2015 Creative Arts Emmy Award Winners - Complete List

The Creative Arts Emmys are a class of Emmy Awards.  They recognize technical and other similar achievements in American television programming and honor behind-the-scenes personnel.  This includes art directors, costume designers, cinematographers, casting directors, and sound editors.  The Creative Arts category also includes awards for outstanding animated programs and guest acting.

Both the Primetime and Daytime awards each present their own Creative Arts Emmys at separate Creative Arts ceremonies prior to their respective main ceremonies.

The 2015 Creative Arts Emmys were handed out Saturday night, September 12, 2015 at the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles, which is also the site of next Sunday's Primetime Emmys.  The Creative Arts awards show took place just over a week before the 2015 Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, which will be held, Sunday, September 20, 2015.

The 2015 Creative Arts Emmys are the first ceremony of the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards.  An edited two and a half-hour version of the Creative Arts Emmys award show will air on FXX on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 8pm ET/PT, with an encore at 10:30 pm ET/PT.

“Bessie,” an HBO television biopic about the great blues singer, Bessie Smith, starring Queen Latifah in the title role, was honored as best made-for-TV movie at the Creative Arts Emmy awards show.

[September 21, 2015 Update:  The Primetime Emmy Award winners.]

2015 Creative Arts Emmy Awards: a complete list of winners (WINNERS in bold text):

Outstanding Television Movie
Agatha Christie’s Poirot: Curtain, Poirot’s Last Case (Acorn TV)
Bessie (HBO) *WINNER
Grace of Monaco (Lifetime)
Hello Ladies: The Movie (HBO)
Killing Jesus (National Geographic Channel)
Nightingale (HBO)

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Mel Brooks as Himself on The Comedians (FX)
Louis C.K. as Various Characters on Saturday Night Live  (NBC)
Paul Giamatti as Juror #10 on Inside Amy Schumer (Comedy Central)
Bill Hader as Various Characters on Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Jon Hamm as Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
Bradley Whitford as Marcy May on Transparent  (Amazon) *WINNER

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Pamela Adlon as Pamela on Louie (FX)
Elizabeth Banks as Sal on Modern Family (ABC)
Christine Baranski as Dr. Beverly Hofstadter on The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Joan Cusack as Sheila Jackson on Shameless (Showtime) *WINNER
Tina Fey as Marcia Clark on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
Gaby Hoffmann as Caroline Sackler on Girls  (HBO)

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
F. Murray Abraham as Dar Adal on Homeland (Showtime)
Alan Alda as Alan Fitch on The Blacklist (NBC)
Beau Bridges as Provost Barton Scully on Masters of Sex (Showtime)
Reg E. Cathey as Freddy Hayes on House of Cards (Netflix) *WINNER
Michael J. Fox as Louis Canning on The Good Wife (CBS)
Pablo Schreiber as George “Pornstache” Mendez on Orange is the New Black (Netflix)

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Khandi Alexander as Maya Lewis on Scandal (ABC)
Rachel Brosnahan as Rachel Posner on House of Cards (Netflix)
Allison Janney as Margaret Scully on Masters of Sex (Showtime)
Margo Martindale as Claudia on The Americans (FX) *WINNER
Diana Rigg as Lady Olenna Tyrell on Game of Thrones (HBO)
Cicely Tyson as Ophelia Hartness on How to Get Away With Murder (ABC)

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance
Hank Azaria as Moe Szyslak and Pedicab Driver on The Simpsons (Fox) *WINNER
Dan Castellaneta as Homer Simpson on The Simpsons (Fox)
Seth Green as Various Characters on Robot Chicken (Cartoon Network)
Seth MacFarlane as Brian Griffin, Peter Griffin, Stewie Griffin, and Dr. Elmer Hartman on Family Guy  (Fox)
Tress MacNeille as Laney Fontaine, Shauna, and Mrs. Muntz on The Simpsons (Fox)
John Roberts as Linda Belcher and Tim on Bob’s Burgers (Fox)

Outstanding Narrator
Peter Coyote on The Roosevelts: An Intimate History (PBS) *WINNER
Neil deGrasse Tyson on Hubble’s Cosmic Journey (Nat Geo)
Anthony Mendez on Jane the Virgin (The CW)
Miranda Richardson on Operation Orangutan (Nat Geo)
Henry Strozier on Too Cute! (Animal Planet)

Outstanding Animated Program
Archer (Episode: “Pocket Listing”) (FX)
Bob’s Burgers (Episode: “Can’t Buy Me Math”) (Fox)
Over the Garden Wall (Cartoon Network) *WINNER
The Simpsons (Episode: “Treehouse of Horror XXV”) (Fox)
South Park (Episode: “Freemium Isn’t Free”) (Comedy Central)

Outstanding Short-Format Animated Program
Adventure Time (Episode: “Jake the Brick”) (Cartoon Network) *WINNER
Mickey Mouse (Episode: “Mumbai Madness”) (Disney Channel)
Regular Show (Episode: “White Elephant Gift Exchange”) (Cartoon Network)
Robot Chicken (Episode: “Chipotle Miserable”) (Adult Swim)
Steven Universe (Episode: “Lion 3: Straight to Video”) (Cartoon Network)
Wander Over Yonder (Episode: “The Gift 2: The Giftening”) (Disney XD)

