SOUND OF FREEDOM Sequel Uncertain Due to Rights Question
By Movieguide® Contributor
Confusion over the rights to Tim Ballard’s story leaves the creation of a SOUND OF FREEDOM sequel or spinoff in question.
Two people currently believe they have secured the rights to tell Tim Ballard’s story: producer Mike Ilitch Jr. and director Alejandro Monteverde.
Both have talked about wanting to continue telling Ballard’s story because they each believe they own the rights to do so.
A representative for Ilitch Jr. told Variety her client had signed a deal with Ballard “for exclusive life rights,” and together they have started to create a follow-up. She claimed they had also planned a scripted series exploring even more missions from Ballard’s career.
Ilitch Jr.’s plan for the franchise also included supporting offscreen work “to provide targeted resources, specific calls to action and further real-life and behind-the-scenes stories of inspiration and momentum.”
However, Ilitch Jr. has since come forward saying that this information was “not accurate” without any further elaboration.
Monteverde, meanwhile, has also been considering the future of the SOUND OF FREEDOM franchise—with the understanding that he will be at its helm.
“There’s definitely a lot of interest to exploring [the subject] a little deeper, because this is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot of interest to kind of explore Haiti, what’s happening in Haiti. There’s [sequel] talks focusing on Haiti,” Monteverde told Variety, also mentioning that he secured the life rights to Ballard’s story early in the movie’s creation.
“Haiti was a big part of Tim’s work,” Monteverde added. “I was very tempted to do Haiti on this film. But I wanted to do an origin story, and it was too much material. I needed to end where I ended.”
A representative for Monteverde later clarified that his client only had the rights for one movie. “In regards to a sequel,” the rep added, “there have been discussions, but there is nothing additional to report now.”
Given the success of SOUND OF FREEDOM, it is unusual that it is unclear who owns the rights to the franchise’s future.
“This is unusual because if it was a big studio, the studio would have locked up all of the rights, and [Ballard] wouldn’t have had the opportunity to go and enter into an agreement with somebody else,” explained Lisa Callif of the law firm Donaldson Callif Perez. “I do understand why it happened because they probably were hoping to make this one movie and had no idea it would be as successful as it is. And now they’re in this predicament.”
Despite confusion over the rights, it is unlikely that Tim Ballard’s story will stop at SOUND OF FREEDOM. The movie has currently grossed $178 million (off a $14.5 million budget) as it launches into its international debut.
Beyond the financial incentives, the franchise also raises awareness about and combats child trafficking—one of the greatest evils in modern society.
Movieguide® previously reported:
Angel Studios has announced that SOUND OF FREEDOM will soon hit theaters internationally, expanding to a total of 23 countries.
“Since SOUND OF FREEDOM launched in the U.S., demand has been building around the world in dozens of regions and languages,” Jared Geesey, Angel Studios’ vice president of global distribution, said. “Child trafficking is a global issue, and we hope to build on the incredible momentum here in the States and share the film’s powerful message worldwide.”
The incredible success that the movie has found in the States has allowed it to expand into the global market.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
