Sky Arts Commissions Elvis Presley Doc

Sky Arts has commissioned a new documentary about the life of music legend Elvis Presley that will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the singer’s death later this year.

The 90-minute doc, The Seven Ages of Elvis, comes from Fireball TV and Raydar Media. Produced and directed by David Upshal (Victorian Farm, The Hip Hop Years), the film sets out to explore exactly who Elvis was and the true meaning of his impact on popular culture. It will use Shakespeare’s Seven Ages of Man as a framework to chart the King of Rock’n’Roll’s life, act by act.

Alison Rayson, executive producer for Raydar Media, said: “We are very excited to be teaming up with David Upshal’s new indie, Fireball TV, to produce this definitive study of Elvis Presley’s life, success and death. This is the first commission from our new partnership with Fireball TV and confirms our commitment to helping talented independents secure domestic and international finance for their projects.”

David Upshal of Fireball TV added: “Elvis was once described as ‘a mystery that will never be solved.’ Rightly so. I’m thrilled that Sky Arts have given us this opportunity to offer a fresh perspective on one of the most extraordinary and intriguing lives ever lived. And it’s a privilege to be partnered with Raydar Media who are true visionaries in a fast-evolving televisual landscape.”

Barbara Lee, commissioning editor for Sky Arts, commented: “I am delighted we are working with Raydar and director David Upshal; his passion for Elvis is second to none and his approach to the documentary is both intriguing and unique.”