Netflix to turn Wyclef Jean’s life story into animated musical
David Farnor | On 27, Oct 2018
Netflix is turning Wyclef Jean’s life story into a new animated musical.
Stampede, the recently launched entertainment media company from Greg Silverman, is partnering with Netflix and the three-time Grammy Award-winning musician to produce the CG film. Written by Justin Marks (The Jungle Book, Counterpart), it will reimagine Jean’s life story in Haiti.
“When Wyclef first came to us with the rich story idea for an animated film about his personal journey and the evolution of his music from when he was a young boy in Haiti to finding his voice in New York City – we were hooked,” says Melissa Cobb, Vice President of Kids and Family at Netflix. “Animation is a medium that travels the globe exceptionally well and we cannot wait to share Wyclef’s unique perspective and voice with family audiences around the world.”
“I grew up in extreme poverty but I was rich with imagination. Now to see that imagination turn into reality with Netflix and my producing partners makes me want to tell the kids from the slums around the world to never stop dreaming,” comments Wyclef Jean.
“When I was seventeen years old, two things had a huge impact on my life: the music of Wyclef Jean and the spirit of his home country, Haiti,” adds Marks. “I’ve been lucky enough to have visited Haiti and worked alongside its people several times over the years, and I’ve long wanted to tell a story about its vibrant and resilient culture. If you’d have told Teenage Me that one day I’d get to work with Wyclef on a movie like this, I’d have never believed you. This movie is an honor and a thrill.”
Silverman and Jean will serve as producers for the film. Madeline Nelson and Nick Lewin will co-produce and Cara Fano will oversee the project for Stampede.