance to help Flo succeed all received nothing in return when the plug was pulled. But how convenient it would be for this movie to make them the scapegoats.
How do I know? I was there. Watch Unsung or read Pete's book. Karen Spencer may try to deny my existence, but the truth prevails. I'll go on any show, on any forum, at any time and debate her. I've got the proof.
Look, I can share in Pete Benjaminson's excitement over having Adrien Brody portray him, and to that degree I am happy for Pete. But in my book, personal and longstanding loyalties trump cheap fame any day.
Flo deserves so much better than this.

**stephanie** · 04-06-2011, 10:42 PM

I wish that this movie could be made with Al, Peter, Katherine Schaffner, Richard Bateman,
is Billy Ballard still living?, Janie Bradford, Mary Wilson and others to give a true account its not like there are not enough people who are not around like other stories. There are enough people in this group of motown legends who can give an accurate description of certain things. Wherever George Kerr is he could talk about the ABC sessions good or bad and Bateman could talk about the production of Love Aint Love. Peters book was great in talking about Flos early life at home and there are many sources to draw from regarding her history with Motown. Regarding Ms Spencer there is really no reason or an excuse for them to make a false script. Flo deserves better and the world needs to know she had her problems but she was a very important part of the group and when things were looking up she cared abou her family more than being a star.

**Roberta75** · 04-09-2011, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by stalebagel

My concern is about how this movie will assign the blame for the failure of Flo's unsuccessful solo career. I don't think they will even attempt to pin the blame on Berry or Diana, or even Motown, as well they shouldn't because they were not to blame. Flo's diehard fans don't want to hear the truth, but the problem rests solely on the shoulders of Flo and Tommy [[remember the NY apartment?) and members of Flo's immediate family whose greed motivated them into attacking many of those who helped Flo [[such as the Detroit Free Press and its editors) in threatened lawsuits.
Oh, does this bit of news come as a surprise to many people? Ever read the filings?
Every one of the small and loyal group of industry professionals who took a chance to help Flo succeed all received nothing in return when the plug was pulled. But how convenient it would be for this movie to make them the scapegoats.
How do I know? I was there. Watch Unsung or read Pete's book. Karen Spencer may try to deny my existence, but the truth prevails. I'll go on any show, on any forum, at any time and debate her. I've got the proof.
Look, I can share in Pete Benjaminson's excitement over having Adrien Brody portray him, and to that degree I am happy for Pete. But in my book, personal and longstanding loyalties trump cheap fame any day.
Flo deserves so much better than this.

Nice to hear from someone that was actually there and knows the facts. Thank you for posting this stalebagel.

**stalebagel** · 04-10-2011, 02:14 PM

Having just read Bayou Rick's postings, I am hoping that Ralph charged him a commercial advertising rate to get back on this site. His postings were nothing more than shilling for Karen Spencer and the "producers" of the movie. Rick, I'm amazed. You honorably and wisely opted not to cooperate with Mark Ribowsky, yet you allow yourself to repeat Spencer's stories. Rick, I like and respect you. Don't let yourself get used -- a reputation is too important.

Visit www.faithevansonline.com and look at the latest thread about this movie. Read the comments Nicci Gilbert-Daniels is quoted as having made on Twitter and Facebook about this "producer." I'm not the one tossing around the words "fraud" and "deceit." But even IMDB is listing Adrien Brody's casting as "rumored." When is the last time you saw that beng said on that site?
But look, I do not want to lose sight of the fact that this is really all about Flo. Rick and I agree -- she deserves so much better than to be caught up in this messy situation. Pete Benjaminson's publisher should have done a tad more due diligence before getting involved with this bunch. I'm angry that the Detroit media and Flo's fans were obviously used as pawns in what looks to some posters on the Faith Evans site as a cheap and tawdry attempt to raise funding. Read the postings for yourself and come to your own conclusions. This is a sad story for all of us who care about Flo and her memory.
FYI, I copied the cached version of the Blondie Datebook site before it was yanked. The incredible quotes from that page by the "producers" that are now found on the Faith Evans site are accurately reported.

**luke** · 04-10-2011, 03:33 PM

Im confused. All writers have agreed that one major reason Flo's solo career failed was due to Motown not allowing her to identify herself as a Surpeme-now just why did they do that-loyalty?; Flo received $160, 000 for helping to sell 20 million records-loyalty? Some sources have said they did not feel comfortable playing her solo recordings per Motown's possible reaction. I hope the whole truth comes out. Of course Flo had issues too-drinking, her husband ,screwed by lawyers etc. Let the WHOLE truth be told.

**carlo** · 04-10-2011, 04:14 PM

Amen luke!!

**stalebagel** · 04-10-2011, 04:49 PM

For what it is worth, I continued to identify Flo as a former Supreme in all of my press releases. and most, if not all, of the resulting news stories also identified her as such. Newspapers were not going to be intimidated by that stipulation. That's just another myth that needs to be shot down.

**captainjames** · 04-10-2011, 05:06 PM

Luke
I remember when Flo made her debut and there was not one person that did not know she was a former Supreme as well as DJ's. On the opposite side of the coin everyone knew Cindy Birdsong was replacing Florence Ballard.

Originally Posted by luke

Im confused. All writers have agreed that one major reason Flo's solo career failed was due to Motown not allowing her to identify herself as a Surpeme-now just why did they do that-loyalty?; Flo received $160, 000 for helping to sell 20 million records-loyalty? Some sources have said they did not feel comfortable playing her solo recordings per Motown's possible reaction. I hope the whole truth comes out. Of course Flo had issues too-drinking, her husband ,screwed by lawyers etc. Let the WHOLE truth be told.

