Rainn Wilson Takes Part in AMC's Guest Programmer Series

Turner Classic Movies (TCM), basic cable’s only classic movie network offering movies uncut and commercial free, is packing its 2008 programming slate with some of Hollywood ’s favorite talents. Oscar®- and Emmy®-winning actress Sally Field is among the many high-profile talents joining TCM host Robert Osborne for the monthly GUEST PROGRAMMER series. And Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Golden Globe® nominee Chris O’Donnell (Scent of a Woman) are teaming up to host the new movie showcase TCM ESSENTIALS JR.

Other 2008 projects for TCM include a new interview series hosted by film critic and interviewer Elvis Mitchell, entitled TCM PRESENTS ELVIS MITCHELL: UNDER THE INFLUENCE; a tribute to Frank Sinatra, presented in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of his death in May; an October documentary featuring renowned animator Chuck Jones discussing memories from his storied childhood; and a new edition of PRIVATE SCREENINGS, featuring a conversation between Osborne and veteran movie producer Walter Mirisch. In June, TCM devotes the month to examining Asian images in film, the third installment in its exploration of race in Hollywood .

“Our 2008 slate takes TCM to a whole new level, both in terms of the caliber of talent featured and the depth with which we are going to examine the art of filmmaking and the social issues influencing and influenced by cinema,” said Charles Tabesh, senior vice president of programming for TCM. “We look forward to bringing these exciting projects to classic movie fans of all ages.”

The following are highlights of upcoming programming on TCM:

GUEST PROGRAMMERS

Each month on this movie showcase, TCM invites a celebrity to exchange star status for a role as a devoted fan of classic film by picking a few favorite movies and sharing with viewers what he or she has come to love about each one. Upcoming stars featured on the showcase include acclaimed actor Tim Roth (May), talk-show host and humorist Bill Maher (June), Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress Sally Field (July), Oscar-nominated director John Singleton (September) and The Office co-star Rainn Wilson (October).