Robert Townsend’s New works

Showtime Premieres Robert Townsends’ Comedic Documentary “Why We Laugh” Featuring Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, Eddie Murphy, Dick Gregory and Many More Pioneers Of Comedy

Townsend Presents the “Ultimate Pitch Master Class” Tour in Charlotte, N.C. on March 27^th

In honor of Black History Month, cable network Showtime will premiere the Robert Townsend directed documentary “Why We Laugh” this month.  The film, based on the book by Darryl Littleton, explores the different styles and eras of black comic expression and how it has impacted American culture.  The film is narrated by Angela Bassett, and features comedians and cultural critics such as Bill Cosby, Dick Gregory, Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd, Paul Mooney, Dr. Cornel West, Kweisi Mfume, Members of Congress and many other pioneers and notables giving their opinion on the influence of black comedy on America.

The film received critical acclamation when it debuted at the Sundance Festival.   “Why We Laugh” will be airing on Showtime at the following dates and times (EST): February 23, 2010 @ 1 a.m., February 25, 2010 @ 6:30 p.m. and February 26, 2010 @ 12:30 a.m. To view the trailer visit http://www.roberttownsend.com

Townsend also has the honor of winning the first ever soap award from http://www.welovesoaps.com for directing an all star cast (Monica Calhoun, Richard Roundtree, Billy Dee Williams and Leon) in his web series “Diary of a Single Mom.” The award winning series, which is on its second season, follows the lives of three single mothers and their families as they try to progress in a challenging world.  The webseries airs on the Public Internet Channel and the new season premieres this month.  To view episodes of “Diary of a Single Mom” visit http://www.pic.tv

The “Diary of a Single Mom” series also has the honor of officially opening the first ever Los Angeles Web Series Festival being selected as the “Web Series of the Year.” All eight-minute episodes of the first season will be shown and followed by a Q & A with the creative team on March 26, 2010, the opening night of the festival.  For more information on the festival visit the official website at http://www.lawebfest.com

The Ultimate Pitch Master Class is a nationwide tour Townsend is presenting thru out the country with partner, Film Life, Inc. (www.filmlife.com ).  The next highly acclaimed “Master Class” will be presented in Charlotte, North Carolina on March 27^th (10:00am-1:00pm) at the Harvey Gannett Center.  For Tickets contact: (704)547-3700. The three-hour session is designed to teach those seeking careers in film and television how to pitch their ideas to   networks and studios. Townsend shares his technique from concept to development, through the various stages of rewrites and pitching to studios as well as providing advice on how to close the deal with clarity, precision and confidence.

Also on deck for Robert Townsend is the biopic “Phantom Punch” starring Ving Rhames as boxer Sonny Liston.  The film chronicles the life of Liston from his time in jail to his career as a boxer as well as his mysterious ad unexpected death in 1971.  The film also delves into issues of racism and love.  The movie will air on BET at 9 p.m. (EST), February 27, 2010.  For more information on the movie, visit the official website at http://www.phantompunchmovie.com/index.php

For more information: visit http://www.roberttownsend.com