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August 25, 2006
August 24, 2006
WESTERN FOOD SERVICE AND HOSPITALITY EXPO/Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival
Founding Director of Daily Grill Restaurants Honored at
Annual Restaurant-Industry Awards Ceremony
Bob Spivak of Grill Concepts, Inc. named ‘Restaurateur of the Year’
Founder director of Grill Concepts, Inc. Bob Spivak was named ‘Restaurateur of the Year’ at the annual California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF) Hall of Fame dinner awards ceremony last night. The ceremony took place at the Marriott Los Angeles Downtown. The event capped the first day of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, which runs August 26 through 28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
A 45-year veteran of the restaurant and food industry, Bob comes from family that ran Los Angeles restaurants starting in 1946. He began his career at family-owned Smokey Joe’s barbecue restaurants, managing operations, including the landmark Redwood House in the Los Angeles Civic Center. Bob left the family business to manage food operations at the Fedco discount department stores, and along with the owners of Fedco Foods he developed the much copied Soup N’ Such restaurant chain.
In the early 1980s, Bob and a partner opened the highly successful Beverly Hills restaurant, The Grill on the Alley. The Grill was inducted into the Fine Dining Hall of Fame by Nation’s Restaurant News in 1995. The Grill is the upscale model for the Daily Grill, a concept based on high-quality food and service at a price that reaches a wide audience.
Grill Concepts, Inc. currently operates 20 Daily Grill restaurants throughout California, Texas, Oregon, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. There are now five The Grill on the Alley restaurants, the others in San Jose, Chicago, Hollywood, and Dallas.
Bob is a Director Emeritus for CRAEF and is on the Board of Directors for DiRoNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) as well as past Chairman of the Board of Advisors for the Collins School of Hospitality Management. He was a recipient of the Elizabeth Burns Lifetime Achievement Award from the CRA in June 2005 and in September 2000 received the “Spirit of Life” award from the City of Hope, a Southern California organization dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer and other life-threatening illness.
CRAEF’s ‘Restaurateur of the Year’ award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves through innovative restaurant designs and concepts and who have demonstrated a public-service commitment through educational or other community activities. Past recipients include Ralph Rubio of Rubio’s Restaurants, Inc., Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Border Grill, Julia Stewart of IHOP Corp., and David Cohn of Cohn Restaurant Group.
The CRAEF ‘Hall of Fame’ Centennial Celebration also honored Susan Sbicca of Sbicca and Meritage as ‘Chef of the Year,’ and Clifford Clinton of Clifton’s Cafeterias was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The California Restaurant Association, now celebrating 100 years of service, is the definitive voice of the California restaurant and hospitality industry. The restaurant industry is the largest private employer in California, representing nearly 1.4 million jobs. Restaurants produce more than $51 billion in sales annually and generate more than $4 billion in sales tax for the state.
California Restaurant Association
HALL OF FAME
Centenial
Bob Spivak Restaurateur of Year
Chef of the Year Susan Sbicca
Restaurateur of the Year Bob Spivak
Hall of Fame Inductee Clifton Clinton
Clifton’s Cafeterias was inducted in the Hall of Fame for the California Restaurant Association. Honored for a lifetime of achievement, they’ve been a member of the California Restaurant Association since 1933 and founded Meals for Millions, a non-profit, charitable organization that has fed millions.
As one of the most sought after awards, the restaurant industry arrived semi-formally in anticipation to white gloved staff. Live music, Laurel and Hardy followed by Marilyn Monroe impersonators brought some humor to what could have otherwise been a teeth grinding evening.
The dinner menu read like a gourmet restaurant as you would expect from the California Restaurant Association. Leading up to the entrée were appetizers of crispy walnut shrimp, seared ahi tuna and ginger on won tong crisps, Portobello mushroom mozzarella crostini, main lobster medallion with beluga caviar on sesame maki. A delicate salad of maple infused smoked duck with apricot chipotle salsa, shaved fennel and crisp escarole. The entrée, seared black pepper filet and three-crowned lobster with black barley timbale.
Dessert of chocolate batons with Grand Marnier mascarpone mouse and fresh berry coulis were created by the Newport Harbor High School ProStart Culinary team, which won the state ProStart competition in March 2006 and placed fourth out of 31 states at the National ProStart Invitational.
ProStart is a culinary program developed by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation to recruit and retain a skilled workforce with over 35,000 students enrolled nationwide in high school. In the California ProStart Competition, high school juniors and seniors compete demonstrating culinary and management skills.
The future of the restaurant industry was evident in 47 scholarships being awarded, the greatest quantity of scholarship recipients we have seen from any industry this year
Los Angeles’ Clifton’s Cafeteria Founder Clifford Clinton Posthumously Honored at Annual Restaurant Industry Awards Dinner
Grandson Robert accepts ‘Hall of Fame’ induction honor on behalf of Clinton Family
Founder of Clifton’s Cafeterias, Clifford Clinton was posthumously inducted into the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF) Hall of Fame at a special Centennial Celebration last night. The ceremony took place at the Marriott Los Angeles Downtown after the first day of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, which runs August 26 through 28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Early in Clifford Clinton’s life, his missionary parents took him and four other children to China, exposing him to appalling poverty and hunger. The experience touched him so much he vowed to always remember the plight of the hungry. He stayed true to this goal and after growing up in his father’s San Francisco cafeteria, moved to Los Angeles in 1931 to test an innovative business approach – never turning away the hungry, regardless of whether or not they could pay.
The nation was in the depths of the Great Depression, businesses were failing, and it was a difficult time to try his idea. During one 90-day period, 10,000 ate free before Clifford could open an emergency cafeteria a few blocks away to feed, for pennies, the two million guests who came during the next two years. With the help of his staff, a second Clifton’s opened in 1935.
After World War II, Clifford founded Meals for Millions, a non-profit organization that delivers food to millions of starving and malnourished people throughout the world.
Clifford retired in 1946, selling to his children, Edmond, Jean, and Don. Today Don and Jean, along with Don’s son, Robert, take great pride in the company and strive to maintain its image. Their philosophy is still to make a friend of every guest, allow them to dine free unless delighted, and feed those who can’t afford a meal. The Clinton family marks 113 years in California foodservice and has been a member of the California Restaurant Association since 1933.
Clifford Clinton is the 32nd inductee into the CRAEF Hall of Fame, which was established in 1988 to honor hospitality leaders who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to hospitality industry education. Past honorees include Chinese foodservice leaders Andrew and Peggy Cherng (Panda Express), industry legends Jeff and Sam King (King’s Seafood Co.), Elizabeth Burns (Bob Burns Restaurants), Carl Karcher (Carl Karcher Enterprises), and Esther Snyder (In-N-Out Burger).
The California Restaurant Association, now celebrating 100 years of service, is the definitive voice of the California restaurant and hospitality industry. The restaurant industry is the largest private employer in California, representing nearly 1.4 million jobs. Restaurants produce more than $51 billion in sales annually and generate more than $4 billion in sales tax for the state.
Acclaimed Chef Honored at
Annual Restaurant-Industry Awards Ceremony
San Diego’s Susan Sbicca claims second-ever ‘Chef of the Year’ designation
Celebrated chef Susan Sbicca of Sbicca and Meritage was honored as ‘Chef of the Year’ at the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF) Hall of Fame Centennial Celebration. This is just the second time in CRAEF’s 25-year history that such an award has been presented. Sbicca received the award at last night’s ceremony at the Marriott Los Angeles Downtown after the first day of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, which runs August 26 through 28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Beginning her culinary career in Boston in 1978, Susan has worked her way from a deli clerk to cooking and catering for large parties. She returned home to San Diego to work as sous-chef for Falco Restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter. After honing her catering, administrative, and management skills as executive chef for Greentree Grocers, and Annie’s Market in Rancho Santa Fe, Susan returned to restaurants as the chef at En Fuego in Del Mar.
In late Spring of 1998, Susan and her husband, Dan, opened the award winning, Sbicca, An American Bistro. Their second restaurant, Meritage, opened in June, 2002 on historic 101 in Encinitas.
Susan’s unique cooking style mixes southwestern and Mexican essences with Mediterranean and Asian influences. At Sbicca, she tries to buy the ingredients from local farms, and uses organic foods and local seafood as much as possible. She has said she looks at food in a completely creative and artistic way, often inspired by just about anything, including music, emotions, books, magazines, seasons, and food itself.
Highly involved in her community, Susan opens her current restaurants one night a week for “Guest Bartender” night, where the bar is turned over to charities or community groups for fundraisers or special events. Susan and her family are also regular contributors to organizations such as the UCSD Cancer Center, the Kidney Foundation, the Children’s Hospital, and more.
This award recognizes chefs who have earned a reputation of innovative concepts. The chefs portray professionalism and have demonstrated a commitment to their local communities. The CRAEF Hall of Fame Centennial Celebration also honored Bob Spivak of The Daily Grill Restaurants as ‘Restaurateur of the Year’, and Clifford Clinton of Clifton’s Cafeterias was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The California Restaurant Association, now celebrating 100 years of service, is the definitive voice of the California restaurant and hospitality industry. The restaurant industry is the largest private employer in California, representing nearly 1.4 million jobs. Restaurants produce more than $51 billion in sales annually and generate more than $4 billion in sales tax for the state.
Dr. Jean Jones(Mentor of the Year)
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry presented a certificate celebrating the notable anniversary to CRA Chairman Michael Osborn of Pie ‘N Burger at the 2006 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo opening ribbon cutting ceremony.
“The California Restaurant Association can be proud of their long and distinguished history of working with our community and the thousands of restaurants that they represent. And, I am incredibly proud that Los Angeles is playing host to such a world-class expo and can join in celebrating this historic centennial anniversary,” said Councilwoman Perry.
The California Restaurant Association also received proclamations from the California State Assembly and California Lieutenant Governor Cruz M. Bustamante earlier this year. Both certificates were presented to California Restaurant Association President and CEO Jot Condie.
“The Association works hard to represent the industry throughout the state at both the local level and at the Capitol,” said Condie. “It is a great honor for the California Restaurant Association to be recognized for its 100 years of service.”
The California Restaurant Association, now celebrating 100 years of service, is the definitive voice of the California restaurant and hospitality industry. The restaurant industry is the largest private employer in California, representing nearly 1.4 million jobs. Restaurants produce more than $51 billion in sales annually and generate more than $4 billion in sales tax for the state.
California Restaurant Association
AWARD-WINNING OVENE WINERY RELEASES THREE NEW WINES
2005 SAUVIGNON bLANC, VIOGNER AND MUSCAT
2 Year Old Winery Inspired by “Groovy Granny”
Ovene Winery (www.ovenewinery.com), one of California Central Coast’s newest wineries – and one to watch - has just released its first 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, Viogner and Muscat varietals, adding to its collection of award-winning wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Rose of Syrah. In just two short years of being in business, Ovene Winery - the name inspired by the winemaker’s “Groovy Granny Ovene” - has produced outstanding varietals and has been consistently recognized with prestigious awards at noteworthy wine competitions. The three new wines promise to offer the same unique rich and fruity flavors that the Ovene winemaking process is rapidly becoming known for.
“The 2005 harvest was the perfect storm, good temperatures, nice long hang time which contributed to great concentration of flavors which are magnified in these new releases,” says Jeff White, Ovene’s owner and winemaker. “We think these are some of the best white wine varieties we grow here in the Central Coast of California,” he added.
Ovene’s two Pinot Noirs have gone off the charts, winning medals from California to Texas. In May, 2006, the 2004 Pinot Noir from Santa Maria Valley Solomon Hills vineyards won the “Best in Class, Pinot Noir, $30+” at the prestigious West Coast Wine Competition and the “Puzzle” San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir was awarded its second silver medal at the same competition, adding to its collection of gold, bronze and other silver medals. Ovene’s 2004 Chardonnay won Silver at the Santa Barbara Country fair and the Pinot Blanc won Gold in Santa Barbara and Silver at the Orange County fair. These wines represent the best of what Santa Barbara County’s cool climates can offer in these exciting varietals.
Winemaking was not always such an award-winning process for winemakers, Jeff and Genni White, who learned how to make wine the old fashioned way – in their garage. After four years of selling wines for Italian Swiss Colony, Taylor California Cellars and Rodney Strong Wineries, Jeff decided to do a little experimentation on his own. So, in 1986, he and Genni began their own home winemaking experimentations. They remember the days of inviting their entire Yorba Linda neighborhood to make the trek to Temecula to pick grapes and bring them back for a “Lucy Style” crushing, then, months later, finding several of the five gallon glass carboys exploded in the Jacuzzi and finished bottles of wine with corks that had blown off in the garage after hot summer days. Nevertheless, they kept pursuing their dream.
And, eighteen years later, after the fall harvest of 2003, they took the plunge and, in March, 2004, Ovene Winery, Inc. was officially founded and named in honor of Jeff’s grandmother, Merthel “Ovene” McConnel, known to the family as “Groovy Granny.” Always an inspiration with her contagious enthusiasm and passion for food and wine, she blessed their venture despite her failing health at 94 and passed away the day after they received their first grapes and bonded winery license.
“We are blessed to dedicate Ovene Winery to all the inspirational women in our lives,” says Jeff, “Groovy Granny always said to save the best for last.”
Today, Ovene Winery occupies 1,400 square feet of space in the CCWS (Central Coast Wine Services) in Santa Maria, California and houses over 200 French and American Oak barrels, five stainless steel tanks, totaling some 3,200 gallons of cooperage and 16 open top fermentors. Ovene produced 2,000 cases of wine in 2004 and 4,500 cases in 2005 consisting of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viogner, Muscat, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Ovene Winery, Inc. (www.ovenewinery.com) is located at 2717 Aviation Way #E29, Santa Maria, CA 93455 and shares a tasting room at “Wines of Pine,” 1244 Pine Street, Paso Robles, California 93446.
Notes from the Winemaker about Ovene Winery’s newly released wines:
The Sauvignon Blanc was fermented 85% in stainless steel and 25% in neutral barrel which helped bring out the floral perfumy character of the Muscat clone. The 2005 Viogner brings out the fresh herbaceous character of the Viogner fruit and offers a superb balance of fruit and acidity. The Muscat Canelli came from the Opolo vineyard in Paso Robles and we fermented it in 100% stainless steel tanks. We stopped the fermentation at 6 brix which resulted in a 3% residual sugar that is supported by a good acid profile which brings all the classic Muscat flavors together in a smooth easy drinking dessert wine.
LASSI DRINKS, LLC announces its first product innovation – La Yoghi
Lassi Drinks, LLC debuted its first product offering – La Yoghi - at the National School Nutrition Association (SNA) Convention in Los Angles on July 17, 2006. The goal of Lassi Drinks, LLC, is to create innovative and delicious beverages that provide a healthy alternative to sodas and other insalubrious beverage choices. With the growing trend in public schools in the United States to steer children away from caffeine and soda, there was clearly no better place to introduce La Yoghi than at the SNA convention 1.
