Exclusive: UTA has signed director, producer and writer Joshua Zeman — a leading voice in the true-crime storytelling space — with plans to find him new opportunities in documentary filmmaking, narrative directing, digital content and more.
Zeman is best known for his critically acclaimed debut feature Cropsey, as well as such series as The Killing Season (A+E Networks), Murder Mountain (Netflix) and The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness (Netflix).
Co-directed with Barbara Brancaccio, Cropsey watches as the filmmakers delve into the mystery surrounding five missing children and the real-life boogeyman linked to their disappearances. The Killing Season sees Zeman and Rachel Mills examine unsolved serial killer cases, while Murder Mountain looks at crime surrounding the marijuana industry in Humboldt County, California. And then, there’s The Sons of Sam, which looks at journalist Maury Terry’s conspiratorial thinking surrounding the infamous Son of Sam murders.
Zeman most recently departed from...
Zeman is best known for his critically acclaimed debut feature Cropsey, as well as such series as The Killing Season (A+E Networks), Murder Mountain (Netflix) and The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness (Netflix).
Co-directed with Barbara Brancaccio, Cropsey watches as the filmmakers delve into the mystery surrounding five missing children and the real-life boogeyman linked to their disappearances. The Killing Season sees Zeman and Rachel Mills examine unsolved serial killer cases, while Murder Mountain looks at crime surrounding the marijuana industry in Humboldt County, California. And then, there’s The Sons of Sam, which looks at journalist Maury Terry’s conspiratorial thinking surrounding the infamous Son of Sam murders.
Zeman most recently departed from...
- 3/6/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness” is streaming now on Netflix
Netflix dropped its four-part limited series “Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness” on Wednesday, and it’s chock-full of new and disturbing details in the Son of Sam serial killer case.
Produced by reporter Joshua Zeman, “Sons of Sam” centers on investigative journalist Maury Terry and his decades-long search for what he believed to be the truth behind the murders of six people in New York City during the summer of 1977. Namely, Terry believed that convicted murderer David Berkowitz didn’t act alone in the slayings and was part of a satanic cult that ordered him to kill his victims.
Each episode of “Sons of Sam” tracks Terry’s journey through more than two decades of research into the Son of Sam case — an investigation that took him from New York to South Dakota and eventually (as...
Netflix dropped its four-part limited series “Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness” on Wednesday, and it’s chock-full of new and disturbing details in the Son of Sam serial killer case.
Produced by reporter Joshua Zeman, “Sons of Sam” centers on investigative journalist Maury Terry and his decades-long search for what he believed to be the truth behind the murders of six people in New York City during the summer of 1977. Namely, Terry believed that convicted murderer David Berkowitz didn’t act alone in the slayings and was part of a satanic cult that ordered him to kill his victims.
Each episode of “Sons of Sam” tracks Terry’s journey through more than two decades of research into the Son of Sam case — an investigation that took him from New York to South Dakota and eventually (as...
- 5/5/2021
- by Samson Amore
- The Wrap
Netflix's latest true-crime offering, The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness, follows not only the terrifying Son of Sam case but also investigations that were linked to it. The docuseries makes the case that convicted serial killer David Berkowitz was not the only perpetrator involved when a series of shootings unfolded in New York City between 1976 and 1977. One of the cases pegged to Berkowitz's larger circle was the brutal murder of Arlis Perry at Stanford University. So who was Perry, and who killed her? The chilling 47-year-old case has finally been solved, and here are all the details that you need to know about it and how it connects back to Berkowitz.
Perry was a 19-year-old newlywed from Bismarck, Nd, who had just moved out to California to live with her husband on the Stanford campus. The night of her murder, she had gone to Memorial Church to pray.
Perry was a 19-year-old newlywed from Bismarck, Nd, who had just moved out to California to live with her husband on the Stanford campus. The night of her murder, she had gone to Memorial Church to pray.
- 5/5/2021
- by Stacey Nguyen
- Popsugar.com
You might know convicted serial killer David Berkowitz as the notorious "Son of Sam" behind the shootings that terrorized New York City between 1976 and 1977. But Netflix's The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness explores the possibility of more than one perpetrator behind the deadly attacks. Following the thorough research of investigative journalist Maury Terry, the true-crime docuseries looks into Berkowitz's connection to a widespread satanic cult across the nation. One lead that Terry fell into was that of Roy Radin, an unsavory producer who was rumored to be a cult leader. So who was Radin, and what happened to him? Here's what you need to know about him.
In the docuseries, Michael Zuckerman, a former reporter at Gannett Newspapers, explained that he had received a letter from a prison informant named Vinny. Vinny served time with Berkowitz and claimed to know about the cult Berkowitz was a part of.
