CNN Films & HBO Max Commission Little Richard Doc

CNN Films and HBO Max have commissioned Little Richard: I Am Everything (w.t.), a new documentary about the genre-defying artist.

Produced by Bungalow Media + Entertainment in association with Rolling Stone, the documentary delves into the life of the creative genius behind “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally” and “The Magic School Bus Theme.” Little Richard: I Am Everything is currently in production and expected to be completed in fall 2022.

Little Richard: I Am Everything is directed by Lisa Cortés of Cortés Filmworks and executive produced by Dee Rees and Robert Friedman for Bungalow. It will eventually premiere for broadcast on CNN. HBO Max holds domestic and international SVOD streaming rights to the film. CNN Films and HBO Max are executive producers for the film.

Cortés said: “I am delighted to give Little Richard the royal treatment he so deserves. This magnificent rock and roll icon changed the world for all of us—Black and white, straight and gay, everyday people and stars. His story is the history of rock and roll: musical genius mixed with the sheer audacity to morph and change at will, seeking permission from no one. The film is called I Am Everything because that was Little Richard’s triumph: transcending all categories and expectations to be everything he dreamed.”

Courtney Sexton, senior VP of CNN Films, said: “We are also delighted to partner with Rolling Stone and HBO Max to present the rich, full history of Little Richard. This film will finally fully showcase the enduring influence of his gifts.”

Amy Entelis, executive VP for talent and content development, added: “Little Richard’s genius has been obscured and underappreciated for too long. We’re excited to celebrate his massively consequential contributions to music and culture through the lens of director Lisa Cortés.”

Friedman, producer and CEO for Bungalow Media + Entertainment, commented: “Little Richard’s career is one of the most fascinating and important stories in music and pop culture history. The film will unspool Richard’s incalculable influence on music history, at long last giving him his rightful place on the rock and roll throne.”