Inspired by an ancient yogurt drink, La Yoghi is a yogurt based smoothie made with fresh fruit and specially selected pro and pre biotics. Probiotics are the live microorganisms reported to enhance well being 2. The specifically selected pro and prebiotics contained in La Yoghi focus on intestinal health. The product has been in research and development for the past two years with one of this country’s leading Digestive Disorders specialists. La Yoghi is offered in three light and delicious flavors: Strawberry, mango, and banana. It is both fat free and gluten free and contains 140 calories per 8oz serving. There are absolutely no artificial flavors or preservatives in the product.
Lassi Drinks, LLC looks forward to continued success in developing healthy and delectable beverage choices. Please visit www.lassidrinks.net for more information. We look forward to seeing you very soon at the Western Food Service & Hospitality Expo at The Los Angeles Convention Center from August 26-28, 2006 !
The Wine Lover’s Chocolate Collection is the signature line from The San Francisco Chocolate Factory. Pairing wine and chocolate is still a relatively new sensation, and it is safe to say not only have they done it first, they’ve done it best!
This summer, the San Francisco Chocolate Factory is proud to be exhibiting the Wine Lover’s Collection at the Los Angeles Wine and Food Festival. Grab a glass of red wine, come visit them in booth F612 and revel in the taste sensation that is the perfect union of wine and chocolate. (If you have any problems with this link, please copy and paste this address into your browser.)
The San Francisco Chocolate Factory effectively predicted the newest trend of matching wine with dark chocolate. President and founder of The San Francisco Chocolate Factory, Michael Litton notes that, “The American palate has become quite sophisticated in terms of dark chocolate taste. Our process of blending different cocoa beans from different continents to produce the best taste possible mimics the process used by many vintners who use several different varieties of grapes to produce their wines.”
The Wine Lover’s Chocolate Collection offers a myriad of gift ideas for businesses and consumers. The San Francisco Chocolate Factory offers gift packs in three tin assortments as well as a six tin assortment that showcases the entire collection. These come beautifully packaged in elegant black boxes that highlight the artwork on the tins. These make striking additions to retail shelves as well as uniquely beautiful gifts. Kathy Mooney, Direct Sales Manager of Passalacqua Winery located in Healdsburg, California states, “The gift sets are the perfect wine country gift. Not only is the packaging attractive, but they are also convenient for customers to travel with. We can’t keep them in stock!”
The San Francisco Chocolate Factory was established in 1999 with the express purpose of providing gourmet chocolate without the gourmet prices. For more information about The Wine Lover’s Collection, or any of the innovative products offered by The San Francisco Chocolate Factory, please call 888-732-4626 or visit their website: www.sfchocolate.com.
August 23, 2006
Worldcon Sci Fi Convention Lands in Anaheim
Written by Joyce Chow and William Hoehne
The 64th World Science Fiction Convention, L.A. con IV, opened to a conference room full of space cadets awaiting their captain’s opening remarks at the Anaheim Convention Center. The convention of enthusiasts with a wealthful of knowledge to share continues at the Anaheim Convention Center, Hilton and Marriott through Sunday August 27th.
The first episode of 1950’s science fiction classic television Tom Corbett, Space Cadet was shown to honor Frank Thomas, Jr., who was the honored Special Guest at L.A. con IV. Frank Thomas, the one and only Tom Corbett, was one of a handful of talented individuals who brought sci fi into millions of homes in the 1950s. Thomas had such an that impact in the science fiction universe that even with his passing earlier this year in May, he continued to be the Special Guest to be remembered and celebrated during the convention.
Connie Willis, honored Guest of Honor and Author shared her great sense of humor. She has been attending Worldcon since the 1980s. Before fans could ask, she’s working on an upcoming book, she’s behind, and no official release date is being given.
Similar to the Olympics, groups from different cities bid for the right to hold upcoming Worldcon’s in their cities. Space cadets collect merit badges with donations and to help determine where upcoming conventions will be held. This year, Columbus, Denver and Chicago are vying to hold Worldcon 2008 in their cities. It is voted on by the Last year’s Worldcon was held in Glasgow, Scotland. Next year it will be held in Japan.
Space Cadet and Past Chair Kevin Standler and Space Cadet Lisa Hayes (Standler)
The opening session closed with the singing of:
The Space Academy Marching SongFrom the rocket
fields of the academy
To the far-flung
stars of outerspace,
We are space cadets
training to be
Ready for dangers
we may face!
Up in the sky,
whistling past,
Higher than high,
faster than fast,
Out into space,
into the sun
Look at her go
When we give her the gun!
We are the space cadets
And we are proud to say
Our fight for right
Will never cease.
Like a cosmic ray,
We light the way
To interplanet peace!
Upon entering the convention, space cadets are greeted by T2 from “The Terminator”, Jessica Rabbit from “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, “Star Wars” C3PO and R2-D2, and Astro Boy.
Celebrating Star Trek’s 40th anniversary, the original crew of the Starship Enterprise were on hand for photographs. These original wax figures of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, Uhura, Sulu & Chekov stood 32 years in the Movieland Wax Museum in Buena Park, California.
The Lexus Concept Car 2054 from Minority Report and The Island, Men In Black’s Black Cadillac, Back to the Future’s De Lorean, Batmobile, and the Apollo Lunar Excursion Module were amongst the vehicles for fans to enjoy.
Whether you’re a fan of Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Gallactica, anime or just sci fi in general you’ll delight in the variety of over 600 programs. Topics and discussions include Interstellar Travel and Biotechnology, The Cold Worlds: Colonizing The Outer Solar System, Collection, The Star Wars Saga: A Look Back, A Look Forward, Space Pirate Crash Test Dummies: Space Ship Build, Writing Classic Trek, The Business Side of Comics, The World’s Most Useless Superpowers, and Harry Potter Goes Forth.
If you’re a fan of the sci fi genre, this is one you’ll want to indulge.
RED SHOES BALL
EVERYONES HERO CREDITS & PRODUCTION NOTES
EVERYONE'S HERO
IDT ENTERTAINMENT Presents
Directed by...............CHRISTOPHER REEVE
Directed by....................DANIEL ST. PIERRE
................................................COLIN BRADY
Screenplay by......................ROBERT KURTZ
.............................................And JEFF HAND
Based on a story by............HOWARD JONAS
Produced by................................RON TIPPE
...................................................IGOR KHAIT
Executive Producers........................................
........CHRISTOPHER REEVE, DANA REEVE
Executive Producers........................................
.......................JANET HEALY, JERRY DAVIS
Executive Producers........................................
....STEPHEN R. BROWN, MORRIS BERGER
Edited by.................................JOHN BRYANT
Music by................................JOHN DEBNEY
Music Supervisor.....................DAWN SOLÉR
In memory of
CHRISTOPHER & DANA REEVE
ROB REINER
WILLIAM H. MACY
BRIAN DENNEHY
RAVEN-SYMONÉ
ROBERT WAGNER
RICHARD KIND
DANA REEVE
JAKE T. AUSTIN
MANDY PATINKIN
JOE TORRE
FOREST WHITAKER
And
WHOOPI GOLDBERG
Casting by............................MARY HIDALGO
Production Designer..... DANIEL ST. PIERRE
Art Director.........................KEVIN R. ADAMS
Lead CG Supervisor.....................JEFF BELL
Directors of Photography...........JAN CARLEE
..................................................ANDY WANG
CAST
(alphabetical)
Officer Bryant........................RITCHIE ALLEN
Yankee Irving...................... JAKE T. AUSTIN
Rosetta Brewster............... CHERISE BOOTH
Sandlot Kid #1............... JESSE BRONSTEIN
Sandlot Kid #2.................. RALPH COPPOLA
Babe Ruth......................... BRIAN DENNEHY
Darlin’......................... WHOOPI GOLDBERG
Announcer............................ JASON HARRIS
Hobo Louie................................... ED HELMS
Conductors / Umpire........... RAY IANNICELLI
Bully Kid Tubby................. GIDEON JACOBS
Hobo Andy / Maitre.......... D’ RICHARD KIND
Lefty Maginnis.................. WILLIAM H. MACY
Willie............................. MARCUS MAURICE
Emily Irving................... AMANDA PARSONS
Stanley Irving....................MANDY PATINKIN
Emily Irving............................. DANA REEVE
Big Kid...................................... WILL REEVE
Screwie.................................... ROB REINER
Marti Brewster................... RAVEN-SYMONÉ
Hobo Jack....................................RON TIPPE
Yankees’ Manager......................JOE TORRE
Mr. Robinson...................ROBERT WAGNER
Lonnie Brewster........... FOREST WHITAKER
Bully Kid Arnold..................... CONOR WHITE
Additional Voices...................RITCHIE ALLEN
.............SEAN OLIVER, ROCHELLE HOGUE
........CHARLES PARNELL, SONDRA JAMES
..DENNIS PRESSEY, MATT LABYORTEAUX
..............JAMES WILLIAMS, GRETA MARTIN
...CORNELL WOMACK, CHRISTIE MOREAU
Production Manager........................................
............................PATRICIA CHUNG ADAMS
STORY
Head of Story ....................KEVIN JOHNSON
Assistant Production Manager
Script & Story................. KRISTEN HUDECKI
Story Artists..............................JOHN FLAGG
................CHRISTIAN LIGNAN, JAMES FUJII
..............JAMES MITCHELL, ELIZABETH ITO
..............DAVID STEPHAN, NAEIM KHAVARI
.........SPYROS TSIOUNIS, ANGELO LIBUTTI
Additional Story Artists...............RUI ALBENE
...............JUN FALKENSTEIN, PHIL ALLORA
...WILLY HARTLAND, WILLIAM ASHWORTH
...................BRIAN MITCHELL, ROBIN BUDD
.........MICHAEL NETZER, RICHARD CODOR
.........ILYA SKORUPSKY, REGINA CONROY
.................DAVID SMITH, RICARDO CURTIS
.......................HANK TUCKER, RAY daSILVA
Consulting Producer ...........CHERYL ABOOD
LA Production Manager...................................
.................................... CHRISTINA DeSILVA
LA Production Coordinator. JENNIFER HSYU
LA Production Support......... DREW TOLMAN
................................KATHY CAVAIOLA-HILL
LA Production Assistants....... SARA GEIMER
.............................................LARS KENSETH
ART DEPARTMENT
Head of Visual Development...........................
....................................... SAMUEL MICHLAP
Character Design............. KRISTEN LESTER
Assistant Production Manager
Art & Surfacing...................... LAURA SMALL
Art Department....................RICHARD CHEN
..................................ANDY NG, PETER LEE
...................TIGH WALKER, HONG-MAO LIN
Additional Character Design............................
................................... MORGAN GINSBERG
Additional Art Department.........DAN PHILIPS
........................AVI A. KATZ, PAUL DOBSON
.......................JESSE LICKMAN, JASON KIM
...............................................KYRAN KELLY
Matte Painters..................HYE YOUNG COH
...............GREG GIBBONS, JULIE EBERLEY
..........................................MARISA FIDANZA
MODELING
Head of Modeling.............. MARK NEYSMITH
Assistant Production Manager.........................
..................................NATASHA ABRAHAMS
Character Lead.........................JEFF DRIVER
Facial Lead...................ANGELA GUENETTE
Environment and Prop Lead............................
.................................... MICHAEL GAUTHIER
Modeling and Rigging.........TITO BELGRAVE
..JENNIFER LATAWIEC, JONAH FRIEDMAN
.............MAX LAZZARIN, MICHAEL HABJAN
........PATRICK PAUTLER, STEVE KAHWATI
.......................JENNY RIUTTA, JOSEPH KIM
.........MICHELLE ZHANG, TARAS KOUZELA
..........................................MARC SOULIERE
Additional Modeling and Rigging......................
................SHERVIN SHAHIDI, DOUG SMITH
...................................ARCHIE VILLAVERDE
CHARACTER TECHNICAL DIRECTION
Lead Character Technical Director..................
.............................................ADRIAN TSANG
Character Technical Directors.........................
...................... IAIN McLUCKIE, BRAD PITRE
............................................SEAN SULLIVAN
.......................FAIZAL “GRAHAM” SUKHIANI
...........................................LOUIS VOTTERO
SURFACING
Head of Surfacing............ DANIEL HORNICK
Surfacing Leads...............................................
........................PAMELA PAULENKO HOUPT
................................................ALWYN HUNT
Surfacers.........................RICKY TARO BABA
...................JUHJUN LEE, DAVE BACHELOR
..................ZACHARY LOWE, WOOJIN CHOI
.........DERIAN McCREA, WOOK JAE CHUNG
......................CAROLINE MUIR, PHIL DAKIN
........AARON WEBSTER, DANIEL DRESSER
............VINCENT YAN, HEATHER GAGNIER
..........JUN YUE, JULIA EUNKYOUNG HONG
LAYOUT
Assistant Production Manager.........................
...................................BARBARA FOERSTER
Layout Artists...TIM DEACON, PAUL KOHUT
...................ROB ELLIOTT, MICHAEL LOPEZ
...................BRIAN FOSTER, JEAN PILOTTE
.............................TOM KLOC, ROB SADLER
ANIMATION
Supervising Animators... STEPHEN BARNES
...........MIKE CHAFFE, MORGAN GINSBERG
......................................PETER LEPENIOTIS
Animation Manager............. RIA WESTAWAY
Animators.......................MOYSIS ANTONIOU
.......................JOHN LEE, VANESSA ARSEN
.............ALEXANDER K. LEE, PETA BAYLEY
....................PAUL McLENNAN, ADAM BECK
......PRAVEEN NADARAJU, MARY BEKIARIS
.......................JEFF PANKO, ROB BEKUHRS
.............CAROL PRINCE, PATRICE BERUBE
.........PETER REYNOLDS, DANA BOADWAY
.........ALLISON RUTLAND, SHAUN CHACKO
DARRYL SAWCHUCK, RAHUL DABHOLKAR
............................SUE SHIM, SHANE DOYLE
...........NICK STARCEVIC, ANDREW GRANT
..............BENJAMIN SU, SCOTT JOHNSTON
....GLENN SYLVESTER, MICHAEL KITCHEN
.......JOHN D. WILLIAMSON, JUSTIN KUPKA
Additional Animators............MIKE BEAULIEU
.................ANDREW LAM, EMILY BEAULIEU
.......MIKE LANGFORD, MICHAEL DHARNEY
..............................................ERIC MURRAY,
.........................SEBASTIAN KAPIJIMPANGA
.........THAI-MY NGUYEN, SHELAGH KITNEY
.........................................ALEXANDER POEI
Production Assistant ..........NEIL FOERSTER
CHARACTER FINALING
Lead............................................ ROGER LIU
Character Finalers..................... TIM SORMIN
.........................BRAD WILLIS, LIMOR SHANI
EFFECTS
Head of Effects.................WARREN LAWTEY
Assistant Production Manager
Effects & Character Finaling............................
............................... MATTHEW VOYNOVICH
Effects and Cloth Simulation...........................
