Fremantle to distribute new documentary with Paul McCartney

PASSION PICTURES, BBC Arts and Fremantle today announced "The Beatle and the Bass", a new feature-length documentary with Paul McCartney, directed by Arthur Cary ("Surviving 9/11", "The Last Survivors").

The film explores the story of Paul McCartney's original Höfner bass guitar: its disappearance and the fan-powered quest to recover it. For more than 50 years, its loss has remained one of rock ’n’ roll’s most enduring mysteries. Now, the documentary reveals the extraordinary story behind this iconic instrument.

"The Beatle and the Bass" is a Passion Pictures production in association with Footprint Media Partnership. It is directed by Arthur Cary, edited by Paul Carlin, and produced by Katherine Anstey. Executive Producers are Emily Jeal and Hamish Fergusson, with Associate Producers Scott Jones and Naomi Jones. It was commissioned for BBC Arts and BBC Two & iPlayer by Mark Bell and Suzy Klein. Fremantle will handle global distribution of "The Beatle and the Bass".

McCartney’s Höfner bass — one of the most famous instruments of the 20th century — serves as a portal to the past. In 1961, the then-unknown 18-year-old bought the bass in Hamburg for £30. It was with him during the Beatles’ early years, powering songs such as "She Loves You" and "Love Me Do", and witnessed their rise to global fame. When it vanished in the early 1970s, many believed it to be gone forever.

"The Beatle and the Bass" is described as a rock ’n’ roll detective story, featuring new interviews with McCartney and others closely linked to the bass — including his brother Mike McCartney, artist Klaus Voormann, collaborators like Elvis Costello, and the fans and journalists behind The Lost Bass Project. Their mission to track down, rescue, and restore the instrument forms the heart of a narrative filled with humor, emotion, and surprising turns.

Speaking in the film, McCartney said: "I think anything that's nicked, you want back, especially if it has sentimental value. It just went off into the universe and it left us thinking, where did it go? There must be an answer…".

Meanwhile, Ceire Clark, VP of Non-Scripted Acquisitions at Fremantle, referred to the historical and musical richness of the documentary: "This remarkable story takes us on a truly global journey, spanning decades and continents. The documentary offers a fresh perspective on music history, with access to McCartney himself and those who witnessed The Beatles' rise from the very beginning. At Fremantle, we’re proud to be part of a project that celebrates the enduring power of music and storytelling to connect people around the world. We are thrilled to be reuniting with Passion and the BBC — two creative forces we deeply admire," commented.

Finally, Emily Jeal, Head of Feature Documentaries at Passion Pictures, added: "From its beginnings, we knew "The Beatle and the Bass" was exactly the kind of distinctive, emotional and uplifting story that we love to tell. We’re thrilled to be growing our slate of films showcasing the world’s best talent, on and off screen. Working with Arthur Cary and BBC Arena to bring the unforgettable story of Paul McCartney’s lost bass to the screen is a true privilege," noted.