Why is Amazon doing a doc on ‘Batman’ and ‘Top Gun’ actor Val Kilmer?
Are you a huge fan of the legendary actor Val Kilmer? Well, we’ve got some pretty exciting news for you then. Amazon Studios has just acquired the U.S. and Latin American rights to a documentary about Batman and Top Gun actor Val Kilmer titled Val. So what can we expect to see in this upcoming documentary, and why is it currently in production in the first place? Let’s take a look at all the details we know so far here.
All about Val Kilmer
If you’re familiar with the indie film production company A24, then you should know that they’re usually known for their indie-drama gems such as Lady Bird, Moonlight, Minari, Uncut Gems, and tons more. While they stick to producing indie films, most of their movies end up making it big, winning tons of important awards like Oscars and Golden Globes, as well receiving tons of critical acclaim.
A few years ago, A24 decided to branch out to TV shows, and proved to the media industry that they truly can do it all. A24 went on to produce critically acclaimed and well-loved shows such as Euphoria and Ramy. Now, it seems that they’re being even more courageous and dipping their toes into documentaries as well, as Val will be the first feature film of many slated documentaries and docuseries from the company.
According to Real Screen, “Amazon Studios will release the documentary in the United States and Latin America later this year. A24 controls worldwide rights to the film, otherwise. Val is also the first production of Cartel Films who represent editors across commercial, documentary and narrative film work”. Considering its A24, we trust that Val Kilmer’s legacy will be in good hands and can’t wait to see the end result.
The documentary
The feature film will give viewers a deeper insight into the life of the famous Batman & Top Gun actor Val Kilmer, and will be directed and produced by Leo Scott and Ting Poo. Other producers of the upcoming documentary include Boardwalk Pictures’ Andrew Fried, Dane Lillegard, Jordan Wynn, TwainMania’s Val Kilmer himself, Ali Alborzi, and Brad Koepenick.
Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, remarked in a statement that “filmmakers Leo Scott and Ting Poo have a unique, cutting-edge style and artistry, weaving together never-before-seen footage into a beautiful, raw story about this renowned and celebrated actor, artist and man”. So what will fans of Val Kilmer be able to see in the doc, and when can we expect to see it?
It turns out that the actor himself has been documenting his own life and happenings on film for more than forty years. Throughout his career and life, he has amassed over thousands of hours of personal footage from 16mm home movies that he made with his brothers. This footage includes Val Kilmer working on blockbuster films over the years such as Batman, Top Gun, Heat, Tombstone, and more.
Aside from his professional life, viewers will also be able to take a deeper look at Val Kilmer’s personal life as well throughout the footage he’s shot himself throughout the years. “At least once a day for years I looked around and got this bittersweet feeling that there are a thousand reasons that this project could’ve been shipwrecked”, the actor revealed in a statement.
“I mean, what could a film look like of a man filming himself, sometimes daily, years at a time?” Val Kilmer then added: “It is unimaginable that this movie actually could’ve ever come to light without the partnership of my dear friends, Leo [Scott] and Ting [Poo], and my producing partners. Tireless hours of editing and endless emotions with each new cut! I couldn’t be more proud to share this with the world!” We can’t wait to see it!