In the docuseries, Michael Zuckerman, a former reporter at Gannett Newspapers, explained that he had received a letter from a prison informant named Vinny. Vinny served time with Berkowitz and claimed to know about the cult Berkowitz was a part of.
- 5/5/2021
- by Stacey Nguyen
- Popsugar.com
Did the Son of Sam, aka David Berkowitz, really act alone? According to Netflix's The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness, that was the narrative that the NYPD was trying to sell after a shooter (or shooters) with a .44 caliber gun killed six and injured seven between 1976 and 1977 in New York City. Investigative journalist Maury Terry didn't buy this story - it didn't seem feasible to him that Berkowitz acted alone. One of the key suspects for Terry was a man named John Carr, who died from a gunshot wound in 1978. Officials initially considered his death a suicide, but Terry believed there was more to his story than detectives ever investigated.
Who Was Sam Carr?
So who was John Carr? We'd have to first talk about Sam Carr. The media pushed the sensational story that a dog belonging to his neighbor Sam had commanded Berkowitz to murder his victims.
Who Was Sam Carr?
So who was John Carr? We'd have to first talk about Sam Carr. The media pushed the sensational story that a dog belonging to his neighbor Sam had commanded Berkowitz to murder his victims.
- 5/5/2021
- by Stacey Nguyen
- Popsugar.com
We may soon begin to run low on famous cases from the past to reframe into true-crime series. Following on recent series about the Night Stalker and the Ted Bundy murders, Netflix now drops “The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness,” about the Son of Sam killings in New York City in the late 1970s. That the title and subject differ by a letter is the engine of this story: We follow the late investigative journalist Maury Terry through his belief that the murders, for which David Berkowitz was convicted, have their roots in a grander conspiracy, rooted in a cult with possible ties to other crimes and to the Manson family.
Terry died in 2015, but filmmaker Joshua Zeman had access to his notes and has cast Paul Giamatti to read them in voice-over. The picture that emerges from Giamatti’s committed performance is that of a person who...
Terry died in 2015, but filmmaker Joshua Zeman had access to his notes and has cast Paul Giamatti to read them in voice-over. The picture that emerges from Giamatti’s committed performance is that of a person who...
- 5/5/2021
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix‘s new docuseries The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness aims to restructure a deeply ingrained story. New York City’s most notorious serial murderer wasn’t a serial murderer after all. If David Berkowitz was part of a team of street level satanic power brokers, the entire story is a false narrative.
The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness is an impressive entry in the true crime documentary premiere run at Netflix. It focuses on the work of journalist Maury Terry, whose investigation into the Son of Sam case was criminally sidelined. Terry was convinced that convicted lone serial killer David Berkowitz was part of “a highly motivated and well-organized cult group whose various criminal enterprises included the .44 homicide.”
Terry’s 1987 book The Ultimate Evil: An Investigation of America’s Most Dangerous Satanic Cult, is a must read. But it got lost in the Satanic Panic,...
The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness is an impressive entry in the true crime documentary premiere run at Netflix. It focuses on the work of journalist Maury Terry, whose investigation into the Son of Sam case was criminally sidelined. Terry was convinced that convicted lone serial killer David Berkowitz was part of “a highly motivated and well-organized cult group whose various criminal enterprises included the .44 homicide.”
Terry’s 1987 book The Ultimate Evil: An Investigation of America’s Most Dangerous Satanic Cult, is a must read. But it got lost in the Satanic Panic,...
- 5/5/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Based on the works of journalist Maury Terry, Netflix's The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness looks beyond David Berkowitz for the shooting murders that unfolded from 1976 to 1977 in New York City. Per the title, Terry's theory was that there wasn't just one Son of Sam, but multiple. Ultimately, Terry believed that the so-called Sons of Sam could be traced back to a cult called The Children, which was connected to the likes of Scientology and Charles Manson's Family. But how did that connection come about? Here's what you need to know.
While looking into Berkowitz, Terry connected him to John and Michael Carr, brothers who were literally sons to a man named Sam. The journalist strongly believed that these brothers were involved in the Sons of Sam killings and looked further into their past connections. He found that the siblings had been linked to the Church of Scientology in their past.
While looking into Berkowitz, Terry connected him to John and Michael Carr, brothers who were literally sons to a man named Sam. The journalist strongly believed that these brothers were involved in the Sons of Sam killings and looked further into their past connections. He found that the siblings had been linked to the Church of Scientology in their past.
- 5/5/2021
- by Stacey Nguyen
- Popsugar.com
Maury Terry Plays a Huge Part in Netflix's The Sons of Sam, but What Happened to Him After the Case?
