HBO Acquires Paul Anka Documentary for December Premiere

The documentary *Paul Anka: His Way*, directed by John Maggio, will premiere on HBO on December 1, 2023. This documentary chronicles the life and career of the iconic singer-songwriter, known for such classics as “Times of Your Life,” “My Way,” and the theme for Johnny Carson’s *The Tonight Show*. Following its debut at the Toronto Film Festival, the film will also be available on the streaming platform HBO Max.

Born in Canada, Paul Anka rose to fame as a teen idol but never quite fit into the Rat Pack circle of legends like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Nevertheless, he penned Sinatra’s signature song, “My Way,” which he recorded himself. Anka has spent over seven decades in the music industry, adeptly reinventing himself as both the world and the industry have evolved.

This documentary serves as both a road movie and a biographical portrayal of Anka, showcasing his ability to adapt throughout his career. His impressive songwriting catalog has attracted a multitude of music legends, including Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Nina Simone. More recently, he has collaborated with contemporary artists such as Drake and revisited songs like Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

Anka, now 84 years old, continues to tour and perform, engaging audiences worldwide. The documentary is produced by Ark Media in association with Blue Ant Studios. The executive producers include Caroline Kimmel, Irving Azoff, Lawrence Mestel, Randy Lennox, Jo Henriquez, Charlie Corwin, Laura Michalchyshyn, Sam Sniderman, Dorin Razam, and Zachary Herrmann. The project is produced by Monica Berra.

Viewers can look forward to an engaging exploration of Anka’s legacy, highlighting his contributions to music and culture over the decades. The documentary not only showcases his enduring talent but also reflects on the evolution of the music industry through his eyes.