Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all rights worldwide to an untitled new film from Academy Award winner Tom McCarthy (Spotlight). Dedicated to the late Steve Golin, the film is set to begin production at the end of February.
Based on the Nathaniel Rich book Losing Earth, the film is billed as a dramatic, darkly comic, true story that asks if it’s possible for any group of people to sit together and tackle the problems of our time when we can’t agree on how to arrange the chairs.
At a beachside resort in Florida in 1980, 20 experts gather for a weekend conference on a global issue that is starting to gain traction: the effects of Co2 emissions on the climate. This group of scientists, activists, and policymakers have one simple mandate from Congress — write a statement about what to do. Easier said than done.
Thomas Bidegan, Noé Debré, and McCarthy adapted the screenplay. Sony Pictures Classics will co-finance the project, with Jonathan King producing alongside David Levine for Anonymous Content, Jim Whitaker, and McCarthy for Slow Pony; Jonathan Schwartz, Nick Shumaker, and Bard Dorros of Anonymous Content; and Mary Aloe of Aloe Entertainment. EPs include Alex Gibney, Wendy Schmidt, Richard Perello, and Robert Kessel for Jigsaw Productions; Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for Artists Equity; Alex Lebovici for Hammerstone Studios; Thomas Bidegan, Noé Debré, and Nathaniel Rich; Billy James Parrott; Laurene Powell Jobs and Davis Guggenheim for Concordia; Andrew Lauren and Blye Faust on behalf of Andrew Lauren Productions; and Rob Rosenheck for Galisteo Media.
On the origins of the project, McCarthy said, “What drew me to this story originally was the timeless idea that no matter our differences, we must find ways to work together if we have a hope of solving our problems. The joy of working on the movie so far has been realizing how entertaining that process can be. I feel incredibly lucky that these amazing partners including Anonymous Content and Sony Pictures Classics are all making it together for the right reasons.”
Said Sony Pictures Classics said, “A spectacular screenplay, dealing with an urgent subject, the UNTITLED TOM MCCARTHY FILM promises to be a major movie with a stellar cast and director Tom McCarthy, who we have wanted to work with since his first film (The Station Agent) over 20 years ago. It is a privilege to be involved.”
The deal was negotiated between Sony Pictures Classics and Anonymous Content and CAA Media Finance on behalf of the producers. Adam Davids provided legal counsel.