Phase 4 Films today has snapped up North American distribution rights to Ron Howard’s first documentary “Made in America.”
CAA brokered the U.S. rights deal on behalf of the filmmakers; the Canadian rights were handled by The Exchange, which is selling the film at the American Film Market.
The film follows rapper Jay Z through the planning of the Made in America concert event in Philadelphia, including, Drake, Pearl Jam, Run DMC, The Hive, Passion Pit, Calvin Harris, Janelle Monae and Skrillex. The film will be released in the summer of 2014.
The Budweiser Made in America Festival grossed $5 million in ticket sales. Nearly 80,000 people attended the festival, which was planned entirely by Jay Z, who also headlined the concert.
“Made in America” premiered on Showtime in October, 2012.
The documentary includes performances and backstage interviews shot by Howard and produced by Brian Grazer. It premiered theatrically in September at the Toronto International Film Festival and is produced by Imagine Entertainment, Marcy Media, RadicalMedia, in association with Participant Media.
“This is not a concert film but rather a reflection of the fabric of what it means to be Made in America – what the festival represents, why Jay is doing it, and how he relates to each artist,” said Howard.
