16th Annual Hollywood Film Awards, presented by The Los Angeles Times, is pleased to announce that writer/director/producer Judd Apatow will be given the “Hollywood Comedy Award”; actor John Hawkes will receive the "Hollywood Breakout Performance Award"; actress Quvenzhane Wallis will receive the "New Hollywood Award"; cinematographer Wally Pfister, A.S.C. will receive the “Hollywood Cinematographer Award”; and Disney and Marvel Entertainment’s “The Avengers,” directed by Josh Whedon, produced by Kevin Feige and with visual effects from VFX supervisors Janek Sirrs and Jeff White will receive the “Hollywood Visual Effects Award.”
"We look forward to celebrating these exceptionally talented filmmakers and artists for their outstanding work and creative vision," said Carlos de Abreu, Founder and Executive Director of the Hollywood Film Awards.
The Hollywood Film Awards Gala Ceremony will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on October 22, 2012. The event honors cherished stars and up-and-coming talent, and traditionally kicks off the film awards season with the biggest stars and top industry executives in attendance.
"We are very proud to be the first stop of the awards season. In the last nine years, a total of 85 Oscar nominations and 32 Oscars were given to the honorees of the Hollywood Film Awards," said de Abreu.
Last year's awards show reached a total TV audience of more than 41 million media impressions, in addition to more than 300 million online and print readers' impressions.
Aside from celebrating accomplishments on screen, the Hollywood Film Awards established the "Hollywood Gives Back" program to expand and continue highlighting and assisting important local and national charities to raise funds. Over the years, the Hollywood Film Awards has contributed to such charities as the following: The Art of Elysium, Artists For Human Rights, Artists for Peace and Justice, MatchingDonors.com, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, the Enough Project, and Variety The Children's Charity of So. CA, among others.
Further, the Hollywood Film Awards selects individuals to be recipients of their "Hollywood Humanitarian Awards" in recognition of their contribution to the betterment of their communities or society at large. Prior recipients include Nobel Peace Prize winner and ex-President of East Timor, Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta, Nobel Laureate Jody Williams, Father Rick Frechette, and actor and activist Sean Penn.
ABOUT JUDD APATOW
Audiences will get to experience Judd Apatow's next film, "This Is 40," when it is released by Universal Pictures on December 21, 2012. An original comedy that expands upon the story of Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann) from the blockbuster hit "Knocked Up," we will see first-hand how they are dealing with their current state of life. The film also stars John Lithgow, Megan Fox, Iris Apatow, Maude Apatow, Jason Segel, Melissa McCarthy, Robert Smigel, Charlene Yi and Albert Brooks.
Initially aspiring to become a professional comedian, Apatow eventually stopped performing in favor of writing. After writing on a few award shows, cable specials, "The Larry Sanders Show" and "The Ben Stiller Show" (which he co-created), Apatow served as an executive producer on NBC's critically-acclaimed "Freaks and Geeks." He then made his feature-film debut as a director with 2005's "The 40-Year-Old Virgin." Co-written by Apatow and the film's star, Steve Carell, "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" opened at No. 1 at the box office. In 2007, he directed, wrote and produced "Knocked Up," which grossed more than $200 million internationally. He followed this up by producing the hit comedies "Superbad," "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Pineapple Express" and writing and directing 2009's "Funny People." Additional producing credits include "The Cable Guy," "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," and "Get Him to the Greek."
In 2011, he produced the most successful R-rated female comedy of all time, "Bridesmaids," which received Oscar® nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress (Melissa McCarthy), as well as numerous other awards. Apatow is currently in production on the HBO series "Girls," and recently produced "The Five-Year Engagement," the latest comedy from director Nicholas Stoller.
ABOUT JOHN HAWKES
John Hawkes has been working non-stop since his critically acclaimed performance as Teardrop in "Winter's Bone," the role which earned him an Independent Spirit Award win and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Next, Hawkes will be seen in Ben Lewin's "The Sessions," the story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined - at age 38 - to lose his virginity. He also recently completed production on "Lincoln," "Arcadia" and "The Playroom."
Hawkes' additional film credits include "Higher Ground," "Contagion," "Martha Marcy May Marlene," "Me and You and Everyone We Know," "American Gangster," "Miami Vice," "Identity," "The Perfect Storm," "Small Town Saturday Night," "Hardball," "Wristcutters: A Love Story," "The Amateurs," "From Dusk Till Dawn," and "A Slipping-Down Life." On the small screen, Hawkes starred as Sol Star in HBO's critically lauded drama "Deadwood" and now plays Danny McBride's brother Dustin in the comedy "Eastbound and Down."
