STARZ CELEBRATES KIRK DOUGLAS AND THE PUBLICATION OF HIS NEW MEMOIR "I AM SPARTACUS! MAKING A FILM, BREAKING THE BLACKLIST”

DOUGLAS, STAR AND PRODUCER OF THE FILM, IS JOINED BY LIAM MCINTYRE AND STEVEN S. DEKNIGHT FROM THE STARZ ORIGINAL SERIES “SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE” AT TV ACADEMY’S LEONARD GOLDENSON THEATER ON MAY 31ST TO DISCUSS THE CULTURAL IMPACT OF "SPARTACUS" THEN AND NOW


Beverly Hills, Calif. – May, 14, 2012 - In a salute to Kirk Douglas, who first brought Spartacus to life in 1960, Liam McIntyre, of the STARZ Original Series “Spartacus: Vengeance” and its creator and producer Steven S. DeKnight will join the iconic star at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Goldenson Theater on Thursday, May 31st to discuss the cultural impact of “Spartacus” then and now.  The evening will celebrate the publication of his 10th book, "I Am Spartacus! Making a Film, Breaking the Blacklist" which will be available as an eBook and in a paperback edition on June 12th from Open Road Media. (openroadmedia.com/kirkdouglas for full details).

"I am happy that Spartacus continues to live in the Starz series, but why didn't they ask me to play him?" Kirk Douglas says. "I made a film about freedom at a time when freedom was in jeopardy and a blacklist had been in effect in Hollywood for more than a decade. There are parallels in today's political climate, which is why a hero like Spartacus still resonates, I believe.  Also, it helps to look good in a loincloth!"


The overarching themes of “Spartacus” are certainly familiar to those who watch the Starz original series, but Steven S. DeKnight has created an entirely new vision, and McIntyre a new interpretation in bringing the legendary warrior to life. Based in both historical fact, as well as fiction, DeKnight and McIntyre will speak about the process and pressure of bringing an iconic character to the screen, the advantage of being able to tell that story on premium television, and the acclaimed production elements that give the show a distinctive look.

“Spartacus has a legacy like few other men,” notes McIntyre. “He has inspired millions of people, and entire social movements. It is my immeasurable honor to discuss such an iconic character with Mr. Douglas and Steven S. DeKnight, who have both breathed new life into this legend in exciting and ground breaking ways."


"I'm unbelievably humbled,” says DeKnight, “not only to have the opportunity to sit down with a Hollywood legend that has inspired me and countless others, but also to discuss how the story of Spartacus has resonated for thousands of years throughout the world."

“Spartacus” as damned by the Legion of Decency and members of the press, particularly influential columnist Hedda Hopper, called for a boycott because Douglas had given screen credit to blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo, who had written many award-winning films including Roman Holiday under pseudonyms. The public came anyway, including President John F. Kennedy who went to see it on February 21, 1961 at the Warner Theater in Washington and declared it a "fine film."

“Spartacus: Vengeance” recently completed a record-breaking year on STARZ and features McIntyre, Manu Bennett, Dustin Clare and Lucy Lawless.   Previous seasons, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand”, and prequel, “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” have been airing in more than 150 countries.

About Starz Entertainment
Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie and original programming entertainment service provider operating in the United States. The company offers 17 premium channels including the flagship STARZ® and ENCORE® brands with approximately 20.1 million and 33.6 million subscribers respectively.  Starz Entertainment airs in total more than 1,000 movies and original series every month across its pay TV channels. Starz Entertainment is recognized as a pay TV leader in providing HD, On Demand, HD On Demand and online advanced services for its STARZ, ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX brands.  Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: LMCA).

SOURCE Starz Entertainment

A Netflix Original Series "Lilyhammer"

Steven Van Zandt of "The Sopranos" and Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band is back as a Gangster…this time in Norway

All 8 Episodes of the Entire First Season Available to Watch Instantly on Netflix in the USA, Canada & Latin America Beginning February 6, 2012

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan. 3, 2012  -- "Lilyhammer," a gripping fish-out-of-water story set in Norway and starring "The Sopranos" mainstay and E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt, is a new Original Series premiering on Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX) to watch instantly on February 6, 2012 in the USA, Canada and Latin America.

"Lilyhammer," follows New York mobster Frank "The Fixer" Tagliano as he enters the federal witness protection program after ratting on his boss. A sports fan, Frank wants to make his new life in Lillehammer, the Norwegian town that hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics – or as he calls it "Lilyhammer." Frank has visions of a paradise of "clean air, fresh white snow and gorgeous broads" far away from the temptations of the Big Apple and from mob hit men. Reality, of course, turns out to be spectacularly different.

All eight first season episodes of "Lilyhammer" will be available on February 6 so Netflix members can enjoy the series by streaming over the Internet to connected TVs, tablets, game consoles, computers and mobile phones.

View the trailer:

"Lilyhammer" is a well-observed, funny and occasionally brutal story of culture clash, focused on Stevie's inimitable portrayal of an East Coast mobster," said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. "We're proud to introduce this terrific Original Series exclusively to our members. If you love the first episode, there is no need to wait until next week, or to set a DVR, to catch the next one."

"I am very careful with my choices and this project was so exciting to me because of the wonderful writing, the rich characters and the fascinating culture of Norway," said Steven Van Zandt, Executive Producer. "Netflix is the perfect home for such a unique show."

"Lilyhammer" was developed by Rubicon TV AS (creator, Anne Bjornstad & Eilif Skodvin). The Writers on the Show include Anne Bjornstad, Eilif Skodvin and Steven Van Zandt. Producers include Trond Berg Nilsen and Agnete Thuland. Executive Producers include Lasse Hallberg & Steven Van Zandt. The series is a production by Rubicon TV AS.

About Netflix:
With more than 20 million streaming members in the United States, Canada and Latin America, Netflix, Inc. [Nasdaq: NFLX] is the world's leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows. For about US$7.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed over the Internet to PCs, Macs and TVs. Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are the Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3 consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, Internet-connected TVs, home theater systems, digital video recorders and Internet video players; Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Apple TV and Google TV. In all, more than 700 devices that stream from Netflix are available. For additional information, go to Netflix.com. Follow Netflix on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Netflix, Inc.

The final “Spartacus: Vengeance” trailer - See it Here!

“Spartacus: Vengeance” will premiere on STARZ Friday, January 27^th at 10pm ET.

On the heels of the bloody escape from the House of Batiatus that concluded “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” the gladiator rebellion continues and begins to strike fear into the heart of the Roman Republic in “Spartacus: Vengeance.”

Gaius Claudius Glaber and his Roman troops are sent to Capua to crush the growing band of freed slaves that Spartacus leads before it can inflict further damage.

Spartacus is presented the choice of satisfying his personal need for vengeance against the man that condemned his wife to slavery and eventual death, or making the larger sacrifices necessary to keep his  budding army from breaking apart.  

Containing all of the blood-soaked action, exotic sexuality, and villainy and heroism that has come to distinguish the series, the tale of Spartacus resumes in epic fashion.