BET Networks Announces Official Nominees for The “BET Awards” 2015
Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj Lead with Six Nominations Followed by Beyoncé and Lil Wayne with Four
Sam Smith Receives Two Nods, and Newcomer FKA Twigs is Nominated for Best International Artist: UK
“BET Awards” to Air Live on Sunday, June 28 from Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, CA at 8 P.M. ET
#BETAWARDS
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIAB, VIA), today announced the nominations for the "BET Awards" 2015. Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj lead with an impressive six nominations. Chris Brown is nominated for ‘Best Male R&B/Pop Artist,’ two separate nods in the ‘Best Collaboration’ category, two nominations in the ‘Video of the Year’ category and the ‘Coca-Cola® Viewers’ Choice Award.’ Nicki Minaj is nominated ‘Best Collaboration,’ ‘Best Female Hip Hop Artist,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ two nominations for ‘Coca-Cola® Viewers’ Choice Award’ and ‘Best Group’ as a member of Young Money.
Beyoncé and Lil Wayne round it out with four nominations each. Beyoncé is nominated for ‘Best Female R&B / Pop Artist,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ ‘Video Director of the Year,’ and the coveted ‘Coca-Cola® Viewers’ Choice Award.’ Lil Wayne is nominated for ‘Best Collaboration,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ ‘Coca-Cola® Viewers’ Choice Award,’ and ‘Best Group’ as a member of Young Money. This year also marks a special milestone for the "BET Awards" as it celebrates its 15th anniversary live from the Nokia Theatre, Sunday, June 28, 2015.
“This year’s nominees showcase a diverse group of talent that includes longstanding entertainers, breakout performers, and outstanding athletes”
BET Networks recognizes artists, entertainers, and athletes across 20 categories with the "BET Awards" 2015 nominations. The nominations are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is comprised of fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts.
“This year’s nominees showcase a diverse group of talent that includes longstanding entertainers, breakout performers, and outstanding athletes,” said Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Programming. “We congratulate all of the talent on their remarkable contributions to the world of entertainment and look forward to them joining us in celebrating 15 years of the BET Awards.”
The complete list of nominees for the "BET Awards" 2015 are:
BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
BEYONCÉ
CIARA
JANELLE MONÁE
JHENÉ AIKO
K. MICHELLE
RIHANNA
BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
AUGUST ALSINA
CHRIS BROWN
JOHN LEGEND
THE WEEKND
TREY SONGZ
USHER
BEST GROUP
A$AP MOB
JODECI
MIGOS
RAE SREMMURD
RICH GANG
YOUNG MONEY
BEST COLLABORATION
AUGUST ALSINA F/ NICKI MINAJ – NO LOVE (REMIX)
BIG SEAN F/ E-40 - IDFWU
CHRIS BROWN F/ LIL WAYNE & TYGA - LOYAL
CHRIS BROWN F/ USHER & RICK ROSS - NEW FLAME
COMMON & JOHN LEGEND - GLORY (FROM THE MOTION PICTURE "SELMA")
MARK RONSON F/ BRUNO MARS – UPTOWN FUNK
BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
BIG SEAN
COMMON
DRAKE
J. COLE
KENDRICK LAMAR
WALE
BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
AZEALIA BANKS
DEJ LOAF
IGGY AZALEA
NICKI MINAJ
TINK
TRINA
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
BEYONCÉ - 7/11
BIG SEAN F/ E-40 - IDFWU
CHRIS BROWN F/ LIL WAYNE & TYGA - LOYAL
CHRIS BROWN F/ USHER & RICK ROSS - NEW FLAME
COMMON & JOHN LEGEND - GLORY (FROM THE MOTION PICTURE "SELMA")
NICKI MINAJ - ANACONDA
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
BENNY BOOM
BEYONCÉ, ED BURKE & TODD TOURSO
CHRIS ROBINSON
FATIMA ROBINSON
HYPE WILLIAMS
BEST NEW ARTIST
BOBBY SHMURDA
DEJ LOAF
FETTY WAP
RAE SREMMURD
SAM SMITH
TINASHE
BEST GOSPEL ARTIST
DEITRICK HADDON
ERICA CAMPBELL
FRED HAMMOND
LECRAE
MALI MUSIC
MICHELLE WILLIAMS
BEST ACTRESS
GABRIELLE UNION
KERRY WASHINGTON
TARAJI P. HENSON
TRACEE ELLIS ROSS
VIOLA DAVIS
BEST ACTOR
ANTHONY ANDERSON
IDRIS ELBA
JUSSIE SMOLLETT
KEVIN HART
TERRENCE HOWARD
YOUNGSTARS AWARD
JACOB LATIMORE
JADEN SMITH
MO'NE DAVIS
QUVENZHANÉ WALLIS
ZENDAYA
BEST MOVIE
ANNIE
BEYOND THE LIGHTS
SELMA
THINK LIKE A MAN TOO
TOP FIVE
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
BRITTNEY GRINER
CANDACE PARKER
SERENA WILLIAMS
SKYLAR DIGGINS
VENUS WILLIAMS
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
CHRIS PAUL
FLOYD MAYWEATHER, JR.
LEBRON JAMES
MARSHAWN LYNCH
STEPHEN CURRY
COCA-COLA VIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARD
BEYONCÉ – 7/11
DEJ LOAF – TRY ME
KENDRICK LAMAR – i
NICKI MINAJ F/ DRAKE, LIL WAYNE & CHRIS BROWN - ONLY
RAE SREMMURD F/ NICKI MINAJ & YOUNG THUG – THROW SUM MO
THE WEEKND – EARNED IT (FROM THE “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” SOUNDTRACK)
CENTRIC AWARD
AVERY SUNSHINE – CALL MY NAME
JAZMINE SULLIVAN F/ MEEK MILL – DUMB
MARK RONSON F/ BRUNO MARS – UPTOWN FUNK
SAM SMITH F/ MARY J. BLIGE – STAY WITH ME
THE WEEKND - EARNED IT (FROM THE “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” SOUNDTRACK)
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT: AFRICA
AKA (SOUTH AFRICA)
FALLY IPUPA (DR CONGO)
SARKODIE (GHANA)
SAUTI SOL (KENYA)
STONEBWOY (GHANA)
THE SOIL (SOUTH AFRICA)
WIZKID (NIGERIA)
YEMI ALADE (NIGERIA)
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT: UK
FKA TWIGS
FUSE ODG
LETHAL BIZZLE
LITTLE SIMZ
MNEK
STORMZY
The “BET Awards” 2015 will premiere around the world on BET’s international network at 8:00pm GMT (check local listings).
Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Programming, Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music and Specials, Lynne Harris Taylor, BET’s Vice President of Specials, will serve as Executive Producers for the “BET Awards” along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.
The “BET Awards” will take place along with the BET Experience at L.A. Live in Los Angeles from June 25-28, 2015. BET.com/Awards is the official site for the “BET Awards” and will have all the latest news and updates about this year's show. All information about the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® can be found at BETExperience.com. The BET Experience VIP Package offers the only way to purchase a “BET Awards” ticket, great seats to 3-nights of concerts at the Staples Center, and exclusive access to events at the free Fan Fest. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to BET.com/BETX.Follow the Experience on Twitter @betexperience.
ABOUT BET NETWORKS
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.
ABOUT “BET AWARDS”
The “BET Awards” is one of the most watched award shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company. The “BET Awards” franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET's #1 telecast every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.
ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT
Jesse Collins Entertainment is a full service television and film production company founded by entertainment industry veteran Jesse Collins. For more than a decade, Collins, the company’s CEO, has played an integral role in producing some of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. Formerly Executive Producer/EVP of Cossette Productions, Collins has produced ground-breaking and award winning television programming including the BET Awards, the GRAMMY Awards, BET Honors, UNCF An Evening of Stars and the BET Hip Hop Awards. Collins is an executive producer of Real Husbands of Hollywood, (now going into its 4th hit season) alongside industry icons Stan Lathan and Ralph Farquhar; and has worked with superstar talent such as Will Smith, Chris Rock, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Prince, Mariah Carey and many more.
BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA®
BET Networks, an entertainment powerhouse, and AEG, one of the leading entertainment companies in the world and developer/ operator of L.A. LIVE, have teamed up once again to create the BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE (BETX), June 25 - 28, 2015 presented by Coca-Cola®. This three-day festival will be filled with music and comedy concerts taking place at Club Nokia and STAPLES Center; “106 & PARK”; FREE BET Fan Fest at the Los Angeles Convention Center including seminars, celebrity basketball games, celebrity meet & greets; and other special appearances. The weekend will be capped off with the “BET Awards” on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE.
Follow us @BET_PR AND @BETAWARDS
---------------
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
VIZ Media Announces the June 2nd Arrival of "So Cute It Hurts!!"
High School Romantic Comedy About Identity-Swapping Twins That Get More Than They Bargained For Launches In Print And Digitally In June
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, delivers a brand new shojo manga (graphic novel) series with the launch of SO CUTE IT HURTS!! on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015.
The gender-bending comedy about a twin brother and sister who switch identities was created by Go Ikeyamada and will be rated ‘T’ for Teens. SO CUTE IT HURTS!! will be published in print under the Shojo Beat imprint and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. The series also launches digitally on June 2nd via VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores. Future volumes will be published on a bi-monthly basis.
SO CUTE IT HURTS!! introduces readers to the Kobayashi twins, Megumu and Mitsuru, who were named after historical figures. But only Megumu has grown up with a taste for history. So when Mitsuru is in danger of losing his weekends to extra history classes, he convinces his sister to swap clothes with him and ace his tests! After all, how hard can it be for them to play each other?
In the opening volume, Megumu can’t rely on just her book smarts in Mitsuru’s all-boys, delinquents’ paradise of a high school. And Mitsuru finds life as a high school girl to be much more complicated than he expected!
“Go Ikeyamada’s hilarious comedy SO CUTE IT HURTS!! has become a major hit in Japan due to its charming ensemble cast and cheeky, fun story,” says Editor Pancha Diaz. “Revel in Megumu’s and Mitsuru’s struggle to navigate the complexities of high school life and the nuances of teenage romance while trying to keep their true identities secret. We can’t wait to for fans to fall in love with this hilarious new series in English this summer!”
Manga creator Go Ikeyamada's debut manga, Get Love!!, appeared in Japan in Shojo Comic magazine in 2002. Her current series, SO CUTE IT HURTS!!, is now published in English by VIZ Media.
For additional information on SO CUTE IT HURTS or other manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan. Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.
------------------
Dark Horse Introduces New "Game of Throne" Figures
DARK HORSE DEBUTS NEW CHARACTERS IN POPULAR LINE OF GAME OF THRONES FIGURES
Dark Horse is now revealing new additions to their successful ongoing line of figures based on the hit HBO® series Game of Thrones®!
“We have been floored by the response to these figures,” Dark Horse product development head David Scroggy noted, “and these will give fans the new favorites we have come to know as the epic saga unfolds."
Sansa Stark, the oldest Stark daughter, fled King’s Landing to the Eyrie with Littlefinger’s assistance after Joffrey’s murder and now travels alongside him. The figure measures 7.75” in height. The fine detailing of her black and midnight blue dress is exactly as seen in the HBO series.
Jorah Mormont, an exiled Northern lord, originally joined Daenerys’s company as a spy on behalf of King Robert, but ultimately became committed to her cause. He followed Daenerys, providing counsel, but was banished when she learned of his betrayal. The Jorah figure measures 7.85” in height, with the paint application reproducing the nuances of his likeness and costume.
Sandor Clegane, the former Kingsguard better-known as The Hound, abandoned King Joffrey and his post during the Battle of Blackwater. After encountering Ayra Stark at the Riverlands, he held her captive while travelling to the Eeyrie in hopes of collecting a ransom. The Hound’s formidable proportions are reflected in this 8.4” figure. He is shown wearing his signature helmet, which is hinged so that it opens and closes.
Brienne of Tarth, warrior of House Tarth and vassal to House Baratheon, is a skilled fighter. After serving as the Kingsguard for Renly Baratheon and the sworn sword of Catelyn Stark, she bonds with Jaime Lannister while escorting him back to King’s Landing, where he gives her a new suit of armor and a Valyrian steel sword reforged from Eddard Stark’s great sword, Ice. This armor is reproduced on our 8” tall figure, with all the impeccable details accounted for.
Slated for a Fall 2015 release, these four new characters join four other Dark Horse Game of Thrones figures making their on-sale debut this spring:
Tywin Lannister, former Hand of the King and head of House Lannister and Lord of Casterly Rock, was one of the most powerful lords in Westeros.
Joffrey Baratheon, former King of Westeros before his untimely murder at his wedding, was over-indulged and cowardly. He exhibited a cruel streak toward the vulnerable.
Petyr (“Littlefinger”) Baelish, the eyes and ears of King’s Landing, left his role as master of coin in the Small Council to secure the Vale by marrying Lysa Arryn.
Hodor and Bran are practically inseparable since Bran was pushed from a tower in Winterfell and lost the ability to walk. In this figure, Hodor carries Bran Stark on his back, immortalizing the close bond the two characters share. This special “double figure” is larger than others in the line, measuring a Hodor-sized nine inches, including the base.
These Game of Thrones figures have a suggested retail price of $24.99-$39.99 and are presented in deluxe window box packaging.
About HBO Global Licensing
HBO Global Licensing officially licenses the HBO® brand for the development and merchandising of innovative product lines inspired by the network's award-winning programming. With products created around hit series like Game of Thrones® and True Blood® as well as classic series like The Sopranos®, Sex and the City®, and Entourage, items include fashion apparel, figures, jewelry, digital and CD soundtracks, prop and costume replicas, games, books, and beverages, as well as exclusive, premium collections in partnership with upscale, designer brands. Merchandise can be purchased in retail stores nationwide, at http://store.hbo.com, and at the groundbreaking HBO retail hub, the HBO Shop®, located at 42nd and 6th Avenue in New York City. HBO Global Licensing products are also sold internationally across Europe (www.hboshopeu.com), Asia and Australia.
------------
IDW Publishing and Marvel Unite for "Star Wars Artist's Editions"
IDW Publishing and Marvel are proud to announce that they will expand their relationship once again… this time in a galaxy far, far away!
Ever since Star Wars took the world by storm in 1977, comic books have been an integral part of building its massive mythology. Now IDW Publishing is bringing Marvel’s wildly successful run of Star Wars comics to two unique formats that IDW pioneered.
“Marvel has been a terrific and loyal partner, and Star Wars represents an incredible opportunity to further expand our relationship,” said IDW President and COO Greg Goldstein.
STAR WARS ARTIST’S EDITIONS
IDW Publishing’s award-winning Artist’s Edition line presents complete stories with each page scanned and printed directly from the actual original comic book art at full size. While appearing to be in black & white, each page has been scanned in color to mimic as closely as possible the experience of viewing the actual original art—affording readers the opportunity to see blue pencils in the art, editorial notes, art corrections, etc.
This amazing and unique line has previously featured some of Marvel’s most beloved characters and creators, like Walter Simonson’s The Mighty Thor, John Romita’s The Amazing Spider-Man, and David Mazzucchelli’s Daredevil Born Again. In late fall of 2015, IDW and Marvel will team up once again to add Marvel’s Star Wars creators to this already illustrious list.
“Since the inception of our Artist’s Edition program, we’ve had Star Wars on our wish list,” said Goldstein. “During its original nine year run at Marvel, an all-star list of artists provided material for these now classic comic books from the likes of Howard Chaykin, Walter Simonson, Carmine Infantino, Tom Palmer, and of course the legendary Al Williamson, to name a few.”
“The collaboration between IDW and Marvel has produced some of the most immaculate collections of reprinted original comic book material ever to be offered,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “Now with the addition of the Marvel Comics’ 1977 Star Wars being gathered in this over-sized format, this collection truly is a pantheon of content that any and all fans of Star Wars will want to get their hands on.”
STAR WARS MICRO COLLECTORS FUN PACKS
Star Wars is also coming to the Micro Collectors Fun Pack line; a format pioneered by IDW that has fast become a fan-favorite. Micro Collector Fun Packs consist of a full-length, pocket-sized comic-book story, along with exclusive inserts including posters, standees, or stickers. Micro Collector Fun Packs continue to reach new audiences with great content and are available at both local comic shops and mass retail locations like Target and Toys “R” Us.
Each Star Wars Classic Micro Collector Fun Pack release will include a collectible classic Star Wars comic for fans to collect. The first set of Star Wars Classic Micro Collector Fun Packs, which have been designed to be enjoyed by Jedi of all ages, are planned for a fall 2015 release.
Visit www.idwpublishing.com, “Like” us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter @IDWPublishing for more information about IDW’s Star Wars releases and more.
About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2015 MARVEL
--------------
Ava DuVernay to Speak at Odyssey Network Business Retreat Thursday, May 21st
Academy Award-Nominated Director Ava DuVernay shares insight during 16th Annual Odyssey Business Network Retreat
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Academy Award-nominated director Ava DuVernay and Sharon Taylor, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Prudential Financial, Inc. and Chair, The Prudential Foundation will headline the ‘Up Close & Personal’ town hall on Thursday, May 21st, 2015; 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. during the Odyssey Network Business Retreat. The 16th annual retreat, presented by title sponsor Prudential, will be held May 19 – 22, 2015 at the Ritz-Carlton Naples. This event will be open to the media; full details for press interested in covering it are below.
“Ava’s self-guided path in honoring her own voice is symbolic of the brave journey many Odyssey Women share.”
DuVernay, the first African-American woman director to have a film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture for her recent critically acclaimed “Selma”, will join an influential line up of ceiling breakers, including Sheila Johnson, CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts; Pauline Brown, Chairman of LVMH North America; Rosalind Brewer, President and CEO of Sam’s Club; Terrez Thompson, VP of Global Supplier Diversity, Coca Cola; Soledad O‘Brien, CEO, Starfish Media; Deborah Martin Chase, CEO, Martin Chase Productions; and Rosalind Hudnell, Chief Diversity Officer, Intel Corporation. Odyssey attendees will participate in a variety of interactive panels and one-on-one coaching that will explore tools for navigating the corporate and entrepreneurial landscape, maintaining relationships and communicating effectively.
"I am ecstatic to have Ava join us this year on the coattails of the ‘Selma’ film’s success,” said Linda Spradley Dunn, CEO & Founder Odyssey Media. “Ava’s self-guided path in honoring her own voice is symbolic of the brave journey many Odyssey Women share.”
“Odyssey creates the space for us to tackle some of our biggest challenges by learning from one another, which inevitably leads to fresh ideas, new alliances and unexpected opportunities,” said Taylor. “We believe Ava’s compelling journey will inspire and inevitably help participants spark new ideas.”
ABOUT ODYSSEY MEDIA
Odyssey Media is a minority certified, female-owned, marketing company that connects thousands of influential, affluent, multicultural, female, corporate executives and key decision makers as well as designs exclusive introductions, research and integrations to Fortune 500 corporate partners. Odyssey facilitates brilliant, high-octane, members-only experiences that optimize professional and personal being. The unparalleled blend of empowering, signature events spans from the marquee annual business retreat, skill-equipping boot camps, meet-ups in 20 U.S. cities and two countries, to relevant social forums. Odyssey Media is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. www.oretreat.com
ABOUT PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL, INC.
Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU), a financial services leader with more than $1 trillion of assets under management as of March 31, 2015, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.
Media Access and RSVP Information:
Odyssey will be open to the media. Interested outlets must RSVP to tbernard@odysseymc.com by Tuesday, May 19th, for credentialing information. Please include media outlet, the number of passes being requested, and any special equipment needs. Power and wireless will be provided on-site.
Follow @odysseymedia and join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by using #OdysseyRetreat2015 #womeninspired.
---------------
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Academy Award-nominated director Ava DuVernay and Sharon Taylor, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Prudential Financial, Inc. and Chair, The Prudential Foundation will headline the ‘Up Close & Personal’ town hall on Thursday, May 21st, 2015; 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. during the Odyssey Network Business Retreat. The 16th annual retreat, presented by title sponsor Prudential, will be held May 19 – 22, 2015 at the Ritz-Carlton Naples. This event will be open to the media; full details for press interested in covering it are below.
“Ava’s self-guided path in honoring her own voice is symbolic of the brave journey many Odyssey Women share.”
DuVernay, the first African-American woman director to have a film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture for her recent critically acclaimed “Selma”, will join an influential line up of ceiling breakers, including Sheila Johnson, CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts; Pauline Brown, Chairman of LVMH North America; Rosalind Brewer, President and CEO of Sam’s Club; Terrez Thompson, VP of Global Supplier Diversity, Coca Cola; Soledad O‘Brien, CEO, Starfish Media; Deborah Martin Chase, CEO, Martin Chase Productions; and Rosalind Hudnell, Chief Diversity Officer, Intel Corporation. Odyssey attendees will participate in a variety of interactive panels and one-on-one coaching that will explore tools for navigating the corporate and entrepreneurial landscape, maintaining relationships and communicating effectively.
"I am ecstatic to have Ava join us this year on the coattails of the ‘Selma’ film’s success,” said Linda Spradley Dunn, CEO & Founder Odyssey Media. “Ava’s self-guided path in honoring her own voice is symbolic of the brave journey many Odyssey Women share.”
“Odyssey creates the space for us to tackle some of our biggest challenges by learning from one another, which inevitably leads to fresh ideas, new alliances and unexpected opportunities,” said Taylor. “We believe Ava’s compelling journey will inspire and inevitably help participants spark new ideas.”
ABOUT ODYSSEY MEDIA
Odyssey Media is a minority certified, female-owned, marketing company that connects thousands of influential, affluent, multicultural, female, corporate executives and key decision makers as well as designs exclusive introductions, research and integrations to Fortune 500 corporate partners. Odyssey facilitates brilliant, high-octane, members-only experiences that optimize professional and personal being. The unparalleled blend of empowering, signature events spans from the marquee annual business retreat, skill-equipping boot camps, meet-ups in 20 U.S. cities and two countries, to relevant social forums. Odyssey Media is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. www.oretreat.com
ABOUT PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL, INC.
Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU), a financial services leader with more than $1 trillion of assets under management as of March 31, 2015, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.
Media Access and RSVP Information:
Odyssey will be open to the media. Interested outlets must RSVP to tbernard@odysseymc.com by Tuesday, May 19th, for credentialing information. Please include media outlet, the number of passes being requested, and any special equipment needs. Power and wireless will be provided on-site.
Follow @odysseymedia and join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by using #OdysseyRetreat2015 #womeninspired.
---------------
Monday, May 18, 2015
"InuYasha: The Final Act" on Blu-ray and DVD May 26th
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT
Exciting Grand Finale Of The Legendary Fantasy Action Anime Series Set For Blu-ray And DVD Release
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, will deliver the series finale of one of anime’s most venerated series with the home media release of INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT on High Definition Blu-ray and Standard Edition DVD on May 26th, 2015.
INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT is based on the bestselling fantasy adventure manga series (also published by VIZ Media, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) by famed creator Rumiko Takahashi. The Blu-ray and DVD editions each contain the final 26 episodes of the long running anime show along with select bonus features. Both formats feature English dubbed along with Japanese subtitled dialogue options.
The INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT Blu-ray Edition collects the entire season on 4 discs with episodes presented in full 1080p High Definition, 16x9 video. English and Japanese DTS-HD Audio options are available along with bonus features including production and storyboard art galleries and the original Japanese broadcast trailers. The MSRP is $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN.
The INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT DVD Edition offers series episodes on 4 discs, presented with 16x9 standard video resolution and English and Japanese 2.0 stereo audio. Bonus features include the original Japanese series trailers. The MSRP is $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN.
“INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT delivers the grand finale of Inuyasha and Kagome’s quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation. “Longtime fans can complete their INUYASHA personal anime complete with the release of THE FINAL ACT on DVD and Blu-ray and witness the epic showdown with the evil demon, Naraku, and discover the long-awaited answer to the ultimate question of Kagome and Inuyasha’s future together!”
In the thrilling conclusion to this famed anime series, Kagome is an ordinary schoolgirl who finds her destiny linked to a hotheaded but brave half demon named Inuyasha and the powerful Shikon Jewel. In their quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel, Inuyasha and Kagome face their ultimate enemy, the demon mastermind Naraku. Kagome finds herself pulled between two worlds as she struggles to fight alongside Inuyasha in the feudal era and study for her high school entrance exams in the present. As the battle enters its final stage, Inuyasha and his friends have their strength, loyalties and will to live pushed to the limit. The final key to Naraku's and the Jewel's destruction may lie in nothing more - and nothing less - than the trust between a half demon and a girl from the future. All roads have led here, to one last battle and one final act!
Fans also can explore an array of colorful INUYASHA art books as well as the complete manga series, which is published in North America by VIZ Media, along with the entire anime series and related INUYASHA animated feature films available on DVD.
For more information on INUYASHA and other anime and manga 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 ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.
--------------------
Brad Woods is New Chief Marketing Officer of VIZ Media
VIZ MEDIA NAMES BRAD WOODS AS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Entertainment Executive To Lead Global Multimedia Initiatives And Drive Omni-Channel Marketing For The Industry’s Leading Catalog Of Anime And Manga Content
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has announced that Brad Woods has been named as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).
“Brad Woods is a seasoned entertainment executive with a proven success record of enhancing brand equity, increasing revenue, and achieving results with innovative strategies and visionary leadership,” says Ken Sasaki, CEO of VIZ Media. “His multi-disciplinary experience will play a vital role in expanding VIZ Media’s market share across the publishing, digital content, licensing, home media, and consumer product landscapes.”
Woods will be responsible for developing a range of marketing and product strategies to expand the VIZ Media brand and omni-channel marketing for titles across all company imprints.
“I am very excited to build upon VIZ Media’s mission to offer exciting and unique multimedia content to a diverse global audience,” Woods says. “Our dynamic catalog of titles across the print, digital, broadcast, and mobile arenas will allow us to reinvent how consumers discover, enjoy, and interact with our properties on a truly global level.”
Woods joins VIZ Media from DreamWorks Animation, where he served as Senior Vice President leading the domestic consumer products and retail business development divisions. During his tenure at DreamWorks, he restructured and substantially expanded the studio’s consumer products business, led the U.S. licensing and retail teams, and also provided strategic leadership for breakthrough marketing programs on properties including Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and How To Train Your Dragon.
Over his 20-year career, Woods has held senior positions in the entertainment and multi-media industries with companies including Mattel and Warner Bros. Entertainment. His experience spans a wide variety of marketing and licensing operations such as product marketing, brand development, corporate marketing and communications, lead generation, channel relations, and digital and social media marketing. He holds an MBA from the University of Southern California, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and a BS from the University of Arizona.
For more information on VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan. Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.
--------------
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)