Tribeca Films nabs “I am Big Bird” documentary

PanARMENIAN.Net - Tribeca Films has acquired the U.S. rights to “I am Big Bird”, TheWrap said.

The documentary tells the story of Caroll Spinney, 80, the longtime voice behind the beloved “Sesame Street” characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. It will show footage of his earliest collaborations with Jim Henson, tracing Spinney's journey from bullied child to childhood icon.

The “Sesame Street” voice actor has spoken for the characters for more than 40 years.

Directed and produced by Dave LaMattina and Chad Walker, the film premiered at the Hot Docs documentary festival earlier this year and will go on to play at DOC NYC in November. It will be released theatrically and on VOD early next year.

“Big Bird is one of the iconic figures in American television and this portrait of the man inside, Caroll Spinney, is simultaneously joyful and fascinating,” said Tribeca Film GM Todd Green. “Dave and Chad weave together years of archival footage to create a truly revealing look at the man inside the Big Bird suit.”

“Caroll entrusted us with telling his story and we're thrilled that we'll finally be able to share it with audiences across the country,” said director and producer Chad Walker.

“This is a project we've spent years of our life on and we're ecstatic to be working with Tribeca, a company that shares our vision for ‘I Am Big Bird,'” added director and producer Dave LaMattina.