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Sundance Channel Blog

Sundance Channel

Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, uncompromising and irreverent, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression. Sundance Channel's website address is www.sundancechannel.com.

Sundance Channel original series RECTIFY premieres April 22 at 9PM

Article: Sundance Channel original series RECTIFY premieres April 22 at 9PM

Posted December 12th, 2012, 1:12 PM by

When Daniel Holden (Aden Young) is released after nearly 20 years of complete isolation on Death Row, he returns as an outsider to his family, to his community, and to the times. Somehow, he survived the mental and emotional strain of his imprisonment, but now the walls have suddenly come crumbling down and Daniel is set free in a world he no longer understands. He’s an outsider, lost in a once familiar world, struggling to navigate his new found freedom. Combined with two decades of technological and social changes to his small town and the larger world, everything he encounters is a puzzle.

Now Playing: FISH TANK, FARGO, and SEX MAGIC, plus more great films this week

Article: Now Playing: FISH TANK, FARGO, and SEX MAGIC, plus more great films this week

Posted December 12th, 2012, 12:12 PM by

This week we delve into our darkest fears and deepest desires with films about alienation, death, love, sex and… improper surgical techniques? Luckily, not all in the same film. Like this crazy month of December so far, our films are running hot and cold this week, from the blazing Arizona sun of SEX MAGIC to the North Dakota/Minnesota snow and ice of FARGO and points in between.

Charlotte Rampling honored for RESTLESS performance

Article: Charlotte Rampling honored for RESTLESS performance

Posted December 12th, 2012, 11:12 AM by

CHARLOTTE RAMPLING HONORED WITH
SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARD® NOMINATION
FOR HER PEFORMANCE IN THE SUNDANCE CHANNEL ORIGINAL MINISERIES, RESTLESS
New York, December 12, 2012 – Charlotte Rampling was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award® today for her performance in Sundance Channel’s critically-acclaimed original miniseries, RESTLESS (which premiered earlier this month). Rampling received her first SAG nomination in the category of Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries. The two-part miniseries (the second installment will air Friday, December 14th at 9 PM et/pt), directed by Edward Hall and penned by celebrated novelist William Boyd based on his novel of the same name, tells the thrilling story of a daughter who discovers that her mother was recruited as a spy during World War II.

Now Playing: TINY FURNITURE and SAY ANYTHING, plus Stephen King, the first-ever NC-17 and more

Article: Now Playing: TINY FURNITURE and SAY ANYTHING, plus Stephen King, the first-ever NC-17 and more

Posted December 05th, 2012, 10:12 AM by

Ever feel that twinge of nostalgia for those glory days of high school and college? Well, you may have forgotten the aimlessness and angst of post-graduation – but don’t worry, we’ve got two films to remind you of it this week. Also on tap, a sexy (but literary!) romp through Paris, one of the best Stephen King film adaptations ever, and Alan Cumming and Jennifer Jason-Leigh at each other’s throats.

Take the RESTLESS Spy Challenge and win a $1,000 prize pack

Article: Take the RESTLESS Spy Challenge and win a $1,000 prize pack

Posted December 04th, 2012, 2:12 PM by

Embrace your inner spy with the RESTLESS Spy Challenge and you could win a swag bag containing $1,000 worth of items! Each bag includes all you need for your new career in international espionage, from a Minox digital camera to a Cloudveil down patrol jacket, Fossil canvas duffle bag, Restless: A Novel and much more.

