SONY PICTURES CLASSICS TO DISTRIBUTE "THE MEDDLER" IN NORTH AMERICA
NEW YORK – Sony Pictures Classics announced that they will theatrically release THE MEDDLER, starring Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and J.K. Simmons, in North America. Written and directed by Lorene Scafaria (Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World), the film will have its world premiere at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions acquired worldwide rights to the film prior to the start of the production and will distribute internationally.
THE MEDDLER follows Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon), recent widow and eternal optimist, as she moves from New Jersey to Los Angeles to be closer to her daughter (Rose Byrne). Armed with an iPhone and a full bank account, Marnie sets out to make friends, find her purpose, and possibly open up to someone new.
Rounding out the cast are Cecily Strong ("Saturday Night Live"), Jerrod Carmichael (Neighbors) and Michael McKean ("Better Call Saul"). THE MEDDLER is produced by Joy Gorman Wettels of Anonymous Content, with executive producers Susan Sarandon, and Anonymous’ Paul Green and Steve Golin.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 32 Academy Awards® (28 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 158 Academy Award® nominations (132 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES WORLDWIDE ACQUISITIONS
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypicturesworldwideacquisitions.com.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.
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Sunday, August 30, 2015
Saturday, August 29, 2015
David Duchovny Will Attend 2015 Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh
‘X-Files’ Star David Duchovny Added to Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh on Saturday, September 12
‘Fox Mulder’ on Iconic Sci-Fi Series, ‘Hank Moody’ On ‘Californication’ Joins Somerhalder, Shatner, Staite at David L. Lawrence Convention Center in First Wizard World Comic Con Appearance
PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--David Duchovny, best known for portraying such iconic characters as “Fox Mulder” on “The X Files” and “Hank Moody” on “Californication,” will make his first-ever Wizard World appearance at Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The two-time Golden Globe winner is currently starring in the NBC TV series “Aquarius” and earlier this year, Duchovny released his first novel, Holy Cow, which landed on The New York Times’ Bestseller List.
Aside from his most recent achievements, Duchovny has appeared in numerous television shows, including “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Twin Peaks,” “Life With Bonnie,” and “Sex and the City,” alongside his illustrious film credits, including The X Files Movie, Zoolander, Beethoven, Kalifornia, Full Frontal, The Rapture, Evolution, Return To Me, Julia Has Two Lovers, Chaplin, and Playing God. Other feature credits include Trust The Man, The TV Set, and his self-directed and self-written House of D.
Recently it was announced that Duchovny and Gillian Anderson will reprise their "X-Files" roles in a new series due out next year.
Wizard World (OTCBB:WIZD) continues its 2015 schedule with its inaugural Pittsburgh event, September 11-13. In addition to Duchovny, Ian Somerhalder (“The Vampire Diaries”), William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), Jewel Staite (“Firefly,” “Stargate: Atlantis”), WWE® Superstar Dean Ambrose™ and Diva Paige™, Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, “Oz”), Mitch Pileggi ("The X Files," "Sons of Anarchy"), Adam Baldwin (Full Metal Jacket, Serenity), Dean Cain (God’s Not Dead, “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”) and Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk,” “The King of Queens”) headline the roster of celebrity guests scheduled to attend the pop culture extravaganza.
Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The 17th of 24 events currently scheduled on the 2015 Wizard World calendar, Pittsburgh show hours are Friday, September 11, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, September 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more on the 2015 Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh, visit www.wizardworld.com/home-pittsburgh.html.
About Wizard World (OTCBB:WIZD)
Wizard World, Inc. produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ:CIDM), and ComicConBox™, a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve certain risks and uncertainties. The actual results or outcomes of Wizard World, Inc. may differ materially from those anticipated. Although Wizard World, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any such assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, Wizard World, Inc. can provide no assurance that any of the forward-looking statements contained in this letter will prove to be accurate.
