David Permut(I)
- Producer
- Camera and Electrical Department
- Additional Crew
David Permut is a multiple Academy Award, Emmy, and Grammy Award winning producer whose career spans over four decades.
His most recent film RUSTIN which he Executive Produced with former President Barak and Michell Obama which marks their feature film debut. The film has garnered Colman Domingo a Best Actor nomination in the 2024 Academy Awards.In addition to nominations for Golden Globes, BAFTA, SAG, and numerous others for his starring role in the picture.
Permut also Executive Produced with Academy Award winner Taylor Sheridan (YELLOWSTONE), latest hit western series LAWMAN: BASS REEVES for Paramount, and starring David Oyelowo, who is nominated for a SAG Award and Golden Globe for his leading role in the series.The series recently broke all time records with audiences for Paramount.
He is currently in production on his recently announced dark comedy, TWINLESS for Paramount directed by next generation filmmaker James Sweeney, who's first film STRAIGHT UP won a Independent Spirit nomination.
His 2016 his box office hit HACKSAW RIDGE starring Andrew Garfield was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and was named one of the Top 10 Films of the Year by the National Board of Review. Other awards included three Golden Globes nominations, Critics' Choice Awards, among other honors. The picture grossed over 259M and became a global hit.
He Produced the blockbuster hit FACE/OFF starring John Travolta and Nicholas Cage and directed by John Woo The picture was lauded with numerous awards including an Academy Award nomination and becomes an international hit and cult classic..The sequel is currently in the works at Paramount with Adam Winged set to direct.
Early in his career, Permut's first film GIVE EM HELL, HARRY! garnered James Whitmore a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards in 1976, and even won Permut a Best Spoken Word album at the Grammy Awards..The film was the first of its kind in capturing a stage performance filmed in front of a live audience.
His follow up film was the classic and and acclaimed RICHARD PRYOR: LIVE IN CONCERT, which broke ground being the first live filmed comedy concert of its kind, and one of the most successful of all time grossing over an astounding 30M at the box office in 1979. It has set the bar for all the comedy concerts that followed over the years.
Other notable credits over the years include:
DRAGNET (Universal) starring Dan Ackroyd and Tom Hanks one of the first television to screen translations in 1987. And one of the top ten grossing movies of the year. Permut's concept of launching a theatrical release based on a television show, set a new trend in Hollywood.
BLIND DATE (Try-Star) Bruce Willis feature film debut,costarring Kim Basinger and directed by Blake Edwards,
THE MARRYING MAN (Hollywood Pictures) acclaimed writer Neil Simon's romantic comedy starring Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin
SURVIVING THE GAME (New Line Cinema) starring Ice-T, F. Murray Abraham, Rutger Hauer
29TH STREET (20th Century Fox) starring Anthony LaPaglia, Danny Aiello and Lanie Kazan
CAPTAIN RON (Touchstone Pictures) starring Kurt Russell and Martin Short
CONSENTING ADULTS (Hollywood Pictures) starring Kevin Klein, Kevin Spacey directed by Academy Award nominated director Alan Pakula EDDIE (Hollywood Pictures) starring Whoopi Goldberg and Frank Langella DOUBLE TAKE (Touchstone Pictures) starring Eddie Griffith
DYSFUNKTIONAL FAMILY (Miramax) starring Eddie Griffith
PUNCHING HENRY starring Henry Phillips, Sarah Silverman, J.K. Simmonds, Tig Notaro and Mike Judge and premiered at SXSW Film Festival
THE POLKA KING (Netflix) starring Jack Black, Jenny Slate, Jack Schwartzman and Vanessa Bayer and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival,
MATCH (IFC) starring Patrick Stewart Carla Gugino and Mathew Lillard and premiered at Tribeca Film Festival
CHARLIE BARTLETT (MGM) starring Anton Yelchin, Robert Downey (singer Drake also appeared in one of his debut roles), it premiered at Tribeca Film Festival
STRUCK BY LIGHTNING, starring Chris Colfer.Allison Janney Rebel Wilson and premiered at Tribeca Film Festival
YOUTH IN REVOLT (TWC) starring Michael Cera, Jean Smart, Ray Liotta, Rooney Mara and Zach Galifianakis and premiered at Toronto Film Festival
Permut produced numerous documentaries including THE BOYS: THE SHERMAN BROTHERS' STORY (Disney), the story of the relationship between songwriting brothers Richard and Robert Sherman (which Permut produced with Ben Stiller)
THE FABULOUS ALAN CARR about the iconic, flamboyant, film producer.
