RADiUS-TWC has today announced that it has acquired North American rights to Twenty Feet From Stardom, which held its world premiere at Sundance last night.
Produced by the late A&M Records executive Gil Friesen, the film represents the culmination of his dream to tell the story of the unheralded back up singers to the world’s greatest industry legends. The film was directed by Grammy-nominated Morgan Neville.
Twenty Feet From Stardom is described as being a celebration of the voices from the edge, which brought shape and style to the soundtracks of our lives. Neville follows half a dozen diverse and gifted back up singers from throughout music history, each of whom has a story to tell of life in the shadows of superstardom (Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Joe Cocker, Bette Midler to name just a few). These talented artists represent a range of styles that come from all eras of popular music, but each singer belongs to the first family of American voice. Now is their turn for the spotlight.
RADiUS will release the film theatrically with a target date of late summer 2013.
?We were overwhelmed by this beautiful film that focuses on the underdog – these incredible artists who ? until now ? have been largely unknown. We’ve been coming to Sundance for more than 15 years and we’ve rarely, if ever, seen an audience reaction like we did last night,” said RADiUS co-presidents Tom Quinn and Jason Janego.
Echoes TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein: “I’ve always been drawn to the underdog story and can’t think of a more poignant subject matter that showcases such rare talent. The subtleties and nuances of this incredible story are so delicate and intimately told that we feel a great responsibility to ensure audiences everywhere have the opportunity to see it.”
“I’m so happy that these amazing singers who have spent their careers supporting stars are finally going to get their moment in the spotlight. We’re thrilled to be working with RADiUS and TWC – – it means their voices will finally be heard,” said Neville.
