One-Hour Special Follows Indomitable Ice Skater Weir as he Copes With Controversy and Considers his Future
New York, April 19, 2010 Sundance Channel will bring viewers up-to-date on the saga of iconoclastic figure skater Johnny Weir in a brand new episode of its hit original docu-series "Be Good Johnny Weir." The one-hour special premieres on Sunday June 27 at 9:00pm et/pt.
The "Be Good Johnny Weir" special tells the story behind what is arguably the biggest controversy of the 2010 Winter Olympics: Johnny’s shut-out at the medal podium. Though Johnny skates two of his best performances ever, the judges place him behind skaters whose programs were filled with mistakes. It’s a shock to sports journalists as well as fans, and Johnny’s supporters believe that he has been "robbed." But the drama doesn’t end with the judging. In the face of snide and belittling media commentary about his gender, Johnny decides to tackle the issue head-on in a press conference. Post-Vancouver, Johnny remains in the media spotlight even as he finds himself at a major crossroads in his life. What should he do next, and will he continue skating? Traveling and meeting with the people who matter most to him, Johnny weighs his options.
Said Sarah Barnett, Sundance Channel EVP and GM, "Johnny Weir is an incredibly interesting character: candid, smart, funny, talented and very much his own person. There’s no one like him on television, and we are thrilled to have him back on Sundance Channel for this special episode of ’Be Good Johnny Weir.’"
"Be Good Johnny Weir" is directed and produced by James Pellerito and David Barba, who also serve as Executive Producers. The series is an Original Media Production, Executive Produced by Charlie Corwin and Jay Peterson. Executive Producers for Sundance Channel are Sarah Barnett, Lynne Kirby, Mala Chapple, and Ann Rose.
About Sundance Channel
Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, imaginative and uncompromising, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries and original programs. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression. Sundance Channel’s website address is www.sundancechannel.com.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media owns and operates some of the world’s most popular and award-winning entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, Wedding Central and IFC Entertainment (IFC Center, IFC Festival Direct, IFC Films, IFC In Theaters and IFC Productions). Additional information about Rainbow Media’s multiplatform brands is available at www.rainbow-media.com.