Netflix Russell Brand Doc Set After Sentencing, Variety Reports
Variety reports Netflix has commissioned a Russell Brand documentary from the Jimmy Savile producers, days after his sentencing.
TL;DR
- Variety reports Netflix greenlit “Russell Brand: Open Secret” from 72 Films.
- According to Variety, Brand received a 10-year-six-month sentence for one rape and three sexual assaults.
- Variety says the doc will cover his comedy rise, allegations, trial and Times investigation.
Variety reports Netflix has commissioned a documentary on Russell Brand days after the comedian received a 10-year-and-six-month prison term for rape and sexual assault.
The project, titled “Russell Brand: Open Secret,” comes from 72 Films, the Fremantle-owned company behind “Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story,” according to Variety. Director Olivia Isaacs is leading it. No release date has been announced.
According to Variety, the film will track Brand’s rise in comedy, the sexual-offense allegations, and his criminal trial. It will use insiders, archive footage and reporting by The Times and The Sunday Times.
Variety notes a London jury convicted Brand on one rape count and three sexual-assault counts. He was cleared on two other rape charges and one attempted-indecent-assault charge. The judge ruled Brand must serve two-thirds of the term before release eligibility.
“You were clever and, in many people’s eyes, funny and charismatic. You had also become a sexual predator.”
After the verdict, Variety adds, the Metropolitan Police confirmed Brand remains under investigation for further rape claims from two other women.
Executive producers include Clare Cameron, David Glover and Mark Raphael. Producers are Kate Yandle, Laura Spence and Felicity Cross.
The Tea
Netflix is jumping on a story that’s already dominating headlines, and the timing right after sentencing makes the whole thing feel extra charged. Whether the doc lands as careful journalism or quick-turnaround drama, people will be watching to see how it handles the gap between Brand’s old fame and the court’s verdict.
Sources
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