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Len Bias Movie Promoted at Sundance

Guerilla marketing tactics pay off for a group of Washington filmmakers.

By Nancy Doyle Palmer

Moviemakers often turn to gimmicks to generate some buzz, but sometimes it’s done the old-fashioned way. Predawn darkness and freezing temperatures at the Sundance Film Festival didn’t stop a group of Washington filmmakers from making the rounds with their posters declaring LEN BIAS: THE LEGEND YOU KNOW, THE STORY YOU DIDN'T.

The film wasn’t opening at Sundance—it wasn’t even finished. But director Kirk Fraser and producers Sammy Steward and Kali McIver, along with their writer, cameraman, friends, and lawyer (“to make the deals or get us out of jail”) blitzed the snowy Utah village full of film executives and distributors with posters and DVDs. It worked. They’re now talking to major distributors about making their Len Bias movie widely available.

Fraser used similar guerilla-marketing tactics to distribute his DVD about the life of DC drug lord Rayful Edmond two years ago and has greater expectations for this documentary about the legendary University of Maryland basketball star who died from a cocaine overdose just 48 hours after being drafted in the first round by the Boston Celtics in June 1986. The shock waves created by Bias’s death were deep and long-lasting—because of not only an outpouring of grief in DC and Boston but the resulting changes in college athletic policies. Bias’s death also spurred legislation for more severe mandatory sentencing guidelines for first-time drug users.

The film promises to provide new accounts from witnesses to Bias’s actions that fatal night as well as lengthy interviews with friends, family, and fans who help present a fuller picture of a young athlete destined for stardom.

“We’re trying to tell an honest story and paint a true picture,” says Steward. “It wasn’t a secret what happened; it’s known all over the world.” Director Fraser is quick to add that there’s more to Bias’s story than drugs. One motivation for making the film was Fraser’s realization that many young people today don’t know who Len Bias was. “It’s important to educate,” he says, explaining that being a father himself helps to keep him focused on the lessons of Bias’s life.

A dramatic feature film is slated to follow the documentary, and Kirk has shown the first drafts to Bias’s mother, Lonise, a public advocate for drug awareness. “Her blessing is on this project,” he says. “His death is still affecting people’s lives today.”


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Posted by: lirelawrence, Jan 17, 2012 02:06:56 AM

I was 6 years old when he died. I didnt follow basketball and to this day still dont.I do remember mom talking about a player who was better than MJ.I heard his name from time to time thru the years. But it wasnt until I saw the documentary that I really paid attention.This story has really touched me..I cant put it in words.Rarely does a death have an impact on a nation like this.Im truely inspired by this guy whom I never met..Be easy Len, we will all see you on the other side. Travis M

Posted by: Travis M, May 21, 2010 09:43:56 PM

due to his drug use wouldnt Bias’s impact on the NBA be more along the lines of Richard Dumas than Michael Jordan? Just trying to play devil’s advocate.

Posted by: David C, Nov 30, 2009 02:35:19 PM

I remember waking up to my alarm clock and it was announced that Len was dead. I cried for days as if it was a bad dream, I just could not believe that he was gone and I would never see him play again. Len was my favorite player, he in my eyes was the MJ before MJ he had it all. To this day those that knew him and who just was fans still miss him. God called him home that was the plan. Rip #34 we learn a lot from him, his game and from his death. I was 15 when Len died and I continued to pattern my game from his never reaching the goal but I had fun doing it but also lessons learned as a young kid growing up playing ball. So he’s taught me a lot. He’s the greatest to me thank you Len for everything and my god bless the family. One love

Posted by: sam, Nov 05, 2009 07:25:42 AM

lenny

Posted by: tt, Nov 05, 2009 07:11:35 AM

I grew up watching Lenny, and playing with and against his brother Jay. It’s seems like only yesterday and still hurts to this day. They both will be missed!!!!

Posted by: Ray, Nov 04, 2009 12:50:56 PM

Although i may technically be considered a young buck by many standards i consider myself a huge student of the game. After watching the espn 30 for 30 episode on Len Bias it really sunk in how prolific of an individual he was. I loathed him for robbing fans of epic clashes of Air Jordan and Len Bias. But as we all have had to accept, Len’s destiny was to reach much further than the basketball court could ever take him. He was destined to be a constant reminder that no matter how close one may be to attaining their dreams it can all come crashing down without notice if one does not maintain that same discipline that got them there

Posted by: Pellez, Nov 03, 2009 11:22:58 PM

To live is for Christ... To die is 2 gain... No love greater than this, when a man gives up his life for his friends... At the end of the day, Len Bias #34 aka (Frosty) gave God the Glory...

