OSCARS NOMINATIONS VOTING ENDS FRIDAY, JANUARY 8
Nominations voting for the 88th Oscars® will close on Friday, January 8, at 5 p.m. PT.
The votes will be tabulated and verified by the international accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers.
The 88th Oscars Nominations Announcement will be broadcast live on Thursday, January 14, 2016 from the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
Oscars for outstanding film achievements of 2015 will be presented on Oscar® Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® and televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscars will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
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Friday, January 8, 2016
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Image Comics Celebrates "Criminal" 10th Anniversary
A special stand-alone with magazine-sized edition
The Eisner Award-winning team of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (THE FADE OUT, FATALE, Sleeper) will release a brand-new 64-page one-shot of their acclaimed noir series CRIMINAL in April 2016.
It's been ten years since CRIMINAL launched and to celebrate, Brubaker and Phillips, with acclaimed color artist Elizabeth Breitweiser, are bringing us their darkest and strangest tale yet: a twisted ‘70s noir about a father and son on the run.
“Teeg and Tracy Lawless are our most popular characters, so I knew this Anniversary Special had to showcase their early days,” said Brubaker. “A big part of Criminal is finding new ways into noir stories, and this time we get to see it all from the point of view of a 12-year-old kid forced to help his father, who is a career thief and murderer.”
Known for its creative experimentation, this novella-length CRIMINAL story features a comic-within-the-comic, a bizarre ‘70s-era KUNG FU magazine starring a werewolf.
"Once again I get to try out a new style, after the cartooning of The Last Of The Innocent, and the sword and sorcery of last year's Savage Sword of Criminal,” said Phillips. “This time I get to figure out how to draw a kung-fu werewolf without him looking too silly. Let's hope I can pull it off! Even if I can't, it's great to be back in the Criminal universe again, it's like we've never been away."
This 10th Anniversary Special also comes in a magazine-sized variant featuring the star of the comic-within-the-comic—a perfect companion to last year's SAVAGE SWORD OF CRIMINAL magazine-sized variant.
CRIMINAL: 10TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL (Diamond code: NOV158430) hits stores Wednesday, April 13th, 2016. CRIMINAL: 10TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL, DEADLY EDITION: MAGAZINE-SIZE VARIANT (Diamond code: NOV158431) will also be available on Wednesday, April 13th. Final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, March 21st.
ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.
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Dark Horse Announces Omnibus Editions of CLAMP's "RG Veda"
CLAMP’s epic professional debut
MILWAUKIE, OR—The breakout manga that put CLAMP on the map will be released by Dark Horse in summer 2016.
With over 600 pages, this is the first book in a three-volume omnibus edition that collects the entire RG Veda story with full-color pages, high-quality paper, and a larger print format.
RG Veda (pronounced “Rig Veda”) is based on a classic Indian saga. The lush, sprawling epic follows Yasha, once a mighty warrior king but now the lord of a slaughtered people he could not save. Yasha journeys the land as the companion and protector of the genderless Ashura, although he knows Ashura’s fate is interwoven with doom for many. Together they seek the other four of the “Six Stars,” whose prophesied gathering will at last defeat Taishakuten, the evil usurper of heaven’s throne. But all prophecies are open to interpretation . . .
RG Veda Omnibus Volume 1 (978-1-61655-988-5) is in stores August 3, 2016.
About CLAMP
CLAMP takes its name from the farmer's term for a heap of potatoes, reflecting their origin as a self-publishing collective of fanzine artists. CLAMP went pro in 1989, and by 1993 there remained four core members: Nanase Ohkawa (main writer), Mokona (chief character designer), and Tsubaki Nekoi and Satsuki Igarashi (artists)--but like a band on different songs, the four often shift their roles depending upon the particular work. CLAMP's early shojo works such as Cardcaptor Sakura and Magic Knight Rayearth attracted the same audience as Sailor Moon, whereas 2001's hit Chobits confirmed their crossover success with male readers as well. More than a dozen of CLAMP's works have been adapted to anime, and collectively their manga have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. The authors live in Tokyo, Japan.
About Dark Horse Comics
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Geof Darrow, Brian Wood, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Milo Manara, Kazuo Koike, Neil Gaiman, and Frank Miller, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, X, and Barb Wire. Its successful line of comics, manga, and products based on popular properties includes Dragon Age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Tomb Raider, Halo, The Witcher, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.
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2016 Writers Guild Awards Screenplay Nominations Announced - Complete List
The Writers Guild of America is a labor union representing film, television, radio, video game, and new media writers. The Writers Guild of America Award acknowledges outstanding achievements in film, television, and radio and has been presented annually by the Writers Guild of America, East and Writers Guild of America, West since 1949.
On Wednesday, January 6, 2015, the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) announced nominations for outstanding achievement in screenwriting during 2015. Winners will be honored at the 2016 Writers Guild Awards on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at concurrent ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York City.
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Bridge of Spies, Written by Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen; DreamWorks Pictures
Sicario, Written by Taylor Sheridan; Lionsgate
Spotlight, Written by Josh Singer & Tom McCarthy; Open Road Films
Straight Outta Compton, Screenplay by Jonathan Herman and Andrea Berloff; Story by S. Leigh Savidge & Alan Wenkus and Andrea Berloff; Universal Pictures
Trainwreck, Written by Amy Schumer; Universal Pictures
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Big Short, Screenplay by Charles Randolph and Adam McKay; Based on the Book by Michael Lewis; Paramount Pictures
Carol, Screenplay by Phyllis Nagy; Based on the Novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith; The Weinstein Company
The Martian, Screenplay by Drew Goddard; Based on the Novel by Andy Weir; Twentieth Century Fox
Steve Jobs, Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin; Based on the Book by Walter Isaacson; Universal Pictures
Trumbo, Written by John McNamara; Based on the Biography by Bruce Cook; Bleecker Street Media
DOCUMENTARY SCREENPLAY
Being Canadian, Written by Robert Cohen; Candy Factory Films
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, Written by Alex Gibney; HBO Documentary Films
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, Written by Brett Morgen; HBO Documentary Films
Prophet’s Prey, Written by Amy J. Berg; Showtime Documentary Films
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On Wednesday, January 6, 2015, the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) announced nominations for outstanding achievement in screenwriting during 2015. Winners will be honored at the 2016 Writers Guild Awards on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at concurrent ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York City.
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Bridge of Spies, Written by Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen; DreamWorks Pictures
Sicario, Written by Taylor Sheridan; Lionsgate
Spotlight, Written by Josh Singer & Tom McCarthy; Open Road Films
Straight Outta Compton, Screenplay by Jonathan Herman and Andrea Berloff; Story by S. Leigh Savidge & Alan Wenkus and Andrea Berloff; Universal Pictures
Trainwreck, Written by Amy Schumer; Universal Pictures
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Big Short, Screenplay by Charles Randolph and Adam McKay; Based on the Book by Michael Lewis; Paramount Pictures
Carol, Screenplay by Phyllis Nagy; Based on the Novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith; The Weinstein Company
The Martian, Screenplay by Drew Goddard; Based on the Novel by Andy Weir; Twentieth Century Fox
Steve Jobs, Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin; Based on the Book by Walter Isaacson; Universal Pictures
Trumbo, Written by John McNamara; Based on the Biography by Bruce Cook; Bleecker Street Media
DOCUMENTARY SCREENPLAY
Being Canadian, Written by Robert Cohen; Candy Factory Films
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, Written by Alex Gibney; HBO Documentary Films
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, Written by Brett Morgen; HBO Documentary Films
Prophet’s Prey, Written by Amy J. Berg; Showtime Documentary Films
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Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Dark Horse Announces "Demonic Moonlight," Entitled "Demonic Moonlight"
The prequel story to the entire Blood-C series
MILWAUKIE, OR—In spring 2016, Dark Horse Comics will deliver the first volume in the prequel to the Blood-C saga from CLAMP, Production I.G, and artist Ryo Haduki: Blood-C: Demonic Moonlight.
Paying homage to the previous Blood series—but telling a wholly new story—Blood-C: Demonic Moonlight is the prequel readers have been waiting for.
