A documentary about the legendary Eric Clapton is on its way and we couldn’t be happier — because it will be directed by Lili Fini Zanuck. Variety reports that Zanuck, who won an Oscar for producing “Driving Miss Daisy,” will helm “Eric Clapton: A Life in 12 Bars.”
The source writes that the documentary will cover Clapton’s personal life, as well as his music career. “A Life in 12 Bars” will trace “his traumatic childhood through the successes of his musical career, the death of his son in 1991, and domestic happiness a decade later.”
Zanuck cited Clapton’s music as the heart of the film, and described his music as the “foundation” of the project. She explained, “His commitment to the blues, its traditions and originators, is absolute from his earliest days.”
Zanuck previously produced a Clapton concert doc for TV, “Eric Clapton & Friends in Concert: A Benefit for the Crossroads Centre at Antigua,” and is obviously a big fan of the music icon. She commented that Clapton is “forever restless in his search of a suitable vehicle to shape and grow his artistic voice.” “Despite the fact that his path is strewn with tragedies, addiction and loss, he never fails to regain his bearings and continue to serve what he holds dearest: his music,” Zanuck added.
John Battsek (“Searching for Sugar Man”) will serve as producer. According to Battsek, Zanuck and her team have “unique access” to Clapton and his story. Clapton’s personal archive will inform the film and “transport audiences to each era, from obsessive student, to peer, to transcendent figure in musical history and one of the greatest guitarists of all time,” Battsek said.
Variety reports that Altitude Film Sales is handling “A Life in 12 Bars’” international sales, while Altitude Film Distribution has obtained U.K. rights. Buyers will screen the doc’s first footage at Berlin’s European Film Market.
Zanuck won an Emmy in 2015 for producing Dee Rees’ “Bessie,” starring Queen Latifah. Zanuck’s other producing credits include “Reign of Fire,” “True Crime,” and “Cocoon.” She also directed the 1991 film “Rush,” starring Jennifer Jason Leigh.