In light of the significant uncertainties and risks inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this letter, such information should not be regarded as a representation by Wizard World, Inc. that its objectives or plans will be achieved. Included in these uncertainties and risks are, among other things, fluctuations in operating results, general economic conditions, uncertainty regarding the results of certain legal proceedings and competition. Forward-looking statements consist of statements other than a recitation of historical fact and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "intend," "expect," "will," "anticipate," "estimate" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Because they are forward-looking, such statements should be evaluated in light of important risk factors and uncertainties. These risk factors and uncertainties are more fully described in Wizard World, Inc.'s most recent Annual and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading entitled "Risk Factors." Wizard World, Inc. does not undertake an obligation to update publicly any of its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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‘Fox Mulder’ on Iconic Sci-Fi Series, ‘Hank Moody’ On ‘Californication’ Joins Somerhalder, Shatner, Staite at David L. Lawrence Convention Center in First Wizard World Comic Con Appearance
PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--David Duchovny, best known for portraying such iconic characters as “Fox Mulder” on “The X Files” and “Hank Moody” on “Californication,” will make his first-ever Wizard World appearance at Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The two-time Golden Globe winner is currently starring in the NBC TV series “Aquarius” and earlier this year, Duchovny released his first novel, Holy Cow, which landed on The New York Times’ Bestseller List.
Aside from his most recent achievements, Duchovny has appeared in numerous television shows, including “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Twin Peaks,” “Life With Bonnie,” and “Sex and the City,” alongside his illustrious film credits, including The X Files Movie, Zoolander, Beethoven, Kalifornia, Full Frontal, The Rapture, Evolution, Return To Me, Julia Has Two Lovers, Chaplin, and Playing God. Other feature credits include Trust The Man, The TV Set, and his self-directed and self-written House of D.
Recently it was announced that Duchovny and Gillian Anderson will reprise their "X-Files" roles in a new series due out next year.
Wizard World (OTCBB:WIZD) continues its 2015 schedule with its inaugural Pittsburgh event, September 11-13. In addition to Duchovny, Ian Somerhalder (“The Vampire Diaries”), William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), Jewel Staite (“Firefly,” “Stargate: Atlantis”), WWE® Superstar Dean Ambrose™ and Diva Paige™, Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, “Oz”), Mitch Pileggi ("The X Files," "Sons of Anarchy"), Adam Baldwin (Full Metal Jacket, Serenity), Dean Cain (God’s Not Dead, “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”) and Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk,” “The King of Queens”) headline the roster of celebrity guests scheduled to attend the pop culture extravaganza.
Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The 17th of 24 events currently scheduled on the 2015 Wizard World calendar, Pittsburgh show hours are Friday, September 11, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, September 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more on the 2015 Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh, visit www.wizardworld.com/home-pittsburgh.html.
About Wizard World (OTCBB:WIZD)
Wizard World, Inc. produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ:CIDM), and ComicConBox™, a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve certain risks and uncertainties. The actual results or outcomes of Wizard World, Inc. may differ materially from those anticipated. Although Wizard World, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any such assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, Wizard World, Inc. can provide no assurance that any of the forward-looking statements contained in this letter will prove to be accurate.
In light of the significant uncertainties and risks inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this letter, such information should not be regarded as a representation by Wizard World, Inc. that its objectives or plans will be achieved. Included in these uncertainties and risks are, among other things, fluctuations in operating results, general economic conditions, uncertainty regarding the results of certain legal proceedings and competition. Forward-looking statements consist of statements other than a recitation of historical fact and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "intend," "expect," "will," "anticipate," "estimate" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Because they are forward-looking, such statements should be evaluated in light of important risk factors and uncertainties. These risk factors and uncertainties are more fully described in Wizard World, Inc.'s most recent Annual and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading entitled "Risk Factors." Wizard World, Inc. does not undertake an obligation to update publicly any of its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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Friday, August 28, 2015
Review: Villains Rule "Kingsman"
[This review first appeared on Patreon.]
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: U.K.
Running time: 129 minutes (2 hours, 9 minutes)
MPAA – R for sequences of strong violence, language and some sexual content
DIRECTOR: Matthew Vaughn
WRITERS: Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn (based on on the comic book, The Secret Service, by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons)
PRODUCERS: Adam Bohling, David Reid, and Matthew Vaughn
CINEMATOGRAPHER: George Richmond
EDITORS: Eddie Hamilton and Jon Harris
COMPOSERS: Henry Jackman and Matthew Margeson
COMEDY/ACTION/SPY/SCI-FI
Starring: Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Caine, Sofia Boutella, Sophie Cookson, Hanna Alstrom, Samantha Womack, Geoff Bell, and Mark Hamill
Kingsman: The Secret Service is a 2015 British spy movie and action-comedy from director Matthew Vaughn. It is based on the 2012 comic book, The Secret Service, by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, who are also both executive producers on the film. Millar co-created the comic book, Kick-Ass, and Gibbons co-created the Watchmen comic book. Kingsman: The Secret Service follows a street kid who is recruited into a secret spy organization.