In occupied Japan in 1946, an American military investigator is sent to Yokohama Base to research a number of bizarre deaths. His encounters with a mysterious, sword-wielding stranger and a series of supernatural events lead him to believe that the murderer isn’t human. Something more sinister lurks within the shadows!
Dark Horse has sold over 70,000 copies of Blood+, a series perfect for fans of horror, suspense, and mystery. CLAMP’s contribution to the Blood-C saga continues with Blood-C: Demonic Moonlight, based on CLAMP’s original story line and character designs.
Blood-C: Demonic Moonlight Volume 1 is in stores May 11, 2016.
Praise for Blood-C:
“This is definitely one of the Blood spin-offs you need to check out.”—Birth of a New Witch
“Blood-C draws you in slowly and creates a story that will bring you back for more. Strange happenings and mysterious behavior indicate that something wrong is going on.”—Talking Comics
About CLAMP
CLAMP takes its name from the farmer's term for a heap of potatoes, reflecting their origin as a self-publishing collective of fanzine artists. CLAMP went pro in 1989, and by 1993 there remained four core members: Nanase Ohkawa (main writer), Mokona (chief character designer), and Tsubaki Nekoi and Satsuki Igarashi (artists)--but like a band on different songs, the four often shift their roles depending upon the particular work. CLAMP's early shojo works such as Cardcaptor Sakura and Magic Knight Rayearth attracted the same audience as Sailor Moon, whereas 2001's hit Chobits confirmed their crossover success with male readers as well. More than a dozen of CLAMP's works have been adapted to anime, and collectively their manga have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. The authors live in Tokyo, Japan.
About Dark Horse Comics
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Geof Darrow, Brian Wood, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Milo Manara, Kazuo Koike, Neil Gaiman, and Frank Miller, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, X, and Barb Wire. Its successful line of comics, manga, and products based on popular properties includes Dragon Age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Tomb Raider, Halo, The Witcher, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.
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VIZ Media Announces New Digital Anime Content, Including "Sailor Moon Sailor Stars"
VIZ MEDIA INVITES FANS TO BEGIN 2016 WITH ACTION PACKED NEW DIGITAL ANIME CONTENT
Start January With Must-See Episodes For HUNTER X HUNTER, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN and SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL; Catch The U.S. Premiere Of The Final Season Of Classic SAILOR MOON
VIZ Media gets 2016 underway with a brand new digital update for its free anime content streaming platform for January.
Throughout this month, audiences are invited to catch newly-added dubbed and subtitled episodes for several hit anime series including SAILOR MOON and SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL, HUNTER X HUNTER, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN and INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT.
Newly added anime content for January includes:
HUNTER X HUNTER
· Catch the second-half of Season 1 of the supernatural action adventure with the addition of Episodes 14-26, available to stream with newly updated subtitles.
· In the HUNTER X HUNTER anime series, abundant riches, hidden treasures, fearsome monsters, and exotic creatures are scattered around the world... Gon departs on a journey to become a Pro Hunter who risks his life in search of the unknown. Along the way, he meets other applicants for the Hunter exam: Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua. Can Gon pass the rigorous challenges of the Hunter exam and become the best Hunter in the world!? His wild and epic journey is about to begin!!
INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT
· Dive into the action of the final climactic season of INUYASHA with Episodes 1-26 (subtitled and dubbed) available to stream now.
· Throughout their quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel, the half-demon Inuyasha and modern schoolgirl Kagome have never faced an enemy more deadly or more cunning than the demon mastermind Naraku. With the Shikon Jewel nearly whole, the race to collect the remaining shards intensifies and a battle of epic proportions is brewing on the horizon!
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN
· Weekly simulcasts of the latest action packed NARUTO SHIPPUDEN episodes will take place every Thursday throughout January.
· Catch Episode 444 on January 14th, followed by Episode 445 on January 21st, Episode 446 on January 28thth.
ONE-PUNCH MAN
· Watch the entire action-packed subtitled first season (Episodes 1-12), available now!
