Elle Fanning, John Hawkes Drama ‘Low Down’ Acquired by Oscilloscope

Jeff Preiss directed the film, which co-stars Glenn Close, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey and Flea

Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired North American rights to Jeff Preiss’ drama “Low Down,” which stars John Hawkes, Elle Fanning, Glenn Close, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey and Flea, as well as Caleb Landry Jones, Tim Daly and Taryn Manning, the company announced Wednesday.

The film, an early cut of which premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival (where it won the Best Cinematography award), examines the life of Amy-Jo Albany and her relationship with her father, legendary jazz pianist Joe Albany.

Also read: Seeking an Oscar for Elle Fanning: A24 Acquires ‘Ginger & Rosa’

Oscilloscope will continue to play the film at festivals in the lead-up to its theatrical release.

“Low Down” was produced by Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa of Bona Fide Productions and Mindy Goldberg of Epoch Films. The film was executive produced by Amy-Jo Albany, Burton Ritchie, Win McCormack, Daniel-Konrad Cooper, as well as Red Hot Chili Peppers members Flea and Anthony Kiedis.

The screenplay was written by Amy-Jo Albany and Topper Lilien.

Also read: John Hawkes, Michael Cera Cast in Charlie Kaufman’s FX Series, ‘How & Why’

Based on the memoir by Albany, the film is a compassionate, tender look at the complex relationship between Amy-Jo (Fanning) and her father Joe (Hawkes), a man torn between his musical ambition, his love for his daughter, and his suffocating heroin addiction. Set against a sensuously textured 1970s Hollywood, the film beautifully evokes a colorful, seedy world of struggling musicians, artists, and vagabonds, in which Joe and Amy-Jo strive to live the lives they want against seemingly insurmountable odds.

“‘Low Down’ is a truly wonderful film. Jeff immerses us fully into this unique world — every detail is perfect — and paints complex, sympathetic characters simultaneously real and larger-than-life. We’re very excited to share his incredible vision, and the cast’s tremendous performances, with the world,” Oscilloscope’s David Laub and Dan Berger said in a joint statement.

Also read: Oscilloscope Bootlegs Its Own Movie, Will Release It on Twitter’s Vine

“I’ve been so privileged over the last ten years working with Amy-Jo, distilling her amazing story into a film. Taking the next step with O-Scope feels like having found the perfect fit to bring everyone’s hard work to a larger audience,” added Preiss.

The deal was negotiated by the UTA Independent Film Group’s Bec Smith and attorney Linda Lichter on behalf of the filmmakers.

Comments