About This Movie: "99 Homes" Starring Andrew Garfield and Michael Shannon

99 HOMES
Release: September 25, 2015

CLIP: Watch Carver lay his cards on the table and explain to Nash how America really works in "I’m Not Gonna Drown": https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=ehlHN0A6FxI&app=desktop

Director: Ramin Bahrani
Screenplay by: Ramin Bahrani & Amir Naderi
Story by: Ramin Bahrani & Bahareh Azimi
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Michael Shannon, Tim Guinee and Laura Dern
Produced by: Ashok Amritraj, p.g.a., Ramin Bahrani, p.g.a., Kevin Turen, p.g.a., Justin Nappi
Executive Producer: Manu Gargi
Runtime: 112 minutes
Rating: R

Synopsis: Ruthless and charismatic businessman, Rick Carver (Academy Award® nominee Michael Shannon), is making a killing by repossessing homes and gaming the real estate market. When he evicts Dennis Nash (Andrew Garfield), a single father trying to care for his mother (Academy Award® nominee Laura Dern) and young son (newcomer Noah Lomax), Nash becomes so desperate to provide for his family that he goes to work for Carver – the very man who left them homeless in the first place. Carver promises Nash a way to regain his home and earn security for his family, but slyly seduces him into a lifestyle of wealth and glamour.  It is a deal-with-the-devil that comes with an increasingly high cost. On Carver’s orders, Nash must evict families from their homes – an undertaking that grows more brutal and dangerous than he ever imagined.

Website: http://www.99homesmovie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/99homesmovie?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/99HomesMovie
Instagram: https://instagram.com/99homesmovie/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfttvNCIJvE
Hashtag: #99homes

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites for August 23rd to August 31st, 2015 - Update #16

Support Leroy on Patreon.

NEWS:

From THR:  Famed film writer/director, Wes Craven, has died of brain cancer, Sunday, August 30, 2015.

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From BoxOfficeMojo:  "Straight Outta Compton" is the #1 movie at the box office for the 8/28 to 8/30/15 weekend.  This is the film's third consecutive week at #1.

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From DigitalSpy:  Tid bits on "Jurassic World" sequel.

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From CinemaBlend:  Woody Allen replaces Bruce Willis with Steve Carell.

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From Deadline:  Lee Daniels' Richard Pryor biopic is apparently a go with a list of hot stars.

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From YahooMovies:  Six actors who sabotaged their own careers.

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From Variety:  Amazon preps TV series based on "Galaxy Quest."

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From InformedComment and IReadsYou:  Natalie Portman on genocide.

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From SlashFilm:  Vin Diesel confirms xXx sequel to start filming in December.

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From BoxOfficeMojo:  "Straight Outta Compton" wins the 8/21 to 8/23/15 weekend box office with an estimated take of $26.8 million dollars.

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From Variety:  Universal and Disney dominate Summer 2015 box office, leaving not much for the other studios.


COMICS - Films and Books:

From CinemaBlend:  Guardians of the Galaxy spinoffs.

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From Variety:  In an exclusive story, Variety is reporting that Marvel is courting Mads Mikkelsen to play a villain in Doctor Strange.

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From SlashFilm:  The "Blade" film franchise may be revived, but focus on Blade's daughter, Fallon Grey.  Grey is supposed to be the lead in an upcoming Blade comic book revival from Marvel Comics.


REVIEWS:

From VillageVoice:  A review of "Z for Zachariah" by Stephanie Zacharek.


OBITS:

From ESPN:  Former NBA basketball player, Darryl Dawkins, died Thursday, August 27, 2015.  Known as "Chocolate Thunder," Dawkins is remembered for his backboard-shattering dunks and also for the naming of the dunks.  I thought that he was so cool and that he remained cool in retirement.  Negromancer sends condolences to his family.  R.I.P. Mr. Dawkins.

Lorene Scafaria's "The Meddler" at Sony Pictures Classics

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS TO DISTRIBUTE "THE MEDDLER" IN NORTH AMERICA

NEW YORK – Sony Pictures Classics announced that they will theatrically release THE MEDDLER, starring Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and J.K. Simmons, in North America. Written and directed by Lorene Scafaria (Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World), the film will have its world premiere at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions acquired worldwide rights to the film prior to the start of the production and will distribute internationally.

THE MEDDLER follows Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon), recent widow and eternal optimist, as she moves from New Jersey to Los Angeles to be closer to her daughter (Rose Byrne). Armed with an iPhone and a full bank account, Marnie sets out to make friends, find her purpose, and possibly open up to someone new.

Rounding out the cast are Cecily Strong ("Saturday Night Live"), Jerrod Carmichael (Neighbors) and Michael McKean ("Better Call Saul"). THE MEDDLER is produced by Joy Gorman Wettels of Anonymous Content, with executive producers Susan Sarandon, and Anonymous’ Paul Green and Steve Golin.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 32 Academy Awards® (28 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 158 Academy Award® nominations (132 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES WORLDWIDE ACQUISITIONS
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. 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. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypicturesworldwideacquisitions.com.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

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David Duchovny Will Attend 2015 Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh

‘X-Files’ Star David Duchovny Added to Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh on Saturday, September 12

‘Fox Mulder’ on Iconic Sci-Fi Series, ‘Hank Moody’ On ‘Californication’ Joins Somerhalder, Shatner, Staite at David L. Lawrence Convention Center in First Wizard World Comic Con Appearance

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--David Duchovny, best known for portraying such iconic characters as “Fox Mulder” on “The X Files” and “Hank Moody” on “Californication,” will make his first-ever Wizard World appearance at Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The two-time Golden Globe winner is currently starring in the NBC TV series “Aquarius” and earlier this year, Duchovny released his first novel, Holy Cow, which landed on The New York Times’ Bestseller List.

Aside from his most recent achievements, Duchovny has appeared in numerous television shows, including “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Twin Peaks,” “Life With Bonnie,” and “Sex and the City,” alongside his illustrious film credits, including The X Files Movie, Zoolander, Beethoven, Kalifornia, Full Frontal, The Rapture, Evolution, Return To Me, Julia Has Two Lovers, Chaplin, and Playing God. Other feature credits include Trust The Man, The TV Set, and his self-directed and self-written House of D.

Recently it was announced that Duchovny and Gillian Anderson will reprise their "X-Files" roles in a new series due out next year.

Wizard World (OTCBB:WIZD) continues its 2015 schedule with its inaugural Pittsburgh event, September 11-13. In addition to Duchovny, Ian Somerhalder (“The Vampire Diaries”), William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), Jewel Staite (“Firefly,” “Stargate: Atlantis”), WWE® Superstar Dean Ambrose™ and Diva Paige™, Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, “Oz”), Mitch Pileggi ("The X Files," "Sons of Anarchy"), Adam Baldwin (Full Metal Jacket, Serenity), Dean Cain (God’s Not Dead, “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”) and Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk,” “The King of Queens”) headline the roster of celebrity guests scheduled to attend the pop culture extravaganza.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The 17th of 24 events currently scheduled on the 2015 Wizard World calendar, Pittsburgh show hours are Friday, September 11, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, September 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more on the 2015 Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh, visit www.wizardworld.com/home-pittsburgh.html.


About Wizard World (OTCBB:WIZD)
Wizard World, Inc. produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ:CIDM), and ComicConBox™, a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve certain risks and uncertainties. The actual results or outcomes of Wizard World, Inc. may differ materially from those anticipated. Although Wizard World, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any such assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, Wizard World, Inc. can provide no assurance that any of the forward-looking statements contained in this letter will prove to be accurate.

