BuzzFeed Inc.
11/19/2024 | Press release | Archived content
BuzzFeed Studios Announces January 2025 Release Date For Documentary Feature “Brother Orange;” Gravitas Ventures Acquires Worldwide Distribution Rights
LOS ANGELES, CA (NOVEMBER 19, 2024) - BuzzFeed Studios, the premium content studio of BuzzFeed, Inc., announces today that Gravitas Ventures, an Anthem Sports & Entertainment Company, has acquired worldwide distribution rights to their latest documentary feature, "Brother Orange." The film, which has also been optioned as a scripted feature, is directed and executive-produced by Emmy-nominated producer Abe Forman-Greenwald (Netflix's "Big Mouth"), executive produced by Richard Alan Reid (President of BuzzFeed Studios) and produced by Sam Linder, BuzzFeed's Senior Director of Global Production & Operations. "Brother Orange" is slated for release in January 2025.
"Brother Orange" follows the story of Matt Stopera, a BuzzFeed founding editor, whose life takes an unexpected turn when his stolen phone, lost in a New York City bar, becomes the catalyst for a viral Buzzfeed article a year later. The article launched a viral feel-good story about a lasting friendship that transcends language and culture and has captivated the world with over 100 million views on social media, including over 70 million shares on Weibo, and traditional media such as NPR, Rachel Maddow, and Ellen while propelling Matt into instant celebrity status. As their 10-year friendship anniversary nears, this extraordinary true story showcases the power of personal connection between two ordinary people-one American and one Chinese-who look beyond political tensions to form a profound bond.
"The moment I read Matt Stopera's post about the mysterious man who began showing up in his iPhone photos, I knew I wanted to follow him to China to see how this story might unfold," says Forman-Greenwald. "The origin of Matt and Brother Orange's friendship was so improbable that I might not believe it if I hadn't seen it with my own two eyes (and one camera). This film will take viewers on the same unlikely journey that I got to see first hand, one that changed me for the better and has become a big part of my life over the past decade. To borrow a popular Buzzfeed phrase, seeing Matt and Brother Orange's unique bond grow deeper over time helped 'restore my faith in humanity.'"
Stopera reflects on the unexpected bond saying "Never in a million years did I expect that lost cellphone at a drunken happy hour to lead to THE story of my life. Ten years ago, I met the man I simply call 'Bro,' and what followed was beyond my imagination: multiple back-and-forths to China, a second family in a distant place, and a friend I will have forever. To me, friendship is built on shared experiences, and Bro and I have had some of the wildest experiences together. Despite our differences in culture, geography, and language, these moments have profoundly shaped my life. I'm excited for everyone involved in this journey to see it fully come to life. Thank you, Steve Jobs, and thank you to the Chinese Internet for helping me find Bro. That lost iPhone turned out to be the Cinderella slipper I never knew I needed."
"This story of Matt and Brother Orange is a celebration of what makes the internet - and humanity - so special. Their bond is as genuine today as it was when their lives first collided, and it's a joy to revisit this friendship on the eve of its 10th anniversary," says Richard Alan Reid, President of BuzzFeed Studios. "We're excited to share the full story with viewers, offering a deeper look at the events that captivated the world."
"Brother Orange," which originated as a written post that went viral and took Chinese media by storm, follows BuzzFeed Studios' previous successes in the documentary space, stemming from in-house IP including "Follow This" (Netflix), "TheRise & Fall of LulaRoe" (Discovery+), and "Once Upon A Time in Londongrad" (Sky, NBCU). BuzzFeed Studios is currently producing a slate of additional titles, including Lionsgate's "F Mary Kill" starring Lucy Hale and directed by Laura Murphy ("Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens") releasing in theaters December 6.
"Gravitas is excited to continue its partnership with BuzzFeed Studios by bringing the unbelievable, if it wasn't true, story of 'Brother Orange.' Documenting his globe-crossing story, Matt Stopera adds levity to the absurdity of the situation while creating an international phenomenon and friendship at the same time," stated Bill Guentzler, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Operations at Gravitas Ventures.
Abe Forman-Greenwald is repped by Liz DeCesare of Authentic Talent & Literary Management.
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About Gravitas Ventures
Gravitas Ventures is a leading all rights distributor of independent feature films and documentaries. Founded in 2006, Gravitas connects independent filmmakers and producers with distribution opportunities across the globe. 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. Recent Gravitas Venture releases include Deep Fear, Slotherhouse, Padre Pio, Gringa, The Pez Outlaw, Downwind, Mack & Rita, The King's Daughter, Queen Bees, Our Friend, Vanguard, The Secret: Dare to Dream. For more information, please visit www.gravitasventures.com, and follow @GravitasVOD on X and @gravitasventures on Instagram.
About BuzzFeed Studios
BuzzFeed Studios is a premium content studio powered by digital media powerhouse BuzzFeed, Inc. and its portfolio of beloved brands, including BuzzFeed, Tasty, HuffPost, First We Feast, and Hot Ones. Led by industry veteran Richard Alan Reid, BuzzFeed Studios develops, acquires, produces, and markets genre-spanning scripted and unscripted programming across film, series, digital video, animation, audio, and licensing. With its access to a massive digital audience, BuzzFeed Studios leverages insights and data to create a clear competitive advantage in the market, furthered by its cost-efficient production capabilities, best-in-class industry partnerships, creative excellence, and ability to engage sought-after audiences and demographics.
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