Saturday, July 5, 2014
Negromancer News Bits and Bites for June 29 to July 5, 2014 Update #6
NEWS:
From WebProNews: The super fine and gorgeous Scarlett Johansson wins "sex object" lawsuit.
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From Hitfix: 10 stories that we might have missed...
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From Hitfix: Sony is re-imagining 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - a sign of the slow death of imagination in Hollywood.
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From Box Office Mojo: Transformers: Age of Extinction to take out Tammy at the July 4th weekend box office?
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From Deadline Hollywood: Manslaughter indictments in the death of camera assistant Sarah Jones on the set on the Gregg Allman biopic, "Midnight Rider." Allman has since requested that the film be cancelled.
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From Deadline Hollywood: Woody Harrelson and Liam Hemsworth will star in a revenge Western, "By Way of Helena."
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From The Daily Mail: Daniel Radcliffe (formerly known as Harry Potter) and Marisa Tomei (just formerly known) snuggle while filming a new movie.
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From Ropes of Silicon: "Rambo 5" may actually happen.
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From Yahoo: Too many romantic comedies derailed Katherine Heigl's career. By the way, I do NOT like her.
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From Vulture: Spike Lee's films are ranked from worst to best. Worst - She Hate Me. Best - Do The Right Thing (of course).
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From ShadowAndAct: Speaking of Do The Right Thing: Spike is still trying to bring it to Broadway, as play, not as a musical.
AND love this story: a young Barack Obama used a date to Do The Right Thing to impress Michelle. Awww! (from Moviefone).
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From Screen Rant: Former Bond star (1995 to 2002), Pierce Brosnan wants to join The Expendables. One would think that this franchise is running out of space for aging action stars.
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From Salon: The decline of Shia LaBeouf.
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COMIC BOOK MOVIES:
From Screen Rant: Henry Cavill as Clark Kent - without glasses - plus other early news about "Batman Vs. Superman."
From Screen Rant: Analysis of early info on "X-Men Apocalypse," the planned 2016 X-Men movie.
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MOVIE TRAILERS:
From UPI: The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby with Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy.
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OBITS:
From Reuters: Television actor Bob Hastings died Monday, June 30, 2014 at the age of 89. Hastings was best known for playing Lt. Elroy Carpenter, the yes-man to Captain Wallace Burton Binghamton (played by actor Joe Flynn), on the 1960s World War II era comedy, "McHale's Navy." A World War II veteran, Hastings also provided the voice of Archie Andrews from 1945 to 1953 on NBC radio.
Negromancer sends condolences to Mr. Hastings family (including younger brother Don Hastings who is also an actor) and friends. Hastings's Lt. Carpenter was one of my favorite classic TV characters. R.I.P. Bob Hastings.
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From the Times: Acclaimed director, Paul Mazursky, died, Monday, June 30, 2014, at the age of 84. I remember him for the 1989 film, Enemies, A Love Story, which I thought was a truly fine film. Negromancer sends condolences to Mazursky's family and friends.
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From Variety: The actor, Meshach Taylor, died Saturday, June 28, 2014 in California. He was 67. Taylor was best known for his role as interior design aide, Anthony Bouvier, on the CBS series, "Designing Women." Taylor earned an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in comedy series in 1989 for the series, which ran from 1986 to 1993.
Taylor also appeared in Mannequin films the CBS sitcom, "Dave's World," from 1993 to 1997. Negromancer sends condolences to Taylor's family and friends. R.I.P. Anthony Bouvier.
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From Variety: Soul music legend, Bobby Womack, died Friday, June 27, 2014, at the age of 70. He had numerous hits, but my favorite is the 1982 single, "If You Think You're Lonely Now," from his 1981 album, The Poet. It peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #3 on the Hot Soul Single charts.
One of Womack's hit songs was the top 20 hit, “Across 110th Street.” It was the title song from the 1972 crime thriller, Across 110th Street, starring Anthony Quinn and Yaphet Kotto. Quentin Tarantino used the song for the opening credits of his 1997 film, Jackie Brown. Negromancer sends its condolences to Womack's family and friends.