Outstanding Children’s Program
Alan Alda And The Actor Within You: A YoungArts Masterclass (HBO) *WINNER
Degrassi (Nickelodeon)
Dog With a Blog (Disney Channel)
Girl Meets World (Disney Channel)
Nick News With Linda Ellerbee: Coming Out (Nickelodeon)

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series
Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Downton Abbey (PBS) *WINNER
Game of Thrones (HBO)
The Knick  (Cinemax)
Mad Men (AMC)

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series or Special
Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
Key & Peele (Comedy Central)
Saturday Night Live (NBC) *WINNER
So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)
The Voice (NBC)

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Limited Series or Movie
American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX) *WINNER
Bessie (HBO)
Grace of Monaco (Lifetime)
Olive Kitteridge (HBO)
The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe (Lifetime)

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
Tom Bergeron for Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
Anthony Bourdain for The Taste (ABC)
Cat Deeley for So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn for Project Runway (Lifetime)
Jane Lynch for Hollywood Game Night (NBC) *WINNER

Outstanding Main Title Design
American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX)
Bosch (Aamazon)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC)
Manhattan (WGN America) *WINNER
Marvel’s Daredevil (Netflix)
Olive Kitteridge (HBO)

Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music
The Dovekeepers (CBS)
Marco Polo (Netflix)
Texas Rising (History)
Transparent (Amazon) *WINNER

Outstanding Makeup For A Limited Series Or A Movie (Non-Prosthetic)
American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX) *WINNER
Bessie (HBO)
Houdini (History Channel)
Olive Kitteridge (HBO)
The Secret Life Of Marilyn Monroe (Lifetime)

Outstanding Makeup For A Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic)
Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Game Of Thrones (HBO) *WINNER
The Knick (Cinemax)
Mad Men (AMC)
Sons Of Anarchy (FX)

Outstanding Makeup For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special (Non-Prosthetic)
Dancing With The Stars (ABC)
Key & Peele (Comedy Central)
The Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special (NBC) *WINNER
So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)

Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup For A Series, Limited Series, Movie Or A Special
American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX) *WINNER
Boardwalk Empire
Game Of Thrones
The Knick
Penny Dreadful
The Walking Dead

Outstanding Picture Editing For Reality Programming
The Amazing Race (CBS)
Deadliest Catch (Discover Channel) *WINNER
Project Runway (Lifetime)
Project Runway All Stars (Lifetime)
Shark Tank (ABC)

Outstanding Picture Editing For Variety Programming
The Colbert Report (Comedy Central) *WINNER
CONAN (TBS)
Key & Peele (Comedy Central)
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (HBO)
Late Show With David Letterman (CBS)

Outstanding Picture Editing For Nonfiction Programming
The Case Against 8 (HBO)
Citizenfour (HBO)
Going Clear: Scientology And The Prison Of Belief (HBO)
The Jinx (HBO) *WINNER
Kurt Cobain: Montage Of Heck (HBO)

Outstanding Costumes for a Period/Fantasy Series, Limited Series or Movie
American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX)
Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Downton Abbey (PBS) *WINNER
Game of Thrones (HBO)
Wolf Hall (PBS)

Outstanding Costumes for a Contemporary Series, Limited Series or Movie
Empire (“The Lyon’s Roar) (Fox)
Empire (“Pilot”) (Fox)
Gotham (Fox)
The Mindy Project (Fox)
Olive Kitteridge (HBO)
Transparent (Amazon) *WINNER

Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Fantasy/Contemporary Program (One Hour or More)
Constantine (NBC)
Game of Thrones (HBO) *WINNER
Gotham (Fox)
House of Cards (Netflix)
True Blood (HBO)

Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period Program (One Hour or More) - TIE
Boardwalk Empire (HBO) *WINNER – TIE
Downton Abbey (PBS)
Mad Men (AMC)
Masters of Sex (Showtime)
The Knick (Cinemax) *WINNER – TIE

Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half Hour or Less)
2 Broke Girls (CBS)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Hot in Cleveland (TV Land)
Silicon Valley (HBO) *WINNER
Transparent (Amazon)

Outstanding Production Design for a Variety, Reality or Nonfiction Program
57th Annual Grammy Awards (CBS)
Peter Pan Live! (NBC)
Portlandia (IFC) *WINNER
The Oscars (ABC)
The Voice (NBC)

Outstanding Commercial
“Brady Bunch” – Snickers
“Dream On” – Adobe
“#LikeAGirl” – Always *WINNER
“Lost Dog” – Budweiser
“Made in NY” – Gatorade
“With Dad” – Nissan

Outstanding Music Direction
Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas (NBC)
The Kennedy Center Honors (CBS)
The Oscars (ABC)
Peter Pan Live! (NBC)
Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life (CBS) *WINNER
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (Live From Lincoln Center) (PBS)

Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score)
Chef’s Table (Netflix)
House of Cards (Netflix) *WINNER
Outlander (Starz)
The Paradise (PBS)
Penny Dreadful (Showtime)
Tyrant (Fx)

Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie or Special
American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX)
Away and Back (Hallmark Channel)
Bessie (HBO) *WINNER

Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics
The Comedians (FX)
Glee (Fox)
How Murray Saved Christmas (NBC)
Inside Amy Schumer (Comedy Central) *WINNER
The Oscars (ABC)
Sons Of Anarchy (FX)

