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Greenwich Takes SXSW Black List Feature Project ‘Brian’ From Filmmaker Will Ropp
Greenwich has acquired North American distribution rights to *Brian*, the feature directorial debut of Will Ropp, after the film premiered at the SXSW Film Festival. The deal gives the independent film a distributor, with release planned for next year.
Ben Wang plays Brian, a capable 17-year-old whose anxiety causes public panic attacks. After a drama-club audition ends in a meltdown, he runs for class president, supported by his therapist and a new classmate, as he seeks to redefine himself and accept who he is. The cast also includes Randall Park, Natalie Morales, Edi Patterson and William H. Macy; the screenplay by Mike Scollins was a Black List Featured Project.
In short
- Greenwich acquired North American rights to *Brian*.
- The film premiered at SXSW and is due next year.
- Ben Wang stars as a teenager navigating anxiety and self-acceptance.
Explained simply
*Brian* is a coming-of-age drama about a 17-year-old dealing with anxiety and panic attacks at school. After a difficult drama-club audition, he runs for class president as he tries to change how he sees himself and accept who he is.
Ben Wang plays Brian, alongside Randall Park, Natalie Morales, Edi Patterson and William H. Macy. The film is the first feature directed by Will Ropp, and its screenplay was recognised as a Black List Featured Project, a distinction for scripts that have drawn attention from film industry readers.
The story touches on how anxiety can affect a young person’s school life and sense of identity. Its independent-film background also helps explain the role of a distributor such as Greenwich in bringing the film to audiences.