HBO Documentary Films has picked up the rights to Very Semi-Serious, Leah Wolchok’s docu about New Yoker cartoonists, for broadcast beginning in December following a limited theatrical run.
Very Semi-Serious: A Partially Thorough Portrait of New Yorker Cartoonists had its world premiere at the 2015 Tribeca Film Fest.
It centers on the cartoonists and the editor behind the iconic single-panel cartoons that have become synonymous with the New Yorker magazine. The documentary includes interviews with New Yorker staffers including cartoon editor Bob Mankoff and editor David Remnick as well as artists such as Roz Chast and Mort Gerberg.
The movie earned largely positive reviews out of Tribeca. “Very Semi-Serious” will play in New York and L.A. Nov. 20-Dec. 3 ahead of a Dec. 7 premiere on HBO. Cinetic Media made the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.
Director Wolchok produced alongside Davina Pardo with executive producers Regina K. Scully, Deborah Shaffer and Bruce Sinofsky, as well as Joanna Sokolowski as co-producer.
Over its 15-year lifespan, Tribeca has become strong launchpad for documentaries, with films including “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” and “Bully” getting showcases there.