In light of the significant uncertainties and risks inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this letter, such information should not be regarded as a representation by Wizard World, Inc. that its objectives or plans will be achieved. Included in these uncertainties and risks are, among other things, fluctuations in operating results, general economic conditions, uncertainty regarding the results of certain legal proceedings and competition. Forward-looking statements consist of statements other than a recitation of historical fact and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "intend," "expect," "will," "anticipate," "estimate" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Because they are forward-looking, such statements should be evaluated in light of important risk factors and uncertainties. These risk factors and uncertainties are more fully described in Wizard World, Inc.'s most recent Annual and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading entitled "Risk Factors." Wizard World, Inc. does not undertake an obligation to update publicly any of its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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Review: Villains Rule "Kingsman"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 33 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review first appeared on Patreon.]

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:  U.K.
Running time: 129 minutes (2 hours, 9 minutes)
MPAA – R for sequences of strong violence, language and some sexual content
DIRECTOR:  Matthew Vaughn
WRITERS:  Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn (based on on the comic book, The Secret Service, by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons)
PRODUCERS:  Adam Bohling, David Reid, and Matthew Vaughn
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  George Richmond    
EDITORS:  Eddie Hamilton and Jon Harris
COMPOSERS:  Henry Jackman and Matthew Margeson

COMEDY/ACTION/SPY/SCI-FI

Starring:  Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Caine, Sofia Boutella, Sophie Cookson, Hanna Alstrom, Samantha Womack, Geoff Bell, and Mark Hamill

Kingsman: The Secret Service is a 2015 British spy movie and action-comedy from director Matthew Vaughn.  It is based on the 2012 comic book, The Secret Service, by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, who are also both executive producers on the film.  Millar co-created the comic book, Kick-Ass, and Gibbons co-created the Watchmen comic book.  Kingsman: The Secret Service follows a street kid who is recruited into a secret spy organization.

Kingsman: The Secret Service opens in 1997 during a raid in the Middle East, in which an agent sacrifices himself to save his team.  Feeling guilt, agent Harry Hart (Colin Firth), code-named “Galahad,” visits the agent's wife and young son.  Seventeen years later, Galahad comes to the rescue of the son, Gary “Eggsy” Unwin (Taron Egerton), who is now an unemployed adult.

Galahad introduces Eggsy to the “Kingsman,” a secret intelligence agency comprised of the members of the British upper crust.  Galahad convinces Eggsy to join the Kingsman's ultra-competitive training program, but only one member of a recruiting class will become a member of the Kingsman.

Meanwhile, billionaire tech genius, Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson), has hatched a plan to save the world from environmental catastrophe.  His activities draw the attention of the Kingsman, especially Galahad.  Because Galahad is his benefactor, Eggsy gets a close-up look of the Kingsman in action, but does this unrefined “street kid” have what it takes to be in this “secret service?”

As a spy movie, Kingsman: The Secret Service is more like some of the early James Bond movies, especially the ones that featured weird sci-fi gadgets.  Or maybe Kingsman: The Secret Service is what would happen if Roger Moore's James Bond became the leader of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF) of the old television series, “Mission: Impossible.”

I must admit to enjoying Kingsman: The Secret Service quite a bit, but it is mostly a substance-free past-time.  As much as I enjoyed the film, I had mostly forgotten about it a few hours after seeing it.  If I watched it again, I would only watch certain scenes – mostly the fight scenes, especially the ones featuring the blade-legged Gazelle (Sofia Boutella).  There is not enough of her in this movie.

There are moments in Kingsman when it seems obvious to me that Colin Firth would make a good movie secret agent, not James Bond, but someone like Galahad.  [Or maybe that can be said about most quality British male actors.]  However, Samuel L. Jackson, as Valentine, seems to be the actor who most bought into the scenario.  He and Boutella make a great team and do a lot to make Kingsman a good movie; I wish their characters could return.

On the other hand, Taron Egerton may be an up-and-coming, young British actor, but as Eggsy, he lacks spark and charisma.  He is as flat as Sam Jackson is charismatic.  Kingsman's concept and story is ridiculous and contrived, but fun.  As the villain, Jackson is the one who most sells the movie, even more so than the actors playing the good guys.

A sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service has already been announced.  As much as I enjoyed this movie, I can't imagine the sequel working without another great villainous pair like Jackson and Boutella.  I hope they find one.

6 of 10
B

Tuesday, July 14, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

The Star Wars YouTube Channel to Present "The Unboxing"

The Force Awakens Around the World: Star Wars Fans Invited to Join Epic Global Event on YouTube

Toy unboxing phenomenon goes live globally for the first time ahead of ‘Force Friday’

Online event featuring talent from the Maker Studios network gives fans first look at film-inspired toys ahead of midnight madness at retail

GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Star Wars: The Force Awakens products are set to be unveiled in the world’s first-ever global live toy unboxing event. Unfolding over 18 hours in 15 cities and 12 countries, the event will see highlights from the range of epic merchandise revealed in a rolling New Year’s Eve style celebration featuring top digital stars from the Maker Studios network.

    “Over the course of 18 hours, some of Maker Studios’ biggest stars will each be unboxing a new toy from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens product line in a different city around the world and sharing the experience live on YouTube”

“Star Wars toys have always played an important role in how our fans interact with the Saga,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “They’ve inspired multiple generations to relive the experience of the movies and to create new adventures all their own. These spectacular Star Wars: The Force Awakens products will continue that tradition.”

Kicking off in Sydney, Australia on the morning of September 3, and continuing through Asia, Europe, Canada, and North & South America, selections from the new toy line will debut to global fanfare leading up to retailers around the globe opening their doors at midnight.

“Over the course of 18 hours, some of Maker Studios’ biggest stars will each be unboxing a new toy from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens product line in a different city around the world and sharing the experience live on YouTube,” said Leslie Ferraro, President, Disney Consumer Products. “We’ve seen tremendous excitement for these new products and can’t wait to see the global reaction from the Star Wars fan community.”

The Star Wars YouTube channel will host the live stream, which kicks off with the first unboxing in Sydney, Australia at 7:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015 (5:45 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Sept. 2), with the grand finale at Lucasfilm in San Francisco at 8 a.m. PDT (11 a.m. EDT) on Thursday, Sept. 3. Each of the 15 locations will reveal a new product inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

These “unboxing” videos will feature online personalities sharing the excitement of opening the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens toys. Unboxing videos overall have captivated millions of Internet viewers and continue to grow in popularity. Eighteen of the top 100 most viewed YouTube Channels worldwide are dedicated to toys and toy unboxings. These 18 channels accounted for 8.1 billion views in Q1 2015.1

“We’re excited to be part of this first-of-its-kind initiative,” said Chris M. Williams, Chief Audience Officer, Maker Studios. “The unboxing world continues to expand rapidly as audiences around the world connect with digital creators who share their passions. This shared fandom helps attract billions of monthly views and consistently puts the genre at the top of the YouTube charts.”

The global unboxing event will incorporate traditional toy unboxers such as the popular EvanTubeHD, channels featuring families such as Bratayley, lifehack specialists such as ExpCaseros, gamers such as AlexBy11 and Star Wars fans from around the world, including Chris Pirillo, bringing with them a broad audience and appeal.

The full schedule is available at www.StarWars.com.

Several countries will join the live stream from YouTube Spaces (Berlin, Tokyo, London), with Star Wars commentators Anthony Carboni and Andi Gutierrez hosting the event from the YouTube Space, Los Angeles.

