As patrons head to the movies this weekend, they will notice a NASCAR and Formula One inspired camera angles in the new movie, Ben-Hur. Mark Burnett and Roma Downey are the producers of the movie. Burnett and Downey are also producing a NASCAR-scripted television drama. There is no set date of release for the television drama.
However, Burnett and Downey captured the basis of adrenaline and thrill from NASCAR and Formula One into the movie through studying camera angles. “We studied NASCAR and Formula 1 to find out where he could put the cameras to really make it exciting. There were cameras in the wheels of the chariots, in between the ears of the horses, and its all cut together in a way that just feels tangible,” said Downey in an interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America.
Jake Huston, an actor in Ben-Hur, drove the pace-car at Watkins Glen. Huston was also recognized during pre-race ceremonies.
Burnett and Downey are no strangers to NASCAR. Both producers have seen hundreds of races in person, but were finally able to attend their first race at Martinsville in 2013. “”NASCAR is such a beloved brand. We’ve been here for 30 years in this country, despite our accents, and we love being American — and there’s nothing much more American than NASCAR. … It’s something that permeates our society; it’s the only thing that runs 10 months a year,” said Burnett at the 2015 Daytona Rising/NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum in Las Vegas.
Burnett has produced numerous tv shows including, “Shark Tank”, “Survivor”, and “Celebrity Apprentice”. Downey is known for her role in the hit television series, “Touched By an Angel”.
- Busch Sweeps at Bristol - August 20, 2017
- Busch Wins UNOH 200 From Pole - August 17, 2017
- Busch Scores NCWTS Bristol Pole - August 16, 2017