Beverly Hills, Calif. — In an innovative partnership, Showtime and Lifetime Television will jointly cablecast a Showtime original film addressing issues of teen date rape.
Speak, based on an award-winning novel by Laurie Halse Anderson, will be shown on both networks on Labor Day, Sept. 5 at 9 p.m.
Showtime president of entertainment Robert Greenblatt told Television Critics Association press-tour attendees in Los Angeles on July 16 that the film's subject is so important that it should be shown to as many women as possible. Hence, the premium service approached Lifetime about a partnership.
Positively reviewed at both the Sundance and Woodstock film festivals, the film stars Kristen Stewart, Elizabeth Perkins, D.B. Sweeney and Steve Zahn.
On both networks, Speak will be followed by a public-service announcement from the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, informing viewers where they can call to get help for abuse.
“This touching and insightful movie fits perfectly with Lifetime and our Emmy Award-winning commitment to using the power of the media to make a positive difference in women's lives,” Lifetime executive vice president and general manager Lynn Picard said in a statement.
