Brooke Bunny
A start of production announced has been floated our way for “The Birth of a Nation”, a new drama profiling the life of slave-preacher and revolutionary Nat Turner. Nate Parker directs Armie Hammer and Gabrielle Union, among others, in the true story.
Based on an original script by Nate Parker, THE BIRTH OF A NATION tells the true life story of slave-preacher turned revolutionary, Nat Turner, who in 1831 led the most successful slave revolt in American history. Currently in pre-production, the film will go to camera mid-May in Savannah, Georgia.
Writer/Director Nate Parker (Non-Stop) will star alongside Armie Hammer (The Social Network), Aja Naomi King (“How to Get Away with Murder”), Aunjanue Ellis (“NCIS: Los Angeles”), Coleman Domingo (Selma), Dwight Henry (12 Years a Slave), Roger Guenveur Smith (Empire State) and Gabrielle Union (Think Like a Man Too). The film is a Bron Studios, Phantom Four, Mandalay Pictures, and Tiny Giant Productions picture, in association with Follow Through Productions, Infinity Entertainment, and Creative Wealth Media Finance.
“I couldn’t be more honored to tell the story of one of America’s greatest heroes,” said Parker. “A man whose actions rocked the nation, further precipitating the Civil War and emancipation for Americans of African descent. Nat Turner’s rebellion and message of resistance not only compels us to stand in the face of iniquity but also shines light on a critical moment in our history.”
The film is produced by Bron’s Aaron L. Gilbert, Nate Parker, Kevin Turen, Jason Michael Berman, and Preston Holmes; and Executive Produced by David Goyer, Mike Novogratz, Michael Finley, Tony Parker, Jason Cloth, Jane Oster, Barb Lee, Carl Lindner, Derrick Brooks, Ryan and Jill Ahrens, Armin Tehrany, and Mark Moran. Co-Producers are Zak Tanjeloff and Matt Lindner.
“It’s an important film, helmed by and starring a talented young filmmaker. I had to be part of this journey,” said Bron Studios’ Aaron L. Gilbert.
Further casting is now underway led by Mary Vernieu and Michelle Wade Byrd of Betty Mae, Inc. (Fury, American Hustle). An incredible team has come on board the picture, including Director of Photography Elliot Davis (Twilight, The Iron Lady), Production Designer Geoffrey Kirkland, (Children of Men) and Costume Designer Francine Jamison-Tanchuck (Glory, Courage Under Fire).
