Movie Description
Prepare to be enthralled, inspired, and swept away on a rhythmic journey unlike any other.“Rise of the Legion!” is a spellbinding documentary that dives deep into the heart and soul of The Spartan Legion Marching Band at Norfolk State University—capturing their unmatched energy, flavor, style, precision, and cultural excellence. At its core, it’s a celebration of sound, soul, and spirit.
The Spartan Legion, often imitated but never duplicated, stands as a beacon of HBCU musical greatness. From its modest origins as a junior band fundraising for uniforms to commanding national attention with awe-inspiring halftime shows, The Legion's journey is nothing short of legendary.
They were the first HBCU band to perform “Neck” by Cameo, the now-iconic anthem that pulses through stadiums across the South and beyond. What began as a bold musical choice by The Legion has since become a cultural rallying cry—reverberating through the performances of nearly every HBCU band and even adopted by some white institutions. “Rise of the Legion!” is a tribute to HBCU band culture, resilience, and the power of music to inspire across generations.
This is not just a film—it's a movement. Come witness the magic.
Produced by the Emmy nominated Woodard family: Adrian Woodard, April Woodard, and Adrian Woodard II.
MEET THE
DIRECTORS AND PRODUCERS
Adrian S. Woodard Sr. is a creative innovator, and an integral asset to the world of entertainment making him the consultant of choice for visionary brands, celebrities and visual projects.
The former JPMorgan Vice-President, is CEO of FAVOR MultiMedia, a pop culture Media firm. Known as a renaissance man, Woodard is a songwriter, music producer, thought leader, certified life coach and Emmy nominated film producer. His latest project “Rise of the Legion” is an award winning documentary which he co-directed.
Adrian is also an ordained minister and founding Pastor of FavorNation Church with over 30 years of experience.
Adrian Woodard II is a 25-year-old, Virginia based, Emmy nominated and award-winning filmmaker whose journey began at 8 years old. Known as a “creative powerhouse,” he is a multi-hyphenate artist who writes, directs, shoots, edits, and occasionally acts.
While narrative filmmaking is his foundation, Adrian has expanded into documentaries, bringing his emotional depth and bold visual style to new forms of storytelling. In 2016, at sixteen, he founded “Korrosive Films” with a mission to “Korrode” the conventional/ bland and create work that is fresh, moving, and alive. His films have earned recognition across multiple festivals and platforms, marking him as one of the most dynamic emerging voices of his generation.
ADRIAN WOODARD SR.
Director/Producer
ADRIAN WOODARD II
Director/Producer
APRIL WOODARD
Producer
April Woodard, an Emmy Silver Circle inductee for 25 years in broadcasting and an educator in journalism, is an award-winning documentary producer and Emmy-nominated co-host of Coast Live on WTKR in Norfolk. She serves as Special Assistant to the Vice President of Advancement and as a professor at Norfolk State University, where she blends academia with media expertise to lead high-profile campus programs. A former Inside Edition correspondent for 15 years, she has covered everything from presidential campaigns to the Met Gala, and has hosted shows and red carpets for BET and BET International. Woodard is a sought-after media and crisis-communication trainer from Virginia to New York.
PHOTO GALLERY
TESTIMONIALS
LISA GODLEY
Emmy Award Winning Documentary Filmaker
FILM PANEL DISCUSSION
What was it like working
Hanna Lynch
Interview
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