Friday, September 25, 2015

Amazon Announces Six Pilots for 2015 "Fall Pilot Season"

Amazon Announces Lineup for its 2015 Fall Pilot Season

Following Amazon’s five Primetime Emmy wins, six pilots will launch from acclaimed creators Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, Iron Man 3), Louis CK (Louie), Diablo Cody (Juno), Sacha Baron Cohen (The Dictator), Steven Conrad (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty), Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine), Nicole Holofcener (Enough Said), Bob Nelson (Nebraska), Tig Notaro (Boyish Girl Interrupted), Christine Vachon (Still Alice), and Nicole Yorkin & Dawn Prestwich (The Killing)

Shows feature noted talent including Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect), Flea (The Big Lebowski), Ryan Kwanten (True Blood), Shaquille O’Neal (Blended), Terry O’Quinn (Lost), Chris Parnell (Saturday Night Live), Mary Lynn Rajskub (24), Christina Ricci (Monster), and David Strathairn (The Bourne Ultimatum)

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced the lineup for its fall pilot season which is scheduled to debut later this year exclusively on Amazon Video in the US, UK, Germany and Austria. Amazon customers will find a wide-range of genres in this latest slate of pilots ranging from Good Girls Revolt, a powerful story set in 1969 about a group of young women seeking to be treated fairly and ultimately sparking changes that upend marriages, careers, love and friendship; Z, a half-hour bio-series pilot of Lost Generation legend Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald and her passionate love affair with iconic author F. Scott Fitzgerald; Highston, a family comedy about invisible celebrity friendships to Edge, a western set in the post-Civil War era where one cowboy doles out his own savage brand of justice; and more.

    “We have something for everyone in this season and I am excited to see which shows spark conversation amongst our customers and what they want to be made into series.”

Amazon customers will once again be invited to watch and provide feedback on the shows they want to see turned into full series for Prime members. All pilots will be available via the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/amazonvideo.

The new half-hour pilots premiering later this year include Highston from Bob Nelson (Nebraska), Directors Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine) and Executive Producer Sacha Baron Cohen (The Dictator); One Mississippi from Executive Producers Louis CK (Louie), Tig Notaro (Boyish Girl Interrupted), Diablo Cody (Juno) and Executive Producer/Director Nicole Holofcener (Enough Said); and Z from Dawn Prestwich (The Killing) and Nicole Yorkin (The Killing), produced by Pam Koffler and Christine Vachon (Still Alice) and directed by Tim Blake Nelson (Anesthesia). The hour-long pilots will include Edge from Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, Iron Man 3) and Fred Dekker (Tales from the Crypt, Star Trek: Enterprise); Good Girls Revolt written by Dana Calvo (Made in Jersey); and Patriot (working title) from Steven Conrad (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Weather Man).

As well, these pilots feature notable actors including Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect), Flea (The Big Lebowski), Ryan Kwanten (True Blood), Shaquille O’Neal (Blended), Terry O’Quinn (Lost), Chris Parnell (Saturday Night Live), Mary Lynn Rajskub (24), Christina Ricci (Monster), and David Strathairn (The Bourne Ultimatum).

“Our latest pilot season brings together a diverse group of shows that we think customers will really enjoy,” said Roy Price, Vice President, Amazon Studios. “We have something for everyone in this season and I am excited to see which shows spark conversation amongst our customers and what they want to be made into series.”

Amazon’s fall pilot season includes the following shows:

Edge

Based on George G. Gilman's best-selling book series of the same name, which has been described as “the most violent western in print,” Edge showcases the sly, raw power of the western genre. Set in 1868, Max Martini (Pacific Rim, Captain Phillips) stars as Josiah ‘Edge' Hedges—a Union officer turned cowboy, who prowls the post-Civil War American West doling out his own peculiar (and savage) brand of justice. When we meet Edge in the pilot, his mission is personal and his vengeance hath no fury. Edge also stars Ryan Kwanten (True Blood) as Merritt Harknett, and Yvonne Strahovski (The Astronaut Wives Club, Chuck) as Beth. Edge was developed by Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, Iron Man 3) and Fred Dekker (Tales from the Crypt, Star Trek: Enterprise), teleplay by Dekker and Black, is directed by Black, and executive produced by Black, Dekker, Barry Josephson (Bones, Turn: Washington Spies), and David Greenblatt (Battle Los Angeles).

Good Girls Revolt

In 1969, while a cultural revolution with a soundtrack to match swept through the free world, there was still one place that refused to change with the times: newsrooms. Good Girls Revolt follows a group of young female researchers at "News of the Week," who simply ask to be treated fairly. Their revolutionary request will spark convulsive changes and upend marriages, careers, sex lives, love lives, and friendships. Good Girls Revolt stars Genevieve Angelson (Backstrom) as Patti, Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect) as Jane, Erin Darke (We Need to Talk About Kevin) as Cindy, Chris Diamantopoulos (Silicon Valley) as Finn, Hunter Parrish (Weeds) as Doug, Jim Belushi (Show Me a Hero) as Wick McFadden, Joy Bryant (Parenthood) as Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Grace Gummer as Nora Ephron. A co-production with TriStar Television, Good Girls Revolt is written and created by Dana Calvo (Made in Jersey), directed by Liza Johnson (Return), and executive produced by Calvo, Lynda Obst (Interstellar), Darlene Hunt (The Big C), Don Kurt (Justified) and Jeff Okin (Dark Skies, Stanley Park). The pilot is inspired by the landmark sexual discrimination cases chronicled in Lynn Povich's book, The Good Girls Revolt.

Highston

Highston Liggetts (newcomer Lewis Pullman) is a 19-year-old with a wide circle of celebrity friends—that only he can see. His parents, Jean (Mary Lynn Rajskub, 24), and Wilbur (Chris Parnell, Saturday Night Live) force him to get psychiatric help, but his Uncle Billy (Curtis Armstrong, American Dad!) thinks he’s just fine. Highston is a comedy about what it means to be normal in a world that’s anything but. The pilot guest stars Shaquille O’Neal (Thunderstruck) and Flea (The Big Lewbowski), and is written by Oscar-nominee Bob Nelson (Nebraska), directed by Independent Spirit Award winners Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine), and executive produced by Sacha Baron Cohen (The Dictator), Todd Hoffman (Love Stinks), Nelson, and Todd Schulman (Bruno).

One Mississippi

A dark comedy, loosely inspired by Tig Notaro’s (Boyish Girl Interrupted) life, One Mississippi follows Tig as she deals with the complex reentry into her childhood hometown of Bay Saint Lucille, Mississippi, to deal with the unexpected death of her mother, the interminable life of the party, Caroline. Reeling from her own recently declining health, Tig struggles to find her footing with the loss of the one person who actually understood her, with help from her older but not always wiser brother, Remy, played by Noah Harpster (Transparent), and her emotionally distant stepfather, Bill, played by John Rothman (The Devil Wears Prada). A surprise visit from Tig’s girlfriend, Brooke, played by Casey Wilson (Gone Girl) only compounds the reality of how out of place Tig is in a world without her mother. A co-production with FX Productions, One Mississippi is written and executive produced by Notaro and Diablo Cody (Juno), executive produced by Louis CK (Louie), Blair Breard (Louie), and Dave Becky (Everybody Hates Chris), with pilot directed and executive produced by Nicole Holofcener (Enough Said).

Patriot

The political thriller Patriot follows the complicated life of intelligence officer John Tavner (Australian newcomer Michael Dorman, Wonderland). His latest assignment is to prevent Iran from going nuclear, requiring him to forgo all safety nets and assume a perilous "non-official cover" -- that of a mid-level employee at a Midwestern industrial piping firm. A bout with PTSD, the Federal government’s incompetence, and the intricacies of keeping a day job in the “front” industrial piping company, cause a barrage of ever-escalating fiascos that jeopardize Tavner’s mission. The pilot also stars Terry O’Quinn (Lost) as Tom Tavner, John's State Department Director of Intelligence father, Michael Chernus (Manhattan Project), as John's older brother Edward Tavner, a young Texas congressman, Kathleen Munroe (Call Me Fitz), as John's wife Alice, Aliette Opheim (Sandor slash Ida) as Agathe, a brilliant young homicide detective from Luxembourg hot on John's trail, and Kurtwood Smith (That 70s Show) as Mr. Claret, John's stickler of a new "boss" at the piping firm. Patriot is written and directed by Steven Conrad (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Weather Man), and executive produced by Conrad, Gil Bellows (Temple Grandin), Glen Ficarra (Crazy Stupid Love, Focus), Charlie Gogolak (Focus), and John Requa (Crazy Stupid Love, Focus).

Z

Z is a bio-series pilot based on the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, the brilliant, beautiful and talented Southern Belle who becomes the original flapper and icon of the wild, flamboyant Jazz Age in the 20s. Starring Christina Ricci (Monster) as Zelda Sayre, Z starts before she meets the unpublished writer F. Scott Fitzgerald (Gavin Stenhouse, Allegiance), and moves through their passionate, turbulent love affair and their marriage—made in heaven, lived out in hell as the celebrity couple of their time. The series travels through the wild parties, the wicked jazz, the dissolute artists of the era, as well as the alcoholism, adultery and struggle with dashed dreams and mental illness that characterizes their later years. Z dives into the fascinating life of a woman ahead of her time, an artist determined to establish her own identity in the tempestuous wake of a world-famous husband. The show pulls back the curtain on her triumphs and dark secrets. It's a modern take on one of the most notorious love stories of all time, played out in salons and speak-easies from Montgomery, Alabama to the Cote D'Azur. Z is written by Dawn Prestwich (The Killing) and Nicole Yorkin (The Killing), directed by Tim Blake Nelson (Anesthesia), and executive produced by Pamela Koffler (Still Alice) and Christine Vachon (One Hour Photo) of Killer Films, as well as Ricci. The show also guest stars David Strathairn (Good Night and Good Luck) as Judge Anthony Dickerson Sayre, Kristine Nielsen (Savages) as Minnie Sayre, Maya Kazan (The Knick) as Livye Hart, Sarah Schenkkan (30 Rock) as Eleanor Browder, Jamie Anne Allman (The Killing) as Tootsie Sayre, and Holly Curran (Alpha House) as Tilde Sayre.


About Amazon Video
Amazon Video includes tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes available on Prime Video at no additional charge to Prime members, as well as access to hundreds of thousands of titles to buy or rent. Amazon Video is the only service in the world that brings customers both of these options in one place.

Prime Video, available on Amazon Video, lets Prime members enjoy binge-worthy TV shows including Amazon Original Series airing now such as the multi-Golden Globe-winning and Emmy-winning series Transparent, Hand of God, Bosch, Catastrophe and Mozart in the Jungle as well as hit series like Sex and the City, Veep, Girls, The Sopranos, Entourage, Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Wire. Prime Video also offers members blockbuster movies such as Transformers: Age of Extinction, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Star Trek Into Darkness and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, among others. Prime members have access to a collection of kids shows including Amazon Original Series Annedroids, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and the Annecy, Annie and multi-Emmy Award-winning Tumble Leaf, as well as popular shows from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi, and Blue’s Clues.

Prime members can look forward to several new upcoming original series premiering this year, with the coming-of-age dramedy Red Oaks premiering on October 9, followed by the much anticipated adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s The Man in the High Castle on November 20, and season two of Emmy-winning Transparent December 4. Coming in 2016 will be the second seasons of Mozart in the Jungle, Bosch and romantic comedy, Catastrophe, along with the debut season of The New Yorker Presents.

In addition to tens of thousands of titles to instantly stream on Prime Video, the Amazon Prime membership (www.amazon.com/prime) includes more than one million songs, more than a thousand playlists and hundreds of stations through Prime Music, unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items, early access to select Lightning Deals, unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos, and access to borrow from more than 800,000 books for Kindle owners–all for $99 a year.

Amazon Video can be accessed through the Amazon Video app on TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/amazonvideo. Prime Video titles can also be downloaded for offline enjoyment—the only subscription streaming service to offer this functionality. Customers who are not already Prime members can sign up for a free trial at Amazon.com/prime.

About Amazon
Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.

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Titan Comics Announces Third "Snowpiercer" Graphic Novel for February 2016

Titan Comics To Publish Third Installment in the New York Times Best-Selling Snowpiercer Series

THE RUNAWAY HIT IS BACK!

THE ALL-NEW INSTALMENT OF THE ACTION-PACKED SERIES THAT INSPIRED THE HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTER


Titan Comics is thrilled to announce the publication of Snowpiercer 3: Terminus, the gripping third installment in the New York Times best-selling Snowpiercer series from award-winning writer Olivier Bocquet and the artist Jean-Marc Rochette.

Fans eager to immerse themselves further in the critically acclaimed series after the release of the movie adaptation of Snowpiercer 1: The Escape, starring Captain America’s Chris Evans, will embrace a return to the frozen, dystopian Earth. 

The Icebreaker has finally stopped its endless loop around the world. The last known survivors of the human race are driven by the need to know; Could it be that they aren’t really alone in the world? Is there finally hope?

Snowpiercer 3: Terminus will be on sale in stores from February 17.

To keep up-to-date with news on the Snowpiercer graphic novels, join Titan Comics on Facebook or follow @ComicsTitan on Twitter. For more information about Titan Comics, visit Titan-Comics.com


About Titan Comics
Titan Comics offers astounding creator-owned comics and graphic novels from new and world-renowned talent, alongside the world's greatest licensed properties and classic graphic novels remastered from brand-new audiences.

Titan is one of the most successful independent publishing operations in the US, with a recent six-week run at #1 in the New York Times bestseller list.

For more information, visit: www.titan-comics.com

Connect with Titan Comics:
https://twitter.com/ComicsTitan
https://facebook.com/ComicsTitan
http://titancomics.tumblr.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/ComicsTitan

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Thursday, September 24, 2015

2015 Baltimore Comic-Con Announces Media Guests Details

Baltimore Comic-Con Media Guests Announcements and Details

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - Join the 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con at the Baltimore Convention Center the weekend of September 25-27, 2015 for our biggest show yet. Tickets are available now for General Admission, VIP, and the Harvey Awards! We now have some additional details to release about our announced media guests, a clarification, and a couple of additions.

We are thrilled to announce that Edward James Olmos WILL be at the show for all 3 days of the weekend! Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Blade Runner, Battlestar Galactica, Miami Vice, Green Hornet, and Wolfen fans rejoice (as well as fans of his other vast body of work!).

Katie Cassidy of Arrow will still be attending the show, but will now be attending only on Sunday. We regret any inconvenience, but are thrilled that Katie was able to work her schedule to be with us on Sunday!

Raphael Sbarge (Once Upon a Time) and Ming-Na Wen (Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) will be with us Saturday only.

Paul Blackthorne of Arrow and The Dresden Files will be at the show Saturday and Sunday.

Autograph tickets and Media Guest VIP tickets can be purchased until Thursday at http://baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets.

We are also now able to provide details on photo opportunities with celebrity guests. A professional photographer will capture your moment with your favorite star! You'll receive an 8 x 10 photo printed out within minutes of your picture-taking. You may pre-purchase your photo op to avoid lining up to buy at the show by navigating to https://store.epicphotoops.com/baltimore-comic-con/2015 now.

Photo ops will be provided by Epic Photo Ops. Click here to pre-purchase. Photo ops will be located by the celebrity guests. Schedules and prices can be found by navigating through https://store.epicphotoops.com/baltimore-comic-con/2015.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled photo op time.  Media guest schedules for the weekend are as follows:

Paul Blackthorne (Arrow, Saturday and Sunday)
Saturday:
10:00am-12:00pm - Signing
12:15pm-1:15pm - Panel
2:00pm-2:30pm - Photos
2:30pm-7:00pm - Signing
Sunday:
10am-1:00pm - Signing
2:15pm - Photos

Katie Cassidy (Arrow, Sunday only)
Sunday
10:00am-12:00pm - Signing
12:00pm-12:45pm - Panel
1:00pm-2:30pm  - Photos
2:30pm - Signing

Edward James Olmos (Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Battlestar Galactica)
Friday
2:00pm-5:30pm - Signing
5:30pm-6:00pm - Photos
6:00pm - Signing
Saturday
10:00am-1:30pm - Signing
3:30pm-4:30pm - Photos
4:30pm-7:00pm - Signing
Sunday
10:00am-1:00pm - Signing
1:00pm-2:00pm - Panel
3:00pm-3:30pm - Photos
3:30pm - Signing

Raphael Sbarge (Once Upon a Time, Saturday only)
Saturday
10:00am-11:00am - Signing
11:00am-12:00pm - Panel
12:30pm-1:30pm - BOOM! Studios booth appearance
1:30pm-4:30pm - Signing
4:30pm - Photos

Ming-Na Wen (Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Mulan, Saturday only)
Saturday
10:00am-12:30pm - Signing
1:30pm-2:30pm - Panel
2:45pm-3:30pm - Photos
3:30pm-7:00pm - Signing

Patrick Clark, a 19-year-old wrestling coach from Washington, D.C., was a competitor on WWE Tough Enough, a reality show competition for a shot as a WWE pro wrestler. Clark pursued a career in sports-entertainment after the death of his father. Clark's drive led him through 10 years of JROTC and to amateur competition wrestling for Forestville Military Academy from 2011 to 2013. Clark is currently a competitor and a coach in the Mid Atlantic Wrestling Association.

