Channel 4 Commissions John Lennon And Yoko Ono Documentary

Channel 4 has commissioned a new documentary on John Lennon and Yoko Ono, featuring exclusive access to unseen archives as the recording of hit album 'Imagine' consumes their lives.

'John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky' will have access to John's estate to capture the story of how the pair met.

As well as Yoko herself, the 90 minute film will feature interviews with those closest to the couple during that period including photographer David Bailey who famously captured the couple in a 1971 photograph that ended up on the cover of Vogue, gallerist John Dunbar who set up Yoko's first show and introduced the couple, pioneering studio designer Eddie Veale who built Ascot Sounds at Tittenhurst in addition to several musical collaborators who played on the album. John's eldest son, Julian, will also be part of the film.

Emmy Award Winning and Oscar nominated director Michael Epstein ('LennoNYC', 'American Masters') will direct the film that will feature never before seen – and heard - archive such as the first demo of 'Imagine' which was discovered by their audio archivist in an unmarked eight-track box, unheard audio interviews with John and verité film of the couple working together in the studio.

'John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky' will explore the creative journeys John and Yoko took—both independently and together—in order to arrive at 'Imagine', as well as their paths to the innovative feature-length music film 'Imagine' and Yoko's solo album 'Fly'.

Director Michael Epstein said: "The message of 'Imagine' is just as powerful today as it was when John and Yoko wrote it nearly fifty years ago. I look at the world see it overcome with hate and engaged in wars seemingly without end, and I truly miss John's voice. We need him now more than ever. And that is what we hope to do with 'Above Us Only Sky': show how John and Yoko's message of peace and love still matters."

'John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky' was commissioned by Jonny Rothery, Commissioning Editor for Music & Formats at Channel 4. It is an Eagle Rock Films production, the Executive Producers are Terry Shand and Geoff Kempin and Michael Epstein will direct.

The feature length documentary will air later this year on Channel 4.