The Wagner/Cuban Company’s Magnolia Pictures announced today that they have acquired North American rights to BALLET 422, a fly-on-the-wall documentary offering an unprecedented look into the elite world of the New York City Ballet.
BALLET 422 was directed by acclaimed cinematographer and director Jody Lee Lipes (NY Export: Opus Jazz, HBO’s Girls), known for his work lensing Girls, Martha Marcy May Marlene, Tiny Furniture, and Judd Apatow’s upcoming feature Trainwreck. The film shadows rising star Justin Peck, a 25-year old choreographer, as he undertakes the Herculean task of creating New York City Ballet’s 422nd original piece while simultaneously fulfilling his role as dancer with the Company. The film was produced by Ellen Bar and Anna Rose Holmer.
Rather than relying on talking heads, BALLET 422 plunges the viewer into the world of the New York City Ballet, detailing every step of the creative process from choreography to orchestration, lighting to costume design, from the earliest studio rehearsals to opening night. The film had its world premiere last month at the Tribeca Film Festival.
“The very talented Jody Lee Lipes has pulled off the impressive feat of crafting a film that will be treasured by fans of the ballet, and that also transcends its subject matter to be a powerful testament to hard work and devotion to craft,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “Anyone that cares about the arts will find this film fascinating and moving.”
"It's an honor to be partnering with Magnolia on the theatrical release of BALLET 422,” said director Jody Lee Lipes. “After an ideal Tribeca premiere, we're thrilled to bring this film to a wider audience."
The deal was negotiated for Magnolia by SVP of Acquisitions Dori Begley and Director of Acquisitions John Von Thaden with the Film Sales Company president Andrew Herwitz on behalf of the filmmakers.
https://www.facebook.com/ballet422
#BALLET422
About Magnolia
Magnolia Pictures (www.magpictures.com) is the theatrical and home entertainment distribution arm of the Wagner/Cuban Companies, a vertically-integrated group of media properties co-owned by Todd Wagner and Mark Cuban that also includes the Landmark Theatres chain and AXS TV. Recent releases include Lars Von Trier’s Nymphomaniac, the riveting killer whale doc Blackfish, Joe Swanberg’s Drinking Buddies, Thomas Vinterberg’s Oscar-Nominated The Hunt, and hit documentaries Muscle Shoals, Jiro Dreams of Sushi and The Queen of Versailles. Magnolia's upcoming releases include Richard Ayoade’s dystopian vision The Double, Steve James’ Roger Ebert doc Life Itself, Joe Berlinger's Whitey Bulger doc Whitey, Lenny Abrahamson’s Frank, The Two Faces of January with Viggo Mortensen, Oscar Issac and Kirsten Dunst, Gregg Araki’s White Bird in a Blizzard starring Shailene Woodley, Joe Swanberg’s Happy Christmas, Lukas Moodysson’s We Are the Best!, and many more.
Please Leave A Comment-
Comments