John Legend, fresh off his Oscar win for Selma’s original song “Glory,” is teaming up with IM Global and Furst Films for a new musical romantic drama.
Grammy-winning recording artist Miguel is in talks to star in the film as a former one-hit wonder who regains his love for music when he is hired to coach an aspiring singer for her audition on a singing competition show. Taylor Cohen wrote the script for the film, which will be the feature film directorial debut of video and commercials director Nabil Elderkin. Legend, whose own hits include “All of Me,” will curate the music for the project.
Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co. will produce the film, which is slated to start production in September in Philadelphia.
Legend will produce the picture alongside his Get Lifted Film Co. partner Mike Jackson. Furst Film principals Sean and Bryan Furst will also serve as producers. IM Global’s Stuart Ford and president of production Matt Jackson are executive producing with Glendon Palmer and Get Lifted partner Ty Stiklorius.
“Mike, Ty and I are really excited about producing our longtime friend and collaborator Nabil Elderkin’s directorial debut. He’s a major talent and being able to cast Miguel in the male lead puts us in the position to really build an incredible film with strong musical elements. We look forward to working with this dream team we’ve assembled to deliver something special,” said Legend.
CAA helped broker the co-production and financing arrangement with IM Global and will represent domestic rights on behalf of the indie studio. The deal was brokered by Deborah Zipser on behalf of IM Global, Tom Greenberg and Nina Shaw of Del Shaw on behalf of Get Lifted Film Co. and Andrew Hurwitz on behalf of Furst Films.
