Popcorn Wire has learned that Bill Pohlad, known for his critically acclaimed Brian Wilson biopic Love & Mercy, is now immersed in the world of another musical icon. His new film, Miles & Juliette, is currently shooting in Paris, chronicling the pivotal 1949 journey of a 22-year-old Miles Davis. This trip, his first outside the U.S., saw him not only immerse himself in a rich circle of artists and intellectuals but also fall deeply in love with the emerging Left Bank star, Juliette Gréco.

Damson Idris, celebrated for his role in Snowfall, steps into the shoes of the legendary jazz trumpeter, while French-Romanian actress Anamaria Vartolomei, lauded for Happening, portrays the enigmatic Gréco. The ensemble cast is a who's who of jazz history, featuring J. Alphonse Nicholson as Kenny “Klook” Clarke, Jay Reeves as Tadd Dameron, and Grammy-winning musician Terrace Martin as the iconic Charlie “Bird” Parker. Rounding out the impressive lineup are Denny Love as James Moody, Lodric D. Collins as Max Roach, and Hubert Point-Du Jour as John Coltrane, promising a rich tapestry of musical talent.

The story, penned by Pulitzer Prize finalist Zora Howard, delves into the intense, fleeting encounter between these two extraordinary young artists before their names became globally synonymous with their respective crafts. It captures the creative ferment of Paris at a crucial turning point for both music and culture, offering a glimpse into the formative years of two legends.

Director Bill Pohlad expressed his long-standing fascination with the project, stating, "I’ve been captivated by the idea of telling this story — a fleeting encounter between two extraordinary young artists that becomes something neither of them could have imagined." He added, "There’s something deeply cinematic about that kind of love: the music, the city, the artists, and the moment in time."

The filmmaking team is equally distinguished, with Maryse Alberti as cinematographer, Dan Weil handling production design, and Sabine Hoffman as editor. Notably, Grammy-winning musician Robert Glasper, a long-time admirer and collaborator on Miles Davis tribute projects, is serving as both composer and music producer. Pohlad is producing alongside Andrew Van Wyk for River Road, with Kim Roth and Dan Clifton. Music legend Mick Jagger and Victoria Pearman are also on board as producers for Jagged Films, adding significant weight to the production. The Miles Davis estate is actively involved, with Darryl Porter, Erin Davis, Cheryl Davis, and Vincent Wilburn Jr. serving as executive producers.

Here's a first look at the production:

‘Miles & Juliette’

With CAA Media Finance handling North American rights, Miles & Juliette is poised to be a compelling exploration of love, art, and the birth of legends against the backdrop of one of history's most culturally rich periods.

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