Network Entertainment Announces Partnership with Burt Sugarman to Produce The Midnight Special Feature Documentary
VANCOUVER, Oct. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Network Media Group Inc. (TSX: NTE.V) (OTCMKTS: NMGGF) and Network Entertainment Inc. ("Network" or "the Company") founder and Chief Executive Officer, Derik Murray, is pleased to announce that the Company has partnered with visionary film and television producer Burt Sugarman to produce a feature documentary that tells the story, for the first time, of one of America's most iconic and groundbreaking television series: The Midnight Special.
The Midnight Special was a revolutionary cultural landmark during the 1970s and early 1980s that featured, for the first time ever in television and music history, actual live performances by the era's greatest musical and comedy stars.
During the course of its rollicking, star-packed, 90-minute, 450-episode run, The Midnight Special struck a resounding chord with audiences and generations of musicians by showcasing live performances by numerous musical icons including James Brown, the Jackson 5 (their first live televised performances), Van Morrison, Marvin Gaye, Rod Stewart, Ike & Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith, AC/DC, David Bowie, Aretha Franklin, Helen Reddy, Linda Ronstadt, The Beach Boys, Tanya Tucker, Billy Joel, Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris, Prince, Diana Ross, the Bee Gees, and, cutting-edge stand-up comedy from the likes of Steve Martin, Richard Pryor and George Carlin.
Network Entertainment, producers of the Academy Award shortlisted documentary Facing Ali and others, including Johnny Cash - American Rebel and I Am Heath Ledger, will reconstruct the riveting tale of how this iconic show came to be, and why it is so culturally significant in the annals of music and television history. The producers have full access to The Midnight Special archive and will showcase this original footage and music in the documentary, blended with original interviews with artists who performed on the show and current artists who were inspired by the series, providing viewers a backstage pass to this rich musical legacy.
"I'm excited to be working with Network Entertainment's award-winning team to produce this important retrospective on The Midnight Special," said Burt Sugarman, the creator and Executive Producer of The Midnight Special. "In addition to appealing to those who were fans back in the day, this is a wonderful opportunity to introduce new generations to the remarkable artists whose music left an indelible mark that continues to influence the musical landscape of today."
"I am so pleased that The Midnight Special story will finally be shared," said Executive Producer Mary Hart. "Not only will the documentary provide an incredible window into the music and artists of the period, it will also be a fitting tribute to Burt, whose original thinking and perseverance turned a broadcasters 'Not Interested' into a revolutionary television series and cultural phenomenon that ran for nearly a decade."
"Burt Sugarman's vision and legacy is an inspiration to us all," said Frank Anderson, Executive Producer and Network Entertainment's Executive Chairman. "The opportunity to collaborate with Burt and Mary on presenting the history of this culturally transformative series is the first step in reintroducing The Midnight Special to a global audience of music lovers and pop culture enthusiasts."
Burt Sugarman and Mary Hart will Executive Produce alongside Network Entertainment's Derik Murray, Frank Anderson, Paul Gertz and Brian Gersh.
About Network Media Group Inc.
Network Media Group is the parent company of Network Entertainment Inc. Network Entertainment, founded and headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, produces premium content for global audiences. Network's documentaries and docu-series showcase the lives of the world's most inspiring cultural icons and their endearing legacy. Our films have featured a compelling lineup of icons from the worlds of Music, Movies, Comedy, Sports, Politics and Business. The Network premium brand of programming features outstanding casts and highly cinematic, richly crafted storytelling. Our productions are consistently embraced by both popular and critical acclaim garnering awards, record ratings and unparalleled media coverage.
Network's broadcast and distribution partners include: AHC, AMC, Discovery Channel, CBC, CMT, CTV, Entertainment One, FremantleMedia, HBO Canada, History Channel, iTunes, Lionsgate, National Geographic, Paramount Network, Spike, Sundance TV, Thunderbird and TMN. Our work has been recognized by the Academy Awards, the Emmys, Realscreen Awards, the Gemini Awards, the LEOs, the Los Angeles Film Festival, Washington D.C. Silver Docs, Seattle International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Hawaii International Film Festival, Houston International Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Banff Television Festival, and the International Film and Television Festival of New York.
For additional information on Network Entertainment Inc., visit www.networkentertainment.ca
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Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including the Company not obtaining required TSX Venture Exchange approval of the Transaction and the Transaction not being completed as proposed or at all. These statements are necessarily based upon management's perceptions, beliefs, assumptions and expectations, as well as a number of specific factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management of the Company as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that could result in the forward-looking information ultimately, perhaps materially, being incorrect. All forward looking information in this news release involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are beyond the control of the Company and may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking information. Except as required pursuant to applicable securities laws, the Company will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
SOURCE Network Media Group Inc.
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