Paul Rudd’s involvement proved pivotal in securing funding for John Carney’s film Power Ballad, which premiered on March 1 as the closing night feature of the Dublin International Film Festival. The film, set in Dublin, explores themes of music and copyright disputes, reflecting Carney’s continued focus on stories rooted in the music world.
A Unique Musical Story Inspired by Everyday Life
John Carney, an Irish director known for music-centered films like Once and Sing Street, shared his intention behind Power Ballad to break away from typical romance plots. He said,
“I’m always looking for stories in the music world that aren’t just boy meets girl and they put on a show and it’s nice. That’s great, but it’s also very limited.”
Carney aims to uncover deeper narratives within the musical genre, stating,
“I always have my eyes open for a story that’s a musical but has something more going for it.”
The genesis of the film came unexpectedly in 2015, when Carney spotted an interesting man leaving a small Dublin terraced house with his daughter. He remembered,
“He looked bedraggled and stressed in the way parents always do. But he looked so interesting. He had a ponytail, skinny jeans, boots and a little twang of an ageing rock guy about him.”
This image inspired the protagonist for the film.
Describing his fascination, Carney remarked,
“He was also laughing with his daughter, and I thought, that’s my next film right there. The guitar over the shoulder clinched it for me, because I know that guy. He’s funny, he’s tragic, he is a family man, but he’s also trying to be a rock star.”
Integrating Music Industry Realities Into the Storyline
During development, Carney was influenced by real-world legal battles over music copyright and ownership. He collaborated on the screenplay with Peter McDonald, a fellow musician-turned-actor, saying of their partnership,
“He’s a musician, I’m a musician; music is something we gave up to do something else, but we still carry music with us.”
This authentic musical background shaped the film’s narrative of a copyright dispute.
Despite Carney’s history of acclaimed music-based films, financing Power Ballad was challenging. The project only gained momentum when Paul Rudd, known for his Marvel roles, joined the cast. Rudd plays a wedding singer who becomes embroiled in a copyright conflict with a rock star portrayed by Nick Jonas, following the creation of a song during a rather drunken Irish wedding celebration.
Reflecting on the difficulty of securing funding for original films, Carney said,
“It’s increasingly hard for somebody like me to get movies made because they’re original stories. There’s no IP or remake or I’m not telling anybody else’s story. I couldn’t get the film made without a mighty star attached.”
He added,
“Once Paul came on board, the whole domino thing happened. He was such a straight-up person. He was, ‘I’m in your movie. Go and get the money. I’ll see you on set.’ Which is what everybody needs and dreams of.”
Production Details and Creative Team
The film’s production was helmed by producers Anthony Bregman and Peter Cron of Likely Story in the US, along with Robert Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan from Dublin’s Treasure Entertainment, who had previously collaborated with Carney on Flora And Son. Financing came through 30 West and Screen Ireland, while WME Independent managed international rights.
Shot over eight weeks in the summer of 2023, filming took place entirely on location in Dublin. Alongside Rudd and Jonas, actors Jack Reynor and Havana Rose Liu joined the cast. With Lionsgate acquiring North American and UK-Ireland rights following Cannes 2024, the film is set for release on May 29 in the UK and Ireland, followed by a U.S. release a week later.
Musical Collaboration and Onscreen Performances
Carney co-wrote the film’s central song, which sparks the story’s copyright dispute, with Scottish musician and producer Gary Clark, former frontman of Danny Wilson. Reflecting on the cast’s talents, Carney noted,
“Paul sings really well in the movie. And Nick acts really well.”
He praised Clark’s songwriting, saying,
“All the memorable, good bits you’ll be singing afterwards, Gary wrote.”
Carney’s Perspective on Filmmaking and Future Plans
With Power Ballad soon to reach audiences, Carney is already juggling multiple projects, including a TV show in development with A24. He shared,
“I’ve got four things on my laptop that I’m dipping in and out of until one of them gets a bit of heat. I’m working on a TV show with A24, so that might go. I have no idea what will happen next.”
Carney’s personal priorities have shifted as well. Surrounded by musical instruments in his home office, he remarked,
“I’m ambivalent about movies. Firstly, I have two small kids, and movies aren’t as important to me as they were when I was 25 or whatever. It’s a job. I enjoy it, it can pay well, and it’s satisfying to make something. But I’m more interested in reading a book now, if I’m honest. Or sitting back playing the guitar. I’m not too worried about it because I’m kind of independent, and I’ll make stuff anyway. I’d do it on my phone if I couldn’t raise the money.”
