Gaming-Entertainment Company Relates Impact on Economic, Social Goals in Fifth Annual Corporate Citizenship Report
LAS VEGAS, — Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR) today issued its fifth annual Corporate Citizenship Report, entitled “Serious Play.”
Caesars has long been committed to being a positive corporate citizen that contributes to improving the economic, social and environmental quality of life wherever it operates. Caesars’ mission – inspiring grown-ups to play responsibly – is described in its latest citizenship report, which showcases the company’s positive impacts on society and the environment in 2013 and early 2014.
Caesars tracks its corporate citizenship progress in areas including Responsible Gaming, Employee Development, Environmental Stewardship and Community Investment Performance. The latest report details the company’s impact in 2013 and also provides more recent information that demonstrates its corporate citizenship efforts in action.
As detailed in the current report, Caesars exceeded its aggressive environmental-sustainability goal to reduce energy and carbon emissions and surpassed its waste-diversion goal. Significant strides have also been made in the reduction of water use and continued community giving. Caesars maintained its industry lead in innovative Responsible Gaming programs, training 43,286 employees in 2013.
“Corporate citizenship is rooted in the mission and values established in our Code of Commitment more than a decade ago. As our business evolves, our programs advancing corporate citizenship become more sophisticated,” said Caesars Entertainment Chairman, President and CEO, Gary Loveman. “Our mission is to entertain and inspire grown-ups to play; but we also are determined to fulfill our responsibilities and take part in community life to deliver tangible benefits to all of our constituencies.”
Caesars’ core priorities are identified through a comprehensive process involving feedback from stakeholders, consultation with external experts, and reviews by Caesars’ Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Council. “Serious Play” is written in accordance with the GRI G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines at core level.
“We are proud to support the advancement of meaningful standards that raise the bar for business accountability, and believe it is important for Caesars to be cutting edge from an engagement and reporting standpoint,” said Gwen Migita, vice president of sustainability and corporate citizenship at Caesars Entertainment.
In addition to the accomplishments listed above, this year’s corporate citizenship highlights are shown in the following infographic.
Caesars Entertainment
Caesars Entertainment Corporation is the world’s most geographically diversified casino-entertainment company. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, more than 75 years ago, Caesars has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions, and now operates casinos on four continents. The company’s resorts operate primarily under the Harrah’s®, Caesars® and Horseshoe® brand names. Caesars Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its guests through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership. Caesars is committed to environmental sustainability and energy conservation and recognizes the importance of being a responsible steward of the environment. For more information, please visit Caesars.com.
GameStop New Title Releases, Cricket Wireless Service Offerings to Drive Need to Hire Approximately 25,000 Employees Nationwide
GRAPEVINE, Texas- –GameStop, a family of specialty retail brands that makes the most popular technologies affordable and simple, today announced plans to hire approximately 25,000 employees nationwide as the company prepares for the upcoming holiday shopping season.
This year’s total number of seasonal hires is approximately 47% higher when compared to the same period in 2013, reflecting the current strength of GameStop’s business. The increase also represents GameStop’s continued focus on providing customers exceptional service as the retailer prepares for a holiday season full of great new video games for Microsoft’s Xbox One, the Nintendo Wii U and Sony’s PlayStation 4. Additionally, Cricket Wireless’s no-annual contract service will be available in 2,800 GameStop U.S. locations and GameStop’s consumer electronics re-commerce business is expected to be in demand as customers look to trade-in their pre-owned devices in order to trade up to the new Apple iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus smartphone.
“Providing exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of our brand’s promise to make our customers’ favorite technologies affordable and simple,” said Mike Buskey, senior vice president of Human Resources for GameStop. “To deliver on this promise, we are increasing our seasonal hiring efforts this year to ensure our stores, distribution centers and refurbishment operation center are appropriately staffed to meet the customer demand we expect to receive during the holidays.”
In order to manage the breadth of anticipated holiday activity, GameStop is currently recruiting for in-store Game Advisors, as well as approximately 250 consumer electronic technicians within its refurbishment operation center (ROC), and warehouse personnel for the company’s two distribution centers based in Grapevine, Texas and Louisville, Ky.
GameStop’s recruiting efforts for identifying and hiring talented, hardworking and passionate employees for this holiday season are scheduled to begin in the next few days, and continue until the middle of October. Interested applicants should visit GameStop Careers, the career’s section on GameStop’s corporate website, or check out the company’s recruiting efforts on Facebook and Twitter for a full list of available jobs, descriptions, qualifications and application details.
Seasonal jobs will begin October 6th, 2014 and run through January 9th, 2015, offering employees part-time, flexible work schedules during the week which include the potential for up to 10-15 hours of work weeknights, weekends and days. In addition, all seasonal hires will receive a 15% discount off select merchandise purchases at GameStop stores as well as online.
About GameStop Corp.
GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, is a global, multichannel video game, consumer electronics and wireless services retailer. GameStop operates more than 6,600 stores across 15 countries. The company’s consumer product network also includes www.gamestop.com; www.Kongregate.com, a leading browser-based game site; Game Informer® magazine, the world’s leading print and digital video game publication; and www.buymytronics.com, an online consumer electronics trade-in platform. In addition, our Technology Brands segment includes our Simply Mac, Spring Mobile and Cricket stores. Simply Mac, www.simplymac.com, operates 33 stores, selling the full line of Apple products, including laptops, tablets, smartphones and offering Apple certified warranty and repair services. Spring Mobile, http://springmobile.com, sells post-paid AT&T services and wireless products through its 238 AT&T branded stores. Cricket Wireless, www.cricketwireless.com, is a new AT&T brand offering pre-paid wireless services, devices and related accessories. We operate 48 Cricket stores in select markets throughout the United States.
General information about GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company’s corporate website. Follow GameStop on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/GameStop and find GameStop on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/GameStop.
Nickelodeon Teams Up With NFL, MLS and NASCAR for NickSports – New Primetime Sports – Themed Block
NEW YORK — Forging programming relationships with the NFL, MLS and NASCAR, Nickelodeon is celebrating kids’ love for the action and excitement of the game with the launch of NickSports–a brand-new primetime programming block debuting Wednesday, Sept. 3, on Nicktoons. In the wake of Nick’s success with its inaugural Kids’ Choice Sports awards show this summer, this new, two-hour weekly block will feature a mix of original and acquired long- and short-form content from professional sports leagues NFL, MLS and NASCAR; new episodes of Nicktoons’ hit animated series Wild Grinders from Rob Dyrdek and NFL RUSH ZONE; documentary programming, including the world TV premiere of the acclaimed Little Ballers; and acquired theatrical movies. NickSports will air on Nicktoons Wednesdays from 9-11p.m. (ET).
“More than 70 percent of kids ages 7-14 in the U.S. play two-to-three organized sports a year, so the interest and enthusiasm is already there,” said Keith Dawkins, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Nicktoons, TeenNick and Nick Jr. “Our NickSports block will bring kids and families into the huddle by giving them an all-access pass to their favorite athletes, teams and leagues.”
The NickSports block will feature a rotating lineup of sports-themed content including series, specials and documentaries from leagues and key athletes, as well as acquired theatrical movies.
At launch, league contributions for the NickSports block will include:
National Football League (NFL)
NFL RUSH, a brand-new, action packed half-hour magazine-format show (15 episodes) from NFL Films featuring NFL highlights, bloopers, trivia, the science of football, players off the field and throwback moments in NFL history.
A brand-new half-hour countdown show (NFL RUSH Follies and NFL RUSH Top 10s; 6 episodes) from NFL Films featuring the classic top ten-themed programs including follies and other great NFL moments.
More third-season premieres of the animated NFL RUSH ZONE franchise, a co-production by Nickelodeon and the NFL. Based on the NFL’s online world for kids, the series follows kid protagonist Ishmael and his friends, the Guardians, on a journey to protect the league’s 32 teams and the world from a plotting master villain.
Major League Soccer (MLS)
A variety of acquired short-form segments including: Mike Magee’s Day Off, a hilarious movie-trailer-esque nod to the timeless classic, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, starring reigning MLS MVP Mike Magee; MLS Insider episode, “Thierry Henry: A Legend,” a tribute to the career of the global soccer superstar; exclusive sit-down interviews and trivia challenges with stars from MLS and the 2014 World Cup U.S. Men’s National Team, including DeAndre Yedlin and Kyle Beckerman; as well as Anatomy of a Goal, GoalKeeper Trick Shots, and MLS Top 5.
NASCAR
Hammer Down, a brand-new docu-series (4 episodes) profiling the next generation of NASCAR drivers.
Brand-new, short-form vignettes covering NASCAR initiatives such as exploring the principles of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) as they relate to racing.
The block’s series will include:
More second-season premieres of Wild Grinders: Rob Dyrdek’s Wild Grinders is a kickin’ animated comedy about Lil Rob, a quick-thinking skater kid. The series also features Lil Rob’s talking right-hand dog Meaty (inspired by Dyrdek’s bull-dog of the same name), his best friend Goggles, and their middle school skate crew, the Wild Grinders. Currently in its second season, Wild Grinders follows the friends and their escapades around their hometown of Sprawl City and at their beloved skate spot, The Lot.
Third-season premieres of the animated NFL RUSH ZONE franchise.
With more titles to be announced, the block’s documentary programming will bow with:
The world TV premiere of Little Ballers: Making its world TV premiere in the NickSports block, Little Ballers is a two-hour documentary set against the backdrop of New York City, shining a spotlight on the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) as a feeding ground to potential NBA stardom. Featuring interviews with NBA and WNBA stars including Amar’e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook, Joakim Noah, Walt Frazier, Tyson Chandler, J.R. Smith and Chamique Holdsclaw, Little Ballers follows four 11-year-old boys and their legendary coach as they set out to win an AAU National Championship. For these boys, basketball is more than a game; it offers them hope. The movie is directed by Crystal McCrary and executive produced by Lupe Fiasco and Stoudemire.
More Than a Game (2008): This documentary follows NBA superstar LeBron James and four of his talented teammates through the trials and tribulations of high school basketball in Akron, Ohio, and James’ journey to fame.
