It was announced today that audiences will get to see Saturday Night Live like they have never seen before. The feature length documentary Live From New York! will be in North American theaters on June 12. Live From New York! explores the show’s early years, an experiment that began witha young Lorne Michaelsand his cast of unknowns, and follows its evolution into a comedy institution. Archival footage is interwoven with stolen moments and exclusive commentary from “SNL” legends, journalists, hosts, crew and others influenced by the comedy giant. Live From New York! captures what has enabled “SNL” to continually refresh itself over nearly 800 episodes and keep America laughing for 40 years. The film is set to open the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival on April 15. Live From New York! is directed by Bao Nguyen, created and produced by JL Pomeroy and Tom Broecker, produced by Kimmie H. Kim, Sarah Cowperthwaite, Owen Moogan, and associated produced by Demetra Stavrakas.
Abramorama will handle the U.S. theatrical release on June 12 with strong support from the Landmark Theater chain, including their flagship venues in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Tugg, the web platform that allows people to request screenings at their local theaters, will complement the nationwide U.S. theatrical release. You can request screenings in select cities via LiveFromNewYorkMovie.com. Ron Mann’s Films We Like will release Live From New York! in Canada on June 10.
In addition to rare footage from the last 40 years, an incredible cast of “SNL” alumni shares the screen to discuss what the show has meant to them and its impact on the world through illuminating anecdotes and reflections of their time as cast members and hosts. These incredible performers include Chevy Chase, Laraine Newman, John Goodman, Tina Fey, Candice Bergen, Chris Rock, Amy Poehler, Alec Baldwin and many more.
“When JL and I first conceived of the idea for this film, it was always our vision that it be released theatrically,” said Tom Broecker. “Given that Live From New York! highlights the impact SNL has had on American culture, it’s only fitting that it be available to moviegoers across North America,” added JL Pomeroy.
“Abramorama is thrilled to be part of getting SNL fans into cinemas to have the shared-audience experience they—and these comic geniuses—deserve,” noted Abramorama President Richard Abramowitz.
“We are delighted to empower super-fans and communities all across the country to bring Live From New York! to their local theaters and experience this hilarious, illuminating film the way it was meant to be seen—on the big screen,” said Tugg co-founder Nick Gonda.