or


[07/09/13 - 11:55 AM]
HBO to Present Documentary on Historic Gay Marriage Case; Five Years in the Making, Film Features Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Footage
"The story of the battle to overturn Prop 8 is the story of a modern-day American revolution," noted Michael Lombardo.

[via press release from HBO]

HBO TO PRESENT DOCUMENTARY ON HISTORIC GAY MARRIAGE CASE; FIVE YEARS IN THE MAKING, FILM FEATURES EXCLUSIVE BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE

LOS ANGELES, July 9, 2013 - HBO Documentary Films is currently in production on a film telling the story of the historic Supreme Court case that overturned Proposition 8, California's ban on same-sex marriage, it was announced today by Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. Over the last five years, directors Ben Cotner and Ryan White have had exclusive access to the work of the powerhouse legal team led by Ted Olson and David Boies, as well as the lives of the four plaintiffs in the case. The untitled feature will be completed by the end of this year for debut on the network in 2014.

"The story of the battle to overturn Prop 8 is the story of a modern-day American revolution," noted Lombardo. "HBO is proud to present what is intended to be the film of record on this landmark case."

The first Supreme Court case challenging a ban on same-sex marriage was argued by the unlikely pairing of conservative Ted Olson and liberal David Boies, who previously squared off as opposing counsel in Bush v. Gore. The lawsuit was sponsored by the American Foundation for Equal Rights on behalf of two couples, Kris Perry and Sandy Stier, and Jeffrey Zarrillo and Paul Katami. This documentary tells the story of the people behind the case and their journey to secure marriage equality in California, paving the way for marriage equality for all Americans.

Ted Olson states, "I've always said that the best evidence in this case is to hear our clients tell their stories. Paul, Jeff, Kris and Sandy have been brave enough to share their lives with the courts and now with the world. As Ben and Ryan tell this incredible story - that for me was the most important case I've ever worked on - people will inevitably be moved by getting to know these amazing individuals."

David Boies says, "The evidence at trial, including from the defendants' own witnesses on cross-examination, proved that discriminating against LGBT couples seriously harmed them and their children, without any benefit to anyone. The opponents of marriage equality have successfully blocked the release of the videotapes of that testimony. But they cannot block this documentary. Everyone who sees this film will understand the pain our fellow citizens feel when they are deprived of the right to marry the person they love - and why that pain is so unnecessary."

"We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to reach so many people through such a distinguished platform as HBO, which is the perfect partner to present the hard work of the many people involved in this case to the rest of the country," comments director Ben Cotner.

"Watching this case unfold has been a master class in the judicial system and in the ongoing movement towards realizing equality in this country," adds director Ryan White. "We are excited to share that experience with the world."

Ben Cotner is currently senior vice president of acquisitions at Open Road Films. Ryan White's films include "Pelada" and "Good Ol' Freda," which will be released in September. The deal was negotiated with HBO on behalf of the filmmakers by Josh Braun of Submarine Entertainment and Victoria Cook of Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz.





  [july 2013]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
 


· SHOWATCH
(series past and present)
· DEVWATCH
(series in development)
· MOVIEWATCH
(tv movies and mini-series)





[09/12/25 - 09:18 AM]
Tubi Presents New Docuseries "Always, Lady London" Premiering Exclusively on Tubi October 10
Directed and executive produced by Erika Bryant, the three-part documentary series was greenlit under Tubi's new content incubator, Stubios, a fan-fueled studio for aspiring content creators and their fans.

[09/12/25 - 09:01 AM]
Video: "Is It Cake? Halloween" - A Spooktacular Sneak Peek - Netflix
"Is It Cake?" returns for a special Halloween season with Mikey Day and nine of the best hyper-realistic cake artists around!

[09/12/25 - 08:31 AM]
Netflix Renews "The Hunting Wives" for Season 2 Globally
Season 2 will release exclusively as a Netflix-branded series in nearly all countries where Netflix is available, with the original cast set to reprise their roles in Season 2.

[09/12/25 - 08:08 AM]
ESPN Re-Signs Michael Eaves to New Multi-Year Contract
Eaves will continue his hosting duties on "SportsCenter" along with contributing to ESPN's coverage of golf majors.

[09/12/25 - 07:35 AM]
Peacock Exclusively Streams "M3GAN 2.0" Beginning September 26
The unrated edition will also stream exclusively on Peacock that same day.

[09/12/25 - 06:04 AM]
ID Sets October Premieres for New Series "The Friday the 13th Murders" & New Season of "The Real Murders on Elm Street"
Both series will premiere back-to-back on Wednesday, October 1 beginning at 9:00/8:00c.

[09/12/25 - 06:01 AM]
Video: "Swim to Me" - Official Trailer - Netflix
The gripping family drama tells the story of the intense relationship between Estela, a domestic worker, and the six-year-old girl she takes care of day and night.

[09/12/25 - 05:31 AM]
ESPN Networks Deliver Most-Watched WNBA Regular Season Ever
ESPN networks aired eight of the top 10 most-watched WNBA games during the 2025 season, highlighted by its most-watched WNBA game ever - 2.7 million viewers for Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever on May 17 (ABC).

[09/12/25 - 12:01 AM]
Video: "Heweliusz" - Official Trailer - Netflix
A disaster on the Baltic Sea, a complicated investigation, and the fight of the victims' families for the truth and the good name of those lost at sea.

[09/11/25 - 08:01 PM]
Netflix Marks 10 Years in Japan, Announces Three New Series That Will Keep You Hitting The "Next Episode"
"Straight to Hell," "Did Someone Happen to Mention Me?" and "STEEL BALL RUN JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" are all on tap.

[09/11/25 - 05:01 PM]
New International Crime Series "Road" (wt) Explores Twisted Murders Across Borders
The international crime thriller follows two detectives as they track a series of gruesome cross-border murders, characterized by twisted bodies and mysterious dying messages.

[09/11/25 - 12:01 PM]
Apple TV+ Renews Global Hit, Epic Sci-Fi Saga "Foundation" for Season Four
The season three finale debuts globally this Friday, September 12 on Apple TV+.

[09/11/25 - 12:00 PM]
Two Unforgettable Nights of Music Coming to CBS This Fall
Look for "A Grammy Salute to Earth, Wind & Fire Live: The 21st Night of September" and "A Grammy Salute to Cyndi Lauper: Live from the Hollywood Bowl" in the coming weeks.

[09/11/25 - 11:00 AM]
Special Show Moments Announced for the "77th Emmy Awards," Sept. 14 on CBS
Plus: Brad Garrett, Young Mazino, S. Epatha Merkerson, Hunter Schafer, Ray Romano and Ice T have been added as presenters.

[09/11/25 - 09:01 AM]
Video: BET+ Releases Trailer for Horror-Thriller "Fatal Detour"
In the film, a demented tech genius lures unsuspecting influencers into his nightmarish mansion by hacking their luxury electric vehicles.