One could find compelling reasons to believe that Hollywood is softening its stance against pro-Trump content by examining the work of Justin Wells and his company, Ashokan Studios.
A former Fox News producer who played a significant role in establishing Tucker Carlson’s brand was dismissed by Fox News in 2023, following the substantial payment made to Dominion Voting Systems in a defamation lawsuit. Now, he is gaining attention due to the release of season 2 of “Art of the Surge,” which offers an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at Donald Trump’s groundbreaking presidential campaign and his astonishing second term’s early months.
As a captivated admirer, I can’t help but express my awe over what Michael C. Wells delivers in “Art of the Surge.” It’s not just any access; it’s extraordinary, intimate access. To put it into perspective, during the daring assassination attempt at the Butler, Pennsylvania rally, Michael and his cinematographer were virtually nose-to-nose with candidate Trump! The proximity we witness in this work is breathtakingly close.
In October 2024, the first season of the show premiered on X and Apple TV, quickly climbing to the number one spot among all series in the Apple TV store due to viral moments like Brian Grazer admitting his vote for Trump. As whispers of a second season with seven episodes, each lasting between 30-40 minutes, began circulating, the big studios and streaming platforms were far from idle. “We held talks with every major streamer,” explains Wells.
The producer had a chat with The Hollywood Reporter to talk about his latest series, the progression of conservative media during another term of President Trump, and Grazer’s response following the disclosure of his political affiliations.
“What specifically does ‘high-quality’ conservative content, which seems to be a key aspect of your new company, represent for you? I’m curious if this implies that the content previously produced was not as effective or well-received.”
It seems that much of the content isn’t up to par in terms of production quality, and it may not appeal to those with more traditional tastes who value high-quality programming. Unlike viewers on the left or progressive audiences who can easily find content on networks like CNN or HBO, conservative audiences often struggle to find well-produced reality or scripted shows that cater to their preferences. For instance, while many people rely on Fox News, MSNBC, or ABC for news, they may have difficulty finding quality programming in the same vein when it comes to non-news content.
As a passionate supporter, I’ve noticed quite a buzz about the strategic decisions made by the Harris campaign, specifically their choice not to appear on certain podcasts. This seems to reflect a significant shift within the conservative media landscape. In this dynamic, where do I aspire to carve out my space? That’s a question I’m constantly pondering.
There’s an abundance of podcast platforms, catering to everyone from Joe Rogan to right-leaning comedians and younger groups like the Elk Boys. Instead of creating regular podcast episodes with interviews, let’s offer more sophisticated content on popular streaming services. This would involve producing TV programs and series for the same audience, offering them a fresh, engaging experience. While you can find documentaries on Netflix that might appeal to Kamala Harris supporters, it’s challenging to discover content that caters to those who voted for Donald Trump.
Were you taken aback that the second season of Art of the Surge made it onto Fox? I’d be happy to discuss some of the talks I had with other firms and broadcasters who showed interest in the series.
We held discussions with all key streamers regarding our program. Each one watched it. Some had follow-up meetings, while others did not. Approximately half of them agreed to meetings, and other parties aside from Fox also presented offers for the programs targeting a more extensive viewership. However, what truly mattered to us was Fox’s provision of full editorial control over our show, which ended up being crucial in our decision-making process.
In creating “Art of the Surge”, we adopted an observational style of filmmaking, reminiscent of a bystander. Which other productions or filmmakers influenced this technique?
For a considerable period, Showtime’s series The Circus was broadcast on television, captivating me immensely, especially during its initial seasons when it maintained a more rugged edge and lacked large production teams. Most of the filming was done by just myself and one cinematographer, accounting for almost all parts of the production. This influenced the show significantly. Politically, we aimed to remain neutral throughout the series. I’ve openly admitted that the show leans towards Trump, but it doesn’t delve into political issues. Instead, it serves as a backdrop in the room, observing and understanding the dynamics between Donald Trump and his team. With Trump having appeared on television more than any other figure at this point, we believed the best way to offer a unique perspective and reveal his true self was to remove ourselves from the narrative and accompany him on his journey, witnessing his interactions firsthand. Our role is not to scrutinize or challenge him, but rather to accompany him and observe as he engages in conversations. It’s not our responsibility to judge him, to support or oppose his statements.
