MUMBAI: Netflix in association with its Red Envelope Entertainment division has acquired worldwide rights to produce and distribute a new documentary exploring and celebrating the life and career of the legendary recording artist and concert performer, Tony Bennett.
"Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends will be directed by Bruce Ricker. Multiple Oscar winner and nominee Clint Eastwood Flags Of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima will serve as executive producer.
Bennett is beloved as one of the premiere interpreters of the Great American Songbook. The new documentary will follow Bennett's more than 50 years in the music and entertainment industries against the backdrop of a changing America.
Weaving seldom seen archival footage with never before seen excerpts of Bennett's recent premier performance at the Monterey Jazz festival -- highlighted by an on-camera interview conducted by Eastwood that explores the essence of Bennett's artistry -- the film will present an exceptional man in a rare way: a living legend through his life, times and music.
This cinematic portrayal of Tony Bennett caps a year-long celebration of a singer who celebrated his 80th birthday last August. Bennett's most recent chart topping CD Tony Bennett Duets: An American Classic. It won three Grammy Awards a couple of days ago.
Netflix says that it is committed to providing consumers with access to the widest variety of films available and, in association with Red Envelope Entertainment, will fully finance the production. An innovative release plan will include DVD rental and sale, online and TV distribution, as well as an event-driven premiere and theatrical release this summer. The film is currently in production at locations around the country, including Astoria, Queens in New York City, where Bennett was born, as well as Hollywood, California.
Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos says, "The coming together of Tony Bennett and Clint Eastwood -- two enduring and iconic figures in the world of American entertainment -- is a cultural flashpoint. Netflix spearheading this prestigious project showcases our abilities to bring unique content to our subscribers and, in this case, a global audience."
Richter says, "'Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends is an historical record of an American icon. We wanted the film to reach the widest audience possible and Netflix achieves that goal."
