Sundance documentary “Under the Gun” has been acquired by premium network Epix for the U.S. and Canada. Executive produced and narrated by Katie Couric, the film aims to present a balanced look at the gun debate.
The feature length doc will make its world television premiere on Epix and all its platforms on May 14 at 8 p.m., Epix announced Thursday.
Lionsgate will coordinate the release of “Under the Gun” in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles, as well as manage digital distribution on platforms including EST and VOD. Lionsgate will also manage distribution in Canada.
In “Under the Gun,” Couric and director Stephanie Soechtig (“Fed Up”) examine why, despite the increase in deaths at the hands of guns and the outpouring of shock and outrage that comes with it, our nation has failed to respond with meaningful action. What is keeping the two sides of this debate — those favoring stricter gun control laws and Second Amendment purists like the NRA — from finding common ground? Through the lens of families impacted by the mass shootings in Newtown, Aurora, Isla Vista, Tucson, as well as the daily gun violence in Chicago, the film examines why our national politicians are refusing to act and what is being done at the state and local levels. The filmmakers decided not to mention the names, nor show the photos, of any shooters in the documentary.
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Mark S. Greenberg, CEO & President of Epix said: “During this Presidential election year, we at Epix want to contribute to the national dialogue on the major issues affecting our country today. I can think of no more pressing subject than gun violence, and I am extremely proud to bring ‘Under the Gun’ to Epix viewers. The gun debate, with its core issues of gun rights and gun violence, is one of the most polarizing taking place in our society today. In ‘Under the Gun,’ Katie and Stephanie bring their dynamic talent and perspective to this complex, multi-faceted issue and present honest, unbiased, and thoughtful commentary to this subject that has real life or death consequences.”
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“I’ve covered mass shootings and gun violence throughout my career, but following the massacre at Sandy Hook, I was confused by the disconnect between public opinion (over 90% of Americans supported universal background checks) and public policy,” said Couric. “I hope this film will help people have a better understanding of how we got to this point. Now is the time for a truly informed, rational conversation about gun violence and I’m thrilled Epix and Lionsgate are committed to making this film available to the widest audience possible so we can do just that.”
Soechtig said: “We are pleased to make Epix the home for ‘Under the Gun.’ As both filmmakers and citizens who are deeply concerned about this issue, it was important for us that our film be seen by the widest possible audience. Epix showed a unique willingness and commitment to make ‘Under the Gun’ available to the entire country — for free — by premiering it during Epix’s nationwide free preview. Making our film available to anyone with an Internet connection was something that no service or network other than Epix was willing to do. Their belief in this cause, and the passion that they bring to it, made them the obvious choice for Katie and me.”
“Under the Gun” is produced by Atlas Films in association with Carellie Productions. Couric, Regina K. Scully, Michael Walrath and Michelle Walrath are the executive producers. Olivia Ahnemann, Joshua Kunau, Kristin Lazure and Soechtig are the producers. The screenplay is by Mark Monroe, Brian Lazarte and Soechtig. The director of photography is Josh Salzman, the editor is Brian Lazarte and music is by Brian Tyler. The deal was negotiated by John Sloss of Cinetic Media on behalf of the filmmakers.
