Warner Music readies biopics, documentaries with Catalyst

Warner Music Group has secured a deal with London-based startup Catalyst Global Media to develop a slate of feature biopics and documentaries based on WMG artists.

The multi-year, multi-picture arrangement will explore Warner Music’s extensive catalogue - which includes Prince and Led Zeppelin - and is expected to result in a number of new accounts of some of the most iconic artists of all time.

Catalyst will develop and finance the projects and oversee worldwide distribution.

Al Hardiman, co-founder of Catalyst and president of the company’s music division will oversee the slate alongside Catalyst CEO Charlotte Walls.

Hardiman and Walls will work closely with Warner Music executives Rich Robinson, svp, synchronisation, Europe and Jen Moss, senior synchronisation manager to explore the Warner library for material to tell the real-life stories of artists and performers in big-screen adaptations and documentary features.

The relationship between Catalyst and WMG began with Warner Music handling the music supervising services for several projects including sci-fi conspiracy thriller Residue, which was released by Netflix earlier this year.

Catalyst and Warner anticipate the first productions will start early next year.

Hardiman said: “Music is a key part of the DNA here at Catalyst, and we are thrilled to be partnering with Warner Music to bring a selection of compelling stories to the screen based on musical legends past and present.

“The power of music to capture the human spirit and to speak to audiences across the world is unrivalled and this co-venture provides a wonderful opportunity in film to explore these artists, their lives and their work in a very inspiring way.”

Walls added: “This co-venture… is a great opportunity for Catalyst and Warner to seek out some brilliant stories from much loved artists.

“You never know, we might help uncover the next ‘Searching For Sugar Man’ or a poignant love story in the way that ‘Walk The Line’ brought to audiences new and existing.”

Robinson said: “Our rich catalogue will provide lots of inspiring and exciting material - from the influences and passions of Warner’s iconic artists to the making of legendary songs - and I look forward to seeing the stories that result from our partnership.”