Oscar-winning filmmaker Tom McCarthy‘s (“Spotlight”) next movie has landed with Sony Pictures Classics.
The yet-to-be-titled film is set to begin production at the end of February and is dedicated to the late Steve Golin, the Oscar-winning producer who was founder and CEO of Anonymous Content. In addition to acquiring the worldwide rights to the project, Sony Pictures Classics will co-finance the movie.
McCarthy adapted the screenplay with Thomas Bidegan and Noé Debré, based on Nathaniel Rich’s book “Losing Earth,” described as a “dramatic, darkly comic, true story” set at the onset of the climate change debate, when the science was proven but political and industry forces ultimately derailed progress.
“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,” an early synopsis of the story explains. “This group of scientists, activists, and policymakers have one simple mandate from Congress — write a statement about what to do. Easier said than done.”
In a statement announcing 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.”
Representatives from Sony Pictures Classics added: “A spectacular screenplay, dealing with an urgent subject, the untitled 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 film will be produced by Jonathan King, David Levine for Anonymous Content, Jim Whitaker, and McCarthy for Slow Pony. Jonathan Schwartz, Nick Shumaker and Bard Dorros of Anonymous Content serve as producers alongside Mary Aloe of Aloe Entertainment.
Executive producers 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; Bidegan, 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; Rob Rosenheck for Galisteo Media; and Rae Baron for Slow Pony.
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.
McCarthy is represented by Gersh, and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz.