Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Bishounen BINGO! at Anime Expo 2015

YaoiCon to Host Bishounen Bingo at Anime Expo 2015

YaoiCon is excited to host an evening celebrating yaoi and bishounen culture at Anime Expo 2015. On Saturday, July 4th, 2015 from 10:30pm to 12:00am (midnight), YaoiCon will be hosting a panel followed by the Bishounen Bingo event. Attendees who are 16+ or older may join in the event in LP4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  Prizes will be awarded to attendees and winners of the event.


About YaoiCon:
YaoiCon is an 18+ convention for fans of the yaoi and boys love culture. Founded in 2001, the convention is run by dedicated staff and volunteers each year and has been formally sponsored by Digital Manga, Inc., since 2012. YaoiCon delights attendees with unique programming and a fan-centric atmosphere, including (but not limited to!) hosting a celebrated Guest of Honor, presenting industry and fan panels related to the genre, and holding the iconic and not-to-be-missed Bishounen Auction, YaoiCon is the place for dedicated yaoi fans. Come join us this year at the lovely Hyatt Regency SFO in Burlingame, California, for three days of risqué and friendly fun!

Visit www.yaoicon.com for additional information.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA):
The SPJA is passionate about Japanese Animation, manga, and their related interests, and works hard to make our projects reflect that passion. Our goal is to make our projects a place that brings together fans, industry, and all other stakeholders to share, celebrate, promote, and educate Japanese animation, manga, and their related interests.

Visit www.spja.org for additional information.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 21st to 30th, 2015 - Update #20

Support this writer on Patreon.

NEWS:

From YahooMovies:  Whatever for the first victim in the movie Jaws?

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From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 6/26 to 6/28/2015 weekend box office is Jurassic World.  With an estimated take of $54.2 million, this is the film's third week at #1.  Inside Out repeats as the #2 film with an estimated haul of $52.1 million.

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From FlickeringMyth:  Yep, "Top Gun 2."

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From CheatSheet:  What is known and unknown about "Star Trek 3."

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From YahooAutos:  Warner Bros. stops licensing the "General Lee" from "The Dukes of Hazzard."

From YahooAutos:  Cooter won't let it go, though.

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From THR:  "Independence Day 2" has an official title - Independence Day Resurgence.

From CinemaBlend:  Why isn't Will Smith in Resurgence.

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From YahooTech:  A William Shatner interview.

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From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 6/19 to 6/21/2015 weekend box office is Jurassic World with an estimated take of $102 million take.  It's still setting records.  Meanwhile, debuting at number two if Pixar's Inside Out with an estimated take of $91 million.

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From SlashFilm:  New news on various sequels.


COMICS - Films and Books:

From YahooNews:   There is supposedly an on-set therapist for Suicide Squad.

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From ThePlaylist:  Marvel may want Kenneth Branagh, who directed the first Thor film to return for the third film, "Thor: Ragnarok."

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From ThePlaylist:  An interview of Marvel Studio's Kevin Feige.

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From YahooMovies:  Tom Holland is our new Spider-Man.

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From YahooPolitics:  Justice Elena Kagan drops a Spider-Man beat (references) in a Supreme Court ruling involving the web-head.

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From SlashFilm:  Ron Perlman still valiantly trying to make "Hellboy 3" happen.

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From TheVerge:  Beginning this Fall (2015), Miles Morales will be the Marvel Universe's main Spider-Man.


STAR WARS:

From YahooCelebrity:  Jake Lloyd, Anakin Skywalker, in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, was arrested after a high-speed chase.


TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  Official trailer for Hitman: Agent 47 from 20th Century Fox.


OBITS:

From Variety:  The composer James Horner was killed in the crash of a small plane on Monday morning, June 22, 2015.  He won two Oscar for his music for the 1997 best picture Oscar winner, Titanic.  He was one of my favorite composer, and I am sorry to hear of his passing.  Horner was 61.

From EntertainmentWeekly:  The actor Dick Van Patten has died at the age of 86.  His career spanned six decades.  Like many people, I remember him for playing the patriarch of the ABC television series, "Eight is Enough" (1977-81).


First Trade of "Reyn" Comic Book Now in Bookstores


REYN, VOL. 1: WARDEN OF FATE available this June

The first five issues of the sword and sorcery fantasy series will be collected into trade paperback

Writer Kel Symons (THE MERCENARY SEA, I LOVE TROUBLE) and artist Nathan Stockman team up for a rich, world-building fantasy in REYN, VOL. 1: WARDEN OF FATE. The first five issues of the new fantasy series will be collected into a trade paperback and available this June.

