XLrator Media Plugs Into North American Distribution Rights for Duff McKagan’s It’s So Easy And Other Lies from Vision Films

Documentary is based on the musician’s (Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver, Duff McKagan’s Loaded) New York Times best-selling autobiography

Duff in 2013, photo by Fab Fernandez

XLrator Media announced today that it has acquired from Vision Films the North American distribution rights for former Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan’s autobiographical documentary, It’s So Easy And Other Lies. The film is currently in production with financing provided by Scatena & Rosner Films. Based on the New York Times best-seller about McKagan’s life, the film is written and directed by Christopher Duddy, produced by Daniel Zirilli, Duff McKagan, Christopher Duddy, and Steven G. Kaplan of Rainstorm Entertainment, and executive produced by Lise Romanoff, Gato Scatena, Jordan Rosner, Birgit Stein, Hans Stangl and Katherine Thomson.

The deal was negotiated by Vision Films’ Managing Director/CEO, Worldwide Distribution’s Lise Romanoff, Steven G. Kaplan, and XLrator Media CEO Barry Gordon.

Duff with Ten Minute Warning in 1983. “I had all of the hope in the world,” he recalled.

“Duff’s remarkable life will be the ultimate ‘insider’ rock n’ roll documentary chronicling [his] rise as a punk-rock teen prodigy from Seattle, to the heights of super-stardom as a founding member of Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver, to the depths of substance abuse and addiction. All of these things have defined Duff and have led him to his current, and most rewarding, life chapter. Everyone will be moved by his story,” said Gordon.

McKagan added, “I’m one of the fortunate ones who survived the trials of severe drug and alcohol addiction. I not only survived, but am blessed with seeing life from a whole different and brighter perspective. This film and stage show from the book, will hopefully expose some stark insight, knowledgeable commentary, and humor of this rock and roll life of mine.”

Duff (center) back in the day with Guns n Roses

Watch the official trailer for the film here.

Looking back on this photo, Duff shared, “Hair falling out and gloves on to protect my cracking hands. Puffy as f*ck.”

This authorized documentary takes the audience on an incredible cinematic ride chronicling a driven Seattle teenager’s humble beginnings to his place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  The teenager turned rock legend is Michael McKagan, better known to the world as “Duff,”  and the band is Guns N’ Roses, whose members became the ultimate icons of sex, drugs and rock and roll, causing worldwide pandemonium in their wake, nearly eclipsing their own incredible talent, and falling prey to a variety of excesses. The debauchery of the lifestyle caught up with Duff, though, leaving him very close to death.

Follow Duff’s journey through original archival footage and interviews with many of the people who took this wild ride, including a constellation of rock stars who rose to fame alongside him and the people who inspired him to overcome his addictions.  Duff provides a voice that is as honest and revealing as he takes viewers through his experiences in the dark heart of one of the most notorious and successful bands in rock and roll history… and out the other side.

Watch a moving video of Duff discussing the dark side of fame ~ addiction, suicidal thoughts, despair, physical and mental collapse ~ to recovery, love, a newfound perspective on life, and sobriety.

A now happy and healthy Duff with wife Susan

It’s So Easy And Other Lies began production by capturing one of Duff’s book readings at the Moore Theatre in Seattle.  The film will contain rare archival footage from Marc Canter, who filmed all the early behind the scenes footage of Guns N’ Roses and their performances.

“Vision Films is excited to be distributing It’s So Easy And Other Lies globally,” said Lise Romanoff, Managing Director and CEO of Worldwide Distribution. “The film is a one of a kind look into the life of one of the most iconic musicians in Rock history.” 

For more information on It’s So Easy And Other Lies, visit: http://duff-itssoeasy.com