ABOUT QUVENZHANÉ WALLIS
At the age of five, Quvenzhané Wallis, a Louisiana native, was cast as the lead in Benh Zeitlin's critically acclaimed feature film "Beasts of the Southern Wild." Her portrayal of Hushpuppy, a young girl growing up in the flood plagued bayous of Louisiana, is being recognized as one of the best performances by a child actor in over a decade. The film went on to win the Grand Jury Prize at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and the Caméra d'Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. Wallis recently wrapped production on Steve McQueen's highly anticipated film "Twelve Years A Slave," in which she will play the daughter of a man kidnapped from New York City in the early 1800s and sold into slavery.
ABOUT WALLY PFISTER, A.S.C.
Wally Pfister's ascent as a director of photography began when he shot Christopher Nolan's "Memento" in 1999. That work earned him a Spirit award nomination for cinematography. Since then, he has joined the ranks of the top Hollywood cinematographers, earning 3 Academy Award nominations, and one win for his work. The first nomination came for 2005s "Batman Begins," for which he was also honored, by his peers, with an American Society of Cinematographers Award nomination. The following year, he was nominated for his cinematography work on "The Prestige," and in 2009, for Christopher Nolan's record-breaking blockbuster, "The Dark Knight." He won his Oscar in 2010 for "Inception" also directed by Nolan. He also served as director of photography on the thriller, "Insomnia," for Nolan, "The Italian Job," directed by F. Gary Gray, as well as "Laurel Canyon," and "Moneyball". Films that Pfister has photographed on have grossed over three-billion dollars worldwide. In between feature films, Pfister also works as Director/Cameraman on Commercials. He is currently in pre-production on his feature film Directorial debut, which is due to begin filming in early 2013.
ABOUT “THE AVENGERS" AND VISUAL EFFECTS SUPERVISORS JANET SIRRS AND JEFF WHITE
Janek Sirrs is a respected VFX veteran, whose credits include The Matrix, I am Legend, Batman Begins, and Iron Man 2. He won the Best Visual Effects Oscar for the Matrix and was nominated for Iron Man 2.
Jeff White joined ILM in 2002 as a creature technical director. He has a Masters of Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and has spent the last 5 years as Associate VFX Supervisor on the Transformers franchise. The Avengers marks his first time at the helm as Visual Effects Supervisor.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
"Frankenweenie: an Electrifying Book" a Free iTunes Book
Disney Publishing Worldwide Lets Fans Go Behind-the-Scenes of Tim Burton’s New Animated Film Unveiling Frankenweenie: an Electrifying Book
Features Exclusive Art, Video, and Music into Disney’s First Book to Leverage Apple’s iBooks Author
GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Disney Publishing Worldwide announced today the release of Frankenweenie: An Electrifying Book, based on Walt Disney Studios’ highly anticipated stop-motion animated film directed by Tim Burton, “Frankenweenie,” in theaters October 5, 2012. Capturing the creative process from concept to completion, the interactive book integrates videos, vibrant music, and original sketches to offer readers a fully immersive behind-the-scenes look into the making of the movie. Available on the iBookstore (http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/frankenweenie-electrifying/id557041056?mt=11), this book is Disney Publishing’s first to be created with Apple’s iBooks Author.
“We’re thrilled to give fans a look at how Tim Burton and his creative team brought Victor Frankenstein and Sparky to life in the town of New Holland,” said Lyle Underkoffler, vice president, Digital Media, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “Using iBooks Author, Disney Publishing was able to include more digital content than ever before—including previews of animated storyboards documenting the transition from sketch to screen.”
Frankenweenie: An Electrifying Book incorporates a brief history of the 1984 live-action short film and details the upcoming full-length stop-motion animated feature, including a foreword by Academy Award®-winning actor Martin Landau (the voice of Mr. Rzykruski in the film) and introductions to over 200 resident puppets of New Holland (with a special introduction to Victor and Sparky), as well as a look into “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition,” now on tour.
A chapter on the film’s music includes previews of each track from the original motion picture score by Oscar®-nominated and GRAMMY®-winning composer Danny Elfman and from Frankenweenie Unleashed!, a 16-song compilation of music from and inspired by the film, featuring artists including Karen O, Neon Trees, and Kimbra. Both albums will be available from Walt Disney Records on September 25 and can be purchased directly from within the book.
Using Apple’s iBooks Author app, Disney Publishing was able to include video, audio, multi-touch, and 3D widgets to create a robust storytelling experience that enlightens “Frankenweenie” fans of all ages. Readers can watch interviews featuring producer Allison Abbate and executive producer Don Hahn and explore the art of stop-motion animation with Tim Burton, while younger fans can create their own “chalkboard collage” using the film’s characters.
