Starz Moves to Original Docs

The Starz Channel has commissioned six original documentary specials on topics ranging from comicbook-based movies, the creation of low-brow comedies and the great character actors.

The show will be hosted by film critic Richard Roeper under the banner “Starz Inside.”

Three of the six will be of main interest to genre fans, including the docu “Comic Books Unbound.” It will get its first airing on June 10, 2008. The cameras will go behind the scenes and follow the process that writers and directors go through as they turn comic strips, comic books and graphic novels into major motion pictures.

In July 2008 comes “In the Gutter,” an analysis of high and low-brow comedies that push the boundaries of content. Some of the movies investigated are “There’s Something About Mary, “American Pie” and “Jackass.”

The third in the series that fellow geeks might find fascinating is a little something tentatively called “Fantastic Fless: The Art of Makeup EFX.” This program, which airs in October 2008, will focus on all those great special effects from companies like KNB and looks at how these creative artists came up with the look for classic movie monsters, and everything from aliens to ghouls.

The remaining three documentaries will deal with cross-sexual performances, like those from Dustin Hoffman in “Tootsie” and Robin Williams as “Mrs. Doubtfire.” Look for it in November 2008.

Closing out the year in December 2008 comes “Fashion in Film.” This special will take a look at the behind-the-scene element in costume design for motion pictures like “Atonement” and “27 Dresses.” It will reveal how costumes can either make or break a movie, especially in SF or period piece films.

Finally, in January 2009 “Starz Inside” will feature “The Face Is Familiar.” This docu will give fans a closer look at that all important aspect of a film, supporting actors.