Author: EPIXAdmin

EPIX ORDERS SECOND SEASONS OF HIT ORIGINAL SERIES ‘BERLIN STATION’ AND ‘GRAVES’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

EPIX ORDERS SECOND SEASONS OF HIT ORIGINAL SERIES ‘BERLIN STATION’ AND ‘GRAVES’

From Paramount TV and Anonymous Content, Berlin Station Stars Richard Armitage, Richard Jenkins, Rhys Ifans, Michelle Forbes,Leland Orser and Tamlyn Tomita and is Filmed in Berlin. From Lionsgate, Graves Stars Nick Nolte, Sela Ward, Skylar Astin, Heléne Yorke, Chris Lowell and Callie Hernandez

New York, NY – November 17, 2016 – Premium TV network EPIX® announced today the renewal of its first two original scripted series with a second season, 10-episode order for one-hour drama series “Berlin Station” and half-hour dramedy “Graves.” Both series premiered Sunday, October 16 at 9pm and 10pm ET/PT, respectively, supported by an extensive national marketing and promotional campaign. The sixth episode for each series premieres this Sunday, November 20, and the season finales are on Sunday, December 18 on EPIX. Production on each is slated for early spring 2017. EPIX also recently announced the start of production on its third original series “Get Shorty,” starring Ray Romano and Chris O’Dowd, from MGM Television.

“We’re incredibly proud of the work our creators, executive producers, cast and crew did on the first seasons of ‘Berlin Station’ and ‘Graves.’ These ambitious series represent the level of prestigious, cinematic and authentic storytelling we are committed to offering our subscribers,” said EPIX President and CEO Mark S. Greenberg. “Both series are particularly timely and relevant and quickly found their place in the competitive TV landscape. We couldn’t be more excited to continue to tell these unique and compelling stories.”

The one-hour, critically acclaimed, contemporary spy drama “Berlin Station” takes a look at the activity of a CIA office on a global stage in the midst of an investigation into a now-famous whistleblower.  The series follows Daniel Miller (Richard Armitage, “Hannibal”), a new arrival at Berlin’s CIA station who is on a clandestine mission to uncover the source of the Thomas Shaw leaks. Richard Jenkins (“Olive Kitteridge”) stars as Steven Frost, the head of the station, who carries the burden of his own secrets;  Michelle Forbes (“The Killing”) stars as Valerie Edwards the no-nonsense Internal Branch Chief; Rhys Ifans (Snowden) stars as Hector DeJean, a dark, charming and tenacious case officer and old friend of Daniel; Leland Orser (“Ray Donovan”) stars as Robert Kirsch, a devoted and successful deputy chief; and Tamlyn Tomita (“Resurrection”) stars as Sandra Abe, the assistant to Frost and a quiet presence lording over the efficient operation of the station. 

“EPIX is a great home for Berlin Station and on behalf of the entire team, we are excited to bring another season to life,” said Amy Powell, President, Paramount TV. “Audiences have found, and continue to discover, this smart series and should expect even more from our stellar creative team in season two.”

The half-hour, critically acclaimed, original dramedy “Graves” follows former two-term Republican President Richard Graves (Nick Nolte, A Walk In The Woods) as he embarks on a Don Quixote-like quest to right the wrongs of his administration and reclaim his legacy 25 years after leaving the White House. His enlightenment takes place as his wife Margaret (Sela Ward, Gone Girl), decides to pursue her own political ambitions. The series also stars Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect) as over-eager assistant to President Graves, Isaiah Miller; Heléne Yorke (“Masters of Sex”) as first daughter Olivia who moves back home when her life spirals out of control; Chris Lowell (The Help) as Jeremy, the underachieving first son who returns home from war in Afghanistan; and Callie Hernandez (Alien: Covenant) as Samantha, the free-spirited waitress who becomes the President’s muse. 

“With the country focused on electing a new President, we’re excited to see that viewers haven’t lost their sense of humor and have embraced Graves’ fictional, funny and very human past president, as brought vibrantly to life by Nick Nolte and creator Joshua Michael Stern,” said Kevin Beggs, Chairman of the Lionsgate Television Group. “We are thrilled to extend our partnership for a second season, and look forward to the new places Josh will take this memorable former First Family next year.”

Produced by Paramount TV and Anonymous Content, “Berlin Station” is created by New York Times best-selling author Olen Steinhauer (The Tourist, All The Old Knives, The Cairo Affair) who also serves as executive producer. Bradford Winters (“The Americans,” “Boss,” “Oz”) is the showrunner and an executive producer. Academy Award® winner Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, “House of Cards”) and Steve Golin, Kerry Kohansky-Roberts, Keith Redmon and Luke Rivett from Anonymous Content (Spotlight, The Revenant, “Mr. Robot,” “True Detective”) and Michaël Roskam (Bullhead, The Drop) also serve as executive producers. 

From Lionsgate, “Graves” was created by Joshua Michael Stern (Swing Vote, Jobs) who also serves as showrunner and Academy Award® winner Greg Shapiro (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty) is the executive producer.  Executive Producers on the first season include Keith Eisner and Eric Weinberg, with David Iserson as Supervising Producer and Bill Hill, Lisa Parsons and Abby Genwanter as producers. The series was filmed in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

 About EPIX

EPIX is a premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, comedy and music specials – all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX) and Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX).

About Paramount Television

Paramount Television develops and finances a wide range of creative television programming across all media platforms. Its robust slate of programming with top distributors includes the 5 Emmy® Award winning live musical event GREASE: LIVE (FOX), which holds the record-breaking telecast title with more than 17MM viewers worldwide and is ranked as the No. 1 most social live musical event ever, the Emmy® nominated Nickelodeon hit SCHOOL OF ROCK, Tom Clancy’s JACK RYAN (Amazon), THIRTEEN REASONS WHY (Netflix), MANIAC (Netflix), SHOOTER (USA), BERLIN STATION (EPIX), THE ALIENIST (TNT), FATAL ATTRACTION (FOX), GALAXY QUEST (Amazon), VARSITY BLUES (CMT) and THE WARRIORS (Hulu). Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE) has developed series such as BAJILLION DOLLAR PROPERTIE$ (NBCUniversal’s Seeso), HOTWIVES OF ORLANDO and HOTWIVES OF LAS VEGAS (HULU), RESIDENT ADVISORS (HULU), BEEF (Fullscreen) and the one hour special, CRASH TEST (Comedy Central and Vimeo). Paramount Television and Paramount Digital Entertainment are part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a subsidiary of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a global content company with premier television, film and digital entertainment brands.