Outstanding Structured Reality Program
Antiques Roadshow (PBS)
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives (Food Network)
MythBusters (Discovery Channel)
Property Brothers (HGTV)
Shark Tank (ABC) *WINNER
Undercover Boss (CBS)

Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program
Alaska: The Last Frontier (Discovery Channel)
Deadliest Catch (Discovery Channel) *WINNER
Intervention (A&E)
Million Dollar Listing New York (Bravo)
Naked and Afraid (Discovery Channel)
Wahlburgers (A&E)

Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special
Key & Peele Superbowl Special (Comedy Central)
Louis C.K.: Live at the Comedy Store (LouisCK.net) *WINNER
Mel Brooks Live at the Geffen (HBO)
72nd Annual Golden Globes (NBC)
The Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special (NBC)

Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special
68th Annual Tony Awards (CBS)
Annie Lennox: Nostalgia Live In Concert (PBS)
The Kennedy Center Honors (CBS)
The Oscars (ABC)
The Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special (NBC) *WINNER

Outstanding Variety Special
Bill Maher: Live from D.C. (HBO)
The Kennedy Center Honors (CBS)
Louis C.K.: Live at the Comedy Store (LouisCK.net)
Mel Brooks: Live at the Geffen (HBO)
Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special (NBC) *WINNER
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek Live! (PBS)

Outstanding Informational Series or Special
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (CNN) *WINNER
Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways (HBO)
Inside the Actors Studio (Bravo)
StarTalk (Nat Geo)
Vice (HBO)

Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
American Masters (PBS)
Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies (PBS)
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (HBO) *WINNER
The Roosevelts: An Intimate History (PBS)
The Sixties (CNN)

Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special
The Case Against 8 (HBO)
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (HBO) *WINNER
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (HBO)
Sinatra: All or Nothing at All (HBO)
Virunga (Netflix)

Outstanding Special Class Program
68th Tony Awards (CBS)
72nd Golden Globe Awards (NBC)
87th Academy Awards (ABC)
Live from Lincoln Center – Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in Concert with the New York Philharmonic (PBS) *WINNER
On the Run Tour: Beyoncé and Jay Z (HBO)

Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program
Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis (funnyordie.com) *WINNER
Billy on the Street (funnyordie.com)
Childrens Hospital (Adult Swim)
Key & Peele Presents Van and Mike: The Ascension (comedycentral.com)
Super Bowl XLIX: Halftime Show Starring Katy Perry (NBC)

Outstanding Short-Format Nonfiction Program
30 for 30 Shorts (ESPN)
American Horror Story: Extra-Ordinary Artists (FX Networks)
Parks and Recreation: Behind the Final Season (NBC)
Transparent: This Is Me (ew.com)
A Tribute to Mel Brooks (FX Networks) *WINNER

Outstanding Interactive Program
@midnight with Chris Hardwick (Comedy Central)
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (HBO) *WINNER
Saturday Night Live: SNL 40 (NBC)
Talking Dead (AMC)
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC)

Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking
Citizenfour (HBO) *WINNER
The Great Invisible (PBS)
Hot Girls Wanted (Netflix)

Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series
Louie (FX)
Modern Family (ABC)
Transparent (Amazon)
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
Veep (HBO) *WINNER

Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
Downton Abbey (PBS)
Game of Thrones (HBO) *WINNER
House of Cards (Netflix)
Mad Men (AMC)
Orange is the New Black (Netflix)

Outstanding Casting for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special
American Crime (ABC)
American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX)
Bessie (HBO)
Olive Kitteridge (HBO) *WINNER
Wolf Hall (PBS)

Outstanding Choreography
Witney Carson for Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, and Tessandra Chavez for Dancing with the Stars (ABC) *WINNER – TIE
Spencer Liff for So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)
Sonya Tayeh for So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)
Travis Wall for So You Think You Can Dance (Fox) *WINNER – TIE

Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series
2 Broke Girls – Christian La Fountaine (Episode: “And the Old Bike Yarn”) (CBS)
The Big Bang Theory – Steven V. Silver (Episode: “The Expedition Approximation”) (CBS)
Mike & Molly – Gary Baum (Episode: “Checkpoint Joyce”) (CBS) *WINNER
The Millers – Gary Baum (Episode: “Con-Troversy”) (CBS)

Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series
Boardwalk Empire – Jonathan Freeman (Episode: “Golden Days for Boys and Girls”) (HBO) *WINNER
Game of Thrones – Anette Haellmigk (Episode: “Sons of the Harpy”) (HBO)
Game of Thrones – Rob McLachlan (Episode: “The Dance of Dragons”) (HBO)
Game of Thrones – Greg Middleton (Episode: “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken”) (HBO)
Game of Thrones – Fabian Wagner (Episode: “Hardhome”) (HBO)
The Good Wife – Fred Murphy (Episode: “The Line”) (CBS)
House of Cards – Martin Ahlgren (Episode: “Chapter 29”) (Netflix)

Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series or Movie
American Horror Story: Freak Show – Michael Goi (Episode: “Monsters Among Us”) (HBO)
Bessie – Jeffrey Jur (HBO) *WINNER
Houdini – Karl Walter Lindenlaub (Episode: “Part 1”) (History)
The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe – Chris Manley (Lifetime)

Outstanding Cinematography for Nonfiction Programming
Citizenfour – Laura Poitras (HBO)
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief – Sam Painter (HBO)
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst – Marc Smerling (Episode: “Chapter 2: Poor Little Rich Boy”) (HBO)
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck – James Whitaker (HBO)
Virunga – Franklin Dow (Netflix) *WINNER

Outstanding Cinematography for Reality Programming
The Amazing Race (CBS)
Deadliest Catch (Discovery Channel) *WINNER
Life Below Zero (Nat Geo)
Project Runway (Lifetime)
Survivor (CBS)

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series
Better Call Saul (Episode: “Five-O”) (AMC)
Better Call Saul (Episode: “Marco”) (AMC)
Game of Thrones (Episode: “Hardhome”) (HBO)
Game of Thrones (Episode: “The Dance of Dragons”) (HBO) *WINNER
Mad Men (AMC)

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series
Inside Amy Schumer (Comedy Central)
The Last Man on Earth (Fox)
Silicon Valley (Episode: “Two Days of the Condor”) (HBO) *WINNER
Silicon Valley (Episode: “Sand Hill Shuffle”) (HBO)
Transparent (Amazon)

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Limited Series or Movie
24: Live Another Day (Fox)
American Crime (ABC)
Houdini (History)
Olive Kitteridge (HBO) *WINNER
Wolf Hall (PBS)

Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series
2 Broke Girls (CBS)
The Big Bang Theory(CBS) *WINNER
Hot in Cleveland (TV Land)
Mike & Molly (CBS)

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series
Black Sails  (Starz)
Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Game of Thrones  (HBO) *WINNER
Gotham (Fox)
Marvel’s Daredevil (Netflix)
The Walking Dead  (AMC)

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special
24: Live Another Day  (Fox)
American Crime (ABC)
American Horror Story: Freak Show  (FX)
Houdini (History) *WINNER
Texas Rising (History)

Outstanding Sound Editing for Nonfiction Programming (Single or Multi-Camera)
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (CNN)
Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways  (HBO) *WINNER
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (HBO)
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (HBO)
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (HBO)

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)
Better Call Saul (AMC)
Downton Abbey (PBS)
Game of Thrones (HBO) *WINNER
Homeland (Showtime)
House of Cards (Netflix)

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or Movie
American Crime (ABC)
American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX)
Bessie (HBO) *WINNER
Houdini (History)
Texas Rising (History)

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation
Modern Family (Episode: “Connection Lost”) (ABC) *WINNER
Parks and Recreation (Episode: “One Last Ride”) (NBC)
Silicon Valley (Episode: “Server Space”) (HBO)
The Simpsons (Episode: “Simpsorama”) (Fox)
Veep (Episode: “Mommy Meyer”) (HBO)

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special
57th Grammy Awards (CBS)
87th Academy Awards (ABC)
Late Show with David Letterman (Episode: “Show 4214”) (CBS)
Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special (NBC) *WINNER
The Voice (Episode: “Finale Results”) (NBC)

Outstanding Sound Mixing for Nonfiction Programming
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (Episode: “Jamaica”) (CNN)
Deadliest Catch (Episode: “Lost at Sea”) (Discovery Channel)
Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways (Episode: “Seattle”) (HBO) *WINNER
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (HBO)
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (Episode: “Chapter 2: Poor Little Rich Boy”) (HBO)
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (HBO)

Outstanding Special Visual Effects
Black Sails (Starz)
The Flash (The CW)
Game of Thrones (HBO) *WINNER
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC)
Vikings (History)

Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role
American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX) *WINNER
Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Gotham (Fox)
Marvel’s Daredevil (Netflix)
The Walking Dead (AMC)

Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or Variety Program
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox) *WINNER
Community (Yahoo!)
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX)
Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)

Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series, or Movie
The Blacklist (NBC)
Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Game of Thrones (HBO) *WINNER
Sons of Anarchy (FX)
The Walking Dead (AMC)

Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Series
The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)
Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
Late Show with David Letterman (CBS)
Saturday Night Live (NBC) *WINNER
The Voice (Episode: “Episode 718B”) (NBC)

Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special
68th Tony Awards (CBS)
87th Academy Awards (ABC) *WINNER
The Kennedy Center Honors (CBS)
Peter Pan Live! (NBC)
Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special (NBC)

Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming
American Experience  (PBS)
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (CNN)
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (HBO) *WINNER
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (HBO)
The Roosevelts: An Intimate History (PBS)

Outstanding Lighting Design / Lighting Direction for a Variety Series
American Idol (Fox)
Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
Late Show with David Letterman (CBS)
Saturday Night Live (NBC)
So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)
The Voice (NBC) *WINNER

Outstanding Lighting Design / Lighting Direction for a Variety Special
57th Grammy Awards (CBS)
87th Academy Awards (ABC)
Dancing with the Stars: 10th Anniversary Special (ABC)
Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special (NBC)
Super Bowl XLIX: Halftime Show Starring Katy Perry (NBC) *WINNER

---------------------------------------

Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of September 6th to 12th, 2015 - Updated #14

Support Leroy on Patreon.

NEWS:

From Variety:  Oscar winner A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) has a "fatwa" issue against him.