Fans can tune in to watch live unboxings at home or on mobile devices, and also enjoy the latest trailers on the upcoming movie, commentary from special guests, fun product videos and demos, and footage from recent Star Wars events.

The global celebration culminates at midnight local time, when many retailers around the world will open their doors to fans to purchase Star Wars: The Force Awakens toys, collectibles, books, apparel and more. Visit starwars.com for more details on participating locations. Additionally, select Disney Store locations around the world will take part. More details are available at www.DisneyStore.com/ForceFriday.

Fans are encouraged to document their experiences around the event on social media using the hashtag #ForceFriday.


About Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media
Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that brings our company's stories and characters to life through innovative and engaging physical products and digital experiences across more than 100 categories, from toys and t-shirts, to apps, books and console games. DCPI comprises two main lines of business: Disney Consumer Products (DCP), and Disney Interactive (DI). The combined segment is home to world class teams of app and game developers, licensing and retail experts, a leading retail business (Disney Store), artists and storytellers, and technologists who inspire imaginations around the world.

About Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

About Maker Studios
Maker Studios is the global leader in online short-form video and the largest content network on YouTube. Maker specializes in reaching millennial audiences across multiple programming genres. Maker’s network includes 55,000 independent creators from more than 100 countries, attracting over 10 billion views per month, with a growing scale driven by its robust technology platform, direct-to-consumer distribution and data analytics. Maker is home to many of the world’s leading online talent and award-winning original programs such as “Epic Rap Battles of History.” Maker Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company and is headquartered in Los Angeles, with operations in New York, London and Singapore. For more information visit www.makerstudios.com.

STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

1 Source: Tubefilter; Top 100 Most Viewed YouTube Channels Worldwide, January 2015 - March 2015; Data provided by Tubefilter, OpenSlate & YouTube

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VIZ Media Offers a Taste of "Komomo Confiserie"

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES THE SWEET SHOJO MANGA CONFECTION KOMOMO CONFISERIE

New Manga Series About An Ex-Rich Girl Who Starts Working At A Pastry Shop And Finds Love For The First Time From The Creator Of S•A And VOICE OVER! SEIYU ACADEMY

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, announces the release of its latest shojo manga (graphic novel) series with the launch of KOMOMO CONFISERIE on September 1st, 2015.

The romantic comedy, created by Maki Minami, about a sheltered but determined girl finding her way in the world after her family goes bankrupt is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry a print MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. KOMOMO CONFISERIE also launches digitally on September 1st via VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores. The series will be published under the company’s Shojo Beat imprint with new volumes scheduled for release in print and digitally on a quarterly basis.

As a little girl, Komomo Ninomiya delighted in picking on Natsu Azumi, the son of her family’s pastry chef. Ten years later, when the family fortune is lost and she has no place to live, Komomo encounters Natsu again in her hour of need. Now that Natsu is a master pastry chef in his own right, he’ll help Komomo – but only if she works for him at his new confiserie!

“In KOMOMO CONFISERIE, Maki Minami has created a strong, unique heroine who tackles challenges in her own way including working hard for the first time in her life,” says Nancy Thistlethwaite, Senior Editor. “Be prepared for a lot of laughs as Komomo and Natsu learn to get along in this sweet new series!”

Manga creator Maki Minami is from Saitama Prefecture in Japan and debuted in 2001 with Kanata no Ao (Faraway Blue). Her other works include Kimi wa Girlfriend (You're My Girlfriend), Mainichi ga Takaramono (Every Day Is a Treasure) and Yuki Atataka (Warm Winter). Her series, S•A, (published in English by VIZ Media; rated ‘T’ for Teens), was serialized in Japan's Hana to Yume magazine and was also adapted into a popular anime series. Maki Minami also is the creator of VOICE OVER! SEIYU ACADEMY, which is published in English by VIZ Media.

For more information on KOMOMO CONFISERIE or other shojo manga titles published 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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Dylan Horrocks Tours for "Sam Zabel"

Sam Zabel and the Magic Pen Book Tour: Cartoonist Dylan Horrocks' Anticipated U.S. Tour

Critically acclaimed cartoonist, Dylan Horrocks bids farewell to his native New Zealand as he travels to the United States for his first convention appearance in over a decade on a book tour in celebration of the fan-favorite release, Sam Zabel and the Magic Pen. His first graphic novel since the classic, Hicksville, collected in 1998.

Sam Zabel is an exploration of the highs and lows of fantasy through the lens of Zabel, a popular, but creatively stymied, cartoonist. This provoking and thoughtful meditation on the comics medium as art, outlet, and industry leads the reader on an epic adventure with sex-crazed aliens, monks, pirates, and web-cartoonists. Horrocks approaches this one-of-a-kind tale with careful consideration for the artist, the reader, and of course, the story we all yearn to tell.

Tour Dates

September 18..........................Politics & Prose - Washington DC

September 19-20......................Small Press Expo - Bethesda, MD
Special Guest*

September 22.................................Desert Island - Brooklyn, NY
w/ Joan Cornella*

September 24.............................CCS - White River Junction, VT
Visiting Artist Lecture*

September 26......................Harvard Bookstore - Cambridge, MA

September 28.........................Magers & Quinn - Minneapolis, MN

September 30..........................Challengers Comics - Chicago, IL

October 2............................Cartoon Crossroads - Columbus, OH

October 5-7.................Sequential Arts Workshop - Gainesville, FL
Visiting Artist Workshop*

October 22..............International Festival of Authors - Toronto, ON
Special Guest*

Praise for Sam Zabel and the Magic Pen:

"A creator only knows if something succeeds once it's in someone's hands and, even then, there's no guarantee that feedback makes its way back to the place of origin. But, Sam Zabel and the Magic Pen shows that when the loop of creation to appreciation is complete-and better still if the creative energy spins out on its own unpredictable orbit-that the relationship between audience and artist carries its own sort of eldritch power."
-Evan Narcisse, Kotaku

"This is a complicated, rich story about confronting the sometimes-lurid or nakedly obvious wish-fulfillment aspects of comic books, but it's also about the ways Sam's distress with the world can't be satisfied by other people's ideas of paradise."
-Tasha Robinson, NPR

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Archie Comics Characters Headed for Broadway

ADAM MCKAY AND FUNNY OR DIE JOIN ARCHIE COMICS TO CREATE A NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL BASED ON THE CHARACTERS OF THE BELOVED COMIC SERIES ARCHIE.

Writer/Director Adam McKay (Anchorman, Talladega Nights, You're Welcome America) and Funny Or Die have joined forces with Archie Comics, one of the most popular comics ever produced, to bring Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and the Riverdale gang to Broadway in an all-new musical.  McKay is slated to bring his singular brand of comedy to the musical, writing the book for the show, with a creative team and timing for a New York run to be announced at a later date.

Funny Or Die will serve as a presenting partner. CEO Jon Goldwater and CCO Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa will oversee for Archie Comics. The partnership was packaged by Triptyk Studios (An American in Paris, You’re Welcome America, Xanadu) who will reteam with their You’re Welcome America partners for the endeavor. Tara Smith, B. Swibel and Adam Westbrook will oversee development for the company and present on Broadway.

Adam McKay said, “Archie represents a bygone era of America. And like all bygone eras, there are elements we miss and elements that should be bygone. This will be a musical that deals with both those realities in a bright, colorful and slightly demented way.”

Jon Goldwater, Archie Comics CEO/Publisher, said, “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Adam McKay and Funny Or Die to finally bring Archie to the stage. We’ve always thought that Archie was destined to be a big Broadway star – and now that moment has come! I’ve long admired Adam’s work and the pairing of Archie’s world with his brilliant humor and sensibility is the perfect fit. We look forward to developing this project together with this incredible team.”

Visit www.ArchieMusical.com for more information and to sign-up for updates.  Follow the development of the Archie musical on all social media channels @ArchieMusical


ABOUT ARCHIE COMICS:
Archie Comics is the leading mass market comic book publisher in the world and the home to a wide array of the most popular humor, action-adventure and superhero characters in entertainment, including Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Reggie, Kevin Keller, Josie and the Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Afterlife With Archie, the Dark Circle Comics superhero characters (The Black Hood, The Fox, The Shield and more), Li’l Jinx and many more. Archie Comics have sold over 2 billion comics worldwide and are published around the world in a number of languages. In addition to comics, Archie characters have been featured prominently in animation, television, film and music. Follow Archie Comics on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and the Archie Comics Store.

About ADAM McKAY
Adam McKay is a writer, director, and producer who is best known for directing the Anchorman films, Talladega Nights and Step Brothers, all of which he also co-wrote with longtime partner Will Ferrell. He is a former head writer of “Saturday Night Live,” one of the founding members of the Upright Citizens Brigade and the co-creator of the largest comedy website in the world, Funny Or Die. On Broadway, McKay directed the Tony Award-nominated You’re Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush.  Most recently he wrote and directed an adaptation of Michael Lewis’ bestseller The Big Short, starring Brad Pitt and Christian Bale and was credited as a writer on Marvel’s Ant-Man.

About FUNNY OR DIE
Funny Or Die launched in April 2007 and has grown into a premier comedy brand and production studio known for creating award-winning, high-quality content with a global audience of more than 70 million. Funny Or Die’s social media division produces content for over 15 platforms and is the #1 comedy brand on both Twitter and Facebook. Funny Or Die is the top destination for celebrity-driven comedy videos and highly topical political commentary. Funny Or Die's founders are Gary Sanchez Productions (Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, and Chris Henchy), and Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Judd Apatow is also a principal partner.

About TRIPTYK STUDIOS
TriptykStudios makes works for theater, film, television, web and arts education, and is led by producer TARA SMITH and writer-producers B. SWIBEL & ADAM WESTBROOK.  Recent select theater work includes Tony-winning hit An American in Paris; the award-winning hit Xanadu; Broadway smash You're Welcome America from Will Ferrell and Adam McKay; the critically acclaimed revival of The Seagull starring Carey Mulligan; The Performers starring Henry Winkler; NY Times Critic’s pick My Daughter Keeps Our Hammer. Triptyk premieres Amelie, a new musical, starring Samantha Barks, at Berkley Repertory this summer, before seeing Xanadu make its London premiere this October. They recently announced the new Stevie Wonder musical, Freedom Run, with NBC/Universal Stage.

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Academy Announces Sci-Tech Achievements Under Consideration for 88th Academy Awards

20 SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR 2015 ACADEMY AWARDS
The Scientific and Technical Awards Committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that 20 scientific and technical achievements, involving 11 distinct investigations, have been selected for further consideration for 2015 Academy Awards.

The list is made public to allow individuals and companies with similar devices or claims of prior art the opportunity to submit achievements for review.

The deadline to submit additional entries is Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 5 p.m. PT.

The committee has selected the following technologies for further consideration:

    A remote-controlled lens attachment that enables highly adjustable in-camera distortion effects     Prompted by Squishy Lens (Clairmont Camera)
   
    A remote-controlled lens attachment that allows viewable, easily manipulated, real-time image movement without displacing the camera
    Prompted by Image Shaker (Clairmont Camera)
   
    Portable, inflatable panels for on-location motion picture production
    Prompted by Inflatable Airwall (Aircover Inflatables)
   
    Displays that provide P3 color space for image review in motion picture workflows
    Prompted by Dolby Laboratories model PRM-4200 Professional Reference Color Monitor (Dolby Laboratories)
   
    Tools that are used for the creation and quality control of DCI compliant digital cinema packages for the motion picture industry
    Prompted by easyDCP Software Suite (Fraunhofer IIS)
   
    Rig-based solvers for tracking and animating deforming objects from image sequences
    Prompted by Geometry Tracker (ILM) and FACETS - Directable Facial Motion Capture (Weta Digital)
   
    Integrated computer solutions for collaborative, iterative review of cinema resolution shots and sequences within the visual effects and animation studio environment
    Prompted by RV Media Player (Tweak Software), Clip - A Comprehensive Playback, Editing and Review Suite (Double Negative), DreamWorks Animation Media Review Ecosystem (DreamWorks Animation), FrameCycler (IRIDAS), Global DDR (Rhythm & Hues), HiDef - Media Review System (Weta Digital), Itview Collaborative Review System (Sony Pictures Imageworks), WDAS Collaborative Enhanceable Image Playback and Review Systems (Walt Disney Animation Studios)
   
    Large-scale, massively parallel, distributed, multi-physics simulation systems
    Prompted by Odin: A massively parallel simulation environment (Weta Digital)
   
    Image compression coding and parameters that adhere to the specifications for the theatrical release of motion pictures
    Prompted by JPEG 2000 Digital Cinema and IMF Profiles (Fraunhofer IIS)
   
    3D texture paint systems capable of dealing with large texture sets for production assets
    Prompted by MARI (The Foundry)
   
    Rule-based frameworks for the art-directable creation of computer-generated structures and urban environments
    Prompted by CityEngine (Esri R&D Center Zurich)

After thorough investigations are conducted in each of the technology categories, the committee will meet in early December to vote on recommendations to the Academy’s Board of Governors, which will make the final awards decisions.

The 2015 Scientific and Technical Awards will be presented on Saturday, February 13, 2016.

Claims of prior art or similar technology must be submitted on the Academy’s website at www.oscars.org/awards/scitech/apply.html.  For further information, contact the Awards Administration Office at (310) 247-3000, ext. 1129, or via e-mail at scitech@oscars.org.

The 88th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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TwoMorrows Publishes Herb Trimpe Biography; Noted Hulk and Wolverine Artist

The late Hulk and Wolverine artist Herb Trimpe memorialized in a new biography from TwoMorrows

TwoMorrows Publishing is now shipping The Incredible Herb Trimpe, a new full-color hardcover which memorializes the late artist known for his groundbreaking work on the Incredible Hulk, and for drawing the first appearance of X-Men fan-favorite Wolverine.

Starting with his humble beginnings running the first photostat machine at Marvel Comics in the 1960s, no other member of the Marvel Bullpen had such a varied and remarkable career as Herb Trimpe. He drew licensed characters based on toys such as G.I. Joe, Godzilla, and Transformers, which went on to become blockbuster movies. He drew runs of super-heroes like Iron Man, Defenders, Captain Britain, and even Marvel’s flagship character Spider-Man. But he’s best known for his definitive eight-year stint drawing the Incredible Hulk, and the eventual debut of Wolverine in its pages.

This book, produced with Herb's full cooperation just prior to his passing last April, chronicles the life and art of Trimpe through his own voice, as well as the voices of friends and colleagues like Stan Lee, Tom DeFalco, Roy Thomas, John Romita, Bill Peckmann, Sal Buscema, Joe Sinnott, Larry Hama, Doug Moench, Eliot Brown, Len Wein, Ron Frenz, Steve Englehart, and his son Alex Trimpe. Their testimony to his talent and his legacy of artwork leave no wonder why he has been dubbed “The Incredible Herb Trimpe.”