The Year of the Yao (2004): This documentary chronicles the first year of basketball player Yao Ming in the United States.
Movies titles will include:
Bend it Like Beckham, Space Jam, Cool Runnings, Speed Racer and more.
Additionally, the block will launch with a wide array of original short-form content–from humorous man-on-the-street style interviews, to parodies and sketches–that shows off the personalities of professional athletes including NBA player Charlie Villanueva, NFL players Jason and Devin McCourty, and Olympic figure skater Sasha Cohen.
Nickelodeon has established relationships over the years with major sports leagues and world-class athletes. This includes partnering on pro-social initiatives such as NFL PLAY 60, athletes appearing in PSAs and sports activations at the network’s Worldwide Day of Play events, in addition to the first-ever Kids’ Choice Sports awards show this summer.
Kids’ Choice Sports, which garnered 2.7 million total viewers (L+7) and was hosted by Michael Strahan (LIVE with Kelly and Michael, Fox NFL Sunday), featured an all-star lineup of sports superstars from the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS and NHL, along with Olympic athletes. David Beckham was presented with the Legend Award and additional show participants included: Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Gabby Douglas, Larry Fitzgerald, Earl Thomas III, Henrik Lundqvist, Marshawn Lynch, Carmelo Anthony, Floyd Mayweather, Tony Hawk, Russell Westbrook, Victor Cruz, Bethany Hamilton, Russell Wilson and Lisa Leslie.
Nicktoons has the highest concentration of B2-11 across all television and offers programming such as the NFL RUSH ZONE franchise, Rob Dyrdek’s Wild Grinders, Dragon Ball GT, the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, the Digimon franchise and the Power Rangers franchise as well as a roster of hits that have defined kids’ and animation lovers’ TV, including Avatar: The Last Airbender, Invader Zim, Danny Phantom, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents, and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius. Nicktoons currently reaches almost 68 million homes via cable, digital cable and satellite. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nicktoons and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
Amazon Debuts Five New Original Comedy and Drama Pilots
SEATTLE– (NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today launched its third pilot season, calling on customers in the US and UK to watch a brand new slate of original comedy and drama pilots, and provide feedback to help determine which shows should be made into Amazon Original Series. The line-up includes everything from a visit to modern day Paris, a psycho-physiological illness spread through social media, the humor and complexities of marriage, a New Jersey 1980’s flashback, and a mysterious thriller. The pilots can be viewed with the Amazon Instant Video app available on Amazon Fire TV, Kindle Fire tablets, Fire phone, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, as well as hundreds of other connected devices such as smart TVs—or customers can visit amazonoriginals.com to watch online.
The five new pilots include half hour comedies The Cosmopolitans, Really and Red Oaks, and hour-long dramatic thrillers Hand of God and Hysteria. The pilots come from renowned creators including Shaun Cassidy, Jay Chandrasekhar, Marc Forster, David Gordon Green, Steven Soderbergh and Whit Stillman, and star Selma Blair, Adam Brody, Sarah Chalke, Dana Delany, Ron Perlman, Paul Reiser, Chloë Sevigny and Mena Suvari.
“We’re delighted to bring Amazon customers the work of these passionate and talented creators and are excited to get customer feedback,” said Roy Price, Director of Amazon Studios. “It’s an exciting time at Prime Instant Video, with new, original shows coming to the service every month for the rest of the year.”
As part of its unique development process, Amazon gives customers an opportunity to provide feedback on which pilots they want turned into series on Prime Instant Video. During pilot season, any Amazon customer in the US and UK can watch, rate and comment on the pilots. At the end of pilot season, that feedback helps determine the shows that become an Amazon Original Series. This past February, Amazon customers posted comments during the second pilot season, which helped Amazon decide to green light six series—Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle, Bosch, The After, and kids series Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and Wishenpoof!
Amazon’s third pilot season includes the following shows:
The Cosmopolitans
Written, directed and produced by Academy Award nominee Whit Stillman (Metropolitan, Barcelona, The Last Days of Disco), The Cosmopolitans follows a group of young American expatriates in contemporary Paris searching for love and friendship in a foreign city. The romantic comedy pilot stars Adam Brody as Jimmy, Chloë Sevigny as Vicky, Carrie MacLemore as Aubrey, Dree Hemingway as Camille, Freddy Åsblom as Fritz, Jordan Rountree as Hal, and Adriano Giannini as Sandro. The pilot was filmed on location in Paris.
Hand of God
Marking the television debut of renowned filmmaker Marc Forster (Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland, World War Z) and written by Ben Watkins, Hand of God stars Golden Globe winner Ron Perlman in his first lead television role since Sons of Anarchy as Judge Pernell Harris. Hand of God also stars Dana Delany as the Judge’s protective wife Crystal Harris, Garret Dillahunt as KD, the born-again sociopath whose violent tendencies are exploited by Pernell, Andre Royo as the slick, smart, gregarious, and greedy mayor Robert ‘Bobo’ Boston, Alona Tal as Pernell’s grieving daughter-in-law Jocelyn Harris, Julian Morris as the questionable preacher Paul Curtis, Elizabeth McLaughlin as the preacher’s sultry girlfriend Alicia, and Emayatzy Corinealdi as Pernell’s call girl and confidante Tessie. The show centers on the powerful Judge Harris, a hard-living, law-bending married man with a high-end call girl on the side, who suffers a mental breakdown and goes on a vigilante quest to find the rapist who tore his family apart. With no real evidence to go on, Pernell begins to rely on “visions” and “messages” he believes are being sent by God through Pernell’s ventilator-bound son. Forster, Watkins, Perlman, Brian Wilkins and Jeff King are Executive Producers, and Jillian Kugler is co-Executive Producer.
Hysteria
Hysteria takes viewers to Austin, Texas where social connection has become contagious. In the pilot, members of a girls’ competitive dance team are stricken with a strange, psycho-physiological illness that manifests itself in violent fits and spasms and then begins spreading in the community through technology. Neurologist Logan Harlen (played by Mena Suvari) returns to her hometown to investigate the cause. Fighting her own demons and the growing manipulation of a brother on death row, Logan develops an uneasy suspicion that the hysteria surrounding the girls might actually be linked to social media and her own tragic past. Hysteria is written by Shaun Cassidy, who is known for genre thrillers such as Invasion and American Gothic, and directed by Otto Bathurst, who won the BAFTA Award for his work on the critically-acclaimed U.K. mini-series Peaky Blinders. The show also stars James McDaniel (Orange Is The New Black) as Carl Sapsi, Josh Stewart (The Dark Knight Rises) as Ray Ratajeck, Adan Canto (X-Men: Days of Future Past) as Matt Sanchez, Laura San Giacomo (Saving Grace) as Grace Pelayo and T.R. Knight (Grey’s Anatomy) as Carter Harlen. The show is written by Cassidy, who is also Executive Producer alongside Adam Schroeder, Sharon Hall, Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Bryan Zuriff, and Bathurst. In addition to Suvari, McDaniel, Stewart, Canto, San Giacomo and Knight, Hysteria also stars Ella Rae Peck and Jenessa Grant. Pilot guest stars include Jason Douglas, Heather Kafka, Asjha Cooper, and Evie Thompson. Amazon Studios is collaborating with Universal Television and Alcon Television Group on the production of Hysteria.
Really
Written, directed and starring Jay Chandrasekhar, Really is a funny, extremely, honest behind-the-curtain look at the complexities of marriage and the charged dynamics of a tight-knit group of friends. The show is about four hard-charging suburban Chicago couples trying to grasp on-to their dwindling youth. At the center are the happily but messily married couple Jed, played by Chandrasekhar, and Lori, played by Sarah Chalke. When Jed is faced with the choice of keeping his pal’s secret or destroying his friend group, he winds up digging himself into a very deep hole. Really explores marriage, friendship and the stifling peculiarities of suburban Chicago life. The pilot also stars Selma Blair, Travis Schuldt, Hayes MacArthur, Collette Wolfe, Luka Jones, Lindsay Sloane and Rob Delaney. Really comes from Main Street Films’ Craig Chang and Harrison Kordestani, and Executive Producer Jamie Tarses (Happy Endings).
Red Oaks
Directed by Sundance award-winner David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express, Eastbound and Down) and executive produced by Academy Award winner Steven Soderbergh (Behind the Candelabra, Traffic, Ocean’s Eleven), Red Oaks stars Craig Roberts (Submarine) as David Myers, an assistant tennis pro at the Red Oaks Country Club in suburban New Jersey in 1985, who is both reeling from his father’s heart attack and conflicted about what major to declare in the fall. While there, he meets a colorful cast of misfit co-workers and wealthy club members including an alluring art student named Skye (played by guest star Alexandra Socha) and her corporate raider father Getty played by Paul Reiser (Mad About You). A coming-of-age comedy set in the “go-go” 80s that is equal parts hijinks and heartfelt, Red Oaks is about enjoying a last hurrah before summer comes to an end—and the future begins. Red Oaks also stars Jennifer Grey (It’s Like, You Know) as Judy Myers, Richard Kind (Luck) as Sam Myers, Oliver Cooper (Californication) as Wheeler, Gage Golightly as Karen, and Ennis Esmer as Nash. Red Oaks is written by Gregory Jacobs (The Knick) and Joe Gangemi (Eliza Graves). Soderbergh, Green, Jacobs, and Gangemi are Executive Producers.
About Amazon Studios
Last year Amazon Studios launched its first two prime time series, Alpha House and Betas, and recently debuted its first three children’s series, the Annecy International Animated Film Festival Award-winning Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment, as well as Creative Galaxy from Angela Santomero and Out of the Blue Enterprises, the creators of Blue’s Clues, and Annedroids, from Emmy nominated Sinking Ship Entertainment.
Amazon Studios will later this year debut two new comedy series, Jill Soloway’s Transparent, and Mozart in the Jungle from Paul Weitz, John J. Strauss, Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman, along with season two of Garry Trudeau’s Alpha House. In addition, Amazon will also debut a new kids series Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street from David Anaxagoras. In early 2015, Amazon will release two drama series, Chris Carter’s The After and Michael Connelly’s Bosch. Amazon Original Series are available exclusively to Prime members through Prime Instant Video.