---------------
From Deadline:  2 people die in a plane crash on set of Tom Cruise's movie "Mena."

---------------
From YahooMovies:  Michael Moore unveils his new film, "Where to Invade Next," at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.

---------------
From YahooTV:  "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new stamp collection and new ABC special.

---------------
From Vulture:  Ronda Rousey is set to be the lead in a remake of the Patrick Swayze flick, "Road House."

---------------
From Variety:  Tom Cruise joins Doug Liman for sci-fi film, "Luna Park."

----------------
From Variety:  Christopher Nolan's next film, of which nothing is known, is due from Warner Bros. in July 2017.

---------------
From ThePlaylist:  Jamie Foxx heads to Edgar Wright's "Baby Driver," which might not show up until 2017.

---------------
From TheHollywoodNews:  Grammy winner Sam Smith is apparently going to sing the theme song from the upcoming James Bond film, Spectre.

---------------
From BenBussey:  Marcus Dunstan talks about his Halloween franchise re-calibration, "Halloween Returns."

---------------
From RollingStone:  Danny Boyle says "Trainspotting 2" is his next film.

---------------
From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 9/4 to 9/6/2015 weekend box office is the religiously-themed film, "War Room," with an estimated take of $9.3 million.  In its debut weekend last week, War Room finished second to "Straight Outta Compton."  The weekend "Compton" finished second with a take of $8.8 million.

---------------
From THR:  Hugh Jackman says that he would consider playing James Bond.

---------------
From Variety:  On Michael Fassbender as Steve Jobs in the Danny Boyle biopic.


COMICS - Movies and Books:

From ScreenRant:  15 superhero TV shows that almost were.


OBITS:

From DeadlineHollywood:  The actor, Martin Milner, has died at the age of 83.  Milner was best known for his role as "Pete Malloy" on the popular TV cop series, "Adam-12."  Milner was also known for his lead role as "Tod Stiles" on the classic series, "Route 66."

I am a big fan of "Adam-12," and discovered "Route 66" a few years ago.  I wish to express my condolences to Milner's family.  R.I.P. Martin Milner, and "End of watch, Pete Malloy."

Richard Armitage and Michelle Forbes Announced for Epix's "Berlin Station"

Epix Announces Richard Armitage for Lead and Michelle Forbes as Newest Additions to the Cast of Berlin Station – the Network’s Original Spy Series

A Modern-day Thriller Produced by Paramount TV and Anonymous Content – Debuts Fall 2016

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Premium TV network EPIX® announced today that Richard Armitage (The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, “Hannibal”) has been cast as the lead in Berlin Station, the 10-part contemporary spy series produced by Paramount TV and Anonymous Content. Armitage will portray Daniel Meyer, the cerebral, newly-anointed CIA case officer who goes from being an analyst at Langley to an undercover agent in Berlin tasked with finding an informant. Also joining the ensemble cast is Emmy® Award nominee Michelle Forbes (“The Killing,” “True Blood,” The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2) in the role of Valerie Edwards, the no-nonsense administrator who serves as a Berlin Station Section Head.

    “We are honored to have them join this stellar cast and that they will be taking on these intricate roles.”

Previously announced castings include: Academy Award® nominee Richard Jenkins (The Visitor) as Steven Frost, a veteran of the Cold War who serves as the CIA’s Chief of the Berlin Station; and BAFTA Award-winner Rhys Ifans (The Amazing Spider-Man, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 1, “Elementary,” Notting Hill) as Case Officer Hector DeJean, the darkly charming, tenacious agent who mentors Meyer.

Michaël Roskam (Bullhead, The Drop) will executive produce the straight-to-series order and direct the first two episodes. New York Times best-selling spy novelist Olen Steinhauer (The Tourist, All The Old Knives, The Cairo Affair), who wrote the first episode, will write and executive produce the series. Brad Winters (“Dig,” “The Americans,” “Boss,” “Oz") is serving as the showrunner and will executive produce. Other executive producers for the series include Academy Award® winner Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Insider, Munich, “House of Cards”), and Steve Golin, Kerry Kohansky-Roberts, Keith Redmon and Luke Rivett from Anonymous Content (“True Detective,” “The Knick,” “Mr. Robot”).

“We are very happy to have found our ‘Daniel’ to join this incredible ensemble cast,” said Mark S. Greenberg, President and CEO of EPIX. “Richard is a singular talent who has the presence and attitude to bring this character and story to life. We are also honored that Michelle has joined Berlin Station. She is a gifted actor who embodies the richness of character pivotal to the show. This venture is an exciting step in the network’s continued commitment to bringing our viewers smart, sophisticated offerings that have a broad appeal.”

"Both Richard and Michelle are enormously talented actors who exhibit an on-screen intensity and passion that viewers respond to because of their intellect and ability to let transformation overcome their characters," said Amy Powell, President, Paramount TV. "We are honored to have them join this stellar cast and that they will be taking on these intricate roles."

Production on the series is scheduled to begin this Fall and premiere on EPIX in Fall 2016.

Berlin Station follows Daniel Meyer, who has just arrived at the CIA foreign station in Berlin, Germany. Meyer has a clandestine mission: to uncover the source of a leak who has supplied information to a now-famous whistleblower named “Thomas Shaw." Guided by jaded veteran Hector DeJean, Daniel learns to contend with the rough-and-tumble world of the field agent—agent-running, deception, the dangers and moral compromises. As he dives deeper into the German capital's hall of mirrors and uncovers the threads of a conspiracy that leads back to Washington, Daniel wonders: Can anyone ever be the same after a posting to Berlin?

Richard Armitage boasts a diverse resume in film, television and the stage, gaining momentum on UK shows including “MI-5”’ and “Robin Hood.” He achieved international recognition with his performance in the 2011 box office smash ‘Captain America: The First Avenger opposite Chris Evans and Hugo Weaving before following it up with his iconic performance as ‘Thorin’ in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy, which has grossed over $1 billion to date.

Armitage’s other recent leading roles include John Swetnam’s Into the Storm for New Line, alongside Sarah Wayne Callie and Jeremy Sumpter, as well as Elliot Lester’s independent feature, Sleepwalker, opposite Ahna O’Reilly. This spring, Richard was seen in a recurring role on NBC’s “Hannibal” and just wrapped shooting in Ireland and Belgium for Pilgrimage opposite Tom Holland.

Armitage also returned to the stage this year, delivering a critically acclaimed performance as the lead of Arthur Miller’s modern drama, The Crucible, at the Old Vic Theatre.

Armitage is represented by WME, the law firm Sloane, Offer, Webber and Dern, LLP and Management 360.

Michelle Forbes’ recent portrayal of a grief-stricken mother in the AMC series “The Killing” earned her an Emmy® nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Prior to that, Forbes starred in the groundbreaking Alan Ball series “True Blood” for HBO. Additionally, she starred as Kate Weston in the HBO series “In Treatment,” opposite Gabriel Byrne and Dianne Wiest.

Forbes can next be seen in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 for Lionsgate and just completed a one-season role in the A&E drama series “The Returned” (based on the hugely popular French series “Les Revenants”) from executive producers Carlton Cuse and Raelle Tucker.

Forbes also recurs in the acclaimed BBC series “Orphan Black” opposite Tatiana Maslany.

Forbes is represented by UTA.


About EPIX
EPIX® is a premium movie and original programming entertainment service delivering the latest movie releases, classic film franchises, original documentaries, comedy and music events on TV, on demand, online and on devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX has pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access online at EPIX.com and was the first premium network to launch on XBox 360, PlayStation® 3 and 4, Android phones and tablets, Windows 8.1 and Roku® players. EPIX is available to authenticated subscribers on hundreds of devices including Chromecast and Apple® iPads® and iPhones® and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter and Periscope @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).

About Paramount Television
Paramount Television develops and finances a wide range of creative television programming across all media platforms. Paramount Television is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a subsidiary of Viacom (NASDAQ:VIAB, VIA), a global content company with premier television, film and digital entertainment brands.

--------------------

Paramount Pictures Announces One-Night-Only Event for "Captive"

BE THE FIRST TO SEE “CAPTIVE” AT ONE-NIGHT-ONLY “CAPTIVE: NIGHT OF PURPOSE” EVENTS AT THEATERS ACROSS THE U.S. ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH

EXPERIENCE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AND CONVERSATIONS WITH THE FILM’S CAST AND FILMMAKERS

HOLLYWOOD, CA – Paramount Pictures is giving moviegoers an opportunity to experience the upcoming film “CAPTIVE” before its theatrical release with special “CAPTIVE: NIGHT OF PURPOSE” events. These one-night-only events tell the inspiring real-life story of Ashley Smith and convicted criminal Brian Nichols and will take place on Thursday, September 17th, 2015 starting at 7:00 p.m. at participating theaters across the U.S.

“CAPTIVE: NIGHT OF PURPOSE” will feature advance screenings of the film, followed by exclusive content and conversations moderated by Gayle King with the film’s stars David Oyelowo and Kate Mara, producer Terry Botwick and Brian Nichols’ mother, Claritha Nichols.

For more information, to purchase tickets, and for a list of participating theaters, visit http://captivemovieresources.com/nightofpurpose

“CAPTIVE,” based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is the dramatic, thrilling, and spiritual journey of Ashley Smith and Brian Nichols.  After being taken hostage by Brian in her own apartment, Ashley turns to Rick Warren’s inspirational book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” for guidance. In reading from the book, Ashley not only finds purpose in her own life, but helps Brian find a more peaceful resolution to a harrowing situation.

The film stars David Oyelowo, Kate Mara, Leonor Varela, Jessica Oyelowo, with Mimi Rogers and Michael K. Williams.

Directed by veteran filmmaker Jerry Jameson, “CAPTIVE” is based on the book “Unlikely Angel” by Ashley Smith with Stacy Mattingly. The film’s screenplay is by Brian Bird. Produced by Terry Botwick, Jerry Jameson, Lucas Akoskin, Alex Garcia, Katrina Wolfe, David Oyelowo and Ken Wales. The executive producers are Santiago Garcia Galván, Jonathan Gray, Brian Bird, Elliott Lester and Ralph Winter.

“CAPTIVE” opens in theaters on September 18th, 2015.


