Politically charged and fueled with observations of a troubled society, Marvin Gaye’s 1971 album, What’s Going On? provided the soundtrack to the civil rights movement.
Recorded at the height of Motown’s reigning stature in the music industry, and inspired by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Vietnam War, Gaye created a masterpiece that charged America with the task of self-reflection and sparking action to lead the world into better days.
It was important and needed. Still is.
With the album setting the tone, Noah Media Group and Greenlight are developing a docu-film with focus on the artistic genius, complexity and soul-stirring talent of Marvin Gaye.
Marvin, What’s Going On? will mark the first project that his children (Nona, Marvin III, and Frankie Gaye) and former wife, Janis Gaye have supported.
“Our father was complex, but we are confident that with Noah Media Group attention to detail and their dedication to truth, the positive, inspirational and aspirational aspects of his life will be handled and shared with the world in a way never seen before,” his children said in a statement.
The family also expressed their excitement to participated in the process of creating the film. “We look forward to sharing what we can through friends, family, footage, and priceless stories that only those who knew our father up and close would know.”
Noah Media Group and Greenlight are slated to begin production this year with shooting taking place on location in Detroit, L.A., and Washington. The team is aiming for a 2017 release.