VISIBLE: OUT ON TELEVISION (Apple) a five part docu-series which explores the history of the American LGBTQ movement over the past several decades through the lens of TV, starting with the McCarthy hearings with Roy Cohn in the 1950's.
He also produced the stage production of THE INVESTIGATION: A SEARCH OF THE TRUTH IN TEN ACTS written by Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Schenkkan (HACKSAW RIDGE) and directed by nine-time Tony nominee Scott Ellis, which was live streamed from New York with an all-star cast including John Lithgow, Annette Bening, Michael Shannon, Zachary Quinto, Kevin Kline, among others. Schenkkan's play incorporates the Mueller report, relating to the ten counts of obstruction of justice and received glowing praise from critics and audiences alike.
His multiple television credits include the critically acclaimed and Emmy and GLADD Award winning PRAYERS FOR BOBBY (2009) starring Sigourney Weaver in her debut television role based on the landmark book. Others included,
LOVE LEADS THE WAY (1984 Disney)
A TRIUMPH OF THE HEART: THE RICKY BELL STORY (1991 CBS) BREAKING THE SILENCE (1992 CBS)
THE COLOR OF RAIN (2014 Hallmark)
Permut Presentations upcoming high profile upcoming films include:
FACE/OFF II (Paramount Pictures) The sequel to his blockbuster FACE/OFF at Paramount Pictures with Adam Wingard (GODZILLA vs King Kong) directing
THE INVITE (FilmNation) An adaptation from the award winning Spanish language heartfelt comedy THE PEOPLE UPSTAIRS about the complexities of relationships. Written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormick and directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE)
BEING HEUMANN (Apple) Based on the bestselling book BEING HEUMANN about activist Judy Heumann's fight for equality for the disabled community. Written and directed by Academy Award winner Sian Heder (CODA) To star Tony Award winner Ali Stroker
In addition, the company has a robust development slate, selected ones include:
DOCTOR WALKER (Walden) Based on the true story of Mary Edwards Walker who was the only woman to win the Congressional Medal Of Honor during the Civil War.
SHEELA (Amazon) Based on the true story of Ma Anand Sheela - one of the leaders in the controversial Rajneesh movement during the 1980s who used illegal tactics, including the largest bioterrorism attach on US soil, to silence local dissenters in Oregon. Priyanka Chopra will star as Sheela, under Academy Award winning Barry Levinson's direction.
TELL ME WHO I AM A series based on the best selling book, about identical twins and their mysterious past. To star Nicholas Hoult with Academy Award winning director Steve McQueen.
FRANZESE Based the true story of mob boss Sonny Franzese son, John who joined the family business reluctantly and became an addict living on the streets of New York. When he found sobriety, he rejoined the family business as an undercover informant and brought down many people, including his father who was sentenced to life in prison. .
THE GOLDSBORO INCIDENT The true story of a b-52 bomber plane that crashed in Goldsboro, North Carolina in 1962, killing three of the seven member crew. The damaged cargo bays had also launched two thermo nuclear bombs that hit the ground at seven hundred miles per minute...and no-one knew the status of the fail safe switch. To be directed by Academy Award winner Gavin Hood (TSOTSI).
DOCK The story of Major League baseball pitcher, Dock Ellis, an outspoken player for the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1970s, who led them to the World Series championship and claimed to have pitched a no-hitter while on LSD. With LeKeith Stanfield to star.
RUSS & ROGER GOES BEYOND (STX) Independent filmmaker Russ Meyer teams up with film critic and fledgling screenwriter, Roger Ebert to make the 1970 film, "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.