About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

--------------------------

Actress Ming-Na Wen to Appear at 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con

Baltimore Comic-Con Welcomes Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Ming-Na Wen

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - Come to the Baltimore Comic-Con at the Baltimore Convention Center this September 25-27, 2015. The three-day extravaganza just keeps getting better and better -- have you purchased your tickets? Now's the perfect time, because the Baltimore Comic-Con is overjoyed to announce our latest guest addition, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star Ming-Na Wen!

Ming-Na first won attention with her touching and critically acclaimed performance as June in the feature film The Joy Luck Club. But she is most noted for her portrayal of Dr. Jing-Mei Chen on the hit show "ER." Other series have included SGU Stargate Universe and Eureka.

Ming-Na received the first contract role for an Asian-American actor in a daytime drama when she won the part of Lien Hughes on As the World Turns. Other television credits include Law and Order SVU, Boston Legal, The George Lopez Show, Private Practice, and Two and a Half Men.

The diverse actress proved she was able to play more than the gentle wallflower June in The Joy Luck Club, when she tackled the roles of Chun-Li, the butt-kicking female lead in Streetfighter; and as the sex-hungry wife Mimi in director Mike Figgis' film One Night Stand.

Ming-Na is proud to be the title voice of Mulan, Disney's animated feature (for which she won an Annie Award) as well as the lead voice of Aki Ross in the stunning CGI animated film Final Fantasy. The talented actress has also has lent her voice for the shows Phineus and Ferb and Ni Hao Kai Lan, as well as documentaries and children's books.

Ming can currently be seen as Agent Melinda "The Cavalry" May, one of the leads of  "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on ABC. She will also be seen in the upcoming Blumhouse feature film 6 Miranda Drive opposite Kevin Bacon.

Ming-Na has been included in People magazine's list of the 50 most beautiful people; was named one of the 100 most influential Asian Americans of the past decade by A. Magazine; and was inducted into the Committee of 100.

"We've been working to get Ming-Na as a guest this year for a while," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "The planets finally aligned, and we are ecstatic to be able to announce her attendance in September. She has done such fantastic work, from dramatic roles to action adventure, and we love Agent May! We know her fans will be lining up to get to meet her in a few short weeks!"

EDWARD JAMES OLMOS CANCELLATION
Unfortunately, Edward James Olmos has had to cancel his upcoming appearance at the Baltimore Comic-Con due to a work conflict. We look forward to welcoming him back to a future show.

TICKETS
General Admission and VIP Package tickets for Weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as the Harvey Awards, are now on sale! Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets now, and as always, kids 10 and under get into the show free with a paid adult General Admission!

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
While they are available, be sure to take advantage of discount rate arrangements we have made with hotels near the Baltimore Convention Center. For all the details, see: http://baltimorecomiccon.com/about/hotels/

Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com- for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com- for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries


About BOOM! Studios
Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent. BOOM! Studios is comprised of four distinct imprints. The original Studios imprint is home to Mike Carey's Suicide Risk; James Tynion IV's The Woods; Mark Waid's Irredeemable; Sons of Anarchy; and Big Trouble in Little China. Steven Grant's graphic novel 2 Guns was released as a feature film from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!'s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' Peanuts; Jim Davis' Garfield; Cartoon Network's Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Steven Universe; Mike Kunkel's Herobear and the Kid; and Natasha Allegri's Bee and PuppyCat. BOOM!'s experimental imprint BOOM! Box publishes The Midas Flesh and Lumberjanes. In June 2013, BOOM! acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com). Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of Mouse Guard, Cow Boy, Gunnerkrigg Court, Rust, and Jim Henson's Tale of Sand. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films. In August 2014, BOOM! Studios began a similar first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox TV to develop properties for the small screen.

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 16th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 10 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

------------------------

Spike Lee Among Recipients of 2015 Governors Awards

Spike Lee, Debbie Reynolds And Gena Rowlands To Receive Academy’s 2015 Governors Awards

The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted Tuesday night (August 25, 2015) to present Honorary Awards to Spike Lee and Gena Rowlands, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Debbie Reynolds.  All three awards will be presented at the Academy’s 7th Annual Governors Awards on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

“The Board is proud to recognize our honorees’ remarkable contributions at this year’s Governors Awards,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs.  “We’ll be celebrating their achievements with the knowledge that the work they have accomplished – with passion, dedication and a desire to make a positive difference – will also enrich future generations.”

Spike Lee, a champion of independent film and an inspiration to young filmmakers, made an auspicious debut with his NYU thesis film, “Joe’s Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads,” which won a Student Academy Award® in 1983.  He proceeded to blaze a distinctive trail with such features as “She’s Gotta Have It,” “School Daze” and “Do the Right Thing,” which earned him a 1989 Oscar® nomination for Original Screenplay.  His work as a director ranges from the Oscar-nominated documentary feature “4 Little Girls” to such mainstream successes as “Malcolm X” and “Inside Man.”  Lee’s other feature credits include “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Jungle Fever,” “Crooklyn,” “He Got Game,” “25th Hour,” “Miracle at St. Anna” and “Red Hook Summer.”  He currently serves as the artistic director of the graduate film program at NYU.

