Martin Scorsese to Executive Produce Roger Ebert Documentary

According to USA TODAY, a documentary on the life of Pulitzer Prize winner Roger Ebert is in the works from Oscar winning director Martin Scorsese. The famed film critic passed away in April of 2013.

Scorsese will executive produce along with Steve Zaillian. The project, based on Ebert's memoirs, will be directed by Steve James (Hoop Dreams). The team will turn to the Indiegogo.com crowdfunding web site to raise $250,000. Donors in return will receive a streaming version of the film before it hits theaters, planned for early 2014. According to the site, The Campaign ends at 11:59 p.m on Dec. 20, and all surplus money will go to Ebert's favorite charities, including cancer research.

"Roger was a very plain-spoken, Midwestern guy who connected with America," says James. "It seemed fitting that his movie be accessible first to the community that loved him."

The film, which will feature interviews with Ebert, will be broadcast on CNN next year.

Commented James, "Even in his tough reviews, Roger showed how much he loved the movies. That's the man we want to show."

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