EPIX Presents Original Comedy Event: Lewis Black's "Stark Raving Black"
Filmed Live at Detroit's Legendary Fillmore Theater
NEW YORK -- EPIX(TM) announced today its first partnership for an original comedy event, Stark Raving Black, featuring the acerbic wit of bestselling author and The Daily Show contributor, Lewis Black. Filmed live at the historic Fillmore Theater in Detroit, the special unleashes Black's unique brand of "pissed off optimism" to sold out, standing room only audiences.
An equal opportunity satirist, the Emmy-nominated and Grammy Award-winning Black takes both Republicans and Democrats to task for everything from the state of the economy to alternative energy. Available on EPIX in December 2009, Black manages to tie-in cathartic rants on everything from the iPhone and growing older to lamenting his experience being forced to follow Country and Christian music's golden couple, Vince Gill and Amy Grant at a benefit. "She's the greatest Christian singer of all time and she's made entirely of cream," said Black.
"Lewis Black defines the kind of original, smart content EPIX is going to deliver," said EPIX President Mark Greenberg. "His comedy is right at the edge of social and political commentary and EPIX is at the forefront of an entirely new way to experience entertainment."
Following the premiere of this hour-long event, fans will be invited to join Black online in the EPIX Event Theater at www.epixHD.com. There they may ask questions, trade quips and interact with Black as a continuation of the unique multiplatform experience EPIX will offer.
Stark Raving Black will also hit theaters in Fall 2009 throughout twenty U.S. markets including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, DC, Atlanta and Detroit, and will feature an introduction to EPIX. Additionally, the special will be theatrically released in twenty-five international markets.
About EPIX
EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF). In the Fourth Quarter of 2009, EPIX will launch its next-generation premium entertainment channel, video on demand and Internet service that combines new and classic feature films and original programming, including series, music and comedy specials. The joint venture will control all rights to EPIX's programming.
EPIX will have exclusive access to Paramount, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies released theatrically on or after January 1, 2008 and MGM, United Artists and Lionsgate titles released theatrically on or after January 1, 2009. It will also have access to more than 15,000 motion picture titles spanning the vast libraries of the studios and will feature new original television series and live event programming. Differentiating itself from existing networks, EPIX will deliver content on multiple platforms and include interactivity that will significantly enhance the entertainment experience. Viacom will provide operational support, including marketing and affiliate services through its MTV Networks division.
Follow the EPIX twitter feed at http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD.
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