Gena Rowlands, an original talent whose devotion to her craft has earned her worldwide recognition as an independent film icon, received Academy Award nominations for her lead performances in “A Woman under the Influence” (1974) and “Gloria” (1980), both directed by her husband and frequent collaborator, John Cassavetes.  She got her start on the New York stage and in live television in the 1950s and has appeared in 40 feature films to date, from “The High Cost of Loving” in 1958 to “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks,” which she starred in earlier this year.  Her other notable films include “Lonely Are the Brave,” “Faces,” “Minnie and Moskowitz,” “Opening Night,” “Another Woman,” “Unhook the Stars,” “Hope Floats,” “Playing by Heart,” “The Notebook” and “Broken English.” 

Debbie Reynolds, a Hollywood icon since she won hearts with her buoyant performance in “Singin’ in the Rain,” embarked on the role of a lifetime as a founding member of the Thalians, a charitable organization conceived and sustained by entertainers to promote awareness and treatment of mental health issues.  She served as the group’s president almost continuously from 1957 to 2011, adding numerous terms as board chair and frequently presiding over its annual fundraising gala.  Her tireless efforts have enabled the Thalians to contribute millions to the Mental Health Center at Cedars-Sinai and to UCLA’s Operation Mend, which helps military veterans recover from the physical and psychological wounds of war.  Reynolds has appeared in more than 40 feature films, including “The Tender Trap,” “A Catered Affair” and “Mother,” and received a 1964 Oscar nomination for her lead performance in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”

The Honorary Award, an Oscar statuette, is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, also an Oscar statuette, is given “to an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry.”

-------------------

Review: "Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery" Rocks

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 36 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery (2015) – Video
Running time:  79 minutes (1 hour, 19 minutes)
PRODUCERS/DIRECTORS:  Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone
WRITERS: Kevin Shinick; from a story by James Krieg and Kevin Shinick
EDITOR:  Bruce A. King
COMPOSERS:  Greg Collins and Jared Faber
ANIMATION STUDIO: Digital eMation, Inc.

ANIMATION/FANTASY/FAMILY and ACTION/COMEDY/MYSTERY

Starring:  (voices) Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, Grey DeLisle, Mindy Cohn, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer, Don McGhee, Darius Rucker, and Jason Mewes, and Kevin Smith

Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery is a 2015 straight-to-video, animated, comic mystery film.  It is also the 24th animated movie in the Scooby-Doo straight-to-video series from Warner Bros. Animation, which began in 1998 with Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.  In Rock and Roll Mystery, Mystery Inc. joins the legendary rock band, KISS, in an attempt to save an amusement park from a marauding witch.

Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery introduces KISS World, an amusement park where fans can enjoy and celebrate all things related to the legendary rock band, Kiss (stylized as KISS).  The celebrated members of Kiss:  The Demon (Gene Simmons), The Starchild (Paul Stanley), The Catman (Eric Singer), and The Spaceman (Tommy Thayer) are preparing for a big Halloween concert.  However, the scary “Crimson Witch” is haunting KISS World, screaming “Give Me Rock!” and is scaring all the visitors away.

Meanwhile, Mystery Inc. (a.k.a. “the Scooby gang”): Fred Jones (Frank Welker), Daphne Blake (Grey DeLisle), Velma Dinkley (Mindy Cohn), Shaggy Rogers (Matthew Lillard), and Scooby-Doo (Frank Welker) have traveled to KISS World to see the band, mostly because Daphne has a crush on Starchild.  When the gang discovers that there is a mystery, they insist on helping.  However, the mystery of Crimson Witch spans worlds and dimensions, so how will Scooby and his friends handle their most mind-bending case yet?

As a child, I was a fan of Kiss, although I was not particularly enamored with the band's music.  I did like the stage personas of the band's members, and I liked to imagine the band as a different kind of superhero team.  That is how this most recent Scooby-Doo straight-to-video movie, Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery, plays the band:  as a far-out, cosmic band of superheroes who use music and mystical powers to fight evil.

Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery is one of the better recent Scooby-Doo movies, specifically because of the inclusion of Kiss.  I am surprised how well Scooby and friends mesh with Kiss.  In fact, Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery reminds me of “The New Scooby-Doo Movies” (1972-1974), the Saturday morning animated series that featured Mystery Inc. teaming up with real-life celebrities and well-known animated characters to solve bigger-than-usual mysteries.  I loved that series as a child, which may be part of the appeal of this movie for me.

Still, nostalgia aside, Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery is a well made animated film.  The mystery is compelling and the last act features a cosmic-inspired battle that is almost too big for the movie.  This movie is also genuinely funny, with lots of jokes about Kiss merchandising, and the film also gets a lot of mileage out of Daphne's crush on Starchild and Fred's jealousy over it.

Music plays a big part in this movie.  It includes six Kiss songs:  “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Love Gun,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “I Was Made for Lovin' You,” “Detroit Rock City,” and “Modern Day Delilah.”  Plus, the members of Kiss take part in a joke song for the end credits, “Don't Touch My Ascot.”  The score by Greg Collins and Jared Faber takes its lead from 1970s and early 1980s hard rock, with some synthesizer-imbued music for the big cosmic battle in Kissteria (an alternate dimension).

I hope that Scooby-Doo and Kiss reunite.  The members of Kiss certainly seemed up for their voice-over performances.  If Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery is a one-off treat, I can accept that, but this deserves an encore.

8 of 10
A

Monday, September 7, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.