Chris Rock’s new film, the romantic comedy Top Five, is generating tremendous buzz at the Toronto Film Festival and he’s landed some big name coproducers. Hip-hop superstars Jay Z and Kanye West are among the coproducers for the project, with Paramount Pictures having obtained distribution rights for the movie after inking a $12 million deal with Rock’s company.
The film stars Rock, his longtime friend Adam Sandler, Rosario Dawson and Gabrielle Union. Also written by Rock, IMDb describes it as the story of “a comedian who tries to make it as a serious actor when his reality TV star fiancée talks him into broadcasting their wedding on her TV show.” This is Rock’s third directorial feature; following 2003’s Head of State and 2006’s I Think I Love My Wife. The film has earned raves from critics, leading to the lucrative distribution deal and big money backing. Rock and Dawson, in particular, have been widely acclaimed for their performances.
Both Jay Z and Kanye West have dabbled in film production, with Jay having the lengthier and more substantial filmography. The Roc Nation head has produced several other films, including the upcoming Annie, and also 2013’s The Great Gatsby and the 2012 documentary Free Angela and All Political Prisoners. West has produced 2005’s Kanye West Homecoming Special.
