CBS Films is in final negotiations to acquire the North American rights to Ron Howard’s “Pavarotti” documentary, the distributor announced Tuesday.
Mark Monroe wrote the film, while Nigel Sinclair, Brian Grazer, Howard, Michael Rosenberg and Jeanne Elfant Festa are serving as producers. David Blackman and Dickon Stainer are serving as executive producers.
“Luciano Pavarotti’s exuberant personality, astounding voice and charm earned him world acclaim in his lifetime. He upended the world of classical music and, most importantly, brought opera back to the people. It’s hard to believe ten years have passed since Luciano left the world; however, through the making of this film, we have been fortunate enough to rediscover Pavarotti’s magic and humanity,” Howard said. “I’m thrilled to bring that same power and emotion to audiences and screens around the world.”
Pavarotti remains one of the bestselling recording artists in history, with over 100 million records sold.
“Luciano Pavarotti remains a talent and entertainer whose unique gifts made him a cultural icon that touched millions of people across generations,” Terry Press, president of CBS Films, added.
“Pavarotti” was fully financed by Universal Music Group’s Polygram Entertainment and is a production of Polygram Entertainment, Decca Records, Imagine Entertainment and White Horse Pictures. Scott Shooman and Jack Bleck are negotiating the deal on behalf of CBS Films, while CAA and White Horse are negotiating on behalf of the filmmakers.