“Thirty years after he first visualized 'Frankenweenie' as a student at CalArts, Tim Burton has finally made the movie he dreamed of making way back then,” said Martin Landau, voice of Mr. Rzykruski in the film. "The eBook reveals how a truncated, live-action version made by Tim three decades ago evolved into the 90-minute, black-and-white, stop-motion (Tim’s favorite animation process), 3D motion picture that he visualized all those years ago. It’s wonderful that Tim has managed to keep Victor and his friends young, energetic, and alive for 30 plus years."
In addition to the eBook, Disney Publishing Worldwide has released several print books in support of the feature film, including Frankenweenie: A Cinematic Storybook, Frankenweenie: A Novel, and Frankenweenie: A Monstrous Menagerie of Stickers! A graphic novel and a visual companion will also be available at retail in the coming months.
Frankenweenie: An Electrifying Book is available for free exclusively on the iBookstore in 32 countries around the world.
ABOUT THE MOVIE
From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.
A stop-motion animated film, “Frankenweenie” was filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D. The talented voice cast includes: Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell and Winona Ryder.
Presented by Disney, “Frankenweenie” is directed by Tim Burton, produced by Tim Burton and Allison Abbate, from a screenplay by John August, based on a screenplay by Lenny Ripps, based on an original idea by Tim Burton. “Frankenweenie” releases in U.S. theaters on October 5, 2012.
ABOUT DISNEY PUBLISHING WORLDWIDE
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines, with over 250 million children's books and over 400 million children's magazines sold each year. Disney Publishing Worldwide consists of an extensive worldwide licensing structure as well as vertically integrated publishing imprints including Disney Book Group in the U.S., Disney Libri in Italy, and Disney Libros in Spain. DPW publishes a range of children's magazines globally, including Topolino, Le Journal de Mickey, and Donald Duck, as well as family titles in the U.S., which include Disney Princess and Phineas and Ferb. Disney English is DPW's English language learning business, which includes Disney English schools in China and a worldwide retail licensing program. DPW's digital products include best-selling eBook titles as well as original apps. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, Disney Publishing Worldwide publishes books, magazines, and digital products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information visit www.disneypublishing.com.
ABOUT DISNEY MUSIC GROUP
Disney Music Group is home to Hollywood Records, Walt Disney Records, and Disney Music Publishing. The labels’ genre-spanning rosters include Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, McClain Sisters, American Idol finalist Stefano, Coco Jones, R5, Lucy Hale, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Plain White T’s, Redlight King, Cherri Bomb, Bridgit Mendler, ZZ Ward, and more. DMG also releases family music and film and television soundtracks such as Avengers Assemble, Phineas and Ferb, Shake It Up, A.N.T. Farm, and TRON: Legacy.
Features Exclusive Art, Video, and Music into Disney’s First Book to Leverage Apple’s iBooks Author
GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Disney Publishing Worldwide announced today the release of Frankenweenie: An Electrifying Book, based on Walt Disney Studios’ highly anticipated stop-motion animated film directed by Tim Burton, “Frankenweenie,” in theaters October 5, 2012. Capturing the creative process from concept to completion, the interactive book integrates videos, vibrant music, and original sketches to offer readers a fully immersive behind-the-scenes look into the making of the movie. Available on the iBookstore (http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/frankenweenie-electrifying/id557041056?mt=11), this book is Disney Publishing’s first to be created with Apple’s iBooks Author.
“We’re thrilled to give fans a look at how Tim Burton and his creative team brought Victor Frankenstein and Sparky to life in the town of New Holland,” said Lyle Underkoffler, vice president, Digital Media, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “Using iBooks Author, Disney Publishing was able to include more digital content than ever before—including previews of animated storyboards documenting the transition from sketch to screen.”
Frankenweenie: An Electrifying Book incorporates a brief history of the 1984 live-action short film and details the upcoming full-length stop-motion animated feature, including a foreword by Academy Award®-winning actor Martin Landau (the voice of Mr. Rzykruski in the film) and introductions to over 200 resident puppets of New Holland (with a special introduction to Victor and Sparky), as well as a look into “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition,” now on tour.
A chapter on the film’s music includes previews of each track from the original motion picture score by Oscar®-nominated and GRAMMY®-winning composer Danny Elfman and from Frankenweenie Unleashed!, a 16-song compilation of music from and inspired by the film, featuring artists including Karen O, Neon Trees, and Kimbra. Both albums will be available from Walt Disney Records on September 25 and can be purchased directly from within the book.
Using Apple’s iBooks Author app, Disney Publishing was able to include video, audio, multi-touch, and 3D widgets to create a robust storytelling experience that enlightens “Frankenweenie” fans of all ages. Readers can watch interviews featuring producer Allison Abbate and executive producer Don Hahn and explore the art of stop-motion animation with Tim Burton, while younger fans can create their own “chalkboard collage” using the film’s characters.
