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Arts & Entertainment

From Russia to Hollywood to Napa: "Exporting Raymond"

Come to the Napa Valley Opera House Thursday, meet the creator of TV's "Everybody Loves Raymond" and see his hit documentary.

Phil Rosenthal, best known for creating one of the most successful television sitcoms of all time, “Everybody Loves Raymond,” will be at the Napa Valley Opera House July 14 at 8 p.m. for a screening of his well-reviewed documentary, "Exporting Raymond."

Rosenthal's presence is a particular treat, as he is well known in the industry for being a charming and entertaining interview subject. He will be taking questions after the screening of the film.

Rosenthal traveled to Russia to help adapt “Everybody Loves Raymond,” for Russian television. He directed and edited his travels and travails into a very amusing and entertaining documentary. And he's the star.

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Rosenthal’s experiences trying to adapt the American sitcom and dealing with Russian television executives and bureaucracy make for a very funny and enjoyable film. It’s a behind-the-scenes peek at what goes into making a sitcom and the unique problems of translating an American show to a different culture.

While he was in Russia, at the end of each day Rosenthal sent emails back to family and friends detailing his “you can’t make this stuff up” experiences. They encouraged him to keep writing and documenting, which he did.

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For what it’s worth, my husband saw "Exporting Raymond" at an industry screening in Los Angeles and loved it.

The experts agree: "Exporting Raymond" is playing to rave reviews and has already received numerous accolades including “Winner Audience Award” at the Austin Film Festival 2010, and “Official Selection” at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, Palms Springs Film Festival and Santa Barbara Film Festival.

Rosenthal considers himself a “foodie” and has friends in Napa, so he says it made sense for him to bring his film to the Opera House.

“Besides,” he quipped, ”I had enough vodka in Russia and wanted to get back to some Merlot.”

“And,” adds Rosenthal, “a happy audience is a good audience.”

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