SCION SEEKS LICENSEE FOR BRANDED DOCUMENTARY

'Stomping Grounds' Short-Film Features Biz Markie

Scion continues its foray into creating original content with the completion of the branded documentary entitled "Stomping Grounds." Created in the format of a half-hour series, Scion is submitting the short into U.S. film festivals and actively pursuing licensing opportunities for a potential series based around the concept.

Stomping Grounds follows a celebrity as they visit their old neighborhood, with the celebrity as the tour guide and a Scion as the tour bus. The celebrity stops at their favorite spots, including barber shops, food joints, nightclubs, sneaker shops, arcades, and general hangouts. Along the way childhood friends bring each location to life as they reminisce about the good old days. The revealing tour delivers an authentic perspective into the artist’s back-story.

Viewers will be delighted by the story of the pioneering emcee, the diabolical Biz Markie, and the places that made him…him. Spanning his childhood and early recording years, Biz takes a tour of his stomping grounds, Long Island, and the many New York boroughs that he visited to promote his unique hip-hop style. “I’m from Long Island, but everybody knew me from other towns,” said Biz when asked where he was from. “I was like a pope.”

Striving to be leaders in non-traditional marketing, Scion has a legacy of embracing branded entertainment opportunities. Previously, Scion teamed with Adult Swim by featuring the Scion tC in its Frisky Dingo series, and created 12 branded music videos featuring up-and-coming artists Reach, Junk Science, and Palomar among others.

“Scion always strives to create innovative marketing programs where our audience can experience the brand in an authentic environment,” said Alan Mimaki, Scion business operations manager. “Stomping Grounds helps to continue that long-term goal.”

Produced by lifestyle marketing firm Inform Ventures, “Stomping Grounds” comes in on the heels of the celebrated short-film “On the DL,” in which Scion followed hip-hop pioneers ?uestlove and King Britt as they applied for their driver's license. The acclaimed documentary was screened at 10 film festivals and received the Silver Plaque award at the Chicago International Film Festival.

The short will initially be submitted to U.S. film festivals and will air on Scion Broadband. The airing on Scion Broadband will include additional behind-the-scenes footage and Biz Markie’s story behind the making of one of his most prolific songs “Just a Friend.”

For additional information about Stomping Grounds, or to schedule an interview with Biz Markie or a Scion executive, please contact Scion Public Relations or Inform Ventures, LLC.

ABOUT SCION:

Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., was developed with a new generation of youthful buyers in mind. Scion's mission is to provide distinctive products, the opportunity to personalize, and an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level. The Scion brand features three ground-breaking models. The xA is a taut subcompact five-door, featuring an athletic stance with sculpted wheel arches. The xB, an urban utility vehicle with an iconic shape, combines remarkable interior space with aggressive style.  And the tC sports coupe surprises the buyer with the convenience of a hatchback and the luxury of a standard all-glass panorama moonroof, complementing the usual wide array of features on all Scions.

For more information, visit www.scion.com.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO:

This information is for media consideration. For pictures, interview requests, or for additional information contact ScionPR ScionPR@inform-ventures.com or Patrick Courrielche patrick@inform-ventures.com. For Scion product information contact Allison Takahashi allison_takahashi@scion.com.