By DPA,
Los Angeles : US cable channel HBO has bought the rights to a documentary about president-elect Barack Obama, produced by Oscar-nominated actor Edward Norton, the Hollywood Reporter said Friday.
A crew for Norton’s Class 5 Films has been following the African-American politician since early 2006 – even before he announced his intention to run for president.
Directors Amy Rice and Alicia Sams were granted extensive access to film “Obama” and continued their shoot through his historic victory this week. Footage will include interviews with the new president-elect, as well as his friends, family, senior campaign staff and volunteers.
HBO bought the rights to the yet-entitled opus following Obama’s historic victory on Tuesday, for an undisclosed sum. The premium cable company had been pursuing the project for several weeks and finally reached a deal after record election ratings on TV and the internet showed the depth of public interest in Obama.
“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,” said Norton in a statement.
“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.”