Saturday, June 20, 2015

Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of June 14th to 20th, 2015 - Updated #13

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NEWS:

From CinemaBlend:  Vin Diesel as "Kojack" apparently is happening.

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From Vulture:  First look at leads from Ghostbusters reboot.

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From YahooMovies:  The Blind Side hurt Michael Oher's NFL career?

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From YahooStyle:  Yeah, there are several things "wrong" with this photo.

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From YahooMovies:  Season 5 finale of "Game of Thrones" killed it.

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From Deadline:  Box office updates this morning say that Jurassic World passed Marvel's The Avengers for the highest 3-day weekend box office gross - with $208 to $210 million haul.

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From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the June 12th to 14th, 2015 box office is Jurassic World, with an estimated take of $204.6 million.  That is the biggest June opening weekend ever, the biggest opening weekend of the year (ahead of Avengers: Age of Ultron's $191.2 million last month), and the second largest opening weekend ever (behind Marvel's The Avengers $207.4 million in May 2012).

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From HuffingtonPost: "A Suite Life of Zack & Cody" mini-reunion" because they stars, twins Cole and Dylan Sprouse, graduated from New York University.  I love that show.


COMICS - Films and Books:

From YahooMovies:  A history of the ill-fated proposed Batman films leading up to Chris Nolan's Batman Begins in 2005.


TRAILERS and REVIEWS:

From Apple:  New Peanuts trailer.

From DreamWorks:  New Kung Fu Panda 3 trailer.

From TheVillageVoice:  Amy Nicholson reviews Inside Out.


OBITS:

From YahooMovies:  Kirk Kerkorian has died.  A Hollywood wheeler-dealer, he is best known for his association with MGM and United Artists.

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From Deadline:  Film producer Robert Chartoff died Wednesday, June 10, 2015.  Along with his partner, Irwin Winkler, he won the best picture Oscar for producing Rocky.


Fox Searchlight and National Geographic Channel Unite for "He Named Me Malala"

National Geographic Channel Joins Fox Searchlight Pictures for Global Theatrical Release of the Highly Anticipated Feature Doc HE NAMED ME MALALA

Oscar Winner Davis Guggenheim-Helmed Film to Receive Cross-Platform Support from the Global Resources of National Geographic for Theatrical Launch; National Geographic Channel to also Premiere the Film on TV in 2016

"One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world." – Malala Yousafzai


LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fox Searchlight Pictures announced today that National Geographic Channel has joined forces with Fox Searchlight Pictures for the global theatrical release of Academy Award winner Davis Guggenheim’s upcoming feature documentary HE NAMED ME MALALA, an intimate portrait of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who was targeted by the Taliban and severely wounded by a gunshot when returning home on her school bus in Pakistan’s Swat Valley.

    “That is why we are joining this project as true partners, from the global theatrical release through our eventual television broadcast, and dedicating our collective resources to bring Malala’s important journey and advocacy for girls’ education to millions of people worldwide.”

With this partnership, National Geographic Channel and National Geographic Society will join the global launch campaign to support the theatrical release this October. Additionally, in 2016 the film will air on the National Geographic Channels in 171 countries and 45 languages.

National Geographic will support this important film from theatrical release through the broadcast television premiere with all of the resources of the National Geographic Channels as well as through the National Geographic Society in National Geographic Magazine, National Geographic Digital Media, National Geographic Education Programs, National Geographic Kids, and more.

“This is a film that you leave not only feeling incredibly inspired, but truly wanting to make a difference. As leaders in bringing stories of global importance to the largest audience possible, it is more than just an honor to be part of this project, I feel it is our duty,” said Courteney Monroe, CEO, National Geographic Channels. “That is why we are joining this project as true partners, from the global theatrical release through our eventual television broadcast, and dedicating our collective resources to bring Malala’s important journey and advocacy for girls’ education to millions of people worldwide.”

“We are excited to be partnering with the National Geographic Channels to help bring Davis’ passion and commitment in the telling of Malala’s moving story to audiences worldwide across their extensive media platforms. Davis’ masterful eye captures this inspiring young individual and we are proud to champion her efforts to bring awareness to the critical global issue of the education of girls,” said Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula.

