24 March, 2004
Film is Based on the Novel by “Never Die Alone” Author Donald Goines
NEW YORK, March 24, 2004 – On the eve of the release of their production “Never Die Alone,” based on a novel by cult 70s writer Donald Goines, ContentFilm Chairman Edward R. Pressman and President John Schmidt today announced that they will finance and produce the screen adaptation of another Goines novel, “Daddy Cool.” “Never Die Alone” helmer Ernest Dickerson is expected to reprise directing duties on “Daddy Cool.” The book was adapted by New York screenwriter Oren Moverman (“Jesus’ Son”), while James Gibson, who adapted “Never Die Alone,” will serve as Executive Producer on the new film along with Marc Gerald, Pressman and Schmidt. “Daddy Cool” will be produced by ContentFilm’s Alessandro Camon in association with Vincent Farrell’s Iron Films. Conversations are under way for DMX to play a supporting role in the film, with his Bloodline Pictures sharing producer responsibilities.
“Daddy Cool” is the story of a professional hit man whose family life is torn apart when his teenage daughter runs away from home. Daddy Cool tries to rescue her from her no good boyfriend, but his attempt sets off a tragic chain of events.
ContentFilm is in talks with a number of actors for the lead role.
Fox Searchlight Pictures, which acquired the rights to “Never Die Alone” last August, will release the film nationwide on Friday.
“Never Die Alone” is the first, and “Daddy Cool” is the second, theatrical film based on a book by Goines, who wrote sixteen novels published as paperback originals between the time he was released from prison in 1970 and shot to death in 1974. Though largely ignored by critics, Goines’ work sold over five million books in his short career, and was re-discovered in the 90s by legions of hip-hop fans and European readers. For his last four books, a series about Goines’ militant hero Kenyatta, the author adopted the pseudonym Al. C. Clark. His work is today published by Holloway House.
Michael Roban, ContentFilm’s Head of Business Affairs and Acquisitions, negotiated with Holloway House’s Bentley Morris for the rights to “Daddy Cool,” and is in talks with representatives for Dickerson and DMX, among others.
Said Pressman and Schmidt as they announced “Daddy Cool”: “‘Never Die Alone’ turned out terrific, thanks to a great script, brilliant direction and cinematography, and breathtaking performances. We look forward to working with much of the same team on ‘Daddy Cool,’ which is perhaps Donald Goines’ masterpiece and represents for us an expansion of the themes explored in “Never Die Alone.” This is a gripping and profoundly moving story with a timeless quality.
Ernest Dickerson’s first feature as a director was the 1992 drama “Juice,” starring Omar Epps and the late Tupak Shakur. Before that Dickerson served as Director of Photography for seven of Spike Lee’s early films, up to and including “Malcolm X.” He has directed a number of feature and made-for TV films, from the horror movie “Bones” starring Snoop-Dog to the Peabody Award-winning Showtime movie “Strange Justice,” based on the controversy surrounding Anita Hill and Clarence Thomas.
Founded in September 2001 by Edward R. Pressman and John Schmidt, New York based ContentFilm is financing and producing some of the most innovative and exciting independent films hitting screens today. This fall, UA will release David Gordon Green’s new film, “Undertow,” starring Jamie Bell, Josh Lucas and Dermot Mulroney. The company produced the recent Lions Gate hit “The Cooler,” directed by Wayne Kramer. Starring William H. Macy, Alec Baldwin and Maria Bello, the film earned a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award nomination for Baldwin who was also honored by the National Board of Review. Pressman is a veteran producer of over 60 films, from “Badlands,” “Bad Lieutenant” and “Wall Street” to “The Crow” and “American Psycho.” Schmidt was a founding partner of October Films.
For immediate release, please contact:
Jeremy Walker, 212-595-6161
