Harsh Vardhan
Prime Video has ordered the pilot ‘Band.’ The filming for the project will start in Atlanta, Georgia, in June. Daniel Barnz takes on the dual role of the writer and director. The pilot is co-produced by Daniel’s husband Ben Barnz. John Benjamin Hickey (‘Manhattan’ and ‘Pitch Perfect’) and Chanté Adams (‘A Man in Full’ and ‘Roxanne Roxanne’) headline the cast.
‘Band’ revolves around a diverse ensemble of passionate teens who navigate the chaos of adolescence while finding unity and belonging in their school’s marching band. Star player Axel, his fiercely loyal best friend Sasha, newcomer Simon, heartthrob drummer Evan, friends, and lovers march under the watchful eye of their fearless leader Cole (Hickey) and his right-hand Zadie (Adams). As the adults navigate their personal lives and school politics while hiding secrets of their own, they will, alongside their students, ultimately confront their individual struggles and shared dreams. Amidst the highs and lows of coming of age in the 21st century, then teens will learn that their greatest strength lies in embracing differences, forging an unbreakable bond with their chosen family, and finding a hopeful tune of unity in a world of contrasts.
Daniel has extensive experience in writing and directing across various genres. He helmed the high school comedy-drama series ‘Generation,’ which explores modern sexuality through the lives of high school students, challenging entrenched beliefs about life, love, and family in a conservative community setting. His directorial works also include Jennifer Aniston-starrer ‘Cake,’ which follows the story of Claire Bennett, who becomes engrossed in the suicide of a woman in her chronic pain support group.
Additionally, Barnz co-wrote and directed ‘Won’t Back Down,’ a movie that follows two determined mothers aiming to transform their children’s failing inner-city school despite facing formidable bureaucratic obstacles. His other projects include ‘Beastly,’ a contemporary retelling of the “Beauty and the Beast” tale starring Vanessa Hudgens, and ‘Phoebe in Wonderland,’ a film starring Elle Fanning and Patricia Clarkson, which explores the journey of a troubled young girl seeking enlightenment from her unconventional drama teacher amidst clashes with societal norms.
In addition to Hickey and Adams, the pilot will also feature Miguel Ángel Garcia as Axel, Lynley Eilers as Sasha, Alex Fitzalan as Simon, and Henry Hunter Hall as Evan.
The upcoming project is backed by Big Indie Pictures. The company’s notable projects include Prime Video’s ‘The Peripheral,’ a futuristic tale in which technology subtly alters society, leading a woman to uncover a secret connection to an alternate reality and a dark future of her own. Additionally, the banner produced the Timothée Chalamet-starrer ‘Beautiful Boy,’ which chronicles the poignant journey of survival, relapse, and recovery within a family grappling with addiction. Big Indie Pictures is also behind the upcoming Prime Video series ‘Fallout,’ in which citizens must seek refuge in underground bunkers to shield themselves from radiation, mutants, and bandits in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles.
Atlanta, one of the most significant entertainment production destinations in the country, will host the shooting of the pilot. The region is also a filming location of ‘Civil War’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.’
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