"While Herb unexpectedly passed away before the book was released, he got to see the final proofs, and was as pleased with it as I am," recounts publisher John Morrow. "I grew up on Herb's amazing comics work, so when authors Dewey Cassell and Aaron Sultan pitched the book idea to me, I didn't hesitate to green-light it. Those guys knocked themselves out on it on this labor of love, and made Herb—and me—extremely proud. Every comics and super-hero fan should know about Trimpe's pivotal role in Marvel Comics' history, as well as his little-known humanitarian efforts as a volunteer Chaplain at Ground Zero following the 911 attacks. It's a most fitting tribute to a truly remarkable man."

This heavily-illustrated full-color hardcover is 160 pages long, and retails for $34.95. It is available now in both print and digital editions, through TwoMorrows' website (www.twomorrows.com), comic and bookstores through Diamond Comic/Book Distributors, on Amazon.com, and through the TwoMorrows Publishing app on the Apple and Android platforms.

The Incredible Herb Trimpe
(160-page FULL-COLOR HARDCOVER) $34.95
(Digital Edition) $7.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-60549-062-5
Diamond Comic Distributors Order Code: APR151745

A free preview of the book is available at the publisher's ordering link: http://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=133&products_id=1196

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Denise Di Novi's "Unforgettable" Begins Shooting in Los Angeles

Shooting Begins on “Unforgettable”

Katherine Heigl and Rosario Dawson star in the film, marking the directorial debut of Denise Di Novi

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography is underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ dramatic thriller “Unforgettable,” which is the first film in the director’s chair for veteran producer Denise Di Novi (“Crazy, Stupid, Love,” “Focus”).

Katherine Heigl (“27 Dresses,” “Knocked Up”) and Rosario Dawson (the “Sin City” films) star in the film. “Unforgettable” marks a reunion for Heigl and Di Novi, who previously collaborated on “Life as We Know It.”

The main cast also includes Geoff Stults (TV’s “Zoo”), young actress Isabella Rice (“True Blood”), Simon Kassianides (TV’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), Whitney Cummings (“The Wedding Ringer”), Robert Wisdom (TV’s “Chicago PD”) and film and television star Cheryl Ladd.

The film is being produced by Di Novi, Alison Greenspan (“If I Stay”) and Ravi D. Mehta (“Grudge Match”), from a screenplay by Christina Hodson.

Heigl stars as Tessa Connover, who is barely coping with the end of her marriage when her ex-husband, David (Stults), becomes happily engaged to Julia Banks (Dawson)—not only bringing Julia into the home they once shared but also into the life of their daughter, Lilly (Isabella Rice). Trying to settle into her new role as a wife and a stepmother, Julia believes she has finally met the man of her dreams, the man who can help her put her own troubled past behind her. But Tessa’s jealousy soon takes a pathological turn until she will stop at nothing to turn Julia’s dream into her ultimate nightmare.

The behind the scenes creative team is led by multiple Oscar-nominated director of photography Caleb Deschanel (“The Right Stuff,” “The Natural”), production designer Nelson Coates (“Flight”), editor Frédéric Thoraval (“Taken”), and costume designer Marian Toy (HBO’s “Ballers”).

“Unforgettable” will be lensed in and around the Los Angeles area.

The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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Pokemon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior Takes Flight

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF POKÉMON: GIRATINA AND THE SKY WARRIOR

Second Feature Film Of The POKÉMON DIAMOND AND PEARL Movie Collection Available Now

VIZ Media delivers the fun adventures of POKÉMON to fans of all ages with the home media release of POKÉMON: GIRATINA AND THE SKY WARRIOR on DVD.

The new release is the 11th POKÉMON feature film and the second movie in the POKÉMON DIAMOND AND PEARL movie collection. POKÉMON: GIRATINA AND THE SKY WARRIOR is rated ‘TV-Y7,’ for viewers ages 7 and older, and will carry an MSRP of $19.97 U.S. / $24.98 CAN. An official manga edition is also published by VIZ Media and is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and available with an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

POKÉMON: GIRATINA AND THE SKY WARRIOR takes audiences deep into the heart of the Reverse World, ruled by the Legendary Pokémon Giratina. Ash and friends meet up with the feisty and sharp-witted  Mythical Pokémon Shaymin and discover that its journey and their own share similar themes - love of nature and all living things, and exploring the fragile line between humans and Pokémon. And to make it even more spectacular, get ready for the appearance of Regigigas, a super-powerful Legendary Pokémon with a frosty demeanor! Add to the mix a helpful researcher, a dangerous villain who wishes to control Giratina, and a plan to rule the world, and you have all the makings of a Pokémon epic! Learn to fly all over again with POKÉMON: GIRATINA AND THE SKY WARRIOR!

POKÉMON is one of the most successful international entertainment franchises of all time. To date more than 270 million POKÉMON video game titles and over 21.5 billion Pokémon Trading Cards have been sold in more than 73 countries in addition to substantial publishing and merchandise sales. Pokémon the Series: XY is the 17th season of the POKÉMON animated series and airs in the U.S. on Cartoon Network. VIZ Media is the official North American home media distributor for the POKÉMON anime series and feature films as well as the publisher for POKÉMON manga graphic novel series including POKÉMON ADVENTURES X•Y, POKÉMON ADVENTURES, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: DIAMOND & PEARL, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: GOLD & SILVER, and POKÉMON ADVENTURES: BLACK & WHITE.

For more information on other manga and anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

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Review: Entertaining "Focus" Lacks Focus

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 32 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

[The review first appeared on Patreon.]

Focus (2015)
Running time:  105 minutes (1 hour, 45 minutes)
MPAA - R for language, some sexual content and brief violence  
WRITERS/DIRECTORS:  Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
PRODUCER:  Denise Di Novi
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Xavier Grobet (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Jan Kovac
COMPOSER:  Nick Urata    

CRIME/DRAMA/COMEDY/ROMANCE

Starring:  Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Adrian Martinez, Gerald McRaney, Rodrigo Santoro, BD Wong, Brenna Brown, Robert Taylor, Dotan Bonen, and Don Yesso

Focus is a 2015 crime film and romantic comedy-drama from writer-directors, Glenn Ficarra and John Requa.  The film stars Will Smith as a con man and Margot Robbie as the woman from his past who shows up in the middle of his latest con.

Focus opens in New Orleans where veteran con man, Nicky (Will Smith), meets a beautiful young woman named Jess (Margot Robbie).  Jess seduces Nicky, but he quickly sees through her ruse, and she reveals herself to be an inexperienced grifter.  Nicky allows Jess to apprentice with his crew as they plan to con and to steal their way though New Orleans during the weekend of a big football championship game.  However, Nicky eventually sends Jess away, letting her believe that he was just using her.

Three years later, Nicky is in Buenos Aires, where he is working on a con with billionaire motor sport team owner Rafael Garriga (Rodrigo Santoro).  Nicky gets thrown for a loop when he discovers that Jess is on the other side of this con job.

I am a big fan of Will Smith, so I have seen almost all of his films.  One thing that I have noticed is that in some of Will's films, especially in action movies, the filmmakers or the studio expect Will to be funny, although he is a fine dramatic actor.  So, we end up with films like Wild Wild West, which reportedly went through extensive re-shoots in order to add some comedy to the weird Western/action movie mash-up.  The final product was problematic, to say the least.

