Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Rights to "Becoming Led Zeppelin"

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Sony Pictures Classics has announced the acquisition of all rights to the highly anticipated documentary "Becoming Led Zeppelin" in North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia (excluding Japan), and Benelux. This documentary, directed by the Emmy® and BAFTA® nominated Bernard MacMahon, is a visually and sonically compelling journey into the origins of one of rock's most iconic bands.

"Becoming Led Zeppelin" offers an unprecedented look into the creative, musical, and personal beginnings of Led Zeppelin, featuring never-before-seen footage and performances. The film is narrated by the band members themselves, marking the first officially sanctioned documentary on the legendary group. MacMahon, known for his work on "American Epic," co-wrote the screenplay with BAFTA® nominated producer Allison McGourty.

Produced by Paradise Pictures in association with Big Beach, the film boasts a team of notable executive producers, including Michael Clark, Alex Turtletaub, Duke Erikson, Cynthia Heusing, David Kistenbroker, Simon Moran, and Ged Doherty. The editing is done by Dan Gitlin, with re-recording mix by Nick Bergh and sound restoration by Grammy® Award winner Peter Henderson.

The film, which garnered a 10-minute standing ovation at its work-in-progress screening at the 2021 Venice Film Festival, has been enhanced with a brand-new sound mix and newly discovered archival material. It features exclusive interviews with band members Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones, along with never-before-heard interviews with the late John Bonham.

"Becoming Led Zeppelin" also unveils a treasure trove of unseen performance footage, capturing the band at seminal moments like The Fillmore West (January 1969), The Atlanta Pop Festival (July 1969), and The Texas Pop Festival (August 1969). This hybrid docu-concert film transports audiences to the concert halls of Led Zeppelin’s earliest tours, offering an immersive musical experience paired with intimate commentary from the famously private band.

Jimmy Page expressed his excitement, stating, “When I saw the early cut of the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, it was amazing. The energy of the story, and the power of the music, is phenomenal." Director Bernard MacMahon added, “We have spent years designing this film to be experienced on the big screen with the best possible sound.” McGourty emphasized the significance of the theatrical experience, praising Sony Pictures Classics for their dedication to delivering the film to audiences worldwide.

Sony Pictures Classics commented, “We loved this film from the first moment we saw it. It has been nothing short of extraordinary to witness the organic process Bernard, Allison, and their team have taken to sculpt what has turned out to be THE definitive film on the origins of Led Zeppelin. We are honored to be working with such committed artists who have crafted a film that immediately transports you right into the energy and excitement of that time. It seamlessly weaves astonishing performances, archival footage, and interviews through superb editing and impeccable sound design. This film is a grand theatrical experience and we are very proud to be bringing it to the world.”

The acquisition deal was negotiated between Sony Pictures Classics, MacMahon, and Altitude Film Sales, ensuring that "Becoming Led Zeppelin" will reach a global audience eager to delve into the mythos of one of rock’s greatest bands.

Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics, an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992. The division is known for distributing, producing, and acquiring independent films globally, earning 41 Academy Awards® and 187 Academy Award® nominations, including Best Picture nominations for "The Father," "Call Me by Your Name," "Whiplash," and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation, operates globally in motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; studio facility operation; and new entertainment product development.