TOP OF THE LAKE and RECTIFY to premiere at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival

Article: TOP OF THE LAKE and RECTIFY to premiere at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival

Posted December 04th, 2012, 9:12 AM by

SUNDANCE CHANNEL’S TOP OF THE LAKE TO PREMIERE AT THE 2013 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL AS THE FIRST LONG-FORM SCRIPTED SERIES TO SCREEN AS AN OFFICIAL SELECTION

Created By Jane Campion, Holly Hunter And Elisabeth Moss Star In This Seven-Part Series The Network’s Scripted Television Series RECTIFY From Ray McKinnon Will Debut In Park City In Private Screening
Sundance Channel today announced that two of their highly anticipated original scripted series, TOP OF THE LAKE and RECTIFY will debut during the 2013 Sundance Film Festival taking place in Park City Utah in January. TOP OF THE LAKE will screen in the premiere category, marking the first time the Sundance Film Festival has included a scripted long form series in their lineup. The seven-part series will screen in its entirety on Sunday, January 20th at the Egyptian Theater in Park City and will be followed by a Q&A with the creators and cast. Campion will also participate in a discussion of the creative appeal of working in long-form episodic narrative as part of a Festival panel titled “Power of Story: The New Face of Independent Voice” on January 19.

Go behind the lens for an inside look at RESTLESS

Article: Go behind the lens for an inside look at RESTLESS

Posted December 03rd, 2012, 3:12 PM by


Sneak behind the scenes for a look at what went into the making of our new WWII spy thriller RESTLESS. Author William Boyd, actors Hayley Atwell (Eva Delectorskaya – 1940′s), Charlotte Rampling (Eva Delectorskaya – 1970′s) and Michelle Dockery (Ruth Gilmartin) discuss the challenges of adapting a story that cross-cuts two time periods and a global scope. Is there a particular location that can stand in for much of mid-century Europe? Watch this video for the answer, and get ready for a truly cinematic experience this Friday.

The premiere of RESTLESS is just five days away – tune in on December 7 at 9P for Part 1.

THE STAIRCASE – new episodes coming soon

Article: THE STAIRCASE – new episodes coming soon

Posted November 28th, 2012, 1:11 PM by

Sundance Channel announced today that it has co-produced and will premiere two new installments of the critically acclaimed crime documentary, THE STAIRCASE, by Oscar®-winning director Jean-Xavier de Lestrade (MURDER ON A SUNDAY MORNING). Beginning January 7 at 10:00pm e/p, Sundance Channel will air an encore performance of the original eight-part Peabody Award-winning series in its entirety—a program described by The New York Times as “a masterpiece…so brilliantly conceived, reported, filmed and paced that you may come to wish it were twice as long.” Following the first eight installments, Sundance Channel will debut two hour-long never-before-seen episodes entitled THE STAIRCASE: LAST CHANCE, which will explore new and explosive developments in the life of author Michael Peterson whose sensational murder trial made headlines across the country. The new episodes air on March 4th and March 11th at 10:00pm e/p.

Now Playing: MADE IN CHINA, BLOWN AWAY, BLIND DATE, ONE WEEK

Article: Now Playing: MADE IN CHINA, BLOWN AWAY, BLIND DATE, ONE WEEK

Posted November 28th, 2012, 10:11 AM by

On tap this week, we’ve got three quirky, funny and yes, sad films for the independent minded, plus a bonus: an unlikely blockbuster thriller with an unusual stock of Oscar-winning talent. That’s four films for the price of three. Who doesn’t love a holiday season deal like that?

RESTLESS — Gear up for Part 1

Article: RESTLESS — Gear up for Part 1

Posted November 27th, 2012, 4:11 PM by

In Part 1 of Sundance Channel’s original miniseries RESTLESS, premiering on Friday, December 7th at 9P, Ruth Gilmartin (Michelle Dockery) will find out her mother isn’t who she thought she was. But just how did Eva Delectorskaya (Hayley Atwell) become a spy? And what, exactly, does she know that might be putting her life at risk decades after WWII was won? We’re not going to spoil anything for you, but get a sneak peak with these photos from RESTLESS.

