Network Entertainment Announces ‘I Am Richard Pryor’ Doc For Paramount NetworkPosted by Wilson Morales
October 12, 2018
Filmmaker Derik Murray’s Network Entertainment is pleased to announce it is in production on the upcoming film ‘I Am Richard Pryor’, the latest in the Company’s acclaimed ‘I Am’ series of feature documentaries for Paramount Network.
Pryor’s comic genius was steeped in race, class and social commentary, and encompassed the stage, screen, records and television. At one point the highest-paid black performer in the entertainment industry, he continually challenged the status quo in a post–civil rights America that was supposedly moving towards normalization.
“From very humble beginnings, my husband lifted himself up and propelled himself through an iconic comedy career during America’s rockiest years, tackling racism, transcending boundaries, finding himself and inspiring many,” said Jennifer Lee Pryor. “I am confident that Network Entertainment will produce an outstanding film about my husband that does him justice both as a cultural icon and as a man.”
The film features original cinematically filmed interviews with contemporary comedians, filmmakers, writers and collaborators including Lily Tomlin, Tiffany Haddish, Michael Epps, Sandra Bernhard, Jimmie Walker, Howie Mandel, Michael Schultz, Dr. Todd Boyd, Henry Jaglom, Ishmael Reed, Scott Saul, Rocco Urbisci, Thom Mount and Ron De Blasio, along with Jennifer Pryor.
The documentary also includes iconic stand-up performances, including Richard Pryor: Live in Concert and Live & Smokin’, sketches from The Richard Pryor Show and from Lily Tomlin’s television specials, and several of his most important feature film performances.
“We are excited that Jennifer Pryor has entrusted us to tell Richard’s incredible yet complicated story,” says Producer Derik Murray. “We are honored to showcase Richard’s genius while delving deeper into the man whose work established him as one of comedy’s most beloved and courageous icons.”
“Richard Pryor was one of the most fearless trailblazers in the history of comedy,” adds Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports and Specials, Paramount Network. “We are proud to bring Richard’s story and his message of racial tolerance to our audience in the next installment of our award winning ‘I Am’ series.”
Jesse James Miller is directing I Am Richard Pryor and, along with Murray, the documentary is Executive Produced by Paul Gertz, Kent Wingerak, and Richard Pryor’s wife, Jennifer Pryor. Paramount Network’s Jon Slusser and Jaimee Kosanke also serve as Executive Producers. Network Entertainment is repped by UTA.