........NADAV BRILL, TZAHI (ISAAC) KESHET
.....ALON DAVID, HARRY MUKHOPADHYAY
................ALEX FEIGIN, DAN WRIGHTSELL
...........PAUL JEWELL YIFENG, EDDY XUAN
..................................................KEVIN KELM
Crowd Systems Lead.... DANIEL W. BISSELL
Crowd Simulation Artist ALLANLEE CALDER
Crowd TD............................ DAVID HERZOG
LIGHTING
Lead Lighters.................. BELMA ABDICEVIC
...................BERNARD O. CEGUERRA, P. E.
............................MAHSA GHORBANKARIMI
..........NIKOLA MILOSEVIC, RYAN T. SMITH
.........ANJA STITIC, ANNA WAGNER-LOPEZ
Head of Lighting......... SCOTT SANDERSON
Assistant Production Manager
Lighting & Compositing.... JASON McKENZIE
Lighters..............SIMON FUNG, TOM PERRY
..............................IRIT HOD, RICK SANDER
.MAGED HENEIN, CORNEIL VANDERSPEK
..........MANFRED KRAEMER, ROSS WALLIS
...........................SHUN SING, EDWARD LEE
.................BOOGAB YOUN, KANG SUB LEE
........................IAN KH WOO, JING JING LIU
COMPOSITING
Head of Compositing.......... ALAN KENNEDY
Lead Compositor.................. STEVEN CHEN
Senior Compositors............ BRIAN COOPER
...................CHERYL DAVIS, BRYAN LUREN
............PAUL STODOLNY, ROLPH THOMAS
...........................................RODED YIZHAKY
Compositors. ROB DALE, RIAN McNAMARA
...............DAVID MITROVIC, ZEBULON PIKE
.............................................JERRY SEGUIN
Assistant Compositors.....................................
...NATHAN ENGLBRECHT, TIBOR KOVACS
.............................................SCOTT MacKAY
Compositing Technical Assistant.....................
............................................ RYAN QUAGLIA
TECHNOLOGY
Chief Technology Officer........ NICK FOSTER
Vice President
of Technical Production........... TERRY DALE
Technology Production Manager ....................
........................................MARY ANDERSON
SYSTEMS
Head of Systems................. JOHN HICKSON
System Administrators...... MARK ANDREWS
......DAMIAN UPTON, GREGORY WHYNOTT
System Support.........................MARKUS NG
......................................FABIO COLANGELO
......AARON BURR, VATSANA KONGAKANE
..............WARRAN BUTLER, ADI SHACHAM
Render Wranglers............................VINCENT
......................JINGHUA XU, KAMRAN KHAN
..............................CHRISTOPHER MUSCAT
...............MARNIE GOODMAN, GARY SMITH
.......................................REBECCA CORDEN
PRODUCTION ENGINEERING
Head of Production Engineering......................
................................................MIKE AQUINO
Senior Staff Engineer................... YAN CHEN
Supervising Technical Director.... AVI J. KATZ
Production Coordinator. JOANNA FERRARO
Pipeline Technical Directors..... RAN AVIGAD
.....KENNEDY BEHRMAN, CAROLINA CHEN
.MICHAEL S. HARRIS, JESSE LaCHAPELLE
.........ALEXI MORIARTY, ROBERT PRINGLE
....................STEPHEN SLOAN, ASI SOUDAI
...........................................DANIEL WEXLER
Outsource Technical Director..... IRFA NISAR
Animation Technical Director... ALBERT TAM
Lighting Technical Directors............................
........... MATTHEW COLLIE, MARK BODANIS
.........OLIVER HEIJMANS, VICKEN MALVIAN
Character Finaling Technical
Director ........................OMAR McCLENDON
Visual Effects Technical Director.....................
.......................................... NEIL YAMAMOTO
Support Technical Directors.. HERVE BIZIRA
...........................................SEAN DRIEDGER
SOFTWARE
Head of Software.................... NEIL GOWER
CG Software Supervisor..................................
....................................MIGUEL SEPULVEDA
Senior Software Engineer ............ERI RUBIN
Software Engineers................ TOD BAUDAIS
...........MICHAL ELDAR, JOS’H R. L. FULLER
...........YARON GAVISH, JAMES MONTEATH
...................................................TOMMY ZHU
Software Support Engineers...........................
.. DANIEL DRESSER, DANIEL JUHYUN LEE
SWEATBOX
Production Coordinato.......r MARIO ARANGO
EDITORIAL
Assistant Production Manager.........................
............................................. GORDON KATZ
1st Assistant Editor.............. ADAM GARNER
Assistant Editors.......... MATTHEW ARHENS
.................................................MHAIRI KERR
Consulting Editor........ ROBERT FISHER, JR.
Additional Editor..................... TONY ROCCO
Additional Assistant Editors ............................
..........SHERI GALLOWAY, LOIS A. HOOVER
PRODUCTION
Production Accountant....................................
................................... GREIG HUTCHINSON
Assistant Accountant........ ALLEN SARAFIAN
Assistants to the Producers
and Directors....................JULIE McARTHUR
.......GENEVA PESCHKA, KRISTEN HARRIS
Marketing and Publicity Liaison........................
........................................ JASON McKENZIE
Additional
Production Management .....DENISE MINTER
Additional Production ...ROBERT AITCHISON
......................................MARISSA COLLYER
RECRUITING & ARTISTIC
DEVELOPMENT
Head of Artistic Development..........................
.................................... FRANK GLADSTONE
Head of Studio Recruitment.............................
.....................................DEBRA BLANCHARD
Recruiting and Training....................................
Coordinator.............................. DAVID WYKA
Artistic Development Coordinator....................
.............................................. RUTH GIBSON
REEL FX
Executive Producers............. DALE CARMAN
.............................................STEVE O’BRIEN
Producer................................... KYLE CLARK
Lighting /Compositing Supervisor ...................
...................................AUGUSTO SCHILLACI
Animation Supervisor.............. CHRIS SAUVE
Technical Supervisor.......................................
................................ HARRY MICHALAKEAS
Production Manager.. SHANNA BASSINGER
Additional Animation Supervision
................... MARK DONALD, KEN DUNCAN
Animation................................DREW ADAMS
..........................MIKE MURPHY, TIM ALLEN
..................JAMIE OLIFF, JUSTIN BARRETT
.......................JASON OWEN, JOHN BERRY
.........................DAVE PATE, ROB DOLLASE
.......................RAY PENA, BRYAN ENGRAM
...................JEREMY SHAW, THOM FALTER
...............MIKE SPOKAS, SHAUN FREEMAN
..............YOSHI TAMURA , JOSH GUNTHER
..............................OSKAR URRETABIZKAIA
.........................................SHAUN FREEMAN
Crowd Animation................BRYAN BREWER
............KURT FUTRELL, BRANDON BRUCE
.........................TIM LANNON, STEVE EGER
............................................VINCE SIDWELL
Lighting, Comp, VFX.........JEFF ALCANTERA
..................JOHN LYNCH, CHRIS BANKOFF
..............JORGE OBREGON, RICK COLLINS
..........MARC RIENZA, ELIZABETH HAUSER
...........................SEAN RIVET, ISAAC IRVIN
........MACIEK SOKALSKI, KENNY JACKSON
Lighting Assistants............... JULIE MARLING
.....................................JOHN NESSELRODT
.............................KARTHIK SWAMINATHAN
Technical Directors....... JOHN ANDERHOLM
...............GEORGE DECHIARA, JOE MAJER
Rigging / Cloth.........................DREW DALEO
..........ROGERIO MENDES, BEAU HAWKINS
.....................................................JINNAH YU
Texture............................. HOLLAN HOLMES
..............BENNY MIN HUANG, FRANCIS WU
Production Coordination....... CASSIE FAUSS
.................BARBARA GERALD, PAM KOLBE
..................GREG LYONS, RYAN WOODALL
Editorial .............................BRAD WETMORE
...............................................GRAY WILCOX
Render Support........ KENNY FRIESENHAHN
..................CHRIS KULLA, KEVIN MacPHAIL
...............CHRIS MAPP, MATT McPHERSON
Technology Support...........SONIA BARBOSA
.........DENNIS McGRATH, SCOTT CORRELL
...................................................JOEY WRAY
Administrative
Executive Vice Presiden.... DAVID NEEDHAM
Vice President Finance...... STEVEN MILLER
Director of Insight Development......................
........................................... ROSS MOSHELL
General Counsel...................... DAVID ROSS
Human Resources........ BRAD WALLACE 19
Executive Coordinator.... ASHLEY MOSHELL
Special Thanks................................... TOM K.
POST PRODUCTION
Post Production Supervisor ............................
.........................................CHERYL MURPHY
Supervising Sound Editor /
Sound Designer............... SEAN GARNHART
Sound Editors FX .......................MARK FILIP
..........................COLL ANDERSON, M.P.S.E.
Supervising Dialogue Editors .CAROL LEWIS
.............................BETH STERNER, M.P.S.E.
Assistant Sound Editor ..........BILLY ORRICO
Foley Supervisor ...........STEVEN VISSCHER
Foley Editor............................ IGOR NIKOLIC
Foley Artist ...................MARKO COSTANZO
Foley Mixer...................... GEORGE A. LARA
Post Production Additional
Sound Services Provided by ............C5, INC.
Group ADR Casting................... REEL TEAM
Group Leader........................ HANS TESTER
Group Leader, NY.............. SONDRA JAMES
ADR Group....................COOPER COWGILL
....................RIF HUTTON, CASEY SANDINO
........................JUAN POPE, ROBBY BRUCE
..................MATT ADLER, KEVIN BUITRAGO
.........BRIDGET HOFFMAN, MARY MOUSER
...............JACKIE GONNEAU, KRISTA SWAN
........CLAUDETTE WELLS, DAVID COWGILL
...........ANNE LOCKHART, SANDY SIMPSON
Post Production Facilities Provided by............
......................................BUENA VISTA POST
.............................PRODUCTION SERVICES
Re-Recording Mixers ........TERRY O’BRIGHT
.............................................KEITH ROGERS
Recordist............................... ERIK FLOCKOI
ADR Mixer................................... DOC KANE
ADR Recordist...... JEANNETTE BROWNING
Dialogue Recording Services...........................
....................................... THE L.A. STUDIOS
........................................SOUNDTRACK, NY
Additional
Dialogue Recording Services...........................
...................... MCS RECORDING STUDIOS,
......................................................TORONTO
...........WILSHIRE STUDIOS, LOS ANGELES
..........THE SOUND COMPANY, LONDON 21
...................TAPEWORKS INC., HARTFORD
......................................DELUXE, TORONTO
Digital Intermediate Services by
TECHNICOLOR DIGITAL INTERMEDIATES,
........................A TECHNICOLOR COMPANY
Digital Film Colorist............. JASON FABBRO
Digital Intermediate Producer
........................................DENISE DeCUNZO
Color Timer ......................TERRY CLABORN
Negative Cutter.............. MARY BETH SMITH
End Titles............................... PACIFIC TITLE
MUSIC
Score Composed
and Conducted by .................JOHN DEBNEY
Music Recorded and Mixed by.........................
.................................... BOBBY FERNANDEZ
Supervising Orchestrator.... BRAD DECHTER
Additional Orchestrators..................................
...................FRANK BENNETT MIKE WATTS
....DON NEMITZ, CHRISTOPHER KLATMAN
..........ANDREW KINNEY, JOHN A. THOMAS
...................KEVIN KASKA, PETE ANTHONY
Electronic Score Engineer ..............................
................................WOLFGANG AMADEUS
Music Score Coordinator....... LOLA DEBNEY
Score Production Supervisor...........................
..................... MELANIE MULLENS HOYSON
Orchestra Contractor SANDY DeCRESCENT
Music Editors......................... LIQUID MUSIC
.....................................ANDREW DORFMAN
.........................TANYA HILL, JEFF CARSON
Music Preparation ...........................................
....................JOANN KANE MUSIC SERVICE
Score Recorded and Mixed at.........................
....................................BARBRA STREISAND
.........................................SCORING STAGE,
.......................SONY STUDIOS CALIFORNIA
Assistant Music Supervisor..............................
..................................TONY VON PERVIEUX
Music Business Affairs ...............JILL MYERS
IDTE ANIMATION MANAGEMENT TEAM
Sr. Vice President of Animation,
Canada .........................................ABDI SAMI
IDTE Toronto
Head of Studio Production..............................
.................... KATHLEEN HELPPIE-SHIPLEY
Vice President
of Production Finance...... ROBERT TAYLOR
IDTE Toronto Head of Finance........................
.......................................... NEPHI SANCHEZ
IDTE Toronto Director of HR ..........................
...........................................SARI SCHWARTZ
Chief Admin. Officer of Animation ..................
............................................TRANG NGUYEN
Creative Development – Features...................
............... KARINA KLISS, CLAIRE GLIDDEN
..............................................LAURA KNIGHT
IDTE Toronto Vice President
of Business and Operations... JOHN MORCH
IDTE Toronto Operations....... RON MARINIC
IDTE Toronto Facilities Manager.....................
...................................... DAVID McCARTNEY
IDTE Toronto Finance Manager......................
.......................................... LENA ISHKANIAN
IDTE Toronto
Administration Manager... RENA DALMASSO
IDTE Toronto
Executive Coordinator............. LISA GRIFFIN
Front Office Support .....CHRISTIE NORRISH
IDTE Newark Art Coordinator... JOSH WHITE
IDTE Newark
Production Coordinator...................................
..................................... SRULI GELDWERTH
IDTE Newark Administrative
Software Developers. YAAKOV ROZENBLAT
..............................................NISAN FASTEN
Executive Assistants.......... JESSICA STONE
.................CHRISTIN PSAK, EMILY RUDOLF
IDT ENTERTAINMENT EXECUTIVE
TEAM
Chief Operating Officer......... JOHN W. HYDE
President, Feature Films & TV .......................
...................................................NEIL BRAUN
Senior Vice President, Marketing....................
....................................... AMORETTE JONES
General Counsel............ MARTIN LEBWOHL
Business and Legal Affairs .............................
.....PETER BAGHDASSARIAN, DIXON DERN
.........................................MICHELE CAYLOR
Chief Financial Officer ..........SAM ABRAHAM
Operations............................ BRETT COKER
..................................HARLEY GREENBAUM
SONGS
“THE BEST”
Written and Produced by John Ondrasik
Performed by John Ondrasik of Five For
Fighting
Courtesy of Columbia Records
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT
“BABY CORN BLUES”
Written and Performed by Igor Khait
“KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL”
Written by
Matthew Gerrard, Bridget Benenate &
Raven-Symoné Pearman
Performed by Raven-Symoné
Produced by Matthew Gerrard
Raven appears courtesy of Hollywood
Records 25
“SWING IT”
Written by Ronnie Dunn
Performed by Brooks and Dunn
Produced by Ronnie Dunn & Kix Brooks
Courtesy of Arista Nashville
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT
“THE TIGERS”
Written and Produced by John Debney
Performed by Paris Bennett
“WHAT YOU DO”
Written by Sy Oliver, James Oliver Young,
Wyclef Jean and Jerry “Wonder” Duplessis
Performed by Wyclef Jean featuring
Kontrast
Produced by Wyclef Jean, Jerry “Wonder”
Duplessis
& Keith “Lil’ Wonda” Duplessis
Wyclef Jean appears courtesy of J Records
Kontrast appears courtesy of Clef Records
Inc.
