YaoiCon to Host Bishounen Bingo at Anime Expo 2015
YaoiCon is excited to host an evening celebrating yaoi and bishounen culture at Anime Expo 2015. On Saturday, July 4th, 2015 from 10:30pm to 12:00am (midnight), YaoiCon will be hosting a panel followed by the Bishounen Bingo event. Attendees who are 16+ or older may join in the event in LP4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Prizes will be awarded to attendees and winners of the event.
About YaoiCon:
YaoiCon is an 18+ convention for fans of the yaoi and boys love culture. Founded in 2001, the convention is run by dedicated staff and volunteers each year and has been formally sponsored by Digital Manga, Inc., since 2012. YaoiCon delights attendees with unique programming and a fan-centric atmosphere, including (but not limited to!) hosting a celebrated Guest of Honor, presenting industry and fan panels related to the genre, and holding the iconic and not-to-be-missed Bishounen Auction, YaoiCon is the place for dedicated yaoi fans. Come join us this year at the lovely Hyatt Regency SFO in Burlingame, California, for three days of risqué and friendly fun!
Visit www.yaoicon.com for additional information.
About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA):
The SPJA is passionate about Japanese Animation, manga, and their related interests, and works hard to make our projects reflect that passion. Our goal is to make our projects a place that brings together fans, industry, and all other stakeholders to share, celebrate, promote, and educate Japanese animation, manga, and their related interests.
Visit www.spja.org for additional information.
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Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 21st to 30th, 2015 - Update #20
Support this writer on Patreon.
NEWS:
From YahooMovies: Whatever for the first victim in the movie Jaws?
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From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 6/26 to 6/28/2015 weekend box office is Jurassic World. With an estimated take of $54.2 million, this is the film's third week at #1. Inside Out repeats as the #2 film with an estimated haul of $52.1 million.
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From FlickeringMyth: Yep, "Top Gun 2."
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From CheatSheet: What is known and unknown about "Star Trek 3."
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From YahooAutos: Warner Bros. stops licensing the "General Lee" from "The Dukes of Hazzard."
From YahooAutos: Cooter won't let it go, though.
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From THR: "Independence Day 2" has an official title - Independence Day Resurgence.
From CinemaBlend: Why isn't Will Smith in Resurgence.
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From YahooTech: A William Shatner interview.
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From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 6/19 to 6/21/2015 weekend box office is Jurassic World with an estimated take of $102 million take. It's still setting records. Meanwhile, debuting at number two if Pixar's Inside Out with an estimated take of $91 million.
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From SlashFilm: New news on various sequels.
COMICS - Films and Books:
From YahooNews: There is supposedly an on-set therapist for Suicide Squad.
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From ThePlaylist: Marvel may want Kenneth Branagh, who directed the first Thor film to return for the third film, "Thor: Ragnarok."
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From ThePlaylist: An interview of Marvel Studio's Kevin Feige.
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From YahooMovies: Tom Holland is our new Spider-Man.
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From YahooPolitics: Justice Elena Kagan drops a Spider-Man beat (references) in a Supreme Court ruling involving the web-head.
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From SlashFilm: Ron Perlman still valiantly trying to make "Hellboy 3" happen.
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From TheVerge: Beginning this Fall (2015), Miles Morales will be the Marvel Universe's main Spider-Man.
STAR WARS:
From YahooCelebrity: Jake Lloyd, Anakin Skywalker, in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, was arrested after a high-speed chase.
TRAILERS:
From YouTube: Official trailer for Hitman: Agent 47 from 20th Century Fox.
OBITS:
From Variety: The composer James Horner was killed in the crash of a small plane on Monday morning, June 22, 2015. He won two Oscar for his music for the 1997 best picture Oscar winner, Titanic. He was one of my favorite composer, and I am sorry to hear of his passing. Horner was 61.
From EntertainmentWeekly: The actor Dick Van Patten has died at the age of 86. His career spanned six decades. Like many people, I remember him for playing the patriarch of the ABC television series, "Eight is Enough" (1977-81).
NEWS:
From YahooMovies: Whatever for the first victim in the movie Jaws?
---------------
From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 6/26 to 6/28/2015 weekend box office is Jurassic World. With an estimated take of $54.2 million, this is the film's third week at #1. Inside Out repeats as the #2 film with an estimated haul of $52.1 million.
---------------
From FlickeringMyth: Yep, "Top Gun 2."
---------------
From CheatSheet: What is known and unknown about "Star Trek 3."
---------------
From YahooAutos: Warner Bros. stops licensing the "General Lee" from "The Dukes of Hazzard."
From YahooAutos: Cooter won't let it go, though.
---------------
From THR: "Independence Day 2" has an official title - Independence Day Resurgence.
From CinemaBlend: Why isn't Will Smith in Resurgence.
---------------
From YahooTech: A William Shatner interview.
---------------
From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 6/19 to 6/21/2015 weekend box office is Jurassic World with an estimated take of $102 million take. It's still setting records. Meanwhile, debuting at number two if Pixar's Inside Out with an estimated take of $91 million.
---------------
From SlashFilm: New news on various sequels.
COMICS - Films and Books:
From YahooNews: There is supposedly an on-set therapist for Suicide Squad.
---------------
From ThePlaylist: Marvel may want Kenneth Branagh, who directed the first Thor film to return for the third film, "Thor: Ragnarok."
---------------
From ThePlaylist: An interview of Marvel Studio's Kevin Feige.
---------------
From YahooMovies: Tom Holland is our new Spider-Man.
---------------
From YahooPolitics: Justice Elena Kagan drops a Spider-Man beat (references) in a Supreme Court ruling involving the web-head.
---------------
From SlashFilm: Ron Perlman still valiantly trying to make "Hellboy 3" happen.
---------------
From TheVerge: Beginning this Fall (2015), Miles Morales will be the Marvel Universe's main Spider-Man.
STAR WARS:
From YahooCelebrity: Jake Lloyd, Anakin Skywalker, in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, was arrested after a high-speed chase.
TRAILERS:
From YouTube: Official trailer for Hitman: Agent 47 from 20th Century Fox.
OBITS:
From Variety: The composer James Horner was killed in the crash of a small plane on Monday morning, June 22, 2015. He won two Oscar for his music for the 1997 best picture Oscar winner, Titanic. He was one of my favorite composer, and I am sorry to hear of his passing. Horner was 61.
From EntertainmentWeekly: The actor Dick Van Patten has died at the age of 86. His career spanned six decades. Like many people, I remember him for playing the patriarch of the ABC television series, "Eight is Enough" (1977-81).
First Trade of "Reyn" Comic Book Now in Bookstores
REYN, VOL. 1: WARDEN OF FATE available this June
The first five issues of the sword and sorcery fantasy series will be collected into trade paperback
Writer Kel Symons (THE MERCENARY SEA, I LOVE TROUBLE) and artist Nathan Stockman team up for a rich, world-building fantasy in REYN, VOL. 1: WARDEN OF FATE. The first five issues of the new fantasy series will be collected into a trade paperback and available this June.
In REYN, VOL. 1, freelance swordsman and monster-hunter Reyn is the last of the legendary “Wardens” whose ranks long ago faded from the land of Fate into myth. Not exactly a white knight, Reyn’s haunted by visions from his “guiding angel” Aurora, who sets him on a great quest against the mysterious Venn, teaming him with Seph, a woman with witch-like powers. Together they discover Fate holds an incredible secret.
REYN, VOL. 1 (ISBN: 978-1-63215-282-4) hits comic book stores on June 17 and bookstores on June 30, and will be available for $9.99. It can be ordered by retailers from Diamond Book Distributors with Diamond Code APR150615.
More praise for REYN:
“The way to sum up Reyn for me is simple: buy this book!” —Rhymes with Geek
“A solid start that's going to garner attention.” —Unleash the Fanboy
“We're given insight into a big world as we're introduced to some major characters and even given some laughs. Oh, and that guy is totally going to regret messing with Reyn's ale.” —All-Comic
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Monday, June 29, 2015
Bluefin Swimming into 2015 San Diego Comic-Con with Some Fine-Ass Toys
Visit Bluefin at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con Booths #3545 & #140
BLUEFIN ANNOUNCES A WIDE VARIETY OF EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIBLES FOR PURCHASE AT 2015 SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON
Leading Toy And Hobby Distributor Returns To Nation’s Largest Pop-Culture Convention With Special Products For Star Wars, Iron Man, Batman, Dragon Ball, Gundam, And More!
Irvine, CA – Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, has announced a wide array of exciting new and exclusive products to be showcased and also available for purchase at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con International.
San Diego Comic-Con is North America’s largest dedicated pop-culture convention and takes place July 8th-12th at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA. Each year, manufacturers create a variety of show exclusive collectibles and other limited edition products that attendees specifically seek out. More details are available at: http://www.comic-con.org/cci.
Bluefin products will be located on the Main Hall in Booths #3545 and #140.
Bluefin will delight Comic-Con attendees with a colorful collection of high quality and in many cases, limited edition or special variant products and collectible figures for popular properties such as Dragon Ball, Gundam, Iron Man, Star Wars, Batman and more.
Attendees that purchase select items at Bluefin’s booths will also be treated to free giveaways. Fans will receive a free Super Mario Bros. 1Up mushroom character when they purchase a Tamashii Nations product from Booth #3545 while supplies last. Also, those who purchase the Beast Kingdom Floating Iron Man Mark III exclusive from Booth #140, will receive a free support stand while supplies last as an alternative display option.
Exclusive Bluefin products available at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con include:
Bandai Hobby
Gunpla Models – Various Kits
HGUC 1/144 Zeta Plus Test Type Image Color Version
Previously only available at GunPla Expo events in Asia, this limited release of the Zeta Plus has been colored to match the test color red-orange white pattern found on the machines used by Karaba in the photo novel, Gundam Sentinel. Includes rifle, shield, hip cannons and 2 beam sabers. Mobile suit also can transform into wave rider form through part swapping.
MSRP: $25.00
RG 1/144 Gundam Exia Extra Finish Version
A special GunPla Expo limited event item now available in the West: the Real Grade Exia with a sharp metallic finish! Its parts have been specially chromed to give off a high shine. The Real Grade series combines the intricate part complexity of the higher end MG and PG lines with the size and affordability of the HG and SD lines into a new product that draws inspiration from real world machines. This version of the Exia was supervised by creator Kanetake Ebikawa and features custom markings. All of Exia's equipment is included, with melee weapons having chromed blades and GN condensers feature transparent plastic. New Advanced MS Joint allow impressive movement to replicate combat scenes in the Gundam 00 anime series.
MSRP: $48.00
HGBF 1/144 Try Burning Gundam PP Clear Version
An enhanced version of the Burning Gundam in the second half of the Gundam Build Fighters Try TV anime series. Features impressive articulation for recreation of martial arts poses. Includes fiery punch, kick, back, and numerous flame effect parts as well as 4 different types of hands showcasing martial arts gestures. This special GunPla expo variant previously only available in Asia renders the model in translucent plastic with sparkles to replicate the flow of Plavisky particles that flow through the plastic in the TV show. MSRP: $22.00
For additional information on Bandai GunPla products, please visit: www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/gundam-models.html
Bandai Tamashii Nations
S.H. Figuarts Goku Frieza Saga Version
Complete your Dragon Ball collection with a special variant of Goku as he lands on the Planet Namek! The S.H. Figuarts Goku Frieza Saga version features his iconic outfit with the “Go” GI symbols and original tied belt, as well as a new facial expression not found in the original! This SDCC exclusive will be available in limited quantities. Figure includes 5 interchangeable faces, multiple hands for different poses, and charging Kamehameha effect part. MSRP: $45.00
For additional information on Tamashii Nations products, please visit: www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/tamashii-nations.html.
Beast Kingdom
Iron Man Mark III Magnetic Floating Version
A flashy, new updated color variant of Beast Kingdom’s Floating Iron Man Mark III featuring red and chrome markings. MSRP: $169.99
Star Wars Egg Attack Action Darth Vader: EAA-002SP
This 6-inch limited edition Beast Kingdom rendition of the iconic villain is constructed with compound materials and painted with expert techniques that perfectly capture the texture of Darth Vader's armor and clothing. Also features a light-up LED lightsaber and life-supporting device on the chest. MSRP: $139.99
For additional information on Beast Kingdom products, please visit: www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/beast-kingdom.html
Comicave Studios
1/12 Shotgun Iron Man Mark XL
The Super Alloy 1/12 Scale Shotgun is a fully articulated figurine made of 75% die-cast metal with interchangeable accessories, and LED light features in the eyes and chest. A Hyper Velocity Traveling Suit, the Mark 40 is currently the fastest suit of the Iron Legion, and can reach speeds in excess of Mach 5. Shotgun will be available in limited quantities for purchase at SDCC 2015, one month ahead of its worldwide release in August 2015. MSRP: $160.00
For more information on Comicave Studios, please visit: http://www.comicavestudios.com
Hero Cross
Hybrid Metal Figuration Batman #004S
For the fans of this dark hero attending the 2015 San Diego Comic Con, Hero Cross has prepared a special classic comic color scheme for the figure, with an additional weathered effect. The body and limbs of the figure are made of die cast parts that enrich the texture as well as provide required strength and stiffness. Meanwhile, it is fully poseable thanks to 20-plus points of articulation and the wired fabric cape. The accessories include a light up Bat-Signal and Batarang that serve as nice enhancements to the figure. MSRP: $80.00
For more information on Hero Cross, please visit: www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/herocross.html.
