Ovation, James Franco To Launch New Series

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Ovation will team with actor, filmmaker, author and artist James Franco to launch a new original series premiering this fall.

The series, James Franco Presents, will document Franco’s explorations of art, from gallery exhibits to student films, according to network officials. Thousands of hours from Franco’s personal video library will be showcased on the series.

“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 in a statement. “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."

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.