Honda

For over two decades, Honda Battle of the Bands has dazzled audiences across the US by providing a platform for HBCU marching bands, drawing over 50,000 fans and spectators annually. In April of 2022, Cafeteria Films was tasked with producing, “Driving the Legacy,” a multi-episode docuseries covering the build-up to the event from the perspective of students and staff at North Carolina A&T, Southern University, Florida A&M, and Prairie View A&M.

We traveled to four cities in the span of nine days, shooting two days per campus, and handled the logistics of traveling with 25 pelican cases of checked luggage with a four-person crew. Additionally, we coordinated rental pickups with various production houses in each state to secure oversized equipment.

In our travels, we learned of the importance HBCUs have had in their respective communities and the history behind them. We had the opportunity to interview some of the nation’s most talented students and the mentors that guide them to excellence. After shooting rehearsals in the morning, we found ourselves constantly humming songs and tapping our feet by the end of the day, a testament to the power of music that resonated with everyone on set.

 As soon as we landed back in Miami, we began post-production. Working on a tight deadline, we condensed over 40 hours of interviews and broll into an 8 minute episode within the span of 10 days.  

The first two episodes of Driving the Legacy were released in April and May. The remaining two episodes are currently in postproduction.