SEN-TI-NEL
Don’t miss this extremely limited edition Synthetic Human figure with samurai sword and sheath accessories. Straight from the pages of the Biomega manga series by Tsutomu Nihei (the creator behind distinguished manga titles Blame! and Knights of Sidonia), this figure is exceptionally detailed and known for its unmatched articulation which allows you to get the figure into virtually any pose. MSRP: $185.00
For more information on SEN-TI-NEL, please visit: www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/sen-ti-nel.html.
The Loyal Subjects
Power Rangers, TMNT, Transformers Action Vinyl Exclusives
The TLS booth will feature a full array of their ever popular Action Vinyl Exclusives from top licenses. From the Black-and-White Battle Damaged 3” Ninja Turtles to the Special Edition Crystal Pink Ranger to the fan-favorite Construction set, all figures come equipped with multiple points of articulation and fun accessories -- as you may already know, the Power Rangers helmets are completely removable! A different exclusive for each day! Find these exciting exclusives and more directly at the TLS Booth #5050. MSRP: Various
X-Plus
Super Saiyan Son Goku Figure
This hefty variant (stands more than 18” tall) of the Gigantic Series Goku figure features translucent yellow hair. This vinyl statue is highly detailed, anime accurate and features excellent paint applications. X-Plus is well known for creating beautiful vinyl statues with uncompromising attention to detail. MSRP: $65.00
For more information on X-Plus, please visit: www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/x-plus.html.
About Bluefin
Based in Irvine, CA, Bluefin built its reputation as a leading distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products. In recent years, Bluefin has grown to include a range of high quality collectible lines from the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore and established itself as the official North American consumer products and retail development partner for Studio Ghibli. Selling to thousands of specialty, chain and independent stores, Bluefin is an official North American distributor for Bandai Hobby, Kotobukiya and Capcom, is the sole provider of Bandai Tamashii Nations products, and is also the exclusive and official distributor for Beast Kingdom, Comicave, Mr. Hobby, Groove’s Pullip dolls, SEN-TI-NEL and X-Plus. Bluefin also represents TruForce and The Loyal Subjects products worldwide. Additional information is available at: www.bluefincorp.com.
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Actor Tom Holland, Director Jon Watts to Guide 2017 Spider-Man Film
SONY PICTURES AND MARVEL STUDIOS FIND THEIR "SPIDER-MAN" STAR AND DIRECTOR
TOM HOLLAND CAST AS THE WEB-SLINGER
JON WATTS TO DIRECT THE NEXT SPIDER-MAN ADVENTURE, SET FOR RELEASE JULY 28, 2017
CULVER CITY, Calif., and BURBANK, Calif. - Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios are proud to announce that after a full worldwide casting search, Tom Holland will play Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the next Spider-Man film, in theaters in IMAX and 3D on July 28, 2017. The film will be directed by Jon Watts, director of Cop Car, the upcoming thriller that made its debut earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival.
Marvel and Sony Pictures, and producers Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal conducted an extensive search for both the actor and the director. The studios and producers were impressed by Holland's performances in The Impossible, "Wolf Hall," and the upcoming In the Heart of the Sea, and by a series of complex screen tests. Following Marvel's tradition of working with the brightest next wave of directors, Watts also went through multiple meetings with Feige, Pascal, and the studio, before winning the job.
Commenting on the announcement, Tom Rothman, Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group Chairman, "It's a big day here at Sony. Kevin, Amy and their teams have done an incredible job. The Marvel process is very thorough, and that's why their results are so outstanding. I'm confident Spider-Man will be no exception. I've worked with a number of up-and-coming directors who have gone on to be superstars and believe that Jon is just such an outstanding talent. For Spidey himself, we saw many terrific young actors, but Tom's screen tests were special. All in all, we are off to a roaring start."
Feige commented, "As with James Gunn, Joss Whedon, and the Russo brothers, we love finding new and exciting voices to bring these characters to life. We spent a lot of time with Jon and find his take and work inspiring."
Pascal added, "Sony, Marvel, Kevin and I all knew that for Peter Parker, we had to find a vibrant, talented young actor capable of embodying one of the most well-known characters in the world. With Tom, we've found the perfect actor to bring Spider-Man's story into the Marvel Cinematic Universe."
Sony Pictures will finance and release worldwide the next installment of the $4 billion Spider-Man franchise on July 28, 2017, in a film co-produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago. Together, they will collaborate on a new creative direction for the Web-Slinger.
Spider-Man, embraced all over the world, is the most successful franchise in the history of Sony Pictures, with the five films having taken in more than $4 billion worldwide.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.
ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing, including licensing the Spider-Man universe to Sony Pictures. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2015 MARVEL
----------------
TOM HOLLAND CAST AS THE WEB-SLINGER
JON WATTS TO DIRECT THE NEXT SPIDER-MAN ADVENTURE, SET FOR RELEASE JULY 28, 2017
CULVER CITY, Calif., and BURBANK, Calif. - Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios are proud to announce that after a full worldwide casting search, Tom Holland will play Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the next Spider-Man film, in theaters in IMAX and 3D on July 28, 2017. The film will be directed by Jon Watts, director of Cop Car, the upcoming thriller that made its debut earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival.
Marvel and Sony Pictures, and producers Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal conducted an extensive search for both the actor and the director. The studios and producers were impressed by Holland's performances in The Impossible, "Wolf Hall," and the upcoming In the Heart of the Sea, and by a series of complex screen tests. Following Marvel's tradition of working with the brightest next wave of directors, Watts also went through multiple meetings with Feige, Pascal, and the studio, before winning the job.
Commenting on the announcement, Tom Rothman, Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group Chairman, "It's a big day here at Sony. Kevin, Amy and their teams have done an incredible job. The Marvel process is very thorough, and that's why their results are so outstanding. I'm confident Spider-Man will be no exception. I've worked with a number of up-and-coming directors who have gone on to be superstars and believe that Jon is just such an outstanding talent. For Spidey himself, we saw many terrific young actors, but Tom's screen tests were special. All in all, we are off to a roaring start."
Feige commented, "As with James Gunn, Joss Whedon, and the Russo brothers, we love finding new and exciting voices to bring these characters to life. We spent a lot of time with Jon and find his take and work inspiring."
Pascal added, "Sony, Marvel, Kevin and I all knew that for Peter Parker, we had to find a vibrant, talented young actor capable of embodying one of the most well-known characters in the world. With Tom, we've found the perfect actor to bring Spider-Man's story into the Marvel Cinematic Universe."
Sony Pictures will finance and release worldwide the next installment of the $4 billion Spider-Man franchise on July 28, 2017, in a film co-produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago. Together, they will collaborate on a new creative direction for the Web-Slinger.
Spider-Man, embraced all over the world, is the most successful franchise in the history of Sony Pictures, with the five films having taken in more than $4 billion worldwide.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.
ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing, including licensing the Spider-Man universe to Sony Pictures. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2015 MARVEL
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Canada and the United States Fight for "We Stand On Guard" Comic Book
Image Comics, Brian K. Vaughan & Steve Skroce announce signing wars
It’s Canada vs. the United States in an international signing tour to promote the release of WE STAND ON GUARD #1, writer Brian K. Vaughan’s first new Image series since the launch of SAGA, and a return to comics for legendary Hollywood storyboard artist (and proud Canadian) Steve Skroce.
WE STAND ON GUARD is an action-packed military thriller about a futuristic conflict between Canada and the United States, so in honor of their story, the creators will be appearing together at two different signings, one in each of their home countries.
Vaughan and Skroce will be enjoying Canada Day, July 1st, 2015 in the United States, with an epic release party at the world-famous MELTDOWN COMICS in Los Angeles, CA from 7 – 9 p.m.
Then, they’re be spending their Independence Day, July 4th, 2015 in Canada, at the acclaimed GOLDEN AGE COLLECTIBLES in Vancouver, B.C. at 1:30 p.m.
Which signing will be better attended? “Nobody knows,” said Vaughan, before warning: “But whichever nation loses will be forced to keep Justin Bieber… forever.”
Both events are free to the public, and the oversized 40-page first issue of WE STAND ON GUARD is priced at only $2.99.Vaughan and Skroce will be happy to sign whatever readers bring—time and lines permitting.
And if you’d rather not pick a side, Vaughan and Skroce will also be appearing together at this year’s IMAGE EXPO onThursday, July 2, on the relatively-neutral ground of San Francisco, at the Yerba Buena Center of the Arts. Tickets available right now at ImageComics.com!
Meltdown Comics
7522 Sunset Blvd.
LA, CALIF 90046 USA
323.851.7223
meltcomics.com
Golden Age Collectables Ltd.
852 Granville Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6Z 1K3
604-683-2819
http://www.gacvan.com
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Sunday, June 28, 2015
DreamWorks Developing Michael Crichton's "Micro" for Film
DreamWorks Studios Acquires Michael Crichton Book “Micro”
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DreamWorks Studios has acquired the film rights to the Michael Crichton novel, “Micro,” it was announced today by Michael Wright, CEO of DreamWorks Studios. Frank Marshall is on board to produce, with Sherri Crichton and Laurent Bouzereau set as executive producers for CrichtonSun LLC.
“It was yet another opportunity for him to explore the clash between science and nature, as seen through the eyes of relatable characters. Michael also wrote in cinematic terms and would be so pleased to see ‘Micro’ come to life on the big screen at DreamWorks.”
The high-concept thriller follows a group of graduate students lured to Hawaii to work for a mysterious biotech company—only to find themselves miniaturized and cast out into the rain forest, with nothing but their scientific expertise and wits to protect them.
"Micro" was unfinished when Michael Crichton passed away in 2008, later completed by author Richard Preston and published by HarperCollins in 2011. It was a New York Times bestseller and spent over 20 weeks combined on the list in hardcover and paperback.
“We are so pleased to have this opportunity to develop ‘Micro,’” said Steven Spielberg. “For Michael, size did matter whether it was for ‘Jurassic’s’ huge dinosaurs or ‘Micro’s’ infinitely tiny humans.”
“Michael Crichton’s vast body of work has thrilled audiences around the world for decades, and it feels particularly poignant to be bringing his last published novel to DreamWorks,” said Michael Wright. “This is the perfect place to unite these two dynamic brands.”
“Michael was exhilarated, passionate and invested in ‘Micro,’ a story he spent years researching and developing,” said Sherri Crichton. “It was yet another opportunity for him to explore the clash between science and nature, as seen through the eyes of relatable characters. Michael also wrote in cinematic terms and would be so pleased to see ‘Micro’ come to life on the big screen at DreamWorks.”
In 2009, DreamWorks Studios acquired the rights to another posthumously published Crichton novel, “Pirate Latitudes.”
About Michael Crichton
The library of Michael Crichton is one of the most important sources of intellectual property in the world. One of the most popular writers of all time, Crichton’s books have sold more than 200 million copies worldwide. His works have been translated into 40 languages, and made into 15 feature films. Crichton’s novels include “Jurassic Park,” “The Andromeda Strain,” “The Great Train Robbery,” “Eaters of the Dead,” “Congo,” “Sphere,” “Rising Sun,” “Disclosure,” “The Lost World,” “Airframe,” “Timeline,” “Prey,” “Next,” “State of Fear,” and the posthumously published “Pirate Latitudes” and “Micro.”
Crichton was also prolific as a writer, director and producer of film and television. He was the creator and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning television drama “ER,“ wrote and directed films including “Westworld,” “The Great Train Robbery,” and “Coma” and was the screenwriter of “Jurassic Park” and “Rising Sun,” among others.
The rich environment created by Crichton lives on in Universal’s blockbuster film, “Jurassic World,” starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, the fourth installment in the “Jurassic Park” film series. Crichton’s 1973 sci-fi film, “Westworld,” also inspired the upcoming series of the same name starring Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood and Rodrigo Santoro, which is set to debut on HBO later this year.
Crichton is the only creative artist in history to have works simultaneously chart at No. 1 in U.S. television, film and books sales.
http://www.MichaelCrichton.com
https://www.facebook.com/officialcrichton
About DreamWorks Studios
DreamWorks Studios is a motion picture company formed in 2009 and led by Steven Spielberg in partnership with The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. The company’s recent releases include Spielberg's “Lincoln,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones. The film has grossed over $180 million at the U.S. box office and was nominated for twelve Academy Awards® with Daniel Day-Lewis winning for Best Actor. Other releases include “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” starring Helen Mirren, Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse,” based on Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning book and nominated for six Academy Awards® including Best Picture, and “The Help,” which resonated with audiences around the country and earned over $200 million at the box office and received four Academy Award® nominations with Octavia Spencer winning for Best Supporting Actress. Upcoming releases include the Spielberg directed projects “Bridge of Spies,” starring Tom Hanks, and “The BFG,” based on Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel.