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT
Contains a sample of
“’Tain’t What You Do (It’s The Way That
You Do It)”
Performed by Ella Fitzgerald
Courtesy of The Verve Music Group
Under license from Universal Music
Enterprises
“CHICAGO (THAT TODDLING TOWN)”
Written by Fred Fisher & Jack Segal 26
Performed by Chris Botti Featuring Lyle
Lovett
Produced by Bobby Colomby
Chris Botti appears courtesy of Columbia
Records
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT
Lyle Lovett appears courtesy of
Curb / Lost Highway Records and Mike
Curb Company, L.L.C.
“KEEP ON SWINGING”
Written by John Ondrasik & Kix Brooks
Performed by Brooks & Dunn
Produced by Kix Brooks & Ronnie Dunn
Courtesy of Arista Nashville
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT
“THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE”
Written by Matthew Gerrard and Bridget
Benenate
Performed by Jon Randall and Jessi
Alexander
Produced by Mark Wright
Jon Randall appears courtesy of Epic
Records
Jessi Alexander appears courtesy of
Columbia Records
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT
“TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME”
Written by Albert Von Tilzer, Jack Norworth
Performed by Lonestar
Produced by Mark Bright
Courtesy of BNA Records
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT
“DREAM LIKE NEW YORK”
Written by Tyrone Wells and Elina
Performed by Tyrone Wells
Produced by Chris Karn
Courtesy of True American Records /
Position Music
Soundtrack available on COLUMBIA/SONY
MUSIC SOUNDTRAX
The Major League Baseball trademarks
depicted in this motion picture were
licensed by MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
PROPERTIES, INC.
Completion Bond provided by
FILM FINANCES, INC.
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO
CHICAGO CUBS, SAN FRANCISCO
GIANTS, NEW YORK YANKEES, THE
SEVEN GROUP, AUTODESK INC.,
BLUEARC, EMC CORPORATION,
PIPELINE FX, EYEON SOFTWARE,
ASSIMILATE INC., SYFLEX,
and YEHUDA WURTZEL.
Color by TECHNICOLOR®
Prints by DELUXE
No. 42852
© 2006 IDT ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
All Rights Reserved. Ownership of this
motion picture is protected by copyright
and other applicable laws, and any
unauthorized duplication, distribution or
exhibition of this motion picture could result
in criminal prosecution as well as civil
liability.
This motion picture depicts a fictional story
and the portrayal of any actual individual,
living or dead, in this motion picture is
fictional.
“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to
persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. They are the real
heroes, and so are the families and friends who have stood by them.”
-- Christopher Reeve
What if you had a chance to be a hero? Would you take it? Or play it
safe?
Shepherded by the film’s originating director and Executive Producer
Christopher Reeve, the animated feature, Everyone’s Hero is a funny and poignant
tale of a young boy who believes he can make a difference if he just hangs in
there despite overwhelming odds.
It is Depression-era America and though times are hard, there is a giant
bright spot in pinstripes: Yankee slugger Babe Ruth (voiced by Brian Dennehy).
He thrills fans with his monster home runs and sensational exploits on and off
the baseball field. “The Great Bambino” has no bigger admirer than 10-year-old
Yankee Irving (voiced by Jake T. Austin, “Go, Diego!, Go!”).
The kid knows all of Babe’s stats and he lives for the Babe’s storied
Yankees. In fact, Yankee’s namesake team is a constant source of inspiration on
the sandlot when he steps up to the plate. All swagger and style, Yankee Irving
swings! He swings! And, again, he swings! Despite his enthusiasm, inevitably,
Yankee Irving strikes out. A frustrated Yankee gives up on his beloved game.
Despite his best efforts, Yankee Irving just can’t hit a ball.
However, he does befriend one, a wiseacre of a baseball named Screwie
(Rob Reiner) who has his own disheartened relationship with the national
pastime. And that’s when Yankee’s adventures really begin. These two misfits
form a special bond as they travel across the country on a mission to return Babe
Ruth’s stolen bat Darlin’ (voiced by Whoopi Goldberg) before the deciding game
of the 1932 World Series. Along the way Yankee meets a quirky array of
characters that aid him on his comic journey. In the process, he learns about the
value of hope, family, friendship and, of course, baseball.
IDT Entertainment presents, Everyone’s Hero, directed by Christopher
Reeve, Daniel St. Pierre and Colin Brady. Based on a story by Howard Jonas.
Screenplay by Robert Kurtz and Jeff Hand. The voice cast includes William H.
Macy, Rob Reiner, Brian Dennehy, Raven-Symoné, Robert Wagner, Richard
Kind, Dana Reeve, Jake T. Austin, Joe Torre, Mandy Patinkin, Forest Whitaker,
and Whoopi Goldberg. Casting by Mary Hidalgo. Music Supervisor Dawn
Soler. Music by John Debney. Produced by Ron Tippe and Igor Khait.
Executive Produced by Christopher Reeve, Dana Reeve, Stephen R. Brown,
Morris Berger, Janet Healy, and Jerry Davis.
20th Century Fox will release Everyone’s Hero nationwide on Friday,
September 15. The film is Rated G by the MPAA.
* * * *
FROM BEDTIME STORY TO THE SCREEN
Everyone’s Hero began as a bedtime story that IDT Entertainment founder
and chairman Howard Jonas wrote for his children. The story of a young boy
who overcomes the odds and several harrowing and amusing situations to travel
across the country and achieve something he never thought possible, doing it as
any good batter would: He just keeps swinging.
“I had been telling the story of Yankee Irving to my kids for years. It was
one of their favorites. They just loved how the family stuck together and how a
young boy could overcome all sorts of obstacles to become a hero to his family,”
Jonas recalls. “One day, I told the story to our creative executives and everyone
thought it would be a great film.”
Jonas says there was never any question of who should direct the project.
“I always knew I wanted to bring in the biggest hero I could think of to direct. To
me, there is no bigger hero than Christopher Reeve,” Jonas says.
Through mutual connections, Jonas reached Reeve, who invited Jonas and
Robert Kurtz, an IDT Entertainment creative development executive, to his home
to discuss the project. Reeve was immediately drawn to the story of Yankee
Irving. “He related to the vision of a boy’s perseverance and overall theme of
love between parents and their kids,” says Jonas. “We left him a copy of the
story and as we drove back, both Rob and I really felt that we had just
experienced something very transforming. To be honest, even if Christopher
hadn’t ended up making the movie, I would still think of that day as incredibly
special.”
Appropriately enough, the decision to do the movie was a family affair, as
Jonas recalls. “Apparently that night, Christopher’s son Will had picked up the
story and started reading it. When (his mother) Dana called everyone for dinner,
Will said he couldn’t come down because he was in the middle of reading a great
story. After he was done, Dana read it to Christopher. The next morning, we
had a phone call and he agreed to do the movie,” Jonas says.
Producer Ron Tippe says: “There's no question in my mind the reason
that Christopher Reeve was in love with this story was because of its meaning.
The story is about a young boy who has to keep on swinging. If you look at
Chris' life, and I don't mean post-accident, I mean from day one; that was his
philosophy. That vision that he had -- of never giving up, of believing in oneself,
is a beautiful thing and certainly informed the film. And Dana Reeve (executive
producer and voice of Emily, Yankee’s mother) was marvelous and equally
committed to those ideals, in the film and in life,” Tippe says.
Producer Igor Khait says: "I’ve never been involved with a project that
meant so much to the filmmakers on a personal level. What’s really amazing
about the making of this movie is how everyone who came in contact with it fell
under its spell. It was impossible to work on the film and not have it grow into a
labor of love. This kind of passion for filmmaking helps you overcome the most
incredible obstacles. I guess that’s what the movie is about anyway: prevailing
against all odds because you believe in what you’re doing."
Reeve worked closely with writer Robert Kurtz to transform Howard
Jonas’ bedtime story into a movie. He completed much of the storyboarding and
prep work before his death. Soon after, Janet Healy joined IDT Entertainment as
president of animation and brought in two animation veterans to direct and to
continue Reeve’s vision. Daniel St. Pierre, an alumnus of Disney and
DreamWorks animation, and Colin Brady, an ILM and Pixar veteran, stepped in,
with Reeve’s spirit and intention in mind. St. Pierre joined the team first.
“I knew Dan when we both worked at Disney,” Healy explains. “I was
heading up the use of computer graphics in the traditional movies and he was
the fellow who was pushing for the use of painterly artwork in 2-D animation.
So, Tarzan was the first time we started to work together. He oversaw what was
one of the biggest selling points of Tarzan, which was deep canvas – the moving
shots through the brush strokes. After we both left Disney, we went to
DreamWorks. I was the producer on Shark Tale and I hired him as the
production designer. I knew he was a visionary in our industry for movies that
had great camerawork and a great look. I came to IDT after Shark Tale and the
movie was underway in Toronto but, after Chris’ death, not really finding its
way. That’s when I brought Dan in.”
Healy adds that often at least two directors helm animated films. “It’s
because there are so many places to be at one time, so many departments to
oversee and so many tasks, it’s really hard for one person to do it alone. We
started looking for a partner for Dan, knowing that Dan comes from production
design and from layout; we knew that we had the look of the movie in really
great hands, and knowing that Dan is a really great storyteller, we felt really
good there too. So, we were looking for someone to complement him, someone
who had an animation background. One of our favorite movies is Toy Story II
and one of the people who really shaped that film in a big way was Colin Brady.
Dan met with Colin and they just seemed like they were a good team. They’re
both funny and smart about the choices they make as directors. Between them,
they have very strong specialties and they are both the full package,” Healy says.
“The thing that attracted me to the movie in the first place was the idea --
and it was Christopher Reeve’s idea -- of this whole keep-on-swinging kind of
perseverance in the face of adversity that Yankee Irving has,” says Daniel St.
Pierre. “That theme was very important to me. It had such honesty and sincerity
and heart. I took it upon myself to make sure that we retained the spirit of the
film that Christopher was originally making and I was steadfast and absolutely
adamant that we had to do that. In fact, after one of the first cuts of the movie,
Dana (Reeve), said, ‘This is a movie that Christopher would have wanted to
make.’ That validated it for me, I felt really good about that afterwards.”
Everyone’s Hero was a labor of love for all concerned and it was crucial to
everyone to produce a movie that reflected Christopher Reeve’s vision and spirit.
“We were determined to complete the movie Christopher Reeve began,” says
Janet Healy. “We put together the best team of experienced creative people,
alongside our producers and Dan. Our mandate was to honor Christopher
Reeve’s vision and, in many respects, the way he lived his life. The theme of
never giving up resonated with Chris and became the backbone of the film.”
Brady says he was deeply honored to help realize Christopher Reeve’s
vision and adds that he had been a big fan since childhood. “In fact, the first
movie I ever made when I was eight years old was based on his movie Superman.
I was so excited after seeing it that I went home from the theater and made little
characters out of clay and made a stop-motion film based on Superman. So, to
know that he was part of this project and to be able to help bring his integrity to
it, that’s what appealed to me,” Brady says.
THE STORY
“The movie fires on so many levels,” says St. Pierre. “It’s a comedy. It’s
an adventure. It’s about friendship. It’s about following your dreams and
sticking to it, even when it seems hopeless. It’s a heartwarming story about
families. It has something for everyone, really. It is also Christopher Reeve and
Dana Reeve’s movie and all those themes reflect them.”
“Everyone’s Hero is the story of a young boy who, with the help of a talking
baseball and a talking bat helps the New York Yankees win the 1932 World
Series. But it’s not just about that, it’s the story of a father and a son, because
Yankee’s mission begins because he believes it will help his father get his job
back. But, to do this, Yankee gets to jump on trains, leap off fire escapes, run
through the woods, meet a bunch of interesting characters, and travel 1,000 miles
to new places. I mean, don’t you wish you could have done that? So, it’s a romp
and a road trip and a buddy picture, but the buddies happen to be a talking
baseball and a talking bat and a little boy,” says producer Ron Tippe.
Co-Director Colin Brady notes that the story also intrigued him because it
was about the triumph of the underdog. “Yankee loves baseball but, at first, he
thinks he doesn’t have the talent for it. So, this certainly discourages him and he
gives up on the game. He learns not to give up on his dreams because he has to
overcome all these obstacles to bring Babe Ruth’s bat back to him, thereby saving
his dad’s job. In doing this unselfish act, he learns all the tools and skills he
needs to actually be a good baseball player and plenty of life lessons as well. So,
this boy, who at first, doesn’t seem to have the stuff required to do all the
amazing things he does in the course of the film, really rises to the occasion. He
seems to be that underdog in each of us.”
His companion, a discarded and decidedly cantankerous baseball named
Screwie, initially doesn’t seem the sort of character anyone would want around
for a long – or even short – journey. His blunt manner results from a lingering
disenchantment directly related to his failure at baseball, like Yankee.
“Screwie kind of represents Yankee’s inner thoughts because only he can
hear the baseball speak. And instead of saying, ‘Hang in there, kid, just keep
trying,’ the baseball actually says the opposite. He says, ‘Baseball is a field of
broken dreams.’ And then we learn that Screwie has a very sad story – during his
one appearance in a major league game, he fouled out of the stadium and
nobody came to look for him. It was his moment to shine and instead he was
forgotten. But, at a pivotal moment in their cross-country journey, Screwie
encourages Yankee and gives him hope and Yankee does likewise for Screwie.
And they both end up regaining their confidence and self-respect and rekindling
their love of the game,” says Brady.
Through various misadventures, Yankee and Screwie rescue a mellifluous
Southern belle named Darlin’ who also happens to be Babe Ruth’s lucky bat. The
trio’s friendship offered the directors several creative, character-driven comedic
opportunities that always had to be tethered to a certain level of reality.
“Yankee goes on the road with these two fantasy characters, Screwie and
Darlin,’ whom he manifests out of his needs – for attention, guidance and his
love of baseball. All of that comes into play and they become alive for him and
the dynamics, comedy and situations between them are born out of the fact that
the ball and the bat hate each other and Yankee’s in the middle,” St. Pierre
explains. “So, we had to create certain rules for the characters and hopefully, if
we followed them, audiences will believe that they are actual personalities,
actual characters and will go along for the ride. For instance, Darlin’ has to be
carried; she doesn’t have her own locomotion. So, there was a limit to the
fantastical element that kept it grounded in a kind of reality and as long as we
respected that, we had the fun of a talking bat and a talking ball and the absurd
situation of a boy talking to them while nobody else can hear them.”
THE VOICES
It was, of course, the human voices that initially gave the characters life.
While Yankee, Screwie, Darlin’ and company began on the page, in script and
storyboard form, many of their characteristics were informed by the actors who
voiced them.
The impressive roster of actors includes Rob Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg,
William H. Macy, Mandy Patinkin, Raven-Symoné, Brian Dennehy and
newcomer Jake T. Austin. All the actors wanted to help complete Christopher
Reeve’s vision and fell for the story of Yankee Irving.
