VIA PRESS RELEASE | Screen Media, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment company, announced today the acquisition of all North American rights to Ley Line Entertainment’s feature documentary Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road. The film premiered to rave reviews at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. Screen Media plans to release the film in theaters and on video-on-demand in November.
The deeply personal documentary finds the legendary songwriter, composer and producer reminiscing and reflecting with longtime friend and Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine. With Jason behind the wheel and Brian selecting the music, the two revisit many of the periods and locations integral in shaping Brian’s life. Weighing in are admirers and those close to him, including Al Jardine, Don Was, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Nick Jonas, Jim James, Jakob Dylan, Gustavo Dudamel, and Taylor Hawkins.
Punctuated with memorable concert, studio, and interview footage, and graced by Brian Wilson and Jim James’ original song “Right Where I Belong,” recorded specifically for the film, this entertaining, informative and at times heart-tugging road trip provides both a first-hand, intimate look into Wilson’s storied life and further inspiration to anyone who has been touched by his music.
Brian Wilson, an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who co-founded The Beach Boys, is quite arguably the greatest composer of popular music in the rock era. Often called a genius for his novel approaches to composition and recording techniques, he is widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative and significant songwriters of the 20th century and is considered the principal originator of the “California” sound. Wilson’s honors include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of The Beach Boys) and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a Kennedy Center Honor, two Grammy Awards, and the Ivor Novello Award.
The documentary is directed by Brent Wilson (no relation), Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road, produced by Tim Headington and Theresa Steele Page under their Ley Line Entertainment banner, and Brent Wilson, executive produced by Brian Wilson, Melinda Wilson, and Jason Fine, and co-produced by Jean Sievers.
“As a lifelong fan, I knew this film would have to take some risks to give us insight into Brian’s complex world, I’m so glad to have found a partner in Screen Media who embraced the unique approach we took to sharing his story,” said Brent Wilson.
“From his days with the Beach Boys to his legendary solo efforts, Brian Wilson is a singular artist whose influence can be felt across every element of over six decades of pop music. He’s always been a bit of a mystery, but with Long Promised Road, we finally get an intimate look into Wilson’s music, legacy, and life. Screen Media is incredibly excited to bring his legendary musical journey to audiences across the country,” said Screen Media in a statement.
Seth Needle, EVP of Global Acquisitions and Co-Productions, negotiated the deal for Screen Media with ICM Partners on behalf of the filmmakers.
Screen Media’s upcoming and recent releases include Lina Roessler’s Best Sellers starring Aubrey Plaza and Michael Caine, Chase Palmer’s Naked Singularity starring John Boyega and Olivia Cooke, which won the Audience Award at the 2021 San Francisco Film Festival, and SK Dale’s critically acclaimed thriller Till Death, starring Megan Fox. Previous releases include the critically acclaimed documentary Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street, the Barry Pepper thriller Trigger Point, Simon West’s action disaster film Skyfire, and the Nicolas Cage hit Willy’s Wonderland.
