Yahoo News Michael Bayer Launches True Case Films Banner And Film Fund With First Title Docuseries ‘Vanished -The Heather Elvis Case’
EXCLUSIVE: Producer Michael Bayer has launched True Case Films, a new production company based in Los Angeles, focused solely on producing and financing stories based on true crime. The newly formed company has secured IP and is actively seeking additional packaged true crime projects to finance, produce and executive produce. Bayer will serve as the new company’s president.
True Case Films is launching with its first offering, a three-part docuseries currently titled Vanished -The Heather Elvis Case, co-produced by three-time Emmy winning investigative journalist and former managing editor of WPDE in Myrtle Beach, Summer Dashe.
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The series explores the disappearance of Heather Elvis, who went missing in South Carolina in 2013 and whose case became national news. Dashe covered the case extensively and was able to provide this series with interviews that reached a level of depth previously unseen, thanks to her proximity to the area and earned trust with its subjects. The case also received coverage from Dateline, Investigative Discovery, and ABC’s 20/20. The series features true-crime YouTuber John Lordan (Hotel Cecil, Netflix).
“Heather’s case exemplifies how social media can often steer the narrative in the wrong direction,” said Michael Bayer, founder of True Case Films. “The accused used social media to manipulate public opinion, orchestrating an online harassment campaign against Heather’s family. They promoted conspiracy theories and spread misinformation.”
True Case Films will bring attention to both solved and unsolved cases, keeping often-overlooked cold cases in public view. “Our focus is on stories that have a broader narrative and tell stories that can teach a lesson and help keep viewers safe,” adds Bayer. “Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to the pursuit of justice for victims of crimes.”
In addition to seeking additional IP, the company is moving into production in June with another feature title based on a true crime.
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