Premium entertainment network EPIX, announced today that it has set Friday,
December 6, at 10 PM ET, as the premiere date for the Original
Documentary The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall. In
this one-hour special, narrated by Adam Sandler, the biggest names in
stand-up comedy reveal the role the storied comedy club, the Improv,
played in their road to stardom. At times poignant, insightful and
always funny, the special uses comics’ personal stories, home movies,
photographs, and archival footage to weave a story fifty years in the
making.
“I can’t think of a better way to showcase EPIX’s commitment to comedy
than providing a stage for today’s greatest comedians to talk about
their experiences performing at the renowned Improv,” said Mark
Greenberg, EPIX President and CEO. “Part celebration, part master class,
this documentary offers an unprecedented look into this art form and the
artists who make us laugh.”
Comedians featured in the documentary include: Judd Apatow, Lewis Black,
Russell Brand, Larry David, Jimmy Fallon, Kathy Griffin, Jay Leno,
Richard Lewis, Bill Maher, Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman,
Damon Wayans, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans.
Improv founder Budd Friedman and general partner Mark Lonow are also
interviewed.
Considered the first comedy club in America, the original Improv in New
York City was the place Richard Pryor, George Carlin and Andy Kaufman
developed their legendary acts. Other budding comedians flocked to the
small club, hoping to follow in their idols’ footsteps. The Improv
Comedy Clubs are now in 26 cities across the country, including the
famous Hollywood Improv.
The EPIX Original Documentary, The Improv: 50 Years Behind the
Brick Wall is a Spotted Dog Entertainment production in
association with Improv West Associates. The special is co-produced with
Comedy Central. Executive producers are Judy Pastore, Monica Bautista,
Budd Friedman, Mark Lonow and Zoe Friedman; and the co-executive
producer is Michael Rowe. Ross Bernard is executive-in-charge of
production for EPIX.
For more information about the special, go to http://press.epixhd.com/programming/the-improv-50-years-behind-the-brick-wall/
About EPIX
EPIX® is the newest premium entertainment network delivering the latest
movie releases, classic library titles, plus original films, comedy,
music and sports events on TV, on demand, online and on devices.
Launched October 2009 as the first multiplatform premium network with
online accessibility for subscribers through EpixHD.com, EPIX pioneered
the development and proliferation of TV Everywhere for American
consumers. EPIX was the first premium network to launch on Xbox
360®consoles, first on Android™ tablets and phones, first on Roku®
players and first to launch in the U.S. on PlayStation®3 (PS3™) system.
EPIX is available to authenticated subscribers on hundreds of devices
including Apple® iPads®, iPhones®, Kindle Fire tablets, Samsung® Smart
TVs and Blu-ray™ players and more. Today EPIX remains the only premium
service providing its entire monthly line-up from new Hollywood hits to
original programs on all platforms and provides more movies than any
other premium network.
EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA and VIA.B), its
Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), available to over 30 million homes nationwide
through distribution partners including Charter Communications, Cox
Communications, DISH Network, Mediacom Communications, NCTC, Suddenlink
Communications and Verizon FiOS.
For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com.
Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD
and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/EPIX.
Copyright Business Wire 2013