HBO Secures Rights To '3 1/2 Minutes'

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

HBO has secured rights to the independent film 3 ½ minutes, the network announced during the Sundance Film Festival.

The movie, directed by Marc Silver (Who Is Dayani Cristal?), depicts the story of the 2012 shooting death of black teenager Jordan Davis, said network officials.

The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last week.

“I am grieved that these continuing stories are everyday matters swept away,” said Sheila Nevins, President of HBO Documentary Films in a statement. “By bringing this powerful film to HBO audiences, we hope to elevate the national conversation around these tragic issues.”

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.