STOMP THE YARD: HOMECOMINGAn Interview with Pooch Hall
by Wilson Morales
Coming out this week on home video is ‘Stomp The Yard: Homecoming,’ the sequel to the 2007 box office hit.
Directed by Rob Hardy, and produced by Will Packer, the cast includes Meena Payne, who co-wrote and co-produced the film, actors Collins Pennie, Pooch Hall, Tika Sumpter, Terrance T.P. Polite, Antjuan Tobias, Lamar Stewart, Terrence J, Lil Duval, Kiely Alexis Williams, Keith David, rapper David Banner and music artist Teyena Taylor.
The film follows Chance Harris (played by Pennie) looking to find a balance between his school, work, relationships and opportunity to perform at the nationally televised step competition during homecoming weekend at Truth University.
Blackfilm.com recently spoke with Pooch Hall, who plays Theta Nu Theta frat leader Dane.
What was it like shooting ‘Stomp The Yard: Homecoming?’
Pooch Hall: It was great because I went into that film not knowing how to dance, nor did I really know what it meant to be Greek. I was able to experience and do both of them. I formed a real brotherhood with my man Collins Pennie, Terrence J., who I’ve known before ‘Stomp the Yard,’ amazing actor, and Lamar (Stewart) who plays the character of Wynn. I think, if anything, we gave them 110% of ourselves to really embrace the characters and make it a point to embrace those characters in a fraternity.
What attracted you to the film?
PH: They said ‘Stomp the Yard 2’ was having auditions, I said, “I need to get in there, I need some money. (laughs) I’m lying. I think especially in the early stages of who Pooch Hall is, I’m trying to do it all. I’m trying to chase Will Smith. For Will Smith to become who he is as an actor and a person now, you go through the different bodies of work and experiences that gives you a little more clarity on life. You come out of each project a better person and a better actor. This opportunity presented itself and I worked really hard to get ready for the audition to make sure I had a real good opportunity to be a part of this film. At the same time I really didn’t know too much about black colleges and stuff like that. I went to a white school, UMass Dartmouth, and only heard stories about the black experience at a college.
How would you describe your character?
PH: He recognizes he’s a senior, and it’s not about him, it’s about the fraternity he pledges for, which is Theta Nu Theta. I want to make sure the legacy of what that fraternity is is being honored and represented. That being said, I think it’s all about being a good leader and giving the people underneath you the most weaponry and knowledge possible so that they can continue on having that legacy in a fraternity that’s considered one of the greats. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated being a part of that fraternity, and it made me proud. It made me proud to see what Columbus Short was puttin’ down, who is also a great actor and dancer I knew before the film. Taking something from him as far as being a Theta Nu Theta is that whatever you do you better work hard at it. That’s something my dad gave me, he said “you don’t half-ass nothin’, and whatever you do you be the best at it; and when you get done and finish you’ll be satisfied you gave it your best.”
How did you go about your stepping skills when you walked on the set and had to practice?
PH: Well, when I’m tapping I’m gonna tap into my boxing sense memory. So that’s what I pulled from as far as my dancing, ‘cause I’m a bad man. (laughs) No, as far as my dancing I think I just submitted to what those dancers usually go through. It’s not a joke, dancing is a real sport; it’s a real process to learn. It’s no cakewalk. At the same time I’m always ready for the challenge. I think being an athlete, being flexible, and my willingness to learn I welcome that challenge with open arms. Go in there, 110%, we did four or five hours of training per day up until the film, and doing extra-curricular homework after we were done rehearsing, because I didn’t want people to say, “Pooch Hall didn’t put it down, he didn’t work hard as far as stepping.” It’s really hard.
When you were at UMass Dartmouth, did you pledge or do you have any regrets now that you’ve done the film about not pledging?
