Morgan Spurlock Boards Documentary on Wildlife Refuge Takeover
Morgan Spurlock has come on board to produce a documentary about the 2016 armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon.
Spurlock is producing the untitled movie through his Warrior Poets production company along with Impact Partners. Jeremy Chilnick and David Holbrooke (“The Diplomat”) are also producing.
First Look Media, a financier on best picture Oscar winner “Spotlight,” is financing.
David Byars shot the film and is directing. Footage was shot during six-week occupation of the refuge, led by Ammon Bundy.
Over 20 of the militants have been charged with federal offenses including conspiracy to obstruct federal officers, firearms violations, theft and depredation of federal property and a dozen have pleaded guilty. Jury selection began Wednesday in Portland for Bundy and six others who are charged with conspiracy.
The organizers of the occupation contend that the United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are constitutionally required to turn over most of the federal public land they manage to the individual states.
Spurlock won an Oscar for his “Super Size Me” documentary and his credits include the documentaries “One Direction: This Is Us,” “Where in the World Is Osama bin Laden?” and “POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.” He’s also attached to direct and produce a Sue Mengers biopic.
Three-year-old First Look announced Thursday that Fusion had picked up its new six-part series “Primaries” and set Sept. 25 as the premiere on the day before the first presidential debate. It’s also backed AJ Schnack’s election series “NomiNation” and Laura Poitras’ Julian Assange film “Risk.”
Impact Partners produced Danfung Dennis’ “Hell and Back Again” and Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady’s “Detropia.”
Spurlock is repped by CAA and The Arlook Group.
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