ABOVE PHOTO: In this publicity image released by Sony/Legacy Records, musician Miles Davis is shown during recording session in 1959 for “Kind of Blue.” Acclaimed director George Tillman Jr. has been signed to direct the upcoming feature biopic on the celebrated musician, ‘Miles Davis.’
(AP Photo/Sony/Legacy, Don Hunstein)
George Tillman, Jr. has been signed to develop and direct the upcoming feature film, Miles Davis, announced producer Nick Davis Raynes (Grandson of former 20th Century-Fox & Beverly Hills Hotel – among others – owner Marvin Davis). Producers Nick Davis Raynes and Ged Dickinson have partnered with Gregory Davis, Miles’ eldest son to bring the true story of Miles Davis’ life to the screen and preserve his legacy. The script is loosely based on Gregory Davis’ book DARK MAGUS The Jekyll and Hyde Life of Miles Davis, and the filmmakers have access to much of Miles Davis’ music [primarily from 1963-1977).
As a director, George Tillman, Jr’s films include “Soul Food,” “Men of Honor,” “Notorious,” and last year’s “Faster.” His producing credits include the “Barbershop” franchise: “Barbershop,” “Barbershop 2: Back In Business,” and “Beauty Shop,” as well a tv series based on the original film for Showtime. Other producing credits include “Roll Bounce,” and “Nothing Like The Holidays.”
Miles Davis’ epic story spans five decades of music history in which he continuously reinvented himself as a musician, a composer and a man. His ability to change and acclimate to the innovations of young musicians, bring them into his fold, and direct the course of music history distinguished him as a unique historical icon. Alongside fellow musicians such as John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and Jimi Hendrix, Miles overcame dependencies on heroin and then cocaine, persevering to the end in his accomplishments. The film is a poignant look at the rise, fall and rise again of Miles Davis, a superbly talented yet abundantly flawed personality.
Besides Miles, there are many supporting characters featured in the film including Jimi Hendrix, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Cicely Tyson, Gil Evans, Michael Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Sugar Ray Robinson, Betty Mabry, Francis Taylor and more.
“Our intention is to make a feature film that will appeal beyond the worldwide audience of Miles Davis die-hard fans, to also include those who don’t know the first thing about the man, and introduce new ears to his music,” states Nick Davis Raynes. “In much the same way that ‘Walk The Line’ and ‘Ray’ were able to open the world’s eyes to the life stories of Johnny Cash and Ray Charles, respectively, we want to make a film that will do the same justice for Miles Davis. Miles Davis, in his fifty-year career as a musician, transcends time, space and race, and has stood the test of time.
“I trust George Tillman and Nick Raynes will tell the true story of my father – without any sugar- coating,” says Gregory Davis. “My father was an amazing man who believed in the promise of America. I know this film will do him justice.”
Leave a Comment