See just how much legendary sitcom writer and producer Norman Lear values creative integrity over monetary gain in this Indiewire exclusive clip. With an $11 million syndication deal with CBS in the balance, Jerry Perenchio, Lear’s former business partner at Tandem Productions and Embassy Television, tells how Lear refused to compromise the integrity of his shows, compared his life’s work to the most famous painting in history: Michelangelo’s “Mona Lisa,” and insisted on consulting his psychiatrist before signing over syndication rights.
The clip is a never-before-seen DVD extra from the first documentary about the 94-year-old television legend, “American Masters — Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You,” which premieres Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 9 pm on PBS. PBS Distribution will release the film, with additional bonus features, on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD the same day.
READ MORE: Sundance Review: Norman Lear Fans Will Get a Kick Out of ‘Just Another Version of You’
“American Masters – Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You” combines stories from Lear’s childhood and early career, including the highly successful shows “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” and “Good Times.” The documentary also features stories of Lear’s dedication to social activism and commentary from his family, friends and collaborators, including John Amos, George Clooney, Alan Horn, Bill Moyers, Rob Reiner, Phil Rosenthal and Russell Simmons.
“Just Another Version of You” had its world premiere as the Opening Night selection at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. The documentary tells the story of a poor Jewish kid from Connecticut who goes on to became one of TV’s most successful show runners.
Learn more about the documentary on PBS’s website.
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