It was announced today that five-time Oscar nominee Caleb Deschanel has been tapped to direct BiteSize Entertainment's Elvis Presley bio-pic "Growing Up Graceland." The announcement was made by BiteSize Entertainment's founder and CEO Ron Bloom.
BiteSize Entertainment, the new vertically integrated, multi-platform entertainment studio, is producing the film through its feature film production arm, led by Academy Award winning producer Gene Kirkwood ("Rocky," "The Pope of Greenwich Village," "Gorky Park," "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," "Nina") and Ross Elliot.
The film is based on bestselling author David E. Stanley and Dr. David Gruder's book Conversations with the King: Journals of a Young Apprentice, which was adapted into the feature screenplay "Growing Up Graceland" by WGA winning writer Robert Boris ("Blood Feud," "Marilyn and Me").
David Stanley is also producing the film through his Impello Entertainment production banner. Principal photography is expected to begin later this year.
In the fall of 1960, on the eve of Elvis Presley's return from the U.S. Army....a troubled young boy and his family movie into one of the most famous addresses in the United States. "Growing Up Graceland" tells the dramatic, comedic, and intense story of the unique relationship between America's greatest music legend and his new young brother, David Stanley.
Growing up Graceland is the true story of their extraordinary bond....the profound impact they had on each other....and how their unforgettable relationship altered the lives of those around them, and the face of American music.....
Caleb Deschanel is a legendary cinematographer and film/TV director. His award-winning work has garnered him five Academy Award nominations in the 'Best Cinematography' category for blockbuster features including "The Right Stuff," 'The Natural," "Fly Away Home," "The Patriot" and The "Passion of the Christ."
Other notable credits include "A Woman Under the Influence," "Being There," "The Black Stallion," "National Treasure," "The Spiderwick Chronicles," "My Sister's Keeper," "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter," and "Jack Reacher" starring Tom Cruise.
Deschanel directed his first feature film "The Escape Artist" in 1982, and later, "Crusoe," in 1989. He has also directed episodes for various TV shows including the David Lynch series "Twin Peaks," "Law & Order: Trial by Jury," "Conviction" and "Bones."
Deschanel was an original member of the American Zoetrope production team, along with George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola
In 2010, he was awarded the ASC Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Society of Cinematographers.
"Growing Up in Graceland" is the latest in a slate of feature films from BiteSize Entertainment. Bitesize is currently working with Director Rob Cohen ("The Fast and the Furious," "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," "Alex Cross") to develop a new action franchise based on the life of Sir Isaac Newton. Cohen is writing an original screenplay as well as guiding the design of a graphic novel based on the well-known physicist, mathematician, and alchemist. The story focuses on the little-known part of Newton's life when he served as chief detective and head of the British Mint.
In addition, BiteSize will be producing dramedy "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" - the story of Noel Coward's historic two weeks at The Desert Inn in Las Vegas in 1955, which will star Academy Award winner Colin Firth.
Photo by: REX USA/Picture Perfect
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