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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bowman Body documentary in production
RICHMOND, VA. A new documentary celebrating the career and impact of Richmond area broadcaster, Bill Bowman and his television horror movie host persona, The Bowman Body, is nearing completion. The producers are seeking final funds for Hi There, Horror Movie Fans and expect to finish the film during the spring of 2011.
Well known to Virginia viewers, the Bowman Body’s first incarnation came in the summer of 1970 as the host of a week’s worth of black and white horror classics including The Mummy, The Invisible Man and Frankenstein.
After several repeat performances by popular demand, on February 19, 1971, The Bowman Body had his own show called “Shock Theater” every Friday night on channel 8, WXEX (now WRIC) launching a career as one of the most beloved TV horror hosts in history.
Bill Bowman is directly involved in the documentary, which also explores his role behind the scenes in television as well as Bowman’s other shows, Cobweb Theater on WVIR 29 in Charlottesville and Monsterpiece Theater on WNVC 56 in Fairfax.
“The title, Hi There, Horror Movie Fans, comes from the Bowman Body’s signature greeting at the beginning of each show,” said director/producer, Sean Kotz of Horse Archer Productions.
“For nearly 20 years in three markets, fans would see his tennis shoes and striped socks drop over the edge of his coffin and he’d stand up say this line to open each show.”
The character had several other endearing trademarks.
He sported a band-aid on his forehead and would often play a ukulele transported in a miniature coffin. While he cracked intentionally corny jokes, he could quickly move from boyish enthusiasm to mock surprise to deadpan skepticism.
The documentary is actually a follow up to a broader film on Virginia’s horror host history called, Virginia Creepers, which was released in 2009 and nominated for “Independent Production of the Year” at the annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards.
“When we completed Virginia Creepers,” said director/producer Chris Valluzzo, “people kept asking for more about the Bowman Body.”
“It is easy to see why. Bill Bowman is hilarious.”
To pull together the final funds for completion, the producers are using a “crowd sourcing” site called indiegogo.com.
Fans who want to see this film completed can go to the website, search for “Hi There, Horror Movie Fans” and contribute in exchange for DVDs, autographs and even the right to join the production team.
CONTACT:
Sean Kotz, Executive Producer
Horse Archer Productions
540-392-1874
To the left you will see a link to the Indiegogo.com Bowman Body campaign. Each donation level comes with all sorts of fine items from DVDs and posters right up to buying an executive producer credit (just like they do in Hollywood!) Bill is directly involved in this project so don't delay!
© 2011, Horse Archer Productions, All Rights Reserved.