Ovation Partners With James Franco On Original Arts Television Series Premiering This Fall: James Franco Presents

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Upping its commitment to connect the world to all forms of art and artistic expression, Ovation, America's only arts network, today announced a ground-breaking partnership with renowned actor, filmmaker, author and artist James Franco to launch James Franco Presents. Hosted and executive produced by James Franco, the revolutionary original series premieres this fall, only on Ovation.

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"James Franco is the ultimate artist, so partnering with James is a dream come true for Ovation," said Robert Weiss, Ovation's Chief Creative Officer. "And, since Ovation's mantra is 'art is everywhere,' James is the perfect person through whom to introduce viewers to a modern, more inclusive definition of art."

Delivering an unprecedented look at the fascinating projects and real-life adventures of Mr. Franco, James Franco Presents will document his provocative explorations of the world of art. From his gallery exhibits to his students' films, the innovative series will also provide an exclusive opportunity to hear Mr. Franco's point of view on his most-personal passion projects, most of which have not been seen by the public.

"This is a show where content dictates form and form dictates content. It is an art show that is an art piece, meaning the show has synched with the rhythms of my life and work," said James Franco. "I am thrilled to work with Ovation, a network that has devoted itself to the arts. It is a truly unique situation and will yield unique results."

Thousands of hours from Mr. Franco's personal video library will be showcased on James Franco Presents, including video diaries, documentary footage from his most ambitious art films and interactions with his heroes from every artistic genre.  With an intellectual curiosity as vast as his network of iconic artist friends, the series will expose renowned and respected icons to an entirely new generation.

James Franco Presents will give viewers an extraordinary opportunity to travel across the world with him as he concocts his laboratory of creative projects. Mr. Franco's love of literature, film, fine arts and more has finally manifested itself in an accessible format that uncovers the artistic works, issues and topics vital to the arts communities, while also inviting an active dialogue with viewers.

James Franco Presents is art that colors way outside the lines, and the excitement premieres this Fall, only on Ovation. For more information, please visit www.ovationtv.com

About James Franco:

James Franco is an Academy Award-nominated and Independent Spirit Award-winning actor, filmmaker, teacher, artist and author. James was awarded a Golden Globe Award for playing the title character in the TV biographical film James Dean (2001). He portrayed Harry Osborn in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy. His notable films are Pineapple Express, Milk, 127 Hours, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and 2013 releases Oz the Great and Powerful, Spring Breakers and This Is the End. James has produced and directed several renowned short films and documentaries, including Saturday Night, The Clerk's Tale, The Feast of Stephen, Three's Company The Drama, INT. Leather Bar, and Unfinished. His artistic work (in the field of mixed media) has been displayed in galleries across the world.

About Ovation:

Ovation is America's only arts network, whose mission is to surface and connect the world to all forms of art and artistic expression. Ovation programming is a one-of-a-kind mix of original and selectively curated series, films, documentaries and specials. The network reaches a national audience of nearly 50 million homes and is available on national cable systems, as well as nationally on DIRECTV, Dish, Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-Verse. Ovation is also available on VOD (in both standard and high definition). Ovation's diversified viewer experiences extend across its linear network, the popular ovationtv.com, and active social presence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and more. See the Ovation Facebook page for the latest information and conversations happening across the Ovation brand and the arts:www.facebook.com/OvationTV.

For images and more, visit the Ovation press site at www.ovationtv.com/media

SOURCE Ovation