Actor Pooch Hall joins a cast that included the latest to film the popular Stomp the Yard brand. The storyline follows Collins Pennie, and other cast members, as they attempt to celebrate a university’s homecoming with a lot of drama and awesome steppin’. Further cast members include, Stephen “Twitch” Boss, Jasmine Guy, David Banner, Keith David, Teyana Taylor and a cameo from Columbus Short as DJ Williams, the step-legend from the first film.
HHW: You seem pretty excited to do the interview.
POOCH HALL: Part of my happiness and joy is in Stomp the Yard: Homecoming.
Why do you think this the brand so successful?
It brings you into the world of Black colleges, and the essence of the Black college experience; the history, the culture and the passion. I am not taking anything away from any other colleges; I went to a mixed school, U Mass at Dartmouth, but it let me know what it would have been like to go to a Black college. This film brings you into a world you just hear about.
Let’s discuss the Stomp the Yard: Homecoming experience, and how you prepared.
I had places I could pull from. Being at Howard’s homecoming helped me, and seeing the fraternities & upperclassmen and how they carried themselves helped me as well. You go to college to learn what your next move is. What you choose to do dictates where your life will go. My character walked away leaving, knowing that you can be leaders and outstanding men.
Who was your real-life role model?
My father said lead by example. He said he wanted us to become good men, and we knew he wasn’t involved in any b.s. I think what we do is pay attention. As a role model, when you look in the mirror, you look at yourself and realize that you matter, and that no one can take away from your confidence. A lot of people are afraid of the unknown. It’s about learning; learning about life and bettering yourself. It’s important to be communicative – we are all human. When people look at me, forget about me being in movies. I use the bathroom, I eat pizza. Don’t look at me as being on TV and movies. I am a person. If you want to be in TV and movies also, start going in that direction.
You’re identifiable with “The Game,” which is being brought back through BET. Are you on the series?
I am back with a vengeance, starting immediately! We will be in Atlanta, and we’ll be where Stomp the Yard began.
The dancing was on point. What was it like learning the routines?
Do you wanna know about my medical injuries? I wanna give Will Packer and Rob Hardy credit, and the hard work people went through for the step team. Terrence J is Greek, but I wasn’t a dancer, and my body felt it. That’s why Michael Jackson was deemed the greatest entertainer of all times, because he could dance like nobody’s business. That’s why we loved him. But when Pooch Hall performs, you are not being cheated – I go hard! I’m working, but playing at the same time. I’m not wasting any energy. I didn’t know how to dance before, so this excites me.
Can you give a shout out to Will Packer, the visionary behind the project?
Will Packer is the future! He’s a smart dude who gets it. He knows what people will want to see.
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