Nickelodeon's "Animated Shorts Program" at 2014 San Diego Comic-Con International
Nickelodeon Brings Its Animated Shorts Program to San Diego Comic-Con with Open Call for Original Projects
Network for First-Time Ever to Take Meetings from Convention Floor with Goal to Greenlight Pitch from Attendees
Comic-Con 2014
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing its mission to open its doors to more creative talent than ever before, Nickelodeon for the first time will hold an open call for original animated projects at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2014 – the biggest fan event of the year. On-site from Nickelodeon’s booth on the convention center floor, the network’s animation development team will take live, in-person pitches from Thursday, July 24, to Saturday, July 26, to greenlight a project for its global Animated Shorts Program. The pitch chosen will be developed into a short with the potential to air on Nickelodeon, appear on www.nick.com or the Nick App, or even be developed into a long-form animated TV series.
“Our Shorts Program helps us source talent and it feeds our content pipeline. It has expanded our relationships with creators who range from budding amateurs to experienced professionals, and we’re looking forward to bringing the program’s energy to the convention.”
“Comic-Con has always been a place to make connections and discover new, original ideas, so we thought we’d use it as a platform to find someone who could be the next big thing in animation,” said Russell Hicks, Nickelodeon’s President of Content Development and Production. “Our Shorts Program helps us source talent and it feeds our content pipeline. It has expanded our relationships with creators who range from budding amateurs to experienced professionals, and we’re looking forward to bringing the program’s energy to the convention.”
Nickelodeon’s Comic-Con booth this year features a windowed pitch room at its center, where the network’s animation development team will hold the open call during select times each day. The team’s meetings will be with Comic-Con attendees, as well as with distributors scouted during the convention. Participants seeking appointments must register in advance at www.nickshortspitches.com, where information, guidelines, requirements and restrictions are posted. Deadline to register is Friday, July 18.
Most recently from the network’s Animated Shorts Program, the network greenlit 13-episodes of The Loud House by first-time creator Chris Savino (Rocko’s Modern Life, The Powerpuff Girls)--a graduate of the 2013 Program. Inspired by Savino’s chaotic life growing up in a huge household, the series will follow 11-year-old Lincoln as he gives an inside look at what it takes to survive in the bedlam of a large family, especially as the only boy with 10 sisters.
The network also has announced 11 finalists from the 2014 Program, which include: “Francine” by writer/comedian Katie Crown; “Meat Pie vs. the Dark Ages” by Nickelodeon director Gabe Swarr; “Shelf Life” by Nickelodeon storyboard artist Robert Iza; “Summer Memories” by writer/director Adam Yaniv; “Ice Station Zedonk” by Nickelodeon director Tom Parkinson; “Night Crew” by independent animators Caitlin Boyle and Tara Helfer; “Planet Claire” by Nickelodeon executive producers Chris Viscardi and Will McRobb; “The Outsiders” by writer Eric Bravo; “Leander, Dre and Cyppy” by Nickelodeon storyboard artist Monica Ray; “Ugly Mutt” by PUNY Entertainment’s Shadi Petosky and Dave Hagen; and “Bad News Bunny” by California State University, Fullerton, graduate Tarryn Henderson.
Nickelodeon’s Animated Shorts Program, which is designed to identify and develop original comedy-driven content for kids, was launched in 2012 and took 600 pitches in its inaugural year. The program became global its second year. Concepts are received in all animation, styles from 2D, digital 2D, stop motion, CG and mixed media. Finalists are provided with the necessary artistic and production support teams to help them complete their fully animated original, humor-based and character-driven shorts.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 35th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 19 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).
Network for First-Time Ever to Take Meetings from Convention Floor with Goal to Greenlight Pitch from Attendees
Comic-Con 2014
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing its mission to open its doors to more creative talent than ever before, Nickelodeon for the first time will hold an open call for original animated projects at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2014 – the biggest fan event of the year. On-site from Nickelodeon’s booth on the convention center floor, the network’s animation development team will take live, in-person pitches from Thursday, July 24, to Saturday, July 26, to greenlight a project for its global Animated Shorts Program. The pitch chosen will be developed into a short with the potential to air on Nickelodeon, appear on www.nick.com or the Nick App, or even be developed into a long-form animated TV series.
