"Gravity" actor George Clooney is in early development on a feature version of Netflix's "The White Helmets" documentary. His feature version will be based on the Orlando von Einsiedel-directed documentary of the same name.
According to Deadline, Clooney and producing partner Grant Heslov are seeking a writer for "The White Helmets" to develop a script through their Smokehouse Pictures production company. They would try to make it work as a narrative drama.
The Syrian Civil Defense, better known as the "White Helmets," is a group of unarmed and politically neutral local volunteers rushing in when the Russian-backed Assad regime rains fire from the skies in its ongoing battle against rebel forces. The organization has been credited with saving more than 60,000 people from the helicopters bombing on residential structures including schools and hospitals trapping innocent inhabitants in the demolished concrete. However, the group has lost about 150 members during the war, Variety reported.
The Einsiedel-directed "The White Helmets" is about one of the bravest groups of first responders imaginable. It has been shortlisted for the Best Documentary Short Subject Oscar, and the group was featured on a 60-minute broadcast. One volunteer said in the documentary that to save one life is to save humanity.
Clooney has won the best-supporting actor Academy Award for his role as a Central Intelligence Agency operative in Stephan Gaghan's drama thriller "Syriana" in 2005, which was set in an unnamed Persian Gulf state. At the same time, he also executive produced the said film, and then, he was also a producer with Heslov and Ben Affleck in history drama "Argo" in 2012, which won the best picture Academy Award. Aside from those credits mentioned, he has been nominated for six other Oscars.
Netflix released the Einsiedel-directed "The White Helmets" in September 2016. CAA is representing the rights to the documentary.
Watch the video about George Clooney developing a movie on "White Helmets" rescuers in Syria:
