“Everybody Digs Bill Evans,” the jazz biopic that received a rapturous reception in the Berlinale and would go on to win the Silver Bear for director Grant Gee, has been picked up for the U.S.
Cohen Media Group has bought the feature, described by “evocative portrait of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.”
“Everybody Digs Bill Evans” centers on a pivotal moment in 1961, when the sudden death of bassist and creative partner Scott LaFaro leaves jazz pianist Bill Evans unable to play, forcing him to confront grief, addiction and the fragile balance between artistry and self-destruction.
The cast includes Anders Danielsen Lie as Evans, alongside Bill Pullman, Academy Award nominee and Tony-winner Laurie Metcalf, Barry Ward, Valene Kane and Katie McGrath.
The acquisition was negotiated by Robert Aaronson, executive vice president of Cohen Media Group, and CAA Media Finance on behalf of the producers and Mister Smith Entertainment, which also handles international sales, at this year’s Marché du Film in Cannes.
“Grant Gee’s film is a deeply felt and beautifully composed exploration of artistic genius and personal vulnerability,” said Gee. “The performance from Anders Danielsen Lie is extraordinary and ‘Everybody Digs Bill Evans’ captures the emotional complexity behind Evans’ music. We’re honored to bring this powerful film to audiences in the U.S.”
Producers Janine Marmot and Alan Maher added: “We are thrilled to be working with Cohen Media on the American release of Grant Gee’s beautiful film. We are so excited to be bringing this portrait of an American music icon with our incredible international cast to a wide audience.”
In its review, Variety described the film as “an aching jazz biopic played with a delicate pianissimo touch.”
Adapted from Owen Martell’s novel “Intermission,” the screenplay is by Mark O’Halloran (“Viva,” “Conversations With Friends”). Gee’s body of work includes “Joy Division” and “Meeting People Is Easy.” Producers are Janine Marmot (“Is There Anybody Out There?”) for Hot Property Films and Alan Maher (“Lola”) for Cowtown Pictures. Executive producers are Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa for Bona Fide Prods., Greg Martin for Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, John Wallace, Kevin McGrath, Susan Simnett, Amy Gardner, Dana Høegh and David McLoughlin.
The film was financed by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, the U.K. Global Screen Fund — financed by the U.K. Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport and administered by the BFI — as well as Over the Fence Films, Finite Film, Shoni Prods. and OnSight.
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