IM Global, John Legend, Fursts plot musical drama

Principal photography is scheduled for September in Philadelphia, with Legend set to produce alongside his Get Lifted Film Co partner Mike Jackson and Furst Film principals Sean and Bryan Furst.

Video and commercials director Nabil Elderkin will make his feature directorial debut from a screenplay by Taylor Cohen about a one-hit wonder who rekindles his passion for music while serving coaching a talent show contestant.

Miguel (pictured) won a Grammy in 2013 for R&B song Adorn and has earned a further seven nominations in his career.

IM Global’s Stuart Ford and president of production Matt Jackson serve as executive producers with Glendon Palmer and Get Lifted partner Ty Stiklorius. 

CAA helped broker the co-production and financing arrangement with IM Global and will represent US rights.

“Mike, Ty and I are really excited about producing our longtime friend and collaborator Nabil Elderkin’s directorial debut,” said Legend.

“He’s a major talent and being able to cast Miguel in the male lead puts us in the position to really build an incredible film with strong musical elements. We look forward to working with this dream team we’ve assembled to deliver something special.”

“Stuart and his team acted decisively and their support has set us all on a course to make something unique and inspiring,” said the Furst brothers. “We’re excited for the opportunity to collaborate with this incredible collection of artists.”

For added: “With this outstandingly talented circle of partners we’re looking forward to making a beautiful, multicultural and wonderfully musical feature film.”

IM Global general counsel Deborah Zipser brokered the deal with Tom Greenberg and Nina Shaw of Del, Shaw, Moonves, Tanaka, Finkelstein & Lezcano on behalf of Get Lifted Film Co and Andrew Hurwitz on behalf of Furst Films.

Legend and Common shared this year’s best original song Oscar for ‘Glory’ from Selma.