Documentary Features Interviews with Filmmakers and Actors Including
Dennis Hopper, David O. Russell Peter Bogdanovich, Robert Benton, Alexander Payne, Callie Khouri, Karen Black, Monte Hellman
New York, NY July 19, 2004 – The Independent Film Channel (IFC), the first and largest television network dedicated to independent film, announced today that that Tailslate Pictures, led by the Oscar-nominated American Splendor writing/directing team of Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, will bring their talents to the network in the form of an original documentary, Wanderlust. The film, to air on IFC in 2005, will offer a fresh exploration of road movies and how they have influenced – and reflected – American society. Those sharing their memories and thoughts include: Dennis Hopper, David O. Russell, Peter Bogdanovich, Robert Benton, Callie Khouri, Alexander Payne, Karen Black, Monte Hellman among many others.
The announcement of Wanderlust is the latest in a series of original programming projects announced by IFC. Now celebrating its 10th Anniversary, IFC has dramatically increased its original programming slate from two originals in 2003 to nine in 2004. The project will be executive produced at IFC by Alison Palmer Bourke and Ed Carroll and will air on the network in 2005. Julia King and Alicia Sams will produce the film for Tailslate Pictures. IFC's Susan Heimbinder will serve as Supervising Producer.
Like past IFC projects, such as BaadAssss Cinema, A Decade Under the Influence, and In the Company of Women, Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession, Wanderlust will draw on clips from cinema's greatest films and original interviews with prominent filmmakers, actors, critics and writers to get to the heart of this specific film genre. The overall treatment will be a creative homage to the jazzy, hip rhythms of beat poetry and Route 66-style footage to the flavor of being on the road.
"For ten years, IFC's has remained committed to providing independent filmmakers with a true voice, allowing them the artistic freedom to find and explore their passions projects," stated IFC's Director of Original Programming Alison Palmer Bourke. "Whether it be Easy Rider, Bonnie and Clyde, Wild at Heart or others, road movies have always had a profound effect on our culture and have been a valuable mirror in how we view America. By taking on this project, Shari and Robert are once again showing the true vision and leadership they bring to the independent film world. IFC is proud to have them join our family."
"Wanderlust will allow us to draw on the many great road movies and film notables to illustrate how the 'road' is an enduring theme in American culture and a mainstay of American cinema," stated Shari Springer Berman. "Some of the questions we hope to answer: Is it truly possible to break away from society and popular culture anywhere in the United States? Does the road still promise us an open sense of freedom and liberation as it did in so many great films? Or has the adventure of the American road ultimately been reduced to the stuff of Hollywood lore? We believe these questions hold great truth to what America is all about and we look forward to sharing the answers."
"IFC has given us complete freedom to weave an exciting tapestry of storytelling," Robert Pulcini. "Wanderlust is a passion project in every sense of the word and we are pleased to have the opportunity to embark on this discovery and look forward to sharing it with a guaranteed audience of independent film lovers."
ABOUT IFC TELEVISION
The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and most widely distributed channel dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut and commercial free. IFC continues to expand its programming lineup with original series and independent genre-focused specials. The network's recent, critically acclaimed series and specials include Dinner For Five, BaadAsssss Cinema, The American Nightmare, Indie Sex: Taboos and A Decade Under the Influence.
IFC Television is a part of IFC Companies, which has created a unique end-to-end business model and brand that focuses on developing and nurturing talent, and maximizing the value of independent film. With a television network, a film distribution and production unit, and a VOD service, IFC Companies represents the future of independent film. IFC Companies uses its unique position to broaden the independent film audience nationwide and to expand the opportunities for independent filmmakers. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC.