TV JUNKIE, Michael Cain and Matt Radecki’s award winning film about television reporter Rick Kirkham, will make its digital debut today through the Sundance Institute’s Artist Services program.
Rick Kirkham, a successful television journalist for “Inside Edition,” filmed over 3,000 hours of his own life from the age of fourteen through his rise to fame and his subsequent downfall with drug addiction. TV JUNKIE explored how Rick’s addiction affected his health, his job and his relationship with his family. In 2006, the documentary received the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. It aired on HBO as part of the 2007 Addiction Series, which went on to receive the Governor’s Award at the 2007 Emmy Awards.
“We are thrilled that TV JUNKIE will be making its digital debut,” said executive producer Ruth Mutch. “This is a documentary to which audiences across the globe can relate as almost everyone has had some sort of experience with addiction, whether they have battled with it themselves or know someone who has. We hope that this documentary and its educational curriculum accompaniment, FACES OF ADDICTION might even serve as a teaching tool about the dangers of drugs.”
Cain added: “After the release on HBO we received thousands of letters and emails from people who were impacted by our film. We are honored to be a part of the Sundance digital release and hope the film can continue to inspire many, many more people who have been touched by addition.”
Through its digital debut, TV JUNKIE will be available through iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Microsoft Xbox, Sony Entertainment Network, Sundance NOW, VUDU, and YouTube.
The film’s release this week serves as a prelude to the September launch of FACES OF ADDICTION which links TV JUNKIE to The New York Times Anti-Drug Education Program and is being supported in the release by the Courage Program and Winfree Academy. The program will be available online for parents, clinics and schools to use in teaching and learning environments.
“It’s inspiring to know the work we began in 2006 will continue to offer viewers insight on the lessons learned by my family; it’s a cautionary tale which will hopefully lead to a better path" said documentary subject Rick Kirkham and current News Director at KFBB in Great Falls, Montana.