DreamWorks Studios can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DreamWorksStudios and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dw_studios.
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LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DreamWorks Studios has acquired the film rights to the Michael Crichton novel, “Micro,” it was announced today by Michael Wright, CEO of DreamWorks Studios. Frank Marshall is on board to produce, with Sherri Crichton and Laurent Bouzereau set as executive producers for CrichtonSun LLC.
“It was yet another opportunity for him to explore the clash between science and nature, as seen through the eyes of relatable characters. Michael also wrote in cinematic terms and would be so pleased to see ‘Micro’ come to life on the big screen at DreamWorks.”
The high-concept thriller follows a group of graduate students lured to Hawaii to work for a mysterious biotech company—only to find themselves miniaturized and cast out into the rain forest, with nothing but their scientific expertise and wits to protect them.
"Micro" was unfinished when Michael Crichton passed away in 2008, later completed by author Richard Preston and published by HarperCollins in 2011. It was a New York Times bestseller and spent over 20 weeks combined on the list in hardcover and paperback.
“We are so pleased to have this opportunity to develop ‘Micro,’” said Steven Spielberg. “For Michael, size did matter whether it was for ‘Jurassic’s’ huge dinosaurs or ‘Micro’s’ infinitely tiny humans.”
“Michael Crichton’s vast body of work has thrilled audiences around the world for decades, and it feels particularly poignant to be bringing his last published novel to DreamWorks,” said Michael Wright. “This is the perfect place to unite these two dynamic brands.”
“Michael was exhilarated, passionate and invested in ‘Micro,’ a story he spent years researching and developing,” said Sherri Crichton. “It was yet another opportunity for him to explore the clash between science and nature, as seen through the eyes of relatable characters. Michael also wrote in cinematic terms and would be so pleased to see ‘Micro’ come to life on the big screen at DreamWorks.”
In 2009, DreamWorks Studios acquired the rights to another posthumously published Crichton novel, “Pirate Latitudes.”
About Michael Crichton
The library of Michael Crichton is one of the most important sources of intellectual property in the world. One of the most popular writers of all time, Crichton’s books have sold more than 200 million copies worldwide. His works have been translated into 40 languages, and made into 15 feature films. Crichton’s novels include “Jurassic Park,” “The Andromeda Strain,” “The Great Train Robbery,” “Eaters of the Dead,” “Congo,” “Sphere,” “Rising Sun,” “Disclosure,” “The Lost World,” “Airframe,” “Timeline,” “Prey,” “Next,” “State of Fear,” and the posthumously published “Pirate Latitudes” and “Micro.”
Crichton was also prolific as a writer, director and producer of film and television. He was the creator and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning television drama “ER,“ wrote and directed films including “Westworld,” “The Great Train Robbery,” and “Coma” and was the screenwriter of “Jurassic Park” and “Rising Sun,” among others.
The rich environment created by Crichton lives on in Universal’s blockbuster film, “Jurassic World,” starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, the fourth installment in the “Jurassic Park” film series. Crichton’s 1973 sci-fi film, “Westworld,” also inspired the upcoming series of the same name starring Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood and Rodrigo Santoro, which is set to debut on HBO later this year.
Crichton is the only creative artist in history to have works simultaneously chart at No. 1 in U.S. television, film and books sales.
http://www.MichaelCrichton.com
https://www.facebook.com/officialcrichton
About DreamWorks Studios
DreamWorks Studios is a motion picture company formed in 2009 and led by Steven Spielberg in partnership with The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. The company’s recent releases include Spielberg's “Lincoln,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones. The film has grossed over $180 million at the U.S. box office and was nominated for twelve Academy Awards® with Daniel Day-Lewis winning for Best Actor. Other releases include “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” starring Helen Mirren, Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse,” based on Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning book and nominated for six Academy Awards® including Best Picture, and “The Help,” which resonated with audiences around the country and earned over $200 million at the box office and received four Academy Award® nominations with Octavia Spencer winning for Best Supporting Actress. Upcoming releases include the Spielberg directed projects “Bridge of Spies,” starring Tom Hanks, and “The BFG,” based on Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel.
DreamWorks Studios can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DreamWorksStudios and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dw_studios.
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Saturday, June 27, 2015
Warner Bros. Crosses Billion Dollar Mark in Domestic Box Office... Again
Warner Bros. Pictures Crosses the Billion Dollar Mark at the Domestic Box Office
Warner Bros. is the Only Studio in History to Earn More Than $1 Billion Domestically for 15 Consecutive Years
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Breaking an industry record, Warner Bros. Pictures will exceed $1 billion at the domestic box office today, becoming the only studio ever to reach that benchmark 15 years in a row. It is also the fastest the Studio has ever climbed to the billion dollar sum. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
“We are all very proud of this record-breaking achievement. With a wide range of exciting films upcoming, we look forward to building on this number over the rest of the year.”
The Studio surpasses the billion dollar mark on the strength of a range of films, beginning with the carryover of two blockbuster 2014 releases: Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper” (with Village Roadshow Pictures) and Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” (with New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures). Warner Bros. has more recently scored major hits with Brad Peyton’s “San Andreas” (with New Line Cinema), starring Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino; George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” (with Village Roadshow Pictures), starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron; and “Get Hard,” starring Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart.
In making the announcement, Fellman said, “We are all very proud of this record-breaking achievement. With a wide range of exciting films upcoming, we look forward to building on this number over the rest of the year.”
Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, added, “Hitting a billion dollars in the first six months of the year is an amazing accomplishment, which we share with our partners and all the artists in the Warner Bros. family who bring their considerable talents to our films.”
Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, noted, “This is a terrific milestone, which is the result of the dedication of many people on both sides of the camera. It also reflects the diversity of our film slate, which truly offers something for everyone.”
Next up for Warner Bros. is the much-anticipated July 1st release of “Magic Mike XXL,” starring Channing Tatum, reprising the title role under the direction of Gregory Jacobs.
-----------------------
Warner Bros. is the Only Studio in History to Earn More Than $1 Billion Domestically for 15 Consecutive Years
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Breaking an industry record, Warner Bros. Pictures will exceed $1 billion at the domestic box office today, becoming the only studio ever to reach that benchmark 15 years in a row. It is also the fastest the Studio has ever climbed to the billion dollar sum. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
“We are all very proud of this record-breaking achievement. With a wide range of exciting films upcoming, we look forward to building on this number over the rest of the year.”
The Studio surpasses the billion dollar mark on the strength of a range of films, beginning with the carryover of two blockbuster 2014 releases: Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper” (with Village Roadshow Pictures) and Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” (with New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures). Warner Bros. has more recently scored major hits with Brad Peyton’s “San Andreas” (with New Line Cinema), starring Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino; George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” (with Village Roadshow Pictures), starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron; and “Get Hard,” starring Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart.
In making the announcement, Fellman said, “We are all very proud of this record-breaking achievement. With a wide range of exciting films upcoming, we look forward to building on this number over the rest of the year.”
Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, added, “Hitting a billion dollars in the first six months of the year is an amazing accomplishment, which we share with our partners and all the artists in the Warner Bros. family who bring their considerable talents to our films.”
Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, noted, “This is a terrific milestone, which is the result of the dedication of many people on both sides of the camera. It also reflects the diversity of our film slate, which truly offers something for everyone.”
Next up for Warner Bros. is the much-anticipated July 1st release of “Magic Mike XXL,” starring Channing Tatum, reprising the title role under the direction of Gregory Jacobs.
-----------------------
2015 Baltimore Comic-Con Celebrates Batman Day
Celebrate Batman Day with Snyder, Tynion, Pak, and Tomasi in Baltimore
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - Come celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Dark Knight on Batman Day, Saturday, September 26th, 2015 at the Baltimore Comic-Con! VIP and General Admission Tickets are on sale for the 2015 event, taking place the weekend of September 25-27, 2015 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Baltimore Comic-Con is ecstatic to announce Batman creators Scott Snyder, James Tynion, Greg Pak, and Peter Tomasi.
Scott Snyder began writing DC's Batman in Detective Comics upon signing exclusively with the publisher, and has continued working with the character ever since. He has written for Batman, numerous one-shots and limited series like Batman: Futures End and Batman: Gates of Gotham, launched Talon, spinning out of the "Court of Owls" arc, and is currently writing the new Batman Eternal. He has also worked on Swamp Thing, The New 52, and Superman Unchained. In 2011, he received Harvey and Eisner Awards for Best New Series for his work on American Vampire, the 2012 Eagle Award for Best Writer, the 2012 Stan Lee Award for Best Writer and Man of the Year, and another Eisner Award in 2014 for Best Limited Series on The Wake. Outside of DC, Snyder has contributed to Wytches and Severed from Image Comics and Marvel Comics' Iron Man Noir.
James Tynion IV got his start writing back-up stories in the DC Comics' New 52 Batman title with his former teacher, Scott Snyder. He has published multiple titles under the DC banner, including numerous Batman series like Red Hood and the Outlaws and Batman and Robin, and the DC New 52 title, Talon. He is writer on BOOM! Studios's The Woods, UFOlogy, and Memetic, and on DC's Batman Eternal weekly series.
Comics writer (and Rhodes Scholar) Greg Pak has been responsible for much-lauded runs on titles like Marvel's Incredible Hulk ("Planet Hulk" and "World War Hulk"), Incredible Hercules, X-Men: Magneto Testament, and Red Skull, Dynamite Entertainment's Battlestar Galactica, Valiant's Eternal Warrior, and Aspen's Dead Man's Run. He has been named Wizard Magazine's Breakout Talent of the Year, and his stories and characters have won numerous publication accolades as well. You can read Pak's latest work on Marvel's Storm, DC Comics' Action Comics and Superman/Batman, and Dynamite Entertainment's Turok, Dinosaur Hunter.
Peter Tomasi is a writer and editor best known for his work at DC Comics. He began his career in 1993, editing such titles as Green Lantern, the Batman titles, Aquaman, Hawkman, and JSA before being promoted to Senior Editor in 2003. In 2007, Tomasi decided to move from editing to writing full-time and, in 2010, took over writing Batman and Robin with issue #20. Since the launch of the New 52, Tomasi helmed the new volumes of both Batman and Robin and Green Lantern Corps. His recent work can be found on DC's Batman: Arkham Knight and Batman and Frankenstein.
"We are so pleased to be able to host these talented creators to celebrate Batman Day," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Batman fans are so fortunate to get to interact with all of these creators in one place, and we're proud to host them."
TICKETS
General Admission and VIP Package tickets for Weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as the Harvey Awards, are now on sale! Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets now, and as always, kids 10 and under get into the show free with a paid adult General Admission!
In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.
Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com- for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com- for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries
About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 15th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.
About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 10 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.
-------------------
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - Come celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Dark Knight on Batman Day, Saturday, September 26th, 2015 at the Baltimore Comic-Con! VIP and General Admission Tickets are on sale for the 2015 event, taking place the weekend of September 25-27, 2015 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Baltimore Comic-Con is ecstatic to announce Batman creators Scott Snyder, James Tynion, Greg Pak, and Peter Tomasi.
Scott Snyder began writing DC's Batman in Detective Comics upon signing exclusively with the publisher, and has continued working with the character ever since. He has written for Batman, numerous one-shots and limited series like Batman: Futures End and Batman: Gates of Gotham, launched Talon, spinning out of the "Court of Owls" arc, and is currently writing the new Batman Eternal. He has also worked on Swamp Thing, The New 52, and Superman Unchained. In 2011, he received Harvey and Eisner Awards for Best New Series for his work on American Vampire, the 2012 Eagle Award for Best Writer, the 2012 Stan Lee Award for Best Writer and Man of the Year, and another Eisner Award in 2014 for Best Limited Series on The Wake. Outside of DC, Snyder has contributed to Wytches and Severed from Image Comics and Marvel Comics' Iron Man Noir.
James Tynion IV got his start writing back-up stories in the DC Comics' New 52 Batman title with his former teacher, Scott Snyder. He has published multiple titles under the DC banner, including numerous Batman series like Red Hood and the Outlaws and Batman and Robin, and the DC New 52 title, Talon. He is writer on BOOM! Studios's The Woods, UFOlogy, and Memetic, and on DC's Batman Eternal weekly series.
Comics writer (and Rhodes Scholar) Greg Pak has been responsible for much-lauded runs on titles like Marvel's Incredible Hulk ("Planet Hulk" and "World War Hulk"), Incredible Hercules, X-Men: Magneto Testament, and Red Skull, Dynamite Entertainment's Battlestar Galactica, Valiant's Eternal Warrior, and Aspen's Dead Man's Run. He has been named Wizard Magazine's Breakout Talent of the Year, and his stories and characters have won numerous publication accolades as well. You can read Pak's latest work on Marvel's Storm, DC Comics' Action Comics and Superman/Batman, and Dynamite Entertainment's Turok, Dinosaur Hunter.
Peter Tomasi is a writer and editor best known for his work at DC Comics. He began his career in 1993, editing such titles as Green Lantern, the Batman titles, Aquaman, Hawkman, and JSA before being promoted to Senior Editor in 2003. In 2007, Tomasi decided to move from editing to writing full-time and, in 2010, took over writing Batman and Robin with issue #20. Since the launch of the New 52, Tomasi helmed the new volumes of both Batman and Robin and Green Lantern Corps. His recent work can be found on DC's Batman: Arkham Knight and Batman and Frankenstein.