You had an exceptional level of access. Can you describe the steps involved in gaining and maintaining such consistent access?
For quite some time, I’ve been acquainted with the president and many of his close associates. In April of 2024, I organized a meeting with him at Mar-a-Lago. During this meeting, I presented our idea to him and emphasized the need for trust. We couldn’t afford delays or allowing them to scrutinize every bit of footage. He immediately understood our intentions. In my pitch, I referenced “The Circus.” He responded positively, saying, “If you can make it 10 times more impressive than ‘The Circus,’ then I’m on board.
Were there any other conditions? Did he have any suggestions on where he wanted to see it air?
He aimed to share it with a vast number of viewers and attract as much attention as possible, especially before the election. To achieve this, we adopted a strategic approach, particularly for season one. We broadcast it on Tucker Carlson’s network, as it was where people, particularly those interested in politics, were tuning in. Additionally, we made it available on X, Apple TV, and the Google YouTube store. Consequently, our show ranked as the top program on Apple TV for three consecutive weeks. I assured [the President] that we would ensure widespread distribution, and we have fulfilled that promise.
I guess you’ve heard about the documentary being produced by Brett Ratner for Amazon, focusing on Melania Trump as the First Lady. There are rumors that she stands to earn profits from this project. My question is: Does the President receive any compensation from your show in relation to this documentary?
The president received no payment at all from the project, nor did anyone close to him, such as his associates or his campaign team.
Did he ever try to get compensated?
He didn’t engage in anything similar to the Melania project. I’m well-versed with the Melania deal, and when she sealed it, she was a private individual. Brett’s endeavor, however, is of a distinct nature – more theatrical. Although this new topic is equally intriguing, it’s a separate matter entirely. Thus, there was never any discussion about remuneration other than ensuring it would be satisfactory.
In the first season, they showed some mind-blowing moments during the assassination attempt at Butler. Was there anything in season two that even came close to matching that thrill for me as a gamer?
The experience we had with Butler was extraordinary. At the beginning of filming, he was still adjusting to our constant presence and his campaign was just finding its footing. We were positioned only 15 feet away from him on his left side by the stairs as he exited the stage. As one might expect, trust was built during such a significant period. We were the only crew permitted inside the ABC debate hall with Kamala Harris and were the sole non-ABC individuals in the building. We also captured him in his hotel room in Las Vegas while he tweeted on Truth Social live during Kamala Harris’s convention speech. This close proximity continued even when he was at events, making us the only people besides his campaign team to be with him. This relationship persisted through the transition period and into some early days of his administration at the White House. The journey has been captivating, with moments like when he’s in a football box with producer Brian Grazer or being greeted by Maryland Governor Wes Moore who he didn’t want to publicly associate with during the game due to fans. However, behind closed doors, he would react differently, as if seeking Trump’s approval. These intimate moments offer a unique perspective that has never been seen before because Democrats may express dislike for him on camera, but they understand his position and seek his support, behaving differently when unobserved.
Did Brian know that his comments on Trump were being taped at that moment?
In a confined space, brimming with cameras upon my entrance, I found myself in the presence of someone who was publicly under their gaze, yet I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Brian personally. However, with cameras buzzing around that enclosure, it was reported by The New York Times that they reached out to him for a statement. He didn’t refute the claims made about him, and instead provided some additional context, as far as I understand.
Have you heard from Grazer since?
I have not.
Did you share any other similar experiences, perhaps with notable media personalities or Democratic figures, like the one you had with Wes Moore, during your private dealings with Trump?
Were there any other instances where you interacted privately with well-known media figures or Democrats similar to your interaction with Wes Moore, when it comes to dealing with Donald Trump?
In essence, it’s not that I’m particularly allied with those on the left, but there are indeed connections made with individuals who lean towards the right. For instance, he was engaging in discussions with John Thune and the Speaker of the House, concerning the debt ceiling, within the same enclosure that day, without anyone raising any awkward or compromising issues. This portrays genuine interactions rather than the president addressing a crowd from a podium, inviting individuals to express their views on legislation or initiatives he’s proposing.
