Sunday, August 31, 2014

The Berkeley FILM Foundation Gives $130,000 in Grants to 16 Filmmakers for 2014

2014 Berkeley Film Foundation Awards

$130,000 in grants given to 16 East Bay filmmakers

BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Berkeley FILM Foundation (BFF) announced that it has just awarded $130,000 from its 2014 film and video grant program to 16 filmmakers, including two student filmmakers. The BFF gave this year’s $25,000 Saul Zaentz Award to Ghost Town to Havana by filmmaker Eugene Corr.

    “In our six-year history, BFF has awarded nearly $800,000 to almost 90 film projects. We are extremely proud that several films funded by the BFF have found audiences at the Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca, DocuWeeks, Silver Docs, and one has garnered an Oscar nomination”

The film is an intimate portrait of two coaches and their youth baseball teams. Nicolas Reyes, a coach in Havana, Cuba, and Roscoe Bryant, a coach in Oakland, CA, mentor their boys through the toughest of circumstances.

In May of 2010, the two coaches meet and their teams get the chance to play together in Havana. It is a celebration of life, community, boyhood and baseball.

At its core, Ghost Town to Havana is a film about poverty, mentorship, sports and race.

Corr and coach Bryant have been asked to speak at the annual Berkeley FILM Foundation gala fundraiser on October 1, 2014 at The David Brower Center in Berkeley. For ticket purchase: https://bff2014gala.eventbrite.com

“More than ever, our filmmakers are relying heavily on the Berkeley FILM Foundation for financial support as funding is drying up for independent films,” said David Bergad, executive director of the BFF. “In our six-year history, BFF has awarded nearly $800,000 to almost 90 film projects. We are extremely proud that several films funded by the BFF have found audiences at the Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca, DocuWeeks, Silver Docs, and one has garnered an Oscar nomination,” he added.

The total list of 2014 BFF winners is:

Eugene Corr, Ghost Town to Havana ***Saul Zaentz Award

Amir Soltani, Dogtown Redemption: In Trash We Trust
Gregory Scharpen, Buchla
Karina Epperlein, Finding The Gold Within
Kim Anno, Water City, Berkeley
Marlene Morris, A New Color
Raymond Telles, A Photographer's Journey
Rick Goldsmith, Mind/Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw
Rick Tejada-Flores, The Road to Chulumani
Robin Fryday, Riding My Way Back
Sarolta Cump, The Gold Fish Casino
Sheri Shuster, Child Sex Trafficking: A Story About Love
Snitow-Kaufman Productions, Do Not Track
Judy Montell/Emmy Scharlatt, In The Image

Student Grant Winners:
Dorothy Atkins, The Battle Over Thompson Divide
Leah Dubuc, Zora

The Berkeley FILM Foundation, is a 501(c)3 grant program for independent filmmakers funded by the City of Berkeley, Wareham Development, and the Saul Zaentz Company with a mission to nurture, sustain and preserve the thriving local film community while attracting the next generation of filmmakers. The BFF focuses on supporting social, historical and innovative documentary and dramatic works. Many of the BFF grant winners have gone on to screen at U.S. and international film festivals, been recognized with prestigious awards, received television broadcasts, and are making a difference around the world.

For more information on these awards and on the October 1, 2014 annual gala fundraiser, please e-mail David Bergad, Executive Director BFF at david@berkeleyfilmfoundation.org. Visit us on the web: www.berkeleyfilmfoundation.org, www.facebook.com/BerkeleyFilmFoundation and https://twitter.com/berkeleyfilmfdn

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Negromancer News Bits and Bites for August 24th to August 30th 2014 - Update #15


NEWS:

From TheWrap:  Team behind 22 Jump Street to reboot old ABC television series, "The Greatest American Hero," for television.

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From DeadlineHollywood:  A&E cancels its most popular scripted television series, "Longmire."

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From DeadlineHollywoodEmma Roberts is set for the horror-thriller "February."

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From TheHuffingtonPost:  See Miley Cyrus' bathing suit for the cover of V Magazine.  You can't swim with that!

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From the AP via YahooBrad Pitt and Angelina Jolie reportedly, secretly married in the France on Saturday, August 23, 2014.

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From TheHollywoodReporter:  A complete list of winners at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards

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From the WashingtonPost:  Fix the Emmys?

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From PostandCourierEmma Stone set to make Broadway debut in "Cabaret."

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From TheTelegraphIdris Elba and Chiwetel Ejiofor renew awards "rivalry" at tonight's (Monday, August 25, 2014) 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.

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From TheVox:  "True Blood" never figured out what it wanted its vampires to be

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From YahooMusicAmber Rose's chain-link dress at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards

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From TheWrap:  Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is not gone, nor is it forgotten.  It stole the August 22nd to 24th, 2014 weekend box office, according to early estimates.  It returns to #1 after spending two weeks at #2 behind Paramount's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot, which is at #2 for this weekend.  Guardians won the box office for its debut weekend, before the Turtles returned to cinemas.  Guardians is also the #1 box-office hit of the Summer 2014, moving past Transformers: Age of Extinction.

The teen-oriented, If I Stay, opens at #3, according to early estimates and could end up battling the Turtles for #2, when the finally tally comes about sometime Monday afternoon.  Sin City: A Dame to Kill For," a sequel to the 2004 film, Sin City, is likely a bomb with its $6.6 million debut.

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From BleedingCool:  With all the good news Marvel is getting, I thought that I'd bring back this classic bit of bad press.

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From TheWrap:  Five Freaky Facts about the Fractured Summer Box Office.

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From YahooCelebrity:  "Sleepy Hollow" actor, Orlando Jones, puts a powerful twist on the "ice bucket" challenge.  Call it "Bullet Bucket Challenge."


STAR WARS:

From HuffingtonPost:  Episode VII cast members take "ice bucket challenge," including Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford.


COMIC BOOKS - Movies and Comics:

From EW InsideMovies:  Marvel still trying to talk Joaquin Phoenix into portraying the title character in their planned "Doctor Strange" film.  It's a close call, apparently.

From Yahoo:  Images from the set of "Avengers: Age of Ultron."

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From CinemaBlend:  Rumors, spoilers, and speculation about "Captain America 3."

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From YahooMovies:  See Evangeline Lilly's "wasp-y" haircut for "Ant-Man."

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From The Hollywood Reporter via YahooMovies:  "Ant-Man" adds new cast members:  Rapper T.I., John Slatterly, Judy Greer, and Bobby Cannavale.


OBITS:

From Variety:  Actor, director, and producer, Sir Richard Attenborough died today, Sunday, August 24, 2014.  He was 90 years old.  In 1982, Attenborough won two Oscars for producing and directing the 1982 film, Gandhi.  [Sir Ben Kingsley won the best actor for playing the title role.]  Attenborough was probably best known for playing park creator John Hammond in the 1993 film, Jurassic Park, and in the sequel, The Lost World.

Attenborough's other directorial efforts included Cry Freedom, Chaplin, and Shadowlands.  In the 1960s, he won a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe for his acting.

Attenborough chronicled his 20 year struggle to make Gandhi (which won 8 Oscars) in the book, In Search of Gandhi.  Negromancer sends condolences to Attenborough's family and friends. R.I.P. Sir Richard.


TRAILERS AND PREVIEWS:

From 20thCenturyFox:  First official trailer for Alexandre Aja's The Pyramid.


MISC:

From GMA via Yahoo:  A great story about two men who were friends as boys in Ottawa, Canada, who found out six decades later that they were brothers.

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From TheVox:  This pie chart GIF shows how we have paid for music over the last 30 years.


Teaser Trailer for Jason Reitman's "Men, Women and Children" Released



Discover how little you know about the people you know.

