“The Apollo’s contribution to American culture is immeasurable, and I am incredibly honored and excited to share its story with a global audience,” said Williams. “I hope this film will not only help to preserve the theater’s rich legacy, but also show how this treasured institution is nurturing the next generation of visionary artists.”
Williams and Cassidy Hartmann (The Beatles: Eight Days A Week) wrote the script, which is being produced by Lisa Cortes (Precious), White Horse’s Sinclair, Jeanne Elfant Festa, and Cassidy Hartmann, along with Williams.
“We are so proud and fortunate to be working with Roger on this incredibly powerful story,” said Sinclair. “We are also so grateful to the whole team that’s helped bring this project to fruition for the Apollo. Special thanks to Dan Cogan for his indefatigable guidance and leadership on that journey.”
Impact Partners is financing the project alongside the Chicago Media Project, Universal Music Group’s Polygram Entertainment, MACRO, Carlene Laughlin, Dave Knott, and the Ford Foundation.
Exec producers are Nicholas Ferrall of White Horse, Julie Goldman of Motto Pictures, and the Apollo Theater’s Procope, Dan Cogan and Geralyn Dreyfous for Impact Partners, Cynthia Sexton and David Blackman for Polygram Entertainment, Ken Pelletier and the Lagralane Group for Chicago Media Group, MACRO’s Charles D. King, Kim Roth and Poppy Hanks, as well as Jayson Jackson. Steven Cohen and Paula Froehle will serve as co-executive producers.