Downloads: Press Release
Distribution to Lead Theatrical Release Later This Year
Documentary to Broadcast on POV in 2018
(ARLINGTON, VA & NEW YORK, NY)— PBS announced yeterday it has acquired North American distribution rights for Bill Nye: Science Guy, which premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March. Bill Nye: Science Guy follows the legendary science advocate and TV personality Bill Nye in his pursuit to ignite a passion among Americans for science and science education.
PBS Distribution (PBSd) will release the film in theaters across the country later this year, following a robust festival tour including upcoming screenings at AFI Docs in Washington, D.C. and the Los Angeles Film Festival. It will have its broadcast premiere in 2018 via PBS documentary series POV. PBSd will handle all home entertainment, digital, educational/non-theatrical and Canadian rights.
Bill Nye: Science Guy was produced and directed by David Alvarado and Jason Sussberg, produced by Seth Gordon, Kate McLean, and Nick Pampenella, executive produced by Walker Deibel, Mary Rohlich, Henry S. Rosenthal, and Chad Troutwine, and co-executive produced by Andre Gaines.
Bill Nye is on a journey to change the world. Once the host of a popular kids show, today he is the CEO of The Planetary Society where he’s leading a mission to launch a solar-powered satellite into the cosmos and advocating for the importance of science research and discovery. He is taking off “The Science Guy” costume and taking on those who deny the importance of science, with the goal of creating a more scientifically literate and engaged universe. Bill Nye: Science Guy follows the man himself as he embarks on a quest to change the world through science advocacy and education. With intimate and exclusive access, as well as plenty of wonder and whimsy, this is a behind-the-scenes portrait of “the Science Guy,” as he inspires millennials to participate in STEM. The film features Bill Nye, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Ann Druyan, Ken Ham, Joe Bastardi, and many others.
“We are over the moon to add Bill Nye: Science Guy to our theatrical slate and to be partnering with POV to bring Bill back to PBS,” said PBS Distribution’s Head of Theatrical, Erin Owens. “The filmmakers have given us a revealing portrait of an icon whose work and personality are seared indelibly into the minds of so many Americans. We can’t wait to bring this film to audiences across the country, and we know they’ll leave the theater further inspired by Bill Nye and his lifelong quest to making science a national priority.”
“Many of us grew up with Bill Nye the Science Guy. He loved science, and he inspired a whole generation of kids to share that passion through his PBS show,” said POV executive director/executive producer Justine Nagan. “Now, as Bill Nye has focused on his role as a champion for climate science, we hope his story and this film will spark dialogue across ideological lines. We are thrilled to bring this outstanding independent film on Bill’s life and work to public media audiences.”
“Bill Nye has long been synonymous with education, science — and PBS! So, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with POV and PBSd to bring this film both to PBS audiences and to theater audiences across the country,” said Marie Nelson, Vice President of News and Independent Film, PBS. “His message of the importance of science education is as relevant today as when his show debuted on PBS nearly 25 years ago.”
Said the filmmakers, “We’re thrilled to partner with PBS, PBSd and POV to bring this film to American audiences. We grew up as middle schoolers watching Bill Nye on PBS, and we’re science filmmakers in no small part due to ‘The Science Guy.’ It’s a dream come true to have our movie in theaters and on public television, and we know our film is in good hands with the PBS family.”
The deal was negotiated by Emily Rothschild, Justine Nagan, and Chris White on behalf of PBS/POV and WME Global on behalf of the filmmakers.
About PBS Distribution
PBS Distribution is the leading media distributor for the public television community, both domestically and internationally, extending the reach of programs beyond broadcast while generating revenue for the public television system and production partners. PBS Distribution offers its customers a diverse range of programming, including Ken Burns’s films, documentaries from award-winning series such as NOVA, FRONTLINE, AMERICAN MASTERS, NATURE and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, and dramas from MASTERPIECE, as well as films from independent producers and popular children’s programs. As a multi-channel distributor, PBS Distribution offers consumers high-quality content in multiple formats including DVD, Blu-ray, digital download and digital streaming. PBS Distribution reaches expanded audiences through PBS International, a leading source for factual content for broadcast, cable and satellite services outside of North America, and a theatrical initiative, which specializes in theatrical, festival and non-theatrical distribution.
About POV
Produced by American Documentary, Inc., POV is public television’s premier showcase for nonfiction films. Since 1988, POV has been the home for the world’s boldest contemporary filmmakers, celebrating intriguing personal stories that spark conversation and inspire action. Always an innovator, POV discovers fresh new voices and creates interactive experiences that shine a light on social issues and elevate the art of storytelling. With our documentary broadcasts, original online programming and dynamic community engagement campaigns, we are committed to supporting films that capture the imagination and present diverse perspectives. In 2017 and 2018, POV will be exploring issues related to science and the environment as part of its commitment to timely, essential stories – including the upcoming premiere of The Island and the Whales.
POV films have won 36 Emmy® Awards, 19 George Foster Peabody Awards, 12 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, three Academy Awards®, the first-ever George Polk Documentary Film Award and the Prix Italia. The POV series has been honored with a Special News & Documentary Emmy Award for Excellence in Television Documentary Filmmaking, three IDA Awards for Best Curated Series and the National Association of Latino Independent Producers Award for Corporate Commitment to Diversity.
POV’s Community Engagement and Education team works with educators, community organizations and PBS stations to present more than 650 free screenings every year. In addition, we distribute free discussion guides and standards-aligned lesson plans for each of our films. Learn more at www.pbs.org/pov/. @povdocs on Twitter.
About PBS
PBS, with nearly 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 100 million people through television and nearly 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a new 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.
About Structure Films
Structure Films makes films about people doing cool things in science, health, information and technology. They strongly believe that cinematic storytelling can revolutionize science communication and engage the public with the awesome responsibility that comes with the scientific enterprise. Structure Films projects have screened in major international festivals including South by Southwest, Hot Docs International, and London International Film Festival; broadcast on the BBC, TIME, and Outside Magazine; and supported by the Sundance Institute, Tribeca Film Institute, ITVS and the MacArthur Foundation.