“Generally, we tried to have storyboards that would begin the process so
we’d know where to go,” says St. Pierre. “We usually start out with what we call
a ‘scratch recording’ which is so we’re able to build a reel that gives us an idea of
what the movie is going to be like. In fact, Ron Tippe did the scratch dialogue for
Screwie – he was Screwie for the longest time. Then we’d go record the voice of
the actors. It’s an amazing experience to watch actors do this, as they try new
things and suddenly land in a very comfortable place that feels original but
completely right. That’s where the characters begin to develop. Sometimes it
was verbatim to the page and sometimes it wasn’t, but that’s always where the
treasure was, when the character begins to speak on its own.”
Of course when you have the kind of talent we had behind the
microphone, that was a great gift,” adds Brady. “The actors gave us a lot of ideas
through their performance, in a visual respect, but specifically, vocally. We
loved little nuances, imperfections, any stutter or stammer. That’s like gold to an
animator.”
“Rob Reiner as Screwie is the quintessential foul ball,” says St. Pierre. “He
did a terrific job with Screwie’s sort of disgruntled leave-me-alone-I’d-rather-sit-
here-and-rot-in-peace attitude. Of course, he begins as this embittered thing and
becomes a real pal to Yankee, in spite of himself, and actually ends up bringing
him out of his despair. And Rob has been a comedian, actor, writer, producer
and director, so he knew how to serve that whole emotional arc as well as mine
the humor in it. It was a little intimidating to meet him and work with him at
first. What was great was he was an artist that I got to not only collaborate with
but also I got to learn from him on this project.”
“Rob has such a wonderful sense of comic timing – he knew exactly when
a line was landing and when it wasn’t and how to say it better than anything we
could think up,” Brady adds.
As a lifelong baseball aficionado, Reiner brought a keen and personal
insight to his character who is a baseball. Everyone’s Hero also marks Reiner’s
debut as an animated character.
“I love baseball. I’m a ridiculously huge fan, so it was the perfect
opportunity for me,” says Reiner. “As a kid, I used to go to 50 to 60 games a year.
Now, as an adult, I have sons and a daughter who love baseball. I take them to
games all the time, I probably get to 20, 30 games a year. Plus, I’ve never been
involved in a feature-length animated film, so it was a real thrill to be a part of
it.”
He points out that the story of Screwie and Yankee also appealed to him
because the lessons they learn through their adventures change their outlook and
are inextricably linked not just to baseball but also to life itself.
“Even though Screwie is curmudgeonly at first, he softens up, even as he
constantly gives Yankee a dose of reality. And the two of them come together
and find each other and find baseball again because they learn not to give up.
And that’s a lot like baseball itself and it’s a great metaphor for life. I mean, you
can be down by ten, 12 runs at the bottom of the ninth inning and you can still
win – if you keep trying,” Reiner adds.
The biggest trial for Reiner was creating Screwie in the void of a recording
studio. “It was a challenge – I mean, you’re sitting by yourself and interacting
with characters you don’t see. So, I relied heavily on the directors and the other
people making the film because they had the vision of how it was going to lay
out and what the tone needed to be,” he says.
The fact that Screwie wasn’t human per se didn’t affect Reiner’s portrayal.
“For me, Screwie was a character with real emotions – anger, sadness, humor –
all the things that come with playing a part,” Reiner continues. “So, it was easy
to forget that he was an inanimate object. He could be a person except that he is
a baseball. The whole idea is to try to bring him to life, to give him a soul. And
that’s just like any other kind of acting.
As fan and a student of baseball history, one of Reiner’s favorite parts of
Everyone’s Hero is when Yankee, Screwie and Darlin’ hook up with a busload of
players heading for a game in the Negro League. On this bus, Yankee literally
finds his footing and Screwie begins to recall what he loved about baseball.
“You know, my father was a big New York Giants fan until Jackie
Robinson came into the major leagues. And then he became a Dodger fan
because the Dodgers were the first team to break the color line. And that was
very significant, not only for baseball but for America. I think it’s an important
section of the film, about the history of the game and this country, of course told
through the journey of Yankee Irving,” Reiner says.
Whoopi Goldberg voices Darlin,’ Babe Ruth’s lucky – and purloined – bat.
Her honeyed southern accent and slightly diva-esque attitude constantly
infuriates Screwie but like the irascible Screwie, she too proves to have a huge
heart.
Goldberg found a kindred spirit in her character. “Well, Darlin’ is Babe
Ruth’s bat, so she is the Queen of the Louisville Sluggers,” says the Oscar®-
winning actress. “And when the filmmakers approached me to play her, they
showed me some very raw animation of the story and I saw Darlin’ and thought,
there I am! I knew it was me the minute I saw her. She didn’t have dreads or
anything; she did have these very long, luxurious lashes. She was quite the
woman!”
Christopher Reeve had directed Goldberg previously, in the telefilm “In
the Gloaming.” “Christopher’s spirit was involved throughout production,”
Goldberg says. “He was a friend and I would do anything for him, so I knew I
had to do this. All the filmmakers carried on his commitment – this was as much
a labor of love for Chris as it was for the kids who will actually get to see it. So it
made me feel quite good to be a little piece of the pie.”
Goldberg adds that adults could learn a thing or two from Everyone’s Hero
and enjoy themselves as much as the children. “The idea of persistence towards
a goal you set for yourself, the notion that there is nothing we can’t do if we put
our minds to it; it’s always the best to see that in young people, in kids. But, there
are also great lessons in that for adults. We often think we’ve failed, we’re done.
And that’s not how we are as children. We would keep going and going, it’s only
as adults that we decide we’re out of the running,” she says.
She adds that, like Darlin,’ children and adults can learn a thing or two
about themselves in striving to attain their goals and dreams. “Along the way,
Darlin’ learns about team work, about doing things with other people and not
making it all about herself. So, it’s really a slice of life lesson told in a beautifully
realized fashion,” she says.
Goldberg finds voicing animated characters to be “more freeing than
being in front of the camera. “It’s just fun. To me, it’s the greatest expression you
can have and you have more options when you’re in animation because you can
play a bat or a hyena or whatever. That’s really why I became an actor; I thought
you could do anything as an actor but, in the real world, people have limitations
in their minds. But, in animation, there are no limits. Nobody says, oh, well,
you’ve put on some weight or gosh, you know, it turns out you’re black and we
don’t think this part would ever be something you could relate to. You don’t
hear any of that in animation. For me that’s heaven because you can literally do
anything or be anything,” Goldberg says.
Goldberg’s passion for and innate understanding of Darlin,’ as well as her
process for communicating that, thrilled and mesmerized the two directors.
“Whoopi is very, very smart and she would not read a line unless she
understood what it was about and she brought so many of her own ideas to
Darlin’ that were so much better than what we had,” says Brady. “Very often,
she would say, ‘Well, I don’t think Darlin’ would say it that way, let’s try it this
way, “Brady recalls.
“Whoopi was an absolute delight to work with because she imbued the
part with so much that wasn’t on the page. And once she found the character,
she knew exactly how Darlin’ should speak and it was extraordinary to watch
this unfold,” says St. Pierre.
William H. Macy plays Lefty, the would-be pitcher of the Chicago Cubs
and a hapless thief, hired to steal Darlin’ from Babe Ruth. Without his lucky bat,
Babe Ruth will be unable to deliver his trademark home runs and the World
Series will go to Chicago. However, Yankee Irving, Screwie and Darlin’ foil
Lefty’s plans, which results in some embarrassing and painful situations for the
wannabe thief. Taking Macy through these sequences sometimes proved slightly
embarrassing and painful for the directors.
“William H. Macy is a fantastic actor, one of my favorites, and has been in
so many classics and brought so much professionalism to the project. So, of
course, we had him play our often ludicrous villain, and sometimes we would
say, ‘Well, could you just read the line a little goofier?’ I’m certain he was used to
getting much more sophisticated direction, but he was a great sport about the
whole thing,” recalls Brady.
Macy, who has played his share of oddball characters, had no problems
incarnating Lefty, adds St. Pierre. “He was an absolute dream. Right off the bat,
he was Lefty – he gave him all these quirky mannerisms and a little bit of
Chicago. And we wanted to make him a guy who was really inept, a bad liar, a
clumsy person who managed to become a pitcher for a major league baseball
team. He likes to cheat to get ahead, to take short cuts so he doesn’t have to really
do what it takes. He’s the complete opposite of Yankee, actually. And Bill
understood that right away and really ran with it.”
As it turns out, Chicago baseball came naturally to Macy and the tale of
Everyone’s Hero spoke to him for several reasons. “I’m an old Chicago boy and
this had the old Chicago written all over it. For me, Wrigley Field is as close to
heaven as you can get. I used to live on Waveland when Dave Kingman played
for the Cubs. Every once in a while, you’d hear a SMACK and a baseball would
be rolling down the street. Besides that, I thought it was a great story, really well
written and heartfelt, and I thought the sketches I saw were original and stylish,”
Macy says.
He adds that the actual voice work did not come as naturally as the
Chicago setting. Lefty, who finds himself in all sorts of uncomfortable physical
situations, plays to Macy’s strengths and allowed him to explore some new ones.
“I’ve done a bit of voice work over the years, yet I still find it challenging,” says
Macy. “I have a tendency to be a physical actor and, of course, it doesn’t show
up on a microphone. But Lefty gets the stuffing whooped out of him throughout
the film so I got to do a lot of oofing and ahfing. Sometimes we’d get lucky and
I’d make a funny sound and they’d animate it,” Macy says. “I also have a
tendency to read the lines as written, so it was interesting to be encouraged to
make stuff up, to go for the joke. It was fun to sort of rock out and come up with
all kinds of variations.”
Newcomer Jake T. Austin portrays young Yankee Irving. Like Yankee,
Austin is a baseball nut. Unlike Yankee, he is quite good at it. “We couldn’t have
asked for a better Yankee than Jake,” says Brady. “He knows all the stats and it
was very natural for him to talk about not just baseball but to get inside the
emotional aspects of Yankee. He was just a goldmine, a wonder to work with
and very talented and smart. He helped us a lot, in terms of our writing and
storyboarding and certainly helped shape the character.”
“We had an initial outing where I met him and a bunch of his friends on a
baseball field,” adds St. Pierre. “It was freezing cold. And they played a game of
pick-up, very much like we have in the movie and we filmed the whole thing.
We asked him to do some typical things, like to show us his stance and how he
threw. And we grabbed some of that, showed it to our animators and started to
incorporate some of Jake’s mannerisms into that of Yankee. Jake is pretty good
at baseball but it was also fun to see him make mistakes. He’d miss a pop fly and
get really angry at himself, there was a little bit of Yankee in that and some of it
seeped into the character.”
In fact, Austin is not just a baseball fanatic, he is a Yankee devotee. One of
the highlights of Everyone’s Hero for him was meeting Joe Torre who plays – what
else? – The Yankees’ manager. “I’m the biggest baseball fan you ever want to
meet, the biggest Yankee fan,” Austin says. “I have a baseball collection of many
things, from autographed balls to pictures with players. I painted my room blue
for the Yankees. Meeting Joe Torre was just crazy; it was a dream come true.
When I got this project, I was stunned.”
While Austin, who was 10 when he recorded the part of Yankee, certainly
enjoyed the project, he liked certain scenes better than others. “Some scenes are
more melodramatic than others and those were more difficult for me. The scenes
between Yankee and Screwie, when he yells at Screwie, those were more like me
and were easier. Fortunately, we have a very talented producer. Ron Tippe
helped me with my lines, taught me how to breathe correctly. Ron and Colin
and Dan helped me become a better actor, they deserve a lot of the credit.”
One of the people Yankee Irving meets along the way is a young woman
named Marti, voiced by Raven-Symoné. Marti teaches Yankee Irving the physics
of the perfect pitch as she helps fend off some bullies with some strategically
thrown apples.
“I thought that Everyone’s Hero was a great story of someone coming into
themselves and sometimes you have to take some risks to follow your dreams,”
Raven-Symoné points out. “And I like that Marti, who’s a bit tomboyish, helps
him along the way, not just in terms of learning about baseball but by becoming
his friend. And why not? You always need a girl to push you along a little bit.”
Raven-Symoné, an animation veteran, enjoys voice-over work but can’t
help bringing some physicality to her performance, even if it never ends up on
film. “I like animation because I can come to work in my pajamas,” she says. “I
had a great relationship with everyone in the recording booth; we laughed a
bunch and had fun. But, as an actress, I’ve done a lot of comedy and most of my
emotion comes through my face and I tend to favor big gestures. I like to move
around a lot and, hopefully, that comes through in my voice. I don’t go as crazy
as I would on television but I do try to embody the character.”
While the Georgia native is, of course, a fan of the Atlanta Braves, she
doesn’t see Everyone’s Hero as “a baseball movie.” “I think the story is about
following your dreams, whether that be baseball or basketball or swimming or
singing, whatever your dream is. Sometimes that means taking chances and
sometimes it’s a lonely road. But, like Yankee, along the way you make great
friends who help you overcome obstacles. You see some of that in Yankee and
Marti. She’s one of the people he meets along his journey, and she teaches him a
few things that help him on the path towards realizing his dreams,” Raven-
Symoné says.
Mandy Patinkin, who voices Yankee’s father, had known Christopher
Reeve since they were students together at Juilliard. “He was an old dear
friend,” says Patinkin. “When the accident happened, it changed the world for
everyone, in terms of having an inspirational figure who was just off the charts.
When Chris asked me to do anything, whether it was a benefit for the
Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation or a movie or a recording for a
children’s book, I was there. I think Chris and Dana’s life was about hope and
belief and promise. And Everyone’s Hero is a story of a child who believes that a
supposedly unattainable dream can come true. He is the little boy in Chris and
in all of us. This boy is a believer and that is what Chris and Dana Reeve were.”
Everyone’s Hero is also the veteran actor’s first animated feature and
Patinkin relished every minute of it. Playing Yankee’s father allowed him to
revisit his own childhood as well as his sons’ childhoods. Like William H. Macy,
Patinkin was a Chicago baseball fan, though he rooted for the cross town team.
“I loved being able to talk to Yankee, as his father, through the memory of
my own boys, who are now grown,” says Patinkin. “And my father loved
baseball; he would take me to Comiskey Park every Saturday to watch the White
Sox. So he was with me in the booth for a line or two. I always wanted to do one
of these and now I want to do more. I particularly loved seeing those tiny
sketches initially and then early, jerky computer images that then become more
fluid. Then with some of the voices added, it takes on a feeling that’s
unbelievably real.”
Patinkin approached the process slightly differently than the other actors
in that he often did not perform just his part but others as well. “Mandy had the
most fascinating method – he read the other guy’s lines to himself and repeated
lines and out of that came this outpouring of performance,” says St. Pierre. “It
was incredible to watch. What you get is this incredibly deep-rooted, soulful,
heartfelt thing. You believe that he really is
Stanley Irving, Yankee’s father, because all this warmth and sweetness comes out
in this extraordinary, golden voice.”
