Billy & Me: A Cinematic Journey into Billy Joel's Early Years
Director John Ottman is set to direct a feature film titled “Billy & Me”, which delves into the early years of musician Billy Joel. The movie explores Joel's journey before his rise to fame and before the iconic song “Piano Man” catapulted him to stardom. The narrative is presented through the perspective of Joel’s first manager, Irwin Mazur, who played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Casting is currently in progress, and filming is scheduled to take place in Winnipeg, Canada, and New York later this year.
The production has obtained exclusive life rights from Irwin Mazur and Jon Small, Joel’s longtime friend, drummer, and video director. Small, who was part of Joel’s early bands, provides valuable insights as a consultant, co-executive producer, and second unit director for the film. Ottman, known for his work on the “Michael” biopic, will direct the movie, while filmmaker Adam Ripp will handle the script and production under his ArtPhyl Pictures banner.
Small emphasizes the authenticity and honesty of “Billy & Me”, highlighting its portrayal of Joel’s early life and musical journey. The script captures the essence of Joel’s formative years, showcasing the friendships, challenges, humor, and creativity that defined that period. Ottman expresses pride in shaping the film into a heartfelt and engaging story, focusing on the relationship between Joel and Mazur. The movie aims to present a genuine depiction of Joel’s history with integrity and respect.
The film’s financing is being arranged by Jay Cohen, a former film finance and distribution head, who is also handling domestic distribution. Grammy-nominated music executive Mitchell Leib serves as the executive music producer for the movie. Ottman is represented by the Gersh Agency, while Ripp is represented by Underground. “Billy & Me” promises to offer a blend of humor, emotion, and inspiration, capturing the essence of Billy Joel’s early years and his journey to musical greatness.