 About Anonymous Content

Founded in 1999 by Managing Partner Steve Golin, Anonymous Content is a leading management and Film, TV and Commercial production company. Anonymous Content manages the careers of many of the world’s most renowned and innovative directors, writers, actors and comedians, working closely with them to achieve their goals by both creating and finding roles for them, whether in feature films, television, commercials, music videos or brand integrated content. Anonymous Content’s clients have been recognized with Academy Awards®, Emmys®, Golden Globes®, Tony Awards®, Pulitzer Prizes® and other prestigious awards. The company’s award-winning Film & TV division boasts many commercially successful and critically-acclaimed works, including Oscar Best Picture Winner SPOTLIGHT, starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, and Rachel McAdams, and Oscar Nominee for Best Picture THE REVENANT, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy. Past projects include BABEL, WINTER’S BONE, BEING JOHN MALKOVICH, ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, and 50 FIRST DATES. The company’s TV slate includes the Golden Globe winner for Best TV Series (Drama) “Mr. Robot” (USA Network), “True Detective” (HBO), “The Knick” (Cinemax), and “Schitt’s Creek” (POP), as well as upcoming titles “Quarry” (CINEMAX), “The Alienist” (TNT), and “Berlin Station” (EPIX).  Through its Commercial work, Anonymous Content is also the driving creative force behind countless top brands, including Prada, Nike and Coke. For more information, visit www.anonymouscontent.com. 

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate is a premier next generation global content leader with a diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, international distribution and sales, branded channel platforms, interactive ventures and games, and location-based entertainment.  The Company has nearly 80 television shows on 40 different networks spanning its primetime production, distribution and syndication businesses.  These include the ground-breaking hit series Orange is the New Black, the fan favorite drama series Nashville, the syndication success The Wendy Williams Show, the hit drama series The Royals, the Golden Globe-nominated dramedy Casual and the breakout success Greenleaf.

The Company’s feature film business spans eight labels and includes the blockbuster Hunger Games franchise, the Now You See Me and John Wick series, Tyler Perry’s Boo! A Madea Halloween, the critically-acclaimed Hacksaw Ridge, Nerve, CBS Films/Lionsgate’s Hell or High Water, Sicario, Roadside Attractions’ Love & Mercy and Mr. Holmes, Codeblack Films’ Addicted and breakout concert film Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain and Pantelion Films’ Instructions Not Included, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S.

Lionsgate’s home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rates.  Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 16,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as a foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate and Summit brands remain synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world. www.lionsgate.com

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Media Contacts:

For EPIX:

Marlea Willis / MWillis@epix.com / 212.846.6748         

Emily Spitale / Emily@emilyspitale.com / 347.281.0843  

For Paramount Television:

Jessica Rovins / Jessica_Rovins@paramount.com / 323.956.8265

For Lionsgate:

David Gardner / dgardner@lippingroup.com / 323.956.1990

 For MGM Television:

Kristin Cotich / kcotich@mgm.com / 310.449.3606

MARK GREENBERG RENEWS AGREEMENT TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF EPIX

 

MARK GREENBERG RENEWS AGREEMENT TO SERVE AS

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF EPIX

Greenberg, the driving force behind the creation of EPIX, will continue his leadership of the network with a focus on growth, innovation and expanding its slate of original series, documentaries and films

NEW YORK, NY (November 4, 2016) – Premium entertainment network EPIX today announced that Mark Greenberg has renewed his agreement to serve as President and CEO. Mr. Greenberg, who created the business plan and strategy that launched EPIX as the first premium network designed for linear TV, on demand and online viewing in October 2009, has led the network to profitability since its first year of existence and established it as the fastest growing premium entertainment service for the last five years, according to SNL Kagan.

“Mark has done a tremendous job with EPIX over the last seven years. This renewal is a testament to his leadership and I look forward to working with him to bring EPIX to new heights in the years ahead,” said Gary Barber, Chairman and CEO of MGM.

“Over the past seven years, I’ve made it my mission to lead our team of talented executives on a remarkable journey to build a new premium entertainment service that brought the content that consumers want to the devices and screens where they want to watch it,” said Greenberg. “EPIX has seen tremendous success in advancing and evolving to meet consumer needs. I am proud of our accomplishments and excited to continue leading our voyage as President and CEO.”

A pioneer in TV Everywhere, Mark designed EPIX as an early cross platform network and oversaw its rapid expansion across all new consumer devices including first to launch on Xbox, PlayStation and Roku.

“Mark is a good friend and a great partner, and we are fortunate to have his steady hand and clear vision continuing to guide EPIX’s growth,” said Lionsgate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer. “He is a digitally-savvy executive who anticipated where consumer behavior was headed, and the network reflects his entrepreneurial and forward-looking thinking.”

Building on the base of studio partners’ first-run movie franchises including The Hunger Games, Mission Impossible, Star Trek and James Bond, Greenberg has championed award winning topical documentaries, original music and comedy specials. In October, Mark ushered in a new chapter for EPIX with the premiere of the network’s first original scripted series which debuted to strong critical reviews: Graves, a half-hour political satire produced with Lionsgate TV, and Berlin Station, a contemporary spy-thriller from Paramount TV and Anonymous Content. A third original series, Get Shorty, based on Elmore Leonard’s cult classic where organized crime and Hollywood collide, begins production November 8 in partnership with MGM.

“Mark has consistently focused on presenting top quality programming and cultivating a brand that is respected and valued for its great movies, great series and documentaries.  We are pleased to work with him and excited to do more together in the future,” said Paramount Pictures Chairman and CEO, Brad Grey.

 

About EPIX

EPIX is a premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, comedy and music specials – all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX has pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD ( http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).

 

Media Contacts:

 

EPIX                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Michelle Hinchey

mhinchey@epix.com

212.846.5147

                 

EPIX ORIGINAL DARK COMEDY SERIES “GET SHORTY,” INSPIRED BY ELMORE LEONARD’S BEST-SELLING CLASSIC NOVEL, FROM MGM TELEVISION TO START PRODUCTION

 

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EPIX ORIGINAL DARK COMEDY SERIES “GET SHORTY,” INSPIRED BY ELMORE LEONARD’S

BEST-SELLING CLASSIC NOVEL, FROM MGM TELEVISION TO START PRODUCTION

 

SERIES STARS CHRIS O’DOWD AND RAY ROMANO JOINED BY SERIES REGULARS

SEAN BRIDGERS, LIDIA PORTO, MEGAN STEVENSON, GOYA ROBLES, LUCY WALTERS, CAROLYN DODD

 

NEW YORK – November 1, 2016 – Premium cable network EPIX® announced today that production will begin on the original series Get Shorty, produced by MGM Television, on November 8, 2016 with shooting to take place in Los Angeles, CA and Albuquerque, NM. Screen Actors Guild Award® and BAFTA TV Award nominee Chris O’Dowd (“Girls,” St. Vincent, Bridesmaids) and multiple Emmy® winner Ray Romano (“Vinyl,” “Parenthood,”“Everybody Loves Raymond”) are set to star in the 10-episode one hour straight-to-series dark comedy inspired by Elmore Leonard’s 1990 New York Times best-selling classic novel of the same name. Joining Romano and O’Dowd will be series regulars: Screen Actors Guild Award® nominee Sean Bridgers (“Rectify,” Room); Lidia Porto (Horrible Bosses 2); Megan Stevenson (“Review”); Goya Robles (11:55); Lucy Walters (“Power”); Carolyn Dodd (The Adventures of Catty Wompus).