“Thirty years after he first visualized 'Frankenweenie' as a student at CalArts, Tim Burton has finally made the movie he dreamed of making way back then,” said Martin Landau, voice of Mr. Rzykruski in the film. "The eBook reveals how a truncated, live-action version made by Tim three decades ago evolved into the 90-minute, black-and-white, stop-motion (Tim’s favorite animation process), 3D motion picture that he visualized all those years ago. It’s wonderful that Tim has managed to keep Victor and his friends young, energetic, and alive for 30 plus years."
In addition to the eBook, Disney Publishing Worldwide has released several print books in support of the feature film, including Frankenweenie: A Cinematic Storybook, Frankenweenie: A Novel, and Frankenweenie: A Monstrous Menagerie of Stickers! A graphic novel and a visual companion will also be available at retail in the coming months.
Frankenweenie: An Electrifying Book is available for free exclusively on the iBookstore in 32 countries around the world.
ABOUT THE MOVIE
From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.
A stop-motion animated film, “Frankenweenie” was filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D. The talented voice cast includes: Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell and Winona Ryder.
Presented by Disney, “Frankenweenie” is directed by Tim Burton, produced by Tim Burton and Allison Abbate, from a screenplay by John August, based on a screenplay by Lenny Ripps, based on an original idea by Tim Burton. “Frankenweenie” releases in U.S. theaters on October 5, 2012.
ABOUT DISNEY PUBLISHING WORLDWIDE
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines, with over 250 million children's books and over 400 million children's magazines sold each year. Disney Publishing Worldwide consists of an extensive worldwide licensing structure as well as vertically integrated publishing imprints including Disney Book Group in the U.S., Disney Libri in Italy, and Disney Libros in Spain. DPW publishes a range of children's magazines globally, including Topolino, Le Journal de Mickey, and Donald Duck, as well as family titles in the U.S., which include Disney Princess and Phineas and Ferb. Disney English is DPW's English language learning business, which includes Disney English schools in China and a worldwide retail licensing program. DPW's digital products include best-selling eBook titles as well as original apps. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, Disney Publishing Worldwide publishes books, magazines, and digital products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information visit www.disneypublishing.com.
ABOUT DISNEY MUSIC GROUP
Disney Music Group is home to Hollywood Records, Walt Disney Records, and Disney Music Publishing. The labels’ genre-spanning rosters include Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, McClain Sisters, American Idol finalist Stefano, Coco Jones, R5, Lucy Hale, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Plain White T’s, Redlight King, Cherri Bomb, Bridgit Mendler, ZZ Ward, and more. DMG also releases family music and film and television soundtracks such as Avengers Assemble, Phineas and Ferb, Shake It Up, A.N.T. Farm, and TRON: Legacy.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Review: "Hancock" Fails to Be Special (Happy B'day, Will Smith)
Hancock (2008)
Running time: 92 minutes (1 hour, 32 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and language
DIRECTOR: Peter Berg
WRITERS: Vy Vincent Ngo and Vince Gilligan
PRODUCERS: Akiva Goldsman, James Lassiter, Michael Mann, and Will Smith
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Tobias A. Schliessler
EDITOR: Colby Parker, Jr. and Paul Rubell
COMPOSER: John Powell
SUPERHERO/ACTION/COMEDY/DRAMA
Starring: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, Jae Head, Eddie Marsan, David Mattey, Maetrix Fitten, Thomas Lennon, Johnny Galecki, and Darrell Foster
The subject of this movie review is Hancock, a 2006 superhero film starring Will Smith in the title role. Directed by Peter Berg, the film is part action movie, comedy, and drama, as well as part superhero fantasy.
Will Smith’s new film, Hancock, is a special effects-heavy movie about a superhero who is a drunken, dangerously careless jerk. Instead of looking shiny and futuristic in a fancy costume, he looks like a skid row bum in thrift store rags, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. When the story presents this hero’s very public disasters and later his public struggles to be a good guy, this film is quite good, but sadly, it’s not always that good.
John Hancock (Will Smith) is the only superhero on the planet. He lives and works in Los Angeles, and boy, is everywhere else very happy that L.A. is stuck with him. If great power comes with great responsibility, Hancock ain’t buying that notion. He’s edgy, sarcastic, and prone to abusing civilians. His well-intentioned heroics get the job done saving lives and stopping criminals, but the same heroics always seem to leave jaw-dropping damage in their wake.
