Documentary BILL NYE: SCIENCE GUY Set for Theatrical Release Later This Year

PBS announced today 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.

Photo courtesy of Brendan Hall/Structure Films

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