BMG will finance and executive produce a documentary on the life and times of David Crosby in partnership with Academy Award winning filmmaker Cameron Crowe and his production company Vinyl Films.
The deal further exemplifies the company’s commitment to music video content after building out its own audio/visual business unit.
This is the first documentary about Crosby to be fully authorized by the artist himself and all rights will be available worldwide.
Currently in production, the as yet untitled film will explore the life and creative renaissance of Crosby.
The film is helmed by director A.J. Eaton and produced by Michele Farinola for PCH Films and Greg Mariotti for Vinyl Films alongside Crowe.
In 2017, BMG released Crosby’s third album of original material in four years, Sky Trails.
Crowe said: ”It’s just such a compelling story. David Crosby has been near the forefront of music and social change for the last four decades.
“It’s such a compelling story, David has been near the forefront of music and social change for the last four decades.” Cameron Crowe
“Now 76, he’s forging a new path by seeking out younger musicians and trying to make a mark in a world now so different from the generation he came to define in the 60’s.
“It’s a raw and moving portrait, rough edges and all.
“We’re also so proud of the work being done by our wonderful director A.J. Eaton who’s been filming Croz for the last several years.”
BMG SVP Justus Haerder added: “Cameron is the perfect complement to Crosby, A.J., and our entire team.
“There’s an incredible story to be told here and we are thrilled to have cameron on board helping bring such an insightful film to life.”
justus haerder, bmg
“There’s an incredible story to be told here and we are thrilled to have him on board helping bring such an insightful film to life.”
BMG’s new business unit includes everything from feature-length documentaries to narrative features, concerts, scripted and unscripted series, both long and short-form.
Earlier this year, it signed a key deal for its first feature-length documentary — a film on Joan Jett titled Bad Reputation.
That was snapped up by distributor Magnolia for North American rights – including its cinematic release – following a premiere at the influential Sundance Film Festival in January.
Additional BMG films slated to debut in 2018 include:
· The Show’s The Thing (working title) – A documentary about the legendary promoters and agents who built the rock concert touring business. From a “wild west” culture in the ‘60s to a corporate take-over in the ‘90s, this story celebrates a little-known chapter of rock history. Executive Producers David Simone, Steve Martin and Winston Simone. Directed by Molly Bernstein and Philip Dolin.
· The Children of The Revolution – A documentary film celebrating the music of T. Rex with a behind-the-scenes immersion into the making of a new album featuring Marc Bolan’s songs. Produced by Bill Curbishley and Ethan Silverman.
· Rudeboy: The Story of Trojan Records – A celebration of the music, history and cultural legacy of the pioneering British record label instrumental in introducing ska, rocksteady and reggae to a global audience (Jimmy Cliff, Toots And The Maytals, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry’s The Upsetters) to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Trojan Records, whose catalogue is owned by BMG. Produced by Pulse Films and directed by Nicolas Jack Davies.
Pictured L-R: A.J. Eaton, David Crosby and Cameron Crowe. Photo credit Henry DiltzMusic Business Worldwide
