THE PRODUCTION TIMELINE

Buddy Jacobson: The Movie

Production Timeline & Milestones

Development and Partial Pre-Production Phase (2025)

  • August 2025 – Executive Producer Jay Shapiro conducts immersive research in New York and New Jersey, spending time on East 84th Street (Buddy Jacobson’s former residence) and meeting with his cousin Jeff Gural's Managing Partner at the Meadowlands to absorb cultural and environmental context.

  • October 2025 – Completion of the full Buddy Jacobson manuscript, professionally edited under Jay’s supervision, creating the foundation for the screenplay and promotional materials.


Pre-Production Financing & Immersion (Q1–Q2 2026)

  • January 1, 2026 – Jay Shapiro secures a silent partner, adding $1.6M to his $400K equity commitment.

  • Funds are immediately deployed to hire top-tier Hollywood editors, writers, and cinematographers to produce a world-class trailer.

  • Q1 2026 – Jay relocates to Buddy Jacobson’s old East 84th Street building for 2–3 months, fully immersing himself in the atmosphere of the 1970s Upper East Side to capture the authenticity needed for production.

  • Q2 2026 – The trailer is finalized and used as the centerpiece to court private equity firms, studios, and A-list producers. Jay begins closing deals with major investors to fund the full production.


Production Phase I (Q3–Q4 2026)

  • Late Q2 / Early Q3 2026 – Principal photography begins in New York’s Upper East Side and Florida, focusing on key locations tied to Buddy’s real life.

  • Q4 2026 – Launch of exclusive promotional events and investor entertainment showcases to elevate visibility of the film in Hollywood and on Wall Street.


Production Phase II (Q1–Q4 2027)

  • Q1 2027 – Continued filming with expanded cast and director involvement. Growth of management infrastructure to scale with production demands. Additional promotional events strengthen market anticipation.

  • Q3 2027 – The manuscript undergoes a refined rewrite with the support of an analysis team, ensuring the script achieves unparalleled storytelling and cinematic strength.

  • Q4 2027 – Legal and accounting teams are consolidated into a cohesive synergy unit, aligning CPAs, lawyers, and compliance specialists to optimize structure for Hollywood standards.


Finalization & Release (2028)

  • Q1 2028 – Accounting and legal staff receive performance bonuses. Filming wraps with final sequences, post-production editing, and legal clearances completed. Submission to Hollywood for final distribution approval.

  • Q2 2028 – World Premiere & Nationwide Release:

    • June 17, 2028 (Saturday) – Official premiere date in theaters across the U.S.

    • Alternate date: June 16, 2028 (Friday) should Hollywood request a traditional Friday release.

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