Ottman to Direct Billy Joel Origins Drama 'Billy & Me'

A Variety exclusive reports director John Ottman will helm Billy Joel’s early-life biopic Billy & Me, told through his first manager Irwin Mazur. Production is planned for fall in Winnipeg and New York, with Adam Ripp writing and Mazur’s life rights secured. Jon Small will consult; financing is being assembled by Jay Cohen, with Mitchell Leib as executive music producer. The film aims for a truthful, character-driven origin story, though Joel’s representatives haven’t commented and the portrayal of historical figures like Weber remains unclear.