Melina Perez is one of WWE's most decorated Divas in their history! She's also considered to be one of the most unique women to ever set foot in a WWE ring. Her infamous splits entrance has captivated the WWE Universe for over 6 years, and has made her a stand out Diva. Melina moved to WWE's flagship show, becoming a Diva over the course of time, and in 2007, her hard work was rewarded with a win over Mickie James for the coveted Women's Title. Melina would go on to win the title two more times. With the demise of the Women's Title, Melina started to pursue the Divas Championship. After being drafted back to RAW, Melina defeated Jillian to win the belt. However, her reign was cut short due to a torn ACL. After eight months out of action, Melina returned and quickly regained the belt she never lost.


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.

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Robert Rodriguez Receives "Vision Award" at 28th Hispanic Heritage Awards

(Photo provided by Business Wire)

The Hershey Company Presents the Prestigious Vision Award to Robert Rodriguez at the 28th Hispanic Heritage Awards

Innovative filmmaker Robert Rodriguez accepted the Vision Award, sponsored by The Hershey Company, during the 28th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards.

HERSHEY, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) presented the Vision Award to innovative filmmaker Robert Rodriguez during the 28th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards (HHAs) on September 17th, 2015 at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C.

    “Hershey is at its best when every member of our team believes they can help us find new paths to growth and success”

The Hershey Company is a Medallion Sponsor of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, an organization that honors notable Latinos who have distinguished themselves in various fields and made a positive difference in the U.S. and globally. The Hispanic Heritage Foundation Awards are considered the highest honor “for Latinos by Latinos.”

Robert Rodriguez is a film director, screenwriter, producer, cinematographer, editor and musician and founder and Chairman of El Rey Network, the genre-busting English-language cable network.

His first feature film, “El Mariachi,” was made for $7,000 and won the Audience Award at the 1993 Sundance Film Festival. It became the lowest budget movie ever released by a major studio and Rodriguez went on to write, produce, direct and edit numerous successful films including, “Desperado,” “From Dusk Till Dawn,” “The Faculty,” and the “Spy Kids” franchise.

“We are proud to have presented the Vision Award to Robert Rodriguez who embodies the spirit of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s mission and work,” said Javier Idrovo, Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at The Hershey Company. “Hershey is dedicated to the Latino community and providing great career opportunities for Latinos.”

Milton Hershey made his mark hiring employees from diverse backgrounds from the earliest days of the company. He saw diversity of perspectives as a source of strength. Today, Hershey has teams of people throughout the organization with unique talents and diverse perspectives, which drives innovative thinking and success.

“Hershey is at its best when every member of our team believes they can help us find new paths to growth and success,” added Idrovo.

To learn more about The Hershey Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts please visit: http://www.thehersheycompany.com/social-responsibility.aspx


About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY), headquartered in Hershey, Pa., is a global confectionery leader known for bringing goodness to the world through its chocolate, sweets, mints and other great-tasting snacks. Hershey has more than 22,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company, which has more than 80 brands around the world that drive over $7.4 billion in annual revenues, includes such iconic brand names as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers and Brookside. Hershey is focused on growing its presence in key international markets while continuing to build its competitive advantage in North America. Additionally, Hershey is expanding its portfolio into categories beyond confectionery, finding new ways to bring goodness to people everywhere.

At Hershey, goodness has always been about more than delicious products. For 120 years, Hershey has been committed to good business by operating fairly, ethically and sustainably to make a positive impact on society. This means contributing to a better life for its employees, consumers, communities, and, ultimately, creating a bright future for children in need. This commitment is exemplified by Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company. The children who attend the school receive education, housing, and medical care — thriving as direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.

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Masashi Kishimoto and Naruto Tour NYC for New York Comic Con 2015

VIZ MEDIA WELCOMES RENOWNED NARUTO MANGA CREATOR, MASASHI KISHIMOTO, FOR SPECIAL APPEARANCES AT NEW YORK COMIC CON 2015

Creator Of Bestselling Ninja Action Series Makes His First U.S. Appearance During New York Super Week And Comic Con For Autograph Sessions, Panel Discussions And Theatrical Premiere

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, in partnership with The Japan Foundation and ReedPOP, prepares to welcome iconic manga artist Masashi Kishimoto, the renowned creator of the NARUTO manga (graphic novel) saga, for a series of very special appearances during the upcoming 2015 New York Comic Con.

