Theatrical Release of Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You
On January 29, PBS and American Masters Pictures announced at the Sundance Film Festival that they have sold Theatrical rights to Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You, directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, to Music Box Films. The highly visual and dynamic film is the definitive chronicle of Lear’s storied career and premiered as the Opening Night selection at the Sundance Film Festival.
Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You is the definitive chronicle of Mr. Lear’s life, work, and achievements, but it is so much more than an arm’s-length, past-tense biopic; at 93, Mr. Lear is as vital and engaged as he ever was. Top-notch cinéma vérité documentarians Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing (Jesus Camp, 12th & Delaware, Detropia) seize the opportunity to fashion a dynamic portrait that matches the spirit of their subject. Breaking down the fourth wall to create an evocative collage where past and present intermingle, they reveal a psychologically rich man whose extraordinary contributions emerge from both his personal story and a dialogue with the world.
Music Box Films, in conjunction with PBS & American Masters Pictures, will release the film theatrically in June prior to a Fall 2016 broadcast on PBS stations as part of the American Masters series, followed by the SVOD premiere on Netflix, the exclusive subscription streaming home for the film in the US and Canada. PBS Distribution, the leading media distributor for the public television community, will handle DVD and Digital Distribution.
Norman Lear stated, “At 93, I waited half my life to see myself in the cinema. And the smartest decision I ever made was to put my trust in directors, Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady.”
Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing stated, “We love bringing our work to the big screen and cannot wait to share Norman’s cinematic journey with theatrical audiences. Music Box’s expertise with very special titles like this one will certainly go a long way in reaching both Lear fans and those new to his work.”
Michael Kantor, Executive Producer of American Masters Pictures, stated: “Working hand in hand with PBS and PBS Distribution, we are thrilled the Norman Lear doc will be American Masters Pictures’ first theatrical distribution. Music Box Films is a terrific partner. This is a dream come true.”
Beth Hoppe, Chief Programming Executive, PBS, added, “This film represents the high-quality filmmaking that has been the hallmark of PBS, and we are happy to work with American Masters Pictures, Music Box Films, Netflix, and PBS Distribution to steward this terrific film through theatrical, broadcast on PBS stations, and on to VOD and home entertainment to help it reach the widest possible audience and raise the visibility of our first-class content.”
Ed Arentz and William Schopf of Music Box Films stated, “We are excited to partner to bring this wonderful film to audiences in movie theaters. Pairing an icon like Norman Lear with great filmmakers in Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady is a cinema lovers’ dream come true.”
The deal was negotiated by David Koh, Josh Braun, Dan Braun & Ben Braun of Submarine on behalf of Michael Kantor, Executive Producer of American Masters Pictures, Stephen Segaller, Vice President of Programming at WNET, and Andrea Downing, Head of PBS Distribution; Ian Bricke, Director, Content Acquisitions, Netflix; along with Ed Arentz, Managing Director and William Schopf, President, Music Box Films, also negotiated.
Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You is a Loki Films & American Masters Pictures production. Directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (Loki Films). Produced by Suzanne Hillinger and Brent Miller. Executive Producer: Michael Kantor. Associate Producers: Alex Takats and Cara Mones. Camera: Ronan Killeen, Sam Levy, Jenna Rosher. Edited by J.D. Marlow, Enat Sidi. Music by Kris Bowers. Production Designer: Alex Basco Koch. Featuring appearances and interviews with Norman Lear, George Clooney, Bill Moyers, John Amos, Alan Horn, Russell Simmons, Amy Poehler, Jon Stewart, and many others.
