Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all rights worldwide to Zachary Fuhrer’s documentary about singer-songwriter John Prine, tentatively titled “John Prine: Hello in There.”
Currently in postproduction, the film tells the story of Prine, who broke through with an album he wrote as a mailman in the Chicago suburbs, and went on to create some of the strangest, funniest, most surreal and most enduring songs of our time, including “Angel From Montgomery.”
Fuhrer and Patrick Doyle co-wrote the film, which Doyle also produced. RadicalMedia is a production partner on the film, which will be released theatrically.
The filmmakers followed Prine as he prepared to release his first album of new songs in 13 years, tracking his appearances at Radio City Music Hall and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The film includes interviews with Prine’s friends and peers, including young songwriters he helped shape, such as Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell and Margo Price.
“Zachary Fuhrer and Patrick Doyle are beautifully capturing the story of one of the world’s most original musicians,” Sony Classics execs said in a statement. “We are thrilled to give fans the opportunity to discover John Prine more intimately through this remarkable film.”
“Patrick and I can’t think of a better partner than Sony Pictures Classics for our film,” Fuhrer said in a statement. “As John’s band members like to say, ‘There are two types of people: those who love John Prine and those who haven’t heard of him yet.’ John’s philosophy on life — finding comedy in tragedy — is the heart of the film; his stories a daily reminder that there’s always a way to laugh at your own misfortune.”
The art-house division last month acquired another music documentary, “David Crosby: Remember My Name,” following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Bianca Grimshaw of Gray Krauss Sandler Des Rochers LLP repped the filmmakers in the deal.