The film will be produced by Simon and Jonathan Chinn of Lightbox Media, Lisa Erspamer with Altitude Film Sales introducing the project to buyers at the Cannes Film Festival.
- Apr 28, 2016
AceShowbiz - Whitney Houston's documentary is in the works. Oscar-winning Scottish director Kevin Macdonald is set to direct the theatrical feature documentary about the life of the legendary singer. It is the first documentary to be officially authorized by her estate since her 2012 death.
Fellow Oscar-winning producer Simon Chinn ("Man on Wire" and "Searching for Sugar Man") and his Emmy-winning cousin Jonathan Chinn ("Fantastic Lies", "American High") are producing the project under their Lightbox Media banner along with Lisa Erspamer ("Running From Crazy").
Altitude Film Sales is introducing the project to buyers at the Cannes Film Festival, with U.K. rights acquired by Altitude Film Distribution. Will Clarke, Andy Mayson and Mike Runagall will serve as executive producers.
The film will include an interview with Clive Davis, founder and president of Arista Records, currently chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment, who is best known for bringing Whitney to prominence.
Kevin said in a statement, "The story that is never told about Whitney is just how brilliant she was as an artist; by many measures she had the greatest voice of the last 50 years. She changed the way pop music was sung - bringing it back full circle to its blues and gospel roots. She was also completely unique in being a black pop star who sold in countries where black artists don't traditionally sell."
He added, "We have access to never-before-seen footage of Whitney that charts her whole life from her beginnings singing in her Church's gospel choir to the day of her tragic death at the age of 48, and three decades of her music including exclusive demo recordings, rare performances and audio archive."
"Although we won't shy away from the darker parts of Whitney's life - her descent into addiction - I want audiences to walk out of the cinema and feel positive about Whitney and her music. I want to reveal a woman that even her most die-hard fans never knew; and a woman those new to her life and music will never forget," he concluded.
Will Clarke, chairman and co-CEO of Altitude-the banner behind "Amy" record-breaking U.K. release, added, "Whitney's story, brought to screen by Kevin Macdonald and this producing team, will make for a truly compelling theatrical event for audiences worldwide."
