Amazon, Amblin Mars rover doc lifts off

Amazon Studios is working with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television on a documentary about Opportunity, the Mars Exploration Rover dubbed Oppy by her creators and scientists at NASA.

Jennifer Salke

Good Night Oppy follows Oppy, which was originally expected to live for only 90 days but ultimately explored the Red Planet for nearly 15 years.

Telling the story of the “connection and extreme bond” that can be formed between human and machine, the doc is also being made with coproducers Film 45 and Tripod Media.

With the support of NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Industrial Light & Magic, the feature-length documentary will be directed by Ryan White.

The producers are Amblin Partners’ Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey, Film 45’s Brandon Carroll and Matt Goldberg, and Tripod Media’s Jessica Hargrave and Ryan White. Stephen Neely and Max Wagner will serve as executive producers.

Clint LaVigne will oversee the day-to-day development of the project for Amblin, alongside Frank and Falvey.

Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said: “The innovation and determination that made Oppy’s journey possible, and the spirit of discovery that drives the team at JPL, are an inspiration.

“As we celebrate their achievements, we are delighted to also be working with the extremely talented filmmaker Ryan White and our friends at Amblin Television and Film 45 to bring this heartwarming story to life.”

Film 45 and Amblin Television are represented by WME, while White and Tripod Media are represented by WME and Submarine.