The concert film, 'George Michael: The Faith Tour' is set for a global theatrical release.
The film, which has been acquired by Universal Pictures Content Group and Bleecker Street's event cinema division, Crosswalk, will be released in North America. It was filmed at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy during the European leg of Michael's Faith Tour in 1988.
Directed by Andy Morahan and David Austin who are long time collaborators of George Michael, the concert film features previously unseen footage of the singer. It is also being produced by George Michael Entertainment and Mercury Studios in association with Globe Originals.
Screened with an opening original short film by Mary McCartney, the film is to be released later this year, coming to theatres in premium formats. It will open with an original short 'Finding Faith', including a short voiceover from George Michael during an unheard interview, behind the scenes footage from the 'Faith' music video, as well as unseen images from photographer, Herb Ritts.
It has also been confirmed that Crosswalk will partner with Imax on exclusive early access screenings in the USA.
This deal was reached following negotiations between Helen Parker for Universal Content Group, and Bleecker Street's Avy Eschenasy.
“George at the height of the Faith tour was simply electrifying — there’s a magnetic force of charisma and connection with the audience that feels just as powerful today as it did then.” Parker said, “To see these performances brought to life on the big screen, in such a cinematic and immersive way,makes this incredibly special — particularly for those who were there or remember that moment so vividly. We also can’t wait for a whole new generation to experience just how extraordinary he was as a creative force, performer and musical auteur".
Elsewhere, Bleecker Street CEO, Kent Sanderson said: “An icon of his generation and beyond, George Michael was at the height of his creative and cultural power during the Faith tour, a defining moment that was made for the big screen. Through beautifully restored archival footage and intimate, never-before-heard interviews, audiences will be given a front-row seat to a beloved artist at the peak of his impact". (all quotes according to Variety).
“George was utterly unique, both as a man and an artist. Having had the great privilege of personally working closely with him and his team over the years, the opportunity to bring The Faith Tour to audiences through Globe Originals is an honor,” Lucie Avery, general manager, Globe Originals said. “Mercury Studios, working hand-in-hand with George Michael Entertainment, brought their unrivaled expertise and vision to this project from the outset. The result is a film that truly honors his timeless legacy".
“We are incredibly proud of ‘George Michael: The Faith Tour’ and the extraordinary craftsmanship that has gone into bringing this footage to life,” Ken Danquah, Chief Finance & Commercial Officer, Mercury Studios commented. “We’re excited to be partnering with such world-class distributors as Universal Pictures Content Group and Crosswalk, whose proven track record and expertise in delivering immersive cinematic events make them the perfect partners to bring this film to audiences around the world", (all quotes according to Variety).
George Michael formed Wham! with school friend, Andrew Ridgeley in 1981, which released hits 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,' 'Club Tropicana' and 'Last Christmas'.
After parting ways with Ridgeley in 1986, Michael began a solo career, with his Grammy winning first album 'Faith' selling over 25 million copies.
It was also confirmed by Variety that George Michael Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment will also release an 18 track live album, 'The Faith Tour', featuring unreleased recordings of hits from George Michael's career with Wham! and as a solo star.
