MEDIA ADVISORY
October 3, 2013
OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK PRESENTS A SPECIAL NIGHT OF PROGRAMMING ABOUT BEING GAY IN AMERICA ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
“Oprah’s Next Chapter” Features In-depth Talk with Wanda Sykes, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Dan Bucatinsky (9-10 p.m. ET/PT)
Television Premiere of Acclaimed Documentary “Bridegroom” Airs Immediately After (10 p.m. – 12 a.m.) ExploringLegal and Social ChallengesFacing Same-sex Couples
High-res images courtesy OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network:
"This ("Bridegroom") is really -- on one level -- a wonderful, sad, heartbreaking yet exhilarating and life affirming story, and on another level it's a story about our nation's struggle to make one more step in forming a more perfect union, for which marriage is both the symbol and substance."
-President Bill Clinton
Los Angeles - OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network will present a special night of programming focusing on the conversation around being gay in America on Sunday, October 27. “Oprah’s Next Chapter” leads off the night (9-10 p.m. ET/PT) and will feature an in-depth conversation with Oprah and popular gay celebrities including comedienne Wanda Sykes, “Modern Family” star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and “Scandal” star Dan Bucatinsky. Immediately following is the world television premiere of the groundbreaking documentary “Bridegroom” (10 p.m. - 12 a.m. ET/PT) from filmmakerand "Designing Women" creatorLinda Bloodworth Thomason.The film chronicles the true story of a gay couple facing the insurmountable obstacles presented by the lack of protection that is supplied by legal marriage.
“OPRAH’S NEXT CHAPTER” – GAY IN HOLLYWOOD
Sunday, October 27 from 9-10 p.m. ET/PT
Oprah hosts a conversation about being gay in America with comedienne/actress Wanda Sykes, “Modern Family” star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and “Scandal” Emmy award-winner Dan Bucatinsky. The actors talkopenly about the time when they realizedthey were gay, how they came out and the impact being gay has had on their careers in Hollywood.
The series is produced by Harpo Studios. Executive produced by Tara Montgomery and Andrea Wishom.
“BRIDEGROOM”
Sunday, October 27 from 10 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. ET/PT
First look at “Bridegroom” (with embed code):
“Bridegroom” is a documentary film by director Linda Bloodworth Thomason (“Designing Women”) that tells the emotional journey of Shane Bitney Crone and Tom Bridegroom, two young men in a loving and committed relationship that was cut tragically short. The story of what happened after Tom's accidental death– of how people in relationships without the legal protections of marriage can find themselves completely shut out and ostracized by family members – is poignant,thoughtprovoking andsheds more light onthe issue of marriage equality and human rights.
On the anniversary of Tom’s death, after a year of documenting his own grief, Shane decided to make a video tribute to his partner entitled “It Could Happen to You.” The video went viral and has garnered over four million views. Although it was a cathartic process for Shane and a tribute to the love of his life, more than anything, he wanted it to serve as a warning to other LGBT couples, andto show the world what can happen when two people are legally barred from having equal rights and protectionsthat are granted to othersunder marriage laws.
The film has earned numerous accolades, including audience awards at the TriBeca Film Festival, where it was introduced by President Bill Clinton, and Outfest Los Angeles Film Festival. Shane continues to work alongside organizations including GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign to promote equality, and received the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Award in 2012. "Bridegroom" will be available on DVD on November 19, 2013.
“Bridegroom” is produced, written and directed by Linda Bloodworth Thomason. Produced by Shane Bitney Crone, Harry Thomason, Allen Crowe and Douglas Jackson.
What critics are saying about "Bridegroom" ...
“It’s a pitched battle…but love blindingly outshines hate inBridegroom.”
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times
“Powerful and heartbreaking. The kind of film that can change hearts and minds.”
Dave Karger,Fandango.com
“This deeply moving documentary has the power to change hearts and minds.”
Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter
"Beautiful, potent and grand...One of the most affecting films of the year.”
Kevin Taft, Edge Media
To request broadcast or audio clips, please contact:
/ 323.602.5629
About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey’s heart and creative instincts inform the brand – and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable.Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection.And endless possibilities. OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications. The network debuted on January 1, 2011 and is available in 85 million homes. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platformOprah.com.
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Media Contact:
Joey Levine
Manager, Communications
(323) 602-5629
Chelsea Hettrick,
Director, Communications
(323) 602-5632