The documentary offers a look into Malala’s life both before and following the attack. Fifteen at the time of the incident, she was singled out, along with her father, for advocating for girls’ education. The shooting sparked an outcry from supporters around the world. Malala miraculously survived and is now a leading campaigner for girls’ education globally as co-founder of the Malala Fund.

Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Davis Guggenheim (“An Inconvenient Truth,” “Waiting for 'Superman'”) examines how Malala, her father Zia and her family are committed to fighting for education for all girls worldwide. The film delivers an inside glimpse into this extraordinary young girl’s life – from her close relationship with her father who inspired her love for education, to her impassioned speeches at the United Nations, to joking around at home with her parents and brothers.

The launch of the film will also coincide with an international advocacy and fundraising campaign in partnership with the Malala Fund, Malala’s nonprofit organization working to empower adolescent girls globally through a quality secondary education.

HE NAMED ME MALALA is being released by Fox Searchlight Pictures, in association with Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Participant Media, with National Geographic Channel. The film is produced by Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald and Davis Guggenheim. Executive producers are Mohamed Al Mubarak and Michael Garin from Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Jeff Skoll from Participant Media, and Shannon Dill.


About National Geographic Channels
Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channels US are a joint venture between National Geographic and Fox Networks. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society’s commitment to exploration, conservation and education with smart, innovative programming and profits that directly support its mission. Launched in January 2001, National Geographic Channel (NGC) celebrated its fifth anniversary with the debut of NGC HD. In 2010, the wildlife and natural history cable channel Nat Geo WILD was launched, and in 2011, the Spanish-language network Nat Geo Mundo was unveiled. The Channels have carriage with all of the nation’s major cable, telco and satellite television providers, with NGC currently available in more than 90 million U.S. homes. Globally, National Geographic Channel is available in more than 432 million homes in 171 countries and 45 languages. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com.

About Image Nation Abu Dhabi
Since launching in 2008, Image Nation Abu Dhabi has become one of the leading content creators in the Middle East. The company produces filmed content across a wide range of platforms, with a particular focus on audiences in the UAE and Gulf region. Image Nation seeks to fulfill four key commitments: Developing Emirati filmed entertainment; growing the local film and television industry through training and internship programs; supporting Abu Dhabi entities in creating content to meet strategic and marketing objectives; and co-producing an aggressive slate of international films through several strategic partnerships.

About Participant Media
Participant Media (http://www.ParticipantMedia.com) is a global entertainment company founded in 2004 by Jeff Skoll to focus on feature film, television, publishing and digital content that inspires social change. Participant's more than 60 films include Good Night, and Good Luck, Syriana, An Inconvenient Truth, Food, Inc., Waiting for ‘Superman’, The Help, Contagion and Lincoln. Participant launches campaigns that bring together government entities, foundations, schools, and others to raise awareness and drive people to take action on issues from each film or television show. Pivot (http://www.pivot.tv/), the company’s television network, is available nationally in 47 million homes, with a diverse slate of talent and a mix of original series, acquired programming, films and documentaries. TakePart (http://www.TakePart.com) is Participant’s digital news and lifestyle magazine and social action platform for the conscious consumer. Through its films, social action campaigns, digital network, and its television network, Participant seeks to entertain, encourage and empower every individual to take action.

About Parkes/MacDonald
Parkes/MacDonald Productions was founded in 2005 by Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald to develop and produce feature film and television projects. Previously, Parkes and MacDonald served as the founding presidents of Dream Works SKG motion picture studio; during their 12 year tenure, they led the studio to three consecutive Best Picture Oscars. Films produced or executive-produced by Parkes & MacDonald include GLADIATOR, MEN IN BLACK I, II & III, FLIGHT, MINORITY REPORT, THE MASK OF ZORRO, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, LEMONY SNICKET’S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, THE TERMINAL, ROAD TO PERDITION, THE RING, THE KITE RUNNER, and Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller, SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, among many others. In total, films produced or executive-produced by Parkes and MacDonald have earned in excess of $6 billion in worldwide box office. Their 2015 slate includes NBC’s critically acclaimed The Slap, the NBC pilot Warrior, RINGS for Paramount Pictures and KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES for Fox. Upcoming productions include the live action BARBIE film for Sony scheduled for production late 2015/early2016.