Watch the teaser trailer for Jason Reitman's MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN

http://www.menwomenchildrenmovie.com

Share your thoughts and reactions to the trailer with the Whisper App using #MWC

Starring: Kaitlyn Dever, Rosemarie DeWitt, Ansel Elgort, Jennifer Garner, Judy Greer, Dean Norris, Adam Sandler
Based on the Novel by Chad Kultgen
Screenplay by Jason Reitman & Erin Cressida Wilson
Directed by Jason Reitman

Synopsis:
MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN follows the story of a group of high school teenagers and their parents as they attempt to navigate the many ways the internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image, and their love lives. The film attempts to stare down social issues such as video game culture, anorexia, infidelity, fame hunting, and the proliferation of illicit material on the internet. As each character and each relationship is tested, we are shown the variety of roads people choose - some tragic, some hopeful - as it becomes clear that no one is immune to this enormous social change that has come through our phones, our tablets, and our computers.

About Whisper:
Whisper is the best place to express yourself online. Connect with likeminded individuals, and discover the unseen world around you. With Whisper, you’re free to anonymously share your thoughts with the world, and build lasting, meaningful relationships in a community built around trust and honesty.

MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN will make its world premiere during the Toronto International Film Festival

#MWC
Official site: http://www.menwomenchildrenmovie.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/MWCmovie
Twitter: Twitter.com/MWCmovie
Instagram: Instagram.com/MWCmovie

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"If I Say" Inspired Song and YouTube Sensation Now on iTunes

WaterTower Music Announces Release of “If I Stay – Song Inspired by The Book” by Fan Abigail Wate, Discovered on YouTube

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WaterTower Music today announced the release of the digital single “If I Stay – Song Inspired by The Book” by Abigail Wate.

If I Stay author Gayle Forman, who served as an executive producer on New Line Cinema’s and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures’ film of the same name, found a video of Abigail singing the song on YouTube and immediately shared it by social media. WaterTower Music, who released the soundtrack for “If I Stay,” also embraced the song and has released it digitally on iTunes.

Miss Wate, an aspiring musician living in Nashville, Tennessee, stated, “Reading has been the inspiration for my songwriting for years. I read If I Stay for the first time when I was thirteen and the story was so captivating and moved me so much that I had to write a song just to get out ‘all the feels.’ While I was composing the song “If I Stay” my mind was still caught up in all the emotion of Mia and Adam’s world. It goes beyond anything I could have imagined for my first single to be a part of this amazing project.”

Released on August 29, the single for “If I Stay – Song Inspired by The Book” is now available at iTunes.

The soundtrack for the film is also now available at iTunes and Amazon.

About WaterTower Music
WaterTower Music, the in house music label for Warner Bros., has been releasing recorded music since 2001. Distributed through InGrooves Fontana, WTM has released over 150 titles, including the film soundtracks to “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” “Gravity,” “Man of Steel,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Lego Movie,” and “If I Stay” among others.

About “If I Stay”
Gayle Forman’s best-selling novel comes to the big screen in New Line Cinema’s and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures’ drama “If I Stay,” starring ChloĆ« Grace Moretz (“Carrie,” the “Kick-Ass” films), Mireille Enos (TV’s “The Killing,” “World War Z”); Joshua Leonard (“Higher Ground”); Jamie Blackley (“Snow White and the Huntsman”); and Stacy Keach (“Nebraska”).

Mia Hall (Moretz) thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam (Blackley). But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not only decide her future but her ultimate fate.

Also starring are Mireille Enos and Joshua Leonard as Mia’s parents, Kat and Denny, and Stacy Keach as Gramps. Rounding out the main cast are Jakob Davies as Mia’s little brother, Liana Liberato as her best friend, Gabrielle Rose as Gran, and Aisha Hinds as Nurse Ramirez.

R.J. Cutler (“The September Issue,” TV’s “Nashville”) directed the film from a screenplay by Shauna Cross (“Whip It”) based on Forman’s novel. “If I Stay” was produced by Alison Greenspan (“The Lucky One”), with Denise Di Novi, Forman and Brad Van Arragon serving as executive producers.

Cutler’s behind-the-scenes team included cinematographer John de Borman (“An Education”), production designer Brent Thomas (“The Big Year”), editor Keith Henderson (TV’s “Justified”), costume designer Monique Prudhomme (TV’s “Bates Motel,” “Juno”) and composer Heitor Pereira (the “Despicable Me” films).

New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures present a Di Novi Pictures Production, “If I Stay.” Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and some sexual material, the film is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. ifistaymovie.com


Friday, August 29, 2014

Re-Mastered Version of "The Maze Runner" Headed for IMAX Screens

Fox's Epic Adaptation Of Best-Seller The Maze Runner Bolts Into IMAX® Theatres Domestically And Abroad Starting Sept. 11

PRNewswire/ -- IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX; TSX: IMX) and Twentieth Century Fox, a division of 21(st) Century Fox. (NASDAQ: NEWS), today announced that the Studio's adaptation of the epic sci-fi best-selling novel The Maze Runner will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX(®) format and released across all domestic IMAX(® )theatres for a one-week engagement on Sept. 19. The film also will be released in select international territories starting Sept. 11.

Based on the best-selling book by James Dashner, The Maze Runner follows a young man named Thomas, played by Dylan O'Brien (TV's Teen Wolf), who wakes up trapped in a massive maze with no memory of the outside world other than strange dreams about a mysterious organization known as W.C.K.D.  Only by piecing together fragments of his past with clues he discovers in the maze can Thomas hope to uncover his true purpose and a way to escape.

The Maze Runner also stars Thomas Brodie-Sangster (TV's Game of Thrones), Will Poulter (We're the Millers), Kaya Scodelario (Clash of the Titans), and veteran Academy Award®-nominated actress Patricia Clarkson. Wes Ball directed, from a script by Noah Oppenheim, Grant Pierce Myers and T.S. Nowlin.

"We're thrilled to be able to present visionary director Wes Ball's The Maze Runner in the immersive IMAX experience, which will enthrall audiences world wide," commented Chris Aronson, President of Domestic Distribution, 20(th) Century Fox.

"After seeing The Maze Runner, this is an ideal and very cinematic adaptation that is ripe for IMAX moviegoers," said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. "With The Maze Runner, we're not only thrilled to add this exciting and action-packed film to our Fall slate but also pleased to be in business with Fox."

The IMAX release of The Maze Runner will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(®) with proprietary IMAX DMR(®) (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

For more information about The Maze Runner, please visit Fox's official website at themazerunnermovie.com.

About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX's network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. As of June 30, 2014, there were 868 IMAX theaters (735 commercial multiplexes, 19 commercial destinations and 114 institutions) in 59 countries.

IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, The IMAX Experience® and IMAX Is Believing® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).

This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on IMAX management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in IMAX's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Peter Mayhew, Chewbacca of the "Star Wars" Film, to Attend 2014 Baltimore Comic-Con

Peter "Chewbacca" Mayhew to be Media Guest of Honor at the Baltimore Comic-Con

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - The Baltimore Comic-Con, returning to the Baltimore Convention Center on Friday, September 5th through Sunday, September 7th, is privileged to announce our 2014 Media Guest of Honor. Peter Mayhew, known by fans the world over for his portrayal of Chewbacca, the Wookie co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Peter is currently filming Star Wars Episode VII, due to be released in 2015, and will appear with us all three days of the 2014 Baltimore Comic-Con!

Mayhew was born in Barnes, England, and at the age of eight was diagnosed with giantism. While working as an orderly at London's King's College Hospital, a reporter took a photo of him which was published in a local paper, an event that would change his life.

That photo demonstrated Peter's towering 7'3" figure and giant frame. By mere chance, the producers of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger saw this picture, which led to Peter being cast as the Minoton in his first film. Once Peter finished filming, he returned to his job at the hospital, only to be called again to audition with a gentleman by the name of George Lucas about his project, Star Wars. George walked into the room, Peter stood up to shake his hand like a proper Englishman, and the rest is history.