Los Angelinos have finally had enough. As far as they are concerned, if Hancock can’t do the job right (i.e. without causing millions of dollars in damages every time he plays hero), he needs to go away. But Hancock isn't the kind of man who cares what other people think; then, one day he saves the life of struggling PR executive Ray Embrey (Jason Batman). Grateful to be alive, Ray chooses to see his savior not as a menace, but as conflicted and misunderstood, so Ray convinces Hancock to let him embark on an image makeover of the hero. Hancock even sits down to a decent meal with Ray’s wife, Mary (Charlize Theron), and young son, Aaron (Jae Head). Hancock’s biggest obstacle, however, may be submitting to a prison sentence and finally facing both his demons and his past.
Peter Berg’s quasi-superhero film, Hancock, is at its best when the film presents Hancock fighting the war inside his head out in public. He’s adrift – doesn’t know who he is or remember from where he came. His life is a mess, so he’s messy on the job – literally tearing apart the city’s infrastructure and terrorizing the citizens. Watching those disasters are actually fun.
As fun as the action sequences and Hancock’s confrontations with the public are, the focus only on Hancock’s mental problems is not. It seems that somewhere along the line of developing this project, the filmmakers missed the point that watching Hancock interact with the public is great. When the film focuses on John Hancock’s origin (no spoilers here!) or features him alone, drinking and sulking about, it becomes a morose drama.
This great concept doesn’t exactly fail because of the shaky execution, but Hancock is a strange movie because half of it is a fun, high-concept superhero flick and the other half is a depressed superhero drama. It’s bizarre a situation. Will Smith is so good at creating this mentally, emotionally, and spiritually troubled super human that he also creates a somewhat unsatisfying hero that makes for a movie that is sometimes … well, unsatisfying.
Luckily Jason Bateman (who doesn’t make a bad move in this performance), as Ray Embrey, is so good at understanding what a movie needs at particular moment in the story. It’s the right facial expression, the perfect quip, or the best time to be serious. This movie is victorious when Smith’s Hancock and Bateman’s Embrey are onscreen together. Too bad Hancock doesn’t stick with that simple, yet highly entertaining formula.
6 of 10
B
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
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Gillian Anderson of "The X-Files" at Wizard World New Orleans
Joins Patrick Stewart, Stan Lee, Eliza Dushku, Michael Madsen, WWE® Superstar CM Punk®, Others At New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Viewers of “The X-Files” were told to “Trust No One” and to “Deny Everything.” Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con attendees, on the other hand, can trust that Gillian Anderson, who starred as “Agent Dana Scully” in the popular Fox TV show, will be appearing at Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, and confirm that she will be attending on Saturday, December 1, and Sunday, December 2, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Anderson an award-winning film, television, and theatre actress whose other credits include the ill-fated socialite “Lily Bart” in Terence Davies' masterpiece The House of Mirth (2000) and “Lady Dedlock” in the very successful BBC production of Charles Dickens' “Bleak House.”
In 2003, she won the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Best Actress Award for her West End debut in Michael Weller's two-hander “What the Night Is For.” The following year, she starred in Rebecca Gilman's play “The Sweetest Swing in Baseball” which ran at London's Royal Court Theatre from March 25 through May 15, 2004. From May 14 through July 18, 2009, she played Nora in a new version of Ibsen's “A Doll's House” at the Donmar Warehouse in London. She received a Laurence Olivier Nomination for her performance.
Anderson joins “Star Trek: The Next Generation” actor Sir Patrick Stewart, comics legend Stan Lee, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Eliza Dushku, Reservoir Dogs headliner Michael Madsen and WWE® Superstar CM Punk® atop the standout lineup of celebrities scheduled to attend the event, Nov. 30 – Dec. 2. An All-Star collection of well-known artists and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions will also be on hand in the final event on Wizard World's 2012 calendar.
Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Admission is free for kids 10 and under, and Sunday, December 2, is “Kids Day,” an array of programming specially designed for children.
For more on the 2012 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-neworleans.html.
About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.
The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.
***** SAVE THE 2012-13 DATES *****
September 28-30, 2012 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 26-28, 2012 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
November 30 - December 2, 2012 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
February 22-24, 2013 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
May 30 - June 2, 2013 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 8-11, 2013 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
Legendary Pictures Does Comic Books as Legendary Comics
Those who know of Legendary Pictures have probably heard of this American media company and film production company because of its association with Warner Bros. Pictures. Legendary Pictures has co-produced and co-financed a number of films with Warner Bros. including all three of Chris Nolan's Batman films, The Hangover movies, and the international box office hit, 300, among others.