In 2012, Parkes/MacDonald teamed with Image Nation Abu Dhabi to form Parkes + MacDonald/Image Nation. HE NAMED ME MALALA is the first film financed by this new partnership.

About the Malala Fund
Malala Fund is a non-profit organization that empowers girls globally through education to achieve their potential and be agents of change in their communities. Co-founded in 2013 by student, education activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai and her father and teacher Ziauddin Yousafzai, the Malala Fund invests in and advocates for girls’ secondary education and amplifies the voices of adolescent girls globally.

About Fox Searchlight Pictures
Fox Searchlight Pictures is a specialty film company that both finances and acquires motion pictures. It has its own marketing and distribution operations, and its films are distributed internationally by Twentieth Century Fox. Fox Searchlight Pictures is a unit of 21st Century Fox.

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BET Announces First Annual NBA "Players' Awards"

BET Networks in Partnership with the National Basketball Players Association to Broadcast 1st Annual “Players’ Awards”

BET Productions and Prospect Park to Produce “Players’ Awards” Ceremony in July in Las Vegas, NV

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BET Networks announces it will broadcast 1st Annual “Players’ Awards” in partnership with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Due to an overwhelming response from its members, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) decided to launch the 1st Annual “Basketball Player Awards” which will tape in Las Vegas, NV in July to air exclusively on BET Networks. In the time honored tradition of identifying excellence through peer review forged by institutions such as the Emmy Awards, The Grammy Awards and The Academy Awards, the “Players’ Awards” are voted on by the NBA’s active players.

    “We are delighted to have BET as our broadcasting partner for the first ever ‘Players’ Awards’ next month”
“We at BET pride ourselves on our track record of producing outstanding awards shows and special events and we are thrilled that we’ll be working with the National Basketball Players Association to bring what will be a an incredible night of entertainment,” said Stephen G. Hill, President of Programming, BET Networks. “This will be a unique show and we are looking forward to being the only network to dedicate a night to recognizing and celebrating the league’s most exceptional and rising stars for their extraordinary abilities on the court.”

“We are delighted to have BET as our broadcasting partner for the first ever ‘Players’ Awards’ next month," said NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts. “BET is best-in-class when it comes to award shows, and we are happy that they will be producing this event for the best players in the world”.

“Players’ Awards” will be presented for the following categories:

    Most Valuable Player
    Best Rookie
    Man of the Year
    Best Defender
    Global Impact Player
    Hardest to Guard
    Clutch Performer
    Coach You Would Want to Play For
    Best Home Court Advantage
    Player You Secretly Wish Was on Your Team

“We are so excited about the Players’ Awards...first time ever...and will be aired on BET. It is going to be a GREAT event,” said NBPA President Chris Paul.

“This is a historic moment for us as players, and as a union,” said Roger Mason, NBPA Deputy Executive Director. “For the first time, our voices will be heard. This is our process and our show. We could not be prouder.”


ABOUT BET NETWORKS
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIA,VIAB), 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, the first network dedicated to Black women; 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 NBPA
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA mission is to ensure that the rights of NBA players are protected and that every conceivable measure is taken to assist players in maximizing their opportunities and achieving their goals, both on and off the court. For more information, go to www.nbpa.com.

ABOUT PROSPECT PARK
Prospect Park is a multi-faceted entertainment company working in music, film and television, and sports. Along with successful film and television divisions which include breakout network hits “Salem”, “Royal Pains” and “Wilfred,” the company’s music division boasts such clients as Ice Cube, Azealia Banks, Eden xo, and P.O.D. and the highly successful independent record label, Prospect Park Records.

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Friday, June 19, 2015

Big Sean and Jane Zhang Record Song for "Terminator: Genisys"


CHINESE POP STAR JANE ZHANG AND G.O.O.D. MUSIC / DEF JAM RECORDINGS ARTIST BIG SEAN RECORD ORIGINAL SONG FOR “TERMINATOR GENISYS”

HOLLYWOOD, CA – Chinese pop star Jane Zhang and American hip hop artist Big Sean (G.O.O.D. Music / Def Jam Recordings) are collaborating on the original song “Fighting Shadows” for Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions’ highly anticipated film “TERMINATOR GENISYS,” which opens in theaters in the United States on the 1st of July.

The partnership represents the first time that Zhang has recorded a song for an English-language film and marks Big Sean’s musical debut for a feature film.

“Fighting Shadows” will be released digitally in Asia by Sony and the rest of the world by Def Jam Recordings. It is available to download at iTunes beginning June 30th.

“Contributing to the ‘Terminator Genisys’ movie and inviting Big Sean to collaborate was a very special opportunity for me,” said Zhang. “I am really looking forward to the moment when people get to hear this song.”

Zhang will be featured on CCTV 6’s “Talking to Hollywood with Betty Zhou” this Friday, June 19th at approx. 5:30 p.m. and on future episodes. Fans can receive more information about Zhang and “TERMINATOR GENISYS” by following Betty Zhou’s official Weibo page http://weibo.com/bettyzhoulingan or @Betty周玲安.

“I have been a huge fan of Arnold and the ‘Terminator’ movies since I was a kid, so it’s especially exciting to be a part of the new film,” said Big Sean. “Working with Jane has been an amazing experience and I can’t wait for audiences around the world to hear her song.”

Zhang is a Chinese pop singer who came to prominence after her performance in the 2005 season of the Super Girl contest, a national all-female singing competition in China.

Zhang's debut album, “The One,” was produced by Craig Williams. Her next album, “Update,” broke away from the Chinese pop scene by combining elements of R&B and jazz. After its release, Zhang participated in a World Peace One concert with such artists as U2, Madonna, Pink Floyd and Green Day to increase awareness and activism for world peace and to raise funds for humanitarian relief. She made her American television debut on The Oprah Winfrey Show with the release of her third album, “Jane@Music.”

“Believe in Jane,” Zhang's fourth album, was released in 2010. Following its popularity, she performed at the first New York China Film Festival, where she was awarded most popular Chinese singer, and further represented China in the 7th Asia Song Festival held in Korea. She has recorded two songs for the Chinese film “EMPRESS OF CHINA” and was selected to record “Fighting Shadows” for “TERMINATOR GENISYS” due to her unique vocal range and talent.

American hip hop artist Big Sean has earned worldwide attention since the release of his debut album “Finally Famous” in 2011. As his first major label effort, the album made an impressive #3 Soundscan debut in the U.S., solidifying a joint venture by Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music with Island Def Jam Music Recordings.

With more than 10 million records sold to-date, Sean was the first rapper to ever perform at the White House and has released two successful shoe designs in partnerships with Adidas Originals. While his professional work as an artist keeps him extremely busy, Sean makes the time to use his resources to give back through his Detroit-based non-profit, the Sean Anderson Foundation.

He is currently on a worldwide tour promoting his third major label album, “Dark Sky Paradise,” which debuted at #1.

Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions present “TERMINATOR GENISYS.” When John Connor (Jason Clarke), leader of the human resistance, sends Sgt. Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) and safeguard the future, an unexpected turn of events creates a fractured timeline. Now, Sgt. Reese finds himself in a new and unfamiliar version of the past, where he is faced with unlikely allies, including the Guardian (Arnold Schwarzenegger), dangerous new enemies, and an unexpected new mission: to reset the future. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, J. K. Simmons, Dayo Okeniyi, Matthew Smith, Courtney B. Vance and Byung-Hun Lee.

The film is produced by David Ellison and Dana Goldberg. Written by Laeta Kalogridis & Patrick Lussier. Directed by Alan Taylor.

“TERMINATOR GENISYS” opens in theaters on July 1st, 2015.

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First Trailer for "Captive" with David Oyelowo and Kate Mara


The trailer for CAPTIVE starring David Oyelowo and Kate Mara is now available on iTunes Trailers!

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/captive/

CAPTIVE, based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is the dramatic, thrilling, and spiritual journey of Ashley Smith and Brian Nichols.  After being taken hostage by Brian in her own apartment, Ashley turns to Rick Warren’s inspirational book, The Purpose Driven Life, for guidance.  In reading from the book, Ashley not only finds purpose in her own life, but helps Brian find a more peaceful resolution to a harrowing situation.

CAPTIVE is in theaters September 18, 2015

http://www.captivethemovie.com

https://www.facebook.com/CaptiveMovie

https://twitter.com/captive

#CaptiveMovie

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First Trade Paperback for "The Autumnlands" Comic Book Due in July 2015

THE AUTUMNLANDS: TOOTH & CLAW, VOL. 1 arrives this July

The first six issues of sword, sorcery, and talking fauna will be collected into trade paperback

Writer Kurt Busiek (ASTRO CITY, Marvels) and artist Benjamin Dewey (Tragedy Series, Star Wars) build a vibrant, layered fantasy series in THE AUTUMNLANDS: TOOTH & CLAW. The first six issues of the series will be collected into a trade paperback and available this June.

THE AUTUMNLANDS: TOOTH & CLAW, VOL. 1 is Conan meets Game of Thrones with a splash of Kamandi. An original high-fantasy epic for mature readers, THE AUTUMNLANDS begins with a secret conclave of wizards as they summon a legendary champion back through time in an effort to save the world. But instead, their efforts are met with disastrous consequences.

THE AUTUMNLANDS: TOOTH & CLAW, VOL. 1 (ISBN: 978-1-63215-277-0) hits comic book stores on July 1 and bookstores on July 14, and will be available for $9.99. It can be ordered by retailers from Diamond Book Distributors with Diamond Code APR150573.

More praise for THE AUTUMNLANDS:

“An ambitious and entertaining story in grand fashion.” —Comicosity

“Each panel is worth the cover price all by itself.” —Comic Book Resources

“I use no hyperbole when I say this may be the comic of the year, and have no doubts about giving it a perfect score.” —Newsarama

“Fantasy lovers rejoice, for we can now add Tooth & Claw to our growing collection of comics in our favorite genre. Once this is collected I will be sure to set it immediately beside my Mouse Guard hardcovers, and Rat Queenspaperbacks.” —Word of the Nerd

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"Batman Day" Returns September 26, 2015


DC Entertainment Announces That on September 26: “Batman Day” Returns

Back By Popular Demand, BATMAN DAY 2015 Makes the Celebration of The World’s Most Popular Super Hero and Global Pop Culture Icon an Annual Event

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DC Entertainment is bringing back the fan-favorite event celebrating The Dark Knight. “Batman Day” is back by popular demand and will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2015, kicking off what has become an annual event honoring one of the most popular and iconic Super Heroes and celebrating all things Batman from comics to video games and more. Fans everywhere are invited to partake in festivities with thousands of comic book shops, bookstores, schools, libraries and other retail partners participating in the bat-centric event.

Those who visit select comic stores, libraries and bookstores on “Batman Day” will also have the opportunity for meet-and-greets with premier DC Entertainment talent including legendary artist and DCE Co-Publisher Jim Lee, Grant Morrison, Scott Snyder, David Finch, Brian Azzarello, Cameron Stewart, Pat Gleason, Dustin Nguyen, Tim Seeley, Tom King, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Parker, Matthew Manning, and Daniel Wallace with many more to be announced.

In addition to DC Entertainment, “Batman Day” partners include Warner Bros. Consumer Products with licensees Capstone, Penguin Random House, Scholastic, and DK Publishing, as well as Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television, with additional partners to be announced. Partners will provide unique retail and digital promotional tie-ins across multiple media to celebrate the Caped Crusader.

The official “Batman Day” event kit will include activity sheets, trivia, and games and will be available for download on http://www.dccomics.com/batmandaykit.


About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, etc.), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables, etc.) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics in the world.

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