Billy Joel's Early Years to Be Chronicled in Feature Film 'Billy & Me'
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A new feature film titled 'Billy & Me' will chronicle the formative years of singer Billy Joel before his rise to fame. The story is told from the perspective of his first manager, Irwin Mazur, and production is scheduled to begin this fall. Casting for the film is currently underway.
Facts First
- A new film will focus on Billy Joel's early years before his 1973 breakthrough with 'Piano Man'.
- The story is told from the perspective of his first manager, Irwin Mazur, whose life rights have been secured.
- Production is scheduled to begin this fall in Winnipeg, Canada, and New York.
- Casting for the film is currently underway ahead of the fall production start.
- The project follows a 2025 HBO documentary about the singer titled 'And So It Goes'.
What Happened
John Ottman is set to direct the feature film 'Billy & Me', which chronicles the formative years of Billy Joel. The film focuses on the period before Joel's 1973 song and album 'Piano Man' brought him stardom. The story is told from the perspective of Irwin Mazur, Joel's first manager, who discovered him in 1966, signed him in 1970, and managed his career until his 1972 breakthrough deal with Columbia Records. The production has secured the exclusive life rights of Irwin Mazur and Jon Small, who is serving as a consultant, co-executive producer, and second unit director. Adam Ripp is set to write the script and will produce under his ArtPhyl Pictures banner.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a fan of Billy Joel's music or enjoy biographical films, this project may offer a new, intimate look at the artist's origins. The film's focus on the pre-fame era could provide a fresh perspective on a well-known musician. The involvement of key figures from Joel's early career suggests the story will be told with a high degree of authenticity.
What's Next
Casting for the film is currently underway. Production is scheduled to begin this fall in Winnipeg, Canada, and New York. The film follows a two-part 2025 HBO documentary titled 'And So It Goes' about the singer, which may build anticipation for this dramatized account. Jay Cohen is assembling the financing and representing domestic distribution, while Mitchell Leib will serve as the film's executive music producer.