In fact, Will's 2008 hit film, Hancock, also seemed to suffer from a lack of... focus.  It wanted to be a action comedy about a disaster-prone, washed-out superhero in need of a PR guru.  Then, the film wanted to be a romantic drama about a love triangle, wherein a bad-boy superhero woos his new best friend's wife.  Then, Hancock turned into some kind of dark fantasy drama about fallen gods.

Focus starts off in New Orleans as a heist movie that lets the viewer inside the world of highly-skilled pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and con men; there is a romantic drama backdrop.  In Buenos Aires, the movie starts off as a romantic drama about reunited lovers, but that soon becomes romantic comedy with drippings of a crime thriller.

Well, the best part of this movie is the chemistry between Will Smith and Margot Robbie.  They make the romantic drama seem genuine, and when the film switches tone, they are witty and engaging star-crossed lovers with a perfect comic touch.  I loves me some Charlize Theron (who played opposite Will in Hancock), but I think that Margot Robbie is Will's best co-star to date.  Will and Margot need a better movie.

Although I am critical of Focus' shift in tone and genre-hopping, I like the many twists and turns of its plot, and its glamours backdrops and sets make Focus a gorgeous-looking movie.  Focus also has a scene-stealing star in supporting actor, Adrian Martinez as Farhad, and it is always good to see Gerald McRaney, who plays a hard-ass named Owens.  [I might be partial to McRaney because, before he died, my father was a fan of “Simon & Simon,” the 1980's CBS television series in which McRaney was one of the leads.]

My complaints aside, I really liked Focus, but I don't know if my review will be of much use to readers wondering about this film.  As I said, I am a big Will Smith fan, so that colors my reviews of his films.  And I did really like After Earth...

6 of 10
B

Monday, July 6, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

VIZ Media and Eleven Arts to Screen "Boruto: Naruto the Movie" in Canada

VIZ MEDIA AND ELEVEN ARTS ANNOUNCE THEATRICAL PREMIERE OF BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE IN MAJOR CANADIAN CITIES

Brand New Action-Filled Anime Adventure Features The Rebellious Son Of The Celebrated Ninja Naruto Who Seeks To Become An Even More Legendary Ninja

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, announces the expansion of its partnership with Los Angeles-based film distribution company ELEVEN ARTS to premiere BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE in a series of exclusive theatrical engagements. In addition to a big-screen debut in over 80 U.S. cities, Canadian fans also will have a very special opportunity to catch the premiere in 9 major cities, including Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and more beginning on October 10th, 2015.

Featuring the son of the world’s most popular ninja, BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE is executive produced by Masashi Kishimoto, the famed creator of the epic bestselling manga series (also published by VIZ Media) on which the film’s characters are based. BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE also features screenplay and character design by Kishimoto, and was directed by Hiroyuki Yamashita, with screenplay cooperation by Ukyou Kodachi; Chief Character Designers and Chief Animation Directors are Tetsuya Nishio and Hirofumi Suzuki.

BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE will be presented with original Japanese dialogue with English subtitles. For additional information and to purchase advance tickets, please visit: www.elevenarts.net.

In BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE, famed ninja, Naruto Uzumaki protects the Hidden Leaf Village as the Seventh Hokage, while Boruto, his troublesome son, resents his father's responsibilities that take his time away from him. Seeing this, Sasuke takes Boruto under his wing, while Sasuke's only daughter, Sarada, dreams of being Hokage one day.

With Naruto as the Seventh Hokage, the Hidden Leaf Village plans to host the Chunin Exams to train new shinobi from the village and from their allied villages. Among the entrants are Sasuke's daughter, Sarada, Mitsuki, an exceptionally talented yet mysterious shinobi… and Boruto, Naruto's talented but impetuous son. Meanwhile, Sasuke who’s been on a mission in another dimension appears before Naruto to warn of a strange impending danger. Shrouded with an evil aura, Momoshiki and Kinshiki appear and attempt to assassinate Naruto. Petrified, Boruto is shielded by Naruto, only to disappear in front of Boruto's own eyes!

To view a trailer for BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exOSxoLjark

For more information on NARUTO anime, manga and feature film titles, please visit: viz.com/naruto.

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"John Carpenter's Tales for a HalloweeNight" Comics Anthology Announced

Halloween Nightmares Come To Life John Carpenter releases John Carpenter's Tales for a HalloweeNight

(Hollywood CA) Award winning comic publisher Storm King Comics announced today a horror comic anthology entitled John Carpenter’s Tales for a HalloweeNight (ISBN: 978-0-9853258-9-3) that has been put together by the King of Darkness himself, John Carpenter.

The anthology includes an epic line up of artists and writers including John Carpenter (Prince of Darkness, The Thing), Steven Hoveke (Thor, Steamworld Chronicles ), Sandy King (John Carpenter’s Asylum, Vampires, They Live), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre), James Ninness (Insanity, AZ, Chronicles of a Full Time Father), Trent Olsen (John Carpenter's Asylum), David Schow (The Crow, Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Tim Bradstreet ( Punisher, Hellblazer), Buzz (Wolverine, Dr. Strange) Federico DeLuca (Dorian Gray. John Saul's The God Project) , Leonardo Manco (John Carpenter’s Asylum, Hellblazer), Darick Robertson (Transmetropolitan, The Boys), Tone Rodriguez (John Carpenter's Snake Plisken Chronicles, Uncanny Xmen 100 Project) and more.

The book will be full color 100+ pages and will be released by October 31st 2015. Fans can get sneak peak at the book Saturday October 17th at 2pm at Barnes and Noble at The Grove 189 Grove Drive K30, Los Angeles, CA 90036. John Carpenter will be signing advanced copies of the book in time for Halloween!

“This project kept growing and growing. The more word spread about the project through the creative community the more talent wanted to be involved. It's one of those books that you pick up because it's going to be fun and when you put it down, it's because you need to turn all the lights in the house on” explained Storm King Comics head Sandy King.

Fans should be able to pick up the title at their local comic shops as well as the Storm King Productions booth at New York Comic Con. The second graphic novel in the Storm King Comic's series John Carpenter's Asylum will be out in early 2016.


About John Carpenter's Tales for a HalloweeNight:
From the man who brought you the movie, “Halloween” and all the scares beyond, here comes the ultimate graphic novel anthology of tales to warm your toes by on a dark and stormy night in October.  Carpenter brings together story tellers from the world of movies, novels and comics and in these pages lie tales of graveyards, sunken ships, creepy crawlers and ghosts to haunt your dreams at night. 

Writers:  John Carpenter, Steven Hoveke, Sandy King, Steve Niles, James Ninness, Trent Olsen, David Schow and Duane Swierczynski.

Artists:  including…Tim Bradstreet, Buzz, Federico DeLuca, Leonardo Manco, Darick Robertson, and Tone Rodriguez

Edited by Sandy King

Want the most up to date information on John Carpenter's Asylum like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JohnCarpentersAsylum.  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JCsAsylum

About Storm King Productions:
Storm King Productions is headed up by writer producer powerhouse Sandy King Carpenter. Storm King focuses on artistic storytelling in all forms. Their flagship comic book title John Carpenter's Asylum has become a global fan favorite. Other comic properties including Randy Queen's DarkChylde, are also currently in production.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of August 16th to 22nd, 2015 - Update #10

Support Leroy on Patreon.

NEWS:

From Variety:  A Carl Sagan biopic in the works.

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From SlashFilm:  John Boyega lands director James Ponsoldt's "The Circle," based on the Dave Eggers book.

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From Variety:  UPDATE:  Initial estimates had "Straight Outta Compton" at a weekend box office of $56.1.  Updated box office total is $60.2 million!

