The next film from Oscar-winning director Tom McCarthy (“Spotlight”) has landed at Sony Pictures Classics.
The as-yet-untitled film is scheduled to begin production at the end of February and will be dedicated to the late Steve Golin, Oscar-winning producer and founder and CEO of Anonymous Content. In addition to acquiring worldwide rights to the project, Sony Pictures Classics will co-finance the film.
McCarthy co-adapted the screenplay with Thomas Bidegan and Noé Debre, based on Nathaniel Rich’s book Losing Earth, and has been described as a “dramatic, darkly comic, true story” set in the beginnings of the climate change debate, where the science was proven but progress was ultimately derailed by the forces of politics and industry.
“In 1980, at a seaside resort in Florida, 20 experts gather for a weekend conference on a global issue that is beginning to gain attention: the impact of CO2 emissions on the climate,” an early synopsis for the story explains. “This group of scientists, activists, and policy makers has been given one simple mandate by Congress: Write a statement on what to do. Easier said than done.”
In a statement announcing the project, director McCarthy said, “What originally drew me to this story was the timeless idea that if we have any hope of solving problems, we must find a way to work together, regardless of our differences.” I feel incredibly lucky to have these great partners, including Anonymous Content and Sony Pictures Classics, all working together on this project for the right reasons.”
A representative from Sony Pictures Classics added: “With a brilliant script that deals with urgent themes, this untitled film promises to be a blockbuster with a great cast and director Tom McCarthy, who we’ve wanted to work with since our first film (The Station Agent) over 20 years ago. We’re honored to be a part of it.”
The film will be produced by Jonathan King, Anonymous Content’s David Levine, Jim Whitaker, and Slow Pony’s McCarthy. Jonathan Schwartz, Nick Shumaker and Bard Dorros of Anonymous Content are producing with Mary Aloe of Aloe Entertainment.
Executive producers include Alex Gibney, Wendy Schmidt, Richard Perello and Robert Kessel of Jigsaw Productions. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck handle artist equity. Alex Lebovich of Hammerstone Studios. Bidegan, Debre, and Nathaniel Rich. Billy James Parrott. Laurene Powell Jobs and Davis Guggenheim of Concordia; Andrew Lauren and Bry Faust on behalf of Andrew Lauren Productions. Rob Rosenheck of Galisteo Media.
The deal was negotiated on behalf of the producers between Sony Pictures Classics, Anonymous Content and CAA Media Finance. Adam Davids served as legal advisor.