“Our Shorts Program helps us source talent and it feeds our content pipeline. It has expanded our relationships with creators who range from budding amateurs to experienced professionals, and we’re looking forward to bringing the program’s energy to the convention.”
“Comic-Con has always been a place to make connections and discover new, original ideas, so we thought we’d use it as a platform to find someone who could be the next big thing in animation,” said Russell Hicks, Nickelodeon’s President of Content Development and Production. “Our Shorts Program helps us source talent and it feeds our content pipeline. It has expanded our relationships with creators who range from budding amateurs to experienced professionals, and we’re looking forward to bringing the program’s energy to the convention.”
Nickelodeon’s Comic-Con booth this year features a windowed pitch room at its center, where the network’s animation development team will hold the open call during select times each day. The team’s meetings will be with Comic-Con attendees, as well as with distributors scouted during the convention. Participants seeking appointments must register in advance at www.nickshortspitches.com, where information, guidelines, requirements and restrictions are posted. Deadline to register is Friday, July 18.
Most recently from the network’s Animated Shorts Program, the network greenlit 13-episodes of The Loud House by first-time creator Chris Savino (Rocko’s Modern Life, The Powerpuff Girls)--a graduate of the 2013 Program. Inspired by Savino’s chaotic life growing up in a huge household, the series will follow 11-year-old Lincoln as he gives an inside look at what it takes to survive in the bedlam of a large family, especially as the only boy with 10 sisters.
The network also has announced 11 finalists from the 2014 Program, which include: “Francine” by writer/comedian Katie Crown; “Meat Pie vs. the Dark Ages” by Nickelodeon director Gabe Swarr; “Shelf Life” by Nickelodeon storyboard artist Robert Iza; “Summer Memories” by writer/director Adam Yaniv; “Ice Station Zedonk” by Nickelodeon director Tom Parkinson; “Night Crew” by independent animators Caitlin Boyle and Tara Helfer; “Planet Claire” by Nickelodeon executive producers Chris Viscardi and Will McRobb; “The Outsiders” by writer Eric Bravo; “Leander, Dre and Cyppy” by Nickelodeon storyboard artist Monica Ray; “Ugly Mutt” by PUNY Entertainment’s Shadi Petosky and Dave Hagen; and “Bad News Bunny” by California State University, Fullerton, graduate Tarryn Henderson.
Nickelodeon’s Animated Shorts Program, which is designed to identify and develop original comedy-driven content for kids, was launched in 2012 and took 600 pitches in its inaugural year. The program became global its second year. Concepts are received in all animation, styles from 2D, digital 2D, stop motion, CG and mixed media. Finalists are provided with the necessary artistic and production support teams to help them complete their fully animated original, humor-based and character-driven shorts.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 35th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 19 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).
Review: "Fruitvale Station" Heartbreakingly Beautiful and Beautifully Heartbreaking
Fruitvale Station (2013)
Running time: 85 minutes (1 hour, 25 minutes)
MPAA – R for some violence, language throughout and some drug use
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Ryan Coogler
PRODUCERS: Nina Yang Bongiovi and Forest Whitaker
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Rachel Morrison (D.o.P.)
EDITORS: Claudia S. Castello and Michael P. Shawver
COMPOSER: Ludwig Girabsson
DRAMA/HISTORICAL
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer, Ariana Neal, Kevin Durand, Chad Michael Murray, Anha O’Reilly, Kenan Coogler, and Trestin George
Fruitvale Station is a 2013 drama from writer-director Ryan Coogler. A docu-drama and quasi-historical film, Fruitvale Station is a dramatization of the last day in the life of Oscar Louis Grant III, a real-life African-American man who was shot to death by a police officer. Actor Forest Whitaker is one of the film’s producer (although he does not appear in the film), and Harvey Weinstein is one the film’s executive producers, although he does receive a screen credit in the film as such.
Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old San Francisco Bay Area resident, and his friends were traveling on a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train during the early hours of New Year’s Day 2009. After a fight on the train, Grant and his friends were detained by BART Police officers at Fruitvale Station in Oakland, California. While being restrained Grant, who was lying face down and allegedly resisting arrest, was fatally shot by BART Police officer Johannes Mehserle. Grant was pronounced dead around 9 a.m. that morning at Highland Hospital in Oakland.
The incident at the train station is the basis of Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station. The film follows Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan) from the early morning of New Year’s Eve 2008 to his death. The film examines his relationship with his girlfriend, Sophina (Melonie Diaz), who is the mother of his child, Tatiana (Ariana Neal). The film also pays particular attention to Grant’s close relationship with Tatiana and his relationship with his mother, Wanda (Octavia Spencer), which had improved since Oscar’s stint in jail. By illustrating the energy he brought to life, the film celebrates how much Oscar meant to his family and friends.
I often dread watching films based on real-life events when I know that the lead character died or was killed. It took me three days to watch Fruitvale Station because I knew the heartbreak that was coming, and this film is indeed poignant and heartbreaking. It eulogizes Oscar Grant, while simultaneously mourning a unique soul lost through senseless death. By portraying Oscar’s relationships, Coogler emphasizes what a tragic loss Oscar was for his friends and family. However, Coogler makes that sense of loss feel genuine in ways that films about real life people often do not. Some movies about the senseless killing of person can make the viewer feel outrage. Fruitvale Station simply cause hurt deep in the soul.
Michael B. Jordan as Oscar and Octavia Spencer as his mother, Wanda, give tremendous performances. Spencer (who is one of the co-executive producers of this film) shows that she can build characters that seem real right down to their souls. I can see why many thought that she would get an Oscar nod for her work here, which she ultimately did not.
Jordan is so good; it is as if he disappeared and then, reappeared as the real Oscar Grant. After such a performance, people will obviously think that the sky is the limit for this bright and talented young actor. Because of his performance, I don’t think I could watch Fruitvale Station again. I cannot let Jordan, Spencer, and Coogler break my heart and make me cry again.
9 of 10
A+
NOTES:
2014 Black Reel Awards: 9 nominations: “Outstanding Motion Picture” (Forest Whitaker-producer and Nina Yang Bongiovi-producer – The Weinstein Company), “Outstanding Actor, Motion Picture,” (Michael B. Jordan), “Outstanding Supporting Actress, Motion Picture” (Melonie Diaz), “Outstanding Supporting Actress, Motion Picture” (Octavia Spencer), “Outstanding Director, Motion Picture” (Ryan Coogler), “Outstanding Screenplay-Adapted or Original, Motion Picture” (Ryan Coogler), “Outstanding Ensemble” (Nina Henninger-Casting Director), “Outstanding Score” (Ludwig Göransson), and “Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, Female” (Melonie Diaz)
2014 Image Awards: 1 win: “Outstanding Independent Motion Picture;” 4 nominations: “Outstanding Motion Picture,” “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture” (Michael B. Jordan), “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture” (Octavia Spencer), and “Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture - Theatrical or Television” (Ryan Coogler)
Thursday, July 03, 2014
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
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Thursday, July 3, 2014
"Blood Lad" Anime on Neon Alley and Hulu
VIZ MEDIA PREMIERES THE SUPERNATURAL ACTION COMEDY ANIME SERIES BLOOD LAD ON NEON ALLEY AND HULU
An Otaku Vampire Obsessed With The Human World Falls Hard For a Pretty Girl That Becomes A Ghost And He Vows To Help Her Regain Her Body; Series Premiere Features New English Dub Cast
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, dials up the action and laughs for the special premiere of the anime series – BLOOD LAD – now available on Hulu and Neon Alley. The entire 10 episode paranormal action comedy series about an otaku vampire and a ghost girl features a brand new English dub cast and will available on the Hulu and Neon Alley for a limited time only!
A trailer and episodes may be viewed at: http://www.hulu.com/blood-lad.
BLOOD LAD will launch on NeonAlley.com, VIZ Media’s consolidated online destination for FREE streaming anime content in the U.S. Episodes will also be available on the free, ad-supported Hulu and Hulu Plus subscription service, where users can watch on a variety of devices including Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 (PS3®) or PlayStation®4 (PS4™) systems Roku, Chromecast, and mobile devices. A full list of Hulu and Hulu Plus-enabled devices can be found at http://www.hulu.com/plus/devices.
Adapted from Yuki Kodama's bestselling manga (graphic novel) series, BLOOD LAD introduces Staz, who is one of the toughest vampires in the demon world. But unlike his ancestors, he finds being a vampire to be a serious pain and prefers to spend his time watching anime and playing video games instead. When a Japanese girl named Fuyumi wanders into his territory, Staz cannot hide his excitement at finally meeting a living human from his favorite culture. Unfortunately, Fuyumi dies after being swallowed by a monster, leaving her bare soul behind. Staz vows to Fuyumi that he will bring her back to life by any bloody means necessary.
VIZ Media is the North American master licensor for the BLOOD LAD (rated TV-14) anime property. The company also plans to release the entire series for home media in a special Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD combo-pack, as well as a Standard Edition DVD set on September 2nd. Both editions are available now for pre-order from leading retailers. The BLOOD LAD Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD combo-pack MSRP will be $69.99 U.S. / $89/99 CAN; the Standard Edition DVD MSRP will be $44.82 U.S. / $43.23 CAN.
“A nerdy vampire’s obsession with the human world collides with a girl that becomes lost in the demon world after wandering into a portal that suddenly opens in her bedroom, and the stage is set for plenty of thrilling supernatural action and laugh out loud comedic hijinks,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Manager, Animation Marketing. “Anime fans will not want to miss this special premiere of BLOOD LAD, which features an amazing English dub cast including Bryce Papenbrook and Xanthe Huynh in the lead characters’ roles and supported by other top voice talents including Cristina Vee, Wendy Lee, Johnny Yong Bosch and Kyle Hebert. Catch the premiere of BLOOD LAD on Neon Alley and Hulu ahead of its special home media release this September!”
Additional information on Neon Alley is available at: www.NeonAlley.com.
For more information on BLOOD LAD, or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.
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Amazon Studios Announces New TV Pilot, "Hysteria"
Amazon Adds Dramatic Thriller Hysteria to Its Third Pilot Season
Amazon Studios collaborates with Universal Television and Alcon Television Group for an hour-long character-driven thriller from Shaun Cassidy (Invasion) starring Mena Suvari (American Beauty), James McDaniel (Orange Is The New Black), Josh Stewart (The Dark Knight Rises), Adan Canto (X-Men: Days of Future Past), Laura San Giacomo (Saving Grace) and T.R. Knight (Grey’s Anatomy)
Hysteria joins The Cosmopolitans, Really and Hand of God for Amazon’s highly-anticipated third pilot season, which will debut later this year on Amazon Instant Video
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced it has added the hour-long dramatic thriller Hysteria, from Amazon Studios, Universal Television and Alcon Television Group, to its third pilot season, which will debut later this year on Amazon Instant Video. Starring Mena Suvari (American Beauty) as “Dr. Logan Harlen,” James McDaniel (Orange Is The New Black) as “Carl Sapsi,” Josh Stewart (The Dark Knight Rises) as “Ray Ratajeck,” Adan Canto (X-Men: Days of Future Past) as “Matt Sanchez,” Laura San Giacomo (Saving Grace) as “Grace Pelayo” and T.R. Knight (Grey’s Anatomy) as “Carter Harlen,” Hysteria follows a doctor (Suvari) who returns to her hometown of Austin, Texas to investigate a growing epidemic that appears to be spreading through social media. The show is written by Shaun Cassidy who also serves as Executive Producer alongside Adam Schroeder, Sharon Hall, Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Bryan Zuriff, and Director Otto Bathurst. Customers will once again be invited to watch and provide feedback on the pilots they want to see turned into full series, which will then become available on Prime Instant Video.
“We’re very excited to be collaborating with Universal Television and Alcon Television Group to bring Hysteria to life for viewers”
“We’re very excited to be collaborating with Universal Television and Alcon Television Group to bring Hysteria to life for viewers,” said Roy Price, Director of Amazon Studios. “Shaun is known for creating shows with layers of mystery, depth of character and topical themes. His script immediately hooked us and we can’t wait to hear what customers think.”
“I can think of no better platform than Amazon to tell a story that explores the price of fear and the very real threat of viral connection becoming contagion,” said Shaun Cassidy.
