Fortissimo Sells Scorsese's Stones Doc to Fox for UK, Australia, New Zealand

Twentieth Century Fox International has announced a deal for UK, Australia and New Zealand rights to Martin Scorsese's new untitled Rolling Stones documentary, in a pact with Fortissimo Films. Scorsese began making the doc in October at the Beacon Theater in New York City where the Stones performed a show in front of former U.S. president Bill Clinton and other notables. Cinematographer Robert Richardson supervised the camera team and Scorcese is currently in post-production with David Tedeschi editing the film (the two also worked together on "No Direction Home: Bob Dylan"). The project will include historical and current behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. Fortissimo's co-chief Michael J. Werner negotiated the deal with Fox Filmed Entertainment Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos and company SVP of acquisitions and co-productions Tony Safford. "Many years ago, in film class in college, I watched Robert DeNiro saunter into a bar to the tune of 'Jumping Jack Flash', in a movie called 'Mean Streets' made by some guy named Martin Scorsese. It blew me away, and both Marty and the Stones have done that to me for decades since," said Gianopulos, in a statement. "The chance to be a part of them working together is a dream come true." Shangri-La Entertainment and Concert Promotions International are financing the doc, which is produced by Victoria Pearman, Michael Cohl, Zane Weiner and Steve Bing. Executive Producers are Rolling Stones members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood, with Jane Rose as co-executive producer. Paramount will distribute the film in the United States later this year. Fortissimo is handling international sales. [Eugene Hernandez]