YOUTH IN REVOLT A television series based on CD Payne's landmark book and film. Directed by Jason Orley (BIG TIME ADOLESCENCE)
RABBIT GARDEN Jerzy Kosinski, acclaimed author of The PAINTED BIRD and BEING THERE, sees his life and literary career unravel after having the authenticity of his work called into question by two reporters from the Village Voice. To be directed by Agnieszka Holland (EUROPA EUROPA) and to star Jesse Eisenberg.
CENTURIANS OF ROME Recounts the wild story surrounding George Bosque, a Brink's security guard who stole $1.85M in the early 80s and disappeared into thin air. With the stolen money, while eluding authorities in NYC, he produced and financed Centurians Of Rome, the cult 1981 gay porn. With award winning directors John Requa and Glenn Ficarra.
BEAUTY Follows the story of Julia Pastrana, a woman who suffered from the rare genetic condition hypertrichosis. Directed by Yen Tan (1985)
ONE RIGHTEOUS MAN In 1919, a year in American history marked by nationwide race riots and lynchings, the first Black New York City policeman will be divided by his allegiance to the black community and an all white police force, when he's compelled to protect a fellow white officer responsible for killing an unarmed black boy. To be directed by Sherif Alabede
AMERICAN ECSTASY A docs-series based on the hit podcast THE RIALTO REPORT chronicling the history of the golden age of porn. With multiple Emmy Award winning director/producers Fenton Baily & Randy Barbato (RU PAUL'S DRAG RACE)
LOTTERY (3311) Based on Patricia Wood's bestselling book. A young man with Down Syndrome is sometimes marginalized until he hits a 5 million dollar winning lottery ticket. Alexis Jolly (HOMEWARD BOUND) is the screenwriter with PEANUT BUTTER FALCON star Zack Gottsagen in the lead role. Thor Freudenthal (PERCY JACKSON, DIARY OF A WHIMPY KID) to direct.
WILDFIRE After accidentally starting a wildfire, seven-year-old Lu, mute and from an abusive home, slyly tricks Merribelle, a hard-working trans woman, into kidnapping her -- sparking a beautifully unexpected bond with a devastating expiration date. To star Michaela (MJ) Rodriguez
THE PHARMACIST Based on the award winning Netflix documentary about Dan Schneider's quest for justice to solve his son's murder as a result of the opioid crisis.
His most recent film RUSTIN which he Executive Produced with former President Barak and Michell Obama which marks their feature film debut. The film has garnered Colman Domingo a Best Actor nomination in the 2024 Academy Awards.In addition to nominations for Golden Globes, BAFTA, SAG, and numerous others for his starring role in the picture.
Permut also Executive Produced with Academy Award winner Taylor Sheridan (YELLOWSTONE), latest hit western series LAWMAN: BASS REEVES for Paramount, and starring David Oyelowo, who is nominated for a SAG Award and Golden Globe for his leading role in the series.The series recently broke all time records with audiences for Paramount.
He is currently in production on his recently announced dark comedy, TWINLESS for Paramount directed by next generation filmmaker James Sweeney, who's first film STRAIGHT UP won a Independent Spirit nomination.
His 2016 his box office hit HACKSAW RIDGE starring Andrew Garfield was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and was named one of the Top 10 Films of the Year by the National Board of Review. Other awards included three Golden Globes nominations, Critics' Choice Awards, among other honors. The picture grossed over 259M and became a global hit.
He Produced the blockbuster hit FACE/OFF starring John Travolta and Nicholas Cage and directed by John Woo The picture was lauded with numerous awards including an Academy Award nomination and becomes an international hit and cult classic..The sequel is currently in the works at Paramount with Adam Winged set to direct.
Early in his career, Permut's first film GIVE EM HELL, HARRY! garnered James Whitmore a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards in 1976, and even won Permut a Best Spoken Word album at the Grammy Awards..The film was the first of its kind in capturing a stage performance filmed in front of a live audience.
His follow up film was the classic and and acclaimed RICHARD PRYOR: LIVE IN CONCERT, which broke ground being the first live filmed comedy concert of its kind, and one of the most successful of all time grossing over an astounding 30M at the box office in 1979. It has set the bar for all the comedy concerts that followed over the years.