O’Dowd is set to play “Miles,” a hitman from Nevada who tries to become a movie producer in Hollywood as a means to leave his criminal past behind.  Romano is set for the role of “Rick,” a washed up producer of low quality films who becomes Miles’ partner and guide through the maze of Hollywood.  Bridgers will play Miles’ partner within the organization, “Louis.” Porto will portray “Amara,” the godmother of a Nevada crime ring. Stevenson is set for the role of “April,” an attractive and ambitious studio executive. Robles will portray “Yago,” Amara’s dangerous nephew. Walters will play “Katie,” Miles’ wife from whom he is separated. Dodd will play Miles and Katie’s 12-year-old daughter “Emma.”

Created and executive produced by Davey Holmes (“Shameless,” “In Treatment,” “Damages”), Get Shorty will be co-executive produced by Adam Arkin (“The Americans,” “Billions”), who will also direct three episodes, and Emmy nominee Allen Coulter (“The Sopranos,” “Damages”), who will direct and also executive produce the first episode. The series is produced by MGM Television with MGM serving as lead studio and the international distributor.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to partner with MGM on Elmore Leonard’s timeless classic, which will be re-envisioned by Davey Holmes and directed by Allen Coulter,” said Mark S. Greenberg, President and CEO, EPIX. “Ray and Chris are a dynamic team and with a strong supporting cast, we are anticipating that “Get Shorty” will be another example of the type of high-end, premium TV that EPIX is committed to delivering to its audience.”

Steve Stark, President, MGM’s Television Production & Development, added “The marriage of Elmore Leonard’s classic work with Davey Holmes’s twisted comedic voice flips the classic Hollywood story on it’s head. Davey has created sharply-witted stories and characters that our audience is going to love.”

“Elmore Leonard’s work was formative for me, and the world of ‘Get Shorty’ felt ready for a reinvention, while staying true to the creative spirit of the book,” said Davey Holmes. “Leonard had a fantastic ability to illuminate thuggish characters and find not only menace, but also comedy that springs from their humanity.  It’s a story about murderous tough guys with wistful dreams and fragile egos.”

Over the past few years O’Dowd has carved out a hugely successful movie career. He can currently be seen in Tim Burton’s Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Christopher Guest’s Mascots. O’Dowd’s other movie credits include Stephen Frears’ The Program; John Michael McDonagh’s Calvary opposite Brendan Gleeson; Wayne Blair’s The Sapphires; Judd Apatow’s This is 40 opposite Paul Rudd; Jennifer Westfeldt’s Friends with Kids alongside Jon Hamm and Kristen Wiig; Paul Feig’s Bridesmaids, also opposite Kristin Wiig; Jay Roache’s Dinner for Schmucks opposite Paul Rudd and Steve Carrell; Rob Letterman’s Gulliver’s Travels with Jack Black and Emily Blunt; Richard Curtis’ Pirate Radio opposite Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Gareth Carrivick’s Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel opposite Anna Faris. He also lent his voice to Chris Wedge’s animated blockbuster Epic alongside Beyonce, Amanda Seyfried and Jason Sudeikis. His TV credits include “The IT Crowd,” “Moone Boy” and “Family Tree.”

O’Dowd is repped by WME Entertainment, 3 Arts Entertainment and Gordon and French.

From 1996 to 2006, Romano starred in “Everybody Loves Raymond,” one of the most respected sitcoms in television history, and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in 2002. As one of the show’s executive producers, he also received Emmy Awards in 2003 and 2005 for “Outstanding Comedy Series,” and shared a 2003 Screen Actors Guild Award® with the show’s cast. Romano’s other TV credits include “Vinyl,” “Parenthood” and “Men of a Certain Age.” He also stars in The Big Sick, produced by Judd Apatow and written by and starring Kumail Nanjiani. Other film credits include the voice of Manny the wooly mammoth in 20th Century Fox’s animated hit, Ice Age, and the four sequels, including Ice Age: Collision Course. He also appeared in Welcome To Mooseport, Rob the Mob and the documentary 95 Miles To Go. In 1998, he wrote the New York Times best-seller, Everything And A Kite, and with his brothers penned the children’s book Raymie, Dickie, and The Bean: Why I Love and Hate My Brothers. In 2002, Romano’s comedy album, Live at Carnegie Hall, was nominated for a Grammy.

Romano is repped by ICM Partners, The Conversation Company, and lawyer Jon Moonves.

Arkin is repped by ESA, Gersh and Principal Entertainment.

Get Shorty is the third EPIX original scripted series on the network’s slate.  EPIX recently premiered the original series Berlin Station and Graves on Sunday, October 16 at 9/8C and 10/9C, respectively.  Berlin Station is a contemporary, fast-paced spy thriller that looks at Berlin’s CIA office in the midst of an investigation into a now-infamous whistleblower. Graves tells the story of President Richard Graves, a former two-term POTUS as he embarks on a Don Quixote-like quest to right the wrongs of his administration and reclaim his legacy 25 years after leaving the White House.

 

# # #

Media Contacts:

For EPIX:

Marlea Willis / MWillis@epix.com / 212.846.6748

Emily Spitale / emily@emilyspitale.com / 347.281.0843

 

THE LIPPIN GROUP:

Pam Golum / pgolum@lippingroup.com / 323.965.1990

 

For MGM

Kristin Cotich / kcotich@mgm.com / 310.449.3606

 

About EPIX

EPIX is a premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, comedy and music specials – all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all of its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).

