CP Productions & Arthaus Pictures Tackle “The King Of Cool” – Steve McQueen
Michael Cerenzie and Christine Peters
Cerenzie-Peters Productions and Arthaus Pictures have entered into a seven figure deal with Jesse Wigutow (8 MILE, URBAN TOWNIE) to pen the life of Steve McQueen.
The film will cover McQueen’s very difficult adolescent years through his life as America’s top movie star. McQueen was nicknamed the “King of Cool” because of his “anti-hero” persona, which he developed at the height of the Vietnam counter culture and made him one of the top box office draws of the 1960s and 1970s at the same time making him the bad boy of Hollywood.
The film will deal with all facets of the star’s life including his obsession with racing, his love of motorcycles, his battle with drugs, his numerous affairs with top Hollywood starlets and will conclude with his courageous battle against cancer.
Cerenzie & Peters said, “We were immediately impressed with the tremendous passion that Jesse brought to the table and especially his insight into the depths of a very complex Iconic figure.”
“Jesse’s characters are always genuinely dark, multifaceted, and most of all believable,” adds Brian Oliver.
The project was brought into CP Productions via Arthaus Pictures and their producing partners Brian Oliver (AUTO-FOCUS) and Chuck Rock. CP Productions’ Michael Cerenzie (BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD) will produce along with his partner, Christine Peters (HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS). In addition, the two companies are also producing BLACK MASS written by Nye Heron and Jim Sheridan (IN AMERICA, IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, BROTHERS) with Sheridan set to direct.
CP’s prexy, Graham Kaye will executive produce along with Brett Granstaff, Keith Watkins and Kenny Johnson.
McQUEEN is the latest project for CP to fund under it’s new multi-seven figure development fund and plans on a fall production start. The company has also acquired the rights to Marshall Terrill’s book Steve Mcqueen: Portrait Of An American Rebel which is considered to be the definitive book currently out based on the late actor’s life.
The producers are actively meeting with filmmakers and talent alike for the film.