Amazon Studios launched in 2010 as a new way to develop feature films and episodic series—one that’s open to great ideas from creators and audiences around the world. Anyone can upload a script and Amazon Studios will read and review all submissions. Those who choose to make their projects public will also receive feedback from the Amazon Studios community.
Comprehensive cast and crew information, including bios and filmographies, is available on Amazon’s IMDb (www.imdb.com), the world’s most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content.
About Amazon.com
Amazon opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by three principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.
An Uncompromising Look At Politics, Ambition And Money, ‘Marseille’ Debuts In All Netflix Territories In Late 2015
PARIS and BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – Marseille, an eight episode tale of power, corruption and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the French port city, will debut exclusively in all Netflix territories in late 2015.
The first French production from the worlds leading Internet TV Network, Marseille focuses on the story of Robert Taro, mayor of the city for 25 years. The coming elections have him face the man he chose as his heir, an ambitious youngster aiming high. Both candidates will fight mercilessly. Marseille stages a fight around revenge, animated by drug lords, politicians, unions and the political players of the city.
Shot entirely in France, Marseille is created and written by Dan Franck, writer of La Séparation and Les Hommes de lombre and co-writer of Carlos, which won a Golden Globe for best miniseries and a Cesar for most promising actor, Edgar Ramirez, and was nominated for 36 international awards, including two Emmys.
Directing the first two episodes of Marseille will be Florent-Emilio Siri, director of the Cesar-nominated theatrical hits Cloclo and LEnnemi Intime. Also directing will be Sundance Award-winning filmmaker Samuel Benchetrit (J’ai toujours rêvé d’être un gangster”)
Marseille is produced by Paris-based Federation Entertainment, led by Pascal Breton, producer of the hit French series Dolmen and Sous le Soleil.
“Creating a series for an enormous audience and without any constraints will let us push to its limits a story about the Shakespearean theater of politics in a city where Alexandre Dumas and Jean-Claude Izzo, among others, have planted many spears,” said Dan Franck. “Netflix has given us a blank page to create a “House of Cards” in French that breaks through unspoken hypocrisy. This is a writer’s dream and a great opportunity for French producers and creators to enter a new world.”
“Movies today sacrifice a lot to almighty pacing and often lose the essential: the characters. Current TV series do exactly the opposite, they stretch time and work characters in depth with all their complexities and contradictions. Thats what makes for their success,” said Florent-Emilio Siri. “The movie business in France today confines itself to comedy or what is called ‘author cinema.’ TV series give movie directors the potential of a new opportunity to be able to explore and express their talents within the full extent of their art. This is why Im really eager to work on Marseille.”
Added Samuel Benchetrit: “I’m incredibly excited and honored to work on Marseille and to create an original series that will be powerful and unique. Working with Netflix is a great opportunity for artists and creators, it democratizes movies and series in France and globally.”
Producer Pascal Breton said: Marseille will take the audience right into the political arena where the old regime of traditional politicians are getting ready to face the younger generation of predators, thugs, and sometimes their own heirs. Netflix is giving us the perfect opportunity to tell this story from a uniquely French viewpoint, in association with some of Frances best writers and directors. Produced entirely in France, Marseille has the potential to become one of the most gripping television events of the coming years.”
Marseille is an ambitious, diabolically smart fictitious exploration of local politics in one of the worlds most vibrant and fascinating cities. said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. We are delighted to be working with some of the best storytellers in France to deliver a series that erases the line between film and television.
Production is expected to start in spring of 2015 with the series debut everywhere Netflix is available in late 2015.
About Federation Entertainment:Based in Paris, Federation Entertainment is a fully-integrated television production and distribution mini-studio comprised of exclusive partnerships with some of the most renowned executives, producers and showrunners in global entertainment. Established by leading French entertainment executive Pascal Breton, the company represents a new model for the creation, production, distribution, deficit financing and marketing of high quality original television series programming and motion pictures for the global marketplace
About Netflix Netflix is the world’s leading Internet television network with over 50 million members in more than 40 countries enjoying more than one billion hours of TV shows and movies per month, including original series. For a low monthly price, Netflix members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
Hornets Sports & Entertainment Renews Long-Term Ticketmaster Relationship
Through this multi-year agreement, Hornets Sports & Entertainment will operate its ticketing system for all Time Warner Cable Arena events (Hornets, concerts, family shows, etc.) with Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster will manage the official re-sale marketplace of the Hornets, at NBATickets.com, giving fans the only secure secondary marketplace to purchase verified tickets. Ticketmaster has been responsible for all aspects of the arena’s ticketing systems since 2007.
“We are very pleased to continue with Ticketmaster as our ticketing and event marketing solution provider,” said Hornets President & COO Fred Whitfield. “As the industry leader they have always worked to provide the best, most efficient options for our patrons. With Hornets Sports & Entertainment serving as operators of Time Warner Cable Arena, our goal has always been to attract the highest quality entertainment possible. We believe our partnership with Live Nation will enhance our opportunities to continually secure the premier concerts, family shows and entertainment acts available.”
“We have invested in our platform to deliver industry-leading products and services to our clients and their fans. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Hornets and Time Warner Cable Arena to deliver the most secure and convenient ticket options for fans,” said Cole Gahagan, executive vice presidents of clients, Ticketmaster.
“We have always delivered top talent to the southeast region, and this new partnership is only going to help us grow that footprint in Charlotte, and throughout the Carolinas,” said Mike Evans, president of arenas, Live Nation.
Hornets Sports & Entertainment owns the Charlotte Hornets and operates Charlotte’s Time Warner Cable Arena.
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation & House of Blues Concerts, LN Media and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit: www.livenationentertainment.com.
Amazon.com to Acquire Twitch – The Leading Live Video Platform For Gamers
SEATTLE — Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Twitch Interactive, Inc., the leading live video platform for gamers. In July, more than 55 million unique visitors viewed more than 15 billion minutes of content on Twitch produced by more than 1 million broadcasters, including individual gamers, pro players, publishers, developers, media outlets, conventions and stadium-filling esports organizations.
“Broadcasting and watching gameplay is a global phenomenon and Twitch has built a platform that brings together tens of millions of people who watch billions of minutes of games each month – from The International, to breaking the world record for Mario, to gaming conferences like E3. And, amazingly, Twitch is only three years old,” said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. “Like Twitch, we obsess over customers and like to think differently, and we look forward to learning from them and helping them move even faster to build new services for the gaming community.”
“Amazon and Twitch optimize for our customers first and are both believers in the future of gaming,” said Twitch CEO Emmett Shear. “Being part of Amazon will let us do even more for our community. We will be able to create tools and services faster than we could have independently. This change will mean great things for our community, and will let us bring Twitch to even more people around the world.”
Twitch launched in June 2011 to focus exclusively on live video for gamers. Under the terms of the agreement, which has been approved by Twitch’s shareholders, Amazon will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Twitch for approximately $970 million in cash, as adjusted for the assumption of options and other items. Subject to customary closing conditions, the acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2014.
About Amazon.com
Amazon opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by three principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.
About Twitch
Twitch is the leading live video platform and community for gamers where more than 55 million have gathered to broadcast, watch and talk about video games. Twitch’s video platform is the backbone of both live and on-demand distribution for the entire video game ecosystem. This includes game developers, publishers, media outlets, events, user generated content and the entire esports scene. In February 2014, The Wall Street Journal ranked Twitch as the 4th largest website in terms of peak internet traffic in the U.S., fortifying the brand as an entertainment industry leader and the epicenter of social video for gamers. For more information, visit: www.twitch.tv
Nickelodeon Premieres Brand New Crime-Fighting, Live-Action Comedy Series Henry Danger on Saturday, Sept. 13
SANTA MONICA, Calif.– An ordinary 13-year-old kid’s life takes a wild turn when he lands the dream job as the sidekick-in-training to a superhero in Nickelodeon’s new live-action comedy Henry Danger, premiering Saturday, Sept. 13, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). Henry Danger kicks off a night of back-to-back series premieres with Nickelodeon’s other new live-action comedy, Nicky Ricky Dicky & Dawn, premiering at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
Henry Danger, a multi-camera, scripted half-hour series created and executive produced by multi-Emmy nominated hit-maker Dan Schneider (Sam & Cat, Victorious, iCarly, Zoey 101, Drake & Josh) and co-creator and co-executive producer Dana Olsen (George of the Jungle, Inspector Gadget) follows the adventures of Henry Hart (Jace Norman) who gets selected by superhero Captain Man (Cooper Barnes) to be his apprentice. After promising to keep his new identity a secret, Henry must navigate a double life balancing the challenges of eighth grade with the crazy adventures of a crime fighter. Henry Danger will air regularly on Nickelodeon Saturdays at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).
In the series premiere, Henry discovers that being a superhero’s sidekick is much harder than he ever thought. Henry desperately struggles to balance the demands of his schoolwork, his family responsibilities, and his new job as Kid Danger — all while keeping his crime fighting alter ego a secret from everyone he knows, including his two best friends Charlotte (Riele Downs) and Jasper (Sean Ryan Fox) and younger sister Piper (Ella Anderson). When Henry’s life begins to crumble under the pressure, he turns to Captain Man for help. Captain Man offers Henry the use of an amazing new device that solves Henry’s problems…at first. But it comes with a high cost, as Henry discovers at school the next day.
Viewers will get an immersive look at Henry’s whole world online at Nick.com/HenryDanger. Fans of the show will enjoy a personalized, interactive experience with fun games, pictures and a series of motion comics. There will also be an opportunity to interview Captain Man himself for the position of superhero sidekick, take a quiz to find out your own sidekick personality and watch exclusive behind-the-scenes footage with the cast to learn all about the next generation of Nick stars both on and off screen.