PH: To be honest with you, Wilson, I thought I would play football my whole life, and the two fraternities they had on campus were Alpha Phi Alpha, which director Rob Hardy was a part of, and they had a new fraternity called Iota Phi Beta. Both fraternities explained to me what they were about, their whole outlook on life. I took it all in and at the end of the day it wasn’t for me. As far as anyone else going to join, that’s all you. If that’s going to help support you in life then I shall support it, but I chose not to go Greek. I just didn’t. My brother was Greek, I heard what he went through. I went through it in a different sense in terms of football, boxing, and schoolwork.
How was filming in Atlanta?
PH: It was amazing. I’m on my way back to Atlanta to shoot ‘The Game,’ but it was so embracing in just love. I look forward to being down there, loving the industry that they have. It made me want to perform and honor black colleges. Whenever you’re filming down there in Atlanta there’s different shades, different sizes, different colors, certain cultures. A lot of different voices, but everyone had a voice that I wanted to listen to, to help me, not just learn the character, but their experiences with life and what made them move to Atlanta, stay in Atlanta, and what about Atlanta makes you smile everyday. It got cold, and when I tell you it got cold it got cold. We shot in the fall. I haven’t experienced the heat yet.
You mentioned ‘The Game.’ How excited are you that when you first started shooting this movie, ‘The Gam’e had wrapped up on the CW network, and you went on to another series. That got cancelled, but now you’re back on ‘The Game’ on BET.
PH: Let me tell you something, Wilson, I’m just very, very fortunate. Living the dream, especially out here in Hollywood, how hard it is, how many people come out here trying to make this thing happen. To actually be doing it makes you smile, makes you continue to work hard. I also want people to understand that the fans are a major part of what we do. I definitely want to send a major shout-out and a thank you to them, for believing and getting behind us. Without you guys and the fans we wouldn’t be here, we wouldn’t even be able to make ‘Stomp the Yard 2.’ For it to come back is just a testament to how much people enjoyed the series and those characters. For me they really made it happen for me as far as embracing my character Derwin. I’ve gone on to do two studio films. I’ve met some major producers because I’m in a place now where people are recognizing my work and giving me opportunity. Like I said before, I’m trying to chase that man named Will Smith, baby, ‘cause if anyone’s doin’ it right it’s him. That’s a role model I look to, and look forward to working with someday. I’m very excited.
Has anything changed with The Game being on BET?
PH: The only thing that changed is the channel. Mara Brock Akil, she knows what’s goin’ on. She’s so in touch with life and what’s happening in the street. She wants to make sure people are laughing. I think the world’s a better place when everyone’s smiling and happy. The only thing that’s really changed is the channel. Everybody’s back. Myself, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Hosea Chanchez, Coby Bell, Tia Mowry. Kelsey Grammer won’t be joining us for this second run of ‘The Game,’ he has moved on, but that’ doesn’t stop us from fighting the good fight. Kelsey Grammer was a great guy, a great boss, but I think we’re going to a different era.
Are there any new characters coming on or is it just gonna stay to the core front?
PH: They’re gonna stay with the six of us, the original recipe of what made ‘The Game’ The Game. There’s a baby now, Derwin and Janay had a baby. That’s probably the only new addition, a little bambino.
Do you have any other films in the works?
PH: I just recently, about three weeks ago, completed ‘Jumping the Broom,’ which is also a Sony project with Ms. Angela Bassett, and Paula Patton. I think one of the reasons this film is going to do so well is Tracey Edmonds is one of the producers on it, and she put together a cast that we’re all wanting to see. Us coming together and the chemistry we have is going to make people very happy.
What’s a good reason to see ‘Stomp the Yard: Homecoming?’
PH: Terrence J. (laughs). No, it’s a true continuation of what black colleges have to offer. The dancing is amazing, but even before the dancing is the acting. I have to give a major shout out to Rob Hardy and Will Packer for putting together such an amazing cast. Terrence J. is doing his little film debut. Tika Sumpter, not only is she lovely and beautiful but she’s talented. Working with one of my idols, Mr. Keith David. I think each person came into this movie not knowing what to expect, other than to be a part of a great legacy, but once we got into it everyone forgot it was a movie and formed this tight, brotherhood bond.
