Magnolia, CNN Download Rights To Alex Gibney’s Doc On Steve Jobs

UPDATED, 9:45 AM: CNN said today that Alex Gibney’s documentary Steve Jobs: The Man In The Machine will have its TV premiere at 9 PM January 3.

PREVIOUSLY, March 15: Magnolia Pictures acquired North American theatrical rights, and CNN Films the broadcast rights for Oscar winner Alex Gibney’s latest documentary, Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine. The film just premiered in Austin at the SXSW Film Festival.

“I am delighted to partner with Magnolia on this film,” said Alex Gibney. “Given our long history together, I look forward to premiering The Man in the Machine to audiences looking for a greater understanding of the celebrated tech icon.”

The doc is often critical of Jobs, a mercurial and difficult genius who co-founded and later came back to rescue Apple, now the world’s most valuable company. Jobs died about three years ago.

“Once again Alex Gibney takes on an iconic figure and masterfully reveals the complexities and motivations behind the Steve Jobs facade that has inspired the world,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles.

Magnolia acquired theatrical, VOD and home entertainment rights and CNN Films has the television broadcast distribution rights. Magnolia has distributed seven of Gibney’s films. 

“Alex Gibney paints an honest portrait of one of the most revered and complex men in history, allowing us a provocative look at the visionary life of Steve Jobs,” said CNN Films’ Vinnie Malhotra.  “We are thrilled to partner with Magnolia Pictures again and look forward to sharing Alex’s extraordinary film with audiences, across all platforms.”

The film was produced by Viva Van Loock and Gibney. Executive producers for CNN Films are Malhotra and Amy Entelis, and for Jigsaw Stacey Offman and Gaby Darbyshire. The deal was negotiated by Magnolia SVP of Acquisitions Dori Begley with Josh Braun of Submarine on behalf of the filmmakers.