"We are so pleased to be able to host these talented creators to celebrate Batman Day," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Batman fans are so fortunate to get to interact with all of these creators in one place, and we're proud to host them."
TICKETS
General Admission and VIP Package tickets for Weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as the Harvey Awards, are now on sale! Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets now, and as always, kids 10 and under get into the show free with a paid adult General Admission!
In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.
Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com- for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com- for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries
About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 15th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.
About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 10 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.
-------------------
Friday, June 26, 2015
Third Season of Amazon's "Transparent" Coming in 2016
Amazon Greenlights Third Season of Golden Globe Award-Winning Original Series Transparent—Available Exclusively for Prime Members in 2016
Award-winning show creator Jill Soloway signs overall deal with Amazon Studios where she will exclusively develop television projects; Soloway will continue as Showrunner on Transparent and Andrea Sperling has been elevated to Executive Producer on the series
Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development), Judith Light (Dallas), Gaby Hoffmann (Girls), Amy Landecker (Louie) and Jay Duplass (Togetherness) will all return for another season
Prime members can watch season one of Transparent now using the Amazon Instant Video app for TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced it has greenlit a third season of the Golden Globe Award-winning series Transparent, which will become available exclusively to members of Amazon Prime in 2016. Returning cast includes Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development) as Maura Pfefferman, Judith Light (Dallas) as Shelly Pfefferman, Gaby Hoffmann (Girls) as Ali Pfefferman, Amy Landecker (Louie) as Sarah Pfefferman and Jay Duplass (Togetherness) as Josh Pfefferman. In addition, series creator Jill Soloway has signed an overall deal with Amazon Studios where she will exclusively develop television projects for Amazon Prime. Soloway will continue in her role as Showrunner on Transparent and Andrea Sperling, who previously was Co-Executive Producer on the series, has been elevated to Executive Producer.
“The second season is currently starting production, and I know our customers will be delighted to continue the journey with Maura and the Pfefferman family.”
“Jill is truly a creative force and I’m thrilled that we will be collaborating with her additional projects in the future and on a third season of Transparent,” said Roy Price, Vice President, Amazon Studios. “The second season is currently starting production, and I know our customers will be delighted to continue the journey with Maura and the Pfefferman family.”
"I am so thrilled that I get to share more of the Pfeffermans' story with the world,” said Soloway. “We are all so in love with watching them change and grow. I am blown away by the creative freedom Amazon gives me and I can't wait to reveal where this journey is going to take us."
Written, directed and executive produced by multi-award winner Soloway, Transparent is a half hour novelistic series that explores family, identity, sex, and love. The series stars Tambor as Maura, who has spent her life as Mort—the Pfefferman family patriarch. When she reintroduces herself to her family, everyone else’s secrets finally start to come out. This includes her ex-wife Shelly (played by Light), and their children—meandering Ali (played by Hoffmann), record producer Josh (played by Duplass), and sexually conflicted Sarah (played by Landecker). Each family member spins in a different direction as they figure out who they won’t become.
Amazon Prime members can watch Season One of Transparent using the Amazon Instant Video app for TVs, connected and mobile devices or online at http://www.amazon.com/transparent. Amazon will premiere the highly anticipated second season of Transparent this fall exclusively for Prime members on Amazon Instant Video in the US, UK and Germany. The series will begin production next week in Los Angeles. Additional details, including guest stars, will be announced in the coming months.
Customers can watch shows and movies with the Amazon Instant Video app. The Amazon Instant Video app is available on hundreds of devices including connected TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox and PlayStation, as well as on mobile devices like Fire phone, Fire tablets, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Customers can also watch online at Amazon.com/PIV.
About Amazon Studios
Amazon Studios has premiered a number of critically-acclaimed series that include Bosch, based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling books, Mozart in the Jungle, from Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, and Paul Weitz, and Jill Soloway’s multi-Golden Globe Award-winning dark comedy Transparent. The studio has also launched its first live-action series for kids 6-11, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and three additional children’s series, the Annecy, Annie and multi-Emmy Award-winning Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment; Creative Galaxy from Angela C. Santomero and Out of the Blue Enterprises, the creators of Blue’s Clues; and Annedroids, from Emmy nominated Sinking Ship Entertainment.
Amazon Studios has also announced eight additional, original series will premiere in 2015 and early 2016 exclusively for Prime members including Hand of God, Mad Dogs, The Man in the High Castle, docu-series The New Yorker Presents, Red Oaks, a second season of Transparent, as well as kids series Wishenpoof!, Just Add Magic, and The Stinky & Dirty Show.
In 2015 Amazon Studios will begin to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical release, followed by early window distribution exclusively for Prime members.
Amazon Studios launched in 2010 as a new way to develop feature films and episodic series—one that’s open to great ideas from creators and audiences around the world. Anyone can upload a script online and Amazon Studios will read and review all submissions. Those who choose to make their projects public can also receive feedback from the Amazon Studios community.
About Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime members have instant access to stream tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including award-winning Amazon Original Series, available at no additional cost to their membership. In addition, new release movies like Gone Girl, Boyhood and Birdman as well as classics like the Star Wars saga along with in-season shows like The Walking Dead, Scandal and Better Call Saul are also available for rent or purchase on Amazon Instant Video for all customers to stream and enjoy.
Customers can watch shows and movies with the Amazon Instant Video app. The Amazon Instant Video app is available on hundreds of devices including connected TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox and PlayStation, as well as on mobile devices like Fire phone, Fire tablets, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Customers can also watch online at Amazon.com/PIV. Amazon Prime is also the only US online-only subscription streaming service that enables offline viewing—on a plane, on vacation, and anywhere else where you may not have Wi-Fi.
Prime members can enjoy binge-worthy TV shows including Amazon Original Series airing now such as multi-Golden Globe winning series, Transparent, the hour-long drama, Bosch, based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling books, the Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman comedy, Mozart in the Jungle and the political comedy starring John Goodman, Alpha House, in addition to HBO favorites like The Sopranos, True Blood and Six Feet Under, and popular primetime series including 24, Covert Affairs, Downton Abbey, Extant, Falling Skies, Grimm, Hannibal, Justified, Orphan Black, Teen Wolf, The Americans, Under the Dome and Veronica Mars. Prime members also have access to an exclusive collection of kids shows now airing including Amazon Original Series’ Annedroids, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and the Annecy, Annie and multi-Emmy Award-winning Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment, as well as popular shows from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi, Blue’s Clues and The Bubble Guppies.
In addition to tens of thousands of titles to instantly stream, the Amazon Prime membership (www.amazon.com/primevideo) includes one million songs and hundreds of playlists with Prime Music, unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items, early access to select Lightning Deals, unlimited photo storage, and access to more than 800,000 books all for $99 a year.
About Amazon
Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, Fire TV, and Amazon Echo are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.
-------------------
Award-winning show creator Jill Soloway signs overall deal with Amazon Studios where she will exclusively develop television projects; Soloway will continue as Showrunner on Transparent and Andrea Sperling has been elevated to Executive Producer on the series
Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development), Judith Light (Dallas), Gaby Hoffmann (Girls), Amy Landecker (Louie) and Jay Duplass (Togetherness) will all return for another season
Prime members can watch season one of Transparent now using the Amazon Instant Video app for TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced it has greenlit a third season of the Golden Globe Award-winning series Transparent, which will become available exclusively to members of Amazon Prime in 2016. Returning cast includes Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development) as Maura Pfefferman, Judith Light (Dallas) as Shelly Pfefferman, Gaby Hoffmann (Girls) as Ali Pfefferman, Amy Landecker (Louie) as Sarah Pfefferman and Jay Duplass (Togetherness) as Josh Pfefferman. In addition, series creator Jill Soloway has signed an overall deal with Amazon Studios where she will exclusively develop television projects for Amazon Prime. Soloway will continue in her role as Showrunner on Transparent and Andrea Sperling, who previously was Co-Executive Producer on the series, has been elevated to Executive Producer.
“The second season is currently starting production, and I know our customers will be delighted to continue the journey with Maura and the Pfefferman family.”
“Jill is truly a creative force and I’m thrilled that we will be collaborating with her additional projects in the future and on a third season of Transparent,” said Roy Price, Vice President, Amazon Studios. “The second season is currently starting production, and I know our customers will be delighted to continue the journey with Maura and the Pfefferman family.”
"I am so thrilled that I get to share more of the Pfeffermans' story with the world,” said Soloway. “We are all so in love with watching them change and grow. I am blown away by the creative freedom Amazon gives me and I can't wait to reveal where this journey is going to take us."
Written, directed and executive produced by multi-award winner Soloway, Transparent is a half hour novelistic series that explores family, identity, sex, and love. The series stars Tambor as Maura, who has spent her life as Mort—the Pfefferman family patriarch. When she reintroduces herself to her family, everyone else’s secrets finally start to come out. This includes her ex-wife Shelly (played by Light), and their children—meandering Ali (played by Hoffmann), record producer Josh (played by Duplass), and sexually conflicted Sarah (played by Landecker). Each family member spins in a different direction as they figure out who they won’t become.
Amazon Prime members can watch Season One of Transparent using the Amazon Instant Video app for TVs, connected and mobile devices or online at http://www.amazon.com/transparent. Amazon will premiere the highly anticipated second season of Transparent this fall exclusively for Prime members on Amazon Instant Video in the US, UK and Germany. The series will begin production next week in Los Angeles. Additional details, including guest stars, will be announced in the coming months.
Customers can watch shows and movies with the Amazon Instant Video app. The Amazon Instant Video app is available on hundreds of devices including connected TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox and PlayStation, as well as on mobile devices like Fire phone, Fire tablets, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Customers can also watch online at Amazon.com/PIV.
About Amazon Studios
Amazon Studios has premiered a number of critically-acclaimed series that include Bosch, based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling books, Mozart in the Jungle, from Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, and Paul Weitz, and Jill Soloway’s multi-Golden Globe Award-winning dark comedy Transparent. The studio has also launched its first live-action series for kids 6-11, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and three additional children’s series, the Annecy, Annie and multi-Emmy Award-winning Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment; Creative Galaxy from Angela C. Santomero and Out of the Blue Enterprises, the creators of Blue’s Clues; and Annedroids, from Emmy nominated Sinking Ship Entertainment.
Amazon Studios has also announced eight additional, original series will premiere in 2015 and early 2016 exclusively for Prime members including Hand of God, Mad Dogs, The Man in the High Castle, docu-series The New Yorker Presents, Red Oaks, a second season of Transparent, as well as kids series Wishenpoof!, Just Add Magic, and The Stinky & Dirty Show.
In 2015 Amazon Studios will begin to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical release, followed by early window distribution exclusively for Prime members.
Amazon Studios launched in 2010 as a new way to develop feature films and episodic series—one that’s open to great ideas from creators and audiences around the world. Anyone can upload a script online and Amazon Studios will read and review all submissions. Those who choose to make their projects public can also receive feedback from the Amazon Studios community.
About Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime members have instant access to stream tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including award-winning Amazon Original Series, available at no additional cost to their membership. In addition, new release movies like Gone Girl, Boyhood and Birdman as well as classics like the Star Wars saga along with in-season shows like The Walking Dead, Scandal and Better Call Saul are also available for rent or purchase on Amazon Instant Video for all customers to stream and enjoy.
Customers can watch shows and movies with the Amazon Instant Video app. The Amazon Instant Video app is available on hundreds of devices including connected TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox and PlayStation, as well as on mobile devices like Fire phone, Fire tablets, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Customers can also watch online at Amazon.com/PIV. Amazon Prime is also the only US online-only subscription streaming service that enables offline viewing—on a plane, on vacation, and anywhere else where you may not have Wi-Fi.
Prime members can enjoy binge-worthy TV shows including Amazon Original Series airing now such as multi-Golden Globe winning series, Transparent, the hour-long drama, Bosch, based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling books, the Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman comedy, Mozart in the Jungle and the political comedy starring John Goodman, Alpha House, in addition to HBO favorites like The Sopranos, True Blood and Six Feet Under, and popular primetime series including 24, Covert Affairs, Downton Abbey, Extant, Falling Skies, Grimm, Hannibal, Justified, Orphan Black, Teen Wolf, The Americans, Under the Dome and Veronica Mars. Prime members also have access to an exclusive collection of kids shows now airing including Amazon Original Series’ Annedroids, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and the Annecy, Annie and multi-Emmy Award-winning Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment, as well as popular shows from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi, Blue’s Clues and The Bubble Guppies.
In addition to tens of thousands of titles to instantly stream, the Amazon Prime membership (www.amazon.com/primevideo) includes one million songs and hundreds of playlists with Prime Music, unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items, early access to select Lightning Deals, unlimited photo storage, and access to more than 800,000 books all for $99 a year.
About Amazon
Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, Fire TV, and Amazon Echo are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.
