Schlatter Documentary: Freestyle Secures VOD Deal

Freestyle Digital Media acquired the North American video-on-demand rights to Sock It To Me: The Legend of George Schlatter. The documentary will become available on digital platforms on Dec. 8. Freestyle operates as the digital distribution arm for Allen Media Group, led by Byron Allen.

The feature examines the career of George Schlatter, the 96-year-old producer behind Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. That NBC variety show premiered in 1968 and helped launch the careers of Goldie Hawn and Lily Tomlin. The film also notes that the program influenced the development of late-night television formats, including Saturday Night Live.

Schlatter also created and produced the NBC reality series Real People, which began airing in 1979. Byron Allen served as a regular co-host on that show during his first television job at age 18. The documentary uses archival footage and interviews to trace Schlatter's seven decades in television production and direction.

Interviews in the film include Goldie Hawn, Tom Hanks, Lily Tomlin, Martin Short, and Billy Crystal. Other participants are Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel, Lionel Richie, Lisa Ann Walter, Berry Gordy, and Byron Allen. In a statement, Schlatter explained that he had previously suggested others write his story because he did not want to write an autobiography. "They then explained to me that it wouldn't be an autobiography, so here we are," he said.

Schlatter called the distribution deal a full circle moment. He referenced a catchphrase from Laugh-In while expressing excitement for audiences. "You bet your sweet bippy I'm excited for audiences to see it and remind them of the power of laughter!" he stated. Chris Coronado wrote and directed the film, producing it with Greg Myers and Dayna Winston. Coronado has served as creative director at George Schlatter Productions since 2016. Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the acquisition directly with the filmmakers and the production company.