 

About MGM Television

MGM Television is a leading producer and global distributor of premium content for television and digital platforms, with distribution rights to original productions and a robust catalog of television episodes and feature film titles including such premiere entertainment franchises as James Bond, Rocky, Stargate and “The Hobbit” trilogy.  Current scripted and unscripted multi-platform projects on air or in production include: “Fargo” (FX); “Vikings” (HISTORY); “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu);  “Get Shorty” (EPIX); “The Voice” (NBC); “Survivor” (CBS); “Shark Tank” (ABC); “Beyond the Tank” (ABC); “Celebrity Apprentice”(NBC); The People’s Choice Awards” (CBS); Steve Harvey’s Funderdome” (ABC); and “Lucha Underground” (The El Rey Network).  Through its finance and distribution entity, Orion TV Productions, the syndicated courtroom series “Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court” is currently airing its fourth season. MGM’s television programming regularly airs in more than 70 countries worldwide.  For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

 

EPIX DEMONSTRATES ITS COMMITMENT TO PREMIUM STAND UP COMEDY WITH THE PREMIERES OF ‘WHAT HAPPENED… MS. SYKES?’ AND ‘TOM PAPA: HUMAN MULE’

EPIX DEMONSTRATES ITS COMMITMENT TO PREMIUM STAND UP COMEDY WITH THE PREMIERES OF

‘WHAT HAPPENED… MS. SYKES?‘ AND ‘TOM PAPA: HUMAN MULE‘

‘What Happened…Ms. Sykes?’ to Premiere Friday, October 21 at 10pm ET/PT, 9pm CT

‘Tom Papa: Human Mule’ to Premiere Friday, December 9 at 8pm ET/PT, 7pm CT

LOS ANGELES, CA  – July 30, 2016 – Premium TV network EPIX®, while conducting its first Television Critics Tour (TCA) presentation, reinforced its long-standing commitment to premium stand up comedy with upcoming specials from Wanda Sykes and Tom Papa. What Happened…Ms. Sykes? – Sykes’ first stand-up performance for the network – makes its World Television Premiere on EPIX on Friday, October 21 at 10pm ET/PT, 9pm CT. Tom Papa: Human Mule – Papa’s second stand-up performance for the network – will make its World Television Premiere on EPIX on Friday, December 9 at 8pm ET/PT, 7pm CT.

What Happened…Ms. Sykes? was filmed in May 2016 at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. The special will focus on Wanda’s life, family, race and politics as she questions, “How Did I Get Here?”

Tom Papa: Human Mule was filmed in July 2016 at the Hanna Theater at the Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio. Papa returned to one of his favorite cities to showcase a hilarious fresh take on some themes he is best known for including family life, the difficulties of being a person, and the challenges of life in our country today.

Join the conversation on Twitter with #WhatHappened for What Happened…Ms. Sykes? And with #HumanMule for Tom Papa: Human Mule.

What Happened…Ms. Sykes? is an EPIX Original Comedy Event produced by Push It Productions’ Page Hurwitz and Wanda Sykes, and directed by Liz Patrick. Ross Bernard is the executive producer for EPIX, Valerie Bishop is the producer for EPIX and Rachèle “Rocky” Benloulou-Dubin is the consulting producer for EPIX.

Tom Papa: Human Mule is an EPIX Original Comedy Event produced by Comedy Dynamics, directed by Jay Chapman and written and performed by Tom Papa. Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, Tom Papa, Dave Becky, and Josh Lieberman are the executive producers. Ross Bernard is the executive producer for EPIX and Valerie Bishop Pearson is the producer for EPIX.

For photos and more information about EPIX programming visit: http://press.epixhd.com.

EPIX has long been recognized for its all-star roster of stand-up specials. Previous featured headliners have included: Russell Brand, Craig Ferguson, Michael Ian Black, Marc Maron, Lewis Black, Patton Oswalt, Louis C.K., Jenny McCarthy, Dennis Miller, Sherri Shepherd, Eddie Izzard, Jim Norton, Lisa Lampanelli, Jim Breuer and Jim Jefferies. EPIX’s commitment to the craft of comedy also includes the EPIX Original Documentary “The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall,” a revealing special that brings together the biggest names in comedy to tell the inside story of America’s first comedy club.

 

Media Contacts:

EPIX

Marlea Willis – mwillis@epix.com / 212.846.6748

Emily Spitale – emily@emilyspitale.com / 347.281.0843

 

THE LIPPIN GROUP

Katie Fuchs – kfuchs@lippingroup.com/ 212.986.7080

Elina Adut – eadut@lippingroup.com / 323.965.1990

 

About EPIX

EPIX is a premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, comedy and music specials – all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).

 

 

ALLEN COULTER TO DIRECT FIRST EPISODE OF THE EPIX ORIGINAL SERIES ‘GET SHORTY’ A DARK COMEDY PRODUCED BY MGM TELEVISION AND SLATED TO START PRODUCTION FALL 2016

Coulter

 

ALLEN COULTER TO DIRECT FIRST EPISODE OF THE EPIX ORIGINAL SERIES ‘GET SHORTY’

A DARK COMEDY PRODUCED BY MGM TELEVISION AND SLATED TO START PRODUCTION FALL 2016

LOS ANGELES, CA – July 30, 2016 – Premium TV network EPIX® announced today that Emmy® nominee Allen Coulter (“The Sopranos,” “Damages”) has signed on to direct the first episode of the network’s original dark comedy series Get Shorty, a one hour drama series produced by MGM Television. Created and executive produced by Davey Holmes (“Shameless,” “In Treatment,” “Damages”), Get Shorty is a reimagining of Elmore Leonard’s eponymous 1990 New York Times best-selling novel of the same name. Production on the series is anticipated to begin this fall for a summer 2017 premiere.

A seven-time Emmy nominee, Allen Coulter has directed the pilot episodes of a variety of high-profile television series including “Damages,” “Nurse Jackie,” and “Ray Donovan.”

“Allen is one of the most talented and sought after directors in TV today and we’re proud to have him on board to set the tone for Get Shorty,” said Mark S. Greenberg, President and CEO, EPIX. “He has directed some of the most iconic television shows of the last 15 years, and along with Davey, we could not have found more appropriate and dynamic filmmakers to explore and expand upon the dark comedy elements from Elmore Leonard’s original novel.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with such a brilliant and accomplished director,” said Steve Stark, President, Television Development and Production, MGM. “With Allen launching the series and Davey’s creative genius, we can’t wait to share this twisted and immersive story with audiences worldwide.”

In Get Shorty, Miles Daly works as muscle for a murderous crime ring in Nevada. For the sake of his daughter, he attempts to change professions and become a movie producer, laundering money through a Hollywood film. But instead of leaving the criminal world behind, he accidentally brings it with him to Los Angeles.