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Idris Elba Narrates "Enchanted Kingdom," Due in August 2015
BBC Earth Films’ ‘ENCHANTED KINGDOM,’ Narrated by Idris Elba, Coming to U.S. Theaters for a Special Two-Night Event August 10 & 11
Tickets on Sale July 3
BBC Worldwide North America Partners with Fathom Events to Distribute Ground-Breaking Nature Film in 3D
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BBC Worldwide North America and Fathom Events announce a special two-day theatrical event of the most ambitious 3D nature film produced to date - ENCHANTED KINGDOM, coming to theaters August 10 and 11, 2015, with tickets going on sale Friday, July 3, 2015. Narrated by Emmy® nominated and Golden Globe award-winning actor Idris Elba (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, "Luther," American Gangster), ENCHANTED KINGDOM is a jaw-dropping immersive family cinema experience set to take moviegoers on a cinematic trip of a lifetime through seven distinct realms titled as: Mysterious Forest, Fiery Underworld, Alien Sands, Scorched Plains, Fantastical Seas, Frozen Spires, and the Mercurial Waters across Africa.
“Audiences won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking sights and sounds of nature, all on the big screen.”
Tickets for “Enchanted Kingdom” can be purchased beginning July 3 online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
Over the course of 573 days of filming in 13 countries, with 130 camera cases, 2.4 tons of camera equipment, 2 cars rammed by elephants, 2 sunk boats, 2 civil unrests, and 1 hippo attack, BBC Earth Films brings together cutting-edge 3D technology, Hollywood production expertise, and the best of BBC’s nature filmmaking to create the ultimate immersive cinema experience.
“It's a beautiful film that takes you around our world through the finest lens. I was compelled to lend my voice to guide you along the journey. Enjoy,” said Idris Elba, Golden Globe winning actor.
“Once again my colleagues at BBC Earth have blown my mind, capturing phenomenal footage in 3D, creating awe-inspiring adventures, and pushing filming and technology even further than they ever have before. Thanks to our partnership with Fathom Events, everyone in the U.S. will have an opportunity to share an experience of a lifetime,” states Soumya Sriraman, EVP Film, Home Entertainment and Licensing for BBC Worldwide North America.
“The outstanding team at BBC Worldwide North America has brought us some of our most successful events to date, and ENCHANTED KINGDOM will be no exception,” said John Rubey, Fathom Events CEO. “Audiences won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking sights and sounds of nature, all on the big screen.”
Produced by BBC Earth Films and Reliance Entertainment, and executive produced by Mike Newell (Great Expectations, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Donnie Brasco), ENCHANTED KINGDOM brings together a host of British film-making talent. The film is directed by Patrick Morris (Life, Wild Africa) and Neil Nightingale (Walking with Dinosaurs: The Movie, Great Barrier Reef) with screenplay by acclaimed screenwriter, novelist, and playwright Nigel Williams (Charlie, Breaking Up, Scallagrig) and music by the celebrated Scottish composer Patrick Doyle (Brave, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Gosford Park).
Synopsis:
ENCHANTED KINGDOM is a spectacular 3D journey for the entire family, taking the audience on an immersive adventure, transporting the viewer from grey urbanity to the vibrancy and vitality of nature. Experience Africa alongside the filmmakers and go on an astounding exploration through an enchanted land where nature weaves its incredible magic. Discover seven distinct realms in Africa, and see the continent at its most gorgeous and most harsh, most terrible and most beautiful – finally transforming into an abundant paradise. ENCHANTED KINGDOM is a thrilling, immersive journey depicting the wonders of the planet as never seen before-– and revealing the real world to be just as enchanting as any storybook.
ENCHANTED KINGDOM is a BBC Earth Films Production fully financed by Reliance Entertainment in association with IM Global and Evergreen Studios. It was produced by Myles Connolly, Amanda Hill, and Neil Nightingale, with Deepak Nayar, Stuart Ford, Marcus Arthur, Mike Newell, Mike Devlin, and Miles Ketley as executive producers, along with co-executive producers Martyn Freeman and Mike Gunton.
About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the recognized leader in the alternative entertainment industry, offering a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in movie theaters nationwide that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, the performing arts, major sporting events, music concerts, comedy series, Broadway shows, original programming featuring entertainment’s biggest stars, socially relevant documentaries with audience Q&A and much more. Fathom Events takes audiences behind-the-scenes and offers unique extras, creating the ultimate entertainment experience. It is owned by a consortium called AC JV, LLC., comprised of AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest movie theater circuits in the United States. In addition, Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live events to 820 locations in 177 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.
About BBC Worldwide North America
BBC Worldwide North America is the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) operating in the U.S. and Canada. The company exists to maximize the value of the BBC’s assets for the benefit of the UK license payer and invests in public service programming in return for rights. The company operates four businesses in the territory - linear and digital content sales and co-productions, consumer products, BBC.com, and BBC Worldwide Productions, the production arm responsible for the smash hit Dancing with the Stars. The company also owns a 50.1% share in cable channel BBC AMERICA through a joint venture with AMC Networks.
About BBC Earth Films
BBC Earth Films is the theatrical arm of BBC Earth, the global factual brand for BBC Worldwide, the BBC’s commercial arm. BBC Earth Films bring the most astounding stories from the natural world to the big screen using state of the art technology to create unforgettable cinema experiences. Combining Hollywood expertise with world-leading BBC filmmakers, BBC Earth Films seek to take audiences on a journey of discovery, uncovering earth’s wonders and revealing some of the most incredible characters to have shared our planet. Building on the BBC’s success with landmark film credits such as Deep Blue and Earth the movie, BBC Earth Films takes this ambition to the next level with One Life, an awe-inspiring story that shows how life connects us all and two 3D features in partnership with Evergreen Films and Reliance Entertainment Walking with Dinosaurs 3D takes audiences back 70 million years to the last great dinosaur era and is distributed by 20th Century Fox in the US and the majority of international territories, and Enchanted Kingdom 3D a journey through Earth’s wildest continent Africa, discovering unimaginable sights and stories.
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Tickets on Sale July 3
BBC Worldwide North America Partners with Fathom Events to Distribute Ground-Breaking Nature Film in 3D
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BBC Worldwide North America and Fathom Events announce a special two-day theatrical event of the most ambitious 3D nature film produced to date - ENCHANTED KINGDOM, coming to theaters August 10 and 11, 2015, with tickets going on sale Friday, July 3, 2015. Narrated by Emmy® nominated and Golden Globe award-winning actor Idris Elba (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, "Luther," American Gangster), ENCHANTED KINGDOM is a jaw-dropping immersive family cinema experience set to take moviegoers on a cinematic trip of a lifetime through seven distinct realms titled as: Mysterious Forest, Fiery Underworld, Alien Sands, Scorched Plains, Fantastical Seas, Frozen Spires, and the Mercurial Waters across Africa.
“Audiences won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking sights and sounds of nature, all on the big screen.”
Tickets for “Enchanted Kingdom” can be purchased beginning July 3 online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
Over the course of 573 days of filming in 13 countries, with 130 camera cases, 2.4 tons of camera equipment, 2 cars rammed by elephants, 2 sunk boats, 2 civil unrests, and 1 hippo attack, BBC Earth Films brings together cutting-edge 3D technology, Hollywood production expertise, and the best of BBC’s nature filmmaking to create the ultimate immersive cinema experience.
“It's a beautiful film that takes you around our world through the finest lens. I was compelled to lend my voice to guide you along the journey. Enjoy,” said Idris Elba, Golden Globe winning actor.
“Once again my colleagues at BBC Earth have blown my mind, capturing phenomenal footage in 3D, creating awe-inspiring adventures, and pushing filming and technology even further than they ever have before. Thanks to our partnership with Fathom Events, everyone in the U.S. will have an opportunity to share an experience of a lifetime,” states Soumya Sriraman, EVP Film, Home Entertainment and Licensing for BBC Worldwide North America.
“The outstanding team at BBC Worldwide North America has brought us some of our most successful events to date, and ENCHANTED KINGDOM will be no exception,” said John Rubey, Fathom Events CEO. “Audiences won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking sights and sounds of nature, all on the big screen.”
Produced by BBC Earth Films and Reliance Entertainment, and executive produced by Mike Newell (Great Expectations, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Donnie Brasco), ENCHANTED KINGDOM brings together a host of British film-making talent. The film is directed by Patrick Morris (Life, Wild Africa) and Neil Nightingale (Walking with Dinosaurs: The Movie, Great Barrier Reef) with screenplay by acclaimed screenwriter, novelist, and playwright Nigel Williams (Charlie, Breaking Up, Scallagrig) and music by the celebrated Scottish composer Patrick Doyle (Brave, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Gosford Park).
Synopsis:
ENCHANTED KINGDOM is a spectacular 3D journey for the entire family, taking the audience on an immersive adventure, transporting the viewer from grey urbanity to the vibrancy and vitality of nature. Experience Africa alongside the filmmakers and go on an astounding exploration through an enchanted land where nature weaves its incredible magic. Discover seven distinct realms in Africa, and see the continent at its most gorgeous and most harsh, most terrible and most beautiful – finally transforming into an abundant paradise. ENCHANTED KINGDOM is a thrilling, immersive journey depicting the wonders of the planet as never seen before-– and revealing the real world to be just as enchanting as any storybook.
ENCHANTED KINGDOM is a BBC Earth Films Production fully financed by Reliance Entertainment in association with IM Global and Evergreen Studios. It was produced by Myles Connolly, Amanda Hill, and Neil Nightingale, with Deepak Nayar, Stuart Ford, Marcus Arthur, Mike Newell, Mike Devlin, and Miles Ketley as executive producers, along with co-executive producers Martyn Freeman and Mike Gunton.
About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the recognized leader in the alternative entertainment industry, offering a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in movie theaters nationwide that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, the performing arts, major sporting events, music concerts, comedy series, Broadway shows, original programming featuring entertainment’s biggest stars, socially relevant documentaries with audience Q&A and much more. Fathom Events takes audiences behind-the-scenes and offers unique extras, creating the ultimate entertainment experience. It is owned by a consortium called AC JV, LLC., comprised of AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest movie theater circuits in the United States. In addition, Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live events to 820 locations in 177 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.
About BBC Worldwide North America
BBC Worldwide North America is the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) operating in the U.S. and Canada. The company exists to maximize the value of the BBC’s assets for the benefit of the UK license payer and invests in public service programming in return for rights. The company operates four businesses in the territory - linear and digital content sales and co-productions, consumer products, BBC.com, and BBC Worldwide Productions, the production arm responsible for the smash hit Dancing with the Stars. The company also owns a 50.1% share in cable channel BBC AMERICA through a joint venture with AMC Networks.
About BBC Earth Films
BBC Earth Films is the theatrical arm of BBC Earth, the global factual brand for BBC Worldwide, the BBC’s commercial arm. BBC Earth Films bring the most astounding stories from the natural world to the big screen using state of the art technology to create unforgettable cinema experiences. Combining Hollywood expertise with world-leading BBC filmmakers, BBC Earth Films seek to take audiences on a journey of discovery, uncovering earth’s wonders and revealing some of the most incredible characters to have shared our planet. Building on the BBC’s success with landmark film credits such as Deep Blue and Earth the movie, BBC Earth Films takes this ambition to the next level with One Life, an awe-inspiring story that shows how life connects us all and two 3D features in partnership with Evergreen Films and Reliance Entertainment Walking with Dinosaurs 3D takes audiences back 70 million years to the last great dinosaur era and is distributed by 20th Century Fox in the US and the majority of international territories, and Enchanted Kingdom 3D a journey through Earth’s wildest continent Africa, discovering unimaginable sights and stories.
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Review: "The Wicker Man" is Still a Creepy Masterpiece (Remembering Christopher Lee)
The Wicker Man (1973)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: UK
Running time: 88 minutes (1 hour, 28 minutes)
MPAA – R
DIRECTOR: Robin Hardy
WRITER: Anthony Shaffer (based upon the novel, Ritual, by David Pinner)
PRODUCER: Peter Snell
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Peter Waxman (director of photography)
EDITOR: Eric Boyd-Perkins
COMPOSER: Paul Giovanni
HORROR/DRAMA/MYSTERY with elements of a musical
Starring: Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, Diane Cilento, Britt Ekland, Ingrid Pitt, Lindsay Kemp, Irene Sunter, and Geraldine Cowper
The subject of this review is The Wicker Man, a 1973 British horror and mystery film from director Robin Hardy. The film was inspired by the 1967 British horror novel, Ritual, by author David Pinner. The Wicker Man follows a devout Christian police sergeant who goes to a remote Scottish island to search for a missing girl and runs up against pagan islanders.
Police Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) travels to the remote Scottish island of Summerisle where he’s been mysteriously called to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, Rowan Morrison (Geraldine Cowper). However, he immediately finds the locals uncooperative, and the community is nothing like he expected.
The devout Christian detective finds the islanders openly reveling in wanton lust, often having sex in public. The pastoral community is led by Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee) in the practice of a religion that recognizes the “old gods” and the islanders also recreate various rituals practiced by the Druids. Offended by what he believes is pagan blasphemy, Sgt. Howie is blind to how dangerous this secret society actually is to him.
