Weinstein Television announced today a partnership with the Estate of Elvis Presley to develop a scripted television biopic based on the life of the “King of Rock n’ Roll.” The 8-10 part Elvis biopic will delve into every aspect of Elvis’ life, with access to all of his personal archives including journals, clothing, automobiles, and his Graceland home. Weinstein Television will work in full partnership with the Presley Estate, as well as Priscilla Presley, Jerry Schilling, Harvey Weinstein and David Glasser who have signed on as executive producers of the project.
“I’m a big fan of Harvey Weinstein’s independent films,” said Priscilla Presley. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with him on this show and tell the story of how Elvis changed the culture of music and initiated a revolution that changed the world.”
The series, based on the book “Elvis,” by Dave Marsh, will showcase the incredible life and career of the iconic entertainer and will be the first-ever scripted television project to be shot at Elvis’ home, Graceland.
Elvis Presley is one of the most significant cultural influencers in American history and continues to captivate audiences around the world. With a social following that boasts more than 14 million fans, Elvis inspires today’s most famous artists, musicians, designers, and social influencers.
TWC Co-Chairman, Harvey Weinstein commented: “To this day, Elvis is one of the few that lives up to the word ‘icon’. He is one of the most celebrated entertainers of all time whose influence surpasses the music he created. People’s fascination with his story goes beyond the stage and this biopic will pay homage to his brilliant legacy and give viewers an in-depth look at how he became ‘The King.”
TWC COO and President, David Glasser commented: “We are thrilled to announce this biopic and our partnership with the Presley Estate. It’s an incredible opportunity to be the first-ever scripted TV series to shoot at Graceland and have access to Elvis’ personal archives. Elvis redefined an entire generation’s relationship to music and pop culture. This show will be an authentic and riveting look at how that came about from start to finish.”
“We are excited to work with Harvey Weinstein and the team on this special project,” said Jamie Salter, Chairman and CEO, Authentic Brands Group, owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, LLC. “Partnering with producers of this caliber enables us to provide viewers with a new and original experience that is as captivating as the King himself.”
“This project will truly honor everything that made Elvis Presley a central figure of our time,” said Nick Woodhouse, President and CMO, Authentic Brands Group, owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, LLC. “We are thrilled to be working with Weinstein Television and our Executive Producers on this TV biopic. This format enables us to do justice to Elvis’ rich and compelling story, which will be sure to thrill audiences.”
The Deal for this project was negotiated by David Glasser and Sarah Sobel on behalf of TWC and Corey Salter, Marc Rosen, and Pamela Bebry on behalf of Authentic Brands Group and the project will be overseen by Megan Spanjian who oversees scripted television for TWC.