Writer-producer Dan Schneider has established himself as a dominant force in the world of family entertainment by creatively drawing on his affinity for youth culture at Nickelodeon. Under his Schneider’s Bakery Productions, he has carved a unique, progressive niche in the world of kid and family entertainment as creator and executive producer of mega-hit series Sam & Cat, iCarly, Victorious and Zoey 101, which have received multiple Emmy nominations. Schneider also created/executive produced The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh. In addition, his series all have the distinction of having won numerous Kids’ Choice Awards and he recently received the first-ever Kids’ Choice Lifetime Achievement Award. Schneider began with Nickelodeon as executive producer and show runner on the network’s groundbreaking sketch comedy series All That from 1994 to 1998, and then returned to run the show in its seventh season. After which, he went on to produce Kenan & Kel, starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. Schneider also created the hit WB series What I Like About You. His comedic success has also translated on the big screen, writing and producing the popular films, Good Burger and Big Fat Liar.
Actor, producer and screenwriter Dana Olsen has written on several movies and television series, including Inspector Gadget, Memoirs of an Invisible Man, George of the Jungle, The ‘Burbs, Wacko, It Came from Hollywood, Laverne & Shirley and Joanie Loves Chachi. He has also made on-screen appearances in Sammy the Screenplay, The ‘Burbs and Making the Grade.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 35th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 19 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIA, VIA.B).
Olympic Gold Medalist Kenenisa Bekele Ready to Showcase His Speed at the 2014 Chicago Marathon
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon today announced that three-time Olympic Gold medalist, 18-time World Championship medalist and current World Record holder in the 5,000m and 10,000m, Kenenisa Bekele (ETH), will compete in his second marathon and first World Marathon Major in Chicago on October 12. In a career spanning nearly 15 years, Bekele, 32, has only raced on American soil – and always on the track – five times.
In one of the most anticipated marathon debuts in history, Bekele raced into the record books, clocking the sixth-fastest marathon debut time while setting a new course record, 2:05:03, at the 2014 Schneider Electric Paris Marathon. Over a challenging course with several uphill climbs, Bekele ran uncontested from 30K to the finish.
“I am looking forward to coming back to America, and to running fast,” says Bekele. “I have heard great things about the fans in Chicago and the course. After my win in Paris, I understand the marathon distance a lot better and I will bring that experience to Chicago. I know Chicago has a very fast course and, therefore, my goal is to break the course record of 2:03:45. After that, everything is possible.”
Throughout its storied history, the Chicago Marathon, widely recognized as one of the fastest marathons in the world, has witnessed four World Records. Bekele is the ideal candidate to threaten Wilson Kipsang’s 2013 World Record set in Berlin, 2:03:23.
“Kenenisa Bekele is one of the best, most versatile and exciting athletes competing on the global stage today,” says Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. “Any time an athlete of Bekele’s caliber lines up to race, course records and world records are in jeopardy. We expect Bekele to put on a speed show, and it’s not out of the question to think that Bekele could bring the World Record back home to Chicago.”
From 2003 to 2012, Bekele never lost a 10,000m that he finished (he recorded one DNF in 2011). In 2002, he became the first man in history to win both the long course (12K) and short course (4K) at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, a feat he continued for the next four years. To date, Bekele’s 12 World Cross Country titles (not including his four team wins) are more than any other athlete in history. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he doubled in the 5,000m and 10,000m, taking home gold in both events. Earlier that year in Eugene, Oregon, he fell short of breaking his own World Record in the 10,000m, but still ran the fastest time ever recorded in the U.S., finishing in 26 minutes and 25.97 seconds.
Bekele announced his most recent transition from the track and mud to the roads by winning his debut half marathon at the 2013 Great North Run in a sprint finish.
About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
In its 37th year and a member of the World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon annually attracts 45,000 participants, including a world-class elite runner and wheelchair athlete field, and an estimated 1.7 million spectators. As a result of its national and international draw, the iconic race assists in raising millions of dollars for a variety of charitable causes while generating $243 million in annual economic impact to its host city. The 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2014. In advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center on Friday, October 10, and Saturday, October 11. For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to chicagomarathon.com.
World’s Largest Gaming Retailer To Offer More For Your Old Video Games
GRAPEVINE, Texas –GameStop, a family of specialty retail brands that makes the most popular technologies affordable and simple, will soon offer customers more for their pre-owned video games.
A new, streamlined trade-in program will launch nationwide on August 18 that simplifies all the variables that affect the amount customers are eligible to receive when selling a game in a store. As a result, GameStop now has more than 100 games worth $20 or more. The program will feature four price-points depending on whether a customer chooses cash or in-store credit for their items and whether they are a PowerUp Rewards Pro member.
For example, a customer who is a PowerUp Rewards Pro member who sells a game valued at $20 for credit could get $22, whereas a customer who sells that game for cash and who is not a PowerUp Rewards Pro member would get $16.
“We heard from customers that they want a better way to understand the value of what they sell to GameStop and this new initiative is a way to deliver on that feedback,” said Jason Cochran, senior vice president for pre-owned business. “What we’re doing in moving from 10 possible price points to four is removing complexity, making it easy for our associates to convey the value of games we buy back and that in selling us their items they are gaining a unique form of currency to buy new products.”
In 2013, GameStop issued $1.2 billion of trade-in credits, of which 70 percent customers applied to the purchase of new games, consoles, and mobile electronics.
Trades are accepted at all GameStop locations. Customers can sell games, consoles, tablets and smartphones. All items are then sent to be fully refurbished and made available for purchase in like-new condition at an affordable price.
About GameStop Corp.
GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, is a global, multichannel video game, consumer electronics and wireless services retailer. GameStop operates more than 6,600 stores across 15 countries. The company’s consumer product network also includes www.gamestop.com; www.Kongregate.com, a leading browser-based game site; Game Informer® magazine, the world’s leading print and digital video game publication; and www.buymytronics.com, an online consumer electronics trade-in platform. In addition, our Technology Brands segment includes our Simply Mac, Spring Mobile and Cricket stores. Simply Mac, www.simplymac.com, operates 23 stores, selling the full line of Apple products, including laptops, tablets, smartphones and offering Apple certified warranty and repair services. Spring Mobile, http://springmobile.com, sells post-paid AT&T services and wireless products through its 210 AT&T branded stores. Cricket Wireless, www.cricketwireless.com, is a new AT&T brand offering pre-paid wireless services, devices and related accessories. We operate 37 Cricket stores in select markets throughout the United States.
TOYS“R”US® Brings The Magic Of Play To Life With New Brand Campaign
WAYNE, NJ – Toys“R”Us® today announced the details of its new brand campaign, designed in partnership with award-winning advertising agency The Escape Pod and ‘Action Movie Kid’ YouTube channel creator Daniel Hashimoto, that beckons, ‘C’mon, Let’s Play.’ The national advertisements, which debuted Sunday, August 3, showcase the dedicated toy retailer’s unique ability to facilitate fun and bring magical play moments to life through its distinctive shopping experience in Toys“R”Us stores and online at Toysrus.com.
Serving as inspiration for this new brand campaign was one of Hashimoto’s original ‘Action Movie Kid’ viral videos filmed at his local Toys“R”Us, which shows his 3-year-old son James playing with a toy light saber he picked up off the shelf and magically unleashing its powers via special effects, as though he were a real-life Star Wars® character. Leveraging his career in animation and after effects, Hashimoto set out to show the value of play and the remarkable potential a toy has to spark creativity when placed in a child’s hands.
Sharing this vision, Toys“R”Us partnered with Hashimoto, who is represented by United Talent Agency, to direct its latest TV ads, which include 15- and 30-second spots that will serve as the cornerstone of the company’s broader ‘C’mon, Let’s Play’ marketing plan. The broadcast advertisements will also introduce the hashtag, #LetsPlay, as well as a new song written and performed by indie band Opus Orange, and produced by Emoto.
The first TV spots to air capture children playing with toys inside a Toys“R”Us store and illustrate how their imaginative dreams become a fun reality. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ gear, for example, magically transforms kids into their favorite superheroes. Playing with a beloved Imaginarium® train set unlocks a make-believe world in which a child becomes a railroad conductor. ‘C’mon, Let’s Play’ visually demonstrates that toys can help develop creativity, improvisation and social skills.
“Our mission at Toys“R”Us is to bring joy to the lives of our customers. We approach every aspect of our business thinking about how to make the shopping experience fun and engaging for kids and kids at heart,” said Hank Mullany, President, Toys“R”Us, U.S. “We’ve designed our new brand campaign to showcase how we, as a specialty retailer, have the unique ability to help stimulate kids’ imaginations with the innovative playthings we carry. It also allows us to shine a light on our employees and their expertise in assisting parents to select the perfect toys to create magical, memorable moments.”
The Toys“R”Us ‘C’mon, Let’s Play’ TV ads will air on all major cable networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, as well as A&E, Animal Planet, Bravo, Cartoon Network, Disney XD, E!, Nickelodeon, Lifetime, Telemundo, TLC, TBS, TNT, Univision, USA, The Hub and Oxygen, among others. The company will also run its ads in cinemas across the country, including AMC theaters, during G and PG rated films, as well as the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ movie. Additionally, Toys“R”Us has continued to invest in targeted, digital marketing efforts to develop meaningful customer relationships and further drive brand engagement. The strategy includes a cross-platform presence on desktop, mobile and tablet with premier placements on Hulu and Hulu Plus, among others.
Throughout the coming months, Toys“R”Us will leverage its social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and The Toys“R”Us YouTube Channel, to share ‘C’mon, Let’s Play’ content, including commercial clips, behind-the-scenes photos and video from the campaign shoot, and more. The company will also invite customers to join the conversation online and share how toys inspire them in their everyday lives using the hashtag, #LetsPlay, which can be seen in the TV ad and in many of the Toys“R”Us print and digital marketing vehicles.
About Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 878 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 705 international stores and over 190 licensed stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys“R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys“R”Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com.
Nickelodeon’s The Fresh Beat Band Are Back with Brand-New Live Concert Tour Kicking off in November
NEW YORK –The Fresh Beat Band, Nickelodeon’s preschool music group and stars of the Emmy Award-winning TV series of the same name, head back on the road for a brand-new nationwide concert tour Nov. 5–Feb. 15. The Fresh Beat Band Greatest Hits Live presented by Nickelodeon will travel to nearly 40 cities including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit and more. The show will feature Kiki, Marina, Twist and Shout performing the band’s greatest hits including “Bananas,” “Here We Go” and a remixed version of “Great Day,” plus new songs including the pop classic, “Walk Like An Egyptian.”
Pre-sale tickets along with Fresh Beat Band VIP packages with meet and greets will be available at www.freshbeatbandlive.com and www.ticketmaster.com beginning Tuesday, Aug. 5. Citi® card members through Citi’s Private Pass Program at www.CitiPrivatePass.com will also have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Aug. 5. The general public on-sale will begin Friday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 9.
“The Fresh Beat Band is back on the road to give kids a chance to see their favorite rock stars live in concert,” says Doug Cohn, SVP, Music, Nickelodeon. “This reimagined, high-energy production features the band’s biggest hits, never-before-performed songs, and fun surprises that will deliver an unforgettable experience for families.”
Nickelodeon is currently in production on Fresh Beat Band of Spies, a brand-new animated preschool series based on the hit live-action show, The Fresh Beat Band. In the new series, Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer), Marina (Tara Perry), Twist (Jon Beavers) and Shout (Thomas Hobson) are bandmates and also undercover spies. The pop band uses their individual talents and the coolest transforming spy gadgets to outwit a goofy cast of bad guys and solve wild and wacky mysteries. The series, which teaches problem-solving to preschoolers, is created by Nadine van der Velde and Scott Kraft (The Fresh Beat Band). Fresh Beat Band of Spies will premiere in 2015.
The Fresh Beat Band soundtracks – The Fresh Beat Band: Music From The Hit TV Show and The Fresh Beat Band: More Music From The Hit TV Show Vol 2.0 – are currently available on iTunes and in stores everywhere. For more information, visit the tour website at http://www.freshbeatbandlive.com and for Fresh Beat activities and fun go to http://www.nickjr.com/the-fresh-beat-band/.
In each episode of The Fresh Beat Band preschoolers sing and dance along as they help The Fresh Beat Band solve everyday challenges. Preschoolers learn the fundamentals of music such as melody, rhythm, tempo and performance styles and the importance of friendship, working together, and respecting each other’s differences. Ne-Yo, Justin Bieber, Jason Mraz, Wayne Brady and Sarah Chalke have all hung out with the Fresh Beats and the group is beloved by many celebrity parents.
Nickelodeon, now in its 35th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 19 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIA, VIA.B).
The Hershey Company to Host 37th Annual Hershey’s Track & Field Games’ North American Final
HERSHEY, Pa.– The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) announced today that it will welcome more than 450 youth athletes to compete in the 37th Annual Hershey’s Track and Field Games’ North American Final Meet, on Saturday, August 2, at Henry Hershey Field on the Milton Hershey School campus in Hershey, Pa. Children ages 9 through 14 will come together for a celebration of excellence, full of new friends, learning, competition and fun.
Competitors advanced to the North American Final by winning in local, state and provincial meets. Since its creation in 1977, more than 10 million children have participated in Hershey’s Track & Field Games meets. Over the past three decades it has grown to become the largest youth activity program of its kind in North America.
Olympic greats Dan O’Brien, Rafer Johnson, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Carl Lewis will join the children to serve as ambassadors for the event.
USA Track & Field will webcast the meet live on USATF.tv and provide live results and event coverage at www.usatf.org.
“Our mission at the games is to engage kids in basic running, jumping and throwing activities to inspire a lifetime of physical activity,” said Carl Lewis, nine-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Hershey’s Track & Field Games ambassador. “I’m proud to be part of such a great program that has touched the lives of so many.”
A group of local youth qualified for the North American Final this year and will compete in the event. They include:
Amelia Baldo—Softball Throw—Palmyra
Talitha Diggs—Standing Long Jump—Hellertown
Joshua Dolbin—Standing Long Jump—New Ringgold
Levi Goebler—Softball Throw—Dover
Nathan Lahr—Standing Long Jump—Dover
Paul Olivett—200m Dash—State College
Avery Parks—Softball Throw—Greencastle
Taryn Parks—800m Run—Greencastle
Britney Peachey—Standing Long Jump—State College
Kiana Purvis—Standing Long Jump—Chambersburg
Quinton Townsend—100m Dash—Annville
In April, The Hershey Company and USA Track & Field announced a partnership that will transition the program into a national Run Jump Throw program, beginning in 2015 and extending through 2020. The new program will educate children ages 7 through 12 on the fundamentals of track and field. In addition, Hershey will become title sponsor of Run Jump Throw in Canada where it has been a long-standing youth skill-development program. These meets feature collectively more than 5,000 youth athletes, which will help Hershey expand its impact in Track & Field.
Skills taught as part of the new curriculum include warm-ups, running, jumping and throwing techniques. These skills clinics will be followed by “practice meets,” which will allow children to test their newly acquired skills.
“This partnership with USA Track & Field and Athletics Canada will enable more kids to have access to physical activity experiences close to home,” said Leigh Horner, Vice President of Corporate Communications & CSR at The Hershey Company. “We look forward to working with these terrific organizations to help youth develop basic running, jumping and throwing skills and enjoy a variety of sports and recreation interests.”
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and approximately 14,000 employees.
With revenues of more than $7.1 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 80 brand names, including such iconic brands such as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses, Hershey’s Bliss, Hershey’s Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China, Mexico and Brazil while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States and Canada.
For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the company’s global business strategy, which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company’s founder and funded by a trust administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company’s success.
www.thehersheycompany.com
Festival del film Locarno Enlists Sony Media Platform for Review of Festival Entries
CULVER CITY, Calif., Aug. 5, 2014 — With over 3000 entries from 61 countries, the 2014 Festival del film Locarno team took an innovative approach to organize film submissions, help programmers review films efficiently, and streamline some of their onsite production workflows. Requiring a solution that could handle a wide range of films and formats as well as an easy-to-use environment for effective film critique, the Festival’s operations team utilized Sony Media Cloud Services’ Ci cloud-based video platform to test the upload of film submissions and establish a secure way for the Festival Committee to review films. Ci will also assist in the production workflow of the coverage of this year’s Festival with the intent to extend Ci’s capabilities throughout Festival operations in the years to come.
“We are constantly looking to discover new ways to innovate our Festival – both for our spectators and behind the scenes. With world premieres, shorts, and experimental cinema from all over the world, we wanted a forward-thinking solution that could support every professional format, our Festival artistic direction, and our operations team,” said Mario Timbal, chief operating officer, Festival del film Locarno. “Ci’s collaborative platform delivered on all fronts. It’s been incredibly easy to use, has given our programmers more time to accurately assess each film, and will help us in the future as we further the use of Ci’s technology to add more capability to our operations.”
Celebrated alongside Cannes, Sundance, San Sebastian, Berlin and Toronto as one of the top six film festivals in the world, the Festival del Film Locarno represents films from more than 45 countries and attracts an annual audience of more than 160,000 people and during the 67th Film Festival more than 260 films will be shown. Sony Media Cloud Services’ Ci digital production workspace allows creative professionals and next generation filmmakers to upload footage or dailies from camera to cloud, utilize collaborative apps with virtual teams worldwide, share cuts securely with permission settings, and create team or project-based workspaces.
“Throughout its history, the Festival del film Locarno has occupied a unique position in the landscape of the major film festivals for its innovative and diverse programming,” said Naomi Climer, president, Sony Media Cloud Services. “We designed Ci for every generation and genre of cinema, and are thrilled to partner with Locarno for their submission, review, and workflow process and look forward to playing a significant role in the Festival for years to come.”
The Festival del film Locarno joins the growing roster of innovative media entities integrating cloud technologies from Sony Media Cloud Services into their production workflows. Ci is offered in a variety of subscriptions and packages to suit all production budgets and workflow requirements with personal, team, and company workspaces available online at https://www.sonymcs.com.
About Sony Media Cloud Services LLC:
Sony Media Cloud Services, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, revolutionizes media and entertainment production workflows with Ci, a media-centric cloud platform with innovative applications that empower creative professionals and the next generation of filmmakers to create, share, and collaborate with high-value media. Utilized by large-scale productions, independently produced films, television shows, universities, advertising agencies, sports and news companies, videographers, editors, and prosumers, Ci’s browser-based Software-as-a-Service platform connects people, content, and devices from any location in the world to make the creative process more streamlined, collaborative, and cost effective. For more information, please visit www.sonymcs.com.
About Festival del film Locarno:
Throughout its 67-year history, the Festival del film Locarno has occupied a unique position in the landscape of the major film festivals. Every August, for eleven days the Swiss-Italian town of Locarno, right in the heart of Europe, becomes the world capital of auteur cinema.
Thousands of film fans and industry professionals meet here every summer to share their thirst for new discoveries and a passion for cinema in all its diversity. At Locarno they find a quality programme, rich, eclectic, surprising, and where emerging talent rubs shoulders with prestigious guests. The audience is the soul of the Festival, as exemplified in the famous evenings on the Piazza Grande, whose magical setting can accommodate up to 8,000 filmgoers every night. Geographically located at the crossroads of three great European regions, (Italian, German and French), Locarno is, precisely because of its enormous and multi-cultural audience, a unique launch platform for new films from all over the world. For more information, please visit http://www.pardolive.ch/
Warner Bros. Entertainment Creates Harry Potter Global Franchise Development Team
London and Burbank – Warner Bros. Entertainment today announced that it has created the Harry Potter Global Franchise Development (HPGFD) team, based in both London and Burbank. The news follows last year’s announcement that the Studio had formed an expanded creative partnership with J.K. Rowling.
The HPGFD team will be led by Josh Berger, President & Managing Director, Warner Bros. UK, Ireland and Spain, who now adds President of HPGFD to his current role. The team will develop and execute a high-level strategic vision for the Harry Potter brand and its ancillary businesses, working closely with J.K. Rowling’s team at The Blair Partnership and other internal and external stakeholders and partners. Berger will be supported by Polly Cochrane, based in London, and Paul Condolora, based in Burbank, who joins the company this week.
The creation of HPGFD reflects the continuing expansion of the Harry Potter franchise that now includes, among other projects: a new film series in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; the award-winning Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter; the recent opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan and the expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida; a suite of Harry Potter digital services and products including J.K. Rowling’s own initiative, Pottermore; and a future Harry Potter stage play, which will open in London’s West End next year.
