Mercury Studios, the content studio launched by Universal Music Group last month, has announced a new documentary called If These Walls Could Sing, the untold story of the iconic Abbey Road Studios.
The doc will be directed by British photographer and filmmaker Mary McCartney and produced by Academy Award, BAFTA and Prime Time Emmy Award-winner John Battsek following a new development deal between Mercury Studios and Battsek’s Ventureland.
Development of the documentary has been overseen and will be executive produced by Universal Music UK’s Marc Robinson and Mercury Studios CEO, Alice Webb.
If These Walls Could Sing marks the first time Abbey Road has opened its doors to a feature length documentary and will be the centrepiece of the legendary recording studios’ 90th anniversary celebrations which begin in November this year.
According to a press release announcing the new project, it “will tell countless stories featuring an all-star cast of interviews, unparalleled access to the studios and, of course, a spellbinding soundtrack”.
With offices in London and Los Angeles, Mercury Studios subsumed global film and TV producer Eagle Rock Entertainment (ERE), which MBW confirmed last month is being retired as an active UMG brand.
Mercury Studios will house and build upon ERE’s award-winning library that includes nearly 2,000 hours of programming and more than 800 titles of original documentaries.
Mercury Studios is led by highly respected media executive, Alice Webb, who was appointed CEO of Eagle Rock by Universal Music UK, Chairman and CEO, David Joseph in 2019, following a successful 15-year career at the BBC.
“I’ve long wanted to tell the story of this historic place and I couldn’t be collaborating with a better team than John and Mercury Studios to make this creative ambition a reality.”
Mary McCartney
Mary McCartney said: “Some of my earliest memories as a young child come from time spent at Abbey Road.
“I’ve long wanted to tell the story of this historic place and I couldn’t be collaborating with a better team than John and Mercury Studios to make this creative ambition a reality.”
“We are passionate about showcasing work of pioneering film makers of the highest quality – which is why we are delighted Mary is bringing her creative vision to this project.”
Alice Webb, Mercury Studios
Alice Webb added: “Mercury Studios could not be partnering with a more visionary and passionate team than Mary McCartney and John Battsek to tell Abbey Road Studios’ incredible story on film for the first time.
“We are passionate about showcasing work of pioneering film makers of the highest quality – which is why we are delighted Mary is bringing her creative vision to this project.”
“I can’t wait for some of these stories to finally come to life in what will become a timeless documentary.”
Isabel Garvey, Abbey Road Studios
Isabel Garvey, Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios, said: “If these walls could sing. I have lost count how many times I’ve heard that said at Abbey Road Studios over the years.
“I can’t wait for some of these stories to finally come to life in what will become a timeless documentary.”Music Business Worldwide
