New York, June 26, 2009 – Sundance Channel will follow irreverent figure skater Johnny Weir with the premiere of an original documentary, Johnny Weir: Pop Star on Ice, followed by an eight-part original series, “Be Good Johnny Weir”.
Johnny Weir: Pop Star on Ice features Weir as he struggles to overcome his disappointment at the 2006 Winter Olympics and live up to his natural talent on the ice. Then the eight-part original series “Be Good Johnny Weir” picks up the story as Johnny trains and tries out for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The looming question throughout is can Weir avoid the distractions that make him such a pop culture sensation and focus on winning? Johnny Weir: Pop Star on Ice is directed and produced by James Pellerito and David Barba. “Be Good Johnny Weir” is directed by Pellerito and Barba who will also serve as Executive Producers and produced by Original Media (“LA Ink”, “The Rachel Zoe Project”).
Johnny Weir: Pop Star on Ice will screen at Outfest on Sunday, July 12th, at 4:30 pm PCT at the Directors Guild Auditorium #1 (7920 W Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046). Directors James Pellerito and David Barba will attend the screening and are available for interviews.
“Together this documentary and series tell the hugely entertaining tale of a very independent quest for greatness” said Sarah Barnett, Sundance Channel EVP and GM. “Weir takes the art of skating to a higher level, and we’re excited to give our viewers the chance to follow this artist across the ice.”
Johnny Weir: Pop Star on Ice will premiere on Monday, December 28th at 10:00pm. The series “Be Good Johnny Weir” will air on Mondays beginning January 4that 10:00pm with the seventh episode, airing on February 15th, announcing the Olympic team and Weir’s Olympic fate. The final eighth episode will include either Weir’s participation in the 2010 Olympics or his disappointment in missing the team and his decision whether to retire from the sport or not.
Both the documentary and the series capture the behind-the-scenes world of the outspoken figure skater and three-time US National Champion. Love him or hate him, Weir is one of the most talented skaters of all time, but talent alone does not make a champion.
Executive Producers for Sundance Channel are Sarah Barnett, Lynne Kirby and Ann Rose.
About Johnny Weir
Johnny Weir was born and raised in Coatesville, Pennsylvania and started skating very late for a figure skater, at the age of twelve. Four years later, he was the World Junior Champion. Johnny placed fifth at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino and is a three time National Champion as well as the 2008
World Bronze Medalist. Unlike most figure skaters, Johnny is a clockwise spinner and jumper. He is known for his quick wit, his fashion sense, his 'sparkly onesie' costumes which he designs himself, and his tremendous natural talent and grace on the ice. Jon Heder's character in Blades of Glory was based on Johnny Weir.
