“Midas Man,” an upcoming drama about Brian Epstein, the visionary manager who helped turn the Beatles into the biggest thing in pop culture, has sold North American distribution rights to Briarcliff Entertainment. The company will distribute the movie in collaboration with Studio POW and American Entertainment Investors. It stars Jacob Fortune-Lloyd of “The Queen’s Gambit” as Epstein. The film is directed by Joe Stephenson (“Doctor Jekyll”).
Briarcliff plans to release the film in more than 800 theaters nationwide in the fall. “Midas Man” is set against the backdrop of the 1960s, and explores Epstein’s genius and talent, as well as his ambition and his personal struggle for self-acceptance. Born into a family of furniture retailers, Epstein’s passion for music and ability to spot talent led him to discover the Fab Four and helped launch them into the musical stratosphere. The film’s ensemble also includes Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Jay Leno, Ed Speleers and Eddie Izzard.
“The Briarcliff team is looking forward to working with Studio POW and American Entertainment Investors on this extraordinary film,” said Briarcliff’s CEO Tom Ortenberg. “Beatles fans, music enthusiasts, history buffs and cinema aficionados alike are in for an unforgettable experience when ‘Midas Man’ hits theaters.”
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Perry Trevers, CEO of Studio POW, said: “The release of ‘Midas Man’ on 800+ screens across North America is a landmark moment for Studio POW. This film not only represents our growth ambitions but also our commitment to delivering quality cinema. We are confident that the partnership with Briarcliff Entertainment and American Entertainment Investors will be fruitful and elevate the film’s success and I’d like to thank all at Centurion for putting it together.”
Joseph N. Cohen, president of American Entertainment Investors, added: “I am delighted to work on the North American release of ‘Midas Man,’ which I think will appeal to the still broad fan base of the Beatles but will also resonate with filmgoers who will be entranced by Brian Epstein’s meteoric rise from salesman in his parent’s furniture store to international music impresario.”
Tom Reeve, producer of ‘Midas Man’ and president of Centurion Entertainment, said: “So many people have invested so much love and passion into this film, and to have these efforts acknowledged by Briarcliff Entertainment with such a wide release is a testament to the quality produced and a significant milestone in Studio POW’s North American expansion.”
Trevor Beattie, producer of “Midas Man,” said that “Brian Epstein lived a brief but extraordinary life. Managing the Beatles was the easy part. He worked selflessly for his artists, always putting them first, often cheering from the wings. He never stopped believing. And neither will we. ‘Midas Man’ repays the debt we all owe Brian. He’s finally and firmly centre stage. In the spotlight where he belongs. Joe Stephenson has brought the heartbreaking drama of Brian’s story to vivid life. And I’d like to think Brian would be thrilled with Jacob’s astonishing portrayal. When the Beatles arrived in New York City in 1964, they were asked ‘How did you find America?’ Ringo’s famous response was ‘Turn left at Greenland.’ The truth was that Brian Epstein took the Beatles to America. And they wouldn’t have got there without him. Briarcliff and American Entertainment Investors have done the same for ‘Midas Man.’ This deal puts our movie in front of its most important audience. We may not be expecting Midas Mania, but we’re sure America will take Eppy’s story to their hearts. Brian loved America.”
In addition to Beattie and Reeve, the film is produced by Jeremy Chatterton. Executive producers include Ortenberg, Peter Dunne and Mark Borkowski.
Briarcliff’s previous releases include the Liam Neeson thriller “The Marksman,” supernatural thriller ”Don’t Let Go” and sports biopic ”Sweetwater.” Briarcliff has also released award-winning and critically acclaimed documentaries such as “The Dissident” and “Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down.”
The deal was negotiated by Reeve at Centurion Entertainment and Cohen at American Entertainment Investors on behalf of the filmmakers, and by Ortenberg, Jessica Rose and Danielle Goodman Strong on behalf of Briarcliff Entertainment.Mister Smith Entertainment is handling international sales for the film.
