Roku has acquired the exclusive distribution rights to “Just a Bit Outside,” the feature documentary about the 1982 Milwaukee Brewers. Viewers can stream the doc on The Roku Channel from April 11-June 30.
“The Brewers have a rich history filled with incredible stories, and we’re honored to bring fans an in-depth look at one of the most memorable seasons in baseball,” said David Eilenberg, Head of Content, Roku Media. “We’re excited to partner with Sean Hanish, Kelly Kahl, and the Cannonball team to deliver more premium sports content to our programming lineup.”
“Just a Bit Outside” tells the story of the 1982 Brewers season, which the doc’s official description describes as “an almost-Championship season of this unique, eclectic group of ballplayers, who played hard on and off the field, forming a brotherhood that came within a whisper of baseball’s greatest pinnacle. The story is about the love affair between a down-on-its-luck blue-collar city, and a perfectly matched blue-collar team – one that continues to this day, over 40 years later.”
“We are delighted work with Roku on ‘Just a Bit Outside.’ They possess both a massive footprint and a passion for sports programming,” said Kelly Kahl, producer of “Just a Bit Outside” and former head of CBS Entertainment. “Roku’s unique ability to help us promote and share our film with sports fans is unparalleled in today’s media marketplace.”
“Just a Bit Outside” was recently named best sports film at the Louisville International Film Festival. It features several prominent people from the 1982 Brewers, including: Bud Selig, Robin Yount, Ted Simmons, Mike Caldwell, Cecil Cooper, Pete Vuckovich, Paul Molitor, Gorman Thomas, Jim Gantner, Jim Slaton, Moose Haas, Charlie Moore, Ben Oglivie, John Adam, Rollie Fingers, and Bob Uecker.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to have partners at Roku who support independent filmmaking and innovative storytelling,” said director and producer Sean Hanish. “Huge thanks to David Eilenberg and his team for helping us make ‘Just a Bit Outside’ universally available to baseball fans on The Roku Channel. We’re thrilled to premiere on The Roku Channel so close to opening day when everyone’s attention is focused on baseball.”
“Just a Bit Outside” is directed and produced by Hanish. Derek Beamer serves as an executive producer with Kahl and Paul Jaconi-Biery producing on behalf of Cannonball Productions. The film is also edited and produced by Tim Calandrello in addition to Gorman Thomas, two-time American League Home Run Champion and Centerfielder for the 1982 Milwaukee Brewers, who joins as an associate producer.