Kingsman: The Secret Service opens in 1997 during a raid in the Middle East, in which an agent sacrifices himself to save his team. Feeling guilt, agent Harry Hart (Colin Firth), code-named “Galahad,” visits the agent's wife and young son. Seventeen years later, Galahad comes to the rescue of the son, Gary “Eggsy” Unwin (Taron Egerton), who is now an unemployed adult.
Galahad introduces Eggsy to the “Kingsman,” a secret intelligence agency comprised of the members of the British upper crust. Galahad convinces Eggsy to join the Kingsman's ultra-competitive training program, but only one member of a recruiting class will become a member of the Kingsman.
Meanwhile, billionaire tech genius, Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson), has hatched a plan to save the world from environmental catastrophe. His activities draw the attention of the Kingsman, especially Galahad. Because Galahad is his benefactor, Eggsy gets a close-up look of the Kingsman in action, but does this unrefined “street kid” have what it takes to be in this “secret service?”
As a spy movie, Kingsman: The Secret Service is more like some of the early James Bond movies, especially the ones that featured weird sci-fi gadgets. Or maybe Kingsman: The Secret Service is what would happen if Roger Moore's James Bond became the leader of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF) of the old television series, “Mission: Impossible.”
I must admit to enjoying Kingsman: The Secret Service quite a bit, but it is mostly a substance-free past-time. As much as I enjoyed the film, I had mostly forgotten about it a few hours after seeing it. If I watched it again, I would only watch certain scenes – mostly the fight scenes, especially the ones featuring the blade-legged Gazelle (Sofia Boutella). There is not enough of her in this movie.
There are moments in Kingsman when it seems obvious to me that Colin Firth would make a good movie secret agent, not James Bond, but someone like Galahad. [Or maybe that can be said about most quality British male actors.] However, Samuel L. Jackson, as Valentine, seems to be the actor who most bought into the scenario. He and Boutella make a great team and do a lot to make Kingsman a good movie; I wish their characters could return.
On the other hand, Taron Egerton may be an up-and-coming, young British actor, but as Eggsy, he lacks spark and charisma. He is as flat as Sam Jackson is charismatic. Kingsman's concept and story is ridiculous and contrived, but fun. As the villain, Jackson is the one who most sells the movie, even more so than the actors playing the good guys.
A sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service has already been announced. As much as I enjoyed this movie, I can't imagine the sequel working without another great villainous pair like Jackson and Boutella. I hope they find one.
6 of 10
B
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
The Star Wars YouTube Channel to Present "The Unboxing"
The Force Awakens Around the World: Star Wars Fans Invited to Join Epic Global Event on YouTube
Toy unboxing phenomenon goes live globally for the first time ahead of ‘Force Friday’
Online event featuring talent from the Maker Studios network gives fans first look at film-inspired toys ahead of midnight madness at retail
GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Star Wars: The Force Awakens products are set to be unveiled in the world’s first-ever global live toy unboxing event. Unfolding over 18 hours in 15 cities and 12 countries, the event will see highlights from the range of epic merchandise revealed in a rolling New Year’s Eve style celebration featuring top digital stars from the Maker Studios network.
“Over the course of 18 hours, some of Maker Studios’ biggest stars will each be unboxing a new toy from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens product line in a different city around the world and sharing the experience live on YouTube”
“Star Wars toys have always played an important role in how our fans interact with the Saga,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “They’ve inspired multiple generations to relive the experience of the movies and to create new adventures all their own. These spectacular Star Wars: The Force Awakens products will continue that tradition.”
Kicking off in Sydney, Australia on the morning of September 3, and continuing through Asia, Europe, Canada, and North & South America, selections from the new toy line will debut to global fanfare leading up to retailers around the globe opening their doors at midnight.
“Over the course of 18 hours, some of Maker Studios’ biggest stars will each be unboxing a new toy from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens product line in a different city around the world and sharing the experience live on YouTube,” said Leslie Ferraro, President, Disney Consumer Products. “We’ve seen tremendous excitement for these new products and can’t wait to see the global reaction from the Star Wars fan community.”
The Star Wars YouTube channel will host the live stream, which kicks off with the first unboxing in Sydney, Australia at 7:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015 (5:45 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Sept. 2), with the grand finale at Lucasfilm in San Francisco at 8 a.m. PDT (11 a.m. EDT) on Thursday, Sept. 3. Each of the 15 locations will reveal a new product inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
These “unboxing” videos will feature online personalities sharing the excitement of opening the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens toys. Unboxing videos overall have captivated millions of Internet viewers and continue to grow in popularity. Eighteen of the top 100 most viewed YouTube Channels worldwide are dedicated to toys and toy unboxings. These 18 channels accounted for 8.1 billion views in Q1 2015.1
“We’re excited to be part of this first-of-its-kind initiative,” said Chris M. Williams, Chief Audience Officer, Maker Studios. “The unboxing world continues to expand rapidly as audiences around the world connect with digital creators who share their passions. This shared fandom helps attract billions of monthly views and consistently puts the genre at the top of the YouTube charts.”
The global unboxing event will incorporate traditional toy unboxers such as the popular EvanTubeHD, channels featuring families such as Bratayley, lifehack specialists such as ExpCaseros, gamers such as AlexBy11 and Star Wars fans from around the world, including Chris Pirillo, bringing with them a broad audience and appeal.
The full schedule is available at www.StarWars.com.
Several countries will join the live stream from YouTube Spaces (Berlin, Tokyo, London), with Star Wars commentators Anthony Carboni and Andi Gutierrez hosting the event from the YouTube Space, Los Angeles.
Fans can tune in to watch live unboxings at home or on mobile devices, and also enjoy the latest trailers on the upcoming movie, commentary from special guests, fun product videos and demos, and footage from recent Star Wars events.
The global celebration culminates at midnight local time, when many retailers around the world will open their doors to fans to purchase Star Wars: The Force Awakens toys, collectibles, books, apparel and more. Visit starwars.com for more details on participating locations. Additionally, select Disney Store locations around the world will take part. More details are available at www.DisneyStore.com/ForceFriday.
Fans are encouraged to document their experiences around the event on social media using the hashtag #ForceFriday.
About Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media
Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that brings our company's stories and characters to life through innovative and engaging physical products and digital experiences across more than 100 categories, from toys and t-shirts, to apps, books and console games. DCPI comprises two main lines of business: Disney Consumer Products (DCP), and Disney Interactive (DI). The combined segment is home to world class teams of app and game developers, licensing and retail experts, a leading retail business (Disney Store), artists and storytellers, and technologists who inspire imaginations around the world.
About Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.
About Maker Studios
Maker Studios is the global leader in online short-form video and the largest content network on YouTube. Maker specializes in reaching millennial audiences across multiple programming genres. Maker’s network includes 55,000 independent creators from more than 100 countries, attracting over 10 billion views per month, with a growing scale driven by its robust technology platform, direct-to-consumer distribution and data analytics. Maker is home to many of the world’s leading online talent and award-winning original programs such as “Epic Rap Battles of History.” Maker Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company and is headquartered in Los Angeles, with operations in New York, London and Singapore. For more information visit www.makerstudios.com.
STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
1 Source: Tubefilter; Top 100 Most Viewed YouTube Channels Worldwide, January 2015 - March 2015; Data provided by Tubefilter, OpenSlate & YouTube
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Toy unboxing phenomenon goes live globally for the first time ahead of ‘Force Friday’
Online event featuring talent from the Maker Studios network gives fans first look at film-inspired toys ahead of midnight madness at retail
GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Star Wars: The Force Awakens products are set to be unveiled in the world’s first-ever global live toy unboxing event. Unfolding over 18 hours in 15 cities and 12 countries, the event will see highlights from the range of epic merchandise revealed in a rolling New Year’s Eve style celebration featuring top digital stars from the Maker Studios network.
“Over the course of 18 hours, some of Maker Studios’ biggest stars will each be unboxing a new toy from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens product line in a different city around the world and sharing the experience live on YouTube”
“Star Wars toys have always played an important role in how our fans interact with the Saga,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “They’ve inspired multiple generations to relive the experience of the movies and to create new adventures all their own. These spectacular Star Wars: The Force Awakens products will continue that tradition.”
Kicking off in Sydney, Australia on the morning of September 3, and continuing through Asia, Europe, Canada, and North & South America, selections from the new toy line will debut to global fanfare leading up to retailers around the globe opening their doors at midnight.
“Over the course of 18 hours, some of Maker Studios’ biggest stars will each be unboxing a new toy from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens product line in a different city around the world and sharing the experience live on YouTube,” said Leslie Ferraro, President, Disney Consumer Products. “We’ve seen tremendous excitement for these new products and can’t wait to see the global reaction from the Star Wars fan community.”
The Star Wars YouTube channel will host the live stream, which kicks off with the first unboxing in Sydney, Australia at 7:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015 (5:45 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Sept. 2), with the grand finale at Lucasfilm in San Francisco at 8 a.m. PDT (11 a.m. EDT) on Thursday, Sept. 3. Each of the 15 locations will reveal a new product inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
These “unboxing” videos will feature online personalities sharing the excitement of opening the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens toys. Unboxing videos overall have captivated millions of Internet viewers and continue to grow in popularity. Eighteen of the top 100 most viewed YouTube Channels worldwide are dedicated to toys and toy unboxings. These 18 channels accounted for 8.1 billion views in Q1 2015.1
“We’re excited to be part of this first-of-its-kind initiative,” said Chris M. Williams, Chief Audience Officer, Maker Studios. “The unboxing world continues to expand rapidly as audiences around the world connect with digital creators who share their passions. This shared fandom helps attract billions of monthly views and consistently puts the genre at the top of the YouTube charts.”
The global unboxing event will incorporate traditional toy unboxers such as the popular EvanTubeHD, channels featuring families such as Bratayley, lifehack specialists such as ExpCaseros, gamers such as AlexBy11 and Star Wars fans from around the world, including Chris Pirillo, bringing with them a broad audience and appeal.
The full schedule is available at www.StarWars.com.
Several countries will join the live stream from YouTube Spaces (Berlin, Tokyo, London), with Star Wars commentators Anthony Carboni and Andi Gutierrez hosting the event from the YouTube Space, Los Angeles.
Fans can tune in to watch live unboxings at home or on mobile devices, and also enjoy the latest trailers on the upcoming movie, commentary from special guests, fun product videos and demos, and footage from recent Star Wars events.
The global celebration culminates at midnight local time, when many retailers around the world will open their doors to fans to purchase Star Wars: The Force Awakens toys, collectibles, books, apparel and more. Visit starwars.com for more details on participating locations. Additionally, select Disney Store locations around the world will take part. More details are available at www.DisneyStore.com/ForceFriday.
Fans are encouraged to document their experiences around the event on social media using the hashtag #ForceFriday.
About Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media
Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that brings our company's stories and characters to life through innovative and engaging physical products and digital experiences across more than 100 categories, from toys and t-shirts, to apps, books and console games. DCPI comprises two main lines of business: Disney Consumer Products (DCP), and Disney Interactive (DI). The combined segment is home to world class teams of app and game developers, licensing and retail experts, a leading retail business (Disney Store), artists and storytellers, and technologists who inspire imaginations around the world.
About Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.
About Maker Studios
Maker Studios is the global leader in online short-form video and the largest content network on YouTube. Maker specializes in reaching millennial audiences across multiple programming genres. Maker’s network includes 55,000 independent creators from more than 100 countries, attracting over 10 billion views per month, with a growing scale driven by its robust technology platform, direct-to-consumer distribution and data analytics. Maker is home to many of the world’s leading online talent and award-winning original programs such as “Epic Rap Battles of History.” Maker Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company and is headquartered in Los Angeles, with operations in New York, London and Singapore. For more information visit www.makerstudios.com.
STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
1 Source: Tubefilter; Top 100 Most Viewed YouTube Channels Worldwide, January 2015 - March 2015; Data provided by Tubefilter, OpenSlate & YouTube
--------------------
VIZ Media Offers a Taste of "Komomo Confiserie"
VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES THE SWEET SHOJO MANGA CONFECTION KOMOMO CONFISERIE
New Manga Series About An Ex-Rich Girl Who Starts Working At A Pastry Shop And Finds Love For The First Time From The Creator Of S•A And VOICE OVER! SEIYU ACADEMY
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, announces the release of its latest shojo manga (graphic novel) series with the launch of KOMOMO CONFISERIE on September 1st, 2015.
The romantic comedy, created by Maki Minami, about a sheltered but determined girl finding her way in the world after her family goes bankrupt is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry a print MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. KOMOMO CONFISERIE also launches digitally on September 1st via VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores. The series will be published under the company’s Shojo Beat imprint with new volumes scheduled for release in print and digitally on a quarterly basis.
As a little girl, Komomo Ninomiya delighted in picking on Natsu Azumi, the son of her family’s pastry chef. Ten years later, when the family fortune is lost and she has no place to live, Komomo encounters Natsu again in her hour of need. Now that Natsu is a master pastry chef in his own right, he’ll help Komomo – but only if she works for him at his new confiserie!
“In KOMOMO CONFISERIE, Maki Minami has created a strong, unique heroine who tackles challenges in her own way including working hard for the first time in her life,” says Nancy Thistlethwaite, Senior Editor. “Be prepared for a lot of laughs as Komomo and Natsu learn to get along in this sweet new series!”
Manga creator Maki Minami is from Saitama Prefecture in Japan and debuted in 2001 with Kanata no Ao (Faraway Blue). Her other works include Kimi wa Girlfriend (You're My Girlfriend), Mainichi ga Takaramono (Every Day Is a Treasure) and Yuki Atataka (Warm Winter). Her series, S•A, (published in English by VIZ Media; rated ‘T’ for Teens), was serialized in Japan's Hana to Yume magazine and was also adapted into a popular anime series. Maki Minami also is the creator of VOICE OVER! SEIYU ACADEMY, which is published in English by VIZ Media.
For more information on KOMOMO CONFISERIE or other shojo manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit: www.viz.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan. Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Dylan Horrocks Tours for "Sam Zabel"
Sam Zabel and the Magic Pen Book Tour: Cartoonist Dylan Horrocks' Anticipated U.S. Tour
Critically acclaimed cartoonist, Dylan Horrocks bids farewell to his native New Zealand as he travels to the United States for his first convention appearance in over a decade on a book tour in celebration of the fan-favorite release, Sam Zabel and the Magic Pen. His first graphic novel since the classic, Hicksville, collected in 1998.
Sam Zabel is an exploration of the highs and lows of fantasy through the lens of Zabel, a popular, but creatively stymied, cartoonist. This provoking and thoughtful meditation on the comics medium as art, outlet, and industry leads the reader on an epic adventure with sex-crazed aliens, monks, pirates, and web-cartoonists. Horrocks approaches this one-of-a-kind tale with careful consideration for the artist, the reader, and of course, the story we all yearn to tell.
Tour Dates
September 18..........................Politics & Prose - Washington DC
September 19-20......................Small Press Expo - Bethesda, MD
Special Guest*
September 22.................................Desert Island - Brooklyn, NY
w/ Joan Cornella*
September 24.............................CCS - White River Junction, VT
Visiting Artist Lecture*
September 26......................Harvard Bookstore - Cambridge, MA
September 28.........................Magers & Quinn - Minneapolis, MN
September 30..........................Challengers Comics - Chicago, IL
October 2............................Cartoon Crossroads - Columbus, OH
October 5-7.................Sequential Arts Workshop - Gainesville, FL
Visiting Artist Workshop*
October 22..............International Festival of Authors - Toronto, ON
Special Guest*
Praise for Sam Zabel and the Magic Pen:
"A creator only knows if something succeeds once it's in someone's hands and, even then, there's no guarantee that feedback makes its way back to the place of origin. But, Sam Zabel and the Magic Pen shows that when the loop of creation to appreciation is complete-and better still if the creative energy spins out on its own unpredictable orbit-that the relationship between audience and artist carries its own sort of eldritch power."
