Release courtesy of Sundance Channel
NEW YORK – Lights, camera, axel! In the eight-part original documentary series, “Be Good Johnny Weir,” Sundance Channel explores the life of one of America’s most outspoken and colorful sports figures, three-time U.S. National Figure Skating Champion and World Medalist Johnny Weir. The series airs Mondays at 10:30 p.m. e/p beginning January 18th.
“Be Good Johnny Weir” delivers an absorbing portrait of an athlete whose personality is as big as his talent. Bright, quick-witted and extroverted, Weir is as comfortable walking in a downtown New York fashion show as he is on the ice, and he is known for giving candid, irreverent, responses at press events. At the same time, Weir has the athletic prowess to back up his pop culture stardom, demonstrating both breathtaking grace and supreme technical skill. He also Johnny Weir: Pop Star On Iceinjects his larger-than-life persona into his routines — wearing sparkly self-designed “onesie” costumes portraying both male and female characters in his controversial routine “The Swan.” Weir was heavily favored going into the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics, but finished a disappointing fifth. Now 24, the skater has learned that talent alone does not make a champion – and he knows he must dig deep if he is to secure what may be his last chance at a place on a U.S. Olympic team. “Be Good Johnny Weir” follows Weir as he competes all over the globe, culminating in his appearance at the U.S. Men’s Nationals in January, the results of which determine whether or not he will vie for the gold in Vancouver. It is here that Weir will learn whether or not he will be able to fulfill his dream of Olympic glory on the world stage.
“This series tells the hugely entertaining tale of an independent quest for greatness” said Sarah Barnett, Sundance Channel EVP and GM. “Weir is a very compelling individual, someone who takes the art of skating to a higher level, and we’re excited to give our viewers the chance to follow his adventure across the ice.”
“Be Good Johnny Weir” kicks off on January 18th with a special 90-minute episode, “Pop Star on Ice.” This feature-length episode screened at several film festivals in the summer of 2009, and received glowing reviews. Writing about “Pop Star on Ice” at the Seattle International Film Festival, Alissa Simon of Variety called it “a fascinating portrait” in which “Weir proves as natural a screen presence as he is a skater.”
“Be Good Johnny Weir” is directed and produced by James Pellerito and David Barba, who Complete coverage of New York premiere of Pop Star On Icewill also serve as Executive Producers. The series is directed, produced and co-financed by Original Media (“LA Ink”, “Stormchasers”, “The Rachel Zoe Project”). Executive Producers for Sundance Channel are Sarah Barnett, Lynne Kirby and Ann Rose.
The schedule for “Be Good Johnny Weir” is as follows:
Monday, January 18th at 10:30pm
“Be Good Johnny Weir”/Episode 1: “Pop Star on Ice”
Monday, January 25th at 10:30pm
“Be Good Johnny Weir”/Episode 2
Monday, February 1st at 10:30pm
“Be Good Johnny Weir”/Episode 3
Monday, February 8th at 10:30pm
“Be Good Johnny Weir”/Episode 4
Monday, March 1st at 10:30pm
“Be Good Johnny Weir”/Episode 5
Monday, March 8th at 10:30pm
“Be Good Johnny Weir”/Episode 6
Monday, March 15th at 10:30pm
“Be Good Johnny Weir”/Episode 7
Monday, March 22nd at 10:30pm
“Be Good Johnny Weir”/Episode 8
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