EXCLUSIVE: Gravitas Ventures has acquired U.S. and Canadian distribution rights to Don’t Fall in Love With Yourself, a documentary about influential musician-artist-actor Justin Pearson.
Gravitas plans to release the film, directed by Jon Nix, on August 20 through its “hybrid distribution system,” across Comcast, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Spectrum, Apple TV, Dish, Google Play, DirecTV, and more.
“Don’t Fall in Love With Yourself tracks Pearson’s unique journey,” Gravitas notes, “from childhood tragedy through his roots in the San Diego punk scene as a key member of several bands and music projects (Swing Kids, The Locust, Dead Cross, and Retox, among them), as an actor opposite Asia Argento, an infamous appearance on The Jerry Springer Show, and impact on other artists through the creation and ahead-of-its-time promotion of his record label, Three One G Records – all culminating in his ultimate rise to cult celebrity status. An in-depth look at an unexpected and influential career made out of blood, sweat and spit.”
In a statement, Nix said, “Don’t Fall in Love With Yourself is a film that I had wanted to make for years. I was inspired by my fascination with San Diego noise music and so many stories I found about it kept leading me to Justin Pearson. For so many people, he embodies what that world was all about. This film delves into all of it with Justin at the center of it all. We look forward to the film gaining a wide audience thanks to Gravitas Ventures and introducing so many more to that world, that sound, and most of all – for those who might only know a part of his story – to Justin himself.”
Watch on Deadline
Bill Guentzler, SVP acquisitions and operations at Gravitas Ventures, negotiated the acquisition deal with Dan Rozenblum at 33 & West on behalf of the filmmaker.
“We are thrilled to bring Don’t Fall in Love With Yourself to a wide audience,” Guentzler said. “To say this documentary rocks would be an understatement, but beyond that, it offers an entertaining window into the spirit and creative mind of Justin Pearson that didn’t just ride that wave of music, in many ways, he helped steer it to the heights it reached for its fans.”
The documentary, a production of TurnStyle Films, is produced by Jamie Overstreet and executive produced by Matthew Chojnacki.
“Jon [Nix] and TurnStyle Films have captured so much of an absurd ride throughout a subculture, which specifically hones in on my personal experiences in life,” Pearson said. “It’s flattering, jarring, and hopefully enjoyable to the viewer, as it has been for me. I think audiences that haven’t yet run into what the film encapsulates, may have their minds blown a little bit, or at least I hope they do. Of course, those that know a lot of it or are actually a part of it, will enjoy the ride as well.”
Gravitas Ventures, an Anthem Sports & Entertainment Company, is a leading all rights distributor of independent feature films and documentaries. Gravitas “connects independent filmmakers and producers with distribution opportunities across the globe,” the company notes. “Working with talented directors and producers, Gravitas Ventures has distributed thousands of films into over a hundred million homes in North America – over one billion homes worldwide.”