Posted by 
Universal Pictures Content Group has joined forces with London-based banner Ventureland to produce a captivating documentary called “The Beat of a Nation: Kerouac’s Road.”
Directed by Ebs Burnough, known for his work on “The Capote Tapes,” this film explores the impact of Jack Kerouac’s influential novel “On the Road” while drawing parallel with the current political and cultural landscape in the U.S.
Burnough, a former White House deputy social secretary and advisor to First Lady Michelle Obama, brings his directorial prowess to this project.
His debut film, “The Capote Tapes,” premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and delves into the world of Truman Capote’s unfinished masterpiece, “Answered Prayers.”
“The Beat of a Nation: Kerouac’s Road” is produced by John Battsek and Eliza Hindmarch of Ventureland in collaboration with the Kerouac Estate.
The documentary will feature never-before-seen personal archives and interviews with individuals influenced by Kerouac.
It will also highlight the stories of modern-day adventurers who have consciously chosen to live an unconventional lifestyle, mirroring Kerouac’s choices over seven decades ago.
Burnough, currently chairing the Sundance Institute’s board of trustees, expressed his enthusiasm for delving into a contemporary understanding of Kerouac’s literature, persona, and the era he represented.
Battsek, a seasoned producer with credits including Oscar-winning documentaries like “Searching for Sugar Man” and “One Day in September,” praised Burnough’s unique and creative perspective on the narrative.
This collaboration between Universal Pictures Content Group, Ventureland, and Burnough promises to deliver an engaging exploration of American literature, bringing Kerouac’s iconic work to a new generation and shedding light on the man, the times, and the enduring impact of his journeys across the nation.