Bill Guttentag will write and direct an upcoming documentary on Sublime. The full press release can be found below.
The band’s incredible story will be told in a dynamic way, weaving multiple story strands together from their humble beginnings and friendship to the journey that rocketed them into mainstream success. The film will focus on the story of the music, their dedicated fans, the battle with personal demons, the tragic loss of lead singer Bradley Nowell and the path to healing. It will aim to connect to the devoted fans while simultaneously being a way in for the newly initiated, bringing the music and their story alive.
Targeted for a theatrical release in 2018, the documentary will be written and directed by Guttentag and created with the full cooperation of the Sublime members and the Nowell Estate. The film is set to begin production immediately. Guttentag will produce, along with Peter Paterno, Sublime managers Dave Kaplan and Scott Seine (DKM/Surfdog), and Nayeema Raza.
The filmmakers will be granted unprecedented access to Sublime’s archives including rare music and never-before-seen footage. The film’s soundtrack will include cuts from the band’s catalog and feature rare, unreleased gems, as well as music from the era and songs that were influential in molding the band’s sound.
Sublime, who are currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of their seminal album 40oz. to Freedom, decided it was the right time to tell the real story behind the music, the band and the lore.
Bud Gaugh from Sublime says, “I can’t wait to hand deliver our story to our fans. It has been a long-time coming and now there are literally two more generations of fans who never had the opportunity to see us perform, or don’t know the whole story. I am excited to work with Bill Guttentag, as I am a big fan of his work as well.”
“Most legendary bands have an intriguing history, but few have a story equal to Sublime’s mix of struggle, daring, musical pioneering, love, triumph, intense tragedy, and cultural impact,” says Sublime’s manager Dave Kaplan. “We searched long and hard for the right person to tell this story, and we were very lucky that someone as fiercely talented and credentialed as Bill Guttentag was passionate to come on board to captain the ship for the first official Sublime documentary.”
Bill Guttentag (writer/director):
“Sublime is an iconic band — and I feel honored to be directing this film. Few bands have had the enduring, electrifying appeal of Sublime. With our film we hope to bring Sublime’s amazing story and incredible music to their long-time devoted fans, and also connect to a new generation — who have also embraced their singular, powerful sound.”