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From YahooTV:  Stephen King is a "superfan" of John Ridley's "American Crime," television event series/miniseries that premiered on ABC this past spring.

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From Deadline:  Facing five years, Emile Hirsch takes a plea that have him serve 15 days in jail.  He apparently attacked a woman during this year's Sundance film festival.

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From BoxOfficeMojo:  The number one movie at the box office for the weekend of 8/14 to 8/16/15 is "Staight Outta Compton," the biopic about the legendary and seminal rap group, N.W.A.  The movie pulled in an estimated $56.1 million.  The movie's success helped Universal cross $2 billion at the domestic box, the fastest by four months over Warner Bros. which previously crossed that mark in 2009.


COMICS - Films and Books:

From HitFix:  Doctor Strange movie reveals at D23.


TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  New trailer for Ridley Scott's "The Martian," starring Matt Damon.

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From YouTube:  New trailer for the upcoming film, Victor Frankenstein, starring James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe.


OBITS:

From Variety:  The actress, Yvonne Craig, died Monday, August 17, 2015 at the age of 78.  She was best known for her role as "Batgirl" on the 1960s "Batman" TV series.  As a child I loved her as Batgirl.  Rest in peace, Ms. Craig.

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From TheWrap:  Civil rights legend, Julian Bond, died Saturday night, August 16, 2015.  Bond was also the board chairman of the NAACP and the first president of the Southern Poverty Law Center.  He was 75.  Negromancer sends condolences to his family.

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From TheWrap:  E’Dena Hines, the step-granddaughter of Morgan Freeman, was stabbed to death in New York City on early Sunday morning, August 16, 2015.  She was 33.

Artists Annie Wu and Veronica Fish Join Mark Waid on All New "Archie"

ARCHIE #4 Cover by Annie Wu

Fan Favorite Artists Annie Wu and Veronica Fish Join Mark Waid's Critically Acclaimed ARCHIE Reboot in November

Wu (Black Canary, Hawkeye) and Fish will handle art duties for upcoming issues of the bestselling ARCHIE relaunch.

Following the mega-successful and beloved launch of the new ARCHIE book from the legendary team of Mark Waid and Fiona Staples, superstar artist Annie Wu and rising star Veronica Fish join the series in November 2015.

Wu, known for her stellar work on hit series Hawkeye and Black Canary, will handle the art for #4 while Veronica Fish will take on issues #5 and #6.

“Annie has the perfect handle on these characters and we’re lucky to have her come in for a special, one-issue story,” said Archie Comics President Mike Pellerito. “Annie’s a unique and versatile talent and really the perfect person to step in and showcase these characters in a new way, while still holding true to the foundation Fiona put in place.”

Fans got their first glimpse at Veronica Fish’s vibrant take on the Archie gang with her promotional image for the new ‘RIVERDALE’ series in development at The CW.

“Veronica’s a real hidden gem,” Pellerito said. “Mark my words – she’ll be a star before she’s done working on these two issues.”

Fiona Staples, with colorists Andrew Szymanowicz and Jen Vaughn, will continue her character defining run on ARCHIE through September’s issue #3, introducing new faces and fan favorites to the town of Riverdale.

“She not only nailed the style, but also got to the core of each character,” said Pellerito. “Archie, Jughead, Betty, Kevin, Reggie, Midge, Veronica, and so on. Just perfect. Fiona was, hands down, the perfect artist to launch this series, and it shows.”

ARCHIE #2 by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples is on sale Wednesday at comic book stores and digitally. ARCHIE #4 by Mark Waid and Annie Wu is available in comic book stores and digitally this November.

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Time.com Among Platforms Premiering "New Orleans: Here & Now"

Time Inc. and Rampante Announce New Orleans, Here & Now to Premiere across Multiple Platforms Thursday, August 27

Six-part Anthology Reveals Life in New Orleans Ten Years After Hurricane Katrina

Executive Produced by Academy Award-Nominated Actress Patricia Clarkson and Golden Globe Award Winner Scott Bakula

Click Here to Watch the Trailer

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Time Inc. and Rampante, a strategic advisory, production and distribution company, today announced that New Orleans, Here & Now will debut Thursday, August 27, 2015 on Time.com and across multiple other distribution platforms. Executive produced by Academy Award-nominated and New Orleans-born actress Patricia Clarkson (Pieces of April, "Six Feet Under") and Golden Globe Award winner Scott Bakula ("NCIS: New Orleans"), New Orleans, Here & Now is an inspiring documentary series, which features six real stories from real people living in a post-Katrina New Orleans.

New Orleans, Here & Now is the first premium video content produced and distributed by Time Inc. in partnership with Rampante, Academy Award-winning Killer Films (Still Alice, Boys Don’t Cry) and Field Office Films, a New Orleans-based company created by the producers of Beasts of the Southern Wild.

As Time Inc. builds its short and long-form video business, New Orleans, Here & Now is the first original, premium video project available exclusively to Time magazine subscribers on Time.com. Beginning August 27, all visitors to Time.com can view one of the six short films and subscribe to view the other five. People.com will also be showcasing one of the films, making it available to all visitors to People.com. New Orleans, Here & Now will also be viewable on Sundance Doc Club and Hulu and will be available to purchase on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon.

Directed by filmmakers connected to the city of New Orleans, whose work has been recognized by the Sundance Film Festival, Film Independent’s Independent Spirit Awards and SXSW, among others, New Orleans, Here & Now is a reflection of the city’s resurgence and how Hurricane Katrina played a role in shaping their lives today. The anthology features: The Best Eva 1.5, which chronicles the triumphs of Tiffany Junot to become the World Boxing Council (WBC) Welterweight Champion of the World; The Boatman, which shares an oyster farmer’s love for a boat that he’s been building for decades and his family; Everything is To Be Continued, which examines how music is at the heart of the people and the rich culture of New Orleans through the eyes of the TBC brass band members; The Older Fish, which follows four dynamic high school seniors, who were eight years old when Katrina hit, as they prepare for graduation; Two Cities, which recounts what it means to be part of the displaced New Orleans population in Houston; and Labor of Love, which explores a multi-cultural family’s bond, food culture, and the Vietnamese population that is part of the fabric of New Orleans.

New Orleans, Here & Now is produced in partnership with Killer Films, Field Office Films, Time Inc. and Rampante; directed by Katie Dellamaggiore, Zach Godshall, Lily Keber, John Maringouin, Darius Clark Monroe and Angela Tucker. Patricia Clarkson, Scott Bakula, Pamela Koffler and Christine Vachon are executive producers.


About Killer Films
Killer Films has produced over 80 acclaimed features including Academy Award-winning Boys Don’t Cry and Academy Award-nominated Far from Heaven. Killer Films executive produced Mildred Pierce, the Emmy Award-winning HBO mini-series starring Kate Winslet. Killer continues to expand its operation in the television and digital space, as well as maintain its status as a New York indie film powerhouse. Most recently, Killer produced Carol by Todd Haynes, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara; Academy Award-winning Still Alice by Wash Westmoreland and Richard Glatzer, starring Julianne Moore, Kristen Stewart, and Alec Baldwin; and Sebastian Silva's Nasty Baby, starring Kristen Wiig, Sebastian Silva, Tunde Adebimpe and Alia Shawkat.

About Field Office Films
Field Office Films is a New Orleans-based company, newly formed by the producers of the Academy Award-nominated Beasts of the Southern Wild.

