Fox Searchlight Acquires Rights to Step Team Documentary ‘Step’
Step, Sundance’s official selection of 2017, has been acquired by FOX Searchlight films and will be getting a theatrical release in the future.
The company purchased the rights, and the remake rights as well, for upwards of $4 million. The Amanda Lipitz-directed film focuses on the step team at at The Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women. The doc, according to Deadline, “follows three irrepressible seniors and their “Lethal Ladies” step dance team as they navigate a nerve-wracking college application process and the trials and tribulations of the tenacious young women, as well as their mothers, an unstoppable college counselor, and a no-nonsense step coach.”
@foxsearchlight we love you and couldn't be happier (or asked for anyone better!) to share @stepthemovie with the world ❤️❤️❤️❤️ #StepIsLife https://t.co/Z5TU7kJCzd
— Step Movie (@stepthemovie) January 25, 2017
It’s been reported that a portion of the Step deal includes the creation of a scholarship fund for the girls in the film, as well as for the school. Lipitz told the site that the filmmaking team “allowed for proceeds from the sale to go towards scholarships for each of the 19 girls on the step team that came to Sundance as well as a generous donation to the school so that it can continue to transform Baltimore one young woman at a time.”
The Lethal Ladies of @BLSYWgirls, stars of STEP, brought powerful Black Lives Matter message to #Sundance. Audience in awe. pic.twitter.com/kvEqMDIStW
— jen yamato (@jenyamato) January 22, 2017
It seems that all of the ladies’ hard work is paying off- not only will they be able to see themselves in theaters one day, but one of the team members already has a bright future ahead of her at Johns Hopkins University!
Cori Grainger, 1st @BLSYWgirls student accepted into @JHUeducation full tuition! pic.twitter.com/tWrefxBUKz
— BLSYW! (@BLSYWgirls) March 18, 2016
Photo Credit: Step Movie Official Site