Other notable credits over the years include:
DRAGNET (Universal) starring Dan Ackroyd and Tom Hanks one of the first television to screen translations in 1987. And one of the top ten grossing movies of the year. Permut's concept of launching a theatrical release based on a television show, set a new trend in Hollywood.
BLIND DATE (Try-Star) Bruce Willis feature film debut,costarring Kim Basinger and directed by Blake Edwards,
THE MARRYING MAN (Hollywood Pictures) acclaimed writer Neil Simon's romantic comedy starring Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin
SURVIVING THE GAME (New Line Cinema) starring Ice-T, F. Murray Abraham, Rutger Hauer
29TH STREET (20th Century Fox) starring Anthony LaPaglia, Danny Aiello and Lanie Kazan
CAPTAIN RON (Touchstone Pictures) starring Kurt Russell and Martin Short
CONSENTING ADULTS (Hollywood Pictures) starring Kevin Klein, Kevin Spacey directed by Academy Award nominated director Alan Pakula EDDIE (Hollywood Pictures) starring Whoopi Goldberg and Frank Langella DOUBLE TAKE (Touchstone Pictures) starring Eddie Griffith
DYSFUNKTIONAL FAMILY (Miramax) starring Eddie Griffith
PUNCHING HENRY starring Henry Phillips, Sarah Silverman, J.K. Simmonds, Tig Notaro and Mike Judge and premiered at SXSW Film Festival
THE POLKA KING (Netflix) starring Jack Black, Jenny Slate, Jack Schwartzman and Vanessa Bayer and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival,
MATCH (IFC) starring Patrick Stewart Carla Gugino and Mathew Lillard and premiered at Tribeca Film Festival
CHARLIE BARTLETT (MGM) starring Anton Yelchin, Robert Downey (singer Drake also appeared in one of his debut roles), it premiered at Tribeca Film Festival
STRUCK BY LIGHTNING, starring Chris Colfer.Allison Janney Rebel Wilson and premiered at Tribeca Film Festival
YOUTH IN REVOLT (TWC) starring Michael Cera, Jean Smart, Ray Liotta, Rooney Mara and Zach Galifianakis and premiered at Toronto Film Festival
Permut produced numerous documentaries including THE BOYS: THE SHERMAN BROTHERS' STORY (Disney), the story of the relationship between songwriting brothers Richard and Robert Sherman (which Permut produced with Ben Stiller)
THE FABULOUS ALAN CARR about the iconic, flamboyant, film producer.
VISIBLE: OUT ON TELEVISION (Apple) a five part docu-series which explores the history of the American LGBTQ movement over the past several decades through the lens of TV, starting with the McCarthy hearings with Roy Cohn in the 1950's.
He also produced the stage production of THE INVESTIGATION: A SEARCH OF THE TRUTH IN TEN ACTS written by Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Schenkkan (HACKSAW RIDGE) and directed by nine-time Tony nominee Scott Ellis, which was live streamed from New York with an all-star cast including John Lithgow, Annette Bening, Michael Shannon, Zachary Quinto, Kevin Kline, among others. Schenkkan's play incorporates the Mueller report, relating to the ten counts of obstruction of justice and received glowing praise from critics and audiences alike.
His multiple television credits include the critically acclaimed and Emmy and GLADD Award winning PRAYERS FOR BOBBY (2009) starring Sigourney Weaver in her debut television role based on the landmark book. Others included,
LOVE LEADS THE WAY (1984 Disney)
A TRIUMPH OF THE HEART: THE RICKY BELL STORY (1991 CBS) BREAKING THE SILENCE (1992 CBS)
THE COLOR OF RAIN (2014 Hallmark)
Permut Presentations upcoming high profile upcoming films include:
FACE/OFF II (Paramount Pictures) The sequel to his blockbuster FACE/OFF at Paramount Pictures with Adam Wingard (GODZILLA vs King Kong) directing
THE INVITE (FilmNation) An adaptation from the award winning Spanish language heartfelt comedy THE PEOPLE UPSTAIRS about the complexities of relationships. Written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormick and directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE)
BEING HEUMANN (Apple) Based on the bestselling book BEING HEUMANN about activist Judy Heumann's fight for equality for the disabled community. Written and directed by Academy Award winner Sian Heder (CODA) To star Tony Award winner Ali Stroker
In addition, the company has a robust development slate, selected ones include:
DOCTOR WALKER (Walden) Based on the true story of Mary Edwards Walker who was the only woman to win the Congressional Medal Of Honor during the Civil War.
