Backstreet’s Back with Pulse feature

Thomas Benksi’s UK production outfit Pulse Films and producer Mia Bays arrived in Berlin last night to launch discussions with industry on Backstreet Boys – The Movie.

Currently in production, the feature will chart the band members’ tumultuous journey from child stars to 130m record-selling global phenomenon, their reformation as a quartet, reunion as a five-strong band and preparation for its upcoming album to coincide with the group’s 20th anniversary.

Stones in Exile and Scott Walker - 30 Century Man’s Stephen Kijak is directing. Filming began during the band’s reunion last year and is due to wrap in late spring for a Q1 2014 release. Lucas Ochoa is executive-producing for Pulse.

Credits for growing London-based production and distribution outfit Pulse Films include box office hit doc Katy Perry: Part of Me, Sundance winner Who Is Dayani Cristal? starring Gael Garcia Bernal and LCD Soundsytem doc Shut Up and Play the Hits. Bays’ credits include Scott Walker - 30 Century Man and Martin McDonagh’s Oscar-winning short Six Shooter.

The band told Screen: “We always wanted to make a film and now is the ideal time - with Kevin [Richardson] back, the fact that we are masters of our own destiny, a new album in the works and our 20th anniversary all adds up to being the right time to share our story. We are excited that the team from Pulse and Stephen have joined us in what has been a energising collaboration so far.”

Kijak said: “After making a film with The Rolling Stones, what does one do to top that experience? Backstreet Boys, that’s what! This is an incredible opportunity to make a film no one would expect The Backstreet Boys to make. What drew me to this project is their openness and willingness to push themselves into uncomfortable places, to be vulnerable and honest and to be really trusting of the filmmaking team to steer them in the right direction.”

Benski told Screen: “This is a very authentic and touching film. The band has accepted who they are now. The group hasn’t done this kind of thing before so there’s a lot of ground to cover and uncover. We explore all angles of the band’s life.”

Bays added: “A big part of this story unravels the myth that they are a manufactured band. This film reveals their genuine talent and the fact that they are an excellent five piece harmony band. The film will explore their musicianship but at the same time, as with all good music documentaries, it will go beyond their music as well.”