From the get-go, it's clear that the focus of Netflix's true-crime docuseries The Sons of Sam is investigative journalist Maury Terry, but just exactly who was Terry? We'd have to first talk about David Berkowitz, the infamous Son of Sam. From 1976 to 1977, a terror was unleashed in New York City when someone who dubbed themselves the Son of Sam started shooting in random places with a .44 caliber gun. The police eventually caught Berkowitz, who immediately confessed to killing six people and injuring seven others that year. However, Terry would make a career out of trying to prove that Berkowitz did not, in fact, act alone and that he was part of a widespread satanic cult linked to Scientology and Charles Manson.
When the Berkowitz case cropped up in 1976, Terry was in his early 30s working as an in-house editor at Ibm in Yorktown. He previously worked as a cub...
When the Berkowitz case cropped up in 1976, Terry was in his early 30s working as an in-house editor at Ibm in Yorktown. He previously worked as a cub...
- 5/4/2021
- by Stacey Nguyen
- Popsugar.com
The new Netflix true-crime docuseries The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness draws heavily from the works of investigative journalist Maury Terry. Terry didn't believe that convicted serial killer David Berkowitz, the notorious "Son of Sam" killer, acted alone, despite the official narrative given to the press. From 1976 to 1977, a shooter - or shooters - injured seven and killed six people in New York City with a .44 caliber gun. The docuseries presents the story through Terry's own words, as he spent his career going down multiple rabbit holes to connect Berkowitz to a widespread satanic cult. But who's the narrator of the story? The documentary's narrator isn't exactly a neutral and omnipresent one. It's Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti as Terry, and he's drawing from an adapted version of Terry's book, The Ultimate Evil, as well as other records.
At the beginning of the docuseries, director Joshua Zeman explains that...
At the beginning of the docuseries, director Joshua Zeman explains that...
- 5/4/2021
- by Stacey Nguyen
- Popsugar.com
Netflix's latest true-crime project takes another look at one of New York City's deadliest murder sprees. The docuseries The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness re-examines the David Berkowitz case that terrorized New York City in the '70s. While Berkowitz was held responsible for the Son of Sam shootings, investigative journalist Maury Terry believed that there was more to this case. So what happened to David Berkowitz after he was caught? Berkowitz did, in fact, talk with Terry on two occasions after he was convicted. Today, he is still serving six consecutive life sentences in prison, where he has taken to the Christian faith.
What Were the Son of Sam Killings?
From 1976 to 1977, terror took over New York City when a mysterious killer started shooting in random places with a .44-caliber revolver. The shooter killed six people and wounded seven others before the NYPD could close in on the case.
What Were the Son of Sam Killings?
From 1976 to 1977, terror took over New York City when a mysterious killer started shooting in random places with a .44-caliber revolver. The shooter killed six people and wounded seven others before the NYPD could close in on the case.
- 5/4/2021
- by Stacey Nguyen
- Popsugar.com
Netflix's new docuseries The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness takes on the infamous case of David Berkowitz, the 24-year-old postal worker from Yonkers, NY, who was convicted for killing six people between 1976 and 1977. The true-crime series focuses primarily on the records and investigations of journalist Maury Terry as he pushed against the single-shooter narrative that the police and media presented. While the NYPD stuck to the story that Berkowitz committed his crimes alone, Terry believed that Berkowitz had other accomplices and was part of a more widespread satanic cult. In interviews, Berkowitz even confirmed some of Terry's theories.
But just who was David Berkowitz, and what were his crimes? Before you delve into The Sons of Sam, here's what you need to know about Berkowitz and his infamous "Son of Sam" case.
Berkowitz's Early Life
Berkowitz was born out of wedlock on June 1, 1953, in Brooklyn and put...
But just who was David Berkowitz, and what were his crimes? Before you delve into The Sons of Sam, here's what you need to know about Berkowitz and his infamous "Son of Sam" case.
Berkowitz's Early Life
Berkowitz was born out of wedlock on June 1, 1953, in Brooklyn and put...
- 5/4/2021
- by Stacey Nguyen
- Popsugar.com
“There’s obviously enough doubt to suggest that it’s worth looking into,” Zeman says
Netflix’s “Sons of Sam: a Descent Into Darkness” docuseries begins streaming May 5, and it tells the story of true crime reporter Maury Terry’s crusade to prove to the world that convicted serial killer David “Son of Sam” Berkowitz didn’t act alone in killing six people in the summer of 1977.
“Sons of Sam” director Joshua Zeman told TheWrap he believes there’s evidence that Berkowitz wasn’t the only killer responsible for the New York City slayings in the summer of 1977.
