Documentary features an original song Wilson wrote specifically for the film
Screen Media, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment company, has acquired all North American rights to Ley Line Entertainment’s feature documentary Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road. The film premiered to rave reviews at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. Screen Media plans to release the film in theaters and on video-on-demand in November.
The deeply personal documentary finds the legendary songwriter, composer and producer reminiscing and reflecting with longtime friend and Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine. With Jason behind the wheel and Wilson selecting the music, the two revisit many of the periods and locations integral in shaping Wilson’s life. Weighing in are admirers and those close to him, including Al Jardine, Don Was, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Nick Jonas, Jim James, Jakob Dylan, Gustavo Dudamel, and Taylor Hawkins.
Punctuated with memorable concert, studio and interview footage, and graced by Brian Wilson and Jim James’ original song “Right Where I Belong,” recorded specifically for the film, this entertaining, informative and at times heart-tugging road trip provides both a first-hand, intimate look into Wilson’s storied life and further inspiration to anyone who has been touched by his music.
“As a lifelong fan, I knew this film would have to take some risks to give us insight into Brian’s complex world, I’m so glad to have found a partner in Screen Media who embraced the unique approach we took to sharing his story,” states Brent Wilson.
“From his days with the Beach Boys to his legendary solo efforts, Brian Wilson is a singular artist whose influence can be felt across every element of over six decades of pop music. He’s always been a bit of a mystery, but with Long Promised Road, we finally get an intimate look into Wilson’s music, legacy, and life. Screen Media is incredibly excited to bring his legendary musical journey to audiences across the country,” adds Screen Media in a statement.
Brian Wilson, an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who co-founded the Beach Boys, is quite arguably the greatest composer of popular music in the rock era. Often called a genius for his novel approaches to composition and recording techniques, he is widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative and significant songwriters of the 20th Century and is considered the principal originator of the “California” sound. Wilson’s honors include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of the Beach Boys) and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a Kennedy Center Honor, two Grammy Awards, and the Ivor Novello Award.
The documentary is directed by Brent Wilson (no relation), Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road, produced by Tim Headington and Theresa Steele Page under their Ley Line Entertainment banner, and Brent Wilson, executive produced by Brian Wilson, Melinda Wilson and Jason Fine, and co-produced by Jean Sievers.
Wilson will release At My Piano on November 19th via Decca Records. The album features Wilson performing a selection of his and The Beach Boys’ catalogue solo on the piano, including “God Only Knows,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” and many more.
