06/05/2024 - The feature charting the story of a wedding singer, a rock star and the song that comes between them is now filming in Dublin and will be sold at the upcoming Marché du Film

Filming is underway in Dublin on a new musical comedy titled Power Ballad and helmed by Irish filmmaker John Carney. The news was first reported by Deadline.

Carney is specialised in helming musical drama and comedy films such as Oscar winner Once [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Oscar nominee Begin Again starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, and, most recently, Flora and Son [+see also:
trailer
film profile], headlined by Eve Hewson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Carney penned his new feature with Peter McDonald. In detail, it will chart the story of a wedding singer (Paul Rudd), a rock star (Nick Jonas), and the song that comes between them. 

Talking about his latest endeavour, the director said: “I’m delighted to be working with so many great people. I’ve been working on this script with my buddy Peter for years, and now Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas are in my kitchen.”

Power Ballad is being produced by Anthony Bregman and Peter Cron for US-based outfit Likely Story, with Robert Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan for Ireland’s Treasure Entertainment, and Carney, all of whom produced the helmer’s latest film Flora and Son. Moreover, 30WEST and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland are also financing and producing the picture.

The project will be sold at the upcoming Marché du Film in Cannes, running from 14-22 May. 30WEST, WME Independent, and UTA Independent Film Group will represent its US sales, whilst WME Independent will handle its international rights.

Alex Walton, of WME, added: “We are so excited to bring John Carney’s next film to Cannes. John has a magic ability to weave great music into wonderfully engaging and universally relatable stories that make audience emotions run high. Power Ballad is fun and heart-warming – themes that audiences crave today. His unique vision, coupled with the global appeal of Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, will give buyers exactly what they’re looking for.”