SHOWTIME BUYS UMG'S OFFICIAL MOTOWN DOC

Showtime has acquired Hitsville: The Making Of Motown from UMG’s film-and-TV division, Polygram Entertainment. It will premiere on the cable network in the fall.

Altitude bought the film for theatrical release in the U.K. and Ireland. Endeavor Content brokered both deals and represents the project, which was also produced by Capitol Music Group, Motown Records and Fulwell 73, worldwide.

“With Showtime and Altitude, we are excited to have two strong partners to bring the incredible story of Motown, one of the world’s most iconic record labels, to audiences in North America, U.K. and Ireland,” said Capitol Music Group Chairman and CEO Steve Barnett. “As the first official documentary with Berry Gordy, the founder of the iconic label, audiences will gain new perspectives on the recording artists and songwriters who shaped the era.”

Executive producers on the film include Gordy, Barnett, CMG COO Michelle Jubelirer, Marty Bandier, Motown Records President Ethiopia Habtemariam and Polygram’s David Blackman. Fulwell 73’s Leo Pearlman produced the film.

Directed by Gabe and Ben Turner, the film focuses on the period between the birth of the company in Detroit in 1958 and its relocation to Los Angeles in the early 1970s. The film is timed to Motown's 60th anniversary.