Disney Launches "Star Wars Rebels" Merchandise and Product Lines

Disney Consumer Products Extends Epic Storytelling with the Launch of Star Wars Rebels Product Assortment

GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Disney Consumer Products has unveiled an intergalactic assortment of products celebrating the release of Star Wars Rebels, the new Disney XD animated television series which debuts October 3rd on Disney Channel and continues on Disney XD starting October 13th. With all new exciting adventures and memorable new characters, Star Wars Rebels will introduce a new generation of fans to the Star Wars galaxy, inspiring new lines of figures, spaceships and lightsabers, apparel and accessories, home décor, books and more from best-in-class licensees including Hasbro, LEGO, Mad Engine, Rubies and Jay Franco.

    “Star Wars Rebels extends the franchise’s legendary storytelling while refreshing nostalgic play patterns with a new audience”

“Star Wars Rebels extends the franchise’s legendary storytelling while refreshing nostalgic play patterns with a new audience,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing, Disney Consumer Products. "With updated classics like multi-functional lightsabers and buildable spacecraft, kids will be able to recreate the epic galactic space fantasy that has been shared by multiple generations.”

Star Wars Rebels is also supported by Disney Publishing Worldwide with a new book program and series of interactive mobile apps from Disney Lucasfilm Press which expand upon the Star Wars Rebels series. The first wave of Star Wars Rebels books includes Star Wars Rebels: A New Hero by Pablo Hidalgo, an action-packed picture book that uses dynamic concept art from the show, and Star Wars Rebels: Servants of the Empire, an original chapter book series written by Jason Fry. Star Wars Journeys, an episodic series of apps from Disney Publishing, will be updated this October to include the stories that lead up to the action-packed adventures in Star Wars Rebels. In early 2015, Star Wars Scene Maker: Rebels will launch to feature the locations and characters from the series, giving fans an unrivaled user-generated storytelling experience that allows them to re-imagine and re-create scenes from Star Wars Rebels.

In addition to the collection of Star Wars Rebels products available at Disney Store locations nationwide, DisneyStore.com will feature a “Create Your Own” tab that allows fans to personalize a variety of items from tech accessories and school supplies to apparel and party invitations that feature their favorite characters from Star Wars Rebels.

Star Wars Rebels is set between the events of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars Episode VI: A New Hope. It is a dark time in the galaxy. The evil Galactic Empire has tightened its grip on the star systems and the noble Jedi Knights are nearly extinct. Star Wars Rebels follows the brave and clever ragtag crew of the starship Ghost -- street-smart hero Ezra, cowboy Jedi Kanan, ace pilot Hera, Zeb, the muscle, explosives artist Sabine, and Chopper, the grumpy astromech droid – who embark on thrilling adventures and become heroes with the power to ignite a rebellion.

Highlights from the product line include:

Action Figures & Role-Play:

    Star Wars Rebels Action Figures by Hasbro (MSRP: $5.99-9.99): Team up characters or pit them against each other with these awesome action figures, featuring heroes and villains from the new animated series, Star Wars Rebels.

    Star Wars Rebels Inquisitor Lightsaber by Hasbro (MSRP: $29.99): The signature weapon of the fearsome new villain from Star Wars Rebels – the Inquisitor -- comes to life in toy form. Start the battle with a single blade, and then attach the second blade to the special hilt for three feet of double-bladed power. And, for the first time ever, launch the Force Disc for a long distance strike!

    Star Wars Rebels The Ghost by LEGO (MSRP: $89.99): Get ready to battle the Empire with the rebel heroes’ awesome starship – the Ghost! The ship has plenty of weaponry on board with 2 spring-loaded shooters, storage for a spare missile and a lightsaber.

Apparel:

    Star Wars Rebels Costumes by Rubies (MSRP: $21.99-29.99): Show your support for the Empire or rebels this Halloween season with costumes inspired by the Star Wars Rebels characters.

    Star Wars Rebels Tees by Mad Engine (MSRP: $12.95): Demonstrate your allegiance to the rebel cause with character-inspired tees that feature a graffiti-inspired motif.

    Star Wars Rebels PJ Pals by Disney Store ($16.95): He'll be sleeping under the stars every night wearing this comfy cotton PJ Pal set featuring favorite characters from the Star Wars Rebels animated series.

Decor:

    Star Wars Rebels Defeat The Empire Bedding Set by Jay Franco (MSRP: $14.99-32.99): Head for bed with the coolest group of heroes in the galaxy! The set of sheets, pillowcases and comforter will inspire out-of-this-world dreams, while the Chopper decorated Pillowtime Pal adds extra comfort.

    Star Wars Rebels Wall Decal by York Wallcoverings (MSRP: $15.99): Turn your bedroom into the rebels’ starship Ghost with removable wall decals of your favorite characters.

    Star Wars Rebels Posters by Trends (MSRP: $5.00-8.00): Show your support for the Empire or rebels with these awesome propaganda posters that are inspired by the epic rivalry.

Accessories:

    Star Wars Rebels Lunchbox & FUNtainer Bottle by Thermos (MSRP: $9.99-16.99): Carry around your lunch in style with the insulated Stormtrooper themed lunchbox and stainless steel FUNtainer hydration bottle.

    Star Wars Rebels Vinyl Binder by Disney Store ($18.95): Create eye-catching Avery Custom Signature Binders for home or office, featuring the characters from Star Wars Rebels.

    Star Wars Rebels Hera iPhone Case by Disney Store ($39.95): Protect your iPhone 4 or 5/5S with a customizable Barely There Case-Mate case. This form-fitting case covers the back and corners of your iPhone with an impact resistant, flexible plastic shell, while still providing access to all ports and buttons.

    Star Wars Rebels Watch by MZB (MSRP: $19.99): Help your Jedi-in-training learn to tell time with this Stormtrooper themed stainless steel watch that features labeled hour and minute hands!

    Star Wars Rebels Scooter by Huffy (MSRP: $39.99-89.99): Race to your next adventure in a Star Wars Rebels branded scooter! The orange aluminum scooter deck is fully wrapped with grip tape and printed with a scene from the new animated series!


About Disney Consumer Products
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that delivers innovative and engaging product experiences across thousands of categories from toys and apparel to books and fine art. As the world's largest licensor, DCP inspires the imaginations of people around the world by bringing the magic of Disney into consumers' homes with products they can enjoy year-round. DCP is comprised of three business units: Licensing, Publishing and Disney Store. The Licensing business is aligned around five strategic brand priorities: Disney Media, Classics & Entertainment, Disney & Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Princess & Disney Fairies, Lucasfilm and Marvel. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books, magazines, and digital products and also includes an English language learning business, consisting of over 40 Disney English learning centers across China and a supplemental learning book program. DPW's growing library of digital products includes best-selling eBook titles and original apps that leverage Disney content in innovative ways. The Disney Store retail chain operates across North America, Europe and Japan with more than 350 stores worldwide and is known for providing consumers with high-quality, unique products. Disney's official shopping portals online are www.DisneyStore.com and www.DisneyStore.co.uk. For more information, please visit Disney Consumer Products www.DisneyConsumerProducts.com or follow us at www.YouTube.com/DisneyLiving, www.Facebook.com/DisneyLiving, www.Twitter.com/DisneyLiving and www.Pinterest.com/DisneyLiving and www.Instagram.com/DisneyLiving.


About Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. 

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William Shatner to Appear at Wizard World Nashville Comic Con, Friday, September 26th, 2014

William Shatner, Lauren Cohan, Evan Peters, WWE® Superstar Kane® Headline Celebrity Guests At Wizard World Nashville Comic Con, September 26-28

'Star Trek: TNG' Cast Reunion, Alan Tudyk, Eliza Dushku, WWE® Divas The Bella Twins™, Sean Astin, Jamie Bamber, Michael Rooker, Top Comics Creators Also Among Top Stars At Pop Culture Festival At Music City Center

William Shatner (Star Trek, “T.J. Hooker”), Lauren Cohan (“The Walking Dead,” “The Vampire Diaries”), WWE® Superstar Kane®, WWE® Divas The Bella Twins™, Evan Peters (X-Men: Days of Future Past, American Horror Story), Eliza Dushku (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel”), Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs and Brian Krause (“Charmed”) and Alan Tudyk (“Firefly,” 42) are among the celebrities scheduled to attend Wizard World Nashville Comic Con, September 26-28 at the Music City Center. It is the 12th of 16 events in the 2014 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and will also feature a top-drawer collection of well-known comics artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions.

Shatner will appear on Friday, Sept. 26, only; The WWE stars will attend on Saturday, Sept. 27, only. Krause will appear all three days. The others are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Wizard World Nashville Comic Con will also be the scene of a reunion of six cast members from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” as Jonathan Frakes (“Commander William T. Riker”), Levar Burton (“Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge”), Michael Dorn (“Lieutenant Worf”), Marina Sirtis (“Counselor Deanna Troi”), Brent Spiner (“Lt. Commander Data”), and Gates McFadden (“Dr. Beverly Crusher”) relive the memories of the program's seven-year run.

Superstar comics creators scheduled to attend include Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern”), Ron Garney (“Thor,” “Uncanny X-Force”), Ethan Van Sciver (“Green Lantern,” “Flash”), Phil Ortiz (“The Simpsons,” “Muppet Babies”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”), Michael Golden (“Spider-Man,” “Hulk”), Greg Horn (“Walt Disney,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”), and many others.

Other notable celebrities on the Wizard World Nashville Comic Con roster include Manu Bennett (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, “Arrow”), Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings, Rudy), Jamie Bamber and Michael Trucco (“Battlestar Galactica,”), Jon Bernthal and Michael Rooker of “The Walking Dead,” Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk,” “King of Queens,”), Jason David Frank (“Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers”) and Jenna Busch (“Cocktails With Stan).

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, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Wizard World Nashville Comic Con show hours are Friday, September 26, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, September 27, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, September 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place all three days at the event, with celebrity Q&A's, the Wizard World Film Festival, comics-themed sessions, costume contest, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Sunday is also Kids Day, with an array of activities and programming specially designed for the younger Wizard World fans.

Wizard World Nashville Comic Con is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor, often stopping by the Show Stage, the ideal place to see and be seen.

For more on the 2014 Wizard World Nashville Comic Con, visit http://www.wizd.me/NashvillePR.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

Wizard World 2014 Schedule
January 24-26 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
March 7-9 – Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con
March 28-30 – Wizard World Louisville Comic Con
April 4-6 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 2-4 – Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con
May 30-June 1 – Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con
June 19-22 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 1-3 – Wizard World San Antonio Comic Con
August 21-24 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 12-14 – Wizard World Richmond Comic Con
September 26-28 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
October 2-4 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
October 31-November 2 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
November 7-9 – Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con
November 21-23 – Wizard World Reno Comic Con

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Eminem Track, "Guts Over Fear," Featured in "The Equalizer"

"GUTS OVER FEAR," THE NEW SINGLE FROM EMINEM FEAT. SIA TO BE THE END TITLE SONG IN "THE EQUALIZER" STARRING DENZEL WASHINGTON

"Guts Over Fear," the new single from Eminem featuring Sia, has just launched to great success as a digital download, with near universal acclaim and over 247,000 downloads worldwide. Moviegoers will hear the song in the upcoming film The Equalizer, starring Denzel Washington, in theaters September 26.

"By the end of The Equalizer, Denzel’s character of Robert McCall will have to embrace who he really is, but also transform himself into a man on a tireless and continuing pursuit of justice. Like the title of Eminem’s song, that’s ultimately a story of guts over fear – for this character, the driving force of his life becomes using his skills to help the truly powerless," says Antoine Fuqua, director of The Equalizer. "It’s the perfect song to end the film. It’s powerful, a great song, but more importantly, it captures the themes of the movie and the choices that Robert McCall has made, and it leaves the audience feeling elated."

The song is also the first release from the upcoming ShadyXV, a two-CD compilation marking the 15th anniversary of Eminem’s Shady Records imprint. The collection is comprised of an album of the label’s greatest hits -- including classics such as 50 Cent’s "In Da Club" and Eminem’s "Lose Yourself" – plus an album of new material from Eminem, Slaughterhouse, Bad Meets Evil, D-12 and Yelawolf as well as special guest-artist collaborations. ShadyXV (Shady Records/Interscope Records) is set for release November 24, 2014.

In The Equalizer, Denzel Washington plays McCall, a man who believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when McCall meets Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can’t stand idly by – he has to help her. Armed with hidden skills that allow him to serve vengeance against anyone who would brutalize the helpless, McCall comes out of his self-imposed retirement and finds his desire for justice reawakened. If someone has a problem, if the odds are stacked against them, if they have nowhere else to turn, McCall will help. He is The Equalizer. Directed by Antoine Fuqua. Written by Richard Wenk. Based on the Television Series Created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim. Produced by Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Denzel Washington, Alex Siskin, Steve Tisch, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, and Michael Sloan. Executive producers are Ezra Swerdlow, David Bloomfield, and Ben Waisbren. The film is a Columbia Pictures presentation in association with LStar Capital and Village Roadshow Pictures.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of September 14th to September 20th, 2014 - Update #16

NEWS:

From CinemaBlend:  Some "news" about Star Trek 3.

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From SpinoffCBR:  Sony releases the first clip from the upcoming Popeye animated film, directed by Genndy Tartakovsky ("Dexter's Lab," "Samurai Jack").  The film may be released in 2016.  Tartakovsky previously directed the hit film, Hotel Transylvania (2012), for Sony Pictures Animation.

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From YahooMovies:  Jack Huston, the grandson of legendary director, John Huston, has been cast in the lead role in the upcoming remake of the 1959 best picture Oscar winner, Ben-Hur.  He is also the the nephew of Oscar-winning actress Anjelica Huston and Danny Huston.  Morgan Freeman has also been cast in the film.

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From YahooMovies:  TNT locked down the rights to broadcast five Marvel movies, beginning with "Avengers: Age of Ultron."  The movies will debut two years after their theatrical release.

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From HuffingtonPost:  Disney hopes to exploit Frozen better than it did The Little Mermaid.

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From Gawker:  More on actress Daniele Watts run-in with the LAPD after kissing her white husband.

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From Variety:  The new film, No Good Deed," debuts at #1 for the September 12th - 14th, 2014 weekend box office, with an estimagted $24.5 million haul.  The film stars Taraji P. Henson and Idris Elba.  Meanwhile, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy becomes the first film released in 2014 to cross the $300 million mark in domestic box office.  It has crossed $600 million in worldwide box office, and still has not been released in China.

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From TheHollywoodReporter:  Django Unchained actress, Daniele Watts (who is black), was arrested by two Los Angeles police officers on Thursday, September 11, 2014.  She claims they thought she was a prostitute.  Watts also appears as Martin Lawrence's daughter on the FX comedy series, "Partners."

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From CNN:  Bill Murray seems to have cause a stir with his suggestion of an all-female Ghostbusters reboot.


COMIC BOOKS - Books and Movies:

From Inquisitr:  Rumors about the plot and cast of "Thor 3."

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From Mashable:  Aquaman apparently had a part in Man of Steel; details to be revealed in "Batman Vs. Superman."

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From SpinoffCBR:  FOX sets "Deadpool" movie for February 12, 2016, and moves "Fantastic Four" reboot to from June 2016 to August 2016.

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From YahooMovies:  Disney/Marvel releases the synopsis for Avengers: Age of Ultron.

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From CinemaBlend:  Speculation about a fourth Iron Man film.

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From TheVox:  The business of killing Wolverine in the comic books.


STAR WARS:

From YahooMovies:  Rian Johnson, writer-director of Episode 8, talks about Lucasfilm's one big demand.

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From SpinoffCBR:  JJ Abrams reveals the Millennium Falcon in a video... with some humor.

