Filmmaker Clay Tweel (Gleason, Finders Keepers) has signed on to direct a new documentary based on the life of comedian Andy Kaufman. Produced by Ross Dinersteins Campfire Studios, Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcias Seven Bucks Productions, David Lettermans Worldwide Pants Incorporated and Fifth Season, the film reps the first doc authorized by the Kaufman estate.
Fifth Season (Being Mary Tyler Moore) is fully financing the project, which will be overseen by Mary Lisio, executive vice president of non-scripted and documentary, and produced in partnership with the Andy Kaufmanestate.
Ive always loved Andy because he was able to elicit such emotional reactions to his performances by using both the poignant and the absurd to keep his audience off balance. I hope we can honor his legacy in that way with our film, Tweel said.
The films producers have access to Kaufmans family, as well as archives and private recordings from the KaufmanEstate, as well as Kaufman-related archival material from the estate of the stand-ups longtime manager, George Shapiro.
Tweels documentary will investigate the origins of Kaufmans unparalleled creative choices and his personal definition of funny, aiming to demystify the human being behind the act featuring insight from his closest family, friends and collaborators, according to a press release announcing the project.
Kaufman was known for his unique on-stage presence as a performance artist as well as playing Latka Gravas on Taxi. He appeared regularly on Saturday Night Live and on Late Night with David Letterman.
My uncle Andy was a comic genius who continues to inspire artists around the world, said Tyler Kaufman in a statement. There has never been anyone like him and there never will be. He delighted and provoked, and was just as comfortable creating anger and confusion as laughter. He made indelible impressions. His work is as vibrant today as ever, and were thrilled to join this filmmaking team in bringing viewers a very intimate and comprehensive look into his life and career.
From Seven Bucks Productions, Campfire Studios and Worldwide Pants, the doc will be produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia,Brian Gewirtz,Ross M. Dinerstein and Shannon Riggs will produce. David Letterman, Tom Keaney, Tyler Kaufman, Clay Tweel, Tommy Avallone, Ross Girard and Rebecca Evans are executive producers.
Like many, Im infinitely fascinated by Andys approach to comedy and to showbusiness, in general, said Dinerstein. Hes influenced generations of comics, but there will never be another performer like him. Working with the KaufmanEstate and this particular production group, we feel well-equipped to shed light on Andys life, career and genius.
Seven BucksProductions, Tweel and the Andy KaufmanEstate are repped by WME. Campfire Studios and Tommy Avallone are repped by UTA.