By: Valerie Milano
Pasadena, CA (The Hollywood Times) 1/10/23 – Today, THT was invited to do an exclusive one-on-one interview at the winter TCA’s (Television Critics Association) with well-renowned documentarian RJ Cutler. The event took place at The Langham Hotel in Pasadena, CA. We gained insight on Cutler’s highly anticipated four-part true crime docuseries Murf the Surf: Jewels, Jesus, and Mayhem in the USA, which is set to premiere on February 5th. The series, along with others, makes its debut as part of MGM+ rebranding, replacing the Epix network.
THT: Is this the first time you’ve worked with Imagine?
RJC: Yes. But 20 years ago, Brian Grazer and I sat down for a series of conversations about a project he had in mind. We met two or three times, which I greatly enjoyed. I’ve admired Brian and Ron my whole career and I’m a huge fan of Justin Wilks who is the company’s president and Sarah Fernsten who runs their documentary division is a dear friend of mine.
THT: What made you want to develop the story into a four-part docuseries?
RJC: They brought it to me, and I was instantly compelled by this figure that I didn’t know anything about from recent American history, who was clear to be the origin story of the true crime genre in the television age. But more than that his story raises pertinent questions about the moment we’re all living in and it’s a great yarn.
THT: So, had you heard of him before?
RJC: Not a word
THT: Me either.
THT: Did you learn or take anything away from any personal interactions with Murphy?
RJC: I had the opportunity to meet him before he passed away and I certainly got a very strong sense of who he was. He did remined me to some degree of our most recent former president. He had his version of truth and he intended that to be everyone else’s version. He was charismatic and singular in his presentation and not uncomfortable with a person in my position, feeling a little off balance. Therefore, in the series we feature various journalists who had worked with him recounting this same feeling.
THT: Are you at liberty to talk about anything else you’re working on?
RJC: Not a problem. I produced a film that’s premiering at Sundance next Friday called The Disappearance of Shere Hite. I also directed a four-part series for Netflix called Broken on the history of the JUUL vaping device. I’m currently in the middle of editing two feature documentaries that I’m directing, one about Martha Steward and one on Elton John. My production company This Machine, which is a division of Sony Televison has been busy doing many things.
THT: Do you ever sleep?
RJC: Not nearly enough. (Laughs)
THT: Pleasure speaking with you.
RJC: Likewise.
Watch the trailer below:
Murf the Surf: Jewels, Jesus, and Mayhem in the USA (MGM+ 2023 Series) Official Trailer
