I Am Richard Pryor to Make World Premiere at SXSW on March 12

VANCOUVER, Feb. 12, 2019 /CNW/ - Network Media Group Inc. (TSX: NTE.V) (OTCMKTS: NMGGF) and Network Entertainment Inc. ("Network" or "the Company") are pleased to announce the 2019 line up for its award-winning I Am franchise of documentaries produced in partnership with Paramount Network on the world's most iconic individuals.  The three new chapters of the critically-acclaimed series will feature Richard Pryor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Patrick Swayze. These three iconic figures join the prestigious roster who have been featured in past I Am documentaries, including John F. Kennedy Jr., Martin Luther King Jr., Bruce Lee, Steve McQueen, Evel Knievel, Paul Walker, Sam Kinison, Chris Farley, and Heath Ledger, which recently received two Realscreen awards.

I Am Richard Pryor, the first of the three 2019 installments, will make its world premiere at South by Southwest Film Festival on Tuesday, March 12, and will debut on Paramount Network on Friday, March 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. Premiere dates for the Jackie O and Patrick Swayze documentaries will be announced at a later date.

I Am Richard Pryor explores and celebrates the life and career of the iconic comedian who lifted himself out of poverty to achieve worldwide success. From his first comedy album until his death of a heart attack in 2005, the revolutionary and courageous stand-up comedian dispensed what critics regarded as the most poignant and penetrating comedic view of African-American life ever afforded to the U.S. at large. Volatile yet vulnerable, crass but sensitive, streetwise and cocky, Pryor did not simply tell stories, he brought them to life and was considered a trailblazer for generations of comics to come. The film explores his unusually personal art that was a window into a vulnerable soul, as well as the endless struggle to extend dignity and equality to all.

I Am Richard Pryor includes exclusive interviews with comedians, filmmakers, family, and friends including Sandra Bernhard, Ron De Blasio, Dr. Todd Boyd, Michael Epps, Tiffany Haddish, Henry Jaglom, Howie Mandel, Thom Mount, Ishmael Reed, Scott Saul, Michael Schultz, Greg Tate, Lily Tomlin, Rocco Urbisci, Jimmie Walker, and Jennifer Lee Pryor, who is also featured, and during a moving and poignant moment in the documentary, uniquely honors the life of her husband.

"We are committed to delivering an authentic and entertaining portrayal of each of the icons we are honored to portray in our ongoing I Am series of documentary features. Every one of our iconic subjects has made their personal mark on history, and along the way has captured the hearts and minds of audiences and fans around the world," said Derik Murray, Network CEO and Executive Producer of the I Am series. "I Am Richard Pryor was made possible by Jennifer Lee Pryor's resolute conviction to tell Richard's story with a foundation of truth and respect for his massive legacy. Alongside Jennifer's revealing interview, we have assembled a brilliant cast that blows open the door on a complex and gifted artist whose profound impact lives on."

"We are thrilled to bring the stories of these three incredible icons to Paramount Network through the I Am franchise," said Keith Cox, President, Development and Production, Paramount Network and TV Land. "It's truly an honor to pay homage to this group of extraordinary people through these inspiring films. We couldn't be more excited with their inclusion on our 2019 documentary slate."

The documentary, directed by Jesse James Miller, is Executive Produced by Paul Gertz, Kent Wingerak, and Richard Pryor's widow, Jennifer Pryor. Paramount Network's Jaimee Kosanke also serves as Executive Producer.

The I Am franchise is distributed internationally by FremantleMedia and in Canada by Thunderbird Entertainment.

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 enduring legacy, featuring 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. Network's productions are consistently embraced by both audiences and critics alike, garnering awards, record ratings and unparalleled media coverage.

Network's broadcast and distribution partners include: AHC, AMC, Discovery Channel, CBC, CMT, CTV, Entertainment One, EPIX, FremantleMedia, HBO Canada, History Channel, iTunes, Lionsgate, National Geographic, Paramount Network, Spike, Sundance TV, Thunderbird, TMN, Virgil Entertainment, and YouTube Premium. The Company's 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.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-looking Information
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.

About Paramount Network
Paramount Network is a premium entertainment destination that pushes the limits of story-telling with bold original scripted and non-scripted series. Inspired by over a century of cinema, Paramount Network is where today's brightest stars bring the experience of the big screen to every screen with stories that are immersive, inclusive, and deeply personal. For more information, visit www.ParamountNetwork.com.

SOURCE Network Media Group Inc.

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