Network Entertainment announces upcoming feature documentary I Am Richard Pryor for Paramount Network

VANCOUVER, Oct. 16, 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 is completing production on the upcoming film I Am Richard Pryor, the latest in Network's acclaimed I Am series of feature documentaries for Paramount Network in the U.S., and for international distribution. 

Pryor's comic genius was steeped in race, class and social commentary, and encompassed the stage, screen, records and television. At one point the highest-paid black performer in the entertainment industry, he continually challenged the status quo in a post–civil rights America that was supposedly moving towards normalization.

"From very humble beginnings, my husband lifted himself up and propelled himself through an iconic comedy career during America's rockiest years, tackling racism, transcending boundaries, finding himself and inspiring many," said Jennifer Lee Pryor.  "I am confident that Network Entertainment will produce an outstanding film about my husband that does him justice both as a cultural icon and as a man."

The film features original cinematically filmed interviews with contemporary comedians, filmmakers, writers and collaborators including Lily Tomlin, Tiffany Haddish, Michael Epps, Sandra Bernhard, Jimmie Walker, Howie Mandel, Michael Schultz, Dr. Todd Boyd, Henry Jaglom, Ishmael Reed, Scott Saul, Rocco Urbisci, Thom Mount and Ron De Blasio, along with Jennifer Pryor.

The documentary also includes iconic stand-up performances, including Richard Pryor:  Live in Concert and Live & Smokin', sketches from The Richard Pryor Show and from Lily Tomlin's television specials, and several of his most important feature film performances.

"We are excited that Jennifer Pryor has entrusted us to tell Richard's incredible yet complicated story," says Producer Derik Murray. "We are honored to showcase Richard's genius while delving deeper into the man whose work established him as one of comedy's most beloved and courageous icons."   

"Richard Pryor was one of the most fearless trailblazers in the history of comedy," adds Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports and Specials, Paramount Network. "We are proud to bring Richard's story and his message of racial tolerance to our audience in the next installment of our award winning I Am series."

Jesse James Miller is directing I Am Richard Pryor and, along with Murray, the documentary is Executive Produced by Paul Gertz, Kent Wingerak, and Richard Pryor's wife, Jennifer Pryor. Paramount Network's Jon Slusser and Jaimee Kosanke also serve as Executive Producers. 

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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