Now Playing: STARGATE, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and TAZZA: THE HIGH ROLLERS

Article: Now Playing: STARGATE, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and TAZZA: THE HIGH ROLLERS

Posted November 21st, 2012, 3:11 PM by

This week, let’s be thankful for Asian cinema and some sleeper films that spawned monster hit TV series. If it wasn’t for the risks taken by Asian filmmakers like Takashi Miike, Johnnie To and Park Chan-wook, where would western directors like Quentin Tarantino and RZA get their inspiration? And if it wasn’t for films like STARGATE and BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, we probably would never have had… well, Stargate or Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the TV shows, that is). But even if you believe a life without Stargate or Buffy on TV wouldn’t be such a bad thing (or maybe even especially if you do), you’ll want to check out the original films – they are very different from the series they spawned.

Top 10 ultimate alternate universe films

Article: Top 10 ultimate alternate universe films

Posted November 20th, 2012, 2:11 PM by

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the real world, are we? Sundance Channel has the perfect escape on offer: Some really unreal worlds, alternative universes where hauntings, vampires, time travel, spontaneous combustion and the like are commonplace. However bad things may look right now, they can’t possibly compete with discovering that your kid is the spawn of Satan, can it? Here are 10 of our favorite alternate universes on film, of course, airing on Sundance Channel this month.

RESTLESS — Meet the characters

Article: RESTLESS — Meet the characters

Posted November 20th, 2012, 12:11 PM by

When it comes to the world of espionage, everyone plays their own cast of characters. That’s what makes watching spy thrillers such an undertaking… you’ve got to keep up with who is who (not to mention who is double-crossing who). So to help you stay on top of all of the intrigue we’ve got in store for Sundance Channel’s original miniseries RESTLESS, we’ve got photos of all of the key players. Commit them to memory… and then burn the originals.

Spy on the action behind the scenes of RESTLESS

Article: Spy on the action behind the scenes of RESTLESS

Posted November 15th, 2012, 2:11 PM by

Can’t wait for the December 7th premiere of Sundance Channel’s original miniseries RESTLESS? Then put on your most intriguing disguise and slip behind the scenes for a look at the cast in action. Need more of stars Michelle Dockery and Hayley Atwell? We snuck the trailer out from behind enemy lines so you can find out what happens when your comfortable life becomes one thread in a chilling, WWII mystery.

PUSH GIRLS start production on season 2

Article: PUSH GIRLS start production on season 2

Posted November 15th, 2012, 1:11 PM by

“Once in a great while a show comes along to remind us that reality television need not be defined by The Real Housewives or Jersey Shore. That, in fact, there are wonderful and valuable things the genre can do that scripted shows simply cannot. PUSH GIRLS is one of those shows.”
-Los Angeles Times

Sundance Channel announced today that their original and critically-acclaimed docu-series PUSH GIRLS has begun production in Los Angeles for a 10-episode second season set to air in 2013. PUSH GIRLS, touted as “captivating” by Time Magazine’s James Poniewozik, was a conversation starter last June when it launched with widespread acclaim from both viewers and critics alike, for the genuine and ground-breaking depiction of four beautiful, intelligent and inspiring women who use wheelchairs.

Now Playing: ANGEL HEART, THE PRIME GIG, THE SUM OF ALL FEARS

Article: Now Playing: ANGEL HEART, THE PRIME GIG, THE SUM OF ALL FEARS

Posted November 14th, 2012, 2:11 PM by

Mickey Rourke and Robert DeNiro in a neo-noir with a twist. Ben Affleck and Morgan Freeman in a Tom Clancy nuclear thriller. And Ed Harris and Vince Vaughn in a long con. It’s a roller coaster week of suspense, thrills, chills and twist endings here on Sundance Channel. Hang on to your hats!

Top 10 thrilling modern outlaws

Article: Top 10 thrilling modern outlaws

Posted November 14th, 2012, 10:11 AM by

Attention, filmmakers: If you want an audience to get behind a particular character, make him go it alone, force him to do things his own way. Renegade style. Whether he’s fighting for the good of mankind or redefining what constitutes evil, we can’t help but find him intriguing. These are self-sufficient guys with no apologies, few rules, and even fewer questions asked. And here are some of our favorites, our Top 10 Thrilling Modern Outlaws, every one of them airing on Sundance Channel in November.

