Written and directed by Shainee Gabel, the film was financed by El Camino Pictures, an alliance between William Morris and producer/financier Bob Yari. The film financing entity is fully owned and backed by Yari, represented by William Morris Independent co-heads Rena Ronson and Cassian Elwes. "A Love Song for Bobby Long" made its world premiere on September during the 61st Annual Venice International Film Festival.
Set in a forgotten section of New Orleans, Purslane Hominy Will (Scarlett Johansson), a jaded teenage loner, returns to the city of her childhood upon hearing of her mother's death. Expecting to find her mother's house abandoned, Pursy is instead shocked to discover that it is inhabited by two men whose lives took a wrong turn years before. Friends of her mother's, Bobby Long (John Travolta), a former literature professor, and his protege/biographer Lawson Pines (Gabriel Macht) have been firmly rooted in the dilapidated house for years with no intention of leaving. When all three stand their ground, they are forced to try to live together, setting the stage for the story of three people and their unlikely home. As time passes, Bobby, Lawson and Pursy are surprised by the secrets they discover about themselves and their histories, revealing the seemingly small choices that have inextricably intertwined their lives. Also starring Gabriel Macht, Deborah Kara Unger and Dane Rhodes, it is an El Camino Pictures presentation of a Crossroads Films, Bob Yari production. Produced by Bob Yari, R. Paul Miller, David Lancaster. Executive producers, Brad Krevoy, Randall Emmett, George Furla. Co-producers, Jamie Gordon, Melanie Johansson. Directed, written by Shainee Gabel, inspired by Ronald Everett Capps' novel, "Off East Magazine St."
"Shainee Gabel has directed John Travolta and Scarlett Johansson to the best performances of their careers," said Ortenberg. "We are proud to be associated with this talented new filmmaking voice, and to be bringing her feature film debut to audiences across America this holiday season."
"We are confident that Lions Gate's expertise in handling specialty projects of this caliber will reap success for this film, which was made with a great deal of passion," stated Yari. "Lion's Gate has created some of the most impressive and inventive campaigns in the last several years, and we are thrilled to be working with them, not only on 'Love Song For Bobby Long,' but also 'Crash.'"
Ronson and Elwes further stated, "We are delighted that 'Love Song for Bobby Long,' our first feature with El Camino, will be distributed by Lions Gate. The studio shares our commitment to nurturing first-time writers and directors in the independent realm. It is truly a perfect fit."
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY LIONS GATE FILMS