-Evan Narcisse, Kotaku
"This is a complicated, rich story about confronting the sometimes-lurid or nakedly obvious wish-fulfillment aspects of comic books, but it's also about the ways Sam's distress with the world can't be satisfied by other people's ideas of paradise."
-Tasha Robinson, NPR
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Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Archie Comics Characters Headed for Broadway
ADAM MCKAY AND FUNNY OR DIE JOIN ARCHIE COMICS TO CREATE A NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL BASED ON THE CHARACTERS OF THE BELOVED COMIC SERIES ARCHIE.
Writer/Director Adam McKay (Anchorman, Talladega Nights, You're Welcome America) and Funny Or Die have joined forces with Archie Comics, one of the most popular comics ever produced, to bring Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and the Riverdale gang to Broadway in an all-new musical. McKay is slated to bring his singular brand of comedy to the musical, writing the book for the show, with a creative team and timing for a New York run to be announced at a later date.
Funny Or Die will serve as a presenting partner. CEO Jon Goldwater and CCO Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa will oversee for Archie Comics. The partnership was packaged by Triptyk Studios (An American in Paris, You’re Welcome America, Xanadu) who will reteam with their You’re Welcome America partners for the endeavor. Tara Smith, B. Swibel and Adam Westbrook will oversee development for the company and present on Broadway.
Adam McKay said, “Archie represents a bygone era of America. And like all bygone eras, there are elements we miss and elements that should be bygone. This will be a musical that deals with both those realities in a bright, colorful and slightly demented way.”
Jon Goldwater, Archie Comics CEO/Publisher, said, “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Adam McKay and Funny Or Die to finally bring Archie to the stage. We’ve always thought that Archie was destined to be a big Broadway star – and now that moment has come! I’ve long admired Adam’s work and the pairing of Archie’s world with his brilliant humor and sensibility is the perfect fit. We look forward to developing this project together with this incredible team.”
Visit www.ArchieMusical.com for more information and to sign-up for updates. Follow the development of the Archie musical on all social media channels @ArchieMusical
ABOUT ARCHIE COMICS:
Archie Comics is the leading mass market comic book publisher in the world and the home to a wide array of the most popular humor, action-adventure and superhero characters in entertainment, including Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Reggie, Kevin Keller, Josie and the Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Afterlife With Archie, the Dark Circle Comics superhero characters (The Black Hood, The Fox, The Shield and more), Li’l Jinx and many more. Archie Comics have sold over 2 billion comics worldwide and are published around the world in a number of languages. In addition to comics, Archie characters have been featured prominently in animation, television, film and music. Follow Archie Comics on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and the Archie Comics Store.
About ADAM McKAY
Adam McKay is a writer, director, and producer who is best known for directing the Anchorman films, Talladega Nights and Step Brothers, all of which he also co-wrote with longtime partner Will Ferrell. He is a former head writer of “Saturday Night Live,” one of the founding members of the Upright Citizens Brigade and the co-creator of the largest comedy website in the world, Funny Or Die. On Broadway, McKay directed the Tony Award-nominated You’re Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush. Most recently he wrote and directed an adaptation of Michael Lewis’ bestseller The Big Short, starring Brad Pitt and Christian Bale and was credited as a writer on Marvel’s Ant-Man.
About FUNNY OR DIE
Funny Or Die launched in April 2007 and has grown into a premier comedy brand and production studio known for creating award-winning, high-quality content with a global audience of more than 70 million. Funny Or Die’s social media division produces content for over 15 platforms and is the #1 comedy brand on both Twitter and Facebook. Funny Or Die is the top destination for celebrity-driven comedy videos and highly topical political commentary. Funny Or Die's founders are Gary Sanchez Productions (Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, and Chris Henchy), and Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Judd Apatow is also a principal partner.
About TRIPTYK STUDIOS
TriptykStudios makes works for theater, film, television, web and arts education, and is led by producer TARA SMITH and writer-producers B. SWIBEL & ADAM WESTBROOK. Recent select theater work includes Tony-winning hit An American in Paris; the award-winning hit Xanadu; Broadway smash You're Welcome America from Will Ferrell and Adam McKay; the critically acclaimed revival of The Seagull starring Carey Mulligan; The Performers starring Henry Winkler; NY Times Critic’s pick My Daughter Keeps Our Hammer. Triptyk premieres Amelie, a new musical, starring Samantha Barks, at Berkley Repertory this summer, before seeing Xanadu make its London premiere this October. They recently announced the new Stevie Wonder musical, Freedom Run, with NBC/Universal Stage.
