HBO to Air Obama Doc

November 7, 2008 World Screen

LOS ANGELES, November 7:
Edward Norton and his production company, Class 5 Films, have sold the U.S. TV
rights to their as-yet-untitled documentary on president-elect Barack Obama to
HBO.

The film, directed by Amy
Rice and Alicia Sams, features exclusive access to the senator and his
campaign, documenting the historic rise of the man who will become the first
African American president of the United States.

Sam Pollard, the
award-winning editor of HBO's When the
Levees Broke, is editing the film and shooting will continue through the
inauguration in preparation for a 2009 premiere.

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Norton
commented: "Senator Obama's history-making race for the White House has
given our film a perfect framework to explore the pulse of the country at this
vital moment in our history. We believe this film will capture a tipping point
in American history when a new generation of leadership emerged and old
prejudices were finally vaulted over. We're thrilled that this film will be
presented by HBO, which has long been one of the notable champions of the
documentary film but, more importantly, offers us by far the best chance to
share this film with the widest audience."

Added
Rice and Sams: "It has been a unique experience chronicling the campaign
as they shake up the political establishment during this fascinating time in
American politics. Our travels with Senator Obama and time spent with his field
staff have provided a unique vantage point from which to capture his engagement
with the American public."

"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, the co-president of HBO.

Michael
Lombardo, the president of the programming group and West Coast operations for
HBO, continued: "HBO, under the guidance of Sheila
Nevins, has long been the home for the finest documentary programming. This
film is another gem capturing a uniquely gifted man as he perseveres to the
ultimate position."

—By
Kristin Brzoznowski