Sony Pictures Classics has acquired worldwide rights to an untitled film from Oscar-winning director Tom McCarthy, based on Nathaniel Rich's book Losing Earth. The project, dedicated to the late producer Steve Golin, is set to begin production at the end of February and explores the early debates on climate change. McCarthy co-wrote the screenplay with Thomas Bidegan and Noé Debré.
Oscar-winning filmmaker Tom McCarthy, known for Spotlight, is teaming up with Sony Pictures Classics for his next project. The untitled film draws from Nathaniel Rich's book Losing Earth, presenting a dramatic and darkly comic true story about the dawn of climate awareness. Set in 1980 at a beachside resort in Florida, it follows 20 experts—scientists, activists, and policymakers—gathered for a conference on the effects of CO2 emissions. Tasked by Congress with drafting a statement on action, the group faces challenges in reaching consensus.
The film is dedicated to Steve Golin, the late founder and CEO of Anonymous Content. Sony Pictures Classics will co-finance the production, which starts at the end of February. McCarthy adapted the screenplay alongside Thomas Bidegan and Noé Debré.
Producers include Jonathan King and David Levine for Anonymous Content, Jim Whitaker, and McCarthy for Slow Pony, along with Jonathan Schwartz, Nick Shumaker, and Bard Dorros of Anonymous Content, and Mary Aloe of Aloe Entertainment. Executive producers encompass a broad group: Alex Gibney, Wendy Schmidt, Richard Perello, and Robert Kessel for Jigsaw Productions; Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for Artists Equity; Alex Lebovici for Hammerstone Studios; Bidegan, Debré, and Rich; Billy James Parrott; Laurene Powell Jobs and Davis Guggenheim for Concordia; Andrew Lauren and Blye Faust for Andrew Lauren Productions; Rob Rosenheck for Galisteo Media; and Rae Baron for Slow Pony.
McCarthy shared his enthusiasm: “What drew me to this story originally was the timeless idea that no matter our differences, we must find ways to work together if we have a hope of solving our problems. The joy of working on the movie so far has been realizing how entertaining that process can be. I feel incredibly lucky that these amazing partners including Anonymous Content and Sony Pictures Classics are all making it together for the right reasons.”
Sony Pictures Classics praised the project: “A spectacular screenplay, dealing with an urgent subject, the Untitled Tom McCarthy Film promises to be a major movie with a stellar cast and director Tom McCarthy, who we have wanted to work with since his first film (The Station Agent) over 20 years ago. It is a privilege to be involved.”
The deal was negotiated between Sony Pictures Classics, Anonymous Content, and CAA Media Finance, with legal counsel from Adam Davids.
