The Weinstein Company has picked up distribution rights to the new Todd Hayne’s biopic about Bob Dylan. From the press release:
“The Weinstein Company (TWC) is pleased to announce that TWC has acquired North American and U.K. rights to “I’m Not There,” the highly anticipated biographical film about legendary singer and songwriter Bob Dylan, from Jim Stern’s Endgame Entertainment. “I’m Not There” was co-written by Academy Award® nominated writer Todd Haynes (“Far From Heaven”) and by Oren Moverman. Haynes also directed the feature with an all-star ensemble cast including Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Michelle Williams, Julianne Moore, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Ben Whishaw and Marcus Carl Franklin, David Cross and Bruce Greenwood.
“I’m Not There” follows six distinct characters, depicting different stages of Dylan’s life, embodying a different aspect of his life story and music. It’s the first biographical feature project to secure the approval of the music legend.
Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of TWC stated, “Bob Dylan has lived an unbelievable and at times, an elusive life. He has countless fans who will now be able to really gain insight into his fascinating life. Todd has done a fantastic job recreating the story behind one of the most successful and loved artists of all time. We are really excited to be working with Christine, Jim and Jeff to distribute this film.”
Todd Haynes stated, “This has been an extraordinary opportunity, bringing Bob Dylan’s life and work to the screen. It has attracted the best talent in film and in music–and with Harvey on board, one of the smartest and most passionate distributors in the business.”
Christine Vachon stated, “Todd has made an incredible film and I’m so excited to have Harvey and The Weinstein Co behind it. Their passion for the film and expertise in the market makes them the perfect distributors to have on board.”
Stern added, “I am delighted that Harvey has joined our team. This is an astonishing and dynamic film and now has a distributor on board with the marketing brilliance to bring “I’m Not There” center stage. I couldn’t be more pleased to be working with Harvey again.”
Haynes, along with music supervisors Randall Poster and Jim Dunbar, is preparing one of the most highly anticipated soundtrack albums which will include over 40 new recordings of Dylan songs by artists including Willie Nelson, Richie Havens, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Yo La Tengo.”