 

Media Contacts:

For EPIX:

Marlea Willis / MWillis@epix.com / 212.846.6748

Emily Spitale / emily@emilyspitale.com / 347.281.0843

 

THE LIPPIN GROUP:

Don Ciaramella / don@lippingroup.com / 212.986.7080

Jennifer Price Keith / jprice@lippingroup.com / 323.965.1990

Elina Adut / eadut@lippingroup.com / 323.965.1990

 

KATHIE BERLIN PR:

Kathie Berlin – kberlinnyc@aol.com / 917.459.1998

 

For MGM:

Kinley Cross / kcross@mgm.com / 310.449.3741

 

About EPIX

EPIX is a premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, comedy and music specials – all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).

About MGM Television

MGM Television is a leading producer and global distributor of premium content for television and digital platforms, with distribution rights to original productions and a robust catalog of television episodes and feature film titles including such premiere entertainment franchises as James Bond, Rocky, Stargate and “The Hobbit” trilogy.  Current scripted and unscripted multi-platform projects include “Fargo” (FX); “Vikings” (HISTORY);  “The Voice” (NBC); “Survivor” (CBS); “Shark Tank” (ABC); “Beyond the Tank” (ABC);”Celebrity Apprentice”(NBC); “Teen Wolf” (MTV); “500 Questions” (ABC); “The People’s Choice Awards” (CBS); “America’s Greatest Makers” (INTEL/Turner), “Coupled” (FOX) and “Lucha Underground” (The El Rey Network).  Through its finance and distribution entity, Orion TV Productions, the syndicated courtroom series “Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court” is currently filming its fourth season. MGM’s television programming regularly airs in more than 70 countries worldwide.  For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

EPIX UNVEILS PREMIERE DATES FOR ITS FIRST SLATE OF ORIGINAL SCRIPTED SERIES: ‘BERLIN STATION’ AND ‘GRAVES’ TO DEBUT BACK-TO-BACK ON OCTOBER 16, 2016

EPIX UNVEILS PREMIERE DATES FOR ITS FIRST SLATE OF ORIGINAL SCRIPTED SERIES:

‘BERLIN STATION’ AND ‘GRAVES’ TO DEBUT BACK-TO-BACK ON OCTOBER 16, 2016

Network will also Bow the Limited Docu-Series ‘AMERICA DIVIDED’ on September 30, 2016

LOS ANGELES, CA  – July 30, 2016 – Premium TV network EPIX®, while conducting its first Television Critics Association Tour (TCA) presentation, today announced the premiere dates for its inaugural slate of EPIX Original scripted series. Berlin Station and Graves will make their World Television Premieres on Sunday, October 16. Berlin Station will premiere at 9pm ET/PT, 8C and Graves will premiere at 10pm ET/PT, 9C. EPIX also announced Friday, September 30 at 9pm ET/PT, 8C as the World Television Premiere date for its latest docu-series America Divided.

“We are proud to unveil our first original scripted series slate with Berlin Station and Graves. This marks a significant evolutionary step for EPIX,” said Mark S. Greenberg, President and CEO, EPIX. “These series capitalize on what the EPIX audience expects, with incredible creative auspices behind them, high-end cinematic production values and distinct stories that come to life on screen through powerful performances by our talented ensemble casts. In addition, our new docu-series America Divided sheds light on some of the most salient and timely topics being debated today through the lens of prolific executive producers and our high-profile and dynamic correspondents.”

The EPIX Original series Berlin Station, a 10-episode one-hour contemporary spy drama, follows Daniel Miller (Richard Armitage) who has just arrived at the CIA station in Berlin, Germany. Daniel has a clandestine mission: to determine the identity of a now-famous whistleblower masquerading as “Thomas Shaw.” Guided by jaded veteran Hector DeJean (Rhys Ifans), Daniel learns to contend with the rough-and-tumble world of the field officer — agent-running, deception, danger and moral compromises. As he dives deeper into the German capital’s hall of mirrors and uncovers the threads of a conspiracy that leads back to Washington, Daniel wonders: Can anyone ever be the same after a posting to Berlin? The ensemble cast also features Richard Jenkins, Michelle Forbes, Leland Orser, Tamlyn Tomita and Mina Tander. Produced by Paramount TV and Anonymous Content, the series creator/executive producer is New York Times bestselling author Olen Steinhauer (The Tourist, All The Old Knives). Bradford Winters (“Dig,” “The Americans,” “Boss,” “Oz”) is the showrunner and an executive producer. Other executive producers for the series include Academy Award® winner Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Insider, Munich, “House of Cards”) and Steve Golin, Kerry Kohansky-Roberts, Keith Redmon and Luke Rivett from Anonymous Content (“True Detective,” “The Knick,” “Mr. Robot”), and Michaël Roskam (Bullhead, The Drop). Join the conversation about Berlin Station on Twitter with #BerlinStation.

The EPIX Original series Graves, a single-camera, 10-episode half-hour dramedy, tells the story of President Richard Graves (Nick Nolte), a former two-term POTUS as he embarks on a Don Quixote-like quest to right the wrongs of his administration and reclaim his legacy 25 years after leaving the White House. With topics ranging from immigration to gay rights, foreign policy and public funding for arts and sciences, Graves holds nothing sacred as he unspools some of his administration’s proudest victories. His enlightenment takes place just as his wife Margaret Graves (Sela Ward) decides it’s finally time for her to pursue her own political ambitions. The cast also includes: Skylar Astin, Heléne Yorke, Chris Lowell, Callie Hernandez, Nia Vardalos, Ernie Hudson, Roger Bart and Angélica Maria. Produced by Lionsgate Television, Joshua Michael Stern (Swing Vote, Jobs) is the creator/showrunner, Academy Award® winner Greg Shapiro (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty) is the executive producer and Bill Hill (“Veep,” “Eastbound & Down”) is a producer. Serving as executive producers along with Stern and Shapiro are Keith Eisner (“The Good Wife”) and Eric Weinberg (“Scrubs”). The supervising producer is David Iserson (“Mad Men”). Lisa Parsons (“Arrested Development”) and Nick Nolte are also producers on the series. Join the conversation about Graves on Twitter with #Graves.

In the run-up to the presidential election, America Divided, the docu-series created by Solly Granatstein, Lucian Read, and Richard Rowley, with executive producers Norman Lear, Common and Shonda Rhimes, and produced by DividedFilms in association with RadicalMedia, features timely narratives around inequality in education, housing, healthcare, labor, criminal justice and the political system – all woven into an eight-story, five-part series. The five, 60-minute episodes will air as follows: premiere on September 30 at 9pm ET/PT, 8C; Episode 2 on October 7, Episode 3 on October 14, Episode 4 on October 28, and the finale on November 4. America Divided follows high-profile correspondents as they explore aspects of inequality related to their own biographies.