Directed by Bathurst, who recently won the BAFTA for his work on the critically acclaimed U.K. mini-series Peaky Blinders, Hysteria takes viewers to Austin where members of a girls’ competitive dance team are stricken with a strange, psycho-physiological illness that manifests in violent fits and spasms. Neurologist Logan Harlen (Suvari) is called back to her hometown to investigate the cause. Fighting her own demons (and the growing manipulation of a brother on death row), Logan develops an uneasy suspicion that the hysteria surrounding the girls might actually be linked to social media and her own tragic past. In addition to Suvari, McDaniel, Stewart, Canto, San Giacomo and Knight, Hysteria also stars, Ella Rae Peck and Jenessa Grant. Guest stars include Jason Douglas, Heather Kafka, Asjha Cooper, and Evie Thompson.
About Amazon Studios
Last year Amazon Studios launched its first two prime time series Alpha House and Betas, and recently debuted its first two children’s series, the Annecy International Animated Film Festival Award-winning Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment, as well as Creative Galaxy from Angela Santomero, the creator of Blue’s Clues. A third kids’ series, Annedroids, from Emmy nominated Sinking Ship Entertainment will debut in July. Amazon Studios recently announced six additional, original series including Chris Carter’s The After; Michael Connelly’s Bosch; Jill Soloway’s Transparent; Mozart in the Jungle from Paul Weitz, Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman; Wishenpoof! from Angela Santomero; and Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street from David Anaxagoras, as well as a second season of Alpha House. Amazon Original Series are available exclusively to Prime members through Prime Instant Video.
Amazon Studios launched in 2010 as a new way to develop feature films and episodic series—one that’s open to great ideas from creators and audiences around the world. Anyone can upload a script and Amazon Studios will read and review all submissions. Those who choose to make their projects public will also receive feedback from the Amazon Studios community.
Comprehensive cast and crew information, including bios and filmographies, is available on Amazon's IMDb (www.imdb.com), the world’s most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content.
About Amazon.com
Amazon opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by three principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.
Amazon Studios collaborates with Universal Television and Alcon Television Group for an hour-long character-driven thriller from Shaun Cassidy (Invasion) starring Mena Suvari (American Beauty), James McDaniel (Orange Is The New Black), Josh Stewart (The Dark Knight Rises), Adan Canto (X-Men: Days of Future Past), Laura San Giacomo (Saving Grace) and T.R. Knight (Grey’s Anatomy)
Hysteria joins The Cosmopolitans, Really and Hand of God for Amazon’s highly-anticipated third pilot season, which will debut later this year on Amazon Instant Video
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced it has added the hour-long dramatic thriller Hysteria, from Amazon Studios, Universal Television and Alcon Television Group, to its third pilot season, which will debut later this year on Amazon Instant Video. Starring Mena Suvari (American Beauty) as “Dr. Logan Harlen,” James McDaniel (Orange Is The New Black) as “Carl Sapsi,” Josh Stewart (The Dark Knight Rises) as “Ray Ratajeck,” Adan Canto (X-Men: Days of Future Past) as “Matt Sanchez,” Laura San Giacomo (Saving Grace) as “Grace Pelayo” and T.R. Knight (Grey’s Anatomy) as “Carter Harlen,” Hysteria follows a doctor (Suvari) who returns to her hometown of Austin, Texas to investigate a growing epidemic that appears to be spreading through social media. The show is written by Shaun Cassidy who also serves as Executive Producer alongside Adam Schroeder, Sharon Hall, Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Bryan Zuriff, and Director Otto Bathurst. Customers will once again be invited to watch and provide feedback on the pilots they want to see turned into full series, which will then become available on Prime Instant Video.
“We’re very excited to be collaborating with Universal Television and Alcon Television Group to bring Hysteria to life for viewers”
“We’re very excited to be collaborating with Universal Television and Alcon Television Group to bring Hysteria to life for viewers,” said Roy Price, Director of Amazon Studios. “Shaun is known for creating shows with layers of mystery, depth of character and topical themes. His script immediately hooked us and we can’t wait to hear what customers think.”
“I can think of no better platform than Amazon to tell a story that explores the price of fear and the very real threat of viral connection becoming contagion,” said Shaun Cassidy.
