ESQUIRE NETWORK TO PROVIDE A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT CLAY AIKEN'S IMPROBABLE CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN

Produced by Award-Winning Documentarians Simon and Jonathan Chinn, Original Four-Hour Limited Series Set to Premiere 1Q 2015

LOS ANGELES - November 5, 2014 - Esquire Network announces that it will air an all-access look at one of the most unique political campaigns of this election year - the Congressional run of American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken. The yet-to-be titled, four-hour limited documentary series will premiere on Esquire Network in 1st Quarter 2015.

Academy Award-winner Simon Chinn (Man On Wire, Searching for Sugar Man) and Emmy Award-winner Jonathan Chinn (30 Days, American High) of Lightbox, have been filming from the inside of Clay Aiken's campaign since his February candidacy announcement, through the shocking May primary and last night's final results. Aiken, a gay Democrat and single dad, ran against incumbent Congresswoman Renee Ellmers in the predominantly Republican North Carolina 2nd District. Via strategy meetings, debate prep, town halls, bus tours and door-to-door canvassing, the docu-series provides an intimate look at the hope of victory and, ultimately, the disappointment of defeat.

"We were granted incredible access during the making of this documentary, and in turn were able to capture the internal workings of an American campaign - the good, the bad and the ugly," said executive producer Simon Chinn of Lightbox. Added Jonathan Chinn, "We're thrilled to be partnering with Esquire Network, who are tackling topics that are not only popular and entertaining but also smart and thoughtful."

The series examines what it takes to run a campaign from the perspective of a candidate who is both a newcomer to the American political scene, and also a well-known celebrity. Throughout, Aiken struggles with his desire to be seen as a viable candidate and his need to convince voters (and America) to take him seriously.

"Ultimately, this series is a raw and honest look at American politics through an incredibly unique and compelling candidate," said Esquire Network's head of original programming Matt Hanna. "The opportunity to work with amazing documentarians Simon and Jonathan Chinn, gave Esquire Network the perfect opportunity to explore politics and its intersection with celebrity."

"The Untitled Clay Aiken Campaign Project (title TBD)" is produced by Lightbox for Esquire Network. Jonathan Chinn, Simon Chinn and Mitchell Tanen serve as executive producer for Lightbox.

About Esquire Network

Esquire Network is a lifestyle and entertainment brand featuring original programming that speaks to the contemporary man's passions and interests, from fashion and style to food and drink, travel and family, women and relationships. Building on Esquire Magazine's 80 years of unparalleled insight into what makes men tick, the network is available wherever viewers are watching: in 75 million homes nationwide, online at Esquiretv.com, via On Demand, on mobile with the Esquire TV Now app and other platforms. Esquire Network is a strategic partnership between NBCUniversal and Hearst Magazines, and is a unit of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal.

About Lightbox

Founded by cousins Jonathan Chinn and Simon Chinn, Lightbox is a multi-platform media company which creates high quality non-fiction content for the international television and digital marketplaces. With offices in London and Los Angeles it is perfectly placed to exploit the opportunities both to produce in and for both markets. The recipient of multiple awards for their productions - including two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs and an Emmy - Simon and Jonathan's partnership represents a seamless melding of two distinct but compatible backgrounds and a strongly shared creative sensibility. Drawing on its unique and longstanding relationships with the best creative talent in the industry, Lightbox is positioned to become one of the pioneering non-fiction content providers in the rapidly changing landscape of new programming and viewing platforms.