Amazon, Amblin, Film 45 & Tripod Media Align for Mars Doc

Amazon Studios, Amblin Television, Film 45 and Tripod Media are co-producing Good Night Oppy, an upcoming feature documentary about the exploration of Mars.

With the support of NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the doc tells the true story of the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity and the bond forged between the robot and the humans that created her. Good Night Oppy is directed by Ryan White.

Oppy was originally expected to live for only 90 days, but the rover ultimately explored the Red Planet for nearly 15 years. The story is about a robot traveling a planet on her own, but literally driven by the connection and extreme bond that formed between human and machine. The documentary uses visual effects created by ILM to transport audiences to the Red Planet alongside Oppy. JPL, which successfully landed Perseverance on Mars last month, is providing the filmmakers with access and unique footage in the filming of this documentary, along with their scientific expertise and knowledge of Oppy’s mission.

Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said: “We are so thrilled to be working with these extraordinary partners to bring Oppy’s story to our global customers. The innovation and determination that made Oppy’s journey possible, and the spirit of discovery that drives the team at JPL, are an inspiration. As we celebrate their achievements, we are delighted to also be working with the extremely talented filmmaker Ryan White, and our friends at Amblin Television and Film 45 to bring this heartwarming story to life.”

Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey, co-presidents Amblin Television, said: “It was impossible not to fall in love with the story of Oppy—one of hope, ambition, adventure and exceeded expectations, and an exploration of the special relationship between mankind and technology, which ticked all the boxes for our Amblin brand. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with our friends at Amazon Studios, Film 45 and Tripod Media to bring Oppy’s miraculous story to life.”

White said: “I grew up on films like E.T. and Wall-E, so to make a documentary with similar themes of wonder and awe has been a joy. We’re thrilled to work with Amazon to bring the story of Oppy and her humans to global audiences of all ages.”