“There’s a preponderance of evidence to suggest that Berkowitz didn’t act alone,” Zeman said, adding that he knows the names of some potential suspects but is keeping them anonymous.
“I have been told the names of those individuals, some of whom are still alive. So, you know, that remains to be seen…...
Netflix’s “Sons of Sam: a Descent Into Darkness” docuseries begins streaming May 5, and it tells the story of true crime reporter Maury Terry’s crusade to prove to the world that convicted serial killer David “Son of Sam” Berkowitz didn’t act alone in killing six people in the summer of 1977.
“Sons of Sam” director Joshua Zeman told TheWrap he believes there’s evidence that Berkowitz wasn’t the only killer responsible for the New York City slayings in the summer of 1977.
“There’s a preponderance of evidence to suggest that Berkowitz didn’t act alone,” Zeman said, adding that he knows the names of some potential suspects but is keeping them anonymous.
“I have been told the names of those individuals, some of whom are still alive. So, you know, that remains to be seen…...
- 5/3/2021
- by Samson Amore
- The Wrap
Journalist Maury Terry was already neck-deep into trying to prove that David Berkowitz, a.k.a. the Son of Sam, did not act alone in his New York City killing spree when he received a letter from the serial killer in 1981, postmarked Attica Correctional Facility. “I am guilty of these crimes,” Berkowitz wrote, “But I didn’t do it all.”
Berkowitz went on to tell Terry that he was part of a cult, as the journalist had suspected, and that there was more than one Son of Sam, even naming his neighbor John Carr,...
Berkowitz went on to tell Terry that he was part of a cult, as the journalist had suspected, and that there was more than one Son of Sam, even naming his neighbor John Carr,...
- 4/30/2021
- by Brenna Ehrlich
- Rollingstone.com
The Son of Sam was a renowned serial killer who preyed on New York City in the summer of 1976. After a formal confession, he has officially been identified as David Berkowitz. But in the years since his confession, Berkowitz has amended his story. “The Sons of Sam: A Descendant into Darkness” aims to uncover the truth.
Read More: ‘The Crime Of The Century’ Teaser: Alex Gibney Spotlights Big Pharma’s Role In The Opioid Epidemic
After Berkowitz was convicted, “Ultimate Evil” author Maury Terry became convinced the terror wasn’t over.
Continue reading ‘The Sons Of Sam’ Trailer: Netflix’s New True Crime Docuseries Goes Down a Rabbit Hole at The Playlist.
Read More: ‘The Crime Of The Century’ Teaser: Alex Gibney Spotlights Big Pharma’s Role In The Opioid Epidemic
After Berkowitz was convicted, “Ultimate Evil” author Maury Terry became convinced the terror wasn’t over.
Continue reading ‘The Sons Of Sam’ Trailer: Netflix’s New True Crime Docuseries Goes Down a Rabbit Hole at The Playlist.
- 4/8/2021
- by Brynne Ramella
- The Playlist
Netflix’s next documentary will examine one of the nation’s most infamous murderers via the upcoming “The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness” docuseries. The streaming service released the trailer for the four-part series Wednesday.
The docuseries, which consists of four hour-long episodes, will premiere May 5 on Netflix. Here’s Netflix’s synopsis:
The hunt for the “Son of Sam” captivated the world in the late 1970s, but the story behind one of America’s most notorious serial murderers is all but forgotten — until now. While the arrest and conviction of David Berkowitz brought the nightmare to an end for many New Yorkers, for journalist and “Ultimate Evil” author Maury Terry, the real mystery was just beginning. Terry, convinced Berkowitz had not acted alone, would go on to spend decades attempting to prove that the web of darkness behind the murders went deeper than anyone imagined — and his...
The docuseries, which consists of four hour-long episodes, will premiere May 5 on Netflix. Here’s Netflix’s synopsis:
The hunt for the “Son of Sam” captivated the world in the late 1970s, but the story behind one of America’s most notorious serial murderers is all but forgotten — until now. While the arrest and conviction of David Berkowitz brought the nightmare to an end for many New Yorkers, for journalist and “Ultimate Evil” author Maury Terry, the real mystery was just beginning. Terry, convinced Berkowitz had not acted alone, would go on to spend decades attempting to prove that the web of darkness behind the murders went deeper than anyone imagined — and his...
- 4/8/2021
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
What if New York's most prolific serial killer of the 20th century didn't act alone? What if, in fact, his murders were linked to those committed by Charles Manson's infamous cult? That's the theory explored in Netflix's latest docuseries, The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness. Inspired by Maury Terry's exhaustively researched book, The Ultimate Evil: An Investigation into America's Most Dangerous Satanic Cult, the four-part series brings to light evidence that David Berkowitz, aka Son of Sam, didn't actually pull the trigger in some cases - so who did? Even the trailer is eye-opening; did you know the case was closed after Berkowitz's 1977 spree, only to be reopened later?
