Relaunched Polygram Entertainment to produce Hutchence doco

Image: Michael Hutchence, INXS

Universal Music Group (UMG) is relaunching Polygram Entertainment to boost its expansion into film and television strategy – and among its first productions is the Michael Hutchence documentary Mystify.

Universal Music, who handles INXS’s publishing, had already committed to financing and co-producing the story on the life of the late INXS singer. But now it will be delivered under the Polygram Entertainment umbrella.

Co-producing on the project are Surfing Cowboys, Ghost Pictures and Passion Pictures.

Director and long time friend, Richard Lowenstein, revealed last year he had “been working on the definitive documentary film journey into the heart and soul of this complex, shy, poetic and exceptionally charismatic man for many years.”

Passion Pictures’ John Battsek emphasised: “To know we have access to everyone and everything required to make such a film and the full support of UMG just reaffirms to us all that we can tell this story in the truest and most authentic way possible.”

Mystify is due out early next year, according to INXS’s creative director Chris Murphy, around the time of release of the Broadway-style musical based around INXS songs. The production has been in the works for two years.

Proceeds from Mystify will go to Hutchence’s daughter Tiger Lily, who turns 21 this year.

The news of the PolyGram Entertainment was announced on Saturday (February 11). It is led by David Blackman, who was hired in January to be UMG’s Head of Film & Television Development and Production.

The first production on the slate is the documentary The Story of Motown, about the historical and cultural impact of the iconic record label and songwriting/production house, which launched the likes of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross.

It is apparently the first Motown production to have an active involvement by Motown founder Berry Gordy. He will make available footage from his personal archives. The project will be overseen by Steve Barnett, Chairman-CEO of Capitol Music Group.

Universal Music has already been involved in numerous documentaries over the years including The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years, Amy Winehouse’s AMY and Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck.

But by reviving PolyGram Entertainment, it can move further into developing and producing feature films and television, including scripted and unscripted productions, as well as financing documentaries.

UMG Executive VP Michele Anthony said, “Polygram will play an important role in furthering UMG’s global strategy to produce the very best in audio-visual storytelling and provide our artists with an important medium for their expression and creativity.

“Music is essential to film and television — and the stories surrounding our artists and their music provide compelling narratives for audiences around the world.”

Universal Music Publishing Group Chairman/CEO Jody Gerson added, “With Polygram, our multi-talented recording artists and songwriters will have even greater opportunities to work with the very best storytellers, writers, producers and directors in film and television.

“With David’s strong creative instincts and production experience, Polygram will enable new outlets for music-based programming, as well as provide a needed forum for stories about the artists, music and events that have shaped and impacted culture globally.”

In 2014, UMG bought Eagle Rock Entertainment, a producer and distributor of music films and programming for theatrical, television, home entertainment and digital media with a library of 800 concert films and documentaries.