Several other actors contributed in large and small ways to Everyone’s
Hero, from Richard Kind, who plays a helpful hobo and a maitre d’, to Robert
Wagner, who voiced the Yankees’ general manager. Brian Dennehy brought the
legendary Babe Ruth to life but unlike the other actors, his schedule did not
allow him to record his lines in the usual fashion.
“Brian was working in London, and he was not available for us in the
studio,” says St. Pierre. “We had to record his dialogue via telephone lines. So
we never got to meet him but directing over the phone is an interesting
experience. We described what Babe Ruth would be doing during the scene and
everything we knew about it and then Brian imagined and interpreted it. Darn if
Babe Ruth didn’t come out of his mouth when he delivered the lines. We forgot
he was Brian Dennehy the actor, he just was Babe Ruth. It was a great fit.”
FROM VOICES TO ANIMATED CHARACTERS
Once the directors culled all the voice performances, it was time to
transform them into animated characters and to create the world in which they
lived. This is when their duties divided and also coalesced. They shared the
responsibilities, working together on the storyboards, tag-teaming the recording
sessions, deciding what bits should stay, collaborating on selection of the actors’
voice performances. However, each brought their particular specialties to bear
on the look and feel of the film and characters.
“My forte is in visual design and layout and camera stuff, while Colin
came in as a CG animation specialist,” explains St. Pierre. “So, I spent the bulk of
my time with the art department, the layout team, with an eye towards design
and the color aspects and the final output of the film.”
Brady says that their different specialties and backgrounds were
complementary and made for a richer collaboration. Which is not to suggest
they always agreed on everything. “We were like Lennon and McCartney; our
differences were really the strengths of the film,” says Brady. “Dan’s
background in art direction and production design on such beautiful films as
Tarzan and The Hunchback of Notre Dame was tremendous. And I think he
brought a certain kind of live action sensibility to the film as well. My
background is much more cartoon-y, from my school experience at CalArts to
Pixar. I think I contributed more of a comic style and attitude. I think these
opposites ended up being the best of both worlds. For instance, there were times
I might take it into a goofy direction and Dan would say, ‘That just doesn’t feel
like this film.’ In a similar vein, this is an animated film and there is a reason for
that, otherwise we would have shot it live action. So, all in all, it ended up being
a very good balance of skills and talents.”
St. Pierre found inspiration for the look of the film in the paintings of
Norman Rockwell, whose work depicted simple American vignettes realistically
but with candor, warmth and humor.
“Although Everyone’s Hero is set during the Depression, we didn’t want it
to be monochromatic or sepia-toned or in any way somber. We were trying to
make it look as though Norman Rockwell had a hand in the design. If you look
at a Rockwell drawing, he tended to find characters with interesting faces and his
color choices are similar to ours. Ours were a little more saturated because, I
think especially for youngsters, its fun to see a more colorful, lively palette. But,
tonally, it’s very similar to Rockwell’s style,” says St. Pierre.
Like Rockwell’s studies of ordinary American life, St. Pierre says the
camerawork was similarly straightforward. Much of this had to do with the
atmosphere he and director of photography Jan Carlee were trying to create.
Some of this stylistic economy was more practical.
“We had a very short schedule in which to complete the movie,” St. Pierre
explains. “But, all that worked to our advantage. It kept us moving at a faster
rate so we had to always consider if that extra ‘dazzle’ was really important to
the story. It forced us to focus on what was essential to the story and the staging
of the scenes. Jan Carlee really understood that. He was very economical in the
way he used the camera but he had a real style and sense of play in terms of how
he moved the camera.’
Carlee’s “camera” is programmed into the computer but other than that,
the process is akin to a live action movie. “We set up the CG models with break-
away walls so the camera can get around and the ceiling can come off. And we
arranged it just like you'd shoot-a live action film; even though we have a
mathematical camera, the camera still does need to operate that space,” Carlee
explains.
One of Carlee’s biggest challenges was to be true to the era without
seeming overly nostalgic. He had to create an artful balance that was true to the
story and period, but would also underscore the film’s universal themes and
appeal to modern audiences.
“As head of layout, I’m responsible for the visual storytelling,” says
Carlee. “And the camera ends up becoming one of the characters in the show,
whether it’s an observer or an active participant. Because it is a period piece, a
lot of the shots have a more classical feel, in the style of old movie making, not a
lot of really crazy camerawork. At the same time, we have to balance that kind
of cinematography with elements that acknowledge a nostalgic feel but find a
contemporary audience.”
Some of that, Carlee adds, came not from the eye-popping sequences that
typify animation, but from the film’s smaller but no less intense emotional core.
“Everyone’s Hero had to work on an emotional level and have a lot of heart. So,
while a lot of animated films are lensed so that everything is set up for a big
spectacle, often that distances the audience. I thought this needed to have a more
intimate feel to embrace the emotional content and that’s how we staged it,”
Carlee says.
That said, Yankee, Screwie and Darlin’ absolutely enjoy some phenomenal
adventures and they provided Carlee a few “spectacles.” One of the most
complicated – and for Carlee, very satisfying – begins in Penn Station and veers
between moving trains before ending in another excruciating predicament for
Lefty.
“There were three train sequences,” Carlee explains. “They began with
Yankee going to Penn station and, being a New Yorker, I have a great
appreciation for that piece of architecture. It was very rewarding to recreate it for
the film. It also offered a lot of cinematic possibilities, in terms of staging, and
allowed the audience to see it as it was back then, to feel like they were there.
Later on, Yankee sneaks into a train and then we had some fun business, where
he does all kinds of kid stuff, like slithering under seats. It ends with a huge
chase, which was very exciting for the layout department. We took the initial
storyboards and did a lot of visual embellishing. We really tried to dial it up. It
was more than just finding shots; we tried to create a lot of sight gags and
business for the characters. It was very challenging and incredibly rewarding
and lots of fun.”
Key components of the camerawork were the color and lighting design.
These began with beautiful renderings that now hang in the hallways of IDT.
“The movie has a really rich palette,” says Janet Healy. “The colors and the
camerawork in conjunction draw the eye to certain parts of the frame in a
sophisticated, viewer-friendly way. The other thing is that the characters and
their world are so much of the same cloth that you can be transported. A lot of
times in animated movies, characters don’t fit into the background. Everyone’s
Hero has a level of design that is one of its real strengths. Sam Michlap is the
head of our visual development in Los Angeles. He is one of the best colorists in
the business; he is just a fantastic designer and painter. He did a whole series of
lighting keys; they are just beautiful paintings, they are framed and hung here in
the hallway. Those are what the lighters used as their references. So, it really
does come from a well thought out, painterly world that is translated into
computer graphics.”
Michlap adds that his color scheme reflected not only the story but also
the emotions conveyed from scene to scene. “We had to decide which sequence
should be what color and how to tie it to the story. But, for instance, there was
some concern about the color sequences at first because it is set in the 1930s and
all the photography from that period is in black and white. Obviously, there was
tons of color in the world but that’s not our association with this era. Color works
basically on emotion, so color scheme for a given scene was determined by its
emotion. There are high and low notes to color and ranges to them, but overall,
the tones we went for tried to reflect the optimistic spirit of Yankee Irving. So we
tried to be as robust with the colors as we could,” Milchap explains.
Colin Brady says that Yankee Irving’s adventures and struggles and the
film’s 1930s setting, give the film a unique and engaging emotional quality. The
combination of animated people and fantastical manifestations like Screwie and
Darlin’ offered endless comedic opportunities but also, ultimately, affected the
film’s character designs.
“So many animated films have talking animals or cars, some kind of
fantasy creature, and of course, ours does too, with Screwie and Darlin’ and you
couldn’t ask for a better contrast,” says Brady. “The comic tension between them
is hilarious and we never ran out of gags we could do with them. But the humor
had to come out of the situation and the emotional arc. However, the humans
are much less forgiving, in terms of animation, because we see them every day
and if they were a little off, it looked odd. If a baseball is talking and his mouth
is open a bit too wide, there’s nothing in the real world to compare it to. If we
stylize the humans’ design, the animation is more forgiving. I worked on films in
the past, especially at ILM, where we actually tried to recreate humans photo-
realistically and we’ve done a pretty good job. But, oddly, as you get closer to
reality, the further away you are. It looks real but something is not quite right.
Now if you put that character next to a talking baseball, it really seems off. So,
we stylized Yankee Irving’s design. We made his head and ears a little bigger,
for instance. That helps the character from being scrutinized with the standard of
absolute reality.”
Supervising Animator Mile Chaffe says the animation team’s biggest
challenge was to convey the characters’ emotional lives. Occasionally, this meant
heightening Yankee’s reactions and anthropomorphicizing Screwie only to a
certain point.
“It’s a fine line, in terms of copying what we do in real life versus what
you actually see in animation,” Chaffe points out. “If we were to animate
precisely what we do in reality, we’d get a very dead kind of look that isn’t fun
to watch. So the trick is to make sure that the rigs are good so we can get a lot of
good facial animation. Dealing with human characters is always the toughest
because we recognize what they are doing and if we get it wrong, the audience
knows it,” he says. “Screwie was a challenge in that we had to make it look like
a hardball but still has some life, to give him all the character he needed to have
some fun.”
The animation team relied on filmed reference shots of baseballs,
including Austin’s pick-up game, to begin to create Screwie. After that, it was
imagination coupled with trial and error.
“We had to create a set of standards, like, how does his mouth move?
How do we maintain the look of a hardball but still allow the squash and stretch
we need to get the life we need out of him?” says Chaffe. “The good thing about
shooting the reference, even the simplest things, like touching the ball and
watching it move is that I don’t really have to guess at something like that then.
I’d rather put my efforts into the characters’ performance. If I have that
reference, the movement just becomes more accurate and believable. And if it’s
believable, people will invest themselves in the picture or the shot.”
As Screwie is a talking ball, design and placement of his mouth was, of
course, important. Supervising Animator Morgan Ginsberg concentrated on one
of Screwie’s first soliloquies and worked closely with Dan St. Pierre and Colin
Brady on this anatomical conundrum.
“Screwie and Yankee have just become acquainted and Screwie is telling
Yankee the story of how he came to be. I was trying to come up with simple
mouth shapes, very graphic and very readable. Dan and Colin and I worked on
getting the stitching line to come down so that it would hook up with the corners
of his mouth and line up almost like his bottom lip. It was organically integrated
as part of him as opposed to something that was pasted on.”
Another animation challenge was the amount of characters populating the
story, coupled with a very short production schedule. Supervising Animator
Peter Lepeniotis explains: “Certain animation studios will assign supervisors to a
character. We had to move a little faster on this one which was good, mostly,
because we had less time to pontificate and more time to actually work and get
our characters out as quickly as possible. So we all worked on the characters but,
for instance, Yankee, who is the lead and has to carry the entire film, has to carry
more of the weight. So, when he had shots with Yankee, we tended to put more
emphasis on those sequences. It’s his story and we basically helped him along
through it, digitally manipulating him as we went. Having said that, this is
probably the largest cast I’ve ever seen on an animated feature, from little kids to
mothers to grandparents. We littered cityscapes with them, and we had to create
facially expressive emotions for each of them.”
Much of this was accomplished during pre-production, for practical
reasons, and was honed throughout the production. “These facial shapes take a
long time because we have to design each one, including the eyebrows, eyes,
mouths, all the limitations of head movements,” adds Lepeniotis. “This has to
be done to set parameter. That was a huge amount of work when you consider
there are at least ten talking characters. Of course, Yankee was number one,” he
says.
Like the filmed baseball references, the animators required physical real-
life examples of facial articulation and body movement. In a time-honored
fashion, the animators photographed themselves. “It’s a traditional method,
used for at least 80 years. This kind of reference is always extremely important,
whether it be done with mirrors or cameras. The nice thing about having it
videotaped is that we didn’t spend any time trying things out over and over.
Reality is the best reference and also you can isolate certain actions, like how the
face stretches or wrinkles with certain expressions,” Lepeniotis explains.
While the photographic references were handy tools, Brady adds they
were just templates to be use in concert with the animators’ imaginations and, of
course, the talented actors. “All kinds of great ideas come from real life; all the
things you don’t think about when you’re animating a shot come from getting
out of your chair and acting the shot out,” says Brady. “So whether it was
Yankee swinging a bat and missing and falling on his butt, or a very emotional
close-up, we required that every single shot had a reference we could study, to
use all that information. However, if the reference couldn’t entirely do what we
needed, we were certainly free to deviate from it and come up with something
more playful. With Screwie, for example, we referenced the footage of Rob
Reiner reading his lines. But, because Screwie is a ball that bounces all over the
place, we had to pick and choose where and when to draw from reality and
when to have pure animation fun.”
The fun was always grounded in the emotional truth of Yankee, Screwie
and Darlin’s quest to reunite Darlin’ and Babe Ruth, to vindicate Yankee’s father
and, in many ways, to prove to Yankee as much as anyone, that he could
persevere, especially when circumstances didn’t completely go his way. It was
also uniquely anchored to Christopher and Dana Reeve.
* * * *
ABOUT THE CAST
ROB REINER voices Screwie, the wise cracking ball that enjoys solitude
versus being around people. On their journey, with the help of Irving and
Darlin’, he rediscovers his dreams and they become reality.
In addition to his position as principal and co-founder of Castle Rock
Entertainment, Rob Reiner is a well-known actor and one of Hollywood's top
directors.
Prior to his directorial career, Reiner acted in many television and feature
films and wrote for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. It was, however, his
Emmy® Award winning portrayal of Michael Stivic, the son-in-law of Archie
Bunker in the hit series All in the Family, that made him a household name.
Prior to the creation of Castle Rock, Reiner’s credits as a feature film
director included the now-legendary This is Spinal Tap, The Sure Thing, Stand By
Me, and the much loved fantasy The Princess Bride, adapted for the screen by
Academy Award winner William Goldman from his original novel.
Castle Rock Entertainment’s first feature film release in 1989 was Reiner’s
now-classic When Harry Met Sally…, a chronicle of romance in the ‘80s which was
both a critical and box office success, earning him Best Director nominations
from both the Hollywood Foreign Press and the Directors Guild of America. He
next directed Misery, a psychological thriller based on Stephen King’s bestseller
of the same title, which earned Kathy Bates an Oscar in 1990. The mega box office
hit A Few Good Men, starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore,
followed in 1992, garnering another DGA Best Director nomination as well as
four Academy Award nominations, including that for Best Picture. In 1994,
North was released, starring Elijah Wood, Bruce Willis, Jon Lovitz, Jason
Alexander and
Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Reiner directed the hit comedy The American President in
1995, which starred Michael Douglas and Annette Bening. In 1996, Ghosts of
Mississippi chronicled the re-prosecution of the murderer of civil rights leader
Medgar Evers and starred Alec Baldwin, Whoopi Goldberg and James Woods.
The Story of Us, starring Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer, followed in 1999.
Reiner's most recent films are the 2003 romantic comedies Alex & Emma,
starring Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson, and 2005's Rumor Has It…, with Jennifer
Aniston, Kevin Costner, Shirley MacLaine, and Mark Ruffalo.