Josh Berger commented, “With Harry Potter’s consumer touch-points continuing to grow and flourish, I am confident that this talented, cross-company global team will enable us to take full advantage of the many opportunities ahead – helping to bring Harry Potter in all its future incarnations to fans all over the world.”
Cochrane, who is currently SVP & Group Marketing Director, Warner Bros. UK & Ireland, will add the new responsibility of SVP & Chief Marketing Officer, HPGFD to her existing remit. She will focus on the optimisation of the Harry Potter franchise globally through a cross-divisional marketing lens, upholding the brand’s premium values.
In her six years with Warner Bros., Cochrane has overseen the development of a best-in-class, integrated marketing function within Warner Bros. UK, spanning films, TV shows, video games and licensed products, delivering lifecycle marketing campaigns for the company’s world-class properties.
Condolora takes up the newly created role of SVP, HPGFD & Harry Potter Digital in Burbank and will lead the business development around Harry Potter, with a focus on digital opportunities to serve and engage fans around the world.
He joins from Turner Broadcasting System, where he was most recently SVP, Strategic Development and Business Operations in its Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media Division, responsible for the business growth of three networks: Adult Swim, Boomerang and Cartoon Network.
Also moving over to the team will be London-based Suzie Boavida who takes up the role of Business Development Director, HPGFD. Boavida will work with Condolora on business development, particularly in the areas of new markets and revenue streams, in close collaboration with the rest of the HPGFD team – Burbank-based Xochitl Ruiz, Moira Squier, Angela Kato-Alvarez, Christine Kittelsen, Cynthia Gonzalez and Rebecca Muh, and Fiona Hickley in London.
TNT Renews Three Summer Hits: The Last Ship, Major Crimes and Falling Skies
TNT has renewed three of its chart-topping summer hits: The Last Ship, Major Crimes and Falling Skies. All three dramas rank among basic cable’s Top 5 scripted series this summer with total viewers and adults 25-54. They have also helped TNT score a significant lead as basic cable’s #1 network in primetime for the summer-to-date.
TNT has ordered 13 episodes of The Last Ship, an increase over its first-season order of 10 episodes. The network is also ordering 15 episodes for season four of Major Crimes. And Falling Skies will mark its fifth and final season with 10 episodes.
“TNT’s refreshed and recharged drama brand is soaring this summer, and that is due in large part to these three enormously popular dramas,” said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “The Last Ship has become this summer’s top drama among key adult demos with its epic scale and visceral storytelling. Major Crimes continues to be one of the most enduring and popular crime-drama franchises on television. And Falling Skies has begun an ambitious and thrilling story arc this summer as it sets the stage for next year’s climactic final season.”
The Last Ship is a blockbuster hit in its first season, not only among total viewers but also among key adult demos. The action-packed drama from executive producer Michael Bay has averaged more than 7.2 million viewers in Live + 7 delivery in its first season and currently ranks as basic cable’s #1 scripted series this summer with adults 18-49 and adults 25-54. The show is also cable’s #1 new series for the year-to-date among total viewers and adults 25-54.
Major Crimes is showing an uptick over last year, with 7 million viewers in Live + 7 delivery for its third season so far. It ranks second behind Rizzoli & Isles among the summer’s top scripted series on basic cable. Major Crimes has also drawn key demo deliveries of 2.1 million adults 25-54 and 1.5 million adults 18-49.
Falling Skies has averaged more than 5.5 million viewers in Live + 7 delivery for its fourth season, including 2.5 million adults 25-54 and 2.1 million adults 18-49. It ranks behind The Last Ship and Rizzoli & Isles among basic cable’s Top 3 scripted series this summer with adults 25-54.
TNT’s summer success also includes Rizzoli & Isles, which ranks as basic cable’s #1 scripted series this summer. The show has brought in a whopping 8.5 million viewers in Live + 7 delivery in its fifth season, a slight increase over its summer average last year, and ranks right behind The Last Ship as basic cable’s #2 scripted series this summer with key demos. In addition, TNT’s new crime-drama Murder in the First has averaged 5.0 million viewers in Live + 7 delivery for its first season, and Perception is averaging 4.6 million viewers in Live + 7 delivery for its third season.
TNT will continue to roll out summer dramas in August. The network will launch the highly buzzed-about drama Legends, starring Sean Bean, on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT). It will be followed by Franklin & Bash, which is coming back for its fourth season. And on Aug. 18, Dallas will return to continue its third season.
Complete descriptions for TNT’s newly renewed series are included below. The network will announce additional summer renewals in the coming weeks.
The Last Ship – Sundays at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
TNT’s action-packed drama The Last Ship, stars Eric Dane (Grey’s Anatomy) and is executive-produced by blockbuster filmmaker Michael Bay (Transformers). The Last Ship opens with a global catastrophe that nearly decimates the world’s population. Because of its positioning, the Navy destroyer U.S.S. Nathan James avoids falling victim to the devastating tragedy. But now, Captain Tom Chandler (Dane) and his crew must confront the reality of their new existence in a world where they may be among the few remaining survivors. Rhona Mitra (Strike Back) plays Rachel Scott, a strong-willed, intelligent and fearless paleomicrobiologist assigned to the ship. Adam Baldwin (Firefly, Chuck) is XO Mike Slattery, a former homicide detective and Chandler’s second-in-command. Also starring in The Last Ship are Travis Van Winkle (Heart of Dixie), Charles Parnell (Pariah), Christina Elmore (Fruitvale Station), Sam Spruell (Snow White and The Huntsman) and Marissa Neitling (Leverage). Based on William Brinkley’s popular novel, The Last Ship comes to TNT from Bay’s Platinum Dunes and its partners, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form, whose credits include the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Bay, Fuller and Form have served as executive producers along with series co-creators Hank Steinberg (Without a Trace, The Nine) and Steven Kane (The Closer), and director Jack Bender (Lost).
Major Crimes – Mondays at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
Television’s favorite squad of detectives is on the case in Major Crimes, TNT’s powerful crime-drama that ranks as one of basic cable’s Top 5 original series. Major Crimes focuses on how the American justice system approaches the art of the deal as law enforcement officers and prosecutors work together to score a conviction. The elite team is headed by two-time Oscar® nominee Mary McDonnell as Los Angeles Police Captain Sharon Raydor, G.W. Bailey as Lieutenant Provenza, Tony Denison as Lieutenant Andy Flynn, Michael Paul Chan as Lieutenant Mike Tao, Raymond Cruz as Detective Julio Sanchez, Phillip P. Keene as tech expert Buzz Watson, Kearran Giovanni as Detective Amy Sykes and Jonathan Del Arco as Dr. Morales, with Robert Gossett as Assistant Chief Russell Taylor. Graham Patrick Martin stars as Rusty Beck, the homeless teen and former material witness taken in by Captain Raydor. In addition to the main cast, Major Crimes also features recurring appearances by Jon Tenney as Agent Fritz Howard, Ransford Doherty as Coroner’s Investigator Kendall, Kathe Mazur as DDA Andrea Hobbs, Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Lt. Chuck Cooper and Bill Brochtrup as Rusty’s therapist, Dr. Joe Bowman. Also returning in the third season is guest star Tom Berenger as Jack Raydor, Capt. Raydor’s estranged husband. Major Crimes is produced by The Shephard/Robin Company and Walking Entropy, Inc., in association with Warner Bros. Television. James Duff, Greer Shephard & Michael M. Robin, Rick Wallace, Adam Belanoff and Leo Geter serve as executive producers.
Falling Skies – Sundays at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
TNT’s epic drama Falling Skies – from Amblin Television and executive producer Steven Spielberg – tells the extraordinary story about life and survival in the wake of a catastrophic alien invasion. Noah Wyle stars as Tom Mason, a college professor who became an unlikely resistance leader. Moon Bloodgood is Dr. Anne Glass, a pediatrician who became the survivors’ primary physician and eventually fell in love with Tom. Will Patton is Colonel Weaver, the gruff and emotionally scarred commander leading the battle against the invaders. Also starring in Falling Skies are Drew Roy, Connor Jessup, Maxim Knight, Colin Cunningham, Seychelle Gabriel, Mpho Koaho, Sarah Carter, Doug Jones and Scarlett Byrne. Since premiering as basic cable’s #1 new series of 2011, Falling Skies has ranked as one of the Top 20 original series on basic cable with total viewers and key adult demos. In addition to Spielberg, Falling Skies is executive-produced by Amblin Television heads Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank, along with David Eick and Greg Beeman.
About TNT
TNT is television’s destination for drama. Seen in 101 million households and ranking among cable’s top networks, TNT is home to such original drama series as Rizzoli & Isles, Major Crimes, Falling Skies, The Last Ship, Murder in the First, Perception, Dallas and Franklin & Bash. TNT’s upcoming slate of original scripted dramas includes Legends, The Librarians, Public Morals, Proof and Transporter The Series, which will make its U.S. television debut on the network this fall. TNT also features such dramatic unscripted series as Cold Justice and the upcoming On the Menu and Wake Up Call. In addition, TNT is the cable home to popular dramas like Hawaii Five-0, Castle, The Mentalist, Bones and Supernatural; primetime specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards®; blockbuster movies; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR, the NBA and the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. TNT is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company. Turner Broadcasting creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
This is courtesy of www.timewarner.com
Apple Announces Eighth Annual iTunes Festival in London
LONDON ―Apple® today announced that Maroon 5, Pharrell Williams, Beck, Sam Smith, Blondie, Kylie, David Guetta, 5 Seconds of Summer, Calvin Harris, Chrissie Hynde and many more of the world’s biggest artists will be headlining this year’s iTunes® Festival. Returning to the UK for an eighth year―following a week of incredible live performances in March at SXSW―the iTunes Festival will feature over 60 acts throughout September at the legendary Roundhouse. iTunes performances can be watched live or on-demand by millions of iOS users around the world on their iPhone®, iPad® or iPod touch® and iTunes on their computer or in stunning HD with Apple TV®. Tickets are free for competition winners only.
“The iTunes Festival in London is back with another stunning line-up of world class performers and tremendous new acts,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “These live shows capture the heart and soul of iTunes and we love bringing them to our customers in the Roundhouse, as well as to the millions of people watching all over the world for free.”
Music fans from across the world can win tickets to the iTunes Festival through competitions run by local media partners. In the UK, fans can win tickets by entering ballots on iTunes, as well as through select media partners including Global Radio and the London Evening Standard.
Since the inaugural Festival at London’s Institute for Contemporary Arts in 2007, over 430 artists have performed in front of more than 430,000 fans and tens of millions more online and on-demand. Now in its eighth year, the iTunes Festival has played host to performers including Adele, Coldplay, Elton John, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake, Kings of Leon, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Muse, Sir Paul McCartney and many, many more.
For updates, tickets and additional information, please visit: www.iTunesFestival.com, or join the conversation @iTunesfestival and #iTunesfestival.
Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.
Netflix Acquires Exclusive Subscription Video On Demand Rights For CBS Drama “ZOO”
Beverly Hills, California – Netflix Inc. and CBS Corporation announced today Netflix will be the exclusive U.S. subscription video on demand (SVOD) home to the future CBS drama ZOO. Last week, CBS announced a straight-to-series order for 13 episodes of ZOO, an event drama based on the bestselling novel of the same name by James Patterson, for broadcast in summer 2015.
The full season of ZOO will be available exclusively to U.S. Netflix members immediately following its run on the CBS Television Network next summer.
ZOO is a global thriller about a wave of violent animal attacks against humans across the planet. As the assaults become more cunning, coordinated and ferocious, a young renegade biologist is thrust into the race to unlock the pandemics mystery before theres no place left for people to hide.
Were excited to expand our relationship with Netflix as our premium subscription partner on ZOO, said Scott Koondel, Chief Corporate Licensing Officer, CBS Corporation. This is another creative model to build a summer programming event on CBS and deliver Netflix members an addictive thrill ride series based on a story by one of the worlds biggest authors.
ZOO is just the kind of smart, gripping and shocking series that Netflix members love, said Sean Carey, Vice President, Content Licensing for Netflix. We are delighted to be offering all episodes to our U.S. members immediately after its airing on CBS.
ZOO is a CBS Television Studios production. The series will be distributed domestically by CBS Television Distribution and worldwide by CBS Studios International. Jeff Pinkner, Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg wrote the script and are executive producers with James Mangold, Cathy Konrad, James Patterson, Bill Robinson, Leopoldo Gout and Steve Bowen.
The book was originally published in September 2012 by Little, Brown and Company and was a #1 New York Times bestseller. Its been translated into six languages and has sold more than four million copies worldwide.
About Netflix Netflix is the world’s leading Internet television network with over 48 million members in more than 40 countries enjoying more than one billion hours of TV shows and movies per month, including original series. For a low monthly price, Netflix members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly an Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
About CBS Corporation CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) is a mass media company that creates and distributes industry-leading content across a variety of platforms to audiences around the world. The Company has businesses with origins that date back to the dawn of the broadcasting age as well as new ventures that operate on the leading edge of media. CBS owns the most-watched television network in the U.S. and one of the world’s largest libraries of entertainment content, making its brand “the Eye” one of the most recognized in business. The Company’s operations span virtually every field of media and entertainment, including cable, publishing, radio, local TV, film, outdoor advertising, and interactive and socially responsible media. CBS’s businesses include CBS Television Network, The CW (a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment), Showtime Networks, CBS Sports Network, TVGN (a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Lionsgate), Smithsonian Networks, Simon & Schuster, CBS Television Stations, CBS Radio, CBS Outdoor, CBS Television Studios, CBS Global Distribution Group (CBS Studios International and CBS Television Distribution), CBS Interactive, CBS Consumer Products, CBS Home Entertainment, CBS Films and CBS EcoMedia. For more information, go to www.cbscorporation.com.
Warner Bros. Entertainment to Deliver Unparalleled Showcase of Upcoming Content to Comic-Con Crowd
BURBANK, CA – Warner Bros. Entertainment will plant its flag at Comic-Con International: San Diego this year with a huge presence, with each individual division touting its upcoming offerings, including Film, Television, Interactive and Home Entertainment, as well as a variety of product from DC Entertainment, whose celebrations in honor of 75 years of one of the world’s most beloved Super Heroes—Batman—will be in full swing.
On Saturday, July 26th, beginning at 10 a.m., Warner Bros. Pictures brings three of its most hotly anticipated films to this year’s Con: Peter Jackson will be on the main stage with “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” from New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, and George Miller will be on hand to present a first look at “Mad Max: Fury Road,” from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures. The Hall H audience will also get a peek at the Wachowskis’ original sci-fi actioner “Jupiter Ascending,” also from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures. Attending stars will be revealed at a later date.
In addition to the Studio’s Hall H presentation, Warner Bros. will also host a pre-Con fan screening of New Line Cinema and Village Roadshow Pictures’ upcoming “cli-fi” thriller “Into the Storm,” directed by Steven Quale. The screening will take place on Wednesday, July 23rd at 10 p.m. at the Gas Lamp Theatre.
Warner Bros. Television Group returns to Comic-Con with 15 series in 2014, holding panels throughout the four days of the Con for fan-favorite series including “The Big Bang Theory,” “The Following,” “Supernatural,” “The Vampire Diaries” and “Teen Titans Go!,” among many others, as well as once again kicking off the Con with screenings of new series “The Flash,” “Constantine” and more on Wednesday’s Preview Night.
On Saturday night, July 26th, it’s all DC Entertainment all night in Hall H when Warner Bros. Television treats attendees to a three-hour special event designed specifically for DC Comics fans and featuring some of DC Comics’ greatest characters. The event will run from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and will feature the world premiere public screening of the highly anticipated new drama series “Gotham” (the only screening of “Gotham” at this year’s Comic-Con), followed by a screening of the complete pilot of “The Flash,” and exclusive video presentations from returning hit “Arrow” and new thriller “Constantine.” Cast members and producers from all four shows will make special appearances throughout the three-hour event. For complete information on Warner Bros. Television’s plans for Comic-Con and for real-time updates during the convention, please follow us on Twitter at @warnerbrostv—official hashtag #WBSDCC—and visit http://comiccon.thewb.com.
In concert with all the WB divisions, DC Entertainment continues to fête Batman’s 75th year, making the icon the centerpiece of their offerings, including all-star panel appearances by Batman talent as well as a rare display of some of the canon’s most famous film costumes in history—those worn by Christian Bale, George Clooney, Val Kilmer and Michael Keaton—on display in the DC Entertainment booth. The character will also appear on the cover of the Con’s official souvenir book, and on a Con-exclusive T-shirt designed by DC Entertainment Co-Publisher and legendary artist, Jim Lee.
Lee will also participate in the Batman 75: Legends of the Dark Knight panel discussion with veteran Batman creatives Frank Miller, Grant Morrison, Denny O’Neil, Neal Adams, current series writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo, and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns. The panel will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 24th.
Johns and artist John Romita, Jr., the new creative team behind Superman, will explore their upcoming plans for the Super Hero, as will the husband-and-wife creative team behind comics’ most beloved heroine, Wonder Woman, writer Meredith Finch and artist David Finch.
In addition to their numerous other activities, including 20 panels over the course of the Con, the company will also reveal plans for numerous upcoming titles for DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine imprints, as well as unveiling new action figures from DC Collectibles, including those commemorating The CW and WBTV’s “Arrow” and “The Flash,” as well as a stellar new line based on the upcoming videogame “Batman: Arkham Knight,” from WBIE.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, in celebration of the upcoming release of Rocksteady Studios’ “Batman: Arkham Knight,” will host the Cape/Cowl/Create art exhibit, open to the public daily from July 25th through the 27th, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hard Rock San Diego Hotel’s Legends Room. This free public exhibition will feature true-to-scale replicas of the game’s cape and cowl used as a blank canvas by top contemporary artists to produce their own original interpretations.
On Friday, July 25th at 12:30 p.m., WBIE and Monolith Productions will host a panel for the anticipated game “Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor,” discussing how the game’s innovation evolves storytelling while exploring the history of the Rings of Power. Panelists will include Monolith’s Michael de Plater and Phil Straub, as well as the game’s lead writer, Christian Cantamessa, and voice actor Troy Baker, moderated by Professor Janet Croft.
And Sunday, July 27th at 1:00 p.m., WBIE will also host a panel for “LEGO™ Batman 3: Beyond Gotham,” developed by TT Games, with an exclusive gameplay demonstration, character reveals, special announcements and a lively panel discussion with several members of the voice cast featured in the game. Also, throughout the Con, the game will be available for the first time for hands-on play by consumers.
Blanketing the Con from start to finish with entertainment and activities for fans, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment celebrates its coming release of Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ summer blockbuster “Godzilla” with a four-day interactive display on the lawn behind Hall H. From Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, view the 24-foot tall sculpture of the king of the monsters, along with fan art and a graffiti wall where visitors can memorialize their favorite Godzilla moments. Giveaways and photo opportunities will also be available.
From 6:00 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 24th, WBHE hosts Batman ’66, reuniting pop icons Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar on the Hall H stage for “Batman: The Complete Television Series.” Moderated by Ralph Garman, the actors behind Batman, Robin and Catwoman will give the audience an inside look at the exclusive content contained in the Home Entertainment release due out later this year, as well as present dazzling high-definition re-mastered footage from the landmark series.
On Friday, July 25th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., it’s the world premiere of “Batman: Assault on Arkham,” the next entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Original Movies, due out on Digital HD on July 29th and as a Blu-rayTM Combo Pack on August 12th. Produced by WBHE, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the full-length animated film is based on the best-selling “Batman: Arkham” videogame series. Lucky attendees at the Ballroom 20 event will also be treated to a panel discussion featuring Kevin Conroy of “Batman: The Animated Series,” Matthew Gray Gubler, Troy Baker and John DiMaggio, and the filmmaking team of producer James Tucker, director Jay Oliva, dialogue director Andrea Romano, screenwriter Heath Corson, and moderator Victor Lucas. There will also be special announcements, exclusive prizes and a few potential surprises.