I had no idea that there was another part to this media company, Legendary Comics. This comic book division of Legendary Pictures has already published Frank Miller's graphic novel, Holy Terror. This week sees the release of its latest comic book effort, the first in a series of graphic novels called The Tower Chronicles. The following is some press information about the first volume:
On Wednesday, September 26th, Legendary Comics releases The Tower Chronicles: Geisthawk - Volume 1. Written by Matt Wagner (Grendel and Mage), developed with Thomas Tull (300 and The Dark Knight), and featuring art by Simon Bisley (Lobo, 200 AD), The Tower Chronicles is the tale of John Tower, a supernatural bounty hunter. His missions lead him into mankind's most dangerous places to banish poltergeists, demons, and other supernatural evils that plague his “sometimes respectable” patrons.
ABOUT LEGENDARY ENTERTAINMENT
Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with film (Legendary Pictures), television (Legendary Television) and comics (Legendary Comics) divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to mainstream audiences with a targeted focus on the powerful fandom demographic. Through complete or joint ownership, Legendary is building a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world's most popular intellectual property.
Among the wholly-owned projects that Legendary Pictures is currently developing in-house are the upcoming Seventh Son, directed by Sergei Bodrov; the Jackie Robinson biopic 42; an adaptation of the phenomenally successful interactive game universe Warcraft; Godzilla, based on Toho Company’s famed character; Warren Ellis’ Gravel; and Mass Effect, based on Electronic Arts’ and BioWare’s hit videogame franchise.
Upcoming Legendary releases with partner Warner Bros. include the highly anticipated Pacific Rim, as well as Hangover 3, Man of Steel, Jack the Giant Killer, 300: Battle of Artemisium, and this summer’s The Dark Knight Rises. Previous successful Legendary and Warner Bros. releases include the critically acclaimed Inception, which has been a box office smash grossing more than $823 million worldwide, as well as the global blockbusters The Hangover, Parts I and II (over $1 billion worldwide total), Clash of the Titans ($493 million worldwide), The Dark Knight ($1 billion worldwide), and 300 ($456 million worldwide).
I had no idea that there was another part to this media company, Legendary Comics. This comic book division of Legendary Pictures has already published Frank Miller's graphic novel, Holy Terror. This week sees the release of its latest comic book effort, the first in a series of graphic novels called The Tower Chronicles. The following is some press information about the first volume:
On Wednesday, September 26th, Legendary Comics releases The Tower Chronicles: Geisthawk - Volume 1. Written by Matt Wagner (Grendel and Mage), developed with Thomas Tull (300 and The Dark Knight), and featuring art by Simon Bisley (Lobo, 200 AD), The Tower Chronicles is the tale of John Tower, a supernatural bounty hunter. His missions lead him into mankind's most dangerous places to banish poltergeists, demons, and other supernatural evils that plague his “sometimes respectable” patrons.
ABOUT LEGENDARY ENTERTAINMENT
Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with film (Legendary Pictures), television (Legendary Television) and comics (Legendary Comics) divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to mainstream audiences with a targeted focus on the powerful fandom demographic. Through complete or joint ownership, Legendary is building a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world's most popular intellectual property.
Among the wholly-owned projects that Legendary Pictures is currently developing in-house are the upcoming Seventh Son, directed by Sergei Bodrov; the Jackie Robinson biopic 42; an adaptation of the phenomenally successful interactive game universe Warcraft; Godzilla, based on Toho Company’s famed character; Warren Ellis’ Gravel; and Mass Effect, based on Electronic Arts’ and BioWare’s hit videogame franchise.
Upcoming Legendary releases with partner Warner Bros. include the highly anticipated Pacific Rim, as well as Hangover 3, Man of Steel, Jack the Giant Killer, 300: Battle of Artemisium, and this summer’s The Dark Knight Rises. Previous successful Legendary and Warner Bros. releases include the critically acclaimed Inception, which has been a box office smash grossing more than $823 million worldwide, as well as the global blockbusters The Hangover, Parts I and II (over $1 billion worldwide total), Clash of the Titans ($493 million worldwide), The Dark Knight ($1 billion worldwide), and 300 ($456 million worldwide).
Monday, September 24, 2012
Indie Thriller "Dark Hearts" Set to Debut at Raindance
X-Men Star Lucas Till, Sonja Kinski and Goran Visnjic to take Raindance Film Festival by Storm with World Premiere of Indie Thriller DARK HEARTS
Cannes-Alum, Film Director Rudolf Buitendach, Kyle Schmid, X-Men Star Lucas Till, Sonja Kinski and Goran Visnjic Bring Loaded Ensemble Cast and Musical Score to World Premiere Their 'DARK HEARTS' at the Raindance Film Festival, September 29, 2012
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The highly anticipated, star-studded independent thriller Dark Hearts is set to World Premiere at the Raindance Film Festival. The film, directed by Rudolf Buitendach features a loaded ensemble cast and musical score by DJ Paul Oakenfold and members of THE WHO, has garnered a cult following among millennials and dedicated fans of the performers. The film will bow Saturday, September 29th at the legendary Apollo Theater in London’s West End. HEARTS stars X-Men star Lucas Till (Paranoia, Wolves, Walk the Line) Kyle Schmid, (star of BBC America's 'Copper', A History of Violence), international star Goran Visnjic (Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, ER, Beginners) and introduces Sonja Kinski, daughter of actress Natassaja Kinski, in her first leading role. Rounding out the ensemble cast are Rachel Blanchard ('Clueless', Snakes on a Plane) and Juliet Landau of 'Buffy' and 'Angel' fame.
