Showtime to Air Mauro Ranallo Documentary
Combat sports announcer Mauro Ranallo’s lifelong battle with mental illness will be the subject of a new Showtime documentary set to debut on May 5.
Through extensive behind-the-scenes footage, candid personal interviews and detailed accounts from his loved ones and doctors, the documentary, Bipolar Rock ‘N Roller, will examine Ranallo’s struggle with Bipolar Affective Disorder, according to the network.
Ranallo, who has announced boxing, mixed martial arts and WWE events for the better part of 30 years, has been an advocate for ending the stigma of mental illness. The film will air during Mental Health Awareness Month, according to Showtime.
“Through Bipolar Rock 'N Roller, Mauro Ranallo has chosen to share not only his life’s dreams, but his nightmares as well,” said Stephen Espinoza, president, sports and event programming for Showtime Networks Inc., in a statement. “Having reached the pinnacle of his profession, Mauro bravely turns his keen observational skills inward to examine his own life-long battle. The result is a raw, poignant and ultimately inspirational film that personifies Mauro’s courage and selflessness.”
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R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.