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Writer/Director Adam McKay (Anchorman, Talladega Nights, You're Welcome America) and Funny Or Die have joined forces with Archie Comics, one of the most popular comics ever produced, to bring Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and the Riverdale gang to Broadway in an all-new musical. McKay is slated to bring his singular brand of comedy to the musical, writing the book for the show, with a creative team and timing for a New York run to be announced at a later date.
Funny Or Die will serve as a presenting partner. CEO Jon Goldwater and CCO Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa will oversee for Archie Comics. The partnership was packaged by Triptyk Studios (An American in Paris, You’re Welcome America, Xanadu) who will reteam with their You’re Welcome America partners for the endeavor. Tara Smith, B. Swibel and Adam Westbrook will oversee development for the company and present on Broadway.
Adam McKay said, “Archie represents a bygone era of America. And like all bygone eras, there are elements we miss and elements that should be bygone. This will be a musical that deals with both those realities in a bright, colorful and slightly demented way.”
Jon Goldwater, Archie Comics CEO/Publisher, said, “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Adam McKay and Funny Or Die to finally bring Archie to the stage. We’ve always thought that Archie was destined to be a big Broadway star – and now that moment has come! I’ve long admired Adam’s work and the pairing of Archie’s world with his brilliant humor and sensibility is the perfect fit. We look forward to developing this project together with this incredible team.”
Visit www.ArchieMusical.com for more information and to sign-up for updates. Follow the development of the Archie musical on all social media channels @ArchieMusical
ABOUT ARCHIE COMICS:
Archie Comics is the leading mass market comic book publisher in the world and the home to a wide array of the most popular humor, action-adventure and superhero characters in entertainment, including Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Reggie, Kevin Keller, Josie and the Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Afterlife With Archie, the Dark Circle Comics superhero characters (The Black Hood, The Fox, The Shield and more), Li’l Jinx and many more. Archie Comics have sold over 2 billion comics worldwide and are published around the world in a number of languages. In addition to comics, Archie characters have been featured prominently in animation, television, film and music. Follow Archie Comics on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and the Archie Comics Store.
About ADAM McKAY
Adam McKay is a writer, director, and producer who is best known for directing the Anchorman films, Talladega Nights and Step Brothers, all of which he also co-wrote with longtime partner Will Ferrell. He is a former head writer of “Saturday Night Live,” one of the founding members of the Upright Citizens Brigade and the co-creator of the largest comedy website in the world, Funny Or Die. On Broadway, McKay directed the Tony Award-nominated You’re Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush. Most recently he wrote and directed an adaptation of Michael Lewis’ bestseller The Big Short, starring Brad Pitt and Christian Bale and was credited as a writer on Marvel’s Ant-Man.
About FUNNY OR DIE
Funny Or Die launched in April 2007 and has grown into a premier comedy brand and production studio known for creating award-winning, high-quality content with a global audience of more than 70 million. Funny Or Die’s social media division produces content for over 15 platforms and is the #1 comedy brand on both Twitter and Facebook. Funny Or Die is the top destination for celebrity-driven comedy videos and highly topical political commentary. Funny Or Die's founders are Gary Sanchez Productions (Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, and Chris Henchy), and Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Judd Apatow is also a principal partner.
About TRIPTYK STUDIOS
TriptykStudios makes works for theater, film, television, web and arts education, and is led by producer TARA SMITH and writer-producers B. SWIBEL & ADAM WESTBROOK. Recent select theater work includes Tony-winning hit An American in Paris; the award-winning hit Xanadu; Broadway smash You're Welcome America from Will Ferrell and Adam McKay; the critically acclaimed revival of The Seagull starring Carey Mulligan; The Performers starring Henry Winkler; NY Times Critic’s pick My Daughter Keeps Our Hammer. Triptyk premieres Amelie, a new musical, starring Samantha Barks, at Berkley Repertory this summer, before seeing Xanadu make its London premiere this October. They recently announced the new Stevie Wonder musical, Freedom Run, with NBC/Universal Stage.
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