Smallscreen News

HBO to air Cameron Crowe's Leon Russell-Elton John story: The Union

By April MacIntyre Jun 6, 2011, 17:23 GMT

03/14/2011 - Elton John and Leon Russell - 26th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Press Room - Waldorf Astoria Hotel - New York City, NY, USA © Charles Norfleet / PR Photos

HBO Documentary Films has acquired the domestic TV rights to The Union from Vinyl Films, it was announced today. 

This beautiful story of creative friends reconnecting was directed by Cameron Crowe (“Almost Famous,” “Jerry Maguire”), and produced by T-Bone Burnett. The film will debut on HBO in Jan. 2012.

This film takes an unprecedented look at the creative life of Elton John and his remarkable collaborative album with his early-career idol, Leon Russell, produced by award-winning music producer T Bone Burnett. 

Never before filmed in his composing process, John is captured by Crowe in this candid portrait of one of the world’s most treasured artists and performers.  Begun in Nov. 2009, the film chronicles the entire writing and recording process of the heralded album John recorded with Russell.

“I’m a great fan of HBO and their extraordinary programming, so I’m particularly thrilled that they will be airing The Union,” commented Elton John.

The film had its world premiere as the opening night selection at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.  THE UNION is directed by Cameron Crowe; produced by Cameron Crowe and Michelle Panek; executive producer, Johnny Barbis; editor, Kevin Long.