Director Robin Hardy and writer Anthony Shaffer’s The Wicker Man is one of the most popular cult films from Great Britain. In fact, one of the film’s stars, Christopher Lee, calls it one of the 100 best British films ever made. Although its shock ending (and it’s a doozy) would mark the film as a horror movie, in many ways, The Wicker Man is a melodrama – one with a highly usually subject matter for a mainstream film, but a melodrama, nevertheless. Early on, The Wicker Man almost becomes a musical because the first half of the film is filled with the villagers in song (singing tunes written by Paul Giovanni, the film’s composer, and Gary Carpenter). These Celtic folk song-like ditties (about pagan festivals and with an emphasis on ritual, metaphor, and fertility) add to the movie’s surreal air without making the film seem wholly implausible.
Ultimately, questions about the plausibility of The Wicker Man will decide how viewers receive it. Granted, there are holes in logic, and some incidents in the movie just don’t make sense (There is also a 100-minute director’s cut that provide more explanations into the various concepts in the film.), but sometimes the movie seems like a weirdo documentary about an actually island of pagan hippies. While the performances and filmmaking is generally good, it’s this touch of realness that makes the film so eerily… real? The movie makes the viewer ask: “Could this happen” or “Is this based on a real story,” and that makes The Wicker Man haunt you long after you watched it.
The film drifts in the middle of the second act and early in the third act. However, the final ten minutes or so may leave the viewer shivering and feeling a strong sense of dread, fear, and maybe shock and confusion – just like a good horror flick should.
7 of 10
B+
Thursday, July 13, 2006
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Review: "The Wicker Man" Remake is Whickety Whickety Whack
The Wicker Man (2006)
Running time: 102 minutes (1 hour, 42 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for disturbing images and violence, language, and thematic issues
DIRECTOR: Neil LaBute
WRITER: Neil LaBute (based upon the screenplay by Anthony Shaffer)
PRODUCERS: Nicolas Cage, Norm Golightly, Avi Lerner, Randall Emmett, John Thompson, and Boaz Davidson
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Paul Sarossy, B.S.C., C.S.C. (director of photography)
EDITOR: Joel Plotch
COMPOSER: Angelo Badalamenti
MYSTERY/HORROR/THRILLER with elements of drama
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ellen Burstyn, Kate Beahan, Frances Conroy, Molly Parker, Leelee Sobieski, Diane Delano, Michael Wiseman, and Erika-Shaye Gair
The subject of this movie review is The Wicker Man, a 2006 horror film and mystery thriller from director Neil LaBute. The film is a remake of the 1973 British film, The Wicker Man, and this remake sources both the 1973 screenplay by Anthony Shaffer and the 1967 horror novel, Ritual, that was the source material for the original film. In the 2006 version of The Wicker Man, a policeman searches a small island for his missing daughter, but meets resistance from the island's secretive neo-pagan community.
After failing to save a little girl from a fiery car crash, California Highway Patrol officer Edward Malus (Nicolas Cage) sinks into months of pill-popping. He finds his chance at redemption when another opportunity arrives to save a little girl in danger. He receives a mysterious and desperate letter from his former fiancée, Willow (Kate Beahan): her daughter, Rowan (Erika-Shaye Gair), is missing. Willow begs Edward to come to her home on a private island in Washington’s Puget Sound, Summerisle. Edward soon finds himself on a seaplane headed for the islands of the Pacific Northwest.
He finds, however, the community on Summerisle to be exceedingly strange. The local culture, built around honey harvesting, is dominated by its matriarch, Sister Summerisle (Ellen Burstyn), and the community is in fact a commune and a matriarchy where the women apparently rule over the men who speak nary a word. Malus finds Willow, now Sister Willow, vague about the disappearance of her daughter, saying only that she believes her fellow islanders have taken Rowan. The secretive women of Summerisle only ridicule his investigation insisting that Rowan doesn’t exist or that she did but is no longer alive.
Edward also finds the islanders bound by arcane tradition, and they are preparing for a festival to which they refer as “the Day of Death and Rebirth.” As Edward navigates these bizarre (to him) ancient traditions, he believes that he is getting closer to finding Rowan, but he is also moving towards something unspeakable and perhaps closer to a mysterious figure known as The Wicker Man.
If you’ve ever seen the Robin Hardy-directed British film, The Wicker Man, which stars Edward Woodward as a strongly-devout Christian (and virginal) cop investigating the disappearance of a little girl and Christopher Lee as the leader of a pagan community on an isolated Scottish isle, you’re probably angry that anyone would remake the cult classic. The original (written by famed playwright Anthony Shaffer who was in turn influenced by actor/writer David Pinner’s novel, Ritual) was genuinely creepy (and occasionally kitschy) with a killer ending. This film is required viewing for true film fanatics who must experience the pagan villagers swaying like mad trees in their happy, smiling dance of death.
Neil Labute’s remake, also entitled The Wicker Man, is an American “re-imagining” that does have its inventive moments, but is mostly so-so – the kind of thing that seems like a strange CBS television movie. Some of LaBute’s (an indie director known for such films as In the Company of Men and Your Friends & Neighbors) new touches and ideas are rather sweet. There is something uncomfortably charming about Summerisle as an old-fashioned agrarian society (this one sustains itself by harvesting honey). Building the film’s costume and production design around the beehive motif adds for some cool visuals. The beehives are in a field in which the layout resembles a honeycomb (super cool!). The villagers are still creepy, but whereas they seemed like clueless Jonestown yokels in the original, they’re more dangerous, like Charles Manson’s followers.
Ellen Burstyn gives a simply delicious performance as Sister Summerisle, her every appearance dominates the screen and she literally eats up a script that cannot contain her performance nor satisfy her fire. Nicolas Cage is actually pretty good as Edward Malus, but once again I think he would have played better had LaBute written stronger supporting characters to go up against Malus, as well as given some of them more lines. The implausible aspects of this concept show more here than they did in the original. Also, like the original, this would work better as a longer film, and like the original, the sight of The Wicker Man and that killer ending still hit hard.
5 of 10
C+
Saturday, September 23, 2006
NOTES:
2007 Razzie Awards: 5 nominations: “Worst Picture,” “Worst Actor” (Nicolas Cage), “Worst Screen Couple” (Nicolas Cage... and his bear suit), “Worst Remake or Rip-Off,” and “Worst Screenplay” (Neil LaBute based on the original screenplay by Anthony Shaffer)
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
"Magic Mike XXL" Soundtrack Drops Trou Tuesday, June 30th
Magic Mike XXL Soundtrack Available June 30
Features Music from the Film, Including Matt Bomer Singing “Heaven” and “(Untitled) How Does It Feel” and Donald Glover Performing “Marry You”
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WaterTower Music today announced the release of the soundtrack to the hotly anticipated sequel “MAGIC MIKE XXL,” in theaters July 1, starring Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez, Gabriel Iglesias, Amber Heard, Donald Glover, Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, Michael Strahan, Andie MacDowell, Elizabeth Banks, and Jada Pinkett Smith.
“Both Matt’s version of the classic ‘Heaven’ and Donald’s ‘Marry You’ contribute to this outstanding soundtrack collection of awesome, timeless songs.”
The soundtrack includes several songs featured in dance sequences from the film, as well as songs performed on screen by Matt Bomer, who sings “Heaven” (originally performed by Bryan Adams) and “(Untitled) How Does It Feel” (originally recorded by D’Angelo); and Donald Glover, who performs “Marry You” (originally recorded by Bruno Mars).
“It’s such a privilege to have multi-dimensional talents like Matt Bomer and Donald Glover exclusively performing songs that take the listener back to amazing and fun musical moments in this film,” commented WaterTower Music Executive Vice President Jason Linn. “Both Matt’s version of the classic ‘Heaven’ and Donald’s ‘Marry You’ contribute to this outstanding soundtrack collection of awesome, timeless songs.”
The Magic Mike XXL soundtrack will be available at all retailers June 30. The CD version contains a special pull out calendar poster. The full track list is as follows:
Pony - Ginuwine
Ain’t There Something Money Can’t Buy - Nick Waterhouse
I Want It That Way - Backstreet Boys
Freek’n You - Jodeci
Sex You - Bando Jonez
Give It To The People - The Child of Lov
Untitled (How Does It Feel) - Matt Bomer
Marry You - Donald Glover
Anywhere - 112
All The Time - Jeremih feat. Lil Wayne and Natasha Mosley
Cookie - R. Kelly
Gooey - Glass Animals
Heaven - Matt Bomer
A Special Edition of the soundtrack with bonus songs will be available exclusively at Target and is available here.
“Magic Mike XXL” reunites Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez and Gabriel Iglesias, stars of the 2012 worldwide hit “Magic Mike.” Picking up the story three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, “Magic Mike XXL” finds the remaining Kings of Tampa likewise ready to throw in the towel. But they want to do it their way: burning down the house in one last blow-out performance in Myrtle Beach, and with legendary headliner Magic Mike sharing the spotlight with them. On the road to their final show, with whistle stops in Jacksonville and Savannah to renew old acquaintances and make new friends, Mike and the guys learn some new moves and shake off the past in surprising ways.
“Magic Mike XXL” was directed by Emmy Award winner Gregory Jacobs (“Behind the Candelabra”), from a screenplay by Reid Carolin. It was produced by Nick Wechsler, Gregory Jacobs, Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin, with Steven Soderbergh serving as executive producer. A Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, the film is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. www.magicmikemovie.com.
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Features Music from the Film, Including Matt Bomer Singing “Heaven” and “(Untitled) How Does It Feel” and Donald Glover Performing “Marry You”
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WaterTower Music today announced the release of the soundtrack to the hotly anticipated sequel “MAGIC MIKE XXL,” in theaters July 1, starring Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez, Gabriel Iglesias, Amber Heard, Donald Glover, Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, Michael Strahan, Andie MacDowell, Elizabeth Banks, and Jada Pinkett Smith.
“Both Matt’s version of the classic ‘Heaven’ and Donald’s ‘Marry You’ contribute to this outstanding soundtrack collection of awesome, timeless songs.”
The soundtrack includes several songs featured in dance sequences from the film, as well as songs performed on screen by Matt Bomer, who sings “Heaven” (originally performed by Bryan Adams) and “(Untitled) How Does It Feel” (originally recorded by D’Angelo); and Donald Glover, who performs “Marry You” (originally recorded by Bruno Mars).
“It’s such a privilege to have multi-dimensional talents like Matt Bomer and Donald Glover exclusively performing songs that take the listener back to amazing and fun musical moments in this film,” commented WaterTower Music Executive Vice President Jason Linn. “Both Matt’s version of the classic ‘Heaven’ and Donald’s ‘Marry You’ contribute to this outstanding soundtrack collection of awesome, timeless songs.”
The Magic Mike XXL soundtrack will be available at all retailers June 30. The CD version contains a special pull out calendar poster. The full track list is as follows:
Pony - Ginuwine
Ain’t There Something Money Can’t Buy - Nick Waterhouse
I Want It That Way - Backstreet Boys
Freek’n You - Jodeci
Sex You - Bando Jonez
Give It To The People - The Child of Lov
Untitled (How Does It Feel) - Matt Bomer
Marry You - Donald Glover
Anywhere - 112
All The Time - Jeremih feat. Lil Wayne and Natasha Mosley
Cookie - R. Kelly
Gooey - Glass Animals
Heaven - Matt Bomer
A Special Edition of the soundtrack with bonus songs will be available exclusively at Target and is available here.
“Magic Mike XXL” reunites Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez and Gabriel Iglesias, stars of the 2012 worldwide hit “Magic Mike.” Picking up the story three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, “Magic Mike XXL” finds the remaining Kings of Tampa likewise ready to throw in the towel. But they want to do it their way: burning down the house in one last blow-out performance in Myrtle Beach, and with legendary headliner Magic Mike sharing the spotlight with them. On the road to their final show, with whistle stops in Jacksonville and Savannah to renew old acquaintances and make new friends, Mike and the guys learn some new moves and shake off the past in surprising ways.
“Magic Mike XXL” was directed by Emmy Award winner Gregory Jacobs (“Behind the Candelabra”), from a screenplay by Reid Carolin. It was produced by Nick Wechsler, Gregory Jacobs, Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin, with Steven Soderbergh serving as executive producer. A Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, the film is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. www.magicmikemovie.com.
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VIZ Media Announces it 2015 Comic-Con International Plans
Visit VIZ Media at Comic-Con International Booth #2813
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES AN EXCITING ROSTER OF EVENTS AND SPECIAL CONVENTION EXCLUSIVES FOR 2015 COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
U.S.’s Largest Anime/Manga Company Hosts ULTRAMAN Manga Creators, Marks The 10th Anniversary of Shojo Beat Imprint And Offers A Dazzling Array Of Exclusive Items For Purchase
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, announces its return to San Diego, CA for the 2015 Comic-Con International with an impressive roster of manga creator personal appearances, informative panel discussions, interactive activities, promotional giveaways, and a wide selection of special retail products available exclusively at the event.
Attracting more than 125,000 attendees annually, Comic-Con International is one of the nation’s largest comic book, science fiction and pop culture events, and takes place July 9th-12th at the San Diego Convention Center, in San Diego, CA. Complete details on Comic-Con are available at: www.comic-con.org.
