‘Killing Lincoln’ to premiere in Richmond

National Geographic Channel’s first original scripted drama, “Killing Lincoln,” shot in Petersburg and Richmond this summer, is set to premiere during Presidents Day weekend on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and will encore at 10 p.m.

With fresh historical insight, the film chronicles the final days of President Lincoln and the treasonous plot by one the most notorious, yet complex villains of all time.  Narrated on camera by Oscar®-winning actor Tom Hanks, the film stars Billy Campbell (“The Killing,” “Once and Again”) as Lincoln and introduces Jesse Johnson as John Wilkes Booth.

Produced by Ridley and Tony Scott’s Scott Free Productions, the film adapts Bill O’Reilly’s best-selling book into a two-hour global television event.  On Tuesday, Feb. 12, Killing Lincoln will have its Virginia premiere screening at the Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage in Richmond at 7 p.m.  The screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Tom Silvestri, president and publisher of the Richmond Times Dispatch.  Panelists will include actor Jesse Johnson, writer and executive producer Erik Jendresen, director Adrian Mote, University of Richmond President Edward L. Ayers and historian Mike Gorman.

The screening is free and open to the general public.  To reserve tickets, those who wish to attend should email their name and number of requested tickets to [email protected].  Although it is not anticipated that the event will sell out, an early arrival is recommended to ensure a seat.

“We are honored to work with National Geographic Channel on this remarkable project,” said Edmunds.  “I am particularly happy that CenterStage and the Richmond Times Dispatch are partnering with us on the premiere screening at which we will be able to provide the audience with a unique opportunity to experience this remarkable film and the expert commentary provided by our panelists.”

“Killing Lincoln” is the third project examining Civil War and Emancipation themes to film in Central Virginia recently. The others were the Steven Spielberg film “Lincoln” and the PBS American Experience documentary “The Abolitionists.”

The film industry in Virginia plays a significant role in the state’s economy. In 2011, total economic impact of the film and television industry in Virginia was $394.4 million, a 14.5 percent increase over 2010. In addition, 3,817 jobs were attributed to the film industry in 2011, up from 2,651 jobs in 2010.  For more information about Virginia’s film industry, visit the Virginia Film Office website at www.FilmVirgina.org.