Investigation Discovery Launches New Independent Documentary Strand, ID FILMS

SILVER SPRING, Md., June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Investigation Discovery, America's leading investigation network, today announced the launch of an all-new independent documentary strand, ID FILMS.  Debuting in August, ID FILMS will program quarterly premieres, providing a new outlet for independent documentary filmmakers seeking a television home for projects that shine a light on important, overlooked aspects of our justice system and showcase compelling stories of mystery, intrigue and determination.

The first ID FILMS documentary is the previously-announced CROPSEY, a spine-tingling documentary that peels back the layers of fact and fiction behind one of New York's most disturbing unsolved mysteries.  When five children go missing on Staten Island, filmmakers Joshua Zeman and Barbara Brancaccio realize the cautionary tales of their youth may have been true.  In the documentary, Zeman and Brancaccio delve into the mystery surrounding the missing children and the real-life boogeyman linked to their disappearances.  CROPSEY will make its world television premiere on Friday, August 13 from 9-11PM ET.  

The second 2010 title is the world television premiere of Roger Weisberg and Vanessa Roth's riveting film No Tomorrow, which explores the role of media in the criminal justice system and provides a contemporary commentary on the use of the death penalty in the United States, one of the only developed nations still to use capital punishment.  The film will air on ID on October 8 under the title FINAL JUDGMENT.

In 2005, Weisberg and Roth created a fascinating documentary, Aging Out, which explored what happens to teenagers who have to fend for themselves after leaving the foster care system.  Tragically, Aging Out also became a chronicle of the last year of the life of one of its central characters, Risa Bejarano, who was murdered shortly after the film was released.  Weisberg and Roth's follow-up film, FINAL JUDGMENT, looks at how the original documentary unexpectedly became the centerpiece of a dramatic trial in Judge Lance Ito's courtroom that would determine whether the alleged killer would live or die.

"Created by some of the top independent filmmakers in the country, the documentaries featured in ID FILMS are, by their very nature, intensely personal," said Henry Schleiff, president and general manager, Investigation Discovery.  "We are proud to provide an outlet for documentaries like CROPSEY and FINAL JUDGMENT.  This is the perfect way to kick off this initiative in that the first is an incredibly compelling true story of one of New York's most infamous unsolved crimes while the second is an example of ID's commitment to bringing attention -- as well as informed and articulate debate -- to important issues such as those that surround the controversial subject of capital punishment."

CROPSEY is an Antidote Films, Afterhours Productions presentation of a Ghost Robot Production.  It is produced by Joshua Zeman, Barbara Brancaccio and Zachary Mortensen with Executive Producer Jeffrey Levy-Hinte.   Directed by Joshua Zeman, Barbara Brancaccio. Written by Joshua Zeman.

FINAL JUDGMENT is produced and directed by Roger Weisberg and Vanessa Roth of Public Policy Productions. Edited by Tom Haneke, Composed by Richard Fiocca, and Design and Animation by Bill Bergeron-Mirsky. For Investigation Discovery, Sara Kozak is vice president of production and Henry Schleiff is president and general manager.

About Investigation Discovery

Investigation Discovery (ID), America's leading investigation network, is the source for fact-based investigative content about culture, history and the human condition.  Providing the highest quality investigative programming focused on fascinating stories of human nature from the past to the present, Investigation Discovery's in-depth documentaries and series challenge viewers on important issues shaping our culture and defining our world.  As the premier authority in real investigations, ID is expanding partnerships with established news organizations and production companies to bring the strongest analytic, factual investigative and current affairs programming to over 63 million U.S. households.  For more information, please visit investigationdiscovery.com

SOURCE Investigation Discovery