It looks like master director Ang Lee will be bringing us the story of the man that brought us Woodstock. We get wind of this project thanks to the professionals at Variety:
James Schamus and Ang Lee will reunite on Focus Features’ “Taking Woodstock.” Lee will direct and Focus prexy Schamus will pen the comedy based on Elliot Tiber’s memoir “Taking Woodstock: A True Story of a Riot, Concert, and a Life,” co-written with author Tom Monte. Set during the politically turbulent summer of ’69, story follows an Everyman working at his parents’ motel in the Catskills who inadvertently sets in motion what would become the generation-defining concert.
“Elliot’s exuberant and heartfelt story is a perfect window onto the Woodstock experience,” Schamus said. “It explores an inspiring historical moment when liberation and freedom were in the air.” The pic will have one lead, based on Tiber, and a colorful ensemble. Speculation about original or period music was not confirmed, though the film is assuredly not going to be about the famed concert itself.
This is a cool idea for a film. Everyone knows what Woodstock is, but to show the day to day, hum drum life of the creator reminds us of how powerful a good idea can be. This legendary event was conceived in the mind of a regular joe, probably daydreaming to pass the time at his parent’s business. Every idea is a seed that may grow into something bigger than you could have ever imagined. This is a fantastic message, and one that should prove to be quite motivational in the right hands.
And Lee is a glorious dramatic director, and I think this film is a perfect fit for him. He should stay away from comic book films for the rest of his life; but drama is his lady, and I love to watch them dance.
Production for this film is scheduled for the end of this year, and we will be sure to get you the updates as the project develops.
I was in the film as a featured backround actor. I found ANG LEE and his crew to be the best in the business. They all were very nice and focused on filming. I got to be right in the action and even be in some real cool office scenes, and got a chance to really see how so very down to earth Ang Lee and others were. I actually was able to have many conversations with many of the leads. By the way Ang Lee is well suited to be the director and I know you will enjoy this film. He is a perfectionist and from what I heard on set with my own ears he really has a unique style and will shoot a scene until it look like it should..I love this guy and will now goto see any film he does..So thanks Ang You and your crew are awesome…”Tutor” (AD) you are the coolest thanks…Rob
If you actually read Mr. Tiber’s book TAKING WOODSTOCK, you will see that he has dedicated his book to the Woodstock co-creator Mike Lang. In his memoir, Tiber also further credits Lang for helping to springboard him into a free and meaningful life as a fully-liberated man and artist . . . who also happened to be gay. The simple and undeniable truth here is that without Elliot Tiber, the miracle of Woodstock would not have had a chance to happen. And being able to show in a mainstream American film that a gay American played such a pivotal role in shaping the “event that defined a nation” is cause for much joy and celebration. Kudos to Ang Lee and Focus CEO James Schamus for having the vision to see the Woodstock story that so many of us have never known . . . until now. See you at the movie!
Your story has more holes in than Elliot Tiber’s head. HE is NOT the CREATOR of the festival. And the only thing “conceived in the mind of a regular joe” is his only feeling selfimpotrance. He did nothing except hold a permit for a festival, any festival. He actually offered his only land to the producers before Max Yasgur came into the picture. And Elliot’s land was nothing but a swamp – nice thinking Elliot. Hold YOUR festival in YOUR swamp.
Hey Movieblog. Get your facts straight. This man is a fraud. And Lee’s just his latest stooge.
Ang Lee and Woodstock really have nothing in common.
I don’t know why he would take on this film???
Sounds like a fun movie. They should use Melanies song “Lay Down (candles in the rain) as the opening song.
Thank you,
Jim Baldwin
Spokane Wa
My site: LetHerIn dot org