EXCLUSIVE: Santa Monica-based The Kennedy/Marshall Firm has optioned the function adaptation rights to breakout UK racehorse documentary It’s Showtime!.
The true-life story of a gaggle of associates from Darlington within the Northeast of England who collectively purchased a discount racehorse with none type of pedigree after one too many drinks, first aired on ITV1 in April, earlier than heading to streaming service ITVX.
In sudden twist, the horse – renamed by the group as Showtime Mahomes after their favorite American soccer star, Patrick Mahomes – started successful races, a lot to their amazement in addition to that of the elite racing world.
However past its victories, the horse turned a catalyst for transformation, providing the boys a recent outlook on life’s challenges and located household.
The inspirational story, captured as a documentary by BAFTA award-winning producer Tania Alexander beneath the banner of her firm Echo Velvet, garnered rave critiques within the UK, with The Guardian newspaper even declaring it was “a narrative for Hollywood.”
The Kennedy/Marshall Firm was established by award-winning producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall in 1991.
Its upcoming productions embrace Twisters, The Seashore Boys and the following instalment within the Jurassic World franchise with previous titles that includes the 2003 sports activities film Seabiscuit, impressed by the profession of the titular legendary Thirties racehorse.
“We’re thrilled to start creating this unimaginable true story for the massive display screen. It’s the proper story for immediately, bringing coronary heart, humour, and actual emotion to this thrilling, in opposition to all odds sports activities story,” stated Marshall.
Kennedy/Marshall will produce alongside McKenna Marshall/Marshall Arts.
Marshall Arts is an unbiased manufacturing firm targeted on movie, tv, podcast, and digital manufacturing. Their newest undertaking is a Tubi authentic function set to be launched later this yr. Melissa Goodall will oversee the undertaking for Kennedy/Marshall.
Echo Velvet, which produced the unique documentary, is a London based mostly unbiased manufacturing firm that locations real-life experiences on the coronary heart of its content material, working throughout tv, movie, business partnerships, and occasions.
“Showtime’s journey sees the basic British underdog make good and the facility of friendship. We admire Kennedy/Marshall’s prestigious observe report and are very excited to see this heart-warming, true story, delivered to life for film audiences,” stated Echo Velvet CEO Alexander.
Kennedy/Marshall is represented by CAA and Ziffren Brittenham, with Echo Velvet represented by WME.
