Republic Records and independent film and television studio IM Global have announced a multi-picture co-financing and co-production relationship for a series of music-driven titles. The movies will be supported by soundtracks, music videos and fan-driven social media. Under the deal, which was brokered by IM Global Music president David Schulhof, the inaugural feature is scheduled to be an urban comedy set in Atlanta.
Titled Rollin’ Thunder, Republic and IM Global’s first collaboration centers on a former bowling champ-turned ex-con who enters a bowling tournament on a journey to make amends with a local tycoon along with his estranged teenage daughter. The movie will be directed by Bille Woodruff (Beauty Shop, Addicted) and produced by Schulhof, Republic founder/CEO Monte Lipman, IM Global’s Matt Jackson and co-produced by Nelly and Nick Cannon. Production begins this summer.
This pact — the first major deal for newly formed IM Global Music banner — was announced on Monday by Lipman and IM Global founder/CEO Stuart Ford, who called it a “thrill and a privilege to kick off this venture with a music industry powerhouse like Republic. Our two companies share a similar entrepreneurial spirit and culture of creative risk-taking and I’m sure we will make some highly commercial movies together.”
“The evolution of Republic’s recent success has led us into this partnership with one of Hollywood’s most prolific companies, IM Global,” said Lipman. “We have found incredible partners in Stuart and David, and collectively look forward to establishing a new paradigm for our respective businesses. With Nelly’s inspired ‘Rollin’ Thunder’ as our first project, I couldn’t be more excited about launching this venture together.
Added Schulhof, “This strategic partnership brings together exceptional talents in film and exceptional talents in music to create a unique and exciting platform. We look forward to working with Republic and all of their talented artists to develop, create and distribute some very exciting films.”
