Thursday, June 11, 2015

Carmelo Anthony + Ninja Turtles = "Turtles by Melo"

Nickelodeon and NBA Superstar Carmelo Anthony to Team up for New Consumer Products Line Inspired by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Anthony Plans to Serve as Creative Director for Turtles by Melo, New Cross-Category Consumer Products Program, Expected to Debut Spring 2016

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nickelodeon and NBA Superstar Carmelo Anthony today announced plans for a partnership to create Turtles by Melo, a brand-new consumer products line inspired by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hit franchise. A self-professed Turtles super-fan, Anthony would serve as Creative Director of this cross-category, global program spanning lifestyle, home furnishings, publishing, video games, and more. Turtles by Melo is expected to debut in spring 2016, in advance of the summer theatrical release of Paramount Pictures’ sequel to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, in which Anthony also appears.

    “I am so excited about the opportunity to work with the Nickelodeon team on this new Turtles venture”

“I am so excited about the opportunity to work with the Nickelodeon team on this new Turtles venture,” said Anthony. “The Turtles were such a huge part of my childhood, so to now be partnering with Nickelodeon on Turtles by Melo is honestly something I never could have imagined.”

Added Pam Kaufman, Chief Marketing Officer and President Consumer Products, Nickelodeon: “We are so happy for Carmelo Anthony to join the Nickelodeon family for Turtles by Melo. A product line created and curated by a superstar—and super-fan—like Carmelo is testament to the Turtles’ ever-growing appeal, and it’s a huge part of the drumbeat beginning for new seasons of the TV show and the theatrical sequel from Paramount Pictures next summer.”

In addition to Anthony’s status as a Turtles super-fan and Creative Director of Turtles by Melo, he will make a special guest appearance in next summer’s sequel to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the follow-up to Paramount Pictures' blockbuster 2014 hit. The NBA Superstar will also be a featured part of the second annual Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports, live from LA, Thursday, July 16.

Since arriving in the NBA, Melo has not only been one of the top scorers in the league, he has also diversified himself as a player, a family man, a businessman and a philanthropist. Drafted third overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, Anthony has surely made a name for himself in the league. As he showed the world during his championship season at Syracuse University, Melo continues to prove to his fans, teammates and coaches that he is a hard worker, a leader and a competitor. The Olympics proved to be the perfect display of his passion, maturity and excellence for the sport—and winning the Gold Medal in both the 2008 and 2012 games has been the ultimate token of redemption, success and global recognition for the NBA All-Star and three-time Olympian.

In July 2008, Anthony was honored as Basketball Player of the Year at the First Annual Univision Premios Deportes, an awards show celebrating the best Hispanic athletes. Melo proudly accepted the award in appreciation of his Puerto Rican father, Carmelo Sr., who passed away when Melo was just two years old.

Last year, he created Melo7 Tech Partners to help invest in and develop tech start-ups, the first of which is the Silicon Valley smart kitchen company, The Orange Chef. He has also helped develop Be Everyware, a leading provider of mobile technology for small businesses. In 2013, Melo partnered with Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson to create SMS Audio, a premier audio headphone and accessories brand. Melo is known to have the latest gadgets and avidly keeps up with his over 10 million social media followers.

Melo also has excelled off the court through his philanthropic efforts. He established The Carmelo Anthony Foundation (CAF) in 2005 as the vehicle for which he and his family would give back to the community through a variety of outreach programs and donations. In 2006, The Giving Back Fund, the premier philanthropic resource for the sports and entertainment communities, ranked Carmelo in their top ten of the “Giving Back 30” report surrounding celebrity philanthropists in America, the only basketball player on the list. Anthony currently resides in New York City, with his wife, LaLa Vazques Anthony, and their son, Kiyan.

Nickelodeon’s CG-animated series, which re-launched in 2012, has re-energized the iconic characters of this wildly popular franchise. Currently in its third television season, the series is seen in more than 170 countries and territories and is translated in more than 50 languages. Executive produced by Ciro Nieli and Brandon Auman, the series is created at Nickelodeon Animation Studios in Burbank, Calif.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is also wildly successful in consumer products, having ranked as the overall number-one toy in the U.S. for 2014 (Source: The NPD Group, Inc.). The feature film from Paramount Pictures premiered Aug. 8, 2014, and landed in the number-one spot opening weekend. To date, the film has grossed almost half-a-billion dollars worldwide, and a sequel is set to be released in 2016.


About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 36th 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 20 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, VIAB).

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Fitty's "Power" Gets Third Season on Starz

Starz Powers Up: Record-Setting Original Drama Series “Power” Picked up for Third Season

Executive Producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Creator and Executive Producer Courtney Kemp Agboh Return

Production to Resume in New York in September 2015 with a 10 Episode Order


BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fresh off a record-setting second season premiere, Starz announced today a season three pickup of “Power,” the New York-based drama starring Omari Hardwick. Creator, executive producer and showrunner Courtney Kemp Agboh will return to the helm alongside executive producers Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Mark Canton, Randall Emmett and newly elevated Gary Lennon.

    “I am glad the audience loves the show as much as we do, and we are just getting started.”

The second season premiere of “Power” logged 1.43 million Live+SD viewers during its Saturday, June 6 at 9PM ET/PT premiere airing, making it the most ever for a STARZ Original series season premiere episode. More than 3.62 million Live+SD viewers watched the episode over the initial weekend, securing “Power’s” second season STARZ premiere weekend as the most watched episode ever for a STARZ Original series.*

Creator and executive producer Courtney Kemp Agboh said, “I am thrilled to learn that season three of ‘Power’ has been officially ordered by Starz. It is an honor to work with Chris Albrecht, Carmi Zlotnik, Ken Segna and the whole Starz team. Their support has been steadfast from the beginning, and I look forward to a bright future together.”

“’Power’ is a project I have been passionate about since day one,” said executive producer and star Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. “I am glad the audience loves the show as much as we do, and we are just getting started."

Production on the third season is scheduled to begin in September 2015 at the series’ home base at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn. A 10-episode run has been ordered. ”Power” airs in more than 175 countries/territories worldwide. Starz retains all global distribution and home entertainment rights to the series.


About “Power”
“Power” is the story of a visionary crime drama set in two different worlds: the glamorous New York club scene and the brutal drug trade.

Ghost’s work troubles pale in comparison to juggling his relationship with his wife, Tasha, and his first love, Angela, who’s also an Assistant U.S. Attorney investigating his drug organization. Ghost is set further back from his dream by his business partner, Tommy, who loves the drug game, and his former mentor, Kanan, fresh out of jail and looking for revenge.

“Power” is led by Omari Hardwick (Sparkle, For Colored Girls, Kick Ass, “Being Mary Jane”) as main character ‘James “Ghost” St. Patrick’; Lela Loren (Snitch, “Gang Related”) who plays ‘Angela Valdes’, an old flame of James’ who unexpectedly reenters his life; Naturi Naughton (Fame, “The Client List,” “Mad Men”) as ‘Tasha St. Patrick’, wife, confidant and willing accomplice to James; and Joseph Sikora (Jack Reacher, Safe, “Boardwalk Empire”) who plays ‘Tommy Egan’, childhood best friend and business partner to “Ghost.” Sinqua Walls (“Teen Wolf,” “Friday Night Lights,” “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”) stars as ‘Shawn’, driver to the St. Patrick family and son of ‘Kanan’, played by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who taught Ghost and Tommy everything they know.

Executive produced by Jackson, “Power” was created by Courtney Kemp Agboh (Emmy® nominated for "The Good Wife"), who serves as executive producer and showrunner. Mark Canton (300, Immortals, 300: Rise of an Empire), Randall Emmett (End of Watch, 2 Guns, Lone Survivor) also serves as executive producer. The series is produced in association with CBS Television Studios, G-Unit Film and Television - the production company launched by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Kemp Agboh’s Mawuli Productions Inc. and Canton’s Atmosphere Television.

For high-resolution images and other press materials please visit the Starz Press Room at www.starz.mediaroom.com.

For more information visit the “Power” Facebook Page and follow @Power_ Starz on Twitter. Join the conversation with #PowerTV and #STARZ.

*Source: Nielsen NPower Live+SD P2+ Projections (000s) and P2+ GAA Projections (000s) by weekend.

About Starz
Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television channels (Starz Networks), global content distribution (Starz Distribution) and animated television and movie production (Starz Animation), www.starz.com.

Starz Networks is a leading provider of premium subscription video programming through the flagship STARZ® and ENCORE® pay TV networks which showcase premium original programming and movies to U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. As of March 31, 2015, STARZ and ENCORE serve a combined 57.5 million subscribers, including 23.7 million at STARZ, and 33.8 million at ENCORE, making them the largest pair of premium flagship channels in the U.S. STARZ® and ENCORE®, along with Starz Networks’ third network MOVIEPLEX®, air more than 1,000 movies monthly across 17 linear networks, complemented by On Demand and authenticated online offerings through STARZ PLAY, ENCORE PLAY, and MOVIEPLEX PLAY. Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires entertainment content, distributing it to consumers globally on DVD, digital formats and traditional television. Starz Distribution’s home video, digital media and worldwide distribution business units distribute original programming content produced by Starz, as well as entertainment content for itself and third parties. Starz Animation produces animated TV and movie content for studios, networks, distributors and audiences worldwide.

About CBS Television Studios
CBS Television Studios is one of the industry's leading suppliers of primetime network programming, with the #1 and #2 dramas, "NCIS" and "NCIS: Los Angeles" and the #1 new comedy "The Millers" which also ranks as the third most watched network comedy. The studio's roster of popular and critically-acclaimed programs also includes the phenomenally successful CSI franchise, "Elementary," starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu, the Peabody Award winning series "The Good Wife," starring multiple award winner Julianna Margulies, "Under the Dome," last summer's most watched program; "Reign," the hit CW series, the daytime talk show "The Talk," and BET's #1 scripted show "The Game." Upcoming new series include "NCIS: New Orleans," "CSI: Cyber," "The Odd Couple," "Madam Secretary" and "Scorpion" for CBS and "Jane the Virgin" and "The Messengers," for The CW in addition to the highly anticipated summer event "Extant" starring Academy Award winner Halle Berry.

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Webcomics Update: Grumble #2, Page 8


Grumble Chapter Two, Page 8 is here: http://www.comicbookbin.com/grumbletwopage008.html

NOTE:  Last year, I printed some promotional copies of Grumble: Chapter One through a POD printer.  I will sign and number a copy of this "rare" comic book for $5 post paid, which you can purchase here or http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/p/i-reads-shopping.html

I am also on Patreon.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

"San Andreas" Quakes Past $300 Million in Worldwide Box Office

“San Andreas” Rocks Audiences Around the World Past $300 Million at Global Box Office

Worldwide Success Includes Warner Bros.’ Biggest-ever Opening in China

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Line Cinema, Village Roadshow Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures’ action thriller “San Andreas,” starring Dwayne Johnson, is making a major impact in the global theatrical marketplace, registering a box office total of more than $300 million worldwide as of Monday, June 8, only its 10th day in release. The announcement was made by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “Our campaign focused on the thrill-ride aspects of the film and on Dwayne Johnson’s undeniable star power, keeping fans engaged and anticipation high, which is well reflected in its strong opening and continuing success.”

“San Andreas” opened at number one in North America on May 29th, entertaining moviegoers in 2D, RealD 3D and IMAX to earn a stellar A- Cinema Score and a domestic weekend total of more than $54 million. As of yesterday, its domestic earnings have reached $101.1 million.

Internationally, “San Andreas” simultaneously opened to outstanding numbers and ranked #1 in 55 markets that opened day-and-date with the U.S.

This past weekend it debuted in China to spectacular returns, hitting #1 and grossing an estimated $51 million in six days, making it Warner Bros.’ biggest China opening of all time.

The film’s international box office cume is now an estimated $200.2 million, for a worldwide total of $301.3 million and counting.

Fellman stated, “It’s great to see audiences enjoying this heart-pounding ride. ‘San Andreas’ is a true cinematic experience with stunning visuals and a larger-than-life hero. With a terrific Cinema Score, translating to enthusiastic word of mouth, it should continue to deliver good returns well into the summer.”

Said Kwan Vandenberg, “Judging from the fantastic response across such a diverse range of markets, this film is the crowd-pleaser we knew it would be. We congratulate Dwayne and everyone involved for delivering us this nonstop, action-packed, big-screen experience, and our teams around the world for making it such a big hit.”

Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, also noted, “Our campaign focused on the thrill-ride aspects of the film and on Dwayne Johnson’s undeniable star power, keeping fans engaged and anticipation high, which is well reflected in its strong opening and continuing success.”

Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Operating Officer, New Line Cinema, added, “Congratulations to the winning team of director Brad Peyton, producer Beau Flynn and our megawatt star Dwayne Johnson, for making this movie such an irresistible draw. We are so pleased to share this success with them, and look forward to future collaborations.”

After the infamous San Andreas Fault finally gives, triggering a magnitude 9-plus earthquake in California, a search and rescue helicopter pilot and his estranged wife make their way together from Los Angeles to San Francisco to save their only daughter. But their treacherous journey north is only the beginning, and when they think the worst may be over…it’s just getting started.

“San Andreas” stars Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario, Ioan Gruffudd, Archie Panjabi and Paul Giamatti. It was directed by Brad Peyton and produced by Beau Flynn, with a screenplay by Carlton Cuse, story by Andre Fabrizio & Jeremy Passmore. Richard Brener, Samuel J. Brown, Michael Disco, Toby Emmerich, Rob Cowan, Tripp Vinson and Bruce Berman served as executive producers. The creative filmmaking team included director of photography Steve Yedlin, production designer Barry Chusid, editor Bob Ducsay, VFX producer Randall Starr, VFX supervisor Colin Strause, costume designer Wendy Chuck, and composer Andrew Lockington.