Oscar®-winning hip-hop artist Common returns to his hometown of Chicago — ground zero for disparities in the criminal justice system. Actress Rosario Dawson travels to Flint, Michigan to investigate the man-made disaster behind the city’s water crisis. Emmy®– and Golden Globe®-winning actress America Ferrera travels to Texas, where migrants who have entered the country illegally are the focus of hostility, and where even US-born children are denied basic rights. Actor and comedian Zach Galifianakis investigates the political landscape in his home state of North Carolina and considers how it’s emblematic of the country’s deepening political divide during the 2016 campaign. Legendary TV producer Norman Lear, investigates gentrification and displacement in a city of people with no homes and homes with no people and goes undercover to expose racial discrimination in housing. Golden Globe®-winning and Emmy®-nominated actress and producer Amy Poehler reports on the complex challenges faced by domestic workers who maintain an intimate relationship with the families that employ them while also struggling for better conditions. Actor and activist Peter Sarsgaard explores the addiction crisis ravaging a heartland beset by unemployment and the shuttering of America’s factories. And “Grey’s Anatomy” star and former teacher Jesse Williams goes back to the classroom to study the battle to fix inequality in education and learns of a daunting school-to-prison pipeline. America Divided was created by Solly Granatstein (“Years Of Living Dangerously,” “60 Minutes”), Lucian Read (“Years of Living Dangerously,” 99%) and Richard Rowley (Dirty Wars, “Years of Living Dangerously”). Join the conversation about America Divided on Twitter with #AmericaDivided.

Media Contacts:

EPIX

Marlea Willis – mwillis@epix.com / 212.846.6748

Emily Spitale – emily@emilyspitale.com / 347.281.0843

 

THE LIPPIN GROUP

Jennifer Price Keith – jprice@lippingroup.com/ 323.965.1990

Elina Adut – eadut@lippingroup.com/ 323.965.1990

Jeanne O’Keefe – jokeefe@lippingroup.com/ 323.965.1990

David Gardner – dgardner@lippingroup.com/ 323.965.1990

Katie Fuchs – kfuchs@lippingroup.com/ 212.986.7080

 

KATHIE BERLIN PR

Kathie Berlin – kberlinnyc@aol.com / 917.459.1998

 

About EPIX

EPIX is a premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, comedy and music specials – all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).

 

TOM PAPA LETS THE LOAD OFF HIS BACK IN HIS LATEST EPIX COMEDY SPECIAL “TOM PAPA: HUMAN MULE”

Tom Papa - Photo Credit Dan Dion 

TOM PAPA LETS THE LOAD OFF HIS BACK IN HIS LATEST EPIX COMEDY SPECIAL

“TOM PAPA: HUMAN MULE”

 World Television Premiere Friday, December 9, 2016 at 8pm ET/PT, 7C

 

NEW YORK, NY – July 11, 2016 – Premium TV Network EPIX® announced today that it will showcase the bold comedic musings of Tom Papa in his new stand-up special Tom Papa: Human Mule. A regular on Late Night TV, Papa tours theaters internationally, is host of the hit podcast and Sirius XM show, Come to Papa, and has been seen in numerous TV and film roles. The EPIX Original Comedy Event Tom Papa: Human Mule will make its World Television Premiere on EPIX on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 8pm ET/PT, 7C.

Tom Papa: Human Mule is a one hour comedy special that was filmed at the Hanna Theater at the Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio on July 9, 2016. Papa returned to one of his favorite cities to showcase a hilarious fresh take on some of his favorite themes including family life, the difficulties of being a person, and the challenges of life in our country today. Join the conversation about Tom Papa: Human Mule on Twitter with #HumanMule.

“I’m really excited to do another special with EPIX,” said Tom Papa.  “They’ve been a great partner and like me so much that they’re even willing to shoot this one in Cleveland.”

“Tom Papa’s humor lends insight on thoughts we’ve all had, but may not have dared to express,” said Mark S. Greenberg, President & CEO of EPIX. “I am excited to hear about Papa’s latest antics and the hilarity that ensues in what will mark his second special with the network. EPIX comedy specials are one of our most popular genres, and there is no doubt that Papa’s special will contribute, once again, to the high-quality collection. ”

Tom Papa: Human Mule is Papa’s second EPIX comedy special. Tom Papa: Freaked Out, directed by Rob Zombie, premiered on the network in 2013.

With more than 20 years as a stand-up comedian, Papa is one of the top comedic voices in the country and has found success in film, television and radio as well as on the live stage. On the small screen, Papa was seen alongside Clive Owen in two episodes of The Knick, he co-starred with Michael Douglas and Matt Damon in Behind The Candelabra, and he guest starred on The Jim Gaffigan Show and Inside Amy Schumer. He was seen in Chris Rock’s film, Top Five, he starred opposite Matt Damon in the Steven Soderbergh film, The Informant, and he appeared in Analyze That opposite Robert DeNiro.

Tom Papa: Human Mule is an EPIX Original Comedy Event produced by Comedy Dynamics, directed by Jay Chapman and written and performed by Tom Papa.  Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, Tom Papa, Dave Becky, and Josh Lieberman are the executive producers. Ross Bernard is the executive producer for EPIX and Valerie Bishop Pearson is the producer for EPIX.

For photos and more information about EPIX programming visit: http://press.epixhd.com.

EPIX is known for its all-star roster of stand-up specials. Previous featured headliners include: Russell Brand, Craig Ferguson, Michael Ian Black, Marc Maron, Wanda Sykes, Lewis Black, Patton Oswalt, Louis C.K., Jenny McCarthy, Dennis Miller, Sherri Shepherd, Eddie Izzard, Jim Norton, Lisa Lampanelli, Jim Breuer and Jim Jefferies. EPIX’s commitment to the craft of comedy also includes the EPIX Original Documentary “The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall,” a revealing special that brings together the biggest names in comedy to tell the inside story of America’s first comedy club.

 

Media Contacts:

EPIX: Marlea Willis / MWillis@epix.com / 212.846.6748

THE LIPPIN GROUP: Katie Fuchs / kfuchs@lippingroup.com / 212.986.7080

 

About Comedy Dynamics

Comedy Dynamics is the largest independent stand-up comedy production company in North America, producing amongst other things, Join Or Die with Craig Ferguson, MTV2’s Wild ‘N On Tour, Coming To The Stage, and has worked with a wide-range of established and emerging comedic talent including Kevin Hart, Louis C.K., Aziz Ansari, Jim Gaffigan, Katt Williams and many more. Eight albums produced between 2013-2015 have been Grammy-nominated, one of which, Louis C.K. Live At Madison Square Garden, won Best Comedy Album in 2016.

