Boutique Toronto distributor Grindstone Media is hoping to have a hit on its hands with Rush: The Documentary. The $1.5 million feature doc about the famed rock band is produced and directed by Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn — the creative team behind 2005’s Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey — and executive produced by Grindstone president Paul Zimic.

McFadyen — currently in Helsinki, Finland with Rush’s Snakes and Arrows tour — finds it ironic that despite the band’s influence on groups as diverse as The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica, that this will be the first in-depth look at its history and influence.

‘Most Canadians are aware of Rush, but I don’t think that the degree of their success or influence on the international music scene is recognized or respected. We’re talking about a group that is ranked fifth in the world for most consecutive gold and platinum albums, behind groups like The Beatles and the Stones,’ he says.

The doc will include new interviews with some of rock’s biggest names — including members of Metallica, Nirvana and Iron Maiden — plus never-before-seen footage shot by singer Geddy Lee himself, which Grindstone hopes will attract Canadian broadcasters.

Rush’s previous two concert DVDs moved more than 500,000 units in North America and, at press time, McFadyen and Dunn had multiple offers on the table for international distribution.

‘Scot and Sam are a proven team. They just added a Gemini award to their many wins for Metal and judging by the strong international audience response to their debut film, I think Rush will find eager audiences,’ says Zimic.

Grindstone recently signed a multi-picture deal with L.A.-based Lonely Seal Releasing, and handles Canadian TV deals for titles including Pauly Shore is Dead and Tideland.

‘As a small Canadian distributor you have to find unique films that will appeal to our diverse audiences and for different reasons. Distribution is all about finding the right fit,’ comments Zimic.