**captainjames** · 04-10-2011, 05:08 PM

Thanks Al for clearing that up.

Originally Posted by stalebagel

For what it is worth, I continued to identify Flo as a former Supreme in all of my press releases. and most, if not all, of the resulting news stories also identified her as such. Newspapers were not going to be intimidated by that stipulation. That's just another myth that needs to be shot down.

**midnightman** · 04-11-2011, 01:19 AM

Well didn't wanna say to those who was sure the film was gonna be out this year that I told you so but...

**midnightman** · 04-11-2011, 01:30 AM

Apparently Faith and a few others WALKED away from the film... HMMM...

And you gotta feel for Florence's children. Once again, they've seen their family and the memory of their mother being disrespected.

**captainjames** · 04-12-2011, 09:27 PM

ok well then they should scrap this project and come back with a revamp real project later. This is not going to look good.

**BayouMotownMan** · 04-13-2011, 04:17 PM

Al, I like and respect you as well, but please don't misrepresent me. I am NOT directly involved in this project. I spoke to the producer at Michelle Ballard's request and have helped Michelle obtain the death certificate on her father to prove once and for all that he was not murdered. What the producer does with the facts surrounding Flo and Tommy are beyond my control. I had a little more clout with the people at E Entertainment but I have no connections with the makers of this movie, or even if it comes to fruition.

My attitude is simply wait and see. I am not going to denounce anything until I know information first hand. It was easy to reject Mark Ribowsky because he lied to me on several occasions during the planning stages of his book. It was no surprise that it turned out to be what it was.

**Roberta75** · 04-13-2011, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by BayouMotownMan

Al, I like and respect you as well, but please don't misrepresent me. I am NOT directly involved in this project. I spoke to the producer at Michelle Ballard's request and have helped Michelle obtain the death certificate on her father to prove once and for all that he was not murdered. What the producer does with the facts surrounding Flo and Tommy are beyond my control. I had a little more clout with the people at E Entertainment but I have no connections with the makers of this movie, or even if it comes to fruition.

My attitude is simply wait and see. I am not going to denounce anything until I know information first hand. It was easy to reject Mark Ribowsky because he lied to me on several occasions during the planning stages of his book. It was no surprise that it turned out to be what it was.

I must admit I have serious doubts that this movie will ever get made.

**LarkA** · 04-15-2011, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by stalebagel

Visit www.faithevansonline.com and look at the latest thread about this movie. Read the comments Nicci Gilbert-Daniels is quoted as having made on Twitter and Facebook about this "producer." I'm not the one tossing around the words "fraud" and "deceit." But even IMDB is listing Adrien Brody's casting as "rumored." When is the last time you saw that beng said on that site?
But look, I do not want to lose sight of the fact that this is really all about Flo. Rick and I agree -- she deserves so much better than to be caught up in this messy situation. Pete Benjaminson's publisher should have done a tad more due diligence before getting involved with this bunch. I'm angry that the Detroit media and Flo's fans were obviously used as pawns in what looks to some posters on the Faith Evans site as a cheap and tawdry attempt to raise funding. Read the postings for yourself and come to your own conclusions. This is a sad story for all of us who care about Flo and her memory.
FYI, I copied the cached version of the Blondie Datebook site before it was yanked. The incredible quotes from that page by the "producers" that are now found on the Faith Evans site are accurately reported.

I am one of the posters on that Faith Evans forum and we have been hearing nothing but negative things about the producers of this movie and its just disheartening as a Flo fan for her family to have to go through this. Hopefully, some truth with come out soon because it's not looking good for the producers and others tied to this movie reporting that the actresses were fired when they were indeed used for promotion, then dumped when they were finished with them.

**stalebagel** · 04-24-2011, 01:45 PM

Now what's happened to Kandi Burruss? She is the latest person to disappear from the movie's IMDB site. If you hit the cached version, she was still listed [[although as rumored) to play the role as of April 20.

So who is next in line as the third announced actress to play Maxine?

Just asking.

All this behind-the-scenes drama might be better than the movie script.

**captainjames** · 04-26-2011, 09:07 PM

I D K
What a Hot Mess !!!

**FloBallardFan2011** · 05-23-2011, 09:45 PM

one thing I thought was weird is Flo's daughters were not interviewed for the Flo Ballard episode of "Unsung". I know the two oldest girl's should have some memories of their mother.

**telekin** · 05-23-2011, 10:49 PM

Yea, this thing ain't gonna happen..

**stalebagel** · 05-24-2011, 08:34 AM

I've posted on another thread about this movie that Adrien Brody is now apparently out of the picture. But Peter Benjaminson's site claims he's going to be portrayed by the guy who plays Napoleon Dynamite -- although this isn't even rumored elsewhere.

**midnightman** · 05-25-2011, 07:38 PM

This film has more problems than Marvin's.

**stalebagel** · 05-29-2011, 01:23 PM

Didn't we all know this was going to happen? The most vulnerable members of Flo's family get screwed over once again. Now all three of their names and associate producer titles are Missing in Action from the IMDB listing.

Talk about callously using people for cheap publicity shots!

Faith Evans is in Detroit today at the Music Hall. Maybe someone will ask her to tell the true story on what is going on with this movie?

**jobeterob** · 05-30-2011, 02:42 AM

Incredible.

Haven't followed this much.......fortunately, because it pretty clearly is a pile of crap.

I'd love to read back on the old thread and see the list of names who quoted this gospel and verse as another final attempt to really really really put Berry Gordy, Motown, Diana and anyone remotely associated with them in their place of despicability. And now even Mary has said to please stop.