The final day of the Con, Sunday, July 27th—Kids’ Day—will see WBHE’s world premiere of the family animated film “Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy” at 10:00 a.m. in Room 6BCF. The story follows everyone’s favorite Great Dane and the Mystery Inc. gang on a trip to a cursed castle inhabited by a terrifying ghost. Attendees can stay for a panel discussion among several of the voice actors, including Mindy Cohn and Grey Griffin, director/producer Paul McEvoy and screenwriter Jim Krieg. The feature will be available August 5th on Digital HD, and on Blu-rayTM Combo Pack and DVD on August 19th.
On the same day in Room 6A, at 2:15 p.m., animation fans can also watch the world premiere of the beloved cat-and-mouse duo Tom and Jerry in “Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon,” an hour-long feature filled with song, sorcery and slapstick. Filmmakers Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone will be on hand to present the film, which will be released on Digital HD on August 19th, and on DVD on September 2nd.
And fans of the extensive WBHE library will be able to enjoy panels discussing some of their newest and greatest classic offerings: on Saturday the 26th at 1:00 p.m., Warner Archive Collection presents Trailers From Hell Live! A match made in classic movie heaven, the gurus of TFH, paired with the fan-centric trio of WAC podcasters, make a detailed, often humorous dissection of trailers from some of the great films in the fanboy spectrum. From sci-fi and horror to action and noir, it’s an education on current and upcoming releases in the WAC catalog and Warner Archive Instant, from a panel that includes Josh Olson and WAC Podcast hosts George Feltenstein, Matthew Patterson and DW Ferranti. In Room 25ABC.
At 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, WAC presents A Batman for all Seasons. Join respected producer/author Michael Uslan, producer James Tucker, producer/director Brandon Vietti, WAC Podcast hosts Patterson and Ferranti and surprise guests, as they examine Batman iterations and oddities throughout history, from early films like “Public Defender” and the Batman cartoons, to new versions of the character, the off-kilter takes and new media. Attendees who stick around to the end will be privy to a special WAC announcement that will excite fans both “Young” and old. Room 7AB.
About “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”
“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” is the epic, action-packed third and final film in Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson’s epic “The Hobbit” Trilogy. The film stars Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ken Stott, and James Nesbitt, with Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving and Orlando Bloom. Jackson directed from a screenplay by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. The film is produced by Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner, Fran Walsh and Peter Jackson, with Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood serving as executive producers. New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures present, a Wingnut Films production, “The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies,” opening in theatres nationwide on December 17, 2014.
About “Mad Max: Fury Road”
Oscar-winning filmmaker George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” revisits his own post-apocalyptic trilogy featuring the anti-hero known as Mad Max. Tom Hardy stars in the role of Max Rockatansky, alongside Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoe Kravitz, Riley Keough, Hugh Keays-Byrne and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Miller directed from a screenplay he wrote with Brendan McCarthy and Nico Lathouris. Miller also produces, along with Doug Mitchell and P.J. Voeten. Iain Smith, Graham Burke and Bruce Berman serve as executive producers. “Mad Max: Fury Road” is a Kennedy Miller Mitchell production. The film will be presented by Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures. Scheduled for release on May 15, 2015, it will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
About “Jupiter Ascending”
“Jupiter Ascending” is written and directed by the Wachowskis and produced by Grant Hill, Lana Wachowski and Andy Wachowski. Roberto Malerba and Bruce Berman served as executive producers. The film stars Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis, with Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne, Douglas Booth, Tuppence Middleton, Doona Bae, James D’Arcy and Tim Pigott-Smith. Set for release February 6, 2015, “Jupiter Ascending” is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, in association with Anarchos Productions. It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
About “Into the Storm”
“Into the Storm” was directed by Steven Quale, from a screenplay from John Swetnam, and stars Richard Armitage, Sarah Wayne Callies, Matt Walsh, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Arlen Escarpeta, Max Deacon, Nathan Kress and Jeremy Sumpter. Todd Garner produced the film, with Richard Brener, Walter Hamada, Dave Neustadter, Mark McNair, Jeremy Stein and Bruce Berman serving as executive producers. New Line Cinema presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Broken Road production, “Into the Storm.” The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
About “Gotham”
Airing Mondays at 8/7c this fall on FOX, “Gotham” stars Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue, Sean Pertwee, Robin Lord Taylor, Erin Richards, David Mazouz, Camren Bicondova, Zabryna Guevara, Cory Michael Smith, Victoria Cartagena, Andrew Stewart-Jones and Jada Pinkett Smith. Bruno Heller wrote the “Gotham” pilot, which was directed by Danny Cannon. Heller, Cannon and John Stephens are executive producers of the series, which is based on the characters from DC Comics and is a production of Warner Bros. Television.
About “The Flash”
Premiering October 7th and airing Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW, “The Flash” stars Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Rick Cosnett, Danielle Panabaker, Carlos Valdes, with Tom Cavanagh and Jesse L. Martin. John Wesley Shipp guest stars. Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg and DC Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns wrote “The Flash” pilot, which was directed by David Nutter. Berlanti, Kreisberg, Nutter and Sarah Schechter are executive producers of “The Flash,” which is based upon the characters from DC Comics and is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc., in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television.
About “Arrow”
Returning for its third season October 8th, “Arrow” airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW. Starring Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Willa Holland, Emily Bett Rickards, Colton Haynes, with John Barrowman and Paul Blackthorne, “Arrow” was developed and is executive produced by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg. Based upon the characters from DC Comics, “Arrow” is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc., in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television.
About “Constantine”
Premiering October 24th, “Constantine” will air Fridays at 10/9c on NBC and stars Matt Ryan, Charles Halford and Harold Perrineau. Based on the characters from DC Comics and produced by Bonanza Productions Inc., in association with Warner Bros. Television, “Constantine” is executive produced by Daniel Cerone and David S. Goyer. Neil Marshall directed the pilot from a teleplay by Cerone and story by Cerone & Goyer.
About “Godzilla”
Gareth Edwards directed “Godzilla,” which stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Oscar winner Juliette Binoche, and Sally Hawkins, with Oscar nominee David Strathairn and Bryan Cranston. The screenplay is by Max Borenstein, story by David Callaham, based on the character “Godzilla” owned and created by TOHO CO., LTD. Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni produced with Mary Parent and Brian Rogers. Patricia Whitcher and Alex Garcia served as executive producers, alongside Yoshimitsu Banno and Kenji Okuhira. Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures present a Legendary Pictures production, a Gareth Edwards film, “Godzilla.” The film was distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, except in Japan, where it will be distributed by Toho Co., Ltd. Legendary Pictures is a division of Legendary Entertainment.
Yahoo and Live Nation Entertainment Announce Initial Artist Lineup for the Live Nation Channel
LOS ANGELES & SUNNYVALE, Calif. –Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO) and Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) today announced the initial artist lineup for the new Live Nation Channel on Yahoo Screen — providing fans with a free, all-access front row seat to a new live concert every day, all year long.
The live concert streams will kick off on July 15 with “A Very Special Evening with Dave Matthews Band” at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. The show will feature the group delivering two sets, performing together in numerous electric and acoustic configurations in a reinvention of the traditional DMB summer evening.
Additional artists confirmed for the new channel include: Usher, Gavin DeGraw, Common, The Neighbourhood, MKTO, The Kooks, Airborne Toxic Event, Three Days Grace, The Fray and many more. The Live Nation Channel on Yahoo Screen will also feature special performances including:
Recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, KISS, streaming live from their 40th Anniversary Tour;
John Legend performing Marvin Gaye’s classic album, “What’s Going On” in its entirety, with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and the Los Angeles Philharmonic live from the Hollywood Bowl; and
Justin Timberlake and the Tennessee Kids performing their first ever concert in Reykjavik, Iceland.
The Live Nation Channel on Yahoo Screen fuses together global superstars and emerging artists across genres, from rock to pop, hip hop to electronic. Music fans can get a sneak peak at the first 30 days of scheduled performances by going to yahoo.com/live. Starting Monday, July 14, they can sign up for text, email and calendar reminders for the concerts they want to watch — and invite their friends to tune in, as well. Fans will have the freedom to stream concerts wherever they are through Yahoo Screen on iOS, Android, mobile Web, desktop, and Smart TV platforms including AppleTV, Roku and Xbox 360.
“Live moments are the most memorable — whether it’s your favorite band’s performance of a lifetime, that amazing last-second goal that crowns the world champion, or an unforgettable acceptance speech that goes viral. And in today’s on-demand entertainment environment, live experiences are the only ones that we all share together, at the same time,” said Kathy Savitt, CMO of Yahoo. “Together with Live Nation, we are excited to bring millions of fans together to share these moments through the new Yahoo Live experience.”
“Live Nation produces more than 23,000 annual shows for 60 million fans globally. With the Live Nation Channel on Yahoo we are bringing these amazing artists with great production to the 800 million monthly Yahoo fans. This channel will create a powerful new way for artists to continue to grow their global fanbase,” said Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment.
In addition to the biggest collection of concert live streams available on the Web, the Live Nation Channel and Yahoo Screen will feature an on-demand catalogue of songs on video and hundreds of insider vignettes including behind-the-scenes footage, artist interviews and more.
The Live Nation Channel on Yahoo Screen is part of the Yahoo Live experience, which also features instant sports highlights, stats and analysis, as well as live coverage of the hottest red carpet moments and blockbuster premieres. For more information and to view the calendar of upcoming live performances, visit yahoo.com/live.
ABOUT YAHOO
Yahoo is focused on making the world’s daily habits inspiring and entertaining. By creating highly personalized experiences for our users, we keep people connected to what matters most to them, across devices and around the world. In turn, we create value for advertisers by connecting them with the audiences that build their businesses. Yahoo is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and has offices located throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific (APAC) and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions. For more information, visit the pressroom (pressroom.yahoo.net) or the company’s blog (yahoo.tumblr.com).
About Live Nation Entertainment:
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation & House of Blues Concerts, LN Media and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit: www.livenationentertainment.com.