In REYN, VOL. 1, freelance swordsman and monster-hunter Reyn is the last of the legendary “Wardens” whose ranks long ago faded from the land of Fate into myth. Not exactly a white knight, Reyn’s haunted by visions from his “guiding angel” Aurora, who sets him on a great quest against the mysterious Venn, teaming him with Seph, a woman with witch-like powers. Together they discover Fate holds an incredible secret.

REYN, VOL. 1 (ISBN: 978-1-63215-282-4) hits comic book stores on June 17 and bookstores on June 30, and will be available for $9.99. It can be ordered by retailers from Diamond Book Distributors with Diamond Code APR150615.

More praise for REYN:

“The way to sum up Reyn for me is simple: buy this book!” —Rhymes with Geek

“A solid start that's going to garner attention.” —Unleash the Fanboy

“We're given insight into a big world as we're introduced to some major characters and even given some laughs. Oh, and that guy is totally going to regret messing with Reyn's ale.” —All-Comic

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Monday, June 29, 2015

Bluefin Swimming into 2015 San Diego Comic-Con with Some Fine-Ass Toys


Visit Bluefin at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con Booths #3545 & #140

BLUEFIN ANNOUNCES A WIDE VARIETY OF EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIBLES FOR PURCHASE AT 2015 SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON

Leading Toy And Hobby Distributor Returns To Nation’s Largest Pop-Culture Convention With Special Products For Star Wars, Iron Man, Batman, Dragon Ball, Gundam, And More!

Irvine, CA – Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, has announced a wide array of exciting new and exclusive products to be showcased and also available for purchase at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con International.

San Diego Comic-Con is North America’s largest dedicated pop-culture convention and takes place July 8th-12th at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA. Each year, manufacturers create a variety of show exclusive collectibles and other limited edition products that attendees specifically seek out. More details are available at: http://www.comic-con.org/cci.

Bluefin products will be located on the Main Hall in Booths #3545 and #140.

Bluefin will delight Comic-Con attendees with a colorful collection of high quality and in many cases, limited edition or special variant products and collectible figures for popular properties such as Dragon Ball, Gundam, Iron Man, Star Wars, Batman and more.

Attendees that purchase select items at Bluefin’s booths will also be treated to free giveaways. Fans will receive a free Super Mario Bros. 1Up mushroom character when they purchase a Tamashii Nations product from Booth #3545 while supplies last. Also, those who purchase the Beast Kingdom Floating Iron Man Mark III exclusive from Booth #140, will receive a free support stand while supplies last as an alternative display option.

Exclusive Bluefin products available at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con include:

Bandai Hobby

Gunpla Models – Various Kits

HGUC 1/144 Zeta Plus Test Type Image Color Version
Previously only available at GunPla Expo events in Asia, this limited release of the Zeta Plus has been colored to match the test color red-orange white pattern found on the machines used by Karaba in the photo novel, Gundam Sentinel. Includes rifle, shield, hip cannons and 2 beam sabers. Mobile suit also can transform into wave rider form through part swapping.
MSRP: $25.00

RG 1/144 Gundam Exia Extra Finish Version
A special GunPla Expo limited event item now available in the West: the Real Grade Exia with a sharp metallic finish!  Its parts have been specially chromed to give off a high shine. The Real Grade series combines the intricate part complexity of the higher end MG and PG lines with the size and affordability of the HG and SD lines into a new product that draws inspiration from real world machines. This version of the Exia was supervised by creator Kanetake Ebikawa and features custom markings. All of Exia's equipment is included, with melee weapons having chromed blades and GN condensers feature transparent plastic. New Advanced MS Joint allow impressive movement to replicate combat scenes in the Gundam 00 anime series.
MSRP: $48.00

HGBF 1/144 Try Burning Gundam PP Clear Version
An enhanced version of the Burning Gundam in the second half of the Gundam Build Fighters Try TV anime series. Features impressive articulation for recreation of martial arts poses. Includes fiery punch, kick, back, and numerous flame effect parts as well as 4 different types of hands showcasing martial arts gestures. This special GunPla expo variant previously only available in Asia renders the model in translucent plastic with sparkles to replicate the flow of Plavisky particles that flow through the plastic in the TV show. MSRP: $22.00

For additional information on Bandai GunPla products, please visit: www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/gundam-models.html

Bandai Tamashii Nations

S.H. Figuarts Goku Frieza Saga Version
Complete your Dragon Ball collection with a special variant of Goku as he lands on the Planet Namek!  The S.H. Figuarts Goku Frieza Saga version features his iconic outfit with the “Go” GI symbols and original tied belt, as well as a new facial expression not found in the original! This SDCC exclusive will be available in limited quantities. Figure includes 5 interchangeable faces, multiple hands for different poses, and charging Kamehameha effect part. MSRP: $45.00

For additional information on Tamashii Nations products, please visit: www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/tamashii-nations.html.