Located on the main show floor, VIZ Media’s booth will be a central hub of activity that will be a must-see for anime and manga fans. This year, VIZ Media presents the first international appearance by the creators of the new ULTRAMAN manga series. Stop by to purchase an exclusive advance copy with an exclusive figure from Japan and have it signed by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi. Check the booth for the daily signing schedule. Also join the creators for an insightful panel discussion on the global ULTRAMAN phenomenon on Friday, July 10th.
VIZ Media commemorates the 10th Anniversary of its Shojo Beat imprint with a beautiful in-booth display of shikishi (special Japanese art boards) featuring original artwork by a host of well-known manga creators that were created specifically for the imprint’s 10-year anniversary. Also spin the Shojo Beat Prize Wheel to win exclusive collectable items from Japan!
Celebrate the return of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST by picking up Link’s Hylian Shield, only at the VIZ Media booth! Copies of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST graphic novel will also be available for purchase (MSRP: $20)
NARUTO fans can try their hand at Bandai Namco's latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN video game, which debuts this Fall! Or try out a special demo of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Deck Building Game from Cryptozoic (copies will be available for purchase, $40 each).
VIZ Media booth visitors can score free Shonen Jump ONE PIECE, ONE-PUNCH MAN or DRAGON BALL Z posters and also pick up a SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL Card, which offers a free trial subscription to Hulu Plus. Take a SAILOR MOON survey and also receive either a SAILOR MOON tiara or poster!
Also don’t miss the following product exclusives and special advance releases available (while supplies last) at the VIZ Media booth:
· Advance pre-street manga releases for:
o MY HERO ACADEMIA Vol. 1 ($10)
o THE DEMON PRINCE OF MOMICHI HOUSE Vol. 1 ($10)
o MAID-SAMA! 2-In-1 Vol. 1 ($15),
o TOKYO GHOUL Vol. 2 ($13; Vol. 1 also available),
o ULTRAMAN Vol. 1 – available with a special collectable Ultraman figure ($30) – get them personally signed by the series creators!
· ONE PIECE and NARUTO Replica Manga Artwork – Exclusive from Japan! ($15 each)
· DRAGON BALL Replica Manga Artwork – Full Color & Framed! Exclusive from Japan! ($150)
· WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Annual Membership – digital subscription to the world’s most popular manga magazine also includes exclusive NARUTO Game Mat, Collectible NARUTO Yearbook (ships October 2015) and Exclusive YU‐GI-OH! Promo Card: Frightfur Tiger! ($25)
· NARUTO: THE LAST 3D Movie Poster – Exclusively available from VIZ Media! ($25)
· Exclusive SAILOR MOON R T-shirts – Ladies & Unisex styles; available only from VIZ Media! ($15 each)
· Exclusive DORAEMON Plush – 2 different cute designs; (Small version $10; Large version $18)
· 2015 Eisner Award nominated manga titles – MONSTER: PERFECT EDITION Vol. 1 ($20), ALL YOU NEED IS KILL ($15), HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40 (Special Edition $50)
A limited edition VIZ Media tote bag featuring iconic characters from celebrated VIZ Media series in 3 designs will be given as free gift with purchase of any item from VIZ Media. Select from SHONEN JUMP (double-sided featuring Luffy and Naruto), SAILOR MOON or THE LEGEND OF ZELDA!
VIZ Media Comic-Con Panels & Special Events:
Thursday July 9th
10:00AM - 11:00AM - SHONEN JUMP: PAST PRESENT & FUTURE
Room 5AB
Hang out with the English-language editors of the world's most popular manga, plus special surprise guests! We've got exciting news about the latest new series, all-time fan favorites, and everything in between. Plus a chance to win amazing prizes by showing off your SJ trivia skills.
11:00AM - ULTRAMAN Creator Signing, VIZ Media Booth #2813
4:00PM - 5:00PM - Official VIZ Media Comic-Con Panel
Room 7AB
Come party with VIZ Media! And by party, we mean sit in a chair and listen to thrilling tales of upcoming releases and other Earth-shattering announcements from North America's largest distributor of manga and anime! VIZ Media has brought fans thousands of acclaimed anime and manga titles including hits like NARUTO, DEATH NOTE, SAILOR MOON, RANMA ½, TOKYO GHOUL and more!
Friday July 10th
3:00PM - 4:00PM - VIZ Media Presents: ULTRAMAN
Room 23ABC
4:30PM - ULTRAMAN Creator Signing VIZ Media Booth #2813
Saturday July 11th
10:00AM - ULTRAMAN Creator Signing VIZ Media Booth #2813
1:30PM – 2:30PM - VIZ Media & Perfect Square Present: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST
Room 5AB
Zelda fans are invited to take up their Master Swords and join VIZ Media staff and special guests for a celebration of one of the most acclaimed video games of all time, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. VIZ Media will provide a special a behind-the-scenes look at the return of the classic graphic novel that was originally featured in Nintendo Power™ magazine in the 90s and will also answer questions and give out a fun array of Zelda prizes.
1:30PM - ULTRAMAN Creator Signing VIZ Media Booth #2813
Sunday July 12th
1:00PM – 2:00PM - VIZ Media Presents Official SAILOR MOON Panel
Room 6A
VIZ Media is releasing the 200 episode classic SAILOR MOON anime series for the first time on Blu-ray and with an all-new completely uncut and uncensored English dub. Join members of the VIZ Animation team for a special presentation on all the ins and outs of the production of this legendary anime series as well as updated news about the all new series, SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL!
Finally, don’t forget to check the 2015 Comic-Con screening schedule for a variety of VIZ Media anime titles including showings of BLEACH, BLOOD LAD, GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET, INUYASHA, and SAILOR MOON and SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL!
For more information on anime and manga titles licensed, published and distributed by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan. Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.
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VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES AN EXCITING ROSTER OF EVENTS AND SPECIAL CONVENTION EXCLUSIVES FOR 2015 COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
U.S.’s Largest Anime/Manga Company Hosts ULTRAMAN Manga Creators, Marks The 10th Anniversary of Shojo Beat Imprint And Offers A Dazzling Array Of Exclusive Items For Purchase
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, announces its return to San Diego, CA for the 2015 Comic-Con International with an impressive roster of manga creator personal appearances, informative panel discussions, interactive activities, promotional giveaways, and a wide selection of special retail products available exclusively at the event.
Attracting more than 125,000 attendees annually, Comic-Con International is one of the nation’s largest comic book, science fiction and pop culture events, and takes place July 9th-12th at the San Diego Convention Center, in San Diego, CA. Complete details on Comic-Con are available at: www.comic-con.org.
Located on the main show floor, VIZ Media’s booth will be a central hub of activity that will be a must-see for anime and manga fans. This year, VIZ Media presents the first international appearance by the creators of the new ULTRAMAN manga series. Stop by to purchase an exclusive advance copy with an exclusive figure from Japan and have it signed by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi. Check the booth for the daily signing schedule. Also join the creators for an insightful panel discussion on the global ULTRAMAN phenomenon on Friday, July 10th.
VIZ Media commemorates the 10th Anniversary of its Shojo Beat imprint with a beautiful in-booth display of shikishi (special Japanese art boards) featuring original artwork by a host of well-known manga creators that were created specifically for the imprint’s 10-year anniversary. Also spin the Shojo Beat Prize Wheel to win exclusive collectable items from Japan!
Celebrate the return of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST by picking up Link’s Hylian Shield, only at the VIZ Media booth! Copies of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST graphic novel will also be available for purchase (MSRP: $20)
NARUTO fans can try their hand at Bandai Namco's latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN video game, which debuts this Fall! Or try out a special demo of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Deck Building Game from Cryptozoic (copies will be available for purchase, $40 each).
VIZ Media booth visitors can score free Shonen Jump ONE PIECE, ONE-PUNCH MAN or DRAGON BALL Z posters and also pick up a SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL Card, which offers a free trial subscription to Hulu Plus. Take a SAILOR MOON survey and also receive either a SAILOR MOON tiara or poster!
Also don’t miss the following product exclusives and special advance releases available (while supplies last) at the VIZ Media booth:
· Advance pre-street manga releases for:
o MY HERO ACADEMIA Vol. 1 ($10)
o THE DEMON PRINCE OF MOMICHI HOUSE Vol. 1 ($10)
o MAID-SAMA! 2-In-1 Vol. 1 ($15),
o TOKYO GHOUL Vol. 2 ($13; Vol. 1 also available),
o ULTRAMAN Vol. 1 – available with a special collectable Ultraman figure ($30) – get them personally signed by the series creators!
· ONE PIECE and NARUTO Replica Manga Artwork – Exclusive from Japan! ($15 each)
· DRAGON BALL Replica Manga Artwork – Full Color & Framed! Exclusive from Japan! ($150)
· WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Annual Membership – digital subscription to the world’s most popular manga magazine also includes exclusive NARUTO Game Mat, Collectible NARUTO Yearbook (ships October 2015) and Exclusive YU‐GI-OH! Promo Card: Frightfur Tiger! ($25)
· NARUTO: THE LAST 3D Movie Poster – Exclusively available from VIZ Media! ($25)
· Exclusive SAILOR MOON R T-shirts – Ladies & Unisex styles; available only from VIZ Media! ($15 each)
· Exclusive DORAEMON Plush – 2 different cute designs; (Small version $10; Large version $18)
· 2015 Eisner Award nominated manga titles – MONSTER: PERFECT EDITION Vol. 1 ($20), ALL YOU NEED IS KILL ($15), HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40 (Special Edition $50)
A limited edition VIZ Media tote bag featuring iconic characters from celebrated VIZ Media series in 3 designs will be given as free gift with purchase of any item from VIZ Media. Select from SHONEN JUMP (double-sided featuring Luffy and Naruto), SAILOR MOON or THE LEGEND OF ZELDA!
VIZ Media Comic-Con Panels & Special Events:
Thursday July 9th
10:00AM - 11:00AM - SHONEN JUMP: PAST PRESENT & FUTURE
Room 5AB
Hang out with the English-language editors of the world's most popular manga, plus special surprise guests! We've got exciting news about the latest new series, all-time fan favorites, and everything in between. Plus a chance to win amazing prizes by showing off your SJ trivia skills.
11:00AM - ULTRAMAN Creator Signing, VIZ Media Booth #2813
4:00PM - 5:00PM - Official VIZ Media Comic-Con Panel
Room 7AB
Come party with VIZ Media! And by party, we mean sit in a chair and listen to thrilling tales of upcoming releases and other Earth-shattering announcements from North America's largest distributor of manga and anime! VIZ Media has brought fans thousands of acclaimed anime and manga titles including hits like NARUTO, DEATH NOTE, SAILOR MOON, RANMA ½, TOKYO GHOUL and more!
Friday July 10th
3:00PM - 4:00PM - VIZ Media Presents: ULTRAMAN
Room 23ABC
4:30PM - ULTRAMAN Creator Signing VIZ Media Booth #2813
Saturday July 11th
10:00AM - ULTRAMAN Creator Signing VIZ Media Booth #2813
1:30PM – 2:30PM - VIZ Media & Perfect Square Present: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST
Room 5AB
Zelda fans are invited to take up their Master Swords and join VIZ Media staff and special guests for a celebration of one of the most acclaimed video games of all time, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. VIZ Media will provide a special a behind-the-scenes look at the return of the classic graphic novel that was originally featured in Nintendo Power™ magazine in the 90s and will also answer questions and give out a fun array of Zelda prizes.
1:30PM - ULTRAMAN Creator Signing VIZ Media Booth #2813
Sunday July 12th
1:00PM – 2:00PM - VIZ Media Presents Official SAILOR MOON Panel
Room 6A
VIZ Media is releasing the 200 episode classic SAILOR MOON anime series for the first time on Blu-ray and with an all-new completely uncut and uncensored English dub. Join members of the VIZ Animation team for a special presentation on all the ins and outs of the production of this legendary anime series as well as updated news about the all new series, SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL!
Finally, don’t forget to check the 2015 Comic-Con screening schedule for a variety of VIZ Media anime titles including showings of BLEACH, BLOOD LAD, GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET, INUYASHA, and SAILOR MOON and SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL!
For more information on anime and manga titles licensed, published and distributed by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan. Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.
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Webcomics Update: Grumble #2, Page 10
Grumble Chapter Two, Page 10 is here: http://www.comicbookbin.com/grumbletwopage010.html
NOTE: Last year, I printed some promotional copies of Grumble: Chapter One through a POD printer. I will sign and number a copy of this "rare" comic book for $5 post paid, which you can purchase here or http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/p/i-reads-shopping.html
I am also on Patreon.
NOTE: Last year, I printed some promotional copies of Grumble: Chapter One through a POD printer. I will sign and number a copy of this "rare" comic book for $5 post paid, which you can purchase here or http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/p/i-reads-shopping.html
I am also on Patreon.
Negromancer's Fave Poli-Reads - June 2015 Edition - Update #6
Posted by Leroy Douresseaux - support on Patreon.