In addition to his work behind the camera, Reiner has continued to act,
appearing in such films as Bullets Over Broadway, Bye Bye, Love, Sleepless In Seattle,
The First Wives Club, Primary Colors, EDtv, The Muse, and Dickie Roberts: Former
Child Star.
Reiner has long been one of America’s leaders on public policy issues
ranging from early childhood development to environmental protection. In
1997, Rob and his wife Michele founded the I Am Your Child Foundation (now
Parents’ Action for Children) and began a national public awareness and
engagement campaign to communicate the importance of early childhood
development. The Foundation’s efforts, including two White House conferences,
a primetime network television special, numerous statewide initiatives and the
distribution of over 8 million videos, have helped give American parents the
tools to raise happy and healthy children. In 1998, Mr. Reiner led the fight to
pass California Proposition 10, which, through First 5 California, now provides
over $600 million each year to early childhood development services.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG voices Darlin’, a conceited, self absorbed, bat who
expects nothing but the best and getting her way. She learns through the journey
that sometimes you have to put causes and friends before yourself.
In 2002, Whoopi Goldberg became one of a very elite group of artists who have
won the Grammy (Whoopi Goldberg, 1985), the Academy Award (Ghost, 1991),
the Golden Globe (The Color Purple, 1985 and Ghost, 1991), the Emmy (as host of
AMC’s Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel, 2002) and a Tony
(as a producer of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” 2002). She is equally well-known
for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of children, the homeless, human rights,
education, substance abuse and the battle against AIDS, as well as many other
causes and charities. Among her many charitable activities, Goldberg is a
Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations.
Born and raised in New York City, Goldberg worked in theatre and
improvisation in San Diego and the Bay Area, where she performed with the
Blake Street Hawkeyes theatre troupe. There, she created the characters that
became The Spook Show and evolved into her hit Broadway show, Grammy
Award-winning album and the HBO special that helped launch her career.
Goldberg made her motion picture debut in Steven Spielberg’s film
version of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, for which she earned an Academy
Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award. Her performance in Ghost
earned her the Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting
Actress. Goldberg has also appeared in such films as Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Clara’s
Heart, The Long Walk Home, Soapdish, The Player, Sarafina!, Sister Act, Made in
America, Corrina, Corrina, The Lion King, Boys on the Side, Eddie, The Associate,
Ghosts of Mississippi, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Girl, Interrupted, Kingdom
Come and Rat Race, which reunited her with her Ghost director, Jerry Zucker. She
voiced characters in the animated features Racing Stripes and Doogal.
On television, Goldberg appeared for five seasons on Star Trek: The Next
Generation, she co-starred with Jean Stapleton in Bagdad Café and hosted her own
syndicated late-night talk show. She appeared in the Emmy-nominated HBO
drama, In the Gloaming, directed by Christopher Reeve, as well as The Wonderful
World of Disney’s Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and A Knight in Camelot and
appeared in the mini-series Alice in Wonderland and The Magical Legend of the
Leprechauns. She starred in the NBC sitcom, Goldberg, which she executive
produced with Carsey-Werner-Mandabach and Bonnie and Terry Turner. She
appeared on Nick Jr.’s Goldberg’s Littleburg, a series of three, half-hour TV
specials set in The Preschool Capital of the World, which she also produces.
As she has in every other facet of her career, Goldberg has made her mark
as a producer. She executive produced the Lifetime original drama series Strong
Medicine, the longest-running original drama created for basic cable and the first
cable show to go into syndication. Goldberg was also an executive producer of
the musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, which won six Tony Awards, including
Best Musical.
Goldberg has appeared on many television series and specials, including
her own HBO specials, three-time host of ABC’s A Gala for the President at Ford’s
Theatre and eight Comic Relief telecasts with Billy Crystal and Robin Williams.
Goldberg received Emmy Award nominations for hosting the 66th, 68th and 71st
Academy Awards telecasts and returned to host the 2002 telecast at the new
Kodak Theatre.
Goldberg’s TV movies include It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
for NBC and Showtime’s Good Fences, co-producing and co-starring with Danny
Glover. In early 2003, Goldberg returned to Broadway, co-starring with Charles
“Roc” Dutton in August Wilson’s acclaimed Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which she
also produced. She had last appeared on Broadway in 1997, in A Funny Thing
Happened on the Way to the Forum.
JAKE T. AUSTIN voices Yankee Irving, an ordinary 10-year-old boy with
an extraordinary heart. Yankee embarks on a grand adventure restoring his
family’s honor, while making true friends along the journey. He believes dreams
come true if you don’t give up.
Eleven-year-old newcomer Jake T. Austin stars as the voice of Diego in the
new animated Nick Jr. series Go, Diego, Go!. He has appeared on The Late Show
with David Letterman, Blue’s Clues and the film Martin and Orlove, as well as
several commercials and voiceovers.
Austin will also be featured in the upcoming animated film The Ant Bully.
An avid sports fan, Jake loves baseball, soccer, basketball, skateboarding
and snowboarding. He also enjoys traveling, especially to visit his Abuelo and
other relatives in Puerto Rico. Jake lives in New York’s Rockland County with
his parents, Giny and Joey, and his younger sister, Ava.
WILLIAM H. MACY voices Lefty, the gross, disgusting henchman who
will do anything to succeed and get what he wants, including the destruction of
Irving, his family and their hero.
William H. Macy appears in the independent feature Thank You for
Smoking, the animated feature Doogal, for which he voiced Brian the Snail and
Sahara, opposite Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz.
Macy co-stars in the independent feature Bobby. The film is based around
fictionalized events leading up to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy
in 1968. Directed by Emilio Estevez, the film also stars Anthony Hopkins, Demi
Moore, Lindsay Lohan, Sharon Stone, Christian Slater, Mandy Moore, Helen
Hunt, Elijah Wood, Heather Graham, Laurence Fishburne, Martin Sheen, Shia
LeBeouf, Freddy Rodriguez and Ashton Kutcher. Macy also recently wrapped
production on Umney’s Last Case based on an anthology of Steven King short
stories. The mini-series aired on TNT in 2006. Macy also recently completed
production on Edmond, an adaptation of the David Mamet play, also starring
Dylan Walsh, Julia Stiles, Joe Mantegna and Mena Suvari. Macy will soon begin
work on Bee Movie, another animated feature.
Macy is best known for his portrayal of Jerry Lundergaard in Fargo, for
which he received an Oscar nomination and won an Independent Spirit Award
as Best Supporting Actor. He also garnered nominations for Funniest
Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture (American Comedy Awards), Best Actor
(Chicago Film Critics), Best Supporting Actor (Dallas/ Fort Worth Film Critics),
and Best Actor in a Drama (International Press Academy).
Other films include the thriller Cellular starring opposite Kim Basinger,
The Cooler, Seabiscuit, for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination, Spartan, In
Enemy Hands, Magnolia, Pleasantville, Happy Texas, State and Main, Jurassic Park 3,
Focus, Welcome to Collinwood, Psycho, A Civil Action, Boogie Nights, Wag The Dog,
Air Force One, Ghosts of Mississippi, Mr. Holland's Opus, The Client, Shadows and
Fog, Murder in the First, Searching for Bobby Fischer, Radio Days and Panic.
In 2005, Macy was seen in TNT's The Wool Cap. Macy joined writing
partner Steven Schachter for this new take on the 1962 comedy Gigot, which
originally starred Jackie Gleason and was directed by Gene Kelly. Macy was
nominated for an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award for his
performance. He and Schachter, who also directed the piece, were also
nominated for a Writers Guild Award. In addition, the movie was nominated for
an Emmy and a Critics' Choice Award.
In 2002, Macy received outstanding critical acclaim for his role as Bill
Porter in TNT's Door to Door opposite Kyra Sedgwick, Helen Mirren, Kathy Baker
and Felicity Huffman. The movie, which Macy also co-wrote, tells the true story
of Porter, an award-winning door-to-door salesman with cerebral palsy. The
movie aired to unprecedented ratings for a TNT original movie premiere and
received a SAG Award, Peabody Award, an AFI Award, a Critic's Choice
Award, a Golden Satellite Award, a Writer's Guild nomination, an American
Cinema Editors nomination and a Golden Globe nomination. The movie was
nominated for 12 Emmys and won 6 including Outstanding Made for Television
Movie as well as winning Macy the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Television
Movie statue and Outstanding Writing for a Television Movie with Steven
Schachter.
In 2003, Macy was seen in the Showtime Original Picture Stealing Sinatra,
which depicts the 1963 botched kidnapping of Frank Sinatra, Jr. Macy received
an Emmy nomination in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a
Miniseries or a Movie for his performance.
He received an Emmy nomination as Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series
for his recurring role as Dr. David Morgenstern on ER. Macy also had a
recurring role on Aaron Sorkin's Sports Night and was nominated for an Emmy
for his performance. His movie of the week credits include Reversible Errors, A
Murderous Affair, Heart of Justice, Standoff at Marion, and the miniseries
Andersonville, The Murder of Mary Phagan and The Awakening Land. In addition to
the politically charged BBC telefilm The Writing on the Wall, Macy also appeared
in two Mamet vehicles, The Water Engine and Showtime's Texan. In 1999, he
starred opposite his wife Felicity Huffman, on the TNT television film A Slight
Case of Murder and received another Emmy nomination. Macy and his writing
partner Steven Schachter wrote the film and Schachter directed. Also with
Schachter, Macy has written several television scripts.
In 1998, Macy was honored by Showest when he was named Best
Supporting Actor of the Year for his body of work.
MANDY PATINKIN voices Yankee’s Dad, who works at the famed
Yankee Stadium where Babe Ruth’s bat Darlin’ is stolen.
Mandy Patinkin who is not only an accomplished actor; he is also a
renowned tenor. He attended Kenwood High School, University of Kansas and
Juilliard School of Drama. His first real break was when he played Che in Evita
on Broadway in 1979. He went on to win a Tony Award for that role.
After this initial musical theater success he moved to film, playing a
number of parts in movies such as Yentl and Ragtime, before returning to
Broadway in 1984 to star in Sunday in the Park with George, which saw him earn
another Tony Award nomination.
He is beloved by fans for his inimitable portrayal of Inigo Montoya in Rob
Reiner's The Princess Bride.
Over the next decade he continued to appear in various movies such as
Dick Tracy and Alien Nation, on Broadway in The Secret Garden and released two
solo albums called Mandy Patinkin and Dress Casual.
In 1994, he burst onto the small screen playing the role of Dr. Jeffrey
Geiger on CBS's Chicago Hope and promptly won an Emmy Award.
He returned to Broadway in 2000 in the New York Shakespeare Festival's
The Wild Party, earning another Tony Award nomination. He has also been seen
in the Showtime comedy-drama Dead Like Me.
He currently stars in the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds.
RAVEN-SYMONÉ voices Marti, a fun-loving, energetic, tomboy who
exemplifies “girl power.” She becomes a good friend of Yankee Irving’s who
helps him through tough situations and in achieving his goal.
Raven-Symoné currently stars as Raven Baxter, a confident teen whose
ability to see flashes of the future compel her to embark on a series of comical
misadventures on the hit show, That’s So Raven. She also voices the character of
Monique on the animated action/comedy series Kim Possible. She starred in the
Disney Channel movie The Cheetah Girls.
Born in Atlanta, GA, she began her career in entertainment at age 3. Best
known as the adorable Olivia on The Cosby Show and as Nicole on Hangin’ with
Mr. Cooper, she also appeared as Eddie Murphy’s rebellious daughter in the
feature films Dr. Doolittle 1 and 2.
The multi-talented teen has been nominated for 2 NAACP Image Awards
and is also a recording artist. She released her hit single, “That’s What Little
Girls Are Made Of” when she was five and that same year she debuted on
Broadway with The Boys Choir of Harlem for their 25th anniversary celebration.
More recently, she toured with N’Sync in support of her latest CD, Undeniable.
* * * *
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
CHRISTOPHER REEVE (Director / Executive Producer)
Actor, director and activist are just some of the words used to describe
Christopher Reeve. From his first appearance at the Williamstown Theatre
Festival at the age of 15, Reeve established a reputation as one of the country’s
leading actors. However, ever since he was paralyzed in an equestrian
competition in 1995, Reeve not only put a human face on spinal cord injury but
he motivated neuroscientists around the world to conquer the most complex
diseases of the brain and central nervous system.
After graduating from Cornell University in 1974, Reeve pursued his dream
of acting, studying at Juilliard under the legendary John Houseman. He made his
Broadway debut opposite Katharine Hepburn in A Matter of Gravity in 1976 and
then went on to distinguish himself in a variety of stage, screen and television
roles with passion. Film credits include: Superman in 1978 and its subsequent
sequels, Deathtrap, Somewhere in Time, The Bostonians, Street Smart, Speechless,
Noises Off, Above Suspicion and the Oscar-nominated The Remains of the Day. Stage
credits include: The Marriage of Figaro, Fifth of July, My Life, Summer and Smoke,
Love Letters and The Aspern Papers.
Reeve made his directorial debut with In the Gloaming on HBO in April
1997. The film was met with rave reviews, was nominated for five Emmys and
won six Cable Ace Awards, including Best Dramatic Special and Best Director.
Reeve’s autobiography, Still Me, was published by Random House in April 1998
and spent 11 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List. His audio recording
of Still Me earned Reeve a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album in February
1999. In his first major role since becoming paralyzed, Reeve starred in an
updated version of the classic Hitchcock thriller "Rear Window," for which he
was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and won the Screen Actors Guild
Award for Best Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries. He also served as
Executive Producer of the film.
Reeve continued his directing work in television and film as well as his arts-
advisory service as a board member of the Williamstown Theatre Festival. In
early 2001, Reeve began combining his directing efforts with his activism when
he directed four commercials featuring Ray Romano, Randy Newman, Toni
Morrison and himself for Johnson & Johnson that focused on helping parents
talk to their kids. The same year he filmed a spot for the American Red Cross that
celebrated volunteerism.
In 1999, Reeve became the Chairman of the Board of the Christopher
Reeve Foundation (CRF). CRF, a national, nonprofit organization, supports
research to develop effective treatments and a cure for paralysis caused by spinal
cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. CRF also allocates a
portion of its resources to grants that improve the quality of life for people with
disabilities.
As Vice Chairman of the National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.), he
worked on quality of life issues for the disabled. In partnership with Senator Jim
Jeffords of Vermont, he helped pass the 1999 Work Incentives Improvement Act,
which allows people with disabilities to return to work and still receive disability
benefits. Reeve served on the Board of Directors of World T.E.A.M. Sports, a
group that organizes and sponsors challenging sporting events for athletes with
disabilities; TechHealth, a private company that assists in the relationship
between patients and their insurance companies; and LIFE (Leaders in
Furthering Education) a charitable organization that supports education and
opportunities for the underserved population.