The series, which comes to Netflix on May 5, looks like a wild (and potentially haunting) ride.
The series, which comes to Netflix on May 5, looks like a wild (and potentially haunting) ride.
- 4/7/2021
- by Maggie Panos
- Popsugar.com
Netflix’s ‘Sons of Sam’ Trailer Considers Terrifying Theory David Berkowitz Didn’t Act Alone (Video)
Netflix’s “Sons of Sam” docuseries explores the theory that David Berkowitz, ak.a. the Son of Sam, did not act alone. So you can imagine how chilling the trailer is.
Or, really, don’t just imagine — watch it via the video above.
Below is Netflix’s description for its four-episode “Sons of Sam” docuseries.
The hunt for the “Son of Sam” captivated the world in the late 1970s, but the story behind one of America’s most notorious serial murderers is all but forgotten — until now. While the arrest and conviction of David Berkowitz brought the nightmare to an end for many New Yorkers, for journalist and “Ultimate Evil” author Maury Terry, the real mystery was just beginning. Terry, convinced Berkowitz had not acted alone, would go on to spend decades attempting to prove that the web of darkness behind the murders went deeper than anyone imagined – and his...
Or, really, don’t just imagine — watch it via the video above.
Below is Netflix’s description for its four-episode “Sons of Sam” docuseries.
The hunt for the “Son of Sam” captivated the world in the late 1970s, but the story behind one of America’s most notorious serial murderers is all but forgotten — until now. While the arrest and conviction of David Berkowitz brought the nightmare to an end for many New Yorkers, for journalist and “Ultimate Evil” author Maury Terry, the real mystery was just beginning. Terry, convinced Berkowitz had not acted alone, would go on to spend decades attempting to prove that the web of darkness behind the murders went deeper than anyone imagined – and his...
- 4/7/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Netflix has released a new trailer for its upcoming docuseries, The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness, which will premiere May 5th.
Directed by Joshua Zeman, the series revisits the infamous string of murders that shook New York City in the late Seventies but also explores the argument that David Berkowitz wasn’t a lone killer. To that end, the series delves into the work of journalist Maury Terry, who became convinced Berkowitz hadn’t acted alone and spent decades trying to prove it.
In an email to Rolling Stone,...
Directed by Joshua Zeman, the series revisits the infamous string of murders that shook New York City in the late Seventies but also explores the argument that David Berkowitz wasn’t a lone killer. To that end, the series delves into the work of journalist Maury Terry, who became convinced Berkowitz hadn’t acted alone and spent decades trying to prove it.
In an email to Rolling Stone,...
- 4/7/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Netflix released a trailer for its upcoming superhero series “Jupiter’s Legacy,” premiering globally on May 7.
The show follows the children of the first generation of superheroes, hungry to prove their worth but struggling to live up to their parents’ legendary public reputations. The cast features Josh Duhamel, Ben Daniels, Leslie Bibb, Elena Kampouris, Andrew Horton, Mike Wade, Matt Lanter and Ian Quinlan. Mark Millar, Frank Quietly, Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, Dan McDermott, Steven S. DeKnight, James Middleton and Sang Kyu Kim executive produce.
Also in today’s TV news roundup, the third season of “Tyler Perry’s Sistas” will premiere June 9 on BET. The one-hour drama will pick up right where the Season 2 finale left off, in the aftermath of Gary (Chido Nwokocha) being shot. The show follows a group of single Black women as they navigate love, careers and friendship in their 30s, with a cast that includes Kj Smith, Mignon,...
The show follows the children of the first generation of superheroes, hungry to prove their worth but struggling to live up to their parents’ legendary public reputations. The cast features Josh Duhamel, Ben Daniels, Leslie Bibb, Elena Kampouris, Andrew Horton, Mike Wade, Matt Lanter and Ian Quinlan. Mark Millar, Frank Quietly, Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, Dan McDermott, Steven S. DeKnight, James Middleton and Sang Kyu Kim executive produce.
Also in today’s TV news roundup, the third season of “Tyler Perry’s Sistas” will premiere June 9 on BET. The one-hour drama will pick up right where the Season 2 finale left off, in the aftermath of Gary (Chido Nwokocha) being shot. The show follows a group of single Black women as they navigate love, careers and friendship in their 30s, with a cast that includes Kj Smith, Mignon,...
- 4/7/2021
- by Haley Bosselman and Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
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