Posted by: Little Ant..., Aug 03, 2009 07:30:27 AM

My high school coach took a couple of us to see Maryland practice right before Len’s last year. We got to meet him and coach Driesell. He talked to us and gave us each a poster that said, "I’m Bias, Maryland is #1." and it was a picture of him dunking on Wake Forest. I have been an am a huge Jordan fan as I am a huge Tar Heel fan. Even back then, I loved the heels. I’m sad and sorry that I was never able to be a Jordan/Bias fan as NBA players. Could you imagine Jordan and Bias going at it - Boston and Chicago - Bird and Bias - Jordan and Pippen. Wow! As I sometimes watch NBA games and players today, I often think back and wonder about Len Bias. What a tragedy, What a shame. I hope that this story/documentary does not make a sad story even more sad 23 years later. Those of us that remember Len Bias don’t want to remember him for anything else than the great player he was and the tragic death of a dream.Pw10

Posted by: Troy from PA, Jul 26, 2009 02:01:43 PM

Lenny Bias was my first sports ’hero.’ To me, he was destined to be Lebron James, provided he worked on his handles.

I was on cloud nine when I heard he would be playing with Larry Bird! And then one of the saddest days of my life took place. What a sight to see a 10 year old who couldn’t make the tears stop.

Still miss him...

Posted by: Mike, Jun 02, 2009 10:49:58 AM

Man, Back in the day everybody I knew was a big Georgetown/Patrick Ewing fan.I dont even think I knew Maryland had a basketball team. I guess I start watching Maryland around Len’s junior year. I became a fan right away. He had a sweet jumper, and could jump out the gym. He was a beast! I loved watching him. He gave Maryland hope every time they played. Like preach said in Cooley High, Len you could have been the greatest man! Swish!

Posted by: Dave, May 27, 2009 07:43:27 PM

The day Len Bias died it was a very sad day in my life. Lenny had so much natural talent it was truly amazing to watch him play the game. To this day I wonder what if, .... he would have been able to play a full life time in the NBA side by side with Larry Bird, how many championships...mvp seasons... he would have changed the game!! the world would have truly know how good Len would have been on the world stage. R.I.P my friend Len Bias!

Posted by: air pribs, Apr 29, 2009 06:31:10 AM

Len Bias was a great friend and all around wonderful guy. He was there when you needed someone to talk to. He was a great basketball player who died tragically before he really had a chance to live a wonderful life that laid ahead of him. We went to Northwestern Sr. High together and he was a star on our basketball team there. I graduated just before his death and have never forgotten his tragic story and his brother’s too. I shared the sad news of his life and death with my two sons when they became old enough to understand why their mom was so against drugs and guns. I thank God for those who are championing the cause of getting drugs and guns away from our children in schools. Len and Jay, may God be with your family and I look forward to seeing you both in heaven someday. You will always be remembered and loved by your friends, family and all those who ever were touched by your lives and your stories; and all those who will be touched when they hear it told again. May we never forget the lessons that should have been learned by these two tragic deaths.

Posted by: Cathy , Apr 07, 2009 09:02:47 PM

Hearing about the death of Lynn Bias changed my life, unfortunantely his death save my life. I was in my mid twenties having a good old time, doing the same thing he was doing. I would be so high I couldn’t sleep for days. But when I heard about his death I thought to myself, that could be me and I stopped instantly....just flat out stopped and have not touched the stuff since. His death will forever be on my mind. I pray that his family find comfort.

Posted by: Linda C, Mar 02, 2009 01:42:14 PM

I grew up on the campus of the Univeristy of Maryland and watched 100’s of Maryland games over the years. No one could be as good as Len Bias. I remember standing next to him as young boy, peering straight up in amazement. I remember the day he died, I was watching saturday morning cartoons and the news flashed on about his death. I immediately ran out of my room banging on doors. So sad. Len Bias, despite his drug use, will always in my mind, be the greatest basketball player. I was also at the PG Mall the day before his brother was killed. So sad this poor family had so much to live for, but only suffered in the end. RIP Lenny!

Posted by: Neil Grunig, Feb 24, 2009 02:23:50 AM

I remember like it was yesterday, my brother was a big time Terp fan and he used to make me hold the rabbit ears just right so we could see Lennie do his thing. I remember him dunking all over UNC and smashing Duke in the ACC finals. When we heard the news, it seemed like a bad dream, it kept flashing on the bottom of the screen like a storm was about to hit and it did. I cry for like a week and my brother for two weeks. I wouldn’t cry like that again until Sean Taylor got murdered. Another tragic young brother ate up by the streets. I hope they get this movie right because the youth of today need to know why Jordan didn’t have no comp and that just like that it can all be taken away over some BS. I still think about Lennie whenever I see Maryland beat UNC or Duke cause that was what he used to live for, the big game and beating those bums. It was sad what happened to Jay some years later, I guess Lennie needed a point guard up there with him and who better than his brother. When Juan Dixon and them won the title in 02 I was so happy because they mentioned Lennie on the news and said he was up there smiling down. He change many peoples life’s and kept alot of people clear of drugs, me included. I wish Reebok would come out with his shoes, they would be that fire especially in the DC area. Much love to whoever trying to get this movie made, I hope it reach the big screen.

