EXCLUSIVE: Under-the-radar documentary I Am Curious Johnny, about industrial heir and larger-than-life personality Johnny Pigozzi, has been picked up by HBO Max.
Directed by music documentary filmmaker Julien Temple (The Filth and the Fury), the film was produced by Oscar winner Jeremy Thomas (The Last Emperor) under his Recorded Picture Company banner, together with Temple via his company Nitrate Film, and P.J. van Sandwijk (Ferrari) at Storyteller Productions.
The Lord Rothschild and Marie Savare amongst the executive producers. Submarine Entertainment are handling international sales.
French-born Italian Pigozzi, heir to the CEO of the automobile brand Simca, is known as a photographer, conservationist, philanthropist, venture capitalist, art collector and selfie proponent before it became commonplace, capturing celebrity moments from Studio 54 to the Polo Lounge in the 1970s.
Pigozzi’s mentors included Gianni Agnelli and Jimmy Goldsmith, while Mick Jagger and Michael Douglas are said to be among his best friends. The film features appearances from Douglas, Martha Stewart, Jagger, Diane von Furstenberg and Graydon Carter.
The deal was negotiated by Dan Braun of Submarine with HBO Max’s Tiffany Tulba.
Jeremy Thomas said: “Who can resist the world and fun of being with Johnny Pigozzi? I was fascinated by a world none of us know about.”
Julien Temple added: “With I Am Curious Johnny, I wanted to explore whether substantial wealth and connections can ever truly buy happiness, or will shadows always follow us — no matter how far we run?”