Peter brought the mighty wookiee Chewbacca to life in Star Wars (1977), The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978), Empire Strikes Back (1980), The Muppet Show (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983).

When the movies were finished, Peter moved to Yorkshire where he lived quietly for 14 years. As the Star Wars Special Edition movies were being released in 1997, Peter found himself in high demand on the SciFi Convention circuit, and began making personal appearances around the world. In 1999 he married and packed his bags, made the jump across the pond, and moved to Texas where he eventually became an American citizen.



Peter was again asked to reprise his role as Chewbacca in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, introducing Chewie's home planet of Kashyyyk and the world of Wookiees. In 2011, Lucasfilm flew Peter and his wife Angie out to Skywalker Ranch to consult with the animators and artists as they introduced Chewie into the Clone Wars series. After 30 years, Peter's relationship with his beloved character came full circle by having him voice Chewbacca in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Currently, he is on hiatus from filming the highly anticipated Star Wars Episode VII, which will be hitting theaters next year. Peter will be at the Baltimore Comic-Con all three days, signing autographs and taking photos at his table. He will also be doing a panel Sunday.

"We are amazingly lucky to be adding Peter as a guest this close to the show date," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Chewbacca is one of the cultural icons coming out of the Star Wars series, and is recognized and loved by fans young and old. We know the Star Wars fans are going to be beside themselves with this announcement!"

The Baltimore Comic-Con will be held Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7, 2014, at the Baltimore Convention Center, which is located immediately across the street from the historic Camden Yards sports complex (which includes Oriole Park and Geppi's Entertainment Museum). Tickets, a full guest roster, and additional information is available on the convention's website.

Tickets
General Admission and VIP Package tickets for Weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are now on sale! Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets now!

Mark Your Calendars!
The Baltimore Comic-Con returns to Baltimore's Inner Harbor in 2015 for another three-day spectacular! Block off Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, 2015 on your calendars now!

This year's previously confirmed guests for the show include: James Asmus (Quantum & Woody); Marty Baumann (Pixar artist); Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl); Marguerite Bennett (Batgirl); Christina Blanch (The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood); Tom Brevoort (AXIS); Harold Buchholz (Archie Comics); Mark Buckingham (Fables); Dave Bullock (Batman Black and White); Jim Calafiore (Leaving Megalapolis); Frank Cammuso (Otto's Backwards Day); Darrenn Canton (Tunnels & Trolls); Greg Capullo (Batman); Richard Case (Sandman); John Cassaday (Doc Savage); Bernard Chang (Green Lantern Corps); Jo Chen (Buffy the Vampire Slayer); Sean Chen (Amazing Spider-Man); Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman); Frank Cho (X-Men:  Battle of the Atom); Amy Chu (Girls Night Out); Richard Clark (House of Gold & Bones); Wook-Jin Clark (Adventure Time: The Flip Side); Steve Conley (Bloop); Jamie Cosley (Cody the Cavalier); Tyler Cosley (AlakaZach); Mike Curtis (Dick Tracy); Jeremy Dale (Skyward); Alan Davis (Wolverine); Todd Dezago (Tellos); Dan Didio (Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger: Futures End); Tommy Lee Edwards (Star Wars); Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys); Ray Fawkes (Constantine); Tom Feister (G.I. Joe); David Finch (Forever Evil); Franco (Aw Yeah Comics!); Jay Fosgitt (Bodie Troll); John Gallagher (Buzzboy); Katie Gallagher (Zoey and Ketchup): SL Gallant (GI JOE); Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (All-Star Western); Gerhard (Cerebus the Aardvark); Chris Giarrusso (G-Man); Dave Gibbons (Watchmen); Keith Giffen (The New 52: Future's End); Bryan JL Glass (Mice Templar); Michael Golden (The Ravagers); Jimmy Gownley (The Dumbest Idea Ever!); Allan Gross (Road Song); Cully Hamner (Animal Man); Dean Haspiel (The Fox); Ben Hatke (Zita the Spacegirl); Josh Hechinger (The Grave Doug Freshly); Fred Hembeck (Garfield); Marc Hempel (Sandman: The Kindly Ones); Travis Hill (Adventure Time); Andy Hirsch (Regular Show); Jason Horn (Ninjasaur); Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan); Jamal Igle (Molly Danger); Laura Innes (The Dreamer); Justin Jordan (Luther Strode, Green Lantern: New Guardians); Dan Jurgens (The New 52: Future's End); Collin Kelly (Hacktivist); Chris Kemple (Red Vengeance); Denis Kitchen (Al Capp: A Life to the Contrary); Barry Kitson (Empire); Aaron Kuder (Action Comics); Jackson Lanzing (Hacktivist); Norman Lee (Iron Man Special); Paul Levitz (World's Finest); Kevin Maguire (Guardians of the Galaxy); Mike Maihack (Cleopatra in Space); Alex Maleev (Moon Knight); Mark Mariano (The Other Side of Hugless Hill); Billy Martin (Vitriol, The Hunter); Laura Martin (Uncanny Avengers); Ron Marz (Witchblade); Mark McKenna (Banana Tail); Mike McKone (Ultimate FF); Bob McLeod (X-Men: Gold); Pop Mhan (All-New X-Factor); Al Milgrom (Marvel Fanfare); Tradd Moore (Deadpool Annual); Mark Morales (New Avengers); Michael Alan Nelson (Day Men); Jamar Nicholas (Leon: Protector of the Playground); Chris O>Matic (The Chris O>Matic Show!); Denny O'Neil (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight); Chris Otto (A Dog's Life); Dan Parent (Archie, Veronica, Kevin Keller); Missy Pena (Bee and Puppycat); Andrew Pepoy (Life with Archie); George Perez (George Perez's Sirens); David Peterson (Mouse Guard); Khoi Pham (Mighty Avengers); Cary Pietsch (Bravest Warriors); Joe Prado (Justice League); Brian Pulido (Lady Death); Ron Randall (Trekker in Dark Horse Presents); Tom Raney (Incredible Hulk); Brian Reber (Unity); Ivan Reis (Aquaman and The Others); Rafer Roberts (X-O Manowar); Budd Root (Cavewoman); Don Rosa (Donald Duck); Craig Rousseau (Perhapanauts); Joe Rubinstein (The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe); Andy Runton (Owly); Alex Saviuk (Web of Spider-Man); Gregg Schigiel (Spongebob Squarepants Comics); Jeff Schultz (Archie Comics); Gail Simone (Red Sonja); Louise Simonson (Power Pack); Walter Simonson (Thor); Andy Smith (Superman #23.1: Bizarro); Allison Sohn (sketch card artist); Charles Soule (Thunderbolts); Mark Sparacio (Omega Paradox); Jim Starlin (Thanos: The Infinity Revelation); Joe Staton (Dick Tracy); Brian Stelfreeze (Day Men); Jeff Stokely (Six-Gun Gorilla); Paul D. Storrie (Sheena, Queen of the Jungle); Karl Story (Serenity: Leaves of the Wind); Vivek J. Tiwary (The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story); Ben Taylor (A Dog's Life); Robert Tinnell (The Wicked West); Peter Tomasi (Batman and Two-Face); John Totleben (Swamp Thing); Herb Trimpe (GI Joe:  A Real American Hero); Billy Tucci (Shi); Rick Veitch (Saga of the Swamp Thing); James Tynion IV (The Woods); Mike Vosburg (Lori Lovecraft); Brennan Wagner (The Shadow: Year One); Matt Wagner (Grendel); Mark Waid (Daredevil); Lee Weeks (Daredevil); Mark Wheatley (Frankenstein Mobster); Bill Willingham (Fables); Matthew Wilson (Secret Avengers); Renee Witterstaetter (Joe Jusko: Maelstrom); Mike Wolfer (Friday the 13th); Rich Woodall (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles); Kelly Yates (Amber Atoms); Thom Zahler (My Little Pony); and Mike Zeck (Secret Wars).

In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

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 The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 14th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.


Tuesday, August 26, 2014

2014 Primetime Emmy Awards - Complete Winners List

by Leroy Douresseaux

AMC's much-loved crime drama, “Breaking Bad” (which ended last year) won five awards at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards, including for best drama series and lead actor.  “Modern Family” won its fifth consecutive award for best comedy series, one of three awards its won.  Other multiple winners included “Fargo,” Sherlock: His Last Vow, and “American Horror Story: Coven.”

To me, the entire ceremony seemed stuck in a loop that began three or four years ago.  Television is supposed to be in a new golden age.  However, all the buzzed-about shows like Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Orange is the New Black lose to the same shows and performers who have been winning again and again for what seems like ages.  And “The Walking Dead” doesn't even get nominations in the major categories.  Oh, well...

The 66th Primetime Emmy Awards took place on Monday, August 25, 2014.  The ceremony aired on NBC and was hosted by Seth Meyers.

For a complete list of winners and nominees, go here: http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners

2014 / 66th Primetime Emmy Awards winners:

Drama Series
Breaking Bad

Comedy Series
Modern Family

Lead Actor in a Drama
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad

Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock: His Last Vow

Lead Actress in a Drama
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife

Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Coven

Lead Actor in a Comedy
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

Lead Actress in a Comedy
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep

Reality Competition Program
The Amazing Race

Variety Series
The Colbert Report

Miniseries
Fargo

Television Movie
The Normal Heart

Supporting Actor in a Drama
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad

Supporting Actress in a Drama
Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad

Writing for a Drama
Moira Walley-Beckett, Breaking Bad

Directing for a Drama
Cary Joji Fukunaga, True Detective

Supporting Actor in a Comedy
Ty Burrell, Modern Family

Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Allison Janney, Mom

Writing for a Comedy
Louis C.K., Louie

Directing for a Comedy
Gail Mancuso, Modern Family

Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Martin Freeman, Sherlock: His Last Vow

Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Kathy Bates, American Horror Story: Coven

Writing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special
Steven Moffat, Sherlock: His Last Vow

Directing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special
Colin Bucksey, Fargo

Writing for a Variety Special
Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles

Directing for a Variety Special
Glenn Weiss, 67th Annual Tony Awards

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Anime "Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit" The Complete Series Arrives on Blu-ray Today

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT ANIME SERIES ON DVD AND BLU-RAY

Complete Anime Fantasy Action Adventure From Production I.G. To Be Released On DVD And Blu-ray

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, delivers the riveting anime action fantasy series about a wandering warrior and a fallen prince to fans with the home media release of MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT on August 26th.

The 26-episode series, based on a bestselling collection of Japanese fantasy novels by author Nahoko Uehashi, is rated ‘TV-14’ and will be offered on 4 discs available on DVD and Blu-ray formats. The series will carry a DVD MSRP of $44.82 U.S. / $43.24 CAN; Blu-ray MSRP will be $54.97 U.S. / $66.15 CAN.  The series will also be available for digital download from a range of top media content providers including Apple iTunes, GooglePlay, Amazon Instant Video, PlayStation Network and the Xbox Marketplace on August 26th (English dubbed version) and on September 2nd (Japanese with English subtitles).    

The Blu-ray release features episodes presented in full 1080p High Definition 16x9 video, along with dubbed English and Japanese 2.0 dialogue as well as English subtitle options. The DVD edition features 16x9 Standard Definition video and available English and Japanese 2.0 audio and English subtitle options. Special bonus features for both sets include series trailers, a MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT promotional film, a “Pilot” production film, the series’ official press conference and discussion panels, as well as clean opening and closing segments.

Young Prince Chagum has been suspected of demonic possession by court advisors who see only one solution: death. But his salvation may lie in the hands of Balsa, the spear-wielding bodyguard from Kanbal, the kingdom across the mountains. Her vow to save eight worthy souls has led her to the imperiled Chagum and into the mystery of the water spirit, a mystical entity that may hold the key to saving millions of lives from drought. Her skill and tenacity are legendary, but can she fend off an entire empire?

“MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT is a thrilling anime series with some beautifully rendered artwork and a well developed plot from Production IG that North American action and fantasy fans will not want to miss,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Animation Marketing Manager. “The stage is set for lots of drama and action as Prince Chagum and his bodyguard journey through dangerous realm to uncover the Prince’s mysterious connection to a legendary water spirit.  We look forward to fans making this new release a riveting addition to their personal anime collections.”

For more information on MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT or other anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit: www.VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, 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.

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Monday, August 25, 2014

David Bowie Biographical Comic Book Arrives This Week

DAVID BOWIE TO STAR IN COMIC BOOK

In a summer filled with music, Bluewater Productions announced the release of new comic book biography of music icon David Bowie.

Fame: David Bowie will be released this week in print as well as digital. This summer, Bluewater has released biographical comic books featuring Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, and Freddie Mercury as part of their popular Tribute series.

Before Lady Gaga, before Adam Lambert, before The Killers, there was David Bowie.  Bowie is one of the most influential artists of his generation, reinventing his persona, changing his sound, and starting fashion trends, he is the chameleon of the music world.

Written by Mike Lynch with art by George Amaru, Fame: David Bowie features, six collectable covers by Michael Troy, Graham Hill, and George Amaru showcasing Bowie’s flamboyant fashion through the decades.

Few artists are able to make the impact on both the worlds of music and acting that David Bowie has. As a longtime fan of his work in both areas, it was an honor and privilege to work on this book,” said artist George Amaru.

Bluewater has focused on other music icons in the past such as Paul McCartney, Prince, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Keith Richards and more. 

Coming soon are comic books featuring Alice Cooper, George Harrison, and the cast of Doctor Who.

The Fame comic line have been embraced by the media and featured on several television news outlets including The Today Show, The View, E! News, The Tonight Show, and CNN. The series has also been featured in many publications such as Vanity Fair, MTV, Time. and Rolling Stone.

The David Bowie comic book is available for pre-order on iTunes: http://bit.ly/1m1W6EK

Print copies of Fame: David Bowie can be ordered at Comic Flea Market here: http://bit.ly/XKXzyo

You can also download these titles on Wowio, ComiXology, DriveThru Comics, Google Play, My Digital Comics, Overdrive, Iverse, iTunes, Kindle, Biblioboard, ComicBin, Nook, Kobo and wherever eBooks are sold.

To download a five-page preview plus covers please click here: http://WWW.BLUEWATERPROD.COM/comics/FameDavidBowieImages.zip

About Bluewater Productions
Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers 10th Muse and The Legend of Isis. Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (TekWar Chronicles), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (Wrath of the Titans, Sinbad: Rogue of Mars, Jason and the Argonauts, and more) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (Vincent Price Presents), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles Female Force and Political Power. Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry’s top artists and writers.

For more information, visit www.bluewaterprod.com

Sunday, August 24, 2014

2014 Primetime Emmy Awards - Nominations List

The Emmy Award (or simply “Emmy”) recognizes excellence in the television industry.  It corresponds to the Academy Award (for film), the Grammy Award (for music), and the Tony Award (for theatre).  The best known Emmy Awards are the Primetime Emmys and Daytime Emmys.  However, Emmys are awarded for sports programming, for national news and documentaries, and for regional and international television, among others.

The 66th Primetime Emmy Awards will take place on Monday, August 25, 2014 and will air at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST on NBC.  The ceremony will be hosted by Seth Meyers.

For a complete list of nominees, go here: http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2014

2014 / 66th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations in select categories:

Drama Series
Breaking Bad
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
House of Cards
Mad Men
True Detective

Comedy Series
The Big Bang Theory
Louie
Modern Family
Orange Is the New Black
Silicon Valley
Veep

Lead Actor in a Drama
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Woody Harrelson, True Detective
Matthew McConaughey, True Detective
Kevin Spacey, House of Cards

Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dancing on the Edge
Martin Freeman, Fargo
Billy Bob Thornton, Fargo
Idris Elba, Luther
Mark Ruffalo, The Normal Heart
Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock: His Last Vow

Lead Actress in a Drama
Michelle Dockery, Downton Abbey
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Claire Danes, Homeland
Robin Wright, House of Cards
Lizzy Caplan, Masters of Sex
Kerry Washington, Scandal

Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Coven
Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story: Coven
Helena Bonham Carter, Burton and Taylor
Minnie Driver, Return to Zero
Kristen Wiig, The Spoils of Babylon
Cicely Tyson, The Trip to Bountiful

Lead Actor in a Comedy
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Ricky Gervais, Derek
Matt LeBlanc,, Episodes
Don Cheadle, House of Lies
Louis C.K., Louie
William H. Macy, Shameless

Lead Actress in a Comedy
Lena Dunham, Girls
Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Taylor Schilling, Orange Is the New Black
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep

Reality Competition Program
The Amazing Race
Dancing With the Stars
Project Runway
So You Think You Can Dance
Top Chef
The Voice

Variety Series
The Colbert Report
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Real Time With Bill Maher
Saturday Night Live
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Miniseries
American Horror Story: Coven
Bonnie & Clyde
Fargo
Luther
Treme
The White Queen

Television Movie
Killing Kennedy
Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight
The Normal Heart
Sherlock: His Las Vow
The Trip to Bountiful

Supporting Actor in a Drama
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad
Jim Carter, Downton Abbey
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Josh Charles, The Good Wife
Mandy Patinkin, Homeland
Jon Voight, Ray Donovan

Supporting Actress in a Drama
Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey
Joanne Froggatt, Downton Abbey
Lena Headey, Game of Thrones
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men

Writing for a Drama
Moira Walley-Beckett, Breaking Bad
Vince Gilligan, Breaking Bad
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Game of Thrones
Beau Willimon, House of Cards
Nic Pizzolatto, True Detective

Directing for a Drama
Tim Van Patten, Boardwalk Empire
Vince Gilligan, Breaking Bad
David Evans, Downton Abbey
Neil Marshall, Game of Thrones
Carl Franklin, House of Cards
Cary Joji Fukunaga, True Detective

Supporting Actor in a Comedy
Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Adam Driver, Girls
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family
Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Fred Armisen, Portlandia
Tony Hale, Veep

Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory
Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Allison Janney, Mom
Kate Mulgrew, Orange Is the New Black
Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live
Anna Chlumsky, Veep

Writing for a Comedy
David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik, Episodes
Louis C.K., Louie
Liz Friedman and Jenji Kohan, Orange Is the New Black
Alec Berg, Silicon Valley
Simon Blackwell, Tony Roche, and Armando Iannucci, Veep

Directing for a Comedy
Iain B. MacDonald, Episodes
Paris Barclay, Glee
Louis C.K., Louie
Gail Mancuso, Modern Family
Jodie Foster, Orange Is the New Black
Mike Judge, Silicon Valley

Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Colin Hanks, Fargo
Jim Parsons, The Normal Heart
Joe Mantello, The Normal Heart
Alfred Molina, The Normal Heart
Matt Bomer, The Normal Heart
Martin Freeman, Sherlock: His Last Vow

Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Frances Conroy, American Horror Story: Coven
Kathy Bates, American Horror Story: Coven
Angela Bassett, American Horror Story: Coven
Allison Tolman, Fargo
Ellen Burstyn, Flowers in the Attic
Julia Roberts, The Normal Heart

Writing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special
Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, American Horror Story: Coven
Noah Hawley, Fargo
Neil Cross, Luther
Larry Kramer, The Normal Heart
Steven Moffat, Sherlock: His Last Vow
David Simon and Eric Overmyer, Treme

Directing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special
Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, American Horror Story: Coven
Adam Bernstein, Fargo
Colin Bucksey, Fargo
Stephen Frears, Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight
Ryan Murphy, The Normal Heart
Nick Hurran, Sherlock: His Last Vow

Writing for a Variety Special
The Beatles: The Night That Changed America
Billy Crystal: 700 Sundays
The 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards
Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles
67th Annual Tony Awards

Directing for a Variety Special
Gregg Gelfand, The Beatles: The Night That Changed America
Louis J. Horvitz, The Kennedy Center Honors
Hamish Hamilton, The Oscars
James Lapine, Six by Sondheim
Beth McCarthy Miller and Rob Ashford, The Sound of Music Live!
Glenn Weiss, 67th Annual Tony Awards


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Nickelodeon Announces "Cupcakery of Doom"


Nickelodeon Greenlights Discovery at Comic-Con for Animated Shorts Program, Cupcakery of Doom
Nick’s First-Ever Open Call at San Diego Comic-Con Yields Animation Project by Eureka, Calif., Comics Writer

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Taking more than 100 pitches over three days during its first-ever open call for animated projects at this year’s Comic-Con International, Nickelodeon has announced it will greenlight Cupcakery of Doom, created by Trevor Reece of Eureka, Calif., a writer for The Press Democrat newspaper’s comics blog. The very first pitch taken by Nick’s animation development team at the convention, Cupcakery is a comedic story about two nefarious friends—a bear and a mouse—with designs on taking over the world.

    “Patches and Cheesebert might not take over the world, but they will take over your hearts, which might have been their plan the whole time”

Cupcakery of Doom will be developed into an animated short and, as with all content chosen for Nickelodeon’s global Animated Shorts Program, it will have the potential to air on the network, appear on the newly relaunched www.nick.com and Nick App, or even be developed into a long-form animated TV series. In addition to Reece, the development team is continuing conversations beyond Comic-Con with a number of the creators who presented pitches.

“We loved Trevor’s clever angle and adorable characters, but overall, Cupcakery just made us laugh,” said Jenna Boyd, Senior Vice President, Animation Development, Nickelodeon. “Trevor is a life-long Nick fan who told us he actually sent in a story idea to our very own Stick Stickly when he was a kid back in the ‘90s, so we had a hunch he understood our sensibility.”

Boyd also added, “It was a grueling and gratifying three-day open call, and everyone who pitched us was talented and passionate. They had terrific ideas and stories to tell. Besides Trevor, there are some people we met whom we will have continuing relationships with, possibly to join our production teams or talk further about their concepts and ideas.”

Cupcakery of Doom follows two nefarious, eye-patch-wearing friends, Patches, a bear, and Cheesebert, a mouse, who set out to take over the world. To fund their doomsday device, the pair opens a cupcakery to raise money, only to discover how much they enjoy the daily duties of owning a shop.

“Patches and Cheesebert might not take over the world, but they will take over your hearts, which might have been their plan the whole time,” said Reece. “You always hear those stories about dreams coming true at events like Comic-Con, and I am so happy that my story is now a part of that.”

Reece is a writer and cartoonist. He currently writes reviews and features for the “Four Colors” blog at The Press Democrat. For the past 10 years, Reece has been an avid reader of comic books and anything related to them. He graduated in 2011 from Sonoma State with a Bachelor’s degree in History. His passion for art began at a young age where during school his teachers allowed him to express himself, even when he was drawing instead of doing his homework. Reece currently resides in his hometown of Eureka, Calif.

Continuing its mission to open its doors to more creative talent than ever before, Nickelodeon for the first time held an open call for original animated projects at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2014. On-site from Nickelodeon’s booth on the convention center floor, the network’s animation development team took live, in-person pitches from Thursday, July 24, to Saturday, July 26, with the goal of greenlighting a project for the network’s global Animated Shorts Program. The team’s meetings were held with Comic-Con attendees, as well as with distributors scouted during the convention.