Once a spy, always a spy: Sneak a peek at RESTLESS

Article: Once a spy, always a spy: Sneak a peek at RESTLESS

Posted November 12th, 2012, 3:11 PM by

We’re ready to reveal a big secret…it’s the trailer for the Sundance Channel original miniseries RESTLESS. You’ll have to wait until Friday, December 7th at 9P to catch the first installment of our adaptation of the acclaimed William Boyd novel, but this should hold you over. You can also check out dossiers on the RESTLESS cast, including Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) and Hayley Atwell (CAPTAIN AMERICA).

Tonight on THE MORTIFIED SESSIONS: actress Kristin Bauer and comedian Matt Walsh

Article: Tonight on THE MORTIFIED SESSIONS: actress Kristin Bauer and comedian Matt Walsh

Posted November 12th, 2012, 10:11 AM by

The final episode of this season of THE MORTIFIED SESSIONS kicks off with actress, and popular vampire, Kristin Bauer van Straten. Bauer’s best known as Pam Swynford De Beaufort on HBO’s True Blood, and she’s further extended her dark fantasy credentials with a stint as the evil Maleficent on ABC’s Once Upon a Time. She loves to play creepy ladies!

Get ready for five great new shows on Sundance Channel

Article: Get ready for five great new shows on Sundance Channel

Posted November 07th, 2012, 2:11 PM by

Sundance Channel is excited to share our 2013/2014 original scripted development slate today. We’ve got five provocative new dramas that put an emphasis on complicated characters and daring approaches to storytelling.

There is a lot of high caliber, award winning talent– many with roots in filmmaking –behind these projects, which include: VALENTINES from producer Robert Redford and writer Olaf Olafsson, BEHIND THE SUN from producers Steve Buscemi and Stanley Tucci and writer Dylan Gary, THE DESCENDANTS from producer Sarah Condon and writer Aaron Guzikowski, T from producer Ira Glass and writers Dan Futterman and Anya Epstein, and DEATH IN THE MODERN AGE from producers Bob Cooper, JJ Jamieson and Michael Fuchs and writers Josh Shaffer & Eli Kooris.

Tonight on THE MORTIFIED SESSIONS: Actor Adam Goldberg

Article: Tonight on THE MORTIFIED SESSIONS: Actor Adam Goldberg

Posted November 05th, 2012, 10:11 AM by

Actor Adam Goldberg (SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, 2 DAYS IN PARIS) goes out of his way to share some of the most mortifying memories of his childhood. It just may be that the anxious, neurotic characters he portrays are expressions of the awkward kid he used to be.

Tonight on THE MORTIFIED SESSIONS: Comedian Tig Notaro and Parenthood’s Jason Ritter

Article: Tonight on THE MORTIFIED SESSIONS: Comedian Tig Notaro and Parenthood’s Jason Ritter

Posted October 29th, 2012, 2:10 PM by

It’s another twofer tonight on THE MORTIFIED SESSIONS. Tune in first for one of the more daring stand-up comics around, Tig Notaro. In addition to her live shows, she’s also been featured on The Sarah Silverman Program and Comedy Central Presents and is one of the few comics brave enough to have written a comedy monologue about cancer (based on her own experience). Tig’s followed by the dashing young actor Jason Ritter, whose recurring role on NBC’s Parenthood has earned him an Emmy nomination. Watch both of them open up about the awkward moments that made them who they are today.

ALL ON THE LINE: Nicole Richie in the season finale

Article: ALL ON THE LINE: Nicole Richie in the season finale

Posted October 29th, 2012, 10:10 AM by

This week on ALL ON THE LINE, Joe Zee lends a hand to Nicole Richie for her upcoming fashion line in a season finale that’s not to be missed.

Richie’s preparing her new line for a featured spot on QVC. It’s her biggest test yet as a budding fashion designer, creating clothing for a retailer that reaches 200 million homes and sells $9 billion worth of products each year. Can Joe Zee help her get ready for prime time? Joe may have his hands full with an established celebrity and a strong personality.

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