The Miles Davis Movie: Who will distribute the Miles Davis biopic?

A big topic of discussion around Hollywood these days is distribution; specifically indie-film distribution and the changing landscape for the specialty-film divisions. While the big studios are having a hot, hot summer with titles like “Iron Man,” “Get Smart,” “Wall-E” and “Wanted,” things are a but chillier for the art-house movie scene. We’ve already seen … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: Don Cheadle, trumpet player

I found this Asha Brodie interview with Vincent Wilburn Jr., nephew of Miles Davis (Miles Davis Properties), from March 2007 that had originally appeared on Jazzreview.com a month prior. It’s a good interview, and when they get around to discussing the movie Wilburn Jr. seems pretty upbeat – especially about Don Cheadle in the lead … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: Will/Should ‘Miles Davis’ premier at Cannes?

With the 2009Festival de Cannes set for May 13-24, is it possible the Miles Davis biopic could make its debut in the south of France? This is pure conjecture, but it makes more sense by the minute, especially when you consider the unique relationship between the jazz legend and the country. Miles Davis’ adventures in … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: Who’s producing? Part II: The Cary Brokaw factor

Each of the producers I listed in the post prior is integral in bringing to life the story of Miles Davis, but I’ve decided to focus a quick write-up on Cary Brokaw. I do not know Brokaw personally, but I am familiar with his work. That said here are five reasons why I feel good … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: Who’s producing?

According to Hollywood.com the Miles Davis biopic has six producers: Cary Brokaw Kay Liberman Lenore Zerman Vince Wilburn Jr Darryl Porter Don Cheadle Vince Wilburn Jr. is Davis’ nephew and part of Miles Davis Properties, a business collective that oversees all things Miles Davis – clothing, artwork, music, etc. You can add motion picture to … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: What about costume design? or: let’s talk fashion!

Miles Davis was cool. Miles Davis is cool. The music he created is always top of the list, but damn if he doesn’t also look stylish playing it. The music, the fashion, the attitude… the guy personified the meaning of what being cool is about. While some might prefer his suit-style of the ’50s and … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: Should Don Cheadle Be Working On This Pose?

What? It’s a legitimate question. It’s a classic image of Miles Davis. Everywhere you look there’s the unforgettable shot of Miles, leg slung over the folding chair, cigarette in hand – contemplating Lord knows what… If anyone knows the origins of the photo please chime in as I’d like to know. It must be from … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: What will the movie logo look like?

Let me first say that this post/question is inspired from a post I read today on the always informative/entertaining movie website First Showing. They have news (big news in some circles) abut the launch of the logo and website for the forthcoming Sony film “The Green Hornet,” set to be adapted by Mr. “Knocked Up” … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: Who is writing the script?

As a writer this is a topic very near and dear to my heart. As the old theatre cliché’ goes, “if it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage!” And while the film business is mostly a directors’ medium, the screenwriter and script still plays an essential part of the movie-making process. Yes, … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: When is the best time to release the film?

The question of release dates is probably best answered by people in the film biz, preferably movie execs, marketing gurus and distribution folks, but I’m nevertheless curious – especially when it comes to a film I am highly (highly) anticipating. I’ll just come right out and say that a Miles Davis biopic does not scream … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: Who is going to play John Coltrane?

A film like “Ray” featured other, notable figures that orbited around the great artist’s life, and Lord knows Miles Davis was connected to a host of celebrated musicians and other folks of distinction (good and bad), so there should no doubt be a long list of supporting roles that will be vital in the biopic. … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: Is Don Cheadle the right person to direct the film?

It’s going to be challenging enough for Don Cheadle to transform into the mind, body and soul of one of the most important figures in jazz music history… let alone direct the movie. But I have always felt good about Cheadle as not only the star, but also the director. He’s producing as well, to … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: What should the movie title be?

I’ve read on the ‘net that the film is tentatively titled “Miles Davis.” For me, that’s fine. Even “Miles” is just as commanding. Yes, it recalls “Ray,” but that worked out just fine. And then there’s “Bird,” also a great movie title that says it all. Jazz-related films like “The Glenn Miller Story” and “Young … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: What should the movie poster look like?

I know I’m jumping the gun, but it’s still fun to think about what the movie posters might look like for the Miles Davis biopic. In most cases a teaser one-sheet will circulate to start the hype machine, which is then followed by a variety of movie poster styles that provides more meaning to the … Continue reading »

The Miles Davis Movie: What songs ‘must’ be featured?

From various reports we know that Producer Cary Brokaw reached out to former Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman John Calley to lock up the rights to much of Davis’ Columbia Records catalogue (now owned by Sony BMG), so it looks like the biopic should be loaded with classic tunes. Now we can start to ponder over … Continue reading »