HBO acquires rights to Obama documentary

By Gregg Goldstein

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - HBO has closed a seven-figure deal for U.S. rights to an untitled Barack Obama documentary produced by actor Edward Norton.

Norton's Class 5 Films approached the Obama campaign in early 2006 about a documentary chronicling the new president elect's history in politics. Directors Amy Rice and Alicia Sams were granted extensive access to film Obama before he launched his presidential run in 2007 and have continued their shoot through his historic victory this week.

HBO, which has been pursuing rights for several months, plans to air the documentary next year.

"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, who produced the project with Stuart Blumberg and Bill Migliore.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter