A new direction for documentary storytelling: Justin Wells’ journey
From Fox News to independent production
Justin Wells, a former executive producer at Fox News Channel, is venturing into new territory with his latest project. Known for overseeing some of the network’s most controversial segments and numerous hours of documentary programming for Fox Nation, Wells is now aiming to bring his expertise to a broader, less partisan audience.
The creation of “Art of the Surge”
Wells, who played a pivotal role in the development of “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” has launched a six-part documentary series titled “Art of the Surge”. This series provides an intimate look at former President Donald Trump’s recent campaign activities. One of the standout moments in the series is a scene where Secret Service agents rush to protect Trump during an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. The series, which debuts on Carlson’s digital media platforms, has already garnered interest from a diverse range of media players.
“Let me put it this way: I’m surprised,” Wells remarked in a recent interview. “It’s not like I’m just talking to Chris Ruddy [CEO] of Newsmax.”
A new production company with a unique vision
Wells has founded Ashokan Studios, named after a term meaning “place of many fishes” or “where rushing waters meet.” He believes there is a significant market for high-quality programming that appeals to conservative audiences. According to Wells, streaming service executives are beginning to recognize that a large segment of Americans, not just Trump supporters, feel underserved by current media offerings.
“There are many outlets that make scripted series or documentary programming for right-leaning or right-wing constituents,” Wells explained. “But some of that does not work or doesn’t have the production value that it should. That’s something I’m trying to solve for here.”
The transition from traditional media
Wells’ departure from Fox News in 2023, along with Tucker Carlson, marked a significant shift in his career. Despite the abrupt end to their tenure at the network, Wells and Carlson quickly regrouped. They decided to launch a new media company centered around Carlson, with Wells agreeing to assist for a year. During this time, Wells helped establish a relationship with X and worked on various aspects of marketing and programming.
“We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor,” Fox News stated at the time of their departure.
Behind the scenes of “Art of the Surge”
“Art of the Surge” offers viewers a fly-on-the-wall perspective of Trump’s campaign, devoid of commentary or monologues. Wells and his team have captured behind-the-scenes moments at both of this year’s presidential debates and plan to continue following Trump’s activities, including an upcoming event in Butler.
One episode even features Wells himself, showcasing the food served on “Trump Force One,” the campaign plane, including items from McDonald’s and Jimmy John’s. Despite his occasional on-screen appearances, Wells emphasizes that the unfiltered view of the Trump campaign is more important than his role.
“Seeing the Trump campaign for yourself, and seeing it unfiltered, is more important than my role,” Wells stated.
A new chapter in documentary filmmaking
Wells’ journey from local stations in Florida and New York’s WNYW to Fox News and now to independent production highlights his adaptability and commitment to high-quality storytelling. With “Art of the Surge,” he aims to provide a fresh perspective on political campaigns, offering viewers an unvarnished look at the events that shape headlines.
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