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From EW's InsideMovies:  A question and answer session with C-P3O, Anthony Daniels.

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From YahooMovies:  An article about EW's Anthony Daniels interview.

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From Inquisitr:  Possible set photos from Episode 7.

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From InternationalBusinessTimes:  Supposed info about Luke Skywalker as he pertains to Episode 7.

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From InternationalBusinessTimes:  Supposedly, current James Bond, Daniel Craig, has a cameo in Episode 7.

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From CinemaBlend:  What Daisy Ridley could look like in Episode 7.



MISC:

From BuzzFeed:  See the Columbian Women Team's cycling uniforms.  They look nasty from a distance; the shadow cast at the crotch looks like pubic hair.  Close-up, the uniforms look like no big deal.

From TheConcourse:  Rob Harvilla on U2's new album.

From BuzzFlash:  More fun with the Palin Klan...err... I mean clan.

Sony Pictures Classics Acquires "Still Alice" with Julianne Moore and Kristen Stewart

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES STILL ALICE FOR NORTH AMERICA

Sony Pictures Classics announced that they acquired North American rights to STILL ALICE, starring Julianne Moore, Kristen Stewart, Alec Baldwin, Kate Bosworth and Hunter Parrish. The film reunites Co-Directors and Co-Writers Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland (THE LAST OF ROBIN HOOD) with Sony Pictures Classics, who worked together on QUINCEANERA. STILL ALICE, a BSM Studio Presentation, is produced by Lex Lutzus, James Brown and Pamela Koffler and executive produced by Marie Savare, Christine Vachon of Killer Films, Maria Shriver, Emilie Georges, Nicholas Shumaker, Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler. This also marks a homecoming for Julianne Moore, who worked with the company on VANYA ON 42ND STREET, SAFE and THE MYTH OF FINGERPRINTS.

The film has received much acclaim while debuting at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. It had its world premiere on Thursday.

Alice Howland, happily married with three grown children, is a renowned linguistics professor who starts to forget words. When she receives a devastating diagnosis, Alice and her family find their bonds tested in STILL ALICE.

"Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland have made a seamless powerfully moving film. The cast is simply phenomenal. Julianne Moore, one of the world's truly great film actresses, gives here her finest performance to date. It is a privilege to welcome Wash and Richard, Julianne, Alec and the producers back into the Sony Pictures Classics family with a film about family that promises to pack an emotional punch on audiences throughout the country," said Sony Pictures Classics.

"To have unveiled the movie on Monday and have Sony Pictures Classics picking up it up by Friday is a filmmaker's dream. We know STILL ALICE is in the best possible hands with Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and the entire team at SPC and look forward to a great release," added Filmmakers Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland.

The deal was negotiated with CAA.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world.

Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 32 Academy Awards® (28 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 140 Academy Award® nominations (114 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

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2014 Austin Film Festival Announces Programming

Austin Film Festival Announces 2014 Slate

Selections include Wild, Escobar: Paradise Lost, The Imitation Game, The Homesman, Big Hero 6, and a robust slate of World Premieres

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Austin Film Festival & Screenwriters Conference (AFF), the premier film festival recognizing writers’ and filmmakers’ contributions to film, television, and new media, announced today their full slate of programming for the 21st Annual Festival, this October 23-30.

Marquee selections will feature Wild, Escobar: Paradise Lost, The Imitation Game, The Sound and the Fury, The Homesman, Black and White, Big Hero 6, Red Army, and the World Premieres of Gravitas Venture’s 21 Years: Richard Linklater, Bravo’s upcoming series A Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce, and Amplify’s Dawn Patrol – a script discovered out of AFF’s Screenplay Competition by Enderby Entertainment’s Daniel Petrie, Jr. and Rick Dugdale.

AFF’s Film Competition Program boasts 15 World Premieres, with titles hailing from more than 20 countries. Film talent confirmed to attend includes Jay Duplass (Jeff, Who Lives at Home), Rita Wilson (Sleepless in Seattle), Scott Eastwood (Fury), W. Earl Brown (Deadwood), Jason Ritter (Parenthood), Austin Nichols (One Tree Hill), Leven Rambin (The Hunger Games), Matthew Letscher (Her), Alex Anfanger (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty), Sebastian Roché (Beowulf), Luke Kleintank (Bones), Lindsay Pulsipher (Hatfields & McCoys), Glenn Morshower (Friday Night Lights), Lindsay Burdge (A Teacher), comedian Maz Jobrani, members from the band Morphine, and more.

The Screenwriters Conference, held the first four days of the Festival (October 23-26), will play host to writers behind some of the last year’s biggest blockbusters and indie gems: Guardians of the Galaxy, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, 12 Years a Slave, American Hustle, Dallas Buyers Club, Saving Mr. Banks, and The Fault In Our Stars; as well as highly-anticipated projects: Unbroken, Fifty Shades of Grey, The Jungle Book, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, and Top Gun 2. Television creators, writers, directors, and producers will be represented from Mad Men, True Detective, Breaking Bad, Fargo, Masters of Sex, Bob’s Burgers, Justified, and Orange is the New Black.

Guest programmers for AFF’s annual retrospective series include Matthew Weiner presenting episodes from The Twilight Zone; Jim Sheridan and Terry George presenting In the Name of the Father; Jenny Lumet, daughter of Sidney Lumet, presenting Network; and Randall Wallace presenting Braveheart.

Badges and passes are available for purchase online at www.austinfilmfestival.com or by phone at 1-800-310-FEST.

Attendance is subject to change and based on permitting schedules.

Austin Film Festival is supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts, City of Austin Economic Growth & Redevelopment Services Office/Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in Austin’s future.

Trailblazing Comedian, Joan Rivers, Dead at 81 - Update #8

Heart is breaking.  Can't write much now.  Joan Rivers is dead.

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Born on June 8th, 1933, Joan Rivers was an American comedian, also known for her work as an actress and as a television host.  Rivers also authored numerous books and recorded several comedy albums.

She first came to prominence in 1965 when she appeared on "The Tonight Show," a program with which she would be closely associated for the next two decades.  In 1986, Rivers became the first woman to host her own late night talk show with "The Late Show with Joan Rivers," which was short-lived.  From 1989 to 1993, she hosted a successful daytime show, "The Joan Rivers Show," which earned her a Daytime Emmy.

For the past two decades, most of Rivers' work has centered on covering celebrities and celebrity events.  Beginning in 2010, Joan Rivers was the host of the television series, "Fashion Police," aired on the cable network, E!

Rivers died Thursday, September 4th, 2014.  Negromancer sends condolences to Rivers' family, friends, and fans.  R.I.P. Joan Rivers.

From YahooCelebrity:  President Obama send handwritten note of condolences to Melissa Rivers.

From YahooCelebrity:  Rivers' personal doctor took a selfie while Rivers was under anesthesia before he performed unauthorized biopsy.

From YahooCelebrity:  Read the eulogy letter Melissa Rivers read at her mother's funeral.

From YahooTV:  Details on Joan Rivers' death - air supply cut off

From YahooCelebrity:  Joan Rivers' funeral is somber, bawdy, and star-studded.

From CNN:  Rivers' funeral set for Sunday in New York City.

From YahooCelebrity:  Rivers' funeral to have a red carpet.

From YahooCelebrity:  Joan Rivers, trailblazing comic, red carpet fixture, dead at 81

From Variety:  Joan Rivers, Comedian and TV Host, Dies at 81

From Variety:  Hollywood pays tribute to Joan Rivers

From YahooTV:  Revisiting the Johnny Carson-Joan Rivers feud.

From YahooTV:  Joan River's most outrageous celebrity insults.  Of note, most of these have to do with recent celebs.  I'm sure there is a better list that focuses on former headliners and A-listers.

From the HuffingtonPost:  Melissa Rivers' brave decision

From TheWrap:  Rivers' cause of death still unknown.

From YahooCelebrity:  More of Rivers' celebrity feuds.


Related Joan Rivers sites:

Official website is here.

Wikipedia page is here.

IMDb page is here.