Universal Music Group U.K. (UMG U.K.) is deepening its engagement with scripted content through its division Globe Originals, which aims to create films that leverage music as a central narrative element. This initiative comes as the demand for music-driven storytelling continues to rise, providing new opportunities for artists and filmmakers to collaborate on diverse projects.
Globe Originals has already made significant strides, collaborating on notable productions such as the BAFTA-nominated short film Nostalgie, directed by Kathryn Ferguson, and the acclaimed Hamnet. The unit has worked alongside prominent figures in the industry, including directors Quentin Tarantino and Richard Curtis. Under the leadership of president Marc Robinson, Globe is broadening its reach into the U.S. market and exploring partnerships that encourage multi-talented creatives to venture beyond traditional music roles.
One of the most exciting developments is Globe’s partnership with Hollywood producer Shannon McIntosh, known for her work on films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Hateful Eight. This collaboration will focus on a slate of music-driven feature films, including the modern love story Falling, written and directed by Dominic Savage, and the biopic twist Dusty vs Dusty, centered on the iconic singer Dusty Springfield.
Globe Originals is also producing a short film titled Scientist of the Soul, which chronicles composer Max Richter‘s experiences with the film Hamnet. Furthermore, the division is in the process of developing four documentaries about U.K. artists, with details anticipated to be unveiled later this year.
Robinson attributes the push into Globe Originals to evolving market demands. He notes the growing role of music in audiovisual storytelling and the desire of music creatives to explore avenues beyond typical music releases and concert tours. A key project under the McIntosh partnership is Annie Oakley Hanging, described as a “fully music-driven feature” that tells a rebellious love story set in the wild American frontier. The film will feature an original soundtrack from Dan Smith, lead singer of the band Bastille, and Ralph Pelleymounter, lead vocalist of To Kill a King.
McIntosh expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I loved the music Dan and Ralph wrote for Annie Oakley Hanging – its strong sense of narrative and ambition made it feel like a project we could have real fun and success with.” She highlighted the innovative approach of beginning the filmmaking process with the soundtrack, which she finds invigorating.
The creative landscape is shifting, with more multi-talented artists like Smith embracing roles beyond traditional music careers. Robinson notes, “We’ve had a very close working relationship with the film and TV community through music for shows and film soundtracks. As that world has evolved over the last decade, especially with streamers coming on board, we’ve wanted to keep our relationship with film and TV as solid as before.”
Smith’s involvement in Globe Originals exemplifies this new wave of collaboration. His recent work includes writing and producing the original song “Eurydice” for the Netflix series Kaos and creating the track “Mother Nature” for BBC’s Planet Earth III. He also contributed to the short film Nostalgie, which explores themes of nostalgia through music.
The short film revolves around a 1980s pop star who faces a moral dilemma when invited to perform after years of retirement. Smith described the challenge of writing songs that capture the essence of the 1980s while resonating with the characters’ experiences. He emphasized the importance of creating music that feels authentic to both the film and its audience.
“Nostalgie” features performances by actors including Aidan Gillen and is characterized by its exploration of deeply personal themes through music. Smith noted, “It’s about a topic so close to home, but often so untalked about. Using music as a way to explore that is really central to the film.”
As Globe Originals continues to foster collaboration between music and film, Robinson and Smith are optimistic about the future. They envision a space where artists can tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences globally.
Robinson underscored the importance of partnering with experienced professionals in the film industry, stating, “We’re not a film production company in the scripted space. So for me, it was about partnering with people who can bring that expertise and who can also help celebrate and develop these ideas from artists.”
With an eye on the future, Globe Originals is already developing three more projects with McIntosh, including a musical and a biopic twist. As Smith continues to explore his creative talents, he remains open to the possibility of directing in the future.
“I really enjoyed directing music videos in the past,” he remarked, reflecting on his artistic aspirations. “The idea of getting to do what David Lynch has done would be amazing.”
As UMG U.K.’s Globe Originals pushes deeper into scripted content, it is poised to reshape the intersection of music and film, creating a platform for innovative storytelling that captivates audiences worldwide.