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Lionsgate announced on Wednesday that the studio has won the rights to Fascinating Rhythm, an upcoming musical drama to be produced by Irwin Winkler and Martin Scorsese.
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The film, which tells the story of a young woman’s magical journey through past and present New York City, is inspired by the life and music of famed American composer George Gershwin. The film will be directed by Joe Carney, with a screenplay co-written by Carney and Chris Cluess. The film will also be produced by Charles Winkler and David Winkler.
“We’ve been huge fans of all three of these filmmakers for many years, so to have the chance to work with all of them on one project is a thrill for me and the Lionsgate team,” said Joe Drake, Chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “This is a script we couldn’t wait to read from the moment we heard about it and every page delivered. John’s unique vision and voice sold us completely. It is enchanting, magical, lyrical, and wonderful, and in the hands of these filmmakers, it is an exciting story and a package that we really wanted. We are thrilled to be a part of it.”
“I couldn’t be more delighted,” said Carney. “From the moment we went out to the market, there was a great connection with the project from the whole team at Lionsgate. It was inspiring. I can’t think of a better place to make a modern musical story about the greatest American composer to have ever lived. The whole team are thrilled to have found our home.”
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Fascinating Rhythm will be produced in cooperation with the Gershwin family, with the filmmakers having secured the rights to the music of George Gershwin. The music will be heard throughout the film, including some of his hits like Fascinating Rhythm, I Got Rhythm, The Man I Love, and many others.
This isn’t the first collaboration for Scorcese and Winkler, as the two have combined to create some of the most iconic films in cinema history, including the likes of Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Silence, and most recently, The Irishman. Winkler himself is also an iconic film producer, attaching himself to films like the Rocky and Creed franchises, as well as They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? and The Right Stuff.