A New Line Cinema presentation, in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a FlynnPictureCo. Production, a Brad Peyton Film, “San Andreas” is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. Rated PG-13 for intense disaster action and mayhem throughout, and brief strong language. www.sanandreasmovie.com

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New "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" Poster #6 - Simon McBurney (?), No, It's Sean Harris!


MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - ROGUE NATION In Theaters July 31, 2015

Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate – an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF.

MissionImpossible.com

facebook.com/MissionImpossibleMovie

twitter.com/MissionFilm

instagram.com/MissionImpossible

youtube.com/MissionImpossible

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Tuesday, June 9, 2015

"The Punisher" to Appear in "Marvel's Daredevil" on Netflix

Jon Bernthal Cast as Frank Castle in the Netflix Original Series 'Marvel's Daredevil'

The dynamic actor will punish Hell's Kitchen in the next season of the Netflix series, coming in 2016

Jon Bernthal (“Wolf of Wall Street,” “The Walking Dead, ” “Fury”) joins the upcoming season of “Marvel’s Daredevil,” streaming only on Netflix in 2016.

Bernthal will portray The Punisher, one of Marvel’s most popular characters. He is a vigilante who aims to clean up New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen by any means necessary, no matter how lethal the results.

“Jon Bernthal brings an unmatched intensity to every role he takes on, with a potent blend of power, motivation and vulnerability that will connect with audiences,” said Jeph Loeb, Marvel’s Head of Television. “Castle’s appearance will bring dramatic changes to the world of Matt Murdock and nothing will be the same.”

Bernthal will also appear in the upcoming action thriller “The Accountant.”

“Marvel's Daredevil” is Executive Produced by Doug Petrie (“American Horror Story,” “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”), Marco Ramirez (“Marvel’s Daredevil,” “DaVinci’s Demons”) and Drew Goddard ("Cabin in the Woods," "Lost"), along with Marvel TV's Jeph Loeb ("Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," "Marvel’s Jessica Jones.”)

"Marvel's Daredevil" is produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios. Season one of “Marvel’s Daredevil” is now streaming on Netflix.

Blinded as a young boy but imbued with extraordinary senses, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) fights against injustice by day as a lawyer, and by night as the Super Hero “Daredevil” in modern day Hell's Kitchen, New York City. "Marvel's Daredevil" stars Charlie Cox, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson and Rosario Dawson.

For more information on "Marvel's Daredevil," and the other exciting new Marvel Television series coming to Netflix, stay tuned to Marvel.com or visit Netflix.com/daredevil, follow @Daredevil on Twitter, and like “Marvel’s Daredevil” on Facebook.

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Deluxe Hardcover Release of "Five Ghosts" Due June 24th


FIVE GHOSTS DELUXE EDITION, VOL. 1 hardcover takes action this June

The pulp-inspired literary action series will be collected with bonus material

Writer Frank J. Barbiere (Avengers World, Solar: Man of the Atom) and artists Chris Mooneyham (Predator) and Lauren Affe take readers on an epic adventure in FIVE GHOSTS. The first twelve issues of the series, along with tons of bonus content, will be collected into a deluxe hardcover and available this June.

After a tragic encounter with an artifact known as “The Dreamstone,” infamous treasure hunter Fabian Gray is possessed by five literary ghosts and granted access to their unique abilities. Join Fabian and his allies as they travel across the world in a pulp-inspired action/adventure tale in FIVE GHOSTS DELUXE EDITION, VOL. 1 hardcover.

FIVE GHOSTS DELUXE EDITION, VOL. 1 hardcover (ISBN: 978-1-63215-288-6) hits comic book stores on June 24, 2015 and bookstores on July 7, 2015, and will be available for $34.99. It can be ordered by retailers from Diamond Book Distributors with Diamond Code MAR150531.

More praise for FIVE GHOSTS:

“People looking for that next big thing, you might want to gaze this way. Five Ghosts has everything in it that a comic should have and then some. If you're wanting to try something a little different, but classic, check out this series pronto.” —Newsarama

“Five Ghosts reminds us what we love about being readers, what it feels like to dream or imagine, and how that capacity unites all of us.” —Multiversity Comics

“Writer Frank Barbiere and artist Chris Mooneyham don't have to worry this week, they can close their eyes, open their arms as wide as they can and embrace all the appreciation for the goodness they have constructed.” —IGN

“This book is easily one of the best this year. The characters are incredibly compelling, the premise is near perfect, the plot is fun, and the art is utterly fantastic. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up. Its what comics were made for.” —Bloody Disgusting

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