In addition to his work on behalf of CRF, Reeve’s advocacy efforts included:
• Lobbying on behalf of the National Institutes of Health to double the NIH
budget in five years. In part because of his leadership, the NIH budget grew
from 12 billion dollars in 1998 to nearly 27.2 billion dollars in fiscal 2003;
• Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health
and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies in favor of federally
funded stem cell research;
• Providing instrumental and crucial support for the passage of the New York
State Spinal Cord Injury Research Bill (7287C), landmark legislation that makes
available up to $8.5 million annually in funds collected from violations of the
state’s motor vehicle laws to be appropriated among the leading research
facilities in New York. Reeve was also involved in lobbying efforts for similar
bills in New Jersey, Kentucky, Virginia and California;
• Working tirelessly to obtain increased funding from both the public and
private sectors to cure Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MS, ALS, stroke, as well as to
repair the damaged spinal cord; and
• Helping to establish the Reeve-Irvine Research Center at the UCI College of
Medicine. The center supports the study of trauma to the spinal cord and
diseases affecting it, with an emphasis on the development of therapies to
promote the recovery and repair of neurological function.
While Reeve raised public awareness about the significance of medical
research and the challenges facing those with disabilities, he also educated
families about the importance of having adequate health and disability coverage.
In 1997, Reeve joined with HealthExtras, the first company to offer subscribers a
tax-free non-accountable payment of 1 million dollars in the event of a
permanent accidental disability. The cost of this policy is a mere $10 a month and
is available through Visa, American Express or via the Internet. Reeve served as
company spokesman.
Reeve’s community and political involvement pre-dates his spinal cord
injury. Over the course of many years, he served as a national spokesman on
behalf of the arts, campaign finance reform and the environment. A founder and
Co-President of The Creative Coalition, he helped to create recycling in New
York City and to persuade state legislature to set aside one billion dollars to
protect the city’s water supply. Since 1976, he was actively involved with Save
the Children, Amnesty International, Natural Resources Defense Council, The
Environmental Air Force and America’s Watch. In 1987, he demonstrated in
Santiago, Chile on behalf of 77 actors threatened with execution by the Pinochet
regime. For this action, Reeve was given a special Obie Award in 1988 and the
annual award from the Walter Briehl Human Rights Foundation.
His second book, Nothing is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life, was
published by Random House in September 2002. The audio rendition of Nothing
is Impossible garnered Reeve his second Grammy nomination for Best Spoken
Word Album. At the same time, a documentary film about his advocacy and
road to recovery entitled “Christopher Reeve: Courageous Steps” aired on ABC
television in the United States. The documentary was directed by Reeve’s son
Matthew and has been distributed around the world.
In September 2003, Reeve was awarded the Mary Woodard Lasker Award
for Public Service in Support of Medical Research and the Health Sciences from
the Lasker Foundation. Recognized for perceptive, sustained and heroic
advocacy for medical research in general, and people living with disabilities in
particular, Reeve was selected for this distinction by a jury of scholars and
scientists.
In August 2004, Reeve completed directing The Brooke Ellison Story. This
fact-based A&E cable television movie was based on the book Miracles Happen:
One Mother, One Daughter, One Journey. Brooke Ellison became a quadriplegic
at age 11 but with determination and the support of her family, Ellison rose
above her disability and went on to graduate from Harvard University. The film
starred Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Lacey Chabert and John Slattery.
Christopher Reeve died October 10, 2004 of heart failure. He was 52 years
old.
DANA REEVE (Executive Producer, voice of Yankee’s Mother)
Dana Reeve was a founding board member of the Christopher Reeve Foundation
and Dana Reeve succeeded her late husband, Christopher Reeve, as chair in 2004.
The Foundation is wholly committed to finding cures and treatments for spinal
cord injuries as well as improving the quality of life for people living with
disabilities.
Ms. Reeve established the Foundation’s Quality of Life initiatives: the
Quality of Life grants program and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Paralysis
Resource Center. Since its inception in 1999, the Quality of Life grants program
has awarded more than $8 million to support programs and projects that
improve the daily lives of people living with paralysis.
In addition to her work with the CRF, Ms. Reeve also served on the boards
of The Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey,
TechHealth, and The Reeve-Irvine Center for Spinal Cord Research and as an
advisory board member to the National Family Caregivers Association.
She received numerous awards for her work, most notably the Shining
Example Award from Proctor & Gamble in 1998 and an American Image Award
from the AAFA in 2003. In addition, the American Cancer Society named her
Mother of the Year in 2005. Ms. Reeve authored the book Care Packages, which
was published by Random House in 1999.
First and foremost an actress, Ms. Reeve’s many singing and acting credits
included appearances on television, where she had starring roles on Law & Order,
Oz, and All My Children, among others. She performed in plays on Broadway,
off-Broadway, and at numerous regional theatres, and performed as a singer on
national television and at various New York venues. In 2000 she co-hosted a live
daily talk show for women on the Lifetime Network.
Ms. Reeve graduated cum laude from Middlebury College where she also
later received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, and she pursued
graduate studies in Acting at the California Institute of the Arts.
Dana Reeve passed away of lung cancer at the age of 44 on March 6, 2006.
Reeve is survived by her father, Dr. Charles Morosini, sisters Deborah Morosini
and Adrienne Morosini Heilman, her son Will and two stepchildren, Matthew
and Alexandra.
DANIEL ST. PIERRE (Director)
Daniel St. Pierre previously served as the production designer on the hit
film Shark Tale. He earned an Annie Award nomination for Outstanding
Individual Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Feature for his
work as an art director on Tarzan. He also served as a story artist and visual
consultant on 102 Dalmatians.
St. Pierre’s additional credits include work as a layout supervisor on the
animated features The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Lion King and Mickey’s The
Prince and the Pauper. He was also a key layout artist on such films as The Little
Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. Everyone’s Hero marks his debut as a
director.
COLIN BRADY (Director)
Colin Brady during his six years at Pixar, was co-director on Toy Story 2
when the film transitioned from direct-to-video to a theatrical release. During
those 18 months, Brady oversaw the design and development of new characters,
and contributed significantly to story and dialogue. Brady was a lead animator
on Toy Story, animation director in Pixar's shorts division, and a supervising
animator on A Bug's Life.
On Hulk and Lemony Snicket, Brady and his team pioneered the motion
capture of attack dogs and even eight-month-old infants. On Lemony Snicket,
Brady helped develop an inexpensive system to reliably track facial motion.
In addition, Brady was supervising animator on Men in Black 2 and E.T.
The Extraterrestrial Special Edition.
RON TIPPE (Producer)
Ron Tippe has been integrally involved in the development and
production of live action films, traditional 2-D and computer animated films and
visual effects. He produced the 2D and CGI animation on the hit film Space Jam
and served as producer of Shrek during the pre-production phase.
He also produced the Academy Award-nominated short animated feature
starring Mickey Mouse, Runaway Brain. He served as associate producer on the
American Playhouse/PBS telefilm In A Shallow Grave. He also was the executive
vice president of creative affairs and co-founder of the Digital Character Group,
an animation studio.
He went on to become vice-president of creative development at Route 66
Productions before becoming president and co-founder of Woof! Entertainment.
IGOR KHAIT (Producer)
Igor Khait has been making animated films for more than 17 years.
Beginning his career in 1989 at Amblin Entertainment, he has since worked at
many of the most prestigious animation studios in the field. In that time Khait
has built a strong reputation for creativity and versatility as well as for nurturing
talent.
Khait was the producer on Disney’s just released Leroy and Stitch. The film
is the final chapter in the highly popular Lilo & Stitch: The Series.
In 2003, Khait was the associate producer on Walt Disney Studios’ Brother
Bear, an Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature. Prior to that, he
served as production manager on Disney’s Atlantis, the Lost Empire, Warner Bros.’
Quest for Camelot, and Paramount’s Bebe’s Kids. Additionally, he has worked in
production on the CBS animated series Family Dog, executive produced by
Steven Spielberg and Tim Burton, an animated Christmas special A Wish for
Wings That Work, based on the popular Bloom County comic strip, and on a
number of industrial and corporate films.
Khait worked with John Kricfalusi, creator of the Emmy-nominated Ren
and Stimpy. During his years at Kricfalusi’s company, Spumco, Khait managed
the production of the Spumco comics and toys, and was the associate producer of
a collector’s edition of The Flintstones, The Early Episodes laser disc set.
Art, animation, and film have always been Khait’s passions. He received
his first B.A. in Fine Art from University of California, Santa Cruz and his second
B.A. in Film Graphics and Animation from CalArts in Valencia, CA. Originally
from Odessa, Ukraine, Igor Khait lives in Studio City, CA with his wife and two
children.
ROBERT KURTZ (Writer)
Robert Kurtz is a two-time People's Choice Award winner, for writing and
producing the acclaimed TV shows Cosby and Grace Under Fire.
He served as supervising producer for the WB animated series Baby Blues
when he joined the creative development department at IDT Entertainment.
JEFF HAND (Writer)
Jeff Hand has worked in theater, television and animation. He was an
associate producer for the Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club, and worked in
production management for Walt Disney Feature Animation for ten years before
writing development treatments for feature animation development.
His writing credits include Ruckus, a game show produced by Merv
Griffin Enterprises, the children's video Newton: Fun with Colors, Farm Force as
well as the animated features Brother Bear and Brother Bear II.
JAN CARLEE (Director of Photography)
Jan Carlee has been active in the animation and special effects industry for
over twenty years. Prior to his involvement in Everyone's Hero, Carlee
supervised the digital 2D and 3D digital elements at Don Bluth Entertainment for
such films as Thumbelina and Rock -A- Doodle. Later working at Blue Sky Studios
in New York he directed many award winning commercials before directing
animation for such feature films as Alien Resurrection, Joe's Apartment and Titan
A.E. Carlee was also the sequence director for the film Ice Age and more recently
worked at Dreamworks on the film Shrek 2.
* * * *
ABOUT THE SOUNDTRACK
Just like the incredible talents voicing the film, the soundtrack is also full
of a diverse group of talented artists who wanted to come together for this
project. Music Supervisor Dawn Solér was as eager as all the talent to come on
board for the film.
“Christopher Reeve was such a hero to me,” said Solér. “With his
involvement, I knew the project would be filled with so much heart. This gave
me a passion to find the best songs, songwriters and musicians for the
soundtrack.”
Solér has worked as a music supervisor for 16 years, but ”Everyone’s
Hero” is only her second animated film. She has worked on such acclaimed
soundtracks as “Don Juan De Marco,” “Notting Hill,” “French Kiss” and
“Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.”
One of the first musicians Solér sought out was John Ondrasik from the
platinum certified and Grammy-nominated band Five for Fighting. “Ondrasik is
one of the most gifted and current songwriters who can write emotional songs on
a very a sophisticated level,” said Solér. Ondrasik was told the story and was
shown a few stills, and from that had agreed to work on the project. His Song,
“The Best,” was incorporated into the film twice and became a theme for Yankee.
“The music and emotion in the song were perfect to show Yankee’s
excitement in the beginning of the film, but also the song has very tender lyrics,
which we were able to use later in a more tender moment with Yankee,” said
Solér. Ondrasik also wrote the song “Swing It” for the film, for which Solér and
he brought on board country duo Brooks & Dunn to perform.
Raven-Simoné agreed to do a song for the soundtrack, as she was a
natural fit for “Keep Your Eye On The Ball.” “This is a fun song that kids will
really enjoy,” said Solér. “To give the song a more classic feel, we decided to use
an acoustic guitar, rather than an electric guitar.”
Other songs on the soundtrack include the baseball classic “Take Me Out
To The Ballgame” performed by country super group Lonestar. “This version
will be played at many ballgames to come,” said Solér.
For a more urban flavor, Wyclef Jean was brought on board to remake Ella
Fitzgerald’s jazz standard, “It’s Not What You Do, But The Way You Do It” and
created a timeless remake with “What You Do.” Another surprising musical
turn is Lyle Lovett’s rendition of Sinatra’s “Chicago (That Toddling Town).” In
this version Lovett is almost unrecognizable as his gritty voice has been soothed
by the amazing musical rendition.
Another surprising appearance is from Paris Bennett of “American Idol”
whose vocal performance on John Debney’s “The Tigers” will “take you out of
the park,” said Solér.
# # # #
©2006 IDT Entertainment. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to newspapers and periodicals to reproduce this
text in articles publicizing the distribution of the Motion Picture.
All other use is strictly prohibited, including sale, duplication, or other transfers of this material.
Oscar®-winner Russell Crowe reunites with “Gladiator” director Ridley Scott in A
GOOD YEAR, a Fox 2000 Pictures presentation of a Scott Free production. London-based
investment expert Max Skinner (Crowe) moves to Provence to sell a small vineyard he has
inherited from his late uncle. Max reluctantly settles into what ultimately becomes an
intoxicating new chapter in his life, as he comes to realize that life is meant to be savored.
A GOOD YEAR is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Peter Mayle.
(Mayle and Ridley Scott, who are longtime friends, together came up with the idea for the
novel.) Scott produces from a screenplay by Marc Klein. The film also stars the esteemed
Albert Finney as Max’s late Uncle Henry, who imparts wisdom to his young nephew; Marion
Cotillard (“A Very Long Engagement”) as a café owner who catches Max’s eye; Abbie
Cornish (“Sommersault”) as Max’s supposed long-lost cousin, who may hold the vineyard’s
title rights; Tom Hollander (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”) as his best friend;
and Freddie Highmore (“Finding Neverland”) as the young Max.
Confident and cocky, headstrong and handsome, Max Skinner is a successful London
banker who specializes in trading bonds. A financial barracuda on the banks of the Thames,
Max devours the competition in his efforts to conquer the European market. His latest
conquest has netted a tidy seven-figure profit, much to the chagrin of his Saville Row-draped
rivals. Max’s triumph is in perfect keeping with his philosophy: winning isn’t everything,
it’s the only thing!
Soon thereafter, Max receives word from France alerting him to sad news: his elderly
Uncle Henry has passed away. Max, Henry’s closest blood relative, is the sole beneficiary of
his estate, which includes a Provençal chateau and vineyard, La Siroque, where Henry
cultivated grapes for over thirty years.
Max travels to the chateau where he spent his boyhood summers vacationing with his
eccentric uncle, whom he hasn’t seen or written to in years. While Max tends to the legal
affairs of his inheritance, he is suspended from his firm, pending an investigation into his
questionable bond transaction.
With his future in London in flux, Max reluctantly begins settling into life at the
chateau. He reunites with the chateau’s longtime vigneron, Francis Duflot (still tending the
vines after three decades), whom Max remembers from his boyhood visits. Duflot’s
exuberant wife, Ludivine, the estate’s housekeeper, warmly welcomes Max back.
Max is uncertain as to whether life in the South of France suits him. He rings up his
best friend, London realtor Charlie Willis, to inquire as to what a small chateau and winery
like La Siroque would command on the current market. Charlie advises Max that small
wineries with a good product can bring several million dollars, as boutique wine, made in
small batches, is the rage in wine shops. It’s money in the bank for Max should he lose his
job.
As Max fondly embraces the memories of summers past (spent with a man whose
wisdom and philosophy helped Max chart his successful career) while contemplating a
cloudy future, a complication arises with the sudden arrival of a determined,
twentysomething California girl, Christie Roberts. Christie, a Napa Valley native, claims to
be the illