Posted by | Ray Cornelius
IndieWire.com is reporting that former NBA star Chris Webber is teaming up with “Hoop Dreams” director, Peter Gilbert to start his own production company, Webber Productions.
According to the press release, Webber’s new film production company will produce a line of films and documentaries that will focus on the various complex issues surrounding the intersection of sports, culture and society. The company will also create projects focused on celebrating history, preserving legacies and challenging the viewer on social issues that are relevant in the U.S. and aboard.
“I am happy to start a company with a man like Peter Gilbert, who has proven to be one of the best in documentary film work,” says Webber. “I look forward to learning from him and telling great stories around my passions, my community and my world with him.”
Gilbert, who met Webber on the set of Hoop Dreams, is just as excited about the partnership.
“I am thrilled to be embarking on this creative journey with Chris Webber. I have followed his career throughout the years, and he has always impressed me with his honesty and willingness to search for the truth.”
Webber will follow in the footsteps of another retired NBA player, Magic Johnson, who left the game in 1991 after revealing he was HIV positive. Since that time, Johnson has successfully launched his own production company that included a line of movie theaters and a movie studio. Just this past June, Johnson debuted his television network ASPIRE, which also aims to provide quality family, music and entertainment programming.