Beast Kingdom

Iron Man Mark III Magnetic Floating Version
A flashy, new updated color variant of Beast Kingdom’s Floating Iron Man Mark III featuring red and chrome markings. MSRP: $169.99

Star Wars Egg Attack Action Darth Vader: EAA-002SP
This 6-inch limited edition Beast Kingdom rendition of the iconic villain is constructed with compound materials and painted with expert techniques that perfectly capture the texture of Darth Vader's armor and clothing. Also features a light-up LED lightsaber and life-supporting device on the chest. MSRP: $139.99

For additional information on Beast Kingdom products, please visit: www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/beast-kingdom.html

Comicave Studios

1/12 Shotgun Iron Man Mark XL
The Super Alloy 1/12 Scale Shotgun is a fully articulated figurine made of 75% die-cast metal with interchangeable accessories, and LED light features in the eyes and chest.  A Hyper Velocity Traveling Suit, the Mark 40 is currently the fastest suit of the Iron Legion, and can reach speeds in excess of Mach 5.  Shotgun will be available in limited quantities for purchase at SDCC 2015, one month ahead of its worldwide release in August 2015.  MSRP: $160.00

For more information on Comicave Studios, please visit: http://www.comicavestudios.com

Hero Cross

Hybrid Metal Figuration Batman #004S
For the fans of this dark hero attending the 2015 San Diego Comic Con, Hero Cross has prepared a special classic comic color scheme for the figure, with an additional weathered effect. The body and limbs of the figure are made of die cast parts that enrich the texture as well as provide required strength and stiffness. Meanwhile, it is fully poseable thanks to 20-plus points of articulation and the wired fabric cape. The accessories include a light up Bat-Signal and Batarang that serve as nice enhancements to the figure. MSRP: $80.00

For more information on Hero Cross, please visit: www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/herocross.html.

SEN-TI-NEL
Don’t miss this extremely limited edition Synthetic Human figure with samurai sword and sheath accessories. Straight from the pages of the Biomega manga series by Tsutomu Nihei (the creator behind distinguished manga titles Blame! and Knights of Sidonia), this figure is exceptionally detailed and known for its unmatched articulation which allows you to get the figure into virtually any pose. MSRP: $185.00

For more information on SEN-TI-NEL, please visit: www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/sen-ti-nel.html.

The Loyal Subjects

Power Rangers, TMNT, Transformers Action Vinyl Exclusives
The TLS booth will feature a full array of their ever popular Action Vinyl Exclusives from top licenses. From the Black-and-White Battle Damaged 3” Ninja Turtles to the Special Edition Crystal Pink Ranger to the fan-favorite Construction set, all figures come equipped with multiple points of articulation and fun accessories -- as you may already know, the Power Rangers helmets are completely removable! A different exclusive for each day! Find these exciting exclusives and more directly at the TLS Booth #5050. MSRP: Various

X-Plus

Super Saiyan Son Goku Figure
This hefty variant (stands more than 18” tall) of the Gigantic Series Goku figure features translucent yellow hair. This vinyl statue is highly detailed, anime accurate and features excellent paint applications. X-Plus is well known for creating beautiful vinyl statues with uncompromising attention to detail. MSRP: $65.00

For more information on X-Plus, please visit: www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/x-plus.html.


About Bluefin
Based in Irvine, CA, Bluefin built its reputation as a leading distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products. In recent years, Bluefin has grown to include a range of high quality collectible lines from the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore and established itself as the official North American consumer products and retail development partner for Studio Ghibli. Selling to thousands of specialty, chain and independent stores, Bluefin is an official North American distributor for Bandai Hobby, Kotobukiya and Capcom, is the sole provider of Bandai Tamashii Nations products, and is also the exclusive and official distributor for Beast Kingdom, Comicave, Mr. Hobby, Groove’s Pullip dolls, SEN-TI-NEL and X-Plus. Bluefin also represents TruForce and The Loyal Subjects products worldwide. Additional information is available at: www.bluefincorp.com.

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Actor Tom Holland, Director Jon Watts to Guide 2017 Spider-Man Film

SONY PICTURES AND MARVEL STUDIOS FIND THEIR "SPIDER-MAN" STAR AND DIRECTOR

TOM HOLLAND CAST AS THE WEB-SLINGER

JON WATTS TO DIRECT THE NEXT SPIDER-MAN ADVENTURE, SET FOR RELEASE JULY 28, 2017

CULVER CITY, Calif., and BURBANK, Calif. - Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios are proud to announce that after a full worldwide casting search, Tom Holland will play Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the next Spider-Man film, in theaters in IMAX and 3D on July 28, 2017. The film will be directed by Jon Watts, director of Cop Car, the upcoming thriller that made its debut earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival.

Marvel and Sony Pictures, and producers Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal conducted an extensive search for both the actor and the director. The studios and producers were impressed by Holland's performances in The Impossible, "Wolf Hall," and the upcoming In the Heart of the Sea, and by a series of complex screen tests. Following Marvel's tradition of working with the brightest next wave of directors, Watts also went through multiple meetings with Feige, Pascal, and the studio, before winning the job.

Commenting on the announcement, Tom Rothman, Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group Chairman, "It's a big day here at Sony. Kevin, Amy and their teams have done an incredible job. The Marvel process is very thorough, and that's why their results are so outstanding. I'm confident Spider-Man will be no exception. I've worked with a number of up-and-coming directors who have gone on to be superstars and believe that Jon is just such an outstanding talent. For Spidey himself, we saw many terrific young actors, but Tom's screen tests were special. All in all, we are off to a roaring start."

Feige commented, "As with James Gunn, Joss Whedon, and the Russo brothers, we love finding new and exciting voices to bring these characters to life. We spent a lot of time with Jon and find his take and work inspiring."

Pascal added, "Sony, Marvel, Kevin and I all knew that for Peter Parker, we had to find a vibrant, talented young actor capable of embodying one of the most well-known characters in the world. With Tom, we've found the perfect actor to bring Spider-Man's story into the Marvel Cinematic Universe."

Sony Pictures will finance and release worldwide the next installment of the $4 billion Spider-Man franchise on July 28, 2017, in a film co-produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago. Together, they will collaborate on a new creative direction for the Web-Slinger.

Spider-Man, embraced all over the world, is the most successful franchise in the history of Sony Pictures, with the five films having taken in more than $4 billion worldwide.


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.

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, including licensing the Spider-Man universe to Sony Pictures. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2015 MARVEL

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Canada and the United States Fight for "We Stand On Guard" Comic Book


Image Comics, Brian K. Vaughan & Steve Skroce announce signing wars

It’s Canada vs. the United States in an international signing tour to promote the release of WE STAND ON GUARD #1, writer Brian K. Vaughan’s first new Image series since the launch of SAGA, and a return to comics for legendary Hollywood storyboard artist (and proud Canadian) Steve Skroce.

WE STAND ON GUARD is an action-packed military thriller about a futuristic conflict between Canada and the United States, so in honor of their story, the creators will be appearing together at two different signings, one in each of their home countries.

Vaughan and Skroce will be enjoying Canada Day, July 1st, 2015 in the United States, with an epic release party at the world-famous MELTDOWN COMICS in Los Angeles, CA from 7 – 9 p.m.

Then, they’re be spending their Independence Day, July 4th, 2015 in Canada, at the acclaimed GOLDEN AGE COLLECTIBLES in Vancouver, B.C. at 1:30 p.m.

Which signing will be better attended? “Nobody knows,” said Vaughan, before warning: “But whichever nation loses will be forced to keep Justin Bieber… forever.”

Both events are free to the public, and the oversized 40-page first issue of WE STAND ON GUARD is priced at only $2.99.Vaughan and Skroce will be happy to sign whatever readers bring—time and lines permitting.

And if you’d rather not pick a side, Vaughan and Skroce will also be appearing together at this year’s IMAGE EXPO onThursday, July 2, on the relatively-neutral ground of San Francisco, at the Yerba Buena Center of the Arts. Tickets available right now at ImageComics.com!

