The brilliant minds of Spike Lee and Talking Heads frontman, David Byrne collide in the film version of Byrne’s wildly imaginative, Broadway success 'American Utopia.' 

Produced by RadicalMedia, Byrne’s Todomundo, Lee’s 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, Warner Music Group, Participant Media, and River Road Entertainment. Executive Producers include: David Byrne, Spike Lee, Participant’s Jeff Skoll, David Linde and Diane Weyermann; Warner Music Group’s David Bither, Charlie Cohen, and Kurt Deutsch; Bill Pohlad of River Road; RadicalMedia’s Jon Kamen, Dave Sirulnick and Meredith Bennett; and Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson and Patrick Catullo, who lead the Broadway production. 

David Byrne’s American Utopia debuted October 17th at 8PM ET/PT on HBO and is available to stream on HBO Max. The special event, directed by Oscar® and Emmy®-winner Spike Lee, presents a one-of-a-kind, dynamic film that gives audiences access to Byrne’s electrifying critically-acclaimed Broadway show that played to sold-out, record-breaking audiences. The filmed version was recorded during its late 2019 to early 2020 run at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre in New York City. Talking Heads frontman David Byrne is joined by an ensemble of 11 musicians, singers, and dancers from around the globe, inviting audiences into a joyous dreamworld where human connection, self-evolution, and social justice are paramount. 

The HBO Special Event in partnership with Participant, River Road Entertainment and Warner Music Entertainment is produced by David Byrne’s Todomundo and Lee’s Forty Acres and a Mule Filmworks production companies and executive produced by RadicalMedia.


Emmy Awards:
Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special
Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special

Directed by

Spike Lee

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