 

About EPIX

EPIX is a premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, comedy and music specials – all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX has pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).

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ROSARIO DAWSON JOINS ORIGINAL EPIX DOCUMENTARY SERIES ‘AMERICA DIVIDED’ – SET FOR PRE-ELECTION FALL RELEASE

 

ROSARIO DAWSON JOINS ORIGINAL EPIX DOCUMENTARY SERIES

‘AMERICA DIVIDED’ – SET FOR PRE-ELECTION FALL RELEASE

Dawson to Explore Flint, Michigan Water Crisis for Series

 

New York, NY – June 16, 2016 – Premium TV network EPIX® announced today that actress Rosario Dawson (“Daredevil,” Sin City, Rent) has joined the limited Original Documentary Series America Divided as a celebrity correspondent. The docu-series created by Solly Granatstein, Lucian Read, and Richard Rowley, with executive producers Norman Lear, Common and Shonda Rhimes, and produced by DividedFilms in association with RadicalMedia, feature narratives around inequality in education, housing, healthcare, labor, criminal justice and the political system – all woven into an eight-story, four-and-half hour series. Dawson, who is no stranger to offering her voice to conversations of national importance, has been tapped to explore the ongoing causes and legacy of the Flint, Michigan water crisis. Dawson’s segment begins production this month. 

Dawson profiles the citizen-scientists who first exposed the existence of lead in the Flint water supply; investigates the alleged cover-up; and examines the policies behind the decision to switch the water supply in the first place. She joins residents, doctors, scientists, academics and political leaders in in-depth conversations to find answers to questions raised by one of the worst public health disasters in American history.

America Divided follows high-profile correspondents as they explore aspects of inequality related to their own biographies. Oscar®-winning hip-hop artist Common returns to his hometown of Chicago — ground zero for disparities in the criminal justice system. Emmy®– and Golden Globe®-winning actress America Ferrera travels to Texas to witness battles around access to the ballot and healthcare for poor women. Actor and comedian Zach Galifianakis investigates the political landscape in his home state of North Carolina and considers how it’s emblematic of the country’s deepening political divide during the 2016 campaign. Legendary TV producer Norman Lear, an original member of the Television Academy Hall of Fame, reports on the housing crisis in New York — from people who have no homes to luxury apartments purposely kept vacant. Actress and producer Amy Poehler witnesses the complex challenges faced by domestic workers who maintain an intimate relationship with the families that employ them, while also struggling for better conditions. Actor and activist Peter Sarsgaard explores the addiction crisis ravaging a heartland beset by unemployment and the shuttering of America’s factories. And “Grey’s Anatomy” star and former teacher Jesse Williams goes back to the classroom and becomes immersed in the battle to fix inequality in education.

America Divided, is an EPIX Original Documentary series produced by Divided Films in association with RadicalMedia. Norman Lear (“All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons”), Common (Selma, John Wick 2) and Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal”) are the executive producers along with the co-creators Solly Granatstein (“Years Of Living Dangerously,” “60 Minutes”), Lucian Read (“Years of Living Dangerously,” 99%) and Richard Rowley (Dirty Wars, “Years of Living Dangerously”).  Jon Kamen (Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory, The Fog of War), Dave O’Connor (You Don’t Know Bo, Whitey: The United States v. James J. Bulger) and Justin Wilkes (What Happened, Miss Simone?, Under African Skies) are executive producers for RadicalMedia. Nicole Dow and Derek Dudley (Freedom Road Productions), and Brent Miller (Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You) are co-executive producers. Solly Granatstein, Lucian Read and Richard Rowley also serve as directors. Rebecca Teitel (Hate in America, Hubris) and Jesse Williams (Farword Films) are senior producers. Abby Ellis and Leah Natasha Thomas are producers. Mark S. Greenberg, Jocelyn Diaz, Ross Bernard and Jill Burkhart are executive producers for EPIX.

For photos and more information about EPIX programming log on to: http://press.epixhd.com. 

Media Contacts:

EPIX: Marlea Willis, MWillis@epix.com / 212.846.6748

THE LIPPIN GROUP: David Gardner, DGardner@lippingroup.com / 323.965.1990

THE LIPPIN GROUP: Jeanne O’Keefe, JOKeefe@lippingroup.com / 323.965.1990

 

About EPIX

EPIX is a premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, comedy and music specials – all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX has pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go towww.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).

 

EPIX® REIMAGINES ELMORE LEONARD’S CRAFTY NOVEL ‘GET SHORTY’ FOR TELEVISION PRODUCED BY MGM TELEVISION, THE ORIGINAL SERIES IS A DARK COMEDY SLATED TO START PRODUCTION FALL 2016

EPIX® REIMAGINES ELMORE LEONARD’S CRAFTY NOVEL ‘GET SHORTY’ FOR TELEVISION

PRODUCED BY MGM TELEVISION, THE ORIGINAL SERIES IS A DARK COMEDY SLATED TO START PRODUCTION FALL 2016

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 24, 2016 – Premium TV network EPIX® announced today it will go into production on Get Shorty from MGM Television. Created and executive produced by Davey Holmes (“Shameless,” “In Treatment,” “Damages”), the one hour drama series is a reimagining of Elmore Leonard’s 1990 New York Times best-selling novel of the same name. Production on the series is anticipated to begin this fall and air summer 2017.

In Get Shorty, Miles Daly works as muscle for a murderous crime ring in Nevada.  For the sake of his daughter, he attempts to change professions and become a movie producer, laundering money through a Hollywood film.  But instead of leaving the criminal world behind, he accidentally brings it with him to Los Angeles.

“We’re excited to be working with MGM on Get Shorty,” said Mark S. Greenberg, President and CEO, EPIX. “I had the pleasure of working with Elmore Leonard early in my career and I am a big fan of his writing. Davey Holmes is a tremendous talent and has created a fantastic new series that is in the spirit of Leonard’s unique brand of social satire and strong narrative voice.  Get Shorty promises to be yet another example of the type of high-end, premium TV that EPIX is committed to delivering to its subscribers.”

“Davey has created a modern-day re-envisioning of Elmore Leonard’s timeless cult classic where organized crime and Hollywood collide in very funny ways. We are thrilled to bring these irreverent characters to fans and audiences around the globe with our fantastic partners at EPIX,” said Mark Burnett, President, Television and Digital Group, MGM and Steve Stark, President, Television Development and Production, MGM.