Posted by: Chuck Pullen, Feb 22, 2009 06:15:20 AM

I would like the kids I work with to know about Len and to name a basketball gym after him. Who could I contact concerning this.

Posted by: Joyce from GA, Feb 10, 2009 07:10:56 PM

I was just coming back from overseas in the U.S. Navy when I saw Len Bias on a stretcher in the news media. Here I am, 23 years later still feeling the effects. Truly he was National Player of the Year. That bum Walter Berry from St. Johns was a joke. Lenny hooped everyone who played against him. He truly was the LeBron James of his time, the most complete basketball player ever at his position. Lenny, you made America wake up and I know you are playing hoops with your brother and ST. Peter. God Bless you.

Posted by: Eric Lewis, Jan 30, 2009 12:41:09 PM

"I was naive at the fact that first time users can die."

First time user? I don’t think so...get the story straight.

Posted by: GKB, Dec 01, 2008 03:47:10 PM

How can I see this movie?

Posted by: Don Taylor, Nov 22, 2008 08:52:16 AM

I believe that Len’s story is important for everyone to hear. Why some people may think that this story only affects black people I don’t know. Why some may say it should be told from a black perspective I don’t know. All I know is that this is a universal story that everyone should learn from.

Posted by: Chris, Oct 11, 2008 08:03:39 PM

To Kirk Fraser, keep your head up and stay in the game. I just love to see black people doing productive things in society, especially things that young black people see and immulate. I went to U of M with Lenny, Terry, and others and was crushed at the news and footage. Like most youth during that time, I was naive at the fact that first time users can die. Then to hear on the news that his younger brother was shot and killed at P.G. Plaza?! Imagine a mother’s grief. One positive thing that came out of Lennie’s death was that all of America became educated overnight about the misconception that "it’s OK to take just one hit". With the national attention it brought, Mrs. Lonise’s grief also educated America about how drug use and gun use is ravaging the black community. This is a story that really needed to be told and told from a black perspective. In addition to performing your craft, you’ve played a very large part in educating America’s black youth about these dangers through mass media. Keep working your mojo, Black Man.

Posted by: Shelly from Portsmouth, VA, Sep 29, 2008 01:51:08 PM

The most amazing athlete in my life..I cried like a baby that fateful Thursday morning June 19, 1986 and 22 years later I still tear up at the thought of my first athletic hero..A man who I watched from a skinny freshman benchwarmer to undisputed player of the year (yeah, I know, Walter Berry stole the award)..I was fortunate enough to have played a pickup game outside of Byrd with Leonard..A (then) chubby 14 year old sitting watching as my dad was visiting with his friend who was one of the assistant football coaches..They were short a player and guess who got in the game..I don’t even honestly remember if I even touched the ball more than twice and didn’t DARE shoot..

I say to this day "it was like fielding grounders from Mantle"..

I could care less if it is Leni Reifenstahl, making the film, I can’t WAIT to see it..I always felt Leonard was my little secret, then to watch him take off for the whole world, then to see him forgotten, and now finally remembered..Now I am that 38 year old that will always still look up to the 22 year old..

I was wearing my Bias jersey in Niagara Falls Restaurant a few years back and a gentleman came up and started talking to me about Leonard and DC area basketball in the early 80s..We talked for about 45 minutes while his crew and my crew pestered us to go to our tables..

As I go to my table my older relative says "What are you doing hanging out with the coach of Niagara University basketball team"..I can’t recall his name, but what a humble kind fellow..

Posted by: Roulley, Mar 27, 2008 10:58:52 PM

I remember when I found out. I had just graduated from 8th grade and my mother woke me up the day after graduation and said Len Bias died.

I jumped out of bed and thought she was kidding. I ran downstairs and go the paper and there it was.

I hung those articles up on my closet door and didn’t take them down until we moved, 15 years later. Then Don Rodgers died 8 days later, it had a profound effect on me as a kid. I’ve never done drugs because of it, scared the you know what out of me.

Posted by: matt, Mar 24, 2008 12:33:44 PM

I never heard of Led Bias until today in my class. He was very young and must have been such a good player if compared to Micheal Jordan. I just feel bad for his parents who have losted both of their sons, to either drugs or guns. I would just like to see this made into a well produced film. This film would probably become a hit.

Thank for Listening. :-)

Posted by: J.B , Mar 11, 2008 05:37:34 PM

Does anyone know when this movie will be available to purchase.

Posted by: Phillip Williams, Mar 05, 2008 03:49:32 PM

I remember the morning I found out Len was dead, it felt like I lost a family member. It just so happened, that I was on the basketball court when I got this news. This is a much needed film. (VA.)

Thanks!!!

Posted by: JAY from VA., Mar 01, 2008 12:25:59 PM

fraser is not the filmmaker people make him out to be this guy steals stories wthout the premission of the person who the documentary is about also this guy refuses to give any payment to the people in the documentary like he said he was he is a lier making a living off stealing other people stories ( Dont Buy into this guy he steals)

Posted by: Mad Man, Feb 26, 2008 09:13:28 PM

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