Justin Baldoni Directs Disney+ Original Film From Wayfarer Studios based on the true story of Zach Sobiech
Stellar Cast Featuring Fin Argus, Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Iseman, Thomas Everett Scott and Neve Campbell
BURBANK, Calif. (May 14, 2020) – Disney+ announced today that the moving and inspirational feature film “Clouds” will premiere exclusively on the streaming service this fall. The film, which recently completed production in Montreal, is based on the memoir Fly a Little Higher by Laura Sobiech, Zach Sobiech’s mother. Directed and produced by Wayfarer Studios co-founder Justin Baldoni (“Five Feet Apart”), the project is the first narrative film acquisition from the Disney+ Global Content team and will be available exclusively in all Disney+ markets.
“Clouds” is the true story of Zach Sobiech, a musically gifted 17-year old living with a rare bone cancer (osteosarcoma). The film follows Zach’s journey over the course of his senior year as he navigates the complexities of love, friendship, family and leaving behind a musical legacy. The film stars Fin Argus (Brat’s “Total Eclipse”) as Zach Sobiech, Sabrina Carpenter (“The Hate U Give”) as his best friend and bandmate Sammy, Madison Iseman (“Annabelle Comes Home,” “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”) as Zach’s girlfriend Amy, Thomas Everett Scott (“13 Reasons Why,” “La La Land”) and Neve Campbell (“Skyscraper,” “House of Cards”) as his parents, Laura and Rob.
“I fell in love with Zach’s infectious joy and spirit seven years ago when I made a short documentary about his life. Just before he passed, I made a promise to him that I would do whatever I could to make sure the world heard his music,” said Baldoni. “In the age of COVID-19, with the future of the theatre business up in the air, it was extremely important to me to ensure Zach’s message of hope, faith and triumph in the face of adversity truly had the opportunity to touch as many hearts around the world as possible. That’s why I’m so excited to be partnering with Disney+ for my first film under our Wayfarer Studios banner, as it’s the perfect home and platform to bring Zach’s incredible story to the world.”
“Justin has created a poignant and uplifting tribute to Zach, whose story shows us the power of optimism, music, and human connection,” said Ricky Strauss, president, Content & Marketing, Disney+. “As our team searches the world for stories that entertain and inspire, ‘Clouds’ is a fantastic fit for Disney+ and our global audience.”
“Clouds” is a Mad Chance/La Scala Films Production, co-financed by Wayfarer Studios, and produced by Mad Chance’s Andrew Lazar, Justin Baldoni for Wayfarer Studios and Casey La Scala. Steve Sarowitz, Wendy S. Williams and Cate Adams are also executive producers, and Ben Simpson is a co-producer. Endeavor Content and Wayfarer Studios brokered the deal of the film.
Justin Baldoni is represented by WME.
ABOUT DISNEY+:
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. As part of Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment, Disney+ is available on most internet-connected devices and offers commercial-free programming with a variety of original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. Alongside unprecedented access to Disney’s incredible library of film and television entertainment, the service is also the exclusive streaming home for the latest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+. Visit DisneyPlus.com to subscribe and/or learn more about the service.
ABOUT WAYFARER STUDIOS:
Wayfarer Studios, forged by a partnership between Justin Baldoni and Steve Sarowitz (4S Bay/Paylocity), is a purpose-driven creative and financial engine focused on radically sincere film and television content that is platform and genre agnostic. Wayfarer Studios was founded with the mission to develop and finance projects that can serve as true agents for social change, and which can eradicate the negative “isms” from our world. The studio aims “to disrupt for good” by empowering and protecting creators with fresh voices, championing content that speaks to the human spirit, challenging the status quo and embracing our diverse global community. Wayfarer Studios currently has multiple television and feature film projects in active development.
