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Oscar-nominated actor, writer and director James Franco is heading back to the small screen.
After hinting that he would return to television through a series of photos posted on Instagram and Twitter, Ovation made it official by announcing Wednesday morning that it was partnering with Franco on a TV show about art this fall.
James Franco Presents, which Franco will host and also executive produce, will chronicle his activities in the art world. The series will provide a glimpse into Franco’s perspective on his passion projects, many of which have not been seen by the public. Ovation says that thousands of hours from Franco’s personal videos will be featured in the show, including video diaries, documentary footage, art films and chats with his “heroes.”
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“James Franco is the ultimate artist, so partnering with James is a dream come true for Ovation,” said Robert Weiss, Ovation’s chief creative officer. “And, since Ovation’s mantra is ‘art is everywhere,’ James is the perfect person through whom to introduce viewers to a modern, more inclusive definition of art.”
“This is a show where content dictates form and form dictates content. It is an art show that is an art piece, meaning the show has synched with the rhythms of my life and work,” added Franco.
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The series marks Franco’s return to television, after starring in Judd Apatow‘s short-lived Freaks and Geeks more than 10 years ago. He also appeared on General Hospital, Saturday Night Live and co-hosted the Oscars, where he was nominated for lead actor for 127 Hours.
On Tuesday, Franco began posting images of famous paintings with his face and scrawled text over them, telling his more than 462,000 followers on Instagram that he had a TV show in the works. “They don’t want me to say the channel yet, don’t know why. But I guess you’ll find out Wednesday,” read one of the captions.
Ovation is a cable network that focuses on the arts and reaches nearly 50 million homes. Franco will also be the subject of a Comedy Central roast airing on Sept. 2.
E-mail: Philiana.Ng@THR.com
Twitter: @insidethetube
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