Abigail Johnson is a New York City-based writing intern, screenwriter, actor, and director. Her main focus is women in the entertainment industry and authenticity, especially advocating for diverse storytelling and new perspectives. Abigail loves discovering indie films that may not be seen in a traditional movie theatre, as well as listening to pop music and trying to find the next big artist. Abigail connects to Hollywood Insider’s values of substance over scandal and focusing on compassion and philosophy in her writing at Hollywood Insider. Utilizing writing for good is the main Hollywood Insider value that Abigail connects with, as her main goal is to use her talents for good.
Jul 26, 2024
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Music-centered biopics are one of the hottest commodities in Cinema today. From the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic to the retellings of the Whitney Houston and Elvis stories, it feels as if you’re a figure in music, you will get a biopic onscreen. However, there is an upcoming biopic about one of the biggest musicians out there. That is a little more unconventional. Pharrell Williams’ biopic, ‘Piece by Piece’, had a trailer before the new ‘Despicable Me’ movie. While many people were excited to see a Pharrell Williams biopic, many were confused as a biopic does not portray the Pharrell Williams story with actors. Rather, ‘Piece by Piece’ is a Lego movie, meaning that the Pharrell Williams story will be told with animated Lego characters.
Pharrell Williams or Pharrell is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and fashion designer. Originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, Williams is known for songs such as ‘Blurred Lines’ with Robin Thicke, ‘Get Lucky’ with Daft Punk, and of course, the ‘Despicable Me’ soundtrack. Pharrell Williams originally went to Northwestern University for two years, before dropping out to pursue music. From there, he formed a hip-hop group, Surrounded By Idiots, and later, The Neptunes. The Neptunes is where Pharrell Williams got his start producing, working with artists, such as Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, and more. However, Williams’ big break was the song ‘Blurred Lines’ with Robin Thicke, causing controversy for the music video that utilized nude models. From there, Williams went on to release some of his hits that we now know today.
The trailer itself gives an interesting take on the Pharrell Williams story. There are sequences that almost feel surrealist as they show how truly music shaped Pharrell Williams’ mind in life as a child and into adulthood. There are also interview segments and of course scenes between, those that Farrell has worked with his career. The film has been in production for five years, as Williams’ manager encouraged him to create a biopic film but to tell the story “in [his] own way.” As Williams’ has worked closely on animated films, his biopic being an animated feature is surprising, but not shocking. The film is also said to touch on Williams’ faith and his artistic style, with old and new songs by Pharrell being incorporated into the new movie.
One of the most interesting aspects of this movie is that because of the animation style, many of the characters within this film are portrayed by the true figures from the story. The cast includes Morgan Neville, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, and Pharrell Williams himself. Many of these characters and cast members are people who Pharrell Williams worked with in real life. Giving these characters, their authentic voices, truly adds to this story. We get to hear the true voices and words from Williams’ life.
While many people were expecting a biopic from Pharrell Williams to be released sooner or later, it was surprising that the film was a Lego movie rather than a live-action, as many people connotate a Lego movie as being a children’s film. Since the rating for the film has not been released, and the film is animated, it is highly unlikely that the controversies of Williams’ career will be featured in ‘Piece by Piece’. Though animation does not equal safe for kids, this film does seem to be a family-friendly flick.
‘Piece by Piece’ will be in theaters on October 11, 2024. Future trailers are set to be released in theatres and online as the year continues, giving more traction and more information for the film. In the meantime, you can check out Pharrell Williams’ music wherever you stream, as well as new music in ‘Despicable Me 4.’
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
Abigail Johnson is a New York City-based writing intern, screenwriter, actor, and director. Her main focus is women in the entertainment industry and authenticity, especially advocating for diverse storytelling and new perspectives. Abigail loves discovering indie films that may not be seen in a traditional movie theatre, as well as listening to pop music and trying to find the next big artist. Abigail connects to Hollywood Insider’s values of substance over scandal and focusing on compassion and philosophy in her writing at Hollywood Insider. Utilizing writing for good is the main Hollywood Insider value that Abigail connects with, as her main goal is to use her talents for good.
Abigail Johnson is a New York City-based writing intern, screenwriter, actor, and director. Her main focus is women in the entertainment industry and authenticity, especially advocating for diverse storytelling and new perspectives. Abigail loves discovering indie films that may not be seen in a traditional movie theatre, as well as listening to pop music and trying to find the next big artist. Abigail connects to Hollywood Insider’s values of substance over scandal and focusing on compassion and philosophy in her writing at Hollywood Insider. Utilizing writing for good is the main Hollywood Insider value that Abigail connects with, as her main goal is to use her talents for good.
Abigail Johnson is a New York City-based writing intern, screenwriter, actor, and director. Her main focus is women in the entertainment industry and authenticity, especially advocating for diverse storytelling and new perspectives. Abigail loves discovering indie films that may not be seen in a traditional movie theatre, as well as listening to pop music and trying to find the next big artist. Abigail connects to Hollywood Insider’s values of substance over scandal and focusing on compassion and philosophy in her writing at Hollywood Insider. Utilizing writing for good is the main Hollywood Insider value that Abigail connects with, as her main goal is to use her talents for good.
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