Mike Fleming

EXCLUSIVE: Get Low helmer Aaron Schneider has been set to direct The Conscientious Objector for Walden Media. The film tells the true story of Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector in American history to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. Doss served in WWII, joining the army as a medic. He was ostracized by his fellow soldiers because of his refusal to kill or even carry a gun. He proved his courage, saving 75 men at the Battle of Okinawa. Script was written by Robert Schenkkan, who wrote the Pulitzer-winning play The Kentucky Cycles and whose script credits include The Pacific and The Quiet American. The film is a co-production between Pandemonium and Permut Presentations, and is being produced by Bill Mechanic, David Permut and Terry Benedict (who directed the 2004 documentary bearing the same title). Steve Longi is co-producer.

Schneider, the veteran cinematographer who won the Oscar for his short film Two Soldiers, made his feature debut on Get Low, and he has been very picky about choosing a followup. The Conscientious Objector is the first thing he said yes to direct. He’s repped by CAA and Anonymous Content.