About Time Inc.
Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) is one of the world's leading media companies, with a monthly global print audience of over 120 million and worldwide digital properties that attract more than 140 million visitors each month, including over 60 websites. Our influential brands include People, Sports Illustrated, InStyle, Time, Real Simple, Southern Living, Entertainment Weekly, Travel + Leisure, Cooking Light, Fortune and Food & Wine, as well as more than 50 diverse titles in the United Kingdom such as Decanter, Horse & Hound and Wallpaper*. Time Inc.is home to celebrated franchises and events including the Fortune 500, Time 100, People’s Sexiest Man Alive, Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, the Essence Festival and the biennial Fortune Global Forum. Hundreds of thousands of people attend our live media events every year. We also provide content marketing, targeted local print and digital advertising programs, branded book publishing and marketing and support services, including subscription sales services for magazines and other products, retail distribution and marketing services and customer service and fulfillment services, for ourselves and third-party clients, including other magazine publishers.

About Rampante
Rampante is a Los Angeles-based strategic advisory, production and distribution company launched by Emiliano Calemzuk and focused on creating and monetizing feature-length documentary films, nonfiction television and digital series for broadcast, cable and new media distribution platforms in partnership with Time Inc.

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Harvey Award Winner, Vivek J. Tiwary, To Host 2015 Harvey Awards

Photo by Lt. Blu Norals

THE FIFTH BEATLE'S VIVEK J. TIWARY TO HOST HARVEY AWARDS

Join Host Vivek J. Tiwary at the Harvey Awards

Harvey Awards Dinner & Award Ceremony Tickets Now on Sale

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - On Saturday night, September 26th, 2015 the comic book industry, including professionals, retailers, and fans, will gather at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore to honor the 2015 Harvey Award Nominees for 2014 comic work and present the Harveys to their recipients. This is an exciting evening, highlighted by our host Vivek J. Tiwary, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, and the founder of multi-platform arts and entertainment company Tiwary Entertainment Group.

Harvey Awards tickets are on sale NOW! Tickets to the event, which includes full cocktail hour (cash bar), full service dinner (featuring a Baltimore Crabcake!), awards ceremony, and a gift bag, are now available for $125. Tickets are available at our website via credit card at baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets.

Host Vivek J. Tiwary's graphic novel, The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story (Dark Horse Comics), is based on the untold life story of Beatles' manager Brian Epstein. Written by Tiwary, with art by Andrew C. Robinson and Kyle Baker, it received worldwide critical acclaim and won a number of prestigious literary awards including two Harvey Awards including Best Original Graphic Novel and the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award for Best Reality-Based Work. It is a Lambda Literary Finalist for Best LGBT Graphic Novel, an American Library Association Great Graphic Novel for Teens, and has been added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives Permanent Collection.

The Fifth Beatle is now being adapted into a feature film that has secured unprecedented access to Beatles music and counts Simon Cowell amongst its producers. Vivek is writing its screenplay and will serve as a producer.

"I learned to read from reading comics with my parents -- and much to their dismay, I learned to make fun of authority from Harvey Kurtzman and MAD Magazine!" said Tiwary, "So what an honor to now host this show named after Harvey that shines a light on creators who are pushing the boundaries of comics and keeping his torch of intelligent irreverence alive."

On Broadway, Tiwary's productions have won a combined 25 Tony Awards. They include such groundbreaking work as Green Day's American Idiot, The Addams Family, A Raisin In The Sun, and Mel Brooks' The Producers. Vivek is currently working with Alanis Morissette and Pulitzer and Tony Award-winner Tom Kitt to adapt Morissette's breakthrough album Jagged Little Pill for Broadway.

Vivek previously served on the Board of Directors for Valiant Entertainment, a multi-platform company that boasts the third largest universe of comic book characters and has secured a 5-film deal with Sony Pictures.

Vivek held a number of major label music-industry positions working with artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Britney Spears.

In addition to hosting the awards ceremony, Vivek will be speaking on a panel and signing books throughout the weekend at the Baltimore Comic-Con.

The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. The Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards both nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. Additionally, the Hero Initiative will present 2 awards to outstanding members of the comics community.
The Hero Initiative was established to aid comic creators with a financial safety net when in need of emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. In the years since its inception, the board has created an award to recognize those individuals in the industry that have dedicated their talent over the lifetime of their careers to the comic book community at-large, achieving the status of Hero. Previous recipients include Herb Trimpe, Sal Buscema, John Romita, Joe Kubert, Nick Cardy, Neal Adams, and George Perez. Who will be this year's lifetime Hero?

The Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award will also be presented at the Harvey Awards Banquet. Giordano, who passed away in early 2010, was part of Hero Initiative's Board of Directors. He was also a legendary artist, a guiding force at Charlton Comics and DC Comics for many years, a mentor to his colleagues, and a friend to all who knew him. His legacy epitomizes the caring and commitment Hero Initiative strives to achieve. In his honor, the Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award will recognize one person in comics each year who has demonstrated the generosity and integrity Dick brought to the charity, and to the comic book community at large.

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.

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"Scooby-Doo" Animated Feature Anounced for September 2018

Scooby-Doo and the Gang Return to the Big Screen in New Warner Bros. Pictures Animated Feature

Opening September 21, 2018, Film Marks Reintroduction of Hanna-Barbera Animated Favorites to Moviegoers Everywhere

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fire up the Mystery Machine! Scooby-Doo and his crime-busting pals will soon embark on a brand new comedy adventure, as Warner Bros. Pictures prepares to bring the beloved Hanna-Barbera franchise back to theaters on September 21, 2018. The announcement was made jointly by Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of Worldwide Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “Like countless fans, I have always loved the Hanna-Barbera cast of characters. As one of their most famous brand ambassadors, Scooby-Doo will take the lead in re-introducing this pantheon of enduringly popular animated stars on a grand scale with an exciting new movie.”

The film reunites Oscar-nominated producers Charles Roven and Richard Suckle (“American Hustle”), who previously produced the Studio’s hugely successful live-action features “Scooby-Doo” and “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.” Joining them is BAFTA Award-winning producer Allison Abbate (“The Iron Giant”), who produced the Oscar-nominated features “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride” and “Frankenweenie.”

It will be directed by multiple Emmy Award nominee Tony Cervone (“Space Jam,” Cartoon Network’s “The Looney Tunes Show” and “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated”). Renowned animation visionary Dan Povenmire (“Phineas and Ferb,” “Family Guy”) will also bring his creative sensibilities to the production as an executive producer. The screenplay is by Matt Lieberman (“Dr. Dolittle: Tail to the Chief”).

The new Scooby-Doo feature will be a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation under the Warner Animation Group (WAG) banner.

In making the announcement, Silverman acknowledged, “Like countless fans, I have always loved the Hanna-Barbera cast of characters. As one of their most famous brand ambassadors, Scooby-Doo will take the lead in re-introducing this pantheon of enduringly popular animated stars on a grand scale with an exciting new movie.”

Said Fellman, “It’s always a treat to see Scooby-Doo on the big screen and to share his larger-than-life adventures with audiences. As anticipation grows throughout production, the movie’s mid-September release date should start the fall season with a burst of fun.”

Added Kroll, “It’s wonderful to be working with this talented and inspired team of filmmakers. We couldn’t ask for better producers than Charles Roven, Richard Suckle and Allison Abbate, who have such affection and respect for this property and know the Hanna-Barbera universe so well.”

Kwan Vandenberg further stated, “Scooby-Doo and his friends have the kind of universal appeal that reaches across cultures as well as generations. We expect this new take on the franchise to generate even more fans around the world.”

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