Jimi Hendrix Biopic
Posted: Tue May 15, 2012 9:22 am
The UK Guardian online news site reports that pre-production has begun in Ireland for yet another attempt at filming a biopic of Jimi Hendrix.
For as the article correctly states, “Several studios have tried to make Hendrix-related films over the last few years, including a failed project by Paul Greengrass. The Hendrix estate blocked all of these, refusing to license the late musician's songs. Either now they have had a change of heart, or Ridley's film isn't going to use any Hendrix songs.”
Because Jimi Hendrix died intestate – that is to say, without leaving a written Will – the legal wranglings and resulting lawsuits about who controls the Hendrix estate have made a number of lawyers rich over the years. Basically, nobody can use the music of Jimi Hendrix without the Hendrix Estate getting its pound of flesh.
For as the article correctly states, “Several studios have tried to make Hendrix-related films over the last few years, including a failed project by Paul Greengrass. The Hendrix estate blocked all of these, refusing to license the late musician's songs. Either now they have had a change of heart, or Ridley's film isn't going to use any Hendrix songs.”
Because Jimi Hendrix died intestate – that is to say, without leaving a written Will – the legal wranglings and resulting lawsuits about who controls the Hendrix estate have made a number of lawyers rich over the years. Basically, nobody can use the music of Jimi Hendrix without the Hendrix Estate getting its pound of flesh.