Sony Pictures Classics has acquired Bernard MacMahon‘s hybrid docu-concert film Becoming Led Zeppelin, taking all rights in North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia (excluding Japan), and Benelux.
Powered by never-before-seen footage, performances and music, the film is billed as an experiential cinematic odyssey exploring Led Zeppelin‘s creative, musical, and personal origin story. It’s told in Led Zeppelin’s own words and is the first officially sanctioned film on the group.
Screening as a work-in-progress at the 2021 Venice Film Festival, where it received a 10-minute standing ovation, the film now features a brand-new sound mix, newly unearthed material from the archives of all four band members (including home movies and family photos), and exclusive interviews with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones, as well as never-before-heard interviews with the late John Bonham.
Written by MacMahon and Allison McGourty, the film was produced by Paradise Pictures in association with Big Beach. Exec producers included Michael Clark, Alex Turtletaub, Duke Erikson, Cynthia Heusing, David Kistenbroker, Simon Moran, and Ged Doherty.
Page, the founder and guitarist of Led Zeppelin, stated, “When I saw the early cut of the film premiered, at the Venice Film Festival, it was amazing. The energy of the story, and the power of the music, is phenomenal.”
MacMahon noted that the filmmakers have spent “years designing this film to be experienced on the big screen with the best possible sound,” with co-writer McGourty calling SPC “the perfect partners because they are true believers in the theatrical experience and are passionate about giving the millions of Led Zeppelin fans a chance to see and hear them on the greatest screens and sound systems in the world.”
A spokesperson for Sony Pictures Classics added, “We loved this film from the first moment we saw it. It has been nothing short of extraordinary to witness the organic process Bernard, Allison, and their team have taken to sculpt what has turned out to be THE definitive film on the origins of Led Zeppelin. We are honored to be working with such committed artists who have crafted a film that immediately transports you right into the energy and excitement of that time.” The rep went on to note that the film “seamlessly weaves astonishing performances, archival footage, and interviews through superb editing and impeccable sound design. This film is a grand theatrical experience and we are very proud to be bringing it to the world.”
The deal was negotiated between Sony Pictures Classics, MacMahon, and Altitude Film Sales.
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