· Saitama is a hero who only became a hero for fun. After three years of “special” training, though, he’s become so strong that he’s practically invincible. In fact, he’s too strong – even his mightiest opponents are taken out with a single punch, and it turns out that being devastatingly powerful is actually kind of a bore. With his passion for being a hero lost along with his hair, yet still faced with new enemies every day, how much longer can he keep it going?
SAILOR MOON
· Don’t miss the newly subtitled North American premiere for SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS (Season 5). Episode 172 opens Season 5, which is the first time the exciting final story arc of the classic SAILOR MOON series has been available legally in the U.S.
· Catch 2 new SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS episodes every week, beginning with Episodes 172 and 173, which are available to stream now.
· Catch Episodes 174 and 175 on January 11th, followed by Episodes 176 and 177 on January 18th and Episodes 178 and 179 on January 25th.
· This month, SAILOR MOON Season 2 is also added in its entirety and available to stream on-demand.
SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL
· Enjoy all new English dubbed streams of SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL throughout January with a brand new episode every week.
· SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL Season 1 action continues with Episode 8 available to stream now.
· Catch Episode 9 on January 8th, followed by Episode 10 on January 15th, Episode 11 on January 22nd and Episode 12 on January 29th.
VIZ Media’s consolidated online destination for FREE streaming anime content in the U.S. has over 4,100 subtitled and English dubbed episodes and movies from more than 36 series! VIZ Media’s streaming content also reaches an expansive on-demand U.S.-based audience on Hulu, which enables viewers to watch shows anytime, anywhere across devices including Xbox One, PlayStation®4, Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and mobile devices. A full list of Hulu -enabled devices can be found at http://www.hulu.com/plus/devices.
Additional information on VIZ Media’s streaming anime is available at: http://www.viz.com/anime/streaming/.
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Wizard World Philadelphis 2016 Announces Michael J. Fox and Lea Thompson
The ‘Future’ is June 4, 2016: Five-Time Emmy Award Winner Michael J. Fox, ‘Caroline in the City’ Actress Lea Thompson to Appear at Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia
‘Back to the Future’ Stars To Make First Wizard World Appearances At Pennsylvania Convention Center
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hello, McFly! From the Back to the Future franchise to TV hits like “Family Ties” and “Spin City,” Michael J. Fox has thrilled, touched and moved millions with his performances as well as his commitment to the campaign for increased Parkinson’s disease research. And Lea Thompson, who portrayed Marty’s mother in the trilogy in one of her most memorable roles, has appeared in more than 80 films and TV series. Now fans will have the chance to meet two of the most beloved stars of the past four decades as Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB:WIZD) today announced that Fox and Thompson will attend Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia on Saturday, June 4, 2016, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Thompson will also appear on Sunday, June 5, 2016.
'Back to the Future' stars @realmikefox and @LeaKThompson will attend Wizard World Comic Con Phila Sat., June 4
The Edmonton, Alberta, Canada native debuted as a professional actor at 15, co-starring in the sitcom “Leo and Me” on CBC. When he was 18, Fox moved to Los Angeles. He had a series of bit parts, including one in “Palmerstown USA” before winning the role of lovable conservative Alex P. Keaton on NBC’s enormously popular “Family Ties” (1982-89). During Fox’s seven years on “Ties,” he earned three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, making him one of the country’s most prominent young actors.
“Spin City” reunited Fox with “Family Ties” creator/executive producer Gary David Goldberg. Together with Bill Lawrence, Goldberg created the series expressly for Fox, establishing it as a joint venture of Dreamworks SKG, Goldberg’s UBU Productions, and Lottery Hill Entertainment (run by Fox and partner Nelle Fortenberry, now a member of the Board of Directors of The Michael J. Fox Foundation).
Fox also had time during his busy TV work to become an international film star, appearing in over a dozen features showcasing his keen ability to shift between comedy and drama. These include the Back to the Future trilogy, The Hard Way, Doc Hollywood, The Secret of My Success, Bright Lights, Big City, Light of Day, Teen Wolf, Casualties of War, Life With Mikey, For Love or Money, The American President, Greedy, The Frighteners, and Mars Attacks!
