Surprise Casts, Screenplays & Guest Directors to be Announced via Twitter

NEW YORK, March 17, 2016 - The New York Times announces today the return of the highly acclaimed and sell-out live performance series, Live Read, to TheTimesCenter. The series of two performances, 'Film Independent Live Read New York,' will be co-presented by The New York Times and Film Independent, and take place on Friday, May 13, and Friday, Oct. 14.

The screenplays and guest directors will be announced a few weeks ahead of each performance date at LiveReadNY.com and in New York Times ads. In the Live Read tradition, the surprise casts for the events will be announced only days before each performance via Twitter @filmindependent.

Film Independent and series creator Jason Reitman will select prominent guest directors to oversee 'Film Independent Live Read New York.' Other Live Read guest directors have included Laurence Fishburne, Seth Rogen, Quentin Tarantino and Paul and Chris Weitz,among others.

To sign up for updates on announced screenplays and talent, visit LiveReadNY.com.

Film Independent at LACMA has presented Live Read to its audiences since Oct. 2011. Each exclusive, one-night-only performance brings together a cast of high-profile actors for unrehearsed, live on-stage readings of celebrated screenplays. As performances are not webcast or recorded, only the audiences at the live performances are able to experience Live Read.

Live Read made its New York City debut at TheTimesCenter in April 2012 with a reading of the 1960 comedy classic The Apartment by an ensemble cast that included Emma Stone, Jason Sudeikis, Greta Gerwig and Paul Rudd, among other stars.

Previous Live Read participants have also included:

  • Hank Azaria
  • Lake Bell
  • Steve Carell
  • Bradley Cooper
  • Lena Dunham
  • Michael Fassbender
  • Laurence Fishburne
  • Cuba Gooding, Jr.
  • Joseph Gordon-Levitt
  • Samuel L. Jackson
  • Mindy Kaling
  • Courtney Love
  • Olivia Munn
  • Amy Poehler
  • Natalie Portman
  • Rob Reiner
  • Susan Sarandon
  • J.K. Simmons
  • Olivia Wilde
  • Shailene Woodley

Other Live Read screenplays have included The Breakfast Club, The Big Lebowski, The Empire Strikes Back and Pulp Fiction, among many others.

'Our latest collaboration with Film Independent promises two unforgettable evenings for New York's film and theater fans,' said Dorothea Herrey, senior vice president, NYT Live. 'We are so pleased to provide the exciting experience of spontaneous live performances by Hollywood's most acclaimed actors.'

'We're thrilled to work with The New York Times on bringing the Live Reads to New York audiences,' said Josh Welsh, president, Film Independent. 'These truly are one-of-a-kind, can't-miss evenings.'
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Mike Peck, VP of sponsorships at The New York Times, at mike.peck@nytimes.com and 212-556-7166.

About The New York Times Company

The New York Times Company (NYSE:NYT) is a global media organization dedicated to enhancing society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information. The company includes The New York Times, International New York Times, NYTimes.com, INYT.com and related properties. It is known globally for excellence in its journalism, and innovation in its print and digital storytelling and its business model. Follow news about the company at @NYTimesComm.

About Film Independent

Film Independent is a non-profit arts organization that champions creative independence in visual storytelling and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent's Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional, or a film lover.

Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also produces the LA Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and Film Independent at LACMA, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent's Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent's signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry. For more information or to become a Member, visit filmindependent.org.

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Contact: Stephanie Yera, 212-556-1957, stephanie.yera@nytimes.com

The New York Times Company issued this content on 17 March 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 17 March 2016 15:37:31 UTC

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