The lusty thriller pulses to electrifying musical compilations from some of music’s most prolific artists. The film features an original collaboration between Shirley Manson of Garbage and Gabriel McNair of No Doubt, original compositions from legendary DJ Paul Oakenfold, Richard Strange and Steve Bolton of The Who.
DARK HEARTS marks the directorial feature debut by award-nominated, South African Director Rudolf Buitendach. Named one of the top Directors to watch by the BBC, his short films have played at Cannes, Venice and other premier international film festivals. The trailer he cut for Tom Hardy’s career-launching turn in the movie BRONSON, caught the eye of DARK HEARTS Executive Producer Jack Bowyer.
DARK HEARTS is a sultry thriller set in the mysterious world of underground contemporary Los Angeles: three struggling artists’ lives collide explosively when painter Colson (Schmid) and younger brother Sam (Till) meet musical seductress Fran (Kinski). Colson begins a passionate and forbidden love affair with Fran while his brother looks on. As the brothers fall for the seductive Fran they find themselves drawn into a dangerous and thrilling world. Beset by Fran’s violent tormentor (Visjnic) and the rest of her dark past, her mysterious motives tear the brothers apart as they discover a world of ferocious desire and revenge. The film tackles the age-old question of whether brotherhood can survive love. Can fraternity, loyalty, and unbridled passion and obsession co-exist and survive such DARK HEARTS? Brought to the silver screen from the tightly wound script penned by Christian Piers Betley (Friday Hill, Stranded, 13 Eerie), the picture was lensed entirely on location in Los Angeles, California in June 2011 by twice-Emmy-nominated Cinematographer and Producer Kees Van Oostrum (Gettysberg, Gods and Generals).
Of the film’s exotic and exciting oeuvre, Director Buitendach says, ‘I like films that journey outside of cinematic convention and capture that unquenchable and unyielding quality in the artistic spirit - for me DARK HEARTS had just this quality’. Buitendach has just returned from wrapping production on his African drama Where the Road Runs Out starring Casino Royale star Isaach De Bankole.
Executive Producer Jack Bowyer has a long standing working relationship with Buitendach and said of the helmer, “Dark Hearts was my opportunity to support his visionary and cinematic vision and with his debut as a feature Director, I couldn’t be more excited. It was also a thrilling opportunity as a British Producer to work in the independent and artistic universe of downtown Los Angeles.”
DARK HEARTS was produced through Jack Bowyer Productions, Alexis Varouxakis's Adrenaline Entertainment, Christian Piers Betley's Axel Pictures and Kees Van Oostrum's Black Tulip. The film will World Premiere at the Apollo theater in the West End of London on Saturday, September 29th, 2012 at 8:30pm. To request attendance (if you are qualifying press) please contact Charlie Recalde at press@boundlesspictures.com.
ABOUT JACK BOWYER PRODUCTIONS
Jack Bowyer Productions is a UK-based producer and distributor of independent film. Principal Jack Bowyer founded the company in 2007. JB is a prolific producer and distributor of independent film; their first film was Wesley Snipes-topper Gallowwalker.
ABOUT BOUNDLESS PICTURES
Founded in 2008 by Courtney Lauren Penn and Brandon Burrows, Boundless Pictures is a New York City, Los Angeles and Greenwich, Connecticut-based production company that develops, co-finances and produces independent film. Boundless Pictures' in-house publicity team is managing Press for Dark Hearts. Please contact Charlie Recalde at press@boundlesspictures.com.
