EXCLUSIVE: Billy Idol Ought to Be Useless has discovered a global distributor following screenings at Tribeca and Sheffield Doc Fest earlier this yr.
Fremantle has boarded the characteristic doc about music star Billy Idol and brought worldwide gross sales (exterior the U.S.). It has been purchasing if this week at MIPCOM.
The doc, from Swedish filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund, is billed as an “intimate, no-holds-barred portrait of the legendary punk musician, advised by those that know him greatest, together with Idol himself.” Reside Nation Studios is the manufacturing home, with Michael Rapino and J. Ralph the exec producers. Violaine Etienne, Akerlund, Orian Williams, Mark Monroe, Ryan Kroft, Jessica James Batista, Laurence Freedman and China Chow are among the many producers.
The doc weaves never-before-seen archival footage with revealing interviews that includes Idol, his bandmates, household and fellow music artists reminiscent of Miley Cyrus and Inexperienced Day lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong.
It chronicles his anarchic punk beginnings to superstardom within the MTV period, when he had hits reminiscent of “White Marriage ceremony” and “Insurgent Yell.” The movie reveals Idol’s near-death experiences and offers entry to the likes of his late mom Joan, longtime girlfriend Perri Lister and all three of his youngsters. It additionally reveals how a DNA check led to Idol discovering his long-lost son, Bryant.
The director, GRammy award winner Åkerlund, is greatest identified for music movies for main artists reminiscent of Madonna, Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney.
Kyle Harris, Vice President, Acquisitions, Worldwide, Fremantle, stated: “This characteristic size documentary delves into the uncooked, riveting lifetime of one among rock’s most iconic rebels. We’re excited to be partnering with Reside Nation to carry the untold story of Billy Idol to a global viewers.”
Ryan Kroftt, Head of Movie & Tv, Reside Nation Studios, added that “Idol’s epic story is one among world proportions,” and added, “Now with our extraordinary companions at Fremantle the world will get to see it.”
Fremantle’s world documentary slate consists of the likes of It’s By no means Over, Jeff Buckley, DEVO, As soon as Upon A Time In Area,The Zelensky Story and the not too long ago announce Luca: Seeing Crimson and The Beatle and The Bass (w/t), which options Paul McCartney. Fremantle has greater than documentary labels, and produces in over 12 territories.
