Editor and director John Ottman is set to direct “Billy & Me,” a feature film chronicling the formative years of singer-pianist Billy Joel.
The film tells the origin story of Joel before fame, focusing on his relationship with first manager Irwin Mazur, who discovered Joel in 1966, signed him in 1970, and oversaw his career until his deal with Columbia Records in 1972.
The story is told from the perspectives of Mazur and Jon Small, Joel's longtime friend and former bandmate.
Casting is underway, with production slated for fall in Winnipeg, Canada, and New York. The film follows the 2025 HBO documentary “And So It Goes.”
Rights and Authorization
The production has secured life rights from Mazur and Small, but does not have Joel's approval, music rights, or life rights.
A representative for Joel stated that the project is not authorized or supported by him. This lack of rights is presumably why the story is told from Mazur and Small's viewpoints.
The film's portrayal of Elizabeth Weber, Joel's first wife, is unclear. Weber was married to Small before marrying Joel, and their relationship contributed to Joel's later depression and suicide attempts, as discussed in “And So It Goes.”
Creative Team Details
Ottman recently served as lead editor on the Michael biopic. Adam Ripp wrote the script and will produce under ArtPhyll Pictures.
Small said the script is “the most honest, heartfelt, and authentic portrayal” of Joel's early life, grounded in truth and built with insight from people who knew him. Ottman said the development work shaped the film into a “deeply emotional and fun story” about Joel and Mazur.
Financing is being assembled by Jay Cohen. Executive music producer is Mitchell Leib, former President of Music and Soundtracks at Walt Disney Studios.