VH1's Emmy Award Winning "Rock Docs" Franchise Amps Up Programming Slate of Productions and Premieres Through 2012

First Up Are Original Production "The TRL Decade" and Premiere of "Michael Jackson: This Is It"

NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2011 -- VH1's Emmy Award winning "Rock Docs" franchise is gearing up for a new slate of feature-length music documentaries from a wide range of genres, styles and perspectives. The newest roster of documentary programming is scheduled to premiere on VH1 throughout the remainder of 2011 and into 2012.

Upcoming installments in the VH1 Rock Docs franchise include original productions "The TRL Decade," (working title) examining MTV's landmark series "Total Request Live," "Downloaded," centered on Napster and the advent of music file-sharing and "Uprising: Hip Hop and the L.A. Riots," (working title) centered on the 20th anniversary of the 1992 L.A. Riots. Network television premieres include "It Might Get Loud," based on the history of the electric guitar and "Michael Jackson: This Is It."

"Michael Jackson: This Is It" will make its network television premiere on VH1 on November 7th, 2011. "Michael Jackson: This Is It" was filmed at the rehearsals for what was going to be the biggest pop spectacle ever - Michael Jackson's 50-date engagement at the O2 Arena in London. While Jackson's tragic death prevented those concerts from taking place, director Kenny Ortega created a film that provides a jaw-dropping performance by the irreplaceable 'King of Pop.'

"The TRL Decade" (working title), slated for December 2011, takes a fun and provocative look at the iconic MTV video countdown show, "Total Request Live," which aired for 10 years (1998-2008). Beginning as a programming experiment, TRL became a cultural phenomenon until it was eventually surpassed by changes in technology and the migration of music video watching to the internet. This hour-long special features extensive clips and interviews with creators, fans and artists who appeared on the show, including Good Charlotte, Kid Rock, N'SYNC, Mandy Moore, Nas, Pete Wentz and others. Former MTV VJ's Carson Daly, Damien Fahey, Hilarie Burton, Vannessa Minnillo and La La Anthony also give in depth interviews and share uncensored moments from the show. "The TRL Decade" is directed and produced by Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Lauren Lazin.

"It Might Get Loud," scheduled for January 2012, is a documentary by filmmaker Davis Guggenheim. It explores the history of the electric guitar, focusing on the careers and styles of Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White. Cameras follow the men as they travel to significant locations in their lives and discuss the intimate relationships they share with their instruments. This is the network television premiere.

"Uprising: Hip Hop and the L.A. Riots" (working title), premiering April 2012, is told from the diverse perspective of the rappers, musicians, police officers and victims who lived through the landmark LA Riots in April, 1992. With definitive accounts of the four fiery days that left 53 people dead, over 12,000 arrested and put a searing spotlight on race relations and American pop culture, viewers will also hear never-before-heard stories from hip hop artists who were effected by or actual participants in the riots, including: Rodney King, Arsenio Hall, John Singleton, Too Short, Big Boi, KRS-One, Nas, Sir Jinx, DJ Yella, and others. "Uprising: Hip Hop and the L.A. Riots" is produced by Creature Films.

"Downloaded" (working title), slated for mid/late 2012, focuses on the advent of digital media sharing, including the rise of game changing company Napster and controversial pioneers Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker. The digital revolution ultimately created a technology paradigm shift, upended big business and musical artists and changed the world. Interviews include: Shawn Fanning, Sean Parker and key artists and music executives of the era. "Downloaded" is written, directed and co-produced by Alex Winter and executive produced by Maggie Malina.

VH1's Emmy Award winning Rock Docs are feature-length documentaries that tell unique stories of artists and music from a wide range of genres, styles and musical perspectives. Overseeing for VH1 are Brad Abramson, Shelly Tatro and Jeff Olde. Stephen Mintz also serves as executive producer for "The TRL Decade" and "Hip Hop and the L.A. Riots," and Warren Cohen as executive producer for "Downloaded."

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 99 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, and extensive video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.