SHEELA (Amazon) Based on the true story of Ma Anand Sheela - one of the leaders in the controversial Rajneesh movement during the 1980s who used illegal tactics, including the largest bioterrorism attach on US soil, to silence local dissenters in Oregon. Priyanka Chopra will star as Sheela, under Academy Award winning Barry Levinson's direction.
TELL ME WHO I AM A series based on the best selling book, about identical twins and their mysterious past. To star Nicholas Hoult with Academy Award winning director Steve McQueen.
FRANZESE Based the true story of mob boss Sonny Franzese son, John who joined the family business reluctantly and became an addict living on the streets of New York. When he found sobriety, he rejoined the family business as an undercover informant and brought down many people, including his father who was sentenced to life in prison. .
THE GOLDSBORO INCIDENT The true story of a b-52 bomber plane that crashed in Goldsboro, North Carolina in 1962, killing three of the seven member crew. The damaged cargo bays had also launched two thermo nuclear bombs that hit the ground at seven hundred miles per minute...and no-one knew the status of the fail safe switch. To be directed by Academy Award winner Gavin Hood (TSOTSI).
DOCK The story of Major League baseball pitcher, Dock Ellis, an outspoken player for the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1970s, who led them to the World Series championship and claimed to have pitched a no-hitter while on LSD. With LeKeith Stanfield to star.
RUSS & ROGER GOES BEYOND (STX) Independent filmmaker Russ Meyer teams up with film critic and fledgling screenwriter, Roger Ebert to make the 1970 film, "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.
YOUTH IN REVOLT A television series based on CD Payne's landmark book and film. Directed by Jason Orley (BIG TIME ADOLESCENCE)
RABBIT GARDEN Jerzy Kosinski, acclaimed author of The PAINTED BIRD and BEING THERE, sees his life and literary career unravel after having the authenticity of his work called into question by two reporters from the Village Voice. To be directed by Agnieszka Holland (EUROPA EUROPA) and to star Jesse Eisenberg.
CENTURIANS OF ROME Recounts the wild story surrounding George Bosque, a Brink's security guard who stole $1.85M in the early 80s and disappeared into thin air. With the stolen money, while eluding authorities in NYC, he produced and financed Centurians Of Rome, the cult 1981 gay porn. With award winning directors John Requa and Glenn Ficarra.
BEAUTY Follows the story of Julia Pastrana, a woman who suffered from the rare genetic condition hypertrichosis. Directed by Yen Tan (1985)
ONE RIGHTEOUS MAN In 1919, a year in American history marked by nationwide race riots and lynchings, the first Black New York City policeman will be divided by his allegiance to the black community and an all white police force, when he's compelled to protect a fellow white officer responsible for killing an unarmed black boy. To be directed by Sherif Alabede
AMERICAN ECSTASY A docs-series based on the hit podcast THE RIALTO REPORT chronicling the history of the golden age of porn. With multiple Emmy Award winning director/producers Fenton Baily & Randy Barbato (RU PAUL'S DRAG RACE)
LOTTERY (3311) Based on Patricia Wood's bestselling book. A young man with Down Syndrome is sometimes marginalized until he hits a 5 million dollar winning lottery ticket. Alexis Jolly (HOMEWARD BOUND) is the screenwriter with PEANUT BUTTER FALCON star Zack Gottsagen in the lead role. Thor Freudenthal (PERCY JACKSON, DIARY OF A WHIMPY KID) to direct.
WILDFIRE After accidentally starting a wildfire, seven-year-old Lu, mute and from an abusive home, slyly tricks Merribelle, a hard-working trans woman, into kidnapping her -- sparking a beautifully unexpected bond with a devastating expiration date. To star Michaela (MJ) Rodriguez
THE PHARMACIST Based on the award winning Netflix documentary about Dan Schneider's quest for justice to solve his son's murder as a result of the opioid crisis.
