Gregg Allman Biopic Set, Filming Planned for Late Summer in Georgia

[Zoneboy]

Blues musician Gregg Allman’s story is coming to the big screen.

Open Road Films and Unclaimed Freight Productions’ Randall Miller and Jody Savin are producing “My Cross To Bear,” based on Allman’s 2012 autobiography of the same name, along with the duo’s music business partner Brad Rosenberg.

Miller will direct from a script he co-wrote with Savin. Open Road Films will handle U.S. distribution of the movie.

Story will focus on Allman’s early struggles through the formation of The Allman Brothers Band, which saw massive success in the early 1970s with Allman as lead singer and keyboardist. His brother Duane, widely regarded as one of the finest blues guitarists, died in a motorcycle crash in 1971 and bassist Berry Oakley died a year later in another motorcycle accident.

Allman struggled with drugs throughout much of his life before becoming sober in the mid-1990s. He underwent a liver transplant in 2010 and continues to perform at the age of 65.

“Today Gregg Allman’s voice is better than ever,” Savin said. “Considering what he has endured, the dark tunnels from which he has emerged, his health and his continued sublime musicianship is nothing short of miraculous.”

Savin and Miller are working with Allman and manager Michael Lehman, who will both executive produce on the film. Filmmakers plan to use original Allman Brothers tracks in the film and re-recorded performances by the actor/musicians.

Production is planned to begin in the late summer in Georgia. Casting is under way.

The deal was negotiated on behalf of Open Road Films by Tom Ortenberg and Ben Cotner. Ben Weiss of Paradigm negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers.

Miller and Savin recently produced “CBGB,” which is being sold in Cannes by The Exchange.

http://variety.com/2013/film/news/gr...et-1200483450/