Today Legion M and Exhibit A Pictures are announcing a new documentary directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, in which William Shatner takes off the countless masks he’s worn throughout his storied career, to reveal the man behind one of the most recognizable faces in the world.
In truly unique fashion, Legion M, the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company, is allowing fans to invest directly in the project. Unlike a Kickstarter or IndieGogo campaign, these investors are doing more than just providing the funds to produce the film — they also own a share of any potential profits the documentary earns. Investment terms have not been released yet, but beginning today fans can sign up to make a non-binding, no-obligation reservation HERE. Reservation holders will be the first to know when the offering opens, and will be given priority if it sells out.
The producers will be providing an early look at some of the footage on pop culture’s biggest stage later this month during a Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con featuring William Shatner and moderated by actor/director/comedian Kevin Smith (“Jay and Silent Bob” franchise, “Clerks” franchise).
At 91 years old, William Shatner is an iconic actor, artist, and astronaut(!) best known for his legendary role in “Star Trek” as Captain Kirk that spanned nearly 30 years across film and television, as well as the titular character in “T.J. Hooker” and the television series, “Boston Legal.”
Said Bill Shatner: “For years I’ve had people approaching me to do a documentary about my life, but I turned them all down because it didn’t feel like the right fit. Alexandre and I hit it off right away, and when I heard how Legion M wanted to incorporate audiences to be a part of it, it was perfect. Fans have been responsible for my career — it only seems right that they should own this doc.”
Legion M is the first entertainment company designed from the ground up to be owned by fans. With more than 35,000 shareholders, the company has had a hand in developing, producing, and/or releasing nearly a dozen projects over the last 6 years, including COLOSSAL (starring Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis), MANDY (starring Nicolas Cage), ARCHENEMY(starring Joe Manganiello) and recently wrapped production on the film NANDOR FODOR AND THE TALKING MONGOOSE (starring Simon Pegg, Minnie Driver and Christopher Lloyd).
Said Legion M co-founders Paul Scanlan and Jeff Annison in a joint statement: “From make-believe starship captain to a real-life rocketman, William Shatner has led one of the most unique and best-lived lives on the planet. While we all know him from his iconic roles, the REAL William Shatner is even more interesting. We’re thrilled to be working with Alexandre and the top-notch team at Exhibit A, and excited to give fans around the world an opportunity to be a part of Bill’s legacy.”
Dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of our global cinematic and pop culture heritage, Exhibit A Pictures specializes in long-form documentary films that celebrate and deconstruct the defining popular trends and icons of our time. Alexandre O. Philippe, Kerry Deignan Roy and Robert Muratore are original founding partners of the US-based documentary film company, which first came together for the pop-culture breakout THE PEOPLE VS. GEORGE LUCAS (SXSW 2010). Since that time, the team has produced eight features, including DOC OF THE DEAD (SXSW 2014), 78/52: HITCHCOCK’S SHOWER SCENE (Sundance 2017), MEMORY: THE ORIGINS OF ALIEN (Sundance 2019), LEAP OF FAITH: WILLIAM FRIEDKIN ON THE EXORCIST (Venice 2019, Sundance 2020) and LYNCH/OZ (Tribeca 2022).
Said director Alexandre O. Philippe: “I grew up watching Bill Shatner on a black-and-white television in Switzerland. My first memories of him are from Columbo and The Twilight Zone. He is a modern Renaissance man. Ubiquitous. Unavoidable. His range as an actor (Roger Corman’s The Intruder, anyone..?) is as staggering as the depth of his wisdom and curiosity; and I couldn’t be more excited by this opportunity to craft an up close and personal portrait of a man who fascinates me, through some of the important themes he openly tackles in his most vulnerable autobiographical songs. This intimate film will illuminate little-known and rarely seen aspects of Bill’s career and philosophy, and also re-examine some of his most iconic roles and cultural moments through a brand-new lens.”
