(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
The Independent Film Channel (IFC), the first and largest network dedicated to independent films, will return with its critically acclaimed original series Henry’s Film Corner for a second season under a new name and expanded format.
The Henry Rollins Show will relaunch in March and will incorporate a wider range of guests, a more expansive menu of topics, and, for the first time, independent musical performances that embody the spirit of IFC and Rollins. Formerly a monthly review show, the new 20-part series will air on the network as a weekly program. This news comes on the heels of the Henry’s Film Corner season one finale with celebrity guests Philip Seymour Hoffman and Don Cheadle.
IFC will also be an official sponsor of Rollins’ two month, 48-show ‘25 Years of Bullshit’ Spoken Word Tour kicking off in late September. The network will be giving away one pair of tickets per concert date and will be promoted on-site at the shows.
“Season one exceeded our expectations, so much so that we saw an opportunity to broaden the scope of the show to give Henry the forum to speak on more than just movies," said Debbie DeMontreux, IFC’s vice president of Development and Production. "It was clear to us Henry had way more to say, and we are embracing that. Henry’s blunt and brutally honest opinions on everything from the world of film to more complex and serious social and political issues will carry on in season two and will be delivered with the same energy and attitude that only Henry Rollins can deliver and that could only air on an uncensored network.”
“I did not expect anywhere near the freedom and encouragement that we have received from IFC," said Rollins. "The trusting environment has allowed us to get interesting and honest interviews and insights from our guests that is refreshingly different than the traditional show-biz ordeal. I think the entertainment industry too often underestimates the intelligence of the audience and their desire to see something that challenges and takes chances. IFC is a perfect fit for this show and the fact that we are doing a second season gives me a great sense of pride and accomplishment. I can't wait to get season two rolling.”
Hosted by Rollins, the multi-dimensional show features special guests joining Rollins to discuss and debate films, music, celebrities and movie culture in America. Guests from season one included Billy Bob Thornton, Penelope Cruz, Don Cheadle, Crispin Glover and Rob Zombie. During each 30-minute episode, the outspoken Rollins offers topical conversations and subversive, no-holds-barred debates delivered to viewers in IFC’s uncut environment. Under the new umbrella, guests will be expanded to include personalities from film, television, music, comedy and politics. A musical performance will also be featured each week.
One of the most defining elements from season one will be at the forefront of season two, “Teeing Off,” which offers a unique and irreverent take on the traditional monologue as Rollins rants on everything from pop culture to politics to the guy who annoyed him at the grocery store. Every episode will continue to launch with these passionate diatribes that have come to define Henry Rollins.
Also completely unique to Rollins, the ‘Rejoice/Revenge” segment of the show will celebrate or desecrate a movie, person, book, record, government act, publicity stunt or pop culture event with a vigor that sets it far apart from traditional reviews. While the long form film review from season one will be removed from the new format, Rollins will continue to be a trusted voice in making artistic recommendations with this popular segment. “The Rollins Interviews,” “Henry’s Picks” and field segments will also carry on in season two.
Rollins’ ‘25 Years of Bullshit’ Spoken Word Tour, sponsored by IFC, will kick off in Phoenix on September 29. The two-month, 48-show tour mixes timely commentary on politics, pop culture and his most recent exploits with some of his favorite stories from 25 years on the road. The show promises both to incite and offer insight; to enrage and enlighten; to draw both laughs and ire. Henry continues to strip current events down to their seemingly obvious core, while coming armed and ready with both thoughtfully researched facts and a wealth of personal experience. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