Has the current era of extreme polarization and Donald Trump’s discourse affected how politicians behave when they believe no one is watching? I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this.
It seems that during President Trump’s first term, there was a noticeable shift compared to previous presidencies. His unconventional style left many on the political left feeling unsettled or even shattered. Interactions between people changed dramatically, as respect for him seemed hard to come by. However, since his second term victory, I have observed and believe that many more individuals are open to engaging in dialogue with him.
What’s your relationship like with Tucker these days? Are you guys still tight?
Following my departure from Fox, I played a crucial role in launching his business for an entire year. Subsequently, I decided to embark on a solo venture, which I successfully accomplished. We frequently converse and occasionally exchange advice. Currently, he’s immersed in the podcast realm and selling nicotine pouches while making significant strides, but my focus lies in delivering more conservative, welcoming content to major platforms.
What other formats are you exploring for your company?
We’re engaging with numerous figures within Hollywood, and surprisingly, many of them don’t align strictly with liberal or ‘woke’ ideologies. While the political leanings of many involved in our production often gravitate towards Trump, they remain unacknowledged in the show’s credits due to fear of being blacklisted in Hollywood. However, we’ve successfully tapped into a wealth of talent from this demographic.
As we aim to progress and innovate with this series, we’re exploring possibilities for spin-offs or additional content. Furthermore, we’re holding discussions with multiple producers and other distributors about venturing into the scripted space. This includes limited run series and full-length features. Although our decisions aren’t finalized yet, there have been preliminary talks about both possibilities.
In other words, isn’t it true that the adage ‘politics follows culture’ implies that Democrats have historically had an edge in comprehending and utilizing culture effectively for their benefit? Has this remained consistent over time?
It feels like roles have reversed between Republicans and Democrats these days, especially when it comes to embracing modern technology and connecting with younger generations. Back in 2008, when Obama won, there was a big focus on how he mastered social media, particularly Facebook and reaching out to the youth.
Fast forward to the recent election, and it seems like the Republicans and Trump have taken over as the “cool” party. They’ve been leveraging platforms like podcasts with hosts like Theo Von, Joe Rogan, and the Elk Boys, while Democrats still seem to be playing catch-up from 2008. For instance, Kamala Harris was trying to get Beyonce to perform at some event for her, whereas Trump was out there making waves on those platforms.
In just a few years, it seems like the GOP has become the party that’s in tune with today’s trends, and this shift took many by surprise.
Drill down a little deeper on that. How were the Republicans able to do that?
In the room, there were individuals who proposed unique strategies for tackling the situation, and it seemed to me that Trump’s campaign, in particular, was open to experimenting with new approaches. He had run for president twice before and was determined to secure victory this time. There was a readiness, almost a dare I say, a spirit of “why not?”. If someone suggested talking to a certain person or allowing a documentary crew to shadow him for half a year, despite the potential discomfort, he was game. On the other hand, it appeared that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were surrounded by advisors who planned their moves in a more structured way, taking scheduled breaks like George Stephanopoulos one week and then another off. They seemed less adaptable to changing circumstances, and I’m not certain they’ve learned from their past errors.
Are there any actions taken by the Trump Administration that leave you uneasy or with which you disagree?
To be clear, politics isn’t a topic I discuss frequently. I wouldn’t label myself as very political in public. Yet, I can’t find any actions of the current administration during their initial months that differ from their campaign promises. Some might be taken aback by certain bills passed or executive orders, but I attended over 200 events where I heard all the speeches and witnessed the decision-making process behind them. Everything that has been implemented this year aligns with what they promised to the American people, and I wholeheartedly believe in this consistency.
What about the administration’s approach to gay rights and the various rollbacks?
It so happens that I’m gay. I’ve been married to my spouse for twelve years, yet nothing anyone has done has caused me the slightest concern. In fact, I am aware that the president has several close friends who are also gay. There are quite a few individuals in his team who identify as LGBTQ+, and I’ve never witnessed any signs of hostility. I acknowledge that certain statements made publicly may stir up controversy for some communities, but they do not trouble me in the least.
This tale was previously published in the June 18 edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To stay updated, consider subscribing here.
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2025-06-18 18:25