Viola Davis and Julius Tennon to Executive-Produce One-Hour Telecast “EIF Presents

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18, 2017 – Viola Davis and Julius Tennon will executive-produce “EIF Presents: XQ Super School Live,” a special one-hour telecast event which will invite the public to help rethink the future of American high schools. The announcement was jointly made today by XQ Institute and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). The telecast will combine live musical, comedy and documentary segments to bring to life the past, present and future of the American high school system. The event will air live from Los Angeles on all four major U.S. networks – ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC – on Friday, Sept. 8 at 8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed.

In addition to Davis and Tennon, the star-studded event in support of the national education initiative will be produced by Done + Dusted and directed by Hamish Hamilton. Through live musical performances, comedic sketches, and more, the program will challenge viewers to understand that rethinking high school education is crucial for the future of our country.

“We are excited to team up with EIF and XQ Institute to help bring awareness to the issue of high school education and ensure that our students are receiving an education that prepares them for the future,” Viola Davis and Julius Tennon said. “As executive producers of this live special, we are honored to work alongside some incredible names in the entertainment and education space.”

The event, which will be broadcast live from Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport, will show how educators, parents, school administrators, entrepreneurs, business leaders and students can serve as key influencers of change and will provide viewers insight into how to spark this transformation and tools to initiate the process within their communities.

“We are thrilled to be working with XQ Institute and EIF, as well as Viola and Julius, on such an incredible and powerful production,” said Hamish Hamilton, Director and Executive Producer at Done + Dusted, who will direct the telecast. “It’s a high honor and great privilege to work on a star-studded show that will challenge the public to reimagine what’s possible when it comes to the education of our young people.”

Additional partners of the telecast include Anonymous Content, MACRO and Wise Entertainment. The show will also include multi-platform digital components to encourage viewers to engage and participate online, on mobile and in their communities. To join the movement and learn more, visit https://xqsuperschool.org/live/.