The Henry Rollins Show To Launch In 2006 As Weekly
Series With Wide Range Of Guests And Indie Musical Performances
Rollins' Two Month, 48-Show '25 Years Of Bullshit' Spoken Word Tour
Sponsored By IFC
NEW YORK, NY, September 12, 2005 – The Independent Film Channel (IFC), the first and largest network dedicated to independent films, announced today that the network will return with its critically acclaimed original series Henry's Film Corner for a second season under a new name and expanded format. The Henry Rollins Show, launching in March 2006, will incorporate a wider range of guests, a more expansive array of topics, and, for the first time, independent musical performances that embody the spirit of IFC and Henry Rollins. Formerly a monthly review show, the new 20-part series will air on the network as a weekly program. Today's announcement comes on the heels of the Henry's Film Corner season one finale with celebrity guests Philip Seymour Hoffman and Oscar® nominee Don Cheadle.
IFC will also be an official sponsor of Henry Rollins' two month, 48-show '25 Years of Bullshit' Spoken Word Tour kicking off in late September. The network will be giving away one pair of tickets per concert date and will be promoted on-site at the shows.
"Season one exceeded our expectations, so much so that we saw an opportunity to broaden the scope of the show to give Henry the forum to speak on more than just movies. It was clear to us Henry had way more to say and we are embracing that," said Debbie DeMontreux, IFC's Vice President of Development and Production. "Henry's blunt and brutally honest opinions on everything from the world of film to more complex and serious social and political issues will carry on in season two — and will be delivered with the same energy and attitude that only Henry Rollins can deliver and that could only air on an uncensored network."
Rollins added: "I did not expect anywhere near the freedom and encouragement that we have received from IFC. The trusting environment has allowed us to get interesting and honest interviews and insights from our guests that is refreshingly different than the traditional show-biz ordeal. I think the entertainment industry too often underestimates the intelligence of the audience and their desire to see something that challenges and takes chances. IFC is a perfect fit for this show and the fact that we are doing a second season gives me a great sense of pride and accomplishment. I can't wait to get season two rolling."
Hosted by Henry Rollins, singer, actor, author and self-proclaimed "anti-man," this multi-dimensional show features special guests joining Rollins to discuss and debate films, music, celebrities, and movie culture in America. Guests from season one included the likes of Billy Bob Thornton, Penelope Cruz, Don Cheadle, Crispin Glover and Rob Zombie. During each 30-minute episode, outspoken Rollins offers topical conversations and subversive, no-holds-barred debates delivered to viewers in IFC's uncut environment. Under the new umbrella, guests will be expanded to include personalities from film, television, music, comedy and politics. A musical performance will also be featured each week.
One of the most defining elements from season one will be at the forefront of season two, "Teeing Off," which offers a unique and irreverent take on the traditional monologue as Henry Rollins rants on everything from pop culture to politics to the guy who annoyed him at the grocery store. Every episode will continue to launch with these passionate diatribes that have come to define Henry Rollins.
Also completely unique to Henry Rollins, the 'Rejoice/Revenge" segment of the show will celebrate or desecrate a movie, person, book, record, government act, publicity stunt or pop culture event with a vigor that sets it far apart from traditional reviews. While the long form film review from season one will be removed from the new format, Henry Rollins will continue to be a trusted voice in making artistic recommendations with this popular segment. "The Rollins Interviews," "Henry's Picks" and field segments will also carry on in season two.
The Henry Rollins Show builds on IFC's 2006 original programming slate, which will be announced later this year.
Rollins' '25 Years of Bullshit' Spoken Word Tour sponsored by IFC will kick off in Phoenix on September 29. The two-month, 48-show tour mixes timely commentary on politics, pop culture, and his most recent exploits with some of his favorite stories from 25 years on the road. The show promises both to incite and offer insight; to enrage and enlighten; to draw both laughs and ire. Henry continues to strip current events down to their seemingly obvious core, while coming armed and ready with both thoughtfully researched facts and a wealth of personal experience. More information and tour dates can be found on IFC's website: http://www.ifctv.com/henry/index.html
Rollins first gained fame as lead singer for the band Black Flag in 1981. When the band broke up in 1986, Rollins formed the Rollins Band, with which he has been making records and touring the world ever since. Rollins also owns a publishing company, 2-13-61, which has released more than a dozen books, several CDs and DVDs by Rollins as well as others. Always outspoken, Rollins accepts dozens of speaking engagements throughout the year and is known for bringing a raw energy to his talks. He has performed in several movies and television shows, hosted a weekly radio show, and has won a Grammy Award for best spoken word record. Later this year Henry will appear in The Alibi with Steve Coogan and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, and has a lead role in the Weinsteins' Project Greenlight feature Feast, due out in January 2006. Meanwhile, the DVD from Henry's most recent tour, 'Shock and Awe' was recently released on Henry's own 2.13.61, while his latest written work, Roomanitarian, will be published by 2.13.61 in November.
The Henry Rollins Show is created and Executive Produced by, Swift River Productions, a film and television production company based in Los Angeles. The company's principals are Paul J. Morra, Kevin Morra and Rhett Bachner. Their credits include producer roles on MTV's Posse, Project Greenlight, The Mole and Bands on the Run, and film work on features such as Titanic, Bowfinger, Six Days Seven Nights and The Peacemaker. Swift River Productions is represented by The William Morris Agency. Richard Bishop, Rollins' manager, will also act as a producer.
About IFC Television
The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and most widely distributed network dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut and commercial free.
The Independent Film Channel is a part of IFC Companies, which has established itself as the future of independent film. With the television network, as well as a film distribution and production unit and a VOD service, IFC Companies has created over the course of the past decade a revolutionary end-to-end business model and brand that focuses on developing and nurturing talent and maximizing the value of independent film. IFC Companies uses its unique cross-platform position to broaden the audience of independent film and to provide independent filmmakers with a strong voice. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings, LLC.