Directed by Bathurst, who recently won the BAFTA for his work on the critically acclaimed U.K. mini-series Peaky Blinders, Hysteria takes viewers to Austin where members of a girls’ competitive dance team are stricken with a strange, psycho-physiological illness that manifests in violent fits and spasms. Neurologist Logan Harlen (Suvari) is called back to her hometown to investigate the cause. Fighting her own demons (and the growing manipulation of a brother on death row), Logan develops an uneasy suspicion that the hysteria surrounding the girls might actually be linked to social media and her own tragic past. In addition to Suvari, McDaniel, Stewart, Canto, San Giacomo and Knight, Hysteria also stars, Ella Rae Peck and Jenessa Grant. Guest stars include Jason Douglas, Heather Kafka, Asjha Cooper, and Evie Thompson.
About Amazon Studios
Last year Amazon Studios launched its first two prime time series Alpha House and Betas, and recently debuted its first two children’s series, the Annecy International Animated Film Festival Award-winning Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment, as well as Creative Galaxy from Angela Santomero, the creator of Blue’s Clues. A third kids’ series, Annedroids, from Emmy nominated Sinking Ship Entertainment will debut in July. Amazon Studios recently announced six additional, original series including Chris Carter’s The After; Michael Connelly’s Bosch; Jill Soloway’s Transparent; Mozart in the Jungle from Paul Weitz, Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman; Wishenpoof! from Angela Santomero; and Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street from David Anaxagoras, as well as a second season of Alpha House. Amazon Original Series are available exclusively to Prime members through Prime Instant Video.
Amazon Studios launched in 2010 as a new way to develop feature films and episodic series—one that’s open to great ideas from creators and audiences around the world. Anyone can upload a script and Amazon Studios will read and review all submissions. Those who choose to make their projects public will also receive feedback from the Amazon Studios community.
Comprehensive cast and crew information, including bios and filmographies, is available on Amazon's IMDb (www.imdb.com), the world’s most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content.
About Amazon.com
Amazon opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by three principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.
Former Disney Animator, Lino DiSalvo, Joins Paramonut Animation
PARAMOUNT ANIMATION ANNOUNCES LINO DISALVO AS CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom, Inc., announced today that veteran animator Lino DiSalvo has joined Paramount Animation as its new Creative Director. The announcement came from Adam Goodman, President of the Paramount Film Group, who oversees Animation for the studio.
A 16 year veteran of Walt Disney Animation Studios, DiSalvo most recently served as Head of Animation on the Academy Award®-winning and highest-grossing animated feature of all time, “FROZEN.” DiSalvo began his career at the Walt Disney Company as a Character Animator. Prior to “FROZEN,” he served as Supervising Animator on “TANGLED” and “BOLT.” His other film credits include animating on “MEET THE ROBINSONS” and “CHICKEN LITTLE.” With his new role, DiSalvo will be assisting Goodman and the Paramount Animation team to build a world-class feature animation studio.
“From its inception, we have aspired to work with the industry’s greatest artists and storytellers, and Lino’s addition to our little animation family is thrilling given his incredible talent. CG animation is still in its earliest days and his extraordinary artistry, coupled with the endless potential of the medium, makes for an incredibly exciting time to be building our own animation business, and gives us a lot of continued inspiration for the future creatively,” said Goodman.
“I couldn't pass up this amazing opportunity to work with the absolute all-star team of artists at Paramount Animation. The possibilities for reinventing and reimagining CG feature animation are virtually endless, and I am excited to be at Paramount helping to forge that incredible, new future," said DiSalvo.
Paramount Animation is currently in production on the original film “MONSTER TRUCKS,” a hybrid of live action and CGI animation directed by Chris Wedge (“ICE AGE,” “EPIC”). The film is set for release in May 2015.
Next up for the division is “THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER,” from directors Paul Tibbitt (animation) and Mike Mitchell (live action), releasing in February of 2015.
DiSalvo, who begins immediately in his new role, is represented by UTA.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom, Inc., announced today that veteran animator Lino DiSalvo has joined Paramount Animation as its new Creative Director. The announcement came from Adam Goodman, President of the Paramount Film Group, who oversees Animation for the studio.
A 16 year veteran of Walt Disney Animation Studios, DiSalvo most recently served as Head of Animation on the Academy Award®-winning and highest-grossing animated feature of all time, “FROZEN.” DiSalvo began his career at the Walt Disney Company as a Character Animator. Prior to “FROZEN,” he served as Supervising Animator on “TANGLED” and “BOLT.” His other film credits include animating on “MEET THE ROBINSONS” and “CHICKEN LITTLE.” With his new role, DiSalvo will be assisting Goodman and the Paramount Animation team to build a world-class feature animation studio.
“From its inception, we have aspired to work with the industry’s greatest artists and storytellers, and Lino’s addition to our little animation family is thrilling given his incredible talent. CG animation is still in its earliest days and his extraordinary artistry, coupled with the endless potential of the medium, makes for an incredibly exciting time to be building our own animation business, and gives us a lot of continued inspiration for the future creatively,” said Goodman.
“I couldn't pass up this amazing opportunity to work with the absolute all-star team of artists at Paramount Animation. The possibilities for reinventing and reimagining CG feature animation are virtually endless, and I am excited to be at Paramount helping to forge that incredible, new future," said DiSalvo.
Paramount Animation is currently in production on the original film “MONSTER TRUCKS,” a hybrid of live action and CGI animation directed by Chris Wedge (“ICE AGE,” “EPIC”). The film is set for release in May 2015.
Next up for the division is “THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER,” from directors Paul Tibbitt (animation) and Mike Mitchell (live action), releasing in February of 2015.
DiSalvo, who begins immediately in his new role, is represented by UTA.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
"Sailor Moon Crystal" Debuts on Neon Alley and Hulu, July 5th 2014
VIZ MEDIA PREMIERES ANTICIPATED SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL ANIME SERIES ON NEON ALLEY AND HULU ON JULY 5TH
North America’s Leading Anime Distributor Launches Reboot Of The Famed Fantasy Action Series; Free Streaming Episodes Premiere At The Same Time As Japanese Debut!
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, delivers the much-anticipated launch of the new SAILOR MOON anime series – SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL – on July 5th on Hulu and Neon Alley. The series, which reboots the beloved shojo fantasy action property, debuts simultaneously in North America at the same time as its online streaming premiere in Japan, making a true simultaneous release. Future new episodes (subtitled) will debut in North America and Japan the first and third Saturday of each month.
Based on Naoko Takeuchi’s legendary manga (graphic novel) series, SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL (rated ‘TV-PG’), retells the story of Sailor Moon as she searches for her fellow Sailor Guardians and the Legendary Silver Crystal to stop the dark forces of Queen Beryl. Visit www.NeonAlley.com and Hulu.com/sailor-moon-crystal for more information; the trailer may also be viewed at http://www.hulu.com/watch/651047 and http://youtu.be/I0B5gnKvHKQ.
SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL will be available through NeonAlley.com, VIZ Media’s consolidated online destination for FREE streaming anime content in the U.S. Episodes will also be available on the free, ad-supported Hulu and Hulu Plus subscription service, where users can watch on a variety of devices including Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 (PS3®) or PlayStation®4 (PS4™) systems Roku, Chromecast, and mobile devices. A full list of Hulu and Hulu Plus-enabled devices can be found at http://www.hulu.com/plus/devices.
“Fans everywhere have eagerly awaited the launch of the new SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL series, and we are very excited to announce its premiere on Neon Alley and Hulu starting next month,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Manager, Animation Marketing. “More than two decades after it first captivated millions of fans, the smash hit story of the valiant sailor guardians returns in a big way to thrill a whole new generation of viewers. Join in the celebration throughout the summer as VIZ Media marks the return of this legendary anime property!”
The original smash hit SAILOR MOON anime series was inspired by the bestselling manga (graphic novel) series created by Naoko Takeuchi (published in North America by Kodansha). In the series, Usagi Tsukino is a clumsy but kindhearted teenage girl who transforms into the powerful guardian of love and justice, Sailor Moon. Meeting allies along the way who share similar fates, Usagi and her team of planetary Sailor Guardians fight to protect the universe from forces of evil and total annihilation!
Additional information on Neon Alley is available at: www.NeonAlley.com.
For more information on SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL, or other award-winning anime titles from 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 INUYASHA, 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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