Kevin Spacey, Zac Efron, Hill Harper, and Others Share Their Personal Stories of Artistic Inspiration on Ovation Starting May 16

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To showcase moments of artistic realization and inspiration, Ovation, the only multi-platform network dedicated to arts culture, is launching a series of interstitial segments featuring stories from actors, musicians, authors and artists of all ages called "Every Big Artist Starts Small."  The series of spots will be featured throughout the programming day and begin airing May 16.

The segments are created and produced by Ovation as part of the network's overall mission to support and encourage the next generation of artists. Each artist featured  tells a personal story about his or her big break, a special mentor or teacher, or a moment when they knew they wanted to pursue a career in the arts.  Among those who will be featured are:

• Kevin Spacey - Academy Award®-winning actor and Artistic Director of the Old Vic Theatre
• Zac Efron - Actor (High School Musical, 19 Again)
• Hill Harper - award-winning actor and best-selling author (CSI:  New York, Letters to a Young Brother, Letters to a Young Sister, The Conversation)
• Chuck Close - American painter and photographer
• Isabelle Furhman - actress (Orphan)
• Jeff Koons - renowned contemporary artist
• Morgan Spurlock - filmmaker/television producer/screenwriter (Best Movie Ever Sold)
• Ed Norton - award-winning actor (Primal Fear, American History X)
• Damian Woetzel - former principal for the NY City Ballet

"The first time I got on stage, I was really young, but I'll never forget the feeling it gave me -- that gratification," says Zac Efron in his segment.  "The key to discovering your dreams in the first place is creativity."

Over the past four years, Ovation's support of the arts has been unprecedented for a television network.  The company has donated over $10 million to support cultural institutions, individual artists and arts education. Included in that support is the creation and airing of national public service announcements (PSAs) for arts institutions and arts education, including the Harlem School of the Arts, the 92nd Street Y, the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, among many others.

"Advocating for the arts and the next generation of artists is an integral part of Ovation's brand DNA," said Gaynor Strachan Chun, SVP Marketing, Ovation. "Ovation believes everyone should have access to the arts. These segments provide much needed  inspiration to anyone with a passion to express themselves creatively.  We are grateful  so many artists were willing to share their stories with Ovation viewers."

About Ovation:

Ovation is the only multi-platform network devoted to arts culture. Ovation gives its viewers access to the artists who define our cultural landscape through its one-of-a-kind mix of hand-picked documentaries, series, movies, and specials.

The channel reaches a national audience of 43 million households through carriage on cable systems, DirecTV (channel 274), Dish Network (channel 157) and Telco systems nationally.  Ovation is also available in HD and VOD (both in standard and high definition).  Ovation extends its linear channel experience for viewers online via its popular website, www.ovationtv.com.  In addition to offering contests, trivia, facts and supplemental video online, the network has created an award-winning online community (www.ovationtv.com/community) for everyone from passionate artists to curious creative's who want to share their work and their thoughts.  To date, over 160,000 pieces of original art have been uploaded to the site by members.

SOURCE Ovation

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