Though the five-time Emmy Award winner (in addition to the three for “Family Ties,” he also won one for “Spin City” and one for a guest role on “Rescue Me”) would not share the news with the public for another seven years, Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991. Upon disclosing his condition in 1998, he committed himself to the campaign for increased Parkinson’s research. Fox announced his retirement from “Spin City” in January 2000, effective upon the completion of his fourth season and 100th episode. Today the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s drug development in the world, the Foundation has galvanized the search for a cure for Parkinson’s disease, and Michael is widely admired for his tireless work as a patient advocate.
“Michael J. Fox is among the most requested celebrities by our fans, and we couldn’t be more excited that he will make his Wizard World debut at one of our flagship shows, Philadelphia,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “His career in film and television has made him a household name and speaks for itself, and his work to benefit Parkinson’s research and to support families battling the disease shows even more the kind of person he is.
“We are also thrilled that he will be paired with his co-star in the trilogy, Lea Thompson,” he added. “Wizard World and its fans will be honored by their presence.”
In addition to playing "Lorraine Baines McFly" alongside Fox, Thompson starred in SpaceCamp, Howard The Duck, Dennis The Menace, Some Kind of Wonderful and numerous other hit films. She has guest starred in many TV series, and had success with the NBC situation comedy "Caroline in the City" in the late 1990s before starring in several Broadway plays.
Fox and Thompson join a select group of celebrities already committed to attend Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia, including Norman Reedus ("The Walking Dead," Boondock Saints), Sean Patrick Flanery (Boondock Saints, "Dexter"), Billy Martin (Lead Guitarist/Keyboardist - Good Charlotte, Artist - TMNT New Animated Adventures), James Remar (“The Warriors,” “Dexter”) and Jason David Frank ("Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers"), with many more to be announced.
Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The ninth event currently scheduled on the 2016 Wizard World calendar, Philadelphia show hours are Thursday, June 2, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, June 3, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, June 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more on the 2016 Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia, visit http://wizd.me/PhiladelphiaPR.
About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)
Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched Wizard World Store (www.shopwizardworld.com), CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM), and ComicConBox™ (www.comicconbox.com), a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.
The Wizard World 2016 schedule is available at: www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve certain risks and uncertainties. The actual results or outcomes of Wizard World, Inc. may differ materially from those anticipated. Although Wizard World, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any such assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, Wizard World, Inc. can provide no assurance that any of the forward-looking statements contained in this letter will prove to be accurate.
In light of the significant uncertainties and risks inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this letter, such information should not be regarded as a representation by Wizard World, Inc. that its objectives or plans will be achieved. Included in these uncertainties and risks are, among other things, fluctuations in operating results, general economic conditions, uncertainty regarding the results of certain legal proceedings and competition. Forward-looking statements consist of statements other than a recitation of historical fact and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "intend," "expect," "will," "anticipate," "estimate" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Because they are forward-looking, such statements should be evaluated in light of important risk factors and uncertainties. These risk factors and uncertainties are more fully described in Wizard World, Inc.'s most recent Annual and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading entitled "Risk Factors." Wizard World, Inc. does not undertake an obligation to update publicly any of its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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‘Back to the Future’ Stars To Make First Wizard World Appearances At Pennsylvania Convention Center
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hello, McFly! From the Back to the Future franchise to TV hits like “Family Ties” and “Spin City,” Michael J. Fox has thrilled, touched and moved millions with his performances as well as his commitment to the campaign for increased Parkinson’s disease research. And Lea Thompson, who portrayed Marty’s mother in the trilogy in one of her most memorable roles, has appeared in more than 80 films and TV series. Now fans will have the chance to meet two of the most beloved stars of the past four decades as Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB:WIZD) today announced that Fox and Thompson will attend Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia on Saturday, June 4, 2016, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Thompson will also appear on Sunday, June 5, 2016.
'Back to the Future' stars @realmikefox and @LeaKThompson will attend Wizard World Comic Con Phila Sat., June 4
The Edmonton, Alberta, Canada native debuted as a professional actor at 15, co-starring in the sitcom “Leo and Me” on CBC. When he was 18, Fox moved to Los Angeles. He had a series of bit parts, including one in “Palmerstown USA” before winning the role of lovable conservative Alex P. Keaton on NBC’s enormously popular “Family Ties” (1982-89). During Fox’s seven years on “Ties,” he earned three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, making him one of the country’s most prominent young actors.
“Spin City” reunited Fox with “Family Ties” creator/executive producer Gary David Goldberg. Together with Bill Lawrence, Goldberg created the series expressly for Fox, establishing it as a joint venture of Dreamworks SKG, Goldberg’s UBU Productions, and Lottery Hill Entertainment (run by Fox and partner Nelle Fortenberry, now a member of the Board of Directors of The Michael J. Fox Foundation).
Fox also had time during his busy TV work to become an international film star, appearing in over a dozen features showcasing his keen ability to shift between comedy and drama. These include the Back to the Future trilogy, The Hard Way, Doc Hollywood, The Secret of My Success, Bright Lights, Big City, Light of Day, Teen Wolf, Casualties of War, Life With Mikey, For Love or Money, The American President, Greedy, The Frighteners, and Mars Attacks!
Though the five-time Emmy Award winner (in addition to the three for “Family Ties,” he also won one for “Spin City” and one for a guest role on “Rescue Me”) would not share the news with the public for another seven years, Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991. Upon disclosing his condition in 1998, he committed himself to the campaign for increased Parkinson’s research. Fox announced his retirement from “Spin City” in January 2000, effective upon the completion of his fourth season and 100th episode. Today the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s drug development in the world, the Foundation has galvanized the search for a cure for Parkinson’s disease, and Michael is widely admired for his tireless work as a patient advocate.
“Michael J. Fox is among the most requested celebrities by our fans, and we couldn’t be more excited that he will make his Wizard World debut at one of our flagship shows, Philadelphia,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “His career in film and television has made him a household name and speaks for itself, and his work to benefit Parkinson’s research and to support families battling the disease shows even more the kind of person he is.
“We are also thrilled that he will be paired with his co-star in the trilogy, Lea Thompson,” he added. “Wizard World and its fans will be honored by their presence.”
In addition to playing "Lorraine Baines McFly" alongside Fox, Thompson starred in SpaceCamp, Howard The Duck, Dennis The Menace, Some Kind of Wonderful and numerous other hit films. She has guest starred in many TV series, and had success with the NBC situation comedy "Caroline in the City" in the late 1990s before starring in several Broadway plays.
Fox and Thompson join a select group of celebrities already committed to attend Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia, including Norman Reedus ("The Walking Dead," Boondock Saints), Sean Patrick Flanery (Boondock Saints, "Dexter"), Billy Martin (Lead Guitarist/Keyboardist - Good Charlotte, Artist - TMNT New Animated Adventures), James Remar (“The Warriors,” “Dexter”) and Jason David Frank ("Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers"), with many more to be announced.
Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The ninth event currently scheduled on the 2016 Wizard World calendar, Philadelphia show hours are Thursday, June 2, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, June 3, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, June 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more on the 2016 Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia, visit http://wizd.me/PhiladelphiaPR.
About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)
Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched Wizard World Store (www.shopwizardworld.com), CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM), and ComicConBox™ (www.comicconbox.com), a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.
The Wizard World 2016 schedule is available at: www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve certain risks and uncertainties. The actual results or outcomes of Wizard World, Inc. may differ materially from those anticipated. Although Wizard World, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any such assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, Wizard World, Inc. can provide no assurance that any of the forward-looking statements contained in this letter will prove to be accurate.
In light of the significant uncertainties and risks inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this letter, such information should not be regarded as a representation by Wizard World, Inc. that its objectives or plans will be achieved. Included in these uncertainties and risks are, among other things, fluctuations in operating results, general economic conditions, uncertainty regarding the results of certain legal proceedings and competition. Forward-looking statements consist of statements other than a recitation of historical fact and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "intend," "expect," "will," "anticipate," "estimate" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Because they are forward-looking, such statements should be evaluated in light of important risk factors and uncertainties. These risk factors and uncertainties are more fully described in Wizard World, Inc.'s most recent Annual and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading entitled "Risk Factors." Wizard World, Inc. does not undertake an obligation to update publicly any of its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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