VIZ Media will exhibit at New York Comic Con in Booth #1346 and will offer a wide array of exclusive NARUTO manga and anime products for purchase throughout the convention. In response to overwhelming fan interest, VIZ Media is also pleased to announce the addition of one more autograph session for Masashi Kishimoto on Thursday, October 8th, 2015 at the Javits Center.

Interested NY Comic Con attendees may pick up a raffle ticket at the VIZ Media booth between 10:00am and 1:00pm on Thursday October 8th for a chance to win 1 of 100 available wristbands to attend the signing later that day. Please visit the VIZ Media booth for the winning ticket drawing time and additional details.

Masashi Kishimoto also complements his first ever U.S. professional appearances with a pair of autograph sessions and in-store appearances during New York Super Week, co-sponsored by the Japan Foundation. These appearances will take place at the Manhattan locations of Kinokuniya Bookstore and Barnes & Noble Tribeca, on October 9th and 10th, 2015, respectively. Full details are available at: http://www.newyorksuperweek.com.

New York Comic Con is the crown jewel of New York Super Week and takes place October 8-11, 2015 at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. Kishimoto will headline a special panel on Thursday, October 8th focusing on his work and hit manga series, NARUTO. On Saturday, October 11th, 2015, Kishimoto will deliver some opening comments before the highly anticipated North American theatrical premiere of BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE.

Masashi Kishimoto 2015 New York Comic Con Appearances:

VIZ Media Presents: An Evening with Masashi Kishimoto
Thursday, October 8th, 5:30PM – 6:30PM
Main Stage 1-D

The creator of the global phenomenon known as Naruto makes his first appearance outside Japan! The legendary Kishimoto Sensei will discuss his career and creative process and answer questions about his work. Attendees will also have a chance to win some very special prizes. This panel of a lifetime is brought to you in partnership with the Japan Foundation.

VIZ Media Presents: BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE Premiere
Saturday, October 10th, 11:30AM – 2:00PM
Hammerstein Ballroom – 311 W. 43th St.

Masashi Kishimoto, creator of Naruto, makes his Executive Producer debut and will introduce the North American English-subtitled premiere of the most anticipated Naruto movie yet! Naruto Uzumaki protects the Hidden Leaf Village as the 7th Hokage, while Boruto, his troublesome son resents his father's responsibilities that take his time away from him. Seeing this, Sasuke takes Boruto under his wing, while Sasuke's only daughter, Sarada, dreams of being Hokage one day. This panel of a lifetime is brought to you in partnership with the Japan Foundation.

Come early - the first 100 attendees in line for BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE will get to attend a special Saturday signing session at 10am with Masashi Kishimoto!

Masashi Kishimoto 2015 New York Super Week Appearances:

Masashi Kishimoto Kinokuniya Signing Event
Friday, Oct. 9th, 8:30pm
Kinokuniya Book Store, 1073 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018

Meet Masashi Kishimoto, creator of NARUTO, the best-selling manga series that inspired a generation of fans around the world and spawned hit anime series, movies, video games, novels and more. This event is an extremely rare opportunity to see the legendary Kishimoto in his first public appearances outside of Japan.

All participants must secure a SuperWeek event ticket. NARUTO Volume 72, featuring an exclusive New York Comic Con variant cover drawn by Kishimoto, will be available for purchase. Attendees will receive a free autographed Shikishi art board with purchase of one of Kishimoto’s works. (*Note: Kishimoto will only sign the provided shikishi and on-site purchased book.)

Masashi Kishimoto Barnes & Noble Tribeca Signing Event
Saturday, Oct. 10th, 3:30pm
Barnes & Noble Tribeca, 97 Warren St., New York, NY 10007

Masashi Kishimoto makes his second appearance for New York Super Week at the Barnes & Noble Tribeca location. This signing will be limited to the first 110 customers that purchase one of Kishimoto’s works the day of the event; NARUTO Volume 72 featuring an exclusive New York Comic Con variant cover drawn by Kishimoto will also be available for purchase at this venue. Each person will receive an exclusive shikishi art board signed personally signed by the artist. (*Note: Kishimoto will only sign the provided shikishi and on-site purchased book.)

Masashi Kishimoto was born in 1974 in rural Okayama Prefecture, Japan. His first version of NARUTO, drawn in 1997, was a one-shot story about fox spirits; his final version, which debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999, quickly became the most popular ninja manga in the world. The series spawned multiple anime series, movies, novels, video games and more. Having concluded the series in late 2014, he has kept himself busy with the side-story Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring and with writing the story for the latest Naruto movie, both of which will focus on the title character’s son, Boruto. The NARUTO manga series is published in North America by VIZ Media.

For more information on NARUTO manga and anime titles published by VIZ Media, please visit VIZ.com/naruto.


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, September 23, 2015

VIZ Media Announces DVD Release of Bleach Anime Finale

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF THE ANIME SERIES FINALE OF BLEACH

Catch The Exciting Climax Of The Hit Supernatural Action Series With Final Episodes Available This Month On New DVD Home Media Edition

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, brings one of Japan’s most celebrated anime series to an exhilarating conclusion as it announces the home media release of the final BLEACH DVD Box Set Edition on September 29th, 2015.

BLEACH Set 26 contains 2-discs with the climactic final 12 episodes (355-366) of the series about the adventures of a clairvoyant teenager. Content is available with dialogue selections for dubbed English as well as subtitled, Japanese 2.0 audio, with episodes presented in 16x9 video. The set will carry an MSRP of $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN.

In the final episodes, Ichigo begins training under Ginjo in order to develop his Fullbring powers, while Orihime and Chad discuss what little they know about Tsukishima and Uryu begins his own investigation into the attacks. Once his training is complete, Ichigo returns home, only to find that his family and friends have accepted Tsukishima as if they've known him for years. Confused and shaken, Ichigo goes to the one person he thinks he can rely on, but with everyone turning on him, who remains to be trusted? Find out in the anime's final chapter!

The BLEACH animated films and TV series (distributed in North America by VIZ Media, rated ‘TV-14’) are based on a smash hit manga series created by Tite Kubo (also published in North America by VIZ Media, rated ‘T’ for Teens) that follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow – a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

For more information on BLEACH manga and anime 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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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Bluefin Reveals Samurai Influenced "Star Wars" Figures



BLUEFIN ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW ADDITIONS TO MEISHO MOVIE REALIZATION STAR WARS LINE OF FIGURES FROM TAMASHII NATIONS

Highly Detailed Figures Incorporate Japanese Samurai Aesthetic; Pre-Orders Open For “Ronin” Boba Fett, “Daisho” Darth Vader, “Teppou Ashigaru” Sandtrooper and “Akazonae” Imperial Guard; “Taisho” Darth Vader And “Ashigaru” Stormtrooper Figures

Available Now!!

Irvine, CA – Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, offers Star Wars fans and ardent collectors something unique as it highlights a variety of super-detailed figures from the Meisho Movie Realization Star Wars line by Tamashii Nations.

The Meisho Movie Realization Star Wars line pays homage to the Samurai aesthetic and artfully reimagines several Empire characters from the legendary films with feudal-style Japanese armor and weaponry. Each figure is exquisitely crafted by some of Japan's top sculpting talent and constructed with hybrid materials featuring up to 15 points of articulation to create endless posing possibilities.

The newest addition to the Meisho Movie Realization Star Wars product line is the “Ronin” Boba Fett, which debuts in December and depicts the intergalactic bounty hunter as a “lordless” Samurai warrior via the sculpting talent of artists Takeyuki Takeya and Junichi Taniguchi. The “Daisho” Darth Vader depicts the Dark Sith Lord as a Samurai General clad in sinister black “Death Star” armor and will debut in January 2016. It will be followed in May 2016 by the imposing Akazonae Royal Guard, outfitted with a Japanese-style katana and pike and resplendent in beautiful crimson-robed armor. Pre-orders for these figures are available now.

Fans that want to dive into the Meisho Movie Realization Star Wars line immediately can select from a trio of figures – available now – that includes the “Ashigaru” Stormtrooper, and the Samurai General “Taisho” Darth Vader. Each is clad in a unique set of armor and comes with an array of weapons and other accessories.

Meisho Movie Realization “Ronin” Boba Fett
Height: Approx. 6 3/4 inches; MSRP: $89.99
Available December!

Everyone's favorite bounty hunter goes medieval! Boba Fett joins the Meisho Movie realization series in a spectacular feudal Japan aesthetic, appropriately portrayed as a lord-less “Ronin” Samurai via the sculpting talent of artists Takeyuki Takeya and Junichi Taniguchi. In addition to his EE-3 rifle portrayed as an flint-lock style blaster, this deluxe figure set features an extensive array of accessories that includes a characteristic backpack missile that can be removed/attached, and a moveable helmet mounted scope. In addition to a short ninja-style katana and sheath, numerous ninja-style blade accessories that are also included can be subtly attached to shin and forearm area mounting points.






Meisho Movie Realization Samurai General “Daisho” Darth Vader
Height: Approx. 7 inches; MSRP: $89.99
Available: January 2016

The greatly popular Samurai General Darth Vader makes a comeback in an all new Death Star motif. Another stunningly unique artistic interpretation master crafted by acclaimed artist Takeya Takayuki, Darth Vader - Death Star Armor - has a revamped armor design. Most notable is the fearsome Death Star-style crest on the helmet and highly detailed chest plate pattern. Set includes interchangeable hands, gun (large, small), and katana sword (light saber and regular).

Meisho Movie Realization “Teppou Ashigaru” Sandtrooper
Height: Approx. 6 3/4 inches; MSRP: $89.99
Available: March 2016

The third figure to join this unique series is the artillery packed Teppo Ashigaru Sandtrooper! The Sandtrooper version comes with two gun powder type rifles and a Japanese katana sword ready for battle. A special backpack is designed with meticulous detail and finished with a rusty patina look. Flexible material makes posing the Sandtrooper holding a firearm a breeze. The set includes three sets of interchangeable hands, blaster rifles (small and large), a Japanese katana set, and backpack.   

Meisho Movie Realization “Akazonae” Royal Guard
Height: Approx. 6 3/4 inches; MSRP: $89.99
Available: May 2016

The imposing crimson-robed Akazonae Royal Guards are next to join the Samurai General’s side in this high-quality Japanese feudal take on the Star Wars legacy. The Akazonae Royal Guard comes wielding not only the iconic force pike-esque staff, but a traditional Japanese-style katana as well. The front robe pieces are removable, giving the option of displaying the Guard in a samurai armor fashion. For further nuanced posing, the Akazonae Royal Guard set also includes interchangeable hands. The unique use of “wa,” Japanese style also makes for a one of a kind sculpt design that fans cannot find anywhere else.

The following Meisho Movie Realization Star Wars products are available now through various retailers:

Meisho Movie Realization Samurai General “Taisho” Darth Vader
Height: Approx. 7 inches; MSRP: $92.99
Available Now!

An exquisitely rendered figure of Darth Vader portrayed as a Japan feudal era Samurai General. A unique artistic interpretation master crafted by acclaimed artist Takeya Takayuki, this original stylized figure pays homage to the Japan aesthetic and film influences on Star Wars. Tamashii Nations' Movie Realization brand takes the theme of movies and infuses that concept into high quality figures. And the secret ingredient? All figures have an added pinch of "wa" (Japanese style) that makes for a one and only, unique design – from the tip of his sharp lightsaber-turned-katana to the meticulously sculpted Samurai-esque armor. Look closely at Vader’s helmet and one will notice the Imperial insignia arranged in elaborate “wa” style. Set includes two interchangeable lightsaber parts and 3 sets of interchangeable hands perfect for posing the Samurai-styled Sith Lord as he manipulates the Force.

Meisho Movie Realization “Ashigaru” Stormtrooper
Height: Approx. 6 3/4 inches; MSRP: $81.99
Available Now!

In this interpretation, Samurai Vader's foot soldiers of the Empire come clad in far-gone Japanese feudal era attire and armament. The exquisite figure has been master crafted by Japan's top sculpting talent and features hybrid materials used for dynamic posing possibilities Set includes katana and blaster rifle accessories, as well as three sets of interchangeable hand parts.


About Bluefin
Based in Irvine, CA, Bluefin built its reputation as a leading distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products. In recent years, Bluefin has grown to include a range of high quality collectible lines from the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore and established itself as the official North American consumer products and retail development partner for Studio Ghibli. Selling to thousands of specialty, chain and independent stores, Bluefin is an official North American distributor for Bandai Hobby, Kotobukiya and Capcom, is the sole provider of Bandai Tamashii Nations products, and is also the exclusive and official distributor for Hero Cross, Beast Kingdom, Comicave, Mr. Hobby, Groove’s Pullip dolls, SEN-TI-NEL and X-Plus. Bluefin also represents TruForce Collectibles products worldwide. Additional information is available at: www.bluefincorp.com.

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