Channel 4 orders Marilyn Manson docu-series
October 11, 2023
UK/US producer Lightbox, founded by Simon Chinn and Jonathan Chinn is in production on a premium three-part documentary series co-financed by Channel 4 and Fifth Season examining the recent controversy around the rock star Marilyn Manson.
Marilyn Manson: Behind the Mask (working title) charts the musician’s rise to fame, significance and role as a counterculture icon. Delving deep into his rock persona, this series examines the recent accusations against Manson and his ability to court controversy all while exploring how high-profile sexual assault allegations play out in today’s post #Metoo era.
Marilyn Manson: Behind the Mask is being produced in partnership with Rolling Stone Films, with Fifth Season also handling worldwide distribution rights and launching the series to buyers at MIPCOM 2023.
Suzanne Lavery, SVP Unscripted, Lightbox said: “Marilyn Manson: Behind the Mask tells the definitive story of the controversy surrounding the star, charting his career from its early days through to his being dropped by his manager, agent and record label as a result of the allegations made against him. In first hand testimony, we hear intimate accounts from his accusers, as well as those who robustly refute their allegations. The series asks timely questions about how the music industry draws the line between rock n roll excess and transgressive behaviour and examines whether Manson’s constructed persona reflects the reality of the human being behind the performer, and what the future holds for the freedom of expression and the right to shock.”
Sacha Mirzoeff, Senior Commissioner Documentaries, Head of Bristol Hub, added: “Brian Warner, better known as Marilyn Manson, has made a lifetime career of stomping where others fear to tread. His transgressive rock persona was largely espoused until multiple questions about his private behaviour emerged. This three-part series directed by Karen McGann examines his life, career and sets the recent abuse allegations into context of the times then and the times now through the voices of the accusers and Manson’s allies. The result is a shocking portrayal of the different accounts of what went on and how much society, the world of music and celebrity has changed in the last generation.”
“Rolling Stone broke the story about Marilyn Manson’s alleged abuse and this series takes a step back to explore those allegations in the wider context of Manson’s career, his meteoric rise as the self-proclaimed ‘Antichrist Superstar’ and the controversy surrounding his recent fall from grace. We are proud to partner with Lightbox to tell this fascinating and complex story,” said Gus Wenner, CEO Rolling Stone.
Travis Webb, SVP Sales, Americas, at Fifth Season, said: “Lightbox has an incredible track record in creating premium, award-winning documentaries that shine a light on high-profile musicians, such as Tina, Whitney and Spector. This latest addition is a captivating series that will appeal to audiences in the US and around the world through its never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews, and incredible access to the inner circle.”