MGM, a joint venture partner in EPIX, produced the 1995 movie version of Get Shorty that starred John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, and Danny DeVito and was directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. Travolta won the Golden Globe® Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his portrayal of the lead character Chili Palmer and the film received a Golden Globe Award® nomination for Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

 

Media Contacts:

For EPIX:

EPIX: Marlea Willis / MWillis@epix.com / 212.846.6748

THE LIPPIN GROUP: Don Ciaramella / don@lippingroup.com / 212.986.7080

THE LIPPIN GROUP: Jennifer Price Keith / jprice@lippingroup.com / 323.965.1990

THE LIPPIN GROUP: Elina Adut / eadut@lippingroup.com / 323.965.1990

 

For MGM:

MGM: Kinley Cross / kcross@mgm.com / 310.449.3741

 

About EPIX

EPIX is a premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, comedy and music specials – all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX has pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).

 

About MGM Television

 

MGM Television is a leading producer and global distributor of premium content for television and digital platforms, with distribution rights to original productions and a robust catalog of television episodes and feature film titles including such premiere entertainment franchises as James Bond, Rocky, Stargate and “The Hobbit” trilogy.  Current scripted and unscripted multi-platform projects include “Fargo” (FX); “Vikings” (HISTORY);  “The Voice” (NBC); “Survivor” (CBS); “Shark Tank” (ABC); “Beyond the Tank” (ABC);”Celebrity Apprentice”(NBC); “Teen Wolf” (MTV); “500 Questions” (ABC); “The People’s Choice Awards” (CBS); “America’s Greatest Makers” (INTEL/Turner), “Coupled” (FOX) and “Lucha Underground” (The El Rey Network).  Through its finance and distribution entity, Orion TV Productions, the syndicated courtroom series “Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court” is currently airing its third season. MGM’s television programming regularly airs in more than 70 countries worldwide.  For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

 

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EPIX BEGS THE QUESTION WHAT HAPPENED…MS. SYKES? WITH LATEST ORIGINAL COMEDY EVENT STARRING WANDA SYKES – WORLD TELEVISION PREMIERE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21 AT 10PM ET/PT, 9C

Wanda Sykes Headshot

EPIX BEGS THE QUESTION WHAT HAPPENED…MS. SYKES?

WITH LATEST ORIGINAL COMEDY EVENT STARRING WANDA SYKES

World Television Premiere Friday, October 21 at 10PM ET/PT, 9C

The Emmy® Winning Comedian Returns to Premium Television with First Stand-Up Special in Seven Years

NEW YORK, NY – March 31, 2016 – Premium TV network EPIX® announced today that it will spotlight the straightforward and no-nonsense comedy of Emmy® Award winning comedian, writer and actress Wanda Sykes, in the one-hour Original Comedy Event What Happened…Ms. Sykes? Best known for her roles in “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “The Chris Rock Show,” What Happened…Ms. Sykes? — Sykes’ first stand-up performance for the network — makes its World Television Premiere on EPIX on Friday, October 21 at 10pm ET/PT, 9pm C.

What Happened…Ms. Sykes? will be filmed on May 21, 2016, at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. The special will focus on Wanda’s life, family, race and politics as she questions, “How Did I Get Here?” Join the conversation about What Happened…Ms. Sykes? on Twitter with #WhatHappened.

Wanda Sykes said: “I’m excited to be partnering with EPIX for this show. It’s been too long since my last special, but just like a new Sade album, it takes time to deliver pure genius. You can thank me later.”

Mark S. Greenberg, President & CEO of EPIX, said: “Wanda delivers first-rate stand-up comedy that touches on culturally-relevant and sometimes controversial topics with her own brand of humor that has captivated audiences for nearly two decades. We look forward to celebrating that legacy as well as her funny, honest takes on parenting and family life in her first special for EPIX.”

Sykes has headlined numerous television projects including her own late night talk show “The Wanda Sykes Show.” She was also seen in “Wanda at Large,” which she wrote, produced and starred in; the CBS comedy “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” She has done three stand up specials: “Wanda Sykes: Tongue Untied” for Comedy Central, and two HBO specials, “Wanda Sykes: Sick and Tired” and “Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me,” which were both were nominated for a Primetime Emmy® Award for “Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special,” while “I’ma Be Me” was also nominated for “Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special.”

She’s lent her voice to animated feature films, including the upcoming Ice Ace: Collision Course, Ice Age: Continental Drift, and Rio, and appeared in Evan Almighty and Monster-In-Law. As a writer on “The Chris Rock Show,” she was nominated for three Primetime Emmy® Awards and in 1999 won for “Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special.” In 2001, she won the American Comedy Award for “Funniest Female Stand-Up Comic” and three more Emmy®’s for her work on “Inside the NFL.”  Her first book Yeah, I Said It, published by Simon & Schuster, is a hilarious collection of essays touching on life, family and current events.

What Happened…Ms. Sykes? is an EPIX Original Comedy Event produced by Push It Productions’ Page Hurwitz and Wanda Sykes, directed by Liz Patrick. Ross Bernard is the executive producer for EPIX, Valerie Bishop is the producer for EPIX and Rachèle “Rocky” Benloulou-Dubin is the consulting producer for EPIX.

For photos and more information about EPIX programming visit: http://press.epixhd.com.

EPIX is known for its all-star roster of stand-up specials. Previous featured headliners include: Russell Brand, Craig Ferguson, Michael Ian Black, Marc Maron, Lewis Black, Patton Oswalt, Louis C.K., Jenny McCarthy, Dennis Miller, Sherri Shepherd, Eddie Izzard, Jim Norton, Lisa Lampanelli, Jim Breuer, Tom Papa, and Jim Jefferies. EPIX’s commitment to the craft of comedy also includes the EPIX Original Documentary “The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall,” a revealing special that brings together the biggest names in comedy to tell the inside story of America’s first comedy club.

Media Contacts:

EPIX: Marlea Willis / MWillis@epix.com / 212.846.6748

THE LIPPIN GROUP: Katie Fuchs / kfuchs@lippingroup.com / 212.986.7080

About Push It Productions

Wanda Sykes and veteran producer Page Hurwitz joined forces to form Push It Productions, a production company dedicated to creating quality, comedy-based programming for network, cable, and Internet outlets.  The company’s diverse slate of projects includes sketch comedy, sitcom, game show, reality, talk/variety, and competition formats.

After successfully reviving NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” franchise, Season 9 debuted with its largest number of viewers since 2007. In addition to producing Last Comic, Push It has a first look production deal with NBC.  The company also has new projects set up at BET, History, USA, and Telepictures. Push It’s first series, “Wanda Sykes Presents Herlarious” (OWN), is the winner of a 2014 Gracie Award.

About EPIX

EPIX is a premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, comedy and music specials – all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX has pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go towww.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).                                                                                           3/21/16