Billy Joel Biopic 'Billy and Me' in the Works from Director John Ottman
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- John Ottman will direct "Billy & Me," a feature film about the early years of Billy Joel, focusing on his life before fame and the release of "Piano Man."
- The story is told from the perspective of Joel’s first manager, Irwin Mazur, who discovered and managed Joel before his breakthrough with Columbia Records.
- The film is in casting and will shoot this fall in Winnipeg and New York, following the 2025 HBO documentary "And So It Goes."
- Billy Joel has not authorized the project, and the filmmakers do not have rights to his music or life story; the film relies on Mazur’s and drummer Jon Small’s life rights and involvement.
- The production team emphasizes an authentic portrayal of Joel’s early life and relationships, with financing and distribution handled by industry veterans, including Jay Cohen and Mitchell Leib.