Permuto Presentations has acquired the life rights to John Adrian “JJ” Velasquez, who served nearly 24 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, and the life rights to NBC News journalist Dan Slepian’s coverage of Velasquez. The company plans to produce a narrative feature about Velasquez’s decades-long relationship with Slepian, a senior investigative producer on “Dateline” who worked tirelessly to uncover the truth that led to Velasquez’s exoneration.
Velasquez recently co-starred in A24’s Oscar-nominated “Sing Sing.” The project is produced by NBC News Studios and is based on the Emmy Award-winning documentary “The Sing Sing Chronicles.” “Letters From Sing Sing,” a seven-part NBC News studio podcast series hosted by Slepian. And Mr. Slepian’s 2024 book, “The Sing Sing File,” chronicled his investigation that led to the release of six innocent men, drawing national attention to Velasquez’s case and raising questions about accountability and the justice system. Velasquez sued New York City over his wrongful murder conviction.
David Permut will produce in association with NBC News Studios, along with Velasquez, Jeri Lee Tiu, Liz Cole, Slepian and Keenan Porterfield. Alex Astrachan, director of development at Permut Presentations, will serve as executive producer. The film production team is currently seeking potential writers and filmmakers to adapt this story.
“I was completely inspired by JJ’s fight for freedom and Dan’s unique perspective as an investigative journalist who becomes part of the very stories he is reporting,” Permut said. Cole highlighted the story’s impact, saying the journey “resonated deeply with all of us at NBC News. We’re excited to partner with David Permut to bring it to a broader audience.”
“This story is bigger than my life,” said Velaquez, “This story belongs to everyone who has ever believed in the truth when the world refused to believe it. I am so honored to stand alongside David, Liz, Dan, and Jeri, a team whose commitment to this story matches the weight of what it represents. The truth has always been there, and now, together, we are making it visible to the world.”
Reflecting on how the project developed, Slepian said, “It started with a letter from a man convicted of murder, urging me to investigate his case. Over time, the project became a deeper commitment, challenging my understanding of truth, responsibility, and how long you stay in a story if it refuses to let you go.”
Palmut Presentations’ upcoming releases include The Invite, co-starring Seth Rogen, Edward Norton and Penelope Cruz, directed and starring Olivia Wilde, which premiered to positive reviews at Sundance and was acquired by A24 ahead of its June 26 theatrical release. The company is also producing Being Heumann, directed by Academy Award winner Sian Heder, for Apple. Past films include “Twinless,” “Rustin” and “Hacksaw Ridge.”
NBC News Studios is a full-service production company within NBC. Recent work includes “Allegedly,” a new true crime video podcast released weekly on Netflix. An upcoming feature documentary directed by Chris Smith will be available on Netflix. “Irene: Queen of Serial Killers” co-produced with BBC and Netflix. “Separated,” directed by Errol Morris, premiered at the Venice Film Festival and the Telluride Film Festival. He also wrote the script for the NBC miniseries “The Thing About Pam,” starring Renée Zellweger and produced by Blumhouse.
Permut is represented by John Tishbi of Pearlman and Tishbi.
