News

HBO Secures Rights to Obama Doc

HBO has secured the U.S. television rights to an as-yet untitled documentary about history-making president elect and Illinois senator Barack Obama. The cable network is reported to have paid in the low seven figures for the doc, produced by Amy Rice and Alicia Sims.

Rice and Sims brough the idea of chronicling Obama's headline-grabbing campaign to actor Edward Norton and his Class 5 Films shingle in 2006. Norton immediately came onboard and was the one who secured cooperation from Obama's camp. The cameras captured two-and-a-half years of footage, including Obama's trip to Africa, his 2007 Presidential announcement and also enjoyed close and extensive access to the senator and his family, friends, campaign staff and volunteers. The documentary will continue shooting through Obama's inauguration ceremony in January. Norton will continue with his role as producer on the film.

HBO plans to air the feature-length documentary next year. A theatrical run is also being considered.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
11.07.08