Meltdown Comics
7522 Sunset Blvd.
LA, CALIF 90046 USA
323.851.7223
meltcomics.com

Golden Age Collectables Ltd.
852 Granville Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6Z 1K3
604-683-2819
http://www.gacvan.com

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Sunday, June 28, 2015

DreamWorks Developing Michael Crichton's "Micro" for Film

DreamWorks Studios Acquires Michael Crichton Book “Micro”

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DreamWorks Studios has acquired the film rights to the Michael Crichton novel, “Micro,” it was announced today by Michael Wright, CEO of DreamWorks Studios. Frank Marshall is on board to produce, with Sherri Crichton and Laurent Bouzereau set as executive producers for CrichtonSun LLC.

    “It was yet another opportunity for him to explore the clash between science and nature, as seen through the eyes of relatable characters. Michael also wrote in cinematic terms and would be so pleased to see ‘Micro’ come to life on the big screen at DreamWorks.”

The high-concept thriller follows a group of graduate students lured to Hawaii to work for a mysterious biotech company—only to find themselves miniaturized and cast out into the rain forest, with nothing but their scientific expertise and wits to protect them.

"Micro" was unfinished when Michael Crichton passed away in 2008, later completed by author Richard Preston and published by HarperCollins in 2011. It was a New York Times bestseller and spent over 20 weeks combined on the list in hardcover and paperback.

“We are so pleased to have this opportunity to develop ‘Micro,’” said Steven Spielberg. “For Michael, size did matter whether it was for ‘Jurassic’s’ huge dinosaurs or ‘Micro’s’ infinitely tiny humans.”

“Michael Crichton’s vast body of work has thrilled audiences around the world for decades, and it feels particularly poignant to be bringing his last published novel to DreamWorks,” said Michael Wright. “This is the perfect place to unite these two dynamic brands.”

“Michael was exhilarated, passionate and invested in ‘Micro,’ a story he spent years researching and developing,” said Sherri Crichton. “It was yet another opportunity for him to explore the clash between science and nature, as seen through the eyes of relatable characters. Michael also wrote in cinematic terms and would be so pleased to see ‘Micro’ come to life on the big screen at DreamWorks.”

In 2009, DreamWorks Studios acquired the rights to another posthumously published Crichton novel, “Pirate Latitudes.”


About Michael Crichton
The library of Michael Crichton is one of the most important sources of intellectual property in the world. One of the most popular writers of all time, Crichton’s books have sold more than 200 million copies worldwide. His works have been translated into 40 languages, and made into 15 feature films. Crichton’s novels include “Jurassic Park,” “The Andromeda Strain,” “The Great Train Robbery,” “Eaters of the Dead,” “Congo,” “Sphere,” “Rising Sun,” “Disclosure,” “The Lost World,” “Airframe,” “Timeline,” “Prey,” “Next,” “State of Fear,” and the posthumously published “Pirate Latitudes” and “Micro.”

Crichton was also prolific as a writer, director and producer of film and television. He was the creator and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning television drama “ER,“ wrote and directed films including “Westworld,” “The Great Train Robbery,” and “Coma” and was the screenwriter of “Jurassic Park” and “Rising Sun,” among others.

The rich environment created by Crichton lives on in Universal’s blockbuster film, “Jurassic World,” starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, the fourth installment in the “Jurassic Park” film series. Crichton’s 1973 sci-fi film, “Westworld,” also inspired the upcoming series of the same name starring Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood and Rodrigo Santoro, which is set to debut on HBO later this year.

Crichton is the only creative artist in history to have works simultaneously chart at No. 1 in U.S. television, film and books sales.

http://www.MichaelCrichton.com

https://www.facebook.com/officialcrichton

About DreamWorks Studios
DreamWorks Studios is a motion picture company formed in 2009 and led by Steven Spielberg in partnership with The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. The company’s recent releases include Spielberg's “Lincoln,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones. The film has grossed over $180 million at the U.S. box office and was nominated for twelve Academy Awards® with Daniel Day-Lewis winning for Best Actor. Other releases include “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” starring Helen Mirren, Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse,” based on Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning book and nominated for six Academy Awards® including Best Picture, and “The Help,” which resonated with audiences around the country and earned over $200 million at the box office and received four Academy Award® nominations with Octavia Spencer winning for Best Supporting Actress. Upcoming releases include the Spielberg directed projects “Bridge of Spies,” starring Tom Hanks, and “The BFG,” based on Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel.

DreamWorks Studios can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DreamWorksStudios and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dw_studios.

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