EXCLUSIVE: HBO is collaborating Knocked Up creator Judd Apatow to make a two-part documentary about legendary American cabaret artist George Carlin, with UK outfit Rise Films producing alongside Apatow Productions.
HBO Documentary Films has commissioned Apatow and his longtime collaborator Michael Bonfiglio to direct the films, which will include interviews with Carlin’s family and friends, footage from his stand-up specials and TV appearances, as well as footage from his personal archive.
Born in New York City in 1937, he became famous for his razor-sharp observational comic style about language, politics, religion and the world. He filmed the first of his 14 HBO stand-up specials in 1977 and appeared on The Tonight Show more than 130 times. In addition to filling comedy spots, he also wrote a number of books, which sharpened his references as a social critic. Carlin died in 2008, aged 71 years.
Similar story
‘Friends’: HBO Max Reunion Movie Special Postponed Again Over COVID-19
Apatow has previously spoken about the project, although he did not disclose that it was posted with HBO. He told the Boston Globe in June, he thought Carlin’s work had become “very prophetic” and that “he was looking forward to many Carlin interviews and specials.” Apatow said Monday: “It is an honor to have the opportunity to tell the story of his life and work.”
Teddy Leifer, executive producer for Rise Films, added: ‘The angle of his words is now as sharp as when he stood on stage. Carlin is the cabaret artist of the cabaret artist who masters his craft and shaped American counter-culture in such a way that he paved the way for a generation of comics to follow. “
Carlin’s daughter, Kelly Carlin, said she “dreamed” of finding the right people to tell her father’s story through a documentary honoring his work, while also “not deterring his personal creativity and humanity.”
By bringing together Apatow, Bonfiglio and editor Joe Beshenkovsky, the Carlin project unites the team behind HBOs The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling, who won an Emmy in 2018 for Outstanding Documentary as a Nonfiction Special. It cements Apatow’s growing reputation as a curator of American comedy.
Apatow, Leifer, Kelly Carlin and Jerry Hamza are the executive producers. Through his company Rise, Leifer has produced the Oscar-winning doping documentary Icarus, while his other credits have been picked up by Oscar nominees The invisible war and ITV’s Roman comedy Plebs, which was in development with Seth Rogen’s Point Gray Pictures.
Apatow is represented by UTA, Mosaic, and Ziffren Brittenham, while Bonfiglio is again represented by 3 Arts Entertainment. Leifer is represented by UTA and SmithDehn.