From TheNewYorker: Dennis Hastert's plea and silence.
From YahooPolitics: Another Supreme Court for the ACA aka "Obamacare."
From RSN: Yes, he can, and so can Obamacare.
From YahooNews: The sister of a man who was abused, as a high school student, by Dennis Hastert gives an exclusive interview to ABC.
From TheIntercept: For fearmongers, it's always the scariest time. I 'm looking at you Lindsey Graham.
From ThinkProgress: What is known about the men who impeached President Clinton.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
2015 J-Pop Summit Offers Live Music in "Day 1" Programming
2015 J-POP SUMMIT ANNOUNCES DAY 1 PROGRAMMING OFFERING A CAPTIVATING MIX OF LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY AND OTHER ACTS
First Day Of S.F’.s Annual Japanese Pop Culture Fest Presents Live Performances By JAM Project, Eir Aoi, Gacharic Spin, JinnyOops!, Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass, Faint★Star, FES★TIVE, Comedy Duo Jaru Jaru, A Cappella Group Little Glee Monster And More
San Francisco, CA – The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT, the Japanese pop culture event held annually in San Francisco, has announced DAY 1 programming. This year’s festival is highlighted by live music from a wide range of pop, ani-pop, electronica, punk/alternative, and a cappella artists, as well as live comedy and other acts to complement an extensive roster of attractions, participants and exhibits, and other live programming.
The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT takes place Saturday and Sunday August 8th & 9th, 2015 at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district. Tickets and V.I.P Passes are available now at: www.J-POP.com. Both types of passes include access to daytime programming as well as the J-POP LIVE NIGHT concert. V.I.P Pass holders will have priority access to a premium viewing area and also will be invited to an exclusive Meet & Greet Event with JAM Project on Saturday, August 8th and Eir Aoi on Sunday, August 9th respectively. Details to be announced soon!
This year’s live performers reflect the diversity and unique creative expression that is burgeoning in Japan and capturing a global following. The first-ever 2-night event J-POP LIVE NIGHT tops off DAY 1 Saturday, August 8th, with an evening concert by anime music super-group – JAM Project – as well as live sets from pop singer, Eir Aoi, frenetic rock band, Gacharic Spin, and returning all-girl punk rock acts, JinnyOops! and the Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass.
During the afternoon of Saturday, attendees also will be treated to the U.S. debut of Little Glee Monster, an extraordinary 6-member female a cappella group that has received wide acclaim in Japan for their unique vocal treatments to a range of popular Japanese and English songs. Also making their debut at J-POP SUMMIT will be FES★TIVE, a unique act built around the concept of Japanese “festivals” that has garnered a global following with their up-tempo, catchy sound. The hilarious antics of the comedy duo, Jaru Jaru, also come to U.S. shores for the first time as does the stylish female pop duo, Faint★Star.
J-POP SUMMIT also introduces attendees to a brand new way to show their love of favorite Japanese idols with the Cheerz App, on which users can upload photos to show support for a wide array of top artists, including ones performing at J-POP SUMMIT. Cheerz users also can receive additional opportunities for visibility and promotion based on their photo’s popularity among other users of the app. Over 300 top Japanese artists are currently active on Cheerz and since its launch in December 2014, fans have cheered on their favorite idols over 40 million times. More information at: https://cheerz.cz/
Stay tuned for J-POP SUMMIT DAY 2 programming to be announced very soon!
J-POP LIVE NIGHT Artists
J-POP LIVE NIGHT on Saturday begins at 4:30pm on the J-POP SUMMIT Main Stage inside the Fort Mason Pavilion. Specific set times will be posted shortly on www.J-POP.com.
JAM Project (Japan Animation-Song Makers Project)
JAM Project is an anime music super-group founded in 2000. The group is composed of the top vocal artists that are each renowned for their work in the anime industry. The members came together to create and perform powerful theme songs for anime, tokusatsu (SFX movies and TV), and video games. Since their debut, the JAM Project has produced and released hundreds of anime and video game theme songs, including the themes to Super Robot Wars, GARO and Tomica Hero. The group toured internationally in 2008, 2012 and 2015. Current regular members are Hironobu Kageyama (singer of "Dragon Ball Z" opening theme), Masaaki Endoh (singer of “Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s” opening theme), Hiroshi Kitadani (singer of "ONE PIECE" opening theme), Masami Okui (singer of “Revolutionary Girl Utena” opening theme) and Yoshiki Fukuyama (singer of "Macross 7" opening theme), who will all perform in San Francisco! Official website: http://jamjamsite.com/
Eir Aoi
Eir Aoi is a Japanese singer from Sapporo, Hokkaido that is signed to SEM Records (Sony Music Entertainment). She gained wide popularity after several of her songs were used as the opening and ending themes for many popular anime series including Kill la Kill, Sword Art Online II and Season 2 of Aldnoah Zero:. She has built a worldwide fan base and embarks on her first international tour this summer. Official website: www.aoieir.com
Gacharic Spin
Celebrating their 5th anniversary this year, Gacharic Spin is a true force of musical power from Japan! One of their songs is now used as the ending theme for Dragon Ball Kai. Taking their name from the word, “Gacha,” derived from a Japanese word gacha-gacha, meaning clattering, each members’ character and sound clatters and mixes perfectly with singers Hana and Oreoreona’s powerful and melancholic voices, to result in a spectacularly unique sound. The band is signed to the JVCKENWOOD Victor Entertainment Corp. Taking hints from everything from pop to rock and industrial music, their energy-filled live performances and excellent musicianship have made them a very fun band to watch! Official Website: http://gacharicspin.com/; Official YouTube Channel: Gacharic Spin Channel
JinnyOops!
Returning to J-POP SUMMIT for their first time since 2010 is JinnyOops!, the 3 -piece indie punk band from Osaka, Japan. The group, which is composed of Mitsuyo Ishibashi (guitar/vocals), Chihiro Ishida (Bass), and Hitomi Futemma (Drums) are known for their wild and explosive punk sound and have made several appearances in the US. Official Website: http://jinny-oops.com/
Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass
The Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass are a Japanese female punk rock trio from Tokyo. Formed in 2005, the band has Kei Sofue on drums and sisters Yumi and Miki Uchizono on vocals/guitar and bass, respectively. After playing at SXSW 2012 in Austin, Texas, the band embarked on a US tour and headlined the J-Pop Summit Festival in San Francisco. Known for their energetic live performances, the band has played countless shows internationally and have established a loyal fan base in Japan, as well as overseas. Official Website: http://akabane-vulgars.jimdo.com/
DAY 1 Daytime Live Performances
Little Glee Monster
This 6-member group composed of teenage girls has gained wide acclaim for their exceptional vocal skills and harmonies. Little Glee Monster was formed in Tokyo in 2013 by winners of a “Best Young Female Singer Audition” contest. The music video for the group’s first single, Houkago High Five, featured on their major label debut for Sony Music has been viewed more than 500 million times! Little Glee Monster’s “Gao Gao All-Star” was selected as the ending theme song for the Pokemon XY anime series and their music also will be featured in the upcoming anime feature, Pokemon XY The Movie: The Archdjinni of Rings. Official Website: www.littlegleemonster.com; Official YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/LittleGleeMonsterYT.
Faint★Star
Faint★Star is a Japanese pop-duo consisting of Hina (formerly of Tomato’n Pine) and Yuria that debuted in 2014. The duo gained international popularity after a Tokyo Girls Update article on their 1st music video became the most viewed article on the site. Faint★Star is produced by one of the most famous music agencies, “Agehasprings,” and are known for their live performances that integrate advanced visual technology. Official website: www.faintstar-tokyo.jp/
FES★TIVE
The 8-piece Japanese idol group, “FES★TIVE, is a unique act that builds on the concept of “festivals” and focuses on performing at Japanese festivals all over the world. FES★TIVE made its major label debut on Tokuma Japan in May, and throughout 2015, they will continue to showcase their “FESTIVAL FROM JAPAN” theme to intentional audiences. With their up-tempo and catchy sound, FES★TIVE is a rapidly growing force in the international music scene. Official website: http://festive.rizepro.net/
Jaru Jaru
Jaru Jaru is a Japanese comedy duo made up of Shusuke Fukutoku and Junpei Goto, and managed by the Yoshimoto Creative Agency. The pair is one of the most successful and popular comedy acts in Japan with their brand of Manzai – a traditional style of Japanese comedy consisting a fool and a long-suffering companion. In the twelve years that they have been active, the duo has received countless awards, made many TV appearances, and even starred in several movies. Official Web site: http://jarujaruconte.com/
About J-POP SUMMIT
The J-POP SUMMIT is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration held in San Francisco, CA that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion shows and events, food and spirits, art, and celebrity appearances. In 2014, the two-day event attracted 125,000 attendees. Details on J-POP SUMMIT are available at www.J-POP.com.
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Sony and Marvel Announce New Spider-Man and New Spider-Man Movie Director
Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios Find Their 'Spider-Man' Star and Director
Tom Holland Cast as the Web-Slinger, Jon Watts to Direct the Next Spider-Man Adventure
Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios are proud to announce that after a full worldwide casting search, Tom Holland will play Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the next Spider-Man film, in theaters in IMAX and 3D on July 28, 2017. The film will be directed by Jon Watts, director of "Cop Car," the upcoming thriller that made its debut earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival.
Marvel and Sony Pictures, and producers Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal conducted an extensive search for both the actor and the director. The studios and producers were impressed by Holland’s performances in "The Impossible," “Wolf Hall,” and the upcoming "In the Heart of the Sea," and by a series of complex screen tests. Following Marvel’s tradition of working with the brightest next wave of directors, Watts also went through multiple meetings with Feige, Pascal, and the studio, before winning the job.
Commenting on the announcement, Tom Rothman, Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group Chairman, said, “It’s a big day here at Sony. Kevin, Amy and their teams have done an incredible job. The Marvel process is very thorough, and that’s why their results are so outstanding. I’m confident Spider-Man will be no exception. I’ve worked with a number of up-and-coming directors who have gone on to be superstars and believe that Jon is just such an outstanding talent. For Spidey himself, we saw many terrific young actors, but Tom’s screen tests were special. All in all, we are off to a roaring start.”
Feige commented, “As with James Gunn, Joss Whedon, and the Russo brothers, we love finding new and exciting voices to bring these characters to life. We spent a lot of time with Jon and find his take and work inspiring.”
Pascal added, “Sony, Marvel, Kevin and I all knew that for Peter Parker, we had to find a vibrant, talented young actor capable of embodying one of the most well-known characters in the world. With Tom, we’ve found the perfect actor to bring Spider-Man’s story into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
Sony Pictures will finance and release worldwide the next installment of the $4 billion Spider-Man franchise on July 28, 2017, in a film co-produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago. Together, they will collaborate on a new creative direction for the Web-Slinger.
Spider-Man, embraced all over the world, is the most successful franchise in the history of Sony Pictures, with the five films having taken in more than $4 billion worldwide.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com/.
About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing, including licensing the Spider-Man universe to Sony Pictures. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2015 MARVEL
--------------------
Tom Holland Cast as the Web-Slinger, Jon Watts to Direct the Next Spider-Man Adventure
Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios are proud to announce that after a full worldwide casting search, Tom Holland will play Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the next Spider-Man film, in theaters in IMAX and 3D on July 28, 2017. The film will be directed by Jon Watts, director of "Cop Car," the upcoming thriller that made its debut earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival.
Marvel and Sony Pictures, and producers Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal conducted an extensive search for both the actor and the director. The studios and producers were impressed by Holland’s performances in "The Impossible," “Wolf Hall,” and the upcoming "In the Heart of the Sea," and by a series of complex screen tests. Following Marvel’s tradition of working with the brightest next wave of directors, Watts also went through multiple meetings with Feige, Pascal, and the studio, before winning the job.
Commenting on the announcement, Tom Rothman, Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group Chairman, said, “It’s a big day here at Sony. Kevin, Amy and their teams have done an incredible job. The Marvel process is very thorough, and that’s why their results are so outstanding. I’m confident Spider-Man will be no exception. I’ve worked with a number of up-and-coming directors who have gone on to be superstars and believe that Jon is just such an outstanding talent. For Spidey himself, we saw many terrific young actors, but Tom’s screen tests were special. All in all, we are off to a roaring start.”
Feige commented, “As with James Gunn, Joss Whedon, and the Russo brothers, we love finding new and exciting voices to bring these characters to life. We spent a lot of time with Jon and find his take and work inspiring.”
Pascal added, “Sony, Marvel, Kevin and I all knew that for Peter Parker, we had to find a vibrant, talented young actor capable of embodying one of the most well-known characters in the world. With Tom, we’ve found the perfect actor to bring Spider-Man’s story into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
Sony Pictures will finance and release worldwide the next installment of the $4 billion Spider-Man franchise on July 28, 2017, in a film co-produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago. Together, they will collaborate on a new creative direction for the Web-Slinger.
Spider-Man, embraced all over the world, is the most successful franchise in the history of Sony Pictures, with the five films having taken in more than $4 billion worldwide.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com/.
About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing, including licensing the Spider-Man universe to Sony Pictures. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2015 MARVEL
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