Nickelodeon’s global Animated Shorts Program, which is designed to identify and develop original comedy-driven content for kids, was launched in 2012. The program became global its second year. Concepts are received in all animation, styles from 2D, digital 2D, stop motion, CG and mixed media. Finalists are provided with the necessary artistic and production support teams to help them complete their fully animated original, humor-based and character-driven shorts.

Most recently from the Nick’s Animated Shorts Program, the network greenlit 13-episodes of The Loud House by a graduate of the 2013 Program, first-time creator Chris Savino (Rocko’s Modern Life, The Powerpuff Girls). Inspired by his chaotic life growing up in a huge household, the series will follow 11-year-old Lincoln as he gives an inside look at what it takes to survive the bedlam of a large family—especially as the only boy among 10 sisters.

Nickelodeon’s 11 previously announced finalists from the 2014 Program include: “Francine” by writer/comedian Katie Crown; “Meat Pie vs. the Dark Ages” by Nickelodeon director Gabe Swarr; “Shelf Life” by Nickelodeon storyboard artist Robert Iza; “Summer Memories” by writer/director Adam Yaniv; “Ice Station Zedonk” by Nickelodeon director Tom Parkinson; “Night Crew” by independent animators Caitlin Boyle and Tara Helfer; “Planet Claire” by Nickelodeon executive producers Chris Viscardi and Will McRobb; “The Outsiders” by writer Eric Bravo; “Leander, Dre and Cyppy” by Nickelodeon storyboard artist Monica Ray; “Ugly Mutt” by PUNY Entertainment’s Shadi Petosky and Dave Hagen; and “Bad News Bunny” by California State University, Fullerton, graduate Tarryn Henderson.

Nickelodeon, now in its 35th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 19 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIA, VIA.B).


Saturday, August 23, 2014

Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of August 17th to August 23rd, 2014 - Update #20


NEWS:

From TheVerge:  Marvel's movie business is crushing DC's

From TheWrap:  MPAA earns ire of "R" rating for gay drama, Love is Strange.

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From HuffingtonPostHugh Jackman can deadlift 400lbs.

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From ScreenrantJennifer Lawrence reportedly in talks to appear in Quentin Tarantino's next film, "The Hateful Eight."

From YahooHealth"Fat" Daphne controversy in Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy.

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From TVLineShad Moss, also known as the rapper, Bow Wow, is a cast member of the "CSI" spin-off, "CSI: Cyber," as a baby-faced hacker.

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From IMDbBlog:  FX renews "The Strain" for a second 13-episode season.  The current season gets better with each episode.

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From BuzzFlash:  Emmy winner Harry Shearer impersonates Richard Nixon preparing to resign.

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From HelloJack Nicholson and his lookalike son, Ray.

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From HuffingtonPostNeil Patrick Harris, who is gay, talks about having sex women.

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From Variety:  The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (estimated box office take of $28.4 million) win the August 15-17, 2014 weekend box office.  This is the film's second consecutive win, having finished at #1 when it debuted during the August 8-10, 2014 weekend.  Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy finished at #2 ($24.7 million) for a second straight week, after finishing at #1 during its debut weekend.  The Expendables 3, this weekend's big debut movie, is considered a flop after ending up in third place with an estimated box office tally of $16.2 million.

From Variety:   You may have heard that a "DVD-quality" copy of The Expendables 3 ended up on the Internet a few weeks ago.  Did that affect the film's puny box office during its debut weekend?  Variety discusses that.  Here is an interesting tidbit:

However, some research suggests that piracy can take a big chunk out of ticket sales. A 2011 study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that when a film is pirated prior to release, it loses nearly 20 percent of its potential revenue.

That study can be found here.


STAR WARS:

From YahooScreen:  More Episode VII rumors (video)


COMICS BOOKS - Movies and Comics:

From WeGotThisCovered:  8 comic book movies that actually feel like comic books.

From YahooScreen:  Seven actors who almost played Batman

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From CinemaBlend:  Director Marc Webb confirms three planned members of "The Sinister Six," the Spider-Man spinoff movie.  They seem to be "The Gentleman," "Mysterio," and "Kraven the Hunter." [I'll pretend to be interested.  Well, maybe I'm a little interested.]

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From ScreenRant:  Actor Brian Patrick Wade of MTV's "Teen Wolf" well play the villain, Absorbing Man, on the upcoming season of "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

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From YahooMovies:  From the set of "Batman Vs. Superman," the mysterious green legs of Scott McNairy.

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From YahooFinance:  Another article about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson appearing in a DC Comics superhero movie - maybe playing hero Shazam and anti-hero Black Adam

From ScreenRant:  Marvel is listening to fan requests about movie... or maybe not

From CBB and Nexopia:  Zak Edwards is brilliant on the piece about diversity in American comic book publishing from the major companies.


OBIT:

From TheWrapDon Pardo, the announcer for "Saturday Night Live," reportedly died yesterday (Tuesday, August 19, 2014) at the age of 96.  Pardo was also the on-duty booth announcer for WNBC-TV on the day (November 22, 1963) that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated; thus, Pardo was the first to announce the shooting to NBC viewers.


MISC:

From VOX:  The geniuses behind your favorite pop songs

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From YahooFinance:  How Kobe Bryant started the current weight loss trend among NBA players like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwayne Wade, to name a few.


Ken Jeong Tries to Kill David Hasselhoff in "Untitled Celebrity Death Pool"

Hyde Park-Image Nation and WWE® Studios Team up for Celebrity Death Pool Comedy

Ken Jeong to Star

LOS ANGELES & STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ashok Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment, Image Nation Abu Dhabi, and WWE Studios (NYSE:WWE) announced today that they are joining up again to co-produce a comedy with the temporary working title, UNTITLED CELEBRITY DEATH POOL. Ken Jeong (THE HANGOVER, COMMUNITY) has signed on to star in the satire which centers on a struggling nightclub owner who after amassing a large debt from a loan shark, sets out to win his long-running celebrity death pool by attempting to kill his chosen celebrity, David Hasselhoff. Darren Grant (Diary of a Mad Black Woman) will direct from a script written by Peter Hoare.

In addition to Hasselhoff, legendary WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan® and an increasing number of other celebrities have signed on for various supporting roles and cameo appearances. Pre-production for the film commences this September in Los Angeles, with a theatrical release anticipated for 2015.

WWE Studios President Michael Luisi and Hyde Park’s Amritraj are producing the picture along with Hasselhoff, Michele Berk, Patrick Hughes and Warren Zide. Eric Gardner is Executive Producing. Hyde Park International will handle international sales with WWE Studios set to leverage its extensive multi-platform reach to promote the film.

Bradley Buchanan, SVP of Business Affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of WWE Studios and Allen Babakhanloo, VP of Business Affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of Hyde Park Entertainment.

Jeong is currently shooting RIDE ALONG 2 with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart for Universal Pictures.

About Hyde Park - Image Nation
Hyde Park Entertainment Group, founded by Chairman and CEO Ashok Amritraj, is a cutting-edge independent alternative to the traditional Hollywood studio system, a progressive global company that incorporates the most essential elements of a full-fledged studio. Hyde Park’s offerings encompass live-action, animation and cross-cultural cinema, and is capable of developing, producing and financing projects, as well as handling international sales and marketing.

Amritraj’s Hyde Park and Image Nation Abu Dhabi partnered in November 2008 on a $250 million financing deal to develop, produce, and distribute up to 20 feature films over seven years.

The company’s projects currently in production include 99 HOMES from acclaimed director Ramin Bahrani and starring Andrew Garfield and Michael Shannon, the family adventure MIDNIGHT SUN, from Award Winning Director Roger Spottiswoode, and the soon to be released LIFE OF CRIME starring Jennifer Aniston, Tim Robbins, John Hawkes, Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), Isla Fisher and Will Forte, which was selected as the 2013 Toronto Film Festival’s Closing Night Film.

Additionally, Hyde Park Entertainment has produced over 100 films including box office hits like GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE, starring Nicolas Cage, PREMONITION, starring Sandra Bullock, and BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE, starring Steve Martin, along with critically acclaimed films like BLUE VALENTINE, starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, and SHOPGIRL, starring Steve Martin and Claire Danes.

About WWE Studios
WWE Studios develops and produces feature films, as well as television and digital content. Its diverse slate is released theatrically, direct to home, and/or across digital platforms, and is co-produced & distributed through partnerships with premiere global entertainment companies including Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox and Lionsgate. WWE’s film division, led by President Michael Luisi, is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA.

Recent films from WWE Studios include The Call with Halle Berry and WWE Superstar David Otunga®, Oculus directed by Mike Flanagan starring Karen Gillan and Katee Sackhoff, Dead Man Down with Colin Farrell and WWE Superstar Wade Barrett®, No One Lives starring Luke Evans and WWE Superstar Brodus Clay™, and Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery, which paired WWE Superstars with Scooby and the gang.

Upcoming films from WWE Studios include Term Life starring Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, and Hailee Steinfeld in a Universal Pictures release, Incarnate starring Aaron Eckhart and featuring WWE Superstar Mark Henry® in a Universal Pictures release of a Blumhouse production, The Flintstones which joins Fred, Barney and the whole Bedrock gang with stone age versions of WWE Superstars and Divas in a Warner Bros. Home Entertainment release, Jingle All the Way 2 starring Larry The Cable Guy and WWE Superstar Santino Marella® in a Fox Home Entertainment release, and Leprechaun: Origins directed by Zach Lipovsky and starring WWE Superstar Hornswoggle® in a Lionsgate release.

About WWE
WWE , a publicly traded company (NYSE:WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 150 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich, Dubai and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE (NYSE:WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to entering into, maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television and pay-per-view programming and our new network distribution agreements; risks relating to the launch and maintenance of our new network; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete and acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to regulatory matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive and fragmented nature of our markets; uncertainties associated with international markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; the risk of accidents or injuries during our physically demanding events; risks associated with producing and travelling to and from our large live events, both domestically and internationally; risks relating to our film business; risks relating to new businesses and strategic investments; risks relating to our computer systems and online operations; risks relating to general economic conditions and our exposure to bad debt risk; risks relating to litigation; risks relating to market expectations for our financial performance; risks relating to our revolving credit facility specifically and capital markets more generally; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family and the possibility of the sale of their stock by the McMahons or the perception of the possibility of such sales; the relatively small public float of our stock; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant.

Miramax Secures Notes and Credit to Pay Down Debt and Support New Productions

Miramax Completes Securitization for $250 Million

Secures Additional $25 Million Revolving Credit Facility

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Miramax Film NY, LLC (“Miramax”), today announced the successful completion of the company’s Film Library Asset-Backed Notes offering (“Notes”). The securitization transaction included the issuance of $250 million aggregate principal amount of 3.34% Notes due 2026, as well as a $25 million revolving credit facility, which was undrawn at closing. The Notes and revolving credit facility are rated BBB+ by Standard & Poor’s and BBB (high) by DBRS. Barclays served as the Sole Structuring Advisor and Sole Bookrunner for the securitization, and as the Sole Lender for the revolving credit facility.

Net proceeds from the sale of the Notes will be used for the repayment of all outstanding indebtedness under the 2011 note issuance and general corporate purposes, including investment in new film and television production.

Thomas J. Barrack, Jr., Chairman of Miramax, said, “This refinancing reflects the stability and maturity of Miramax as an operating company and represents the next step in the company’s evolution. We appreciate that the market recognizes Miramax’s quality of content, combined with the consistency, length, diversity and credit quality of contractual income streams, and we look forward to putting these additional funds to work as we grow new production in line with the powerful Miramax brand.”

About Miramax
Miramax is a leading worldwide film and television studio with a library of more than 700 motion pictures containing some of the most original and acclaimed independent films, such as Pulp Fiction, Chicago, Good Will Hunting, The English Patient, Life is Beautiful, and City Of God – as well as scores of commercial hits such as Bridget Jones’s Diary and the Scream, Scary Movie and Spy Kids franchises. Collectively, the Miramax library has received 282 Academy Award® nominations and 68 Oscars®, including four Best Picture awards. Miramax’s world-class global distribution team has successfully brought this acclaimed collection of titles to existing and emerging platforms in nearly every country in the world.

Miramax’s new development projects include both TV and film. Currently the studio is working with industry luminaries to create new derivative television series based on their respective award-winning stories and characters. These titles include Gangs of New York with Martin Scorsese, Cop Land with James Mangold, and Robert Rodriguez’s From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, which was recently renewed for a second season. Miramax, together with Sony’s Screen Gems, will release Jeremy Garelick’s film The Wedding Ringer (starring Kevin Hart, Josh Gad and Kaley Cuoco) on January 16, 2015.

Miramax was purchased in 2010 by Qatar Holding, together with the investor group led by Miramax Chairman Thomas J. Barrack, Jr.’s Colony Capital, and is headquartered in Santa Monica, California with an office in London.

Social Media
Facebook: facebook.com/Miramax
Twitter: twitter.com/Miramax
Instagram: instagram.com/Miramax
Pinterest: pinterest.com/Miramax


Friday, August 22, 2014

Benedict Cumberbatch Among Cast added to "Jungle Book: Origins"

Benedict Cumberbatch, Cate Blanchett and Christian Bale Head the Ensemble of Warner Bros. Pictures’ 3D Adventure “Jungle Book: Origins”

Young actor Rohan Chand to star as Mowgli in the cast, also including Peter Mullan, Tom Hollander, Naomie Harris, Eddie Marsan, and Andy Serkis

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures has assembled an impressive roster of stars for “Jungle Book: Origins,” its new big-screen, 3D adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic The Jungle Book, marking the feature film directorial debut of Andy Serkis. The action adventure, which will blend motion capture and live action, will be released on October 21, 2016. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

The actors performing the roles of the story’s central animal characters are: Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”) as the fearsome tiger, Shere Khan; Oscar winner Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine”) as the sinister snake, Kaa; Oscar winner Christian Bale (“The Fighter,” the “Dark Knight” Trilogy) as the cunning panther, Bagheera; Andy Serkis (“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”) as the wise bear, Baloo; Peter Mullan (“Hercules”) as the leader of the wolf pack, Akela; Tom Hollander as the scavenging hyena, Tabaqui; Naomie Harris (“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”) as Nisha, the female wolf, who adopts the baby Mowgli as one of her cubs; Eddie Marsan (“Ray Donovan”) as Nisha’s mate, Vihaan; and Jack Reynor (“Transformers: Age of Extinction”) as Mowgli’s Brother Wolf. On the human side, young actor Rohan Chand (“The Hundred-Foot Journey,” “Bad Words”) will play the boy raised by wolves, Mowgli.

The film is being produced by Steve Kloves, who wrote seven of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” films. Jonathan Cavendish (“Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” performance capture producer “Godzilla”) is also serving as a producer. The screenplay is by Kloves’ daughter, Callie Kloves, based on the stories by Kipling.

The story follows the upbringing of the human child Mowgli, raised by a wolf pack in the jungles of India. As he learns the often harsh rules of the jungle, under the tutelage of a bear named Baloo and a panther named Bagheera, Mowgli becomes accepted by the animals of the jungle as one of their own. All but one: the fearsome tiger Shere Khan. But there may be greater dangers lurking in the jungle, as Mowgli comes face to face with his human origins.

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

Starz Announces a Second Season of "Outlander"

Starz Officially Greenlights “Book Two” of the Hit Drama Series “Outlander”

Premiere Episode Surpasses 5 Million Views in First Week
Second Season to be at least 13-Episode Run, Based Upon Dragonfly in Amber, Book Two of Diana Gabaldon’s International Bestselling Novels

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starz Chief Executive Officer, Chris Albrecht, announced today that Starz has once again partnered with Sony Pictures Television to greenlight a second season of “Outlander,” the critically-acclaimed original series adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s international bestselling books. Season two will be at least 13-episodes and based upon the second of eight books in the Outlander series, entitled Dragonfly in Amber.

    “Fans of the Outlander books have waited a long time to see this incredible story brought to life on screen, and Ron and his team have delivered a show that exceeds expectations”

The first 16-episode season of “Outlander,” filmed on location in Scotland, debuted on August 9th, 2014 at 9pm PT/ET, with the first episode setting multiplatform viewing records, surpassing 5 million views in the first week alone, drawing equal male and female viewership (**SOURCE: Starz internal data and Nielsen audience figures as of 8/14/14). Additionally, the series premiere marked a notable media and social media success for the network, with fans hosting viewing parties around the country. It was No. 1 in Nielsen Ratings for Twitter conversation volume among all television series on premiere day, trended twice at No. 2 in U.S. Twitter Trends (**SOURCE: Sysomos).

"The overwhelming support ‘Outlander’ has received from the fans, viewers and critics made the decision for us to go ahead with the second book a very easy one. Diana Gabaldon has given us years of great drama. With an incredible artist such as Ronald D. Moore at the helm and a cast as spectacular as this, we look forward to continue this spell-binding journey with Claire, Jamie, Frank, Brianna, Roger and everybody over the centuries,” said Albrecht.

Creator Ronald D. Moore said “I’m thrilled at the prospect of doing another season of this show for STARZ. This project has been a labor of love from the very beginning and it’s incredibly gratifying to see it succeed with viewers and critics alike.”

“Fans of the Outlander books have waited a long time to see this incredible story brought to life on screen, and Ron and his team have delivered a show that exceeds expectations,” said Zack Van Amburg, President of Programming for Sony Pictures Television. “We look forward to our continued partnership with Starz to present the next chapter of this epic tale to longtime fans and viewers who are just discovering the series.”

The series adaptation for “Outlander” was developed by Ronald D. Moore (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation”). Moore is best known for his work on “Battlestar Galactica,” which won him a Peabody Award in 2006. Ronald D. Moore and Jim Kohlberg are executive producers of “Outlander,” which is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining and Supply Company and Left Bank Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.

Diana Gabaldon’s eight-book series has sold more than 20 million copies and has graced the New York Times Best Sellers list six times. The “Outlander” series spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history, and adventure in one grandiose tale. It follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate affair is ignited that tears Claire’s heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

Starz will retain all domestic multiplatform pay TV rights to the original series.

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

Starz Networks is a leading provider of premium subscription video programming through the flagship STARZ® and ENCORE® pay TV networks which showcase premium original programming and movies to U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. As of June 30, 2014, STARZ and ENCORE serve a combined 55.9 million subscribers, including 22.0 million at STARZ, and 33.9 million at ENCORE, making them the largest pair of premium flagship channels in the U.S. STARZ® and ENCORE®, along with Starz Networks’ third network MOVIEPLEX®, air more than 1,000 movies monthly across 17 linear networks, complemented by On Demand and authenticated online offerings through STARZ PLAY, ENCORE PLAY, and MOVIEPLEX PLAY. Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires entertainment content, distributing it to consumers globally on DVD, digital formats and traditional television. Starz Distribution’s home video, digital media and worldwide distribution business units distribute original programming content produced by Starz, as well as entertainment content for itself and third parties. Starz Animation produces animated TV and movie content for studios, networks, distributors and audiences worldwide.

About Sony Pictures Television
Sony Pictures Television (http://www.sonypicturestelevision.com), a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, is one of the television industry’s leading content providers. It produces and distributes programming in every genre, around the world and for a multitude of platforms. In addition to one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) boasts a current program slate that includes top-rated daytime dramas and game shows, landmark off-network series, original animated series and critically acclaimed primetime dramas, comedies and telefilms. In addition to its US production business, SPT has 18 wholly-owned or joint venture production companies in 10 countries and also maintains offices in 31 countries. SPT’s worldwide television networks portfolio includes 126 channel feeds available in 168 countries, reaching more than 980 million cumulative households worldwide. SPT also creates original content for and manages SPE’s premium video website, Crackle. Additionally, SPT owns US production company Embassy Row and is a part owner of cable channel Game Show Network (GSN), 3D channel 3net, and national U.S media sales company ITN Networks, Inc. SPT advertiser sales is one of the premier national advertising sales companies and handles the commercial inventory in SPT’s syndicated series as well as the Rural Media Group and DrOz.com.

“Outlander” Online:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/outlandertvseries.starz.
Twitter: @Outlander_Starz - join the conversation with #OutlanderStarz

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014

First Look: Paul Rudd in "Ant-Man"
















First look at actor Paul Rudd as "Scott Lang" from Marvel's "Ant-Man," due July 17, 2015.  Photo by Zade Rosenthal for Marvel.


"Road to Ninja - Naruto The Movie" to Screen in Canada Beginning September 7th, 2014

VIZ MEDIA AND ELEVEN ARTS ADD SCREENINGS OF ROAD TO NINJA – NARUTO THE MOVIE FEATURE FILM TO MORE THAN 35 CITIES IN CANADA THIS SEPTEMBER

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, in partnership with Los Angeles-based film distribution company ELEVEN ARTS, will hold special Canadian theatrical screenings of ROAD TO NINJA – NARUTO THE MOVIE (dubbed) on Sunday September 7th and Thursday September 11th. These are in addition to the U.S. theatrical screenings starting August 29, 2014

The sixth feature film in the massively popular NARURTO SHIPPUDEN series will debut in over 35 cities across Canada, including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, and more. Tickets are now available, and additional information and a complete list of U.S. and Canada theatre locations are available at: http://www.elevenarts.net/th_gallery/naruto-roadtoninja.

Dive into the past and take a fateful adventure in the latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN feature film! Long ago, a mysterious masked shinobi unleashed the Nine-Tailed Fox onto the Village Hidden in the Leaves to spread chaos and destruction. But the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and his wife Kushina Uzumaki sealed the Tailed Beast into their newborn son, Naruto, to save the village, foiling the shinobi’s plan.

Years later, Naruto and his friends succeed in driving away the infamous Akatsuki, who have mysteriously returned from the dead. Upon returning to the village, the young shinobi are praised by their families for completing a dangerous mission. Reminded of how alone he is, Naruto begins to wonder what it’s like to have parents, when a strange masked figure appears before him – the same masked shinobi responsible for the death of his parents!

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

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

For more information on manga titles available from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

About ELEVEN ARTS:
ELEVEN ARTS is the Los Angeles based film distribution company that has brought many acclaimed Japanese films, live-action and animated features, to North American audiences. ELEVEN ARTS’s major live-action titles include Japan Academy Awards winner Memories of Tomorrow (starring Ken Watanabe) and Oscar nominated director (with The Twilight Samurai in 2004) Yoji Yamada’s samurai film Love and Honor. ELEVEN ARTS is also a respected distributor of popular animation titles such as the Evangelion franchise, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos, and Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie Part 1: Beginnings/ Part 2: Eternal/ Part 3: Rebellion, TIGER & BUNNY THE MOVIE: The Rising, and Short Peace. For additional information, go to www.elevenarts.net.

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 INUYASHA, 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.