TikTokers Want To Copyright Their Dance Moves. Westbrook Is Making A Movie About It.

Westbrook Media, the digital content division of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s multimedia outfit, has partnered with Logitech on a short film for Black History Month.

The project will chronicle choreographer JaQuel Knight – the man behind Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” dance and Shakira’s Super Bowl performance – in his bid to help young creatives copyright their work. Knight became the first choreographer to copyright his dances last year – a milestone in the age of TikTok, especially as many creators of colors have originated trends on the platform without being properly credited..

The film, funded by Logitech and co-produced by Westbrook and Knight’s J.K. Creatives, is currently in pre-production. It is part of an overarching partnership between Knight and Logitech – noted for its work with digital creators – called #Creators4BIPOC, which aims to address barriers faced by creators of color.

In July, Knight and Logitech helped 10 TikTokers secure copyright for their choreography – including Keara Wilson, Nae Nae Twins, and Young Deji – and the film marks a continuation of these efforts.

“The story is unfolding in real time,” stated Meridith Rojas, Logitech’s global head of entertainment and creator marketing. “It’s an exciting endeavor and one we intend to have an impact on creator IP and how it’s protected in the ever-evolving entertainment and technology landscape.”

The short film is set to debut this year at festivals and on streaming platforms.