For some reason this story just fascinates me. It is pop culture whoring at its finest as the currently untitled Justin Bieber biopic has found itself a replacement helmer in the form of Step Up 2 the Streets and Step Up 3D helmer Jon Chu as he drops in where Oscar-winning documentarian Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) dropped out.
Chu was announced tonight as the director of the upcoming Untitled Justin Bieber 3D Project described in a press release as a film that will give fans around the world an exclusive VIP backstage pass into the life of Justin Bieber. Paramount Pictures will release the movie in the U.S. on ValentineÂ’s weekend, February 11, 2011, under the newly created Insurge Pictures label.
As I’ve written before, Bieber, then 13-years-old, became a star after his performances on YouTube were seen by Scooter Braun, after which he was introduced to R&B star Usher. Usher and Braun then established a joint venture to release Bieber’s work with the young singer’s first album dropping back in November 2009.
“When I was approached about doing JustinÂ’’s film, I jumped at the opportunity to tell a story with honesty and heart. Most people donÂ’t know that his is a true underdog story, and I hope to tell it in a compelling, genuine way, using all source materials available to convey his tale of becoming an icon for this digital age. This is the story of a new voice continuing the tradition of musicians that defined their generation,”” Chu said in a statement included with the announcement.
Strangely, the announcement says nothing of the biopic being in 3D, which was part of previous reports. However, in conjunction with tonight’s press release Chu posted the following statement and video on his YouTube page confirming Bieber’s upcoming August 31st concert at Madison Square Garden will be filmed in 3D:
It’s official I’m teaming up with Team Bieber to make a great movie. We’re gonna tell his whole story…your story…from the beginning to now!! Very excited not only will there be tons of behind the scenes footage and exclusives over the years you have never seen but we will be filming his concert AUGUST 31st at Madison Square Garden in 3D!! Even if you cant get in the concert get to NYC that day and you can still be in the movie! Very excited about this project as Justin is the real deal.
On Twitter Chu added, “Like I said if u want to be in the movie follow me 4 details as they unfold. + plenty of behind the scene videos.Valentines day 2010 r u in?”
Well… are you?
