This archive report was first published on 29 June 2019.
The film 'Yesterday', directed by Danny Boyle and written by Richard Curtis, was first published on June 29, 2019. The movie features a unique premise: a world where only one person remembers the music of the Beatles.
Obtaining the Rights ¶
In 2017, Paul McCartney reached a confidential settlement with Sony/ATV after suing to reclaim his rights to his songs. This deal paved the way for the filmmakers to negotiate with Sony/ATV and obtain the necessary permissions to use 17 iconic Beatles songs, including 'Hey Jude' and 'Let It Be'.
Nick Angel, a longtime music supervisor and executive producer of 'Yesterday', said that the filmmakers had to convince Apple Corps and Sony/ATV Music Publishing that their project was worthy of the Beatles' music. The process of obtaining the rights was a lengthy and careful one, with the filmmakers having to demonstrate their respect for the Beatles' legacy.
A Commercial Opportunity ¶
The film is not only a tribute to the Beatles' music but also a commercial opportunity. The band remains one of the most successful acts of all time, and the film provides a chance to introduce their music to a new generation of listeners. Tim Bevan, co-founder and co-chair of Working Title, noted that 'there has been a generational change' and that the film is an opportunity to hear these great songs in a new context.
Ringo Starr has already given his endorsement, saying, 'I loved it. It's a great premise — he's like us but nobody knows him.' The Beatles have also given permission for their own recording of 'Hey Jude' to be played over the closing credits, a rare use of an actual Beatles track in a movie.
Previous Attempts ¶
Previous films, such as 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' in 1978 and 'Across the Universe' in 2007, have used Beatles songs, but with limited success. The filmmakers of 'Yesterday' were aware of these attempts and were determined to create a film that would be respectful of the Beatles' legacy and worthy of their music.
The film's director, Danny Boyle, has stated that he did not insist on including any particular songs, except for 'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da' at the end of the movie. The filmmakers have also been careful to ensure that the film is respectful of the Beatles' legacy, with Curtis writing to McCartney to ask for his blessing to title the film after one of his tracks.