ABOUT THE RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
The Raindance Film Festival is a prominent international independent film festival, famous for premiering Christopher Nolan’s MEMENTO, Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction and The Blair Witch Project. Raindance will run from the 26th of September to the 7th of October in London's West End at the Apollo Cinema Piccadilly Circus SW1Y 4LR. For more information contact: media@raindance.co.uk
Cannes-Alum, Film Director Rudolf Buitendach, Kyle Schmid, X-Men Star Lucas Till, Sonja Kinski and Goran Visnjic Bring Loaded Ensemble Cast and Musical Score to World Premiere Their 'DARK HEARTS' at the Raindance Film Festival, September 29, 2012
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The highly anticipated, star-studded independent thriller Dark Hearts is set to World Premiere at the Raindance Film Festival. The film, directed by Rudolf Buitendach features a loaded ensemble cast and musical score by DJ Paul Oakenfold and members of THE WHO, has garnered a cult following among millennials and dedicated fans of the performers. The film will bow Saturday, September 29th at the legendary Apollo Theater in London’s West End. HEARTS stars X-Men star Lucas Till (Paranoia, Wolves, Walk the Line) Kyle Schmid, (star of BBC America's 'Copper', A History of Violence), international star Goran Visnjic (Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, ER, Beginners) and introduces Sonja Kinski, daughter of actress Natassaja Kinski, in her first leading role. Rounding out the ensemble cast are Rachel Blanchard ('Clueless', Snakes on a Plane) and Juliet Landau of 'Buffy' and 'Angel' fame.
The lusty thriller pulses to electrifying musical compilations from some of music’s most prolific artists. The film features an original collaboration between Shirley Manson of Garbage and Gabriel McNair of No Doubt, original compositions from legendary DJ Paul Oakenfold, Richard Strange and Steve Bolton of The Who.
DARK HEARTS marks the directorial feature debut by award-nominated, South African Director Rudolf Buitendach. Named one of the top Directors to watch by the BBC, his short films have played at Cannes, Venice and other premier international film festivals. The trailer he cut for Tom Hardy’s career-launching turn in the movie BRONSON, caught the eye of DARK HEARTS Executive Producer Jack Bowyer.
DARK HEARTS is a sultry thriller set in the mysterious world of underground contemporary Los Angeles: three struggling artists’ lives collide explosively when painter Colson (Schmid) and younger brother Sam (Till) meet musical seductress Fran (Kinski). Colson begins a passionate and forbidden love affair with Fran while his brother looks on. As the brothers fall for the seductive Fran they find themselves drawn into a dangerous and thrilling world. Beset by Fran’s violent tormentor (Visjnic) and the rest of her dark past, her mysterious motives tear the brothers apart as they discover a world of ferocious desire and revenge. The film tackles the age-old question of whether brotherhood can survive love. Can fraternity, loyalty, and unbridled passion and obsession co-exist and survive such DARK HEARTS? Brought to the silver screen from the tightly wound script penned by Christian Piers Betley (Friday Hill, Stranded, 13 Eerie), the picture was lensed entirely on location in Los Angeles, California in June 2011 by twice-Emmy-nominated Cinematographer and Producer Kees Van Oostrum (Gettysberg, Gods and Generals).
Of the film’s exotic and exciting oeuvre, Director Buitendach says, ‘I like films that journey outside of cinematic convention and capture that unquenchable and unyielding quality in the artistic spirit - for me DARK HEARTS had just this quality’. Buitendach has just returned from wrapping production on his African drama Where the Road Runs Out starring Casino Royale star Isaach De Bankole.
Executive Producer Jack Bowyer has a long standing working relationship with Buitendach and said of the helmer, “Dark Hearts was my opportunity to support his visionary and cinematic vision and with his debut as a feature Director, I couldn’t be more excited. It was also a thrilling opportunity as a British Producer to work in the independent and artistic universe of downtown Los Angeles.”
DARK HEARTS was produced through Jack Bowyer Productions, Alexis Varouxakis's Adrenaline Entertainment, Christian Piers Betley's Axel Pictures and Kees Van Oostrum's Black Tulip. The film will World Premiere at the Apollo theater in the West End of London on Saturday, September 29th, 2012 at 8:30pm. To request attendance (if you are qualifying press) please contact Charlie Recalde at press@boundlesspictures.com.
ABOUT JACK BOWYER PRODUCTIONS
Jack Bowyer Productions is a UK-based producer and distributor of independent film. Principal Jack Bowyer founded the company in 2007. JB is a prolific producer and distributor of independent film; their first film was Wesley Snipes-topper Gallowwalker.
ABOUT BOUNDLESS PICTURES
Founded in 2008 by Courtney Lauren Penn and Brandon Burrows, Boundless Pictures is a New York City, Los Angeles and Greenwich, Connecticut-based production company that develops, co-finances and produces independent film. Boundless Pictures' in-house publicity team is managing Press for Dark Hearts. Please contact Charlie Recalde at press@boundlesspictures.com.
ABOUT THE RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
The Raindance Film Festival is a prominent international independent film festival, famous for premiering Christopher Nolan’s MEMENTO, Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction and The Blair Witch Project. Raindance will run from the 26th of September to the 7th of October in London's West End at the Apollo Cinema Piccadilly Circus SW1Y 4LR. For more information contact: media@raindance.co.uk
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