Filmmaker Michael Mann and documentary director David Frankham will collaborate to produce a new limited documentary series, ‘Witness’, for HBO. The series will follow a new generation of young combat photographers into conflict zones in Mexico, Brazil, Uganda and Libya. By following these photojournalists’ immersions, their relations with the people on the ground and their closeness in battle, ‘Witness’ will show audiences why, when everyone else seeks cover, the war photographer stands.

“David Frankham and I share an admiration for combat photography that captures the universal – and sometimes the indescribable – in a single frame in the midst of chaos and danger,” said Mann.

“‘Witness’ will not provide a historical context. The direction Michael and I took in creating ‘Witness’ was to immerse the audience via intimacy with the photographer into the intensity of a situation as it’s developing, as they risk their lives to capture one piece of the truth,” said Frankham.

The first episode of ‘Witness’ was shot in Juarez, Mexico. The next three are currently in production.

Michael Mann is an acclaimed filmmaker recognized for innovative and successful motion pictures and television. Mann directed the pilot for and is executive producing HBO’s new series “Luck,” a provocative drama set in the world of horse racing. Mann’s first work in television was to direct and co-write 1979’s “The Jericho Mile,” which won four Emmys and a Directors Guild Award.

Mann’s other work in television includes executive producing “Miami Vice” and “Crime Story.” Mann made his feature directorial debut with “Thief,” following it with acclaimed films such as “The Last of the Mohicans,” “Heat” and “The Insider,” which received seven Academy Award nominations, “Ali,” “Collateral” and “Public Enemies.” Films he has produced include “Hancock” and “The Aviator,” with 11 Academy Award nominations and five wins.

David Frankham is an acclaimed documentary and commercial director. He has created commercials for such noted brands as NIKE, UPS, Adidas, FOX Sports, Fiat and Citicard as a director for Smuggler, a film, TV, commercial and music video production company.

Image Courtesy of  magicinfoto / Shutterstock.com

The article Michael Mann: New HBO Doc of Combat Photography appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

HBO is giving fans a chance to watch the second episode of the new series ‘Luck’, starring Dustin Hoffman, a full week early by logging on to HBO GO from their desktop, iPad or smart phone. Beginning Sunday, January 29, episode 2 of ‘Luck’ will become available on HBO GO simultaneously with the linear premiere of episode 1, which debuts on the HBO main channel at 9:00-10:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

Episode 2 will remain on the HBO GO service throughout the week leading up to its HBO main channel debut on Sunday, February 5, and in perpetuity. The episode will also be available early on HBO On Demand via select providers.

From acclaimed director Michael Mann and “Deadwood” creator David Milch, the nine-episode season of ‘Luck’, starring Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman and Oscar® nominee Nick Nolte, is a behind-the-track look at the world of horse racing and gambling’s denizens – owners, trainers, jockeys and gamblers.

Episode #2:

Chafing under his parole conditions but eager to move forward in the racetrack deal, Ace (Dustin Hoffman) shows off his famous temper during a contentious meeting with one-time colleague Nick DiRossi (Alan Rosenberg) and a possible investor, Isadore Cohen (Ted Levine).

Although Marcus (Kevin Dunn) is wary about flaunting his newfound Pick Six wealth, his three partners have no such qualms, as Jerry (Jason Gedrick) sits in at higher-stakes poker games, Renzo (Ritchie Coster) sets his sights on claiming one of Escalante’s (John Ortiz) mystery horses and Lonnie (Ian Hart) parties with two unscrupulous women.

Uncertain that fledgling jockey Rosie Shanahan (Kerry Condon) is seasoned enough to ride his once-in-a-lifetime horse, Walter Smith (Nick Nolte) enlists Ronnie Jenkins (Gary Stevens), ignoring the veteran jockey’s recent history of substance abuse.

Episode #3:

Ace enlists Nathan Israel (Patrick J. Adams), a cocky, young whiz kid, in his plans.  Walter decides to enter his colt, Gettin’up Morning, in his first race, but loses Ronnie as his rider when the jockey takes a tumble.  Burned by Mulligan (W. Earl Brown) at the claiming race, Marcus, Renzo and Lonnie send Jerry to buy the horse back – and then return him to Escalante (John Ortiz) to train.

Episode #4:

As Chan (Dennis Dun) challenges Jerry to his limits in a private poker game, Jerry’s pals look to pry him away from his gambling nemesis.  Ace takes a meeting with Claire LeChea (Joan Allen), an activist who hopes to rehabilitate prisoners through their work with broken-down racehorses.

He then visits his one-time partner Michael Smythe (Michael Gambon) to discuss his participation in Ace’s racetrack venture.  With Ronnie out of commission and surrendering to old vices, Walter settles on Rosie as his jockey, but her euphoria is tempered by Leon’s (Tom Payne) not making weight.

Episode #5:

After learning that Pint of Plain, Gus’ (Dennis Farina) Irish horse, has been tentatively scheduled to race the next day, Ace forces Escalante to swap out Leon for a more experienced jockey, to Joey’s (Richard Kind) chagrin.

Marcus fears for his health and wonders why he’s so attached to Jerry, while Kagle (Peter Appel), who’s been fired from the racetrack, returns from a bender looking for a handout.  Ace gives Claire a lucky check, and the two head to the track with Gus to watch Pint of Plain’s memorable debut.

The article HBO’s ‘Luck’ Presents February Episodes appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.