Baby Driver director Edgar Wright’s next project will be a documentary feature on the American band Sparks, which first burst onto the pop-rock music scene in the 1970s. The band was formed by brothers Ron and Russell Mael. Their 23rd studio album, Hippopotamus, was released just last year.
Wright filmed the band’s recent May concert at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London for the upcoming documentary. The director stated, “I already shot their London concert in late May. The rest of is it [to be determined] and we’re currently scouring the archives.” Explaining why he selected the band to be the subject of his next film, Wright said, “I have been a fan of them since I saw them on Top Of The Pops in 1979 — and when I had Beat The Clock on vinyl.”
Wright’s 2017 action dramedy Baby Driver starring Ansel Elgort was widely lauded for its fast-paced editing and electrifying music soundtrack. It received three Oscar nominations (for Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing). In addition to feature films Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, the English director has also directed numerous music videos, including for The Bluetones (After Hours), Mint Royale (Blue Song), Pharrell Williams (Gust of Wind) and Beck (Colors).
Wright’s frequent collaborating producer Nira Park will once again team with him as producer on this project. MRC is financing the production. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.