HBO gets Obama doc
Days after the election of Barack Obama, HBO has paid a low seven figures for U.S. TV rights to Amy Rice and Alicia Sams' untitled docu on the Senator's presidential run. Rice brought the idea to Edward Norton and his Class 5 Films banner in 2006. Norton secured cooperation with Senator Obama and has had cameras rolling ever since, capturing the Senator's 2006 trip to Africa and his 2007 presidential announcement (Variety, March 11). The production has had close access to Obama, his family and friends, and campaign staff and volunteers.
Shooting will continue through the inauguration. Sam Pollard, who cut HBO's "When the Levees Broke" and "4 Little Girls" will keep editing for a 2009 preem.
"We believe this film will capture a tipping point in American history," said Norton, "when a new generation of leadership emerged and old prejudices were finally vaulted over."
"This is one of the most fascinating personal and political narratives in American history and we're thrilled to be a part of sharing it with our viewers", said Richard Plepler, co-president, HBO.
Pic is being produced by Norton, Stuart Blumberg, and Bill Migliore with financing by GOOD, Green Film Company, Citi Productions and Class 5 Films. Endeavor Independent head Graham Taylor and Andrew Hurwitz negotiated with HBO on behalf of the filmmakers and are seeking a theatrical distrib.
Michael Jones is the film festival editor at Variety.com. 
Amy Rice (whom I've known since she arrived at NYU as a freshmen) has always been one of the most generous, warm, creative people I've known (Oklahoma seems to breed this type). I've watched her seamlessly flow from still photographer, to DP to documentary director. And after she and her brother Andrew (who just put up a strong fight to become US Senator from OKlahoma) lost their other brother David on 9/11 they have dedicated themselves not to anger and war but to restoring pride in our country and promoting positive change through politics and art. She's been working on this doc for years and while i'm super excited to see this film - I'm even more excited to see what she will dedicate herself to next.
Posted by: Jeff A | 11/6/2008 5:58:44 PM