Brad Woods is New Chief Marketing Officer of VIZ Media

VIZ MEDIA NAMES BRAD WOODS AS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Entertainment Executive To Lead Global Multimedia Initiatives And Drive Omni-Channel Marketing For The Industry’s Leading Catalog Of Anime And Manga Content

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has announced that Brad Woods has been named as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

“Brad Woods is a seasoned entertainment executive with a proven success record of enhancing brand equity, increasing revenue, and achieving results with innovative strategies and visionary leadership,” says Ken Sasaki, CEO of VIZ Media. “His multi-disciplinary experience will play a vital role in expanding VIZ Media’s market share across the publishing, digital content, licensing, home media, and consumer product landscapes.” 

Woods will be responsible for developing a range of marketing and product strategies to expand the VIZ Media brand and omni-channel marketing for titles across all company imprints.

“I am very excited to build upon VIZ Media’s mission to offer exciting and unique multimedia content to a diverse global audience,” Woods says. “Our dynamic catalog of titles across the print, digital, broadcast, and mobile arenas will allow us to reinvent how consumers discover, enjoy, and interact with our properties on a truly global level.”

Woods joins VIZ Media from DreamWorks Animation, where he served as Senior Vice President leading the domestic consumer products and retail business development divisions. During his tenure at DreamWorks, he restructured and substantially expanded the studio’s consumer products business, led the U.S. licensing and retail teams, and also provided strategic leadership for breakthrough marketing programs on properties including Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and How To Train Your Dragon.

Over his 20-year career, Woods has held senior positions in the entertainment and multi-media industries with companies including Mattel and Warner Bros. Entertainment. His experience spans a wide variety of marketing and licensing operations such as product marketing, brand development, corporate marketing and communications, lead generation, channel relations, and digital and social media marketing. He holds an MBA from the University of Southern California, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and a BS from the University of Arizona.

For more information on 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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"Mad Max: Fury Road" Drives Past $109.4 Million in Worldwide Box Office

George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” Roars to a $109.4 Million Worldwide Opening With a Global Day-and-Date Release
Film is the #1 new release at the worldwide box office “Mad Max: Fury Road” gives George Miller his biggest opening ever and is already the top-grossing “Mad Max” film

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Riding on rave reviews and huge anticipation around the globe, Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “Mad Max: Fury Road” thundered at the worldwide box office with an opening weekend of more than $109.4 million, making it the #1 new release at the global box office. It is also the biggest opening ever for director George Miller and is already the highest grossing of all the “Mad Max” films. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “It’s truly gratifying to see the fantastic critical reaction translate to such strong numbers at the box office. George Miller’s edge-of-your-seat, action-packed experience is a must-see big-screen visual stunner that is luring both diehard followers and new fans around the world.”
George Miller’s return to the world of “Mad Max” was a major draw overseas, where it earned an aggregate estimated $65 million in 68 territories on 16,900 screens. It was #1 at the box office in almost 40 territories, including Australia, the birthplace of the post-apocalyptic anti-hero, as well as such key markets as France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Korea, all of Scandinavia, and many more.

On the domestic front, “Mad Max: Fury Road” had an excellent opening of more than $44.4 million at 3,702 locations.

In making the announcement, Fellman said, “George Miller, together with his extraordinary cast, led by Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, and fellow filmmakers, has created a movie-going experience that critics agree is not to be missed, as evidenced by the 98% ‘Fresh’ score on Rotten Tomatoes—resulting in the biggest opening weekend ever for an R-rated actioner so well-reviewed. Word of mouth is already tremendous and should drive box office returns well into summer.”

Kwan Vandenberg stated, “It’s truly gratifying to see the fantastic critical reaction translate to such strong numbers at the box office. George Miller’s edge-of-your-seat, action-packed experience is a must-see big-screen visual stunner that is luring both diehard followers and new fans around the world.”

Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, said, “Anticipation began with our early campaign, which offered just a taste of the world inhabited by George Miller’s unique characters. Triumphant premieres in Los Angeles and at the Cannes Film Festival further fueled the social media buzz surrounding ‘Fury Road,’ which, combined with phenomenal reviews, turned the release into a global event.”

Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, added, “The success of ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ is a testament to the commitment of George Miller and his team to deliver something moviegoers have never seen before. George’s vision not only lives up to the legacy of his pioneering ‘Mad Max’ films but expands upon that legacy for a new generation. We thank our partners at Village Roadshow and, together with them, congratulate everyone involved in the film.”

From director George Miller, originator of the post-apocalyptic genre and mastermind behind the legendary “Mad Max” franchise, comes “Mad Max: Fury Road,” a return to the world of the Road Warrior, Max Rockatansky.

Haunted by his turbulent past, Mad Max believes the best way to survive is to wander alone. Nevertheless, he becomes swept up with a group fleeing across the Wasteland in a War Rig driven by Imperator Furiosa. They are escaping a Citadel tyrannized by the Immortan Joe, from whom something irreplaceable has been taken. Enraged, the Warlord marshals all his gangs and pursues the rebels ruthlessly in the high-octane Road War that follows.

Tom Hardy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) stars in the title role in “Mad Max: Fury Road”—the fourth in the franchise’s history. Oscar winner Charlize Theron (“Monster,” “Prometheus”) stars as Imperator Furiosa. The film also stars Nicholas Hoult (“X-Men: Days of Future Past”) as Nux; Hugh Keays-Byrne (“Mad Max,” “Sleeping Beauty”) as Immortan Joe; Josh Helman (“X-Men: Days of Future Past”) as Slit; Nathan Jones (“Conan the Barbarian”) as Rictus Erectus; collectively known as The Wives, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”) is The Splendid Angharad, Riley Keough (“Magic Mike”) is Capable, Zoë Kravitz (“Divergent”) plays Toast the Knowing, Abbey Lee is The Dag, and Courtney Eaton is Cheedo the Fragile. Also featured in the movie are John Howard, Richard Carter, singer/songwriter/performer iOTA, Angus Sampson, Jennifer Hagan, Megan Gale, Melissa Jaffer, Melita Jurisic, Gillian Jones and Joy Smithers.

Oscar-winning filmmaker George Miller (“Happy Feet”) directed the film from a screenplay he wrote with Brendan McCarthy and Nico Lathouris. Miller also produced the film, along with longtime producing partner, Oscar nominee Doug Mitchell (“Babe”, “Happy Feet”), and PJ Voeten. Iain Smith, Chris deFaria, Courtenay Valenti, Graham Burke, Bruce Berman and Steven Mnuchin served as executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes creative team included Oscar-winning director of photography John Seale (“The English Patient”), production designer Colin Gibson (“Babe”), editor Margaret Sixel (“Happy Feet”), Oscar-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan (“A Room with a View”), second unit director and stunt coordinator Guy Norris (“Australia”), and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt (“Knowing”).

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Kennedy Miller Mitchell production, a George Miller film, “Mad Max: Fury Road.” The film is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. This film has been rated R for intense sequences of violence throughout, and for disturbing images.

madmaxmovie.com

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VIZ Media Marks 10 Years of the Shojo Beat Imprint with New Manga

VIZ MEDIA MARKS THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SHOJO BEAT IMPRINT

Celebrate 10 Years Of Shojo Manga In North America With First-Ever U.S. Appearance Of KAMISAMA KISS Creator Along With Convention Exclusives And Upcoming Shojo Manga Series Debuts

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, prepares to celebrate a special milestone with shojo manga fans and a special guest this summer. The company’s Shojo Beat imprint marks its 10th Anniversary and celebrates many more years of great shojo manga to come with a host of activities, creator appearances and special promotions taking place at upcoming major summertime conventions including Anime Expo, San Diego Comic-Con and Otakon.

VIZ Media is proud to announce that it will partner with the 2015 Anime Expo to present the first-ever appearance in the U.S. of Julietta Suzuki, the famed creator of KAMISAMA KISS, at the annual July event held in Los Angeles, CA. Scheduling and event information about her personal appearance will be released soon. KAMISAMA KISS is published by Shojo Beat. Fans also can check Shojo Beat’s social media channels for additional information in coming weeks:

§  twitter.com/shojobeat

§  www.facebook.com/OfficialShojoBeat

§  officialshojobeat.tumblr.com

§  www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia

Julietta Suzuki's debut manga Hoshi ni Naru Hi (The Day One Becomes a Star) appeared in the 2004 Hana to Yume Plus. Her other books include Akuma to Dolce (The Devil and Sweets), Karakuri Odette, and Kamisama Kiss (Kamisama Hajimemashita), which is published by VIZ Media.

Manga readers also can look forward to the upcoming launch beginning this summer of a wide variety of brand new series from the Shojo Beat imprint that will be available in print as well as digitally from VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App as well as from the Nook, Kindle, Kobo, comiXology, iBooks and GooglePlay stores.

The new series include the gender-swapping hijinks of SO CUTE IT HURTS!!, paranormal drama THE DEMON PRINCE OF MOMOCHI HOUSE; the tale of an overachieving student with a double life in MAID-SAMA!, the story of a haunted high school in QQ SWEEPER, a woman’s determination to seize her chance at love and fame in IDOL DREAMS, the death-wish vampire comedy BLOODY MARY, and heartwarming romance in HONEY SO SWEET.

“VIZ Media helped pioneer the shojo manga genre in North America and also has played a pivotal role in bringing shojo content to scores of other readers around the world,” says Nancy Thistlethwaite, Senior Editor, Shojo Beat. “Since launching the Shojo Beat imprint in 2005, the genre’s popularity has grown substantially with groundbreaking series such as VAMPIRE KNIGHT, THE GENTLEMEN'S ALLIANCE CROSS, BLACK BIRD, and OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB. We look forward to fans celebrating 10 great years of shojo manga with us this year!”

Shojo Beat’s milestone anniversary commemorations take place this summer at Anime Expo and San Diego Comic-Con, where VIZ Media will present in-booth displays of shikishi (special Japanese art boards) featuring original artwork by a host of well-known manga creators that were created specially for the imprint’s 10th anniversary. An exclusive Shojo Beat calendar featuring artwork from various popular manga series will be given away at the VIZ Media booth at these conventions along with exclusive collectable items imported from Japan. And stay tuned for other special shojo-focused promotions, sales and fan events at these shows, as well as upcoming events held around Otakon.

Don’t miss these forthcoming Shojo Beat releases:

SO CUTE IT HURTS!!, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Print MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available June 2nd

In this highly anticipated new series by Go Ikeyamada, the Kobayashi twins, Mego and Mitsuru, were named after historical figures, but only Mego has grown up with a taste for history. So when Mitsuru is in danger of losing his weekends to extra history classes, he convinces his sister to swap clothes with him and ace his tests! After all, how hard can it be for them to play each other?

THE DEMON PRINCE OF MOMOCHI HOUSE, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Print MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available July 7th

On her sixteenth birthday, orphan Himari Momochi inherits her ancestral estate that she’s never seen. Momochi House exists on the barrier between the human and spiritual realms, and Himari is meant to act as guardian between the two worlds. But on the day she moves in, she finds three handsome squatters already living in the house, and one seems to have already taken over her role! Catch this paranormal drama by renowned creator, Aya Shouoto (KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS).

MAID-SAMA!, (2-in-1 Omnibus Edition) · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Print MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $10.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available August 4th

As if being class president of a predominantly male high school isn’t hard enough, Misaki Ayuzawa has a major secret – she works at a maid café after school! How is she supposed to keep her image of being ultra-smart, strong and overachieving intact once school heartthrob Takumi Usui discovers her double life?! MAID-SAMA is created by Hiro Fujiwara.

Also catch these new 2015 Fall/Winter titles:

QQ SWEEPER, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Print MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available October 6th

In this new series by Kyousuke Motomi (creator of BEAST MASTER and DENGEKI DAISY), Kyutaro Horikita, the tall, dark and handsome cleaning expert of Kurokado High, meets a sleeping maiden at the school: transfer student Fumi Nishioka! Fumi’s going to learn how to rid the school of nasty spirits with Kyutaro’s help, and her heart will surprisingly be “cleansed” too…!

IDOL DREAMS, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Print MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available November 3rd

At age 31, office worker Chikage Deguchi feels she missed her chances at love and success. When word gets out that she’s a virgin, Chikage is humiliated and wishes she could turn back time to when she was still young and popular. She takes an experimental drug that changes her appearance back to when she was 15. Now Chikage is determined to pursue everything she missed out on all those years ago –including becoming a star! IDOL DREAMS is the new series by acclaimed shojo manga creator Arina Tanemura (FULL MOON, THE GENTLEMAN’S ALLIANCE CROSS, I.O.N, TIME STRANGER KYOKO, SAKURA HIME, and PHANTOM THIEF JEANNE).

BLOODY MARY, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Print MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available December 1st

Catch a heart-pounding tale of an unorthodox allegiance by creator Akaza Samamiya. “Bloody” Mary, a vampire with a death wish, has spent the past 400 years chasing down a modern-day exorcist named Maria who is thought to have inherited “The Blood of Maria” and is the only one who can kill Mary. To Mary’s dismay, Maria doesn’t know how to kill vampires. Desperate to die, Mary agrees to become Maria’s bodyguard until Maria can find a way to kill him.

HONEY SO SWEET, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Print MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available January 5th, 2016

HONEY SO SWEET, by new manga artist Amu Meguro, is a heartwarming story about love that begins out of an act of kindness. Little did Nao Kogure realize back in middle school that when she left an umbrella and a box of bandages in the rain for injured delinquent Taiga Onise that she would meet him again in high school. Nao wants nothing to do with the gruff and frightening Taiga, but he suddenly presents her with a huge bouquet of flowers and asks her to date him – with marriage in mind! Is Taiga really so scary, or is he a sweetheart in disguise?

For more information on Shojo Beat manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit ShojoBeat.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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"The Last: Naruto the Movie" Heads to Latin America

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES SPECIAL THEATRICAL ENGAGEMENTS OF THE LAST: NARUTO THE MOVIE IN LATIN AMERICA

The Ultimate Cinematic Adventure Of The World’s Most Popular Ninja Opens This Month In Multiple Countries

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, delivers the kinetic big screen punch of the seventh climactic anime movie in the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN saga – THE LAST: NARUTO THE MOVIE – to Latin America for a series of theatrical releases in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru.

The NARUTO entertainment property enjoys widespread popularity across Latin America. VIZ Media has teamed with prominent partners such as ClaroVideo, Bandai Namco Games, and publisher, Panini, to develop NARUTO SHIPPUDEN into strong multimedia brands supported by print, video, and gaming products localized for burgeoning Latin American markets.

VIZ Media is the master licensor for NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN. The company publishes the bestselling manga (graphic novel), licenses the brand for consumer products, and distributes the popular anime series and feature films in North and Latin America and also licenses localization for multiple international territories.

THE LAST: NARUTO THE MOVIE features the epic, big screen adventures of ninja, Naruto Uzumaki. It will be presented with original Japanese dialogue with Spanish subtitles (a Portuguese dub with English subtitles will also be offered in Brazil); run time is 112 minutes. THE LAST: NARUTO THE MOVIE will premiere in:

Release Date                Territory              Local Theatrical Partner

May 14th                        Chile                    Andes Films

May 14th                        Peru                     Andes Films

May 28th                        Brazil                   PlayArte

May 28th                        Mexico                 Cinepolis

June 4th                         Argentina            DSX Films

Screenings in additional territories will be announced.

“NARUTO resonates with a global audience, and in conjunction with our Latin American media partners, the property has captivated fervent legions of fans” says Stephane Hellin, Senior Animation Licensing Manager, Latin America. “THE LAST: NARUTO THE MOVIE is a pulse-racing adventure that has our ninja hero facing the most dangerous mission he has ever undertaken! We invite audiences throughout Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru to attend these upcoming screenings and we look forward to announcing dates in additional territories soon!”

The NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series is currently streaming throughout Latin America via ClaroVideo and Netflix, and in Brazil, broadcast via PlayTV. In addition, VIZ Media’s local broadcast, home media and theatrical distribution partners for NARUTO SHIPPUDEN include: in Argentina - DSX Films (theatrical distribution); in Brazil - PlayArte (home video & theatrical distribution) and PlayTV (cable/pay TV distribution); in Chile - Edisur and Andes Films (theatrical distribution), Etc. TV (cable/pay TV distribution); in Mexico - KOKUBAN and Cinepolis (theatrical distribution); in Peru - Edisur and Andes Films (theatrical distribution)

THE LAST: NARUTO THE MOVIE is based on the internationally bestselling NARUTO manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto. In the film, the moon is approaching dangerously close to Earth! Unless something is done, the moon will disintegrate, showering the earth with gigantic meteorites. As the clock ticks towards the end of the world, can Naruto save the earth from this crisis?

In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki wants to be the best ninja in the land. He's done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks – except him. Sakura’s a medic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi…well he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily becoming of a ninja, especially when Naruto realizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Naruto finds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in his universe is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?

Additional information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN is available at www.Naruto.com.

For more information on manga titles available 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 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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Fathom Events Announces "The Audience" with Helen Mirren

The Audience Starring Academy Award® Winner Helen Mirren, and Exclusive Post Exhibition Conversation from the Stage to Cinemas June 25, 2015

Fathom Events, National Theatre Live (NT Live) and BY Experience Present Screenings of The Matthew Byam Shaw for Playful Productions, Robert Fox and Andy Harries Production of Peter Morgan’s The Audience, Directed by Stephen Daldry

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Peter Morgan’s The Audience, starring Academy Award® winner and Tony Award® nominee Helen Mirren and directed by Stephen Daldry, along with an exclusive Q&A, comes to select U.S. cinemas on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 7 p.m. local time. Presented in cinemas by Fathom Events, National Theatre Live and BY Experience, “NT Live: The Audience,” features the critically acclaimed production from London’s Gielgud Theatre as it was originally captured on June 13, 2013. In addition to the play, audiences will be treated to an exclusive new Q&A with Mirren and Daldry.

    “As one of the biggest alternative content events to date, it is thrilling to bring ‘The Audience’ back to cinema screens in celebration of its successful Broadway run and Tony Award® nominations”

Tickets for “NT Live: The Audience” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com, or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 200 movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change). For participating venues and tickets outside of the U.S., visit www.ntlive.com. Due to the current Broadway run, “NT Live: The Audience” will play in a very limited number of theaters in Tri-State area (NY, NJ, CT) cinemas.

For sixty years Elizabeth II has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace. Both parties have an unspoken agreement never to repeat what is said, not even to their spouses. The Audience imagines a series of pivotal meetings between the Downing Street incumbents and their Queen. From Churchill to Cameron, each Prime Minister uses these private conversations as a sounding board and a confessional - sometimes intimate, sometimes explosive. In turn, the Queen can’t help but reveal her own self as she advises, consoles and, on occasion, teases. These private audiences chart the arc of the second Elizabethan Age, from the beginning of Elizabeth II’s reign to today. Politicians come and go through the revolving door of electoral politics, while she remains constant, waiting to welcome her next Prime Minister.

“Helen Mirren is truly spectacular in this production. It’s wonderful to bring her performance to the big screen so that more audiences can enjoy an inside look at the life of the Queen,” said Fathom Events Vice President of Programming Kymberli Frueh-Owens.

“As one of the biggest alternative content events to date, it is thrilling to bring ‘The Audience’ back to cinema screens in celebration of its successful Broadway run and Tony Award® nominations,” said Julie Borchard-Young, co-President of BY Experience. “Audiences across the country will be digitally transported to the London stage, up close on the big screen, in their local communities.”

The live production, starring Ms. Mirren, is now playing at Broadway’s Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (236 W 45th St, New York, NY) for a limited engagement through June 28, 2015. The Audience is produced on Broadway and in the West End by Matthew Byam Shaw for Playful Productions, Robert Fox and Andy Harries. The production has earned 3 Tony Award nominations, including Best Actress in a Play for Helen Mirren along with 2 Drama Desk, 6 Outer Critics Circle and 3 Drama League Award nominations.

About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the recognized leader in the alternative entertainment industry, offering a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in movie theaters nationwide that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, the performing arts, major sporting events, music concerts, comedy series, Broadway shows, original programming featuring entertainment’s biggest stars, socially relevant documentaries with audience Q&A and much more. Fathom Events takes audiences behind-the-scenes and offers unique extras, creating the ultimate entertainment experience. It is owned by a consortium called AC JV, LLC., comprised of AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest movie theater circuits in the United States. In addition, Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live events to more than 775 locations in 171 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE
Now celebrating its 6th year broadcasting live performances to cinema screens internationally, National Theatre Live has now been experienced by over 4 million people worldwide. The first season began in June 2009 with the acclaimed production of Phédre starring Helen Mirren. In addition to the record-breaking broadcast of The Audience starring Helen Mirren as The Queen, recent broadcasts have included the world premiere of Tom Stoppard’s The Hard Problem; the Broadway revival of Of Mice and Men starring James Franco and Chris O’Dowd; the Olivier Award winning Young Vic production of A View From the Bridge; the world premiere of David Hare’s Behind the Beautiful Forevers; David Hare’s Skylight starring Bill Nighy and Carey Mulligan; and, The Young Vic production of A Streetcar Named Desire starring Gillian Anderson; Ben Foster and Vanessa Kirby. Upcoming broadcasts include Bernard Shaw's Man and Superman starring Ralph Fiennes, Everyman starring Chiwetel Ejiofer, and Hamlet starring Benedict Cumberbatch. For more information, visit www.NTLive.com.

About BY Experience
BY Experience kicked off the digital revolution of live events to movie theaters and other locations globally with David Bowie’s 2003 Reality album launch and since then, over 22 million tickets have been sold worldwide for cinema events BY Experience has distributed globally. Current cinema series credits: Distribution Representative, The Met: Live in HD (Worldwide; since 2006), the U.K.’s National Theatre Live (Ex-UK; since 2009), Bolshoi Ballet (North America; since 2014), Stratford Festival HD (Ex-Canada, since 2014). Additionally, BY Experience has executive produced and/or distributed several diverse programs for cinema including numerous rock concerts, radio programs, fine art exhibits, and other special content events. BY Experience distributes to over 60 countries, to over 2,000 movie screens. www.byexperience.net.

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"The Boy and The Beast" Anime to Hit U.S. Theatres in Late 2015

FUNimation Entertainment Acquires U.S. Rights To Mamoru Hosoda's "The Boy And The Beast"

Agreement Signed with Gaumont International for New Japanese Animated Film

FLOWER MOUND, Texas, /PRNewswire/ -- FUNimation Entertainment announced today its acquisition of U.S. rights to Mamoru Hosoda's new Japanese animated film "The Boy and The Beast."  As part of its agreement with Gaumont International, FUNimation has secured exclusive rights to theatrical, digital and home video distribution of the film.

"We're excited to bring The Boy and The Beast to audiences across the United States," said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of FUNimation. "Mamoru Hosoda is a masterful director and has made Japanese animated film accessible to everyone."

FUNimation has distributed two prior Hosoda films in the U.S. including the critically acclaimed and award-winning "Wolf Children" in 2013 and "Summer Wars" in 2010.

"We are looking forward to working with Gaumont International and plan to release 'The Boy and The Beast' to theaters beginning in late 2015," said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of FUNimation. "We're confident that critics and moviegoers will quickly agree that this is an Oscar worthy film."

As the North American leader in the distribution of animated content from Japan, FUNimation's acquisition of "The Boy and The Beast" exemplifies the company's strategy announced in December 2014 -- to bring to theaters its extensive library of content and future releases through the creation of a new theatrical events and distribution division based in New York City.

Look for "The Boy and The Beast" in select theaters in late 2015 and nationwide in early 2016.


About FUNimation® Entertainment
FUNimation® Entertainment is the leading anime company in North America. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands. They manage a full spectrum of rights for most of their brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, Internet, and home video sales and distribution. For more information about FUNimation Entertainment and its brands, visit www.funimation.com.

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Dwayne Johnson Joins Kevin Hart for New Film.

Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart Team Up for Action Comedy “Central Intelligence”

Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber and Executive Produced by Ed Helms

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Production has begun in Boston on the action comedy “Central Intelligence,” for New Line Cinema and Universal Pictures. The film, starring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, will be directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, director of the hit comedies “We’re the Millers” and “Dodgeball.”

The story follows a one-time bullied geek who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent (Johnson), coming home for his high school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, he enlists the help of the former “big man on campus” (Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before the staid numbers-cruncher realizes what he’s getting into it’s too late to get out, as his increasingly unpredictable new friend drags him through a world of shoot-outs, double-crosses and espionage that could get them both killed in more ways than he can count.

“Central Intelligence” will also star Oscar nominee Amy Ryan (“Gone Baby Gone”) as CIA Agent Harris; and Danielle Nicolet (TV’s “The Game”) as Maggie, the wife and high school sweetheart of Hart’s BMOC.

Thurber will direct from a screenplay by Ike Barinholtz & David Stassen and Sean Anders & John Morris, story by Ike Barinholtz & David Stassen. The film will be produced by Scott Stuber (“Ted”), Peter Principato (TV’s “Black-ish”), Paul Young (“Black-ish”) and Michael Fottrell (“Furious Seven”). Ed Helms, who previously worked with Thurber on “We’re the Millers,” will serve as executive producer.

The creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Barry Peterson (“We’re the Millers,” “21 Jump Street”), production designer Stephen Lineweaver (“Ted,” “Blades of Glory”), editors Mike Sale and Brian Olds (“We’re the Millers,” “Tammy”) and costume designer Carol Ramsey (“Horrible Bosses,” “Dodgeball”).

A New Line Cinema and Universal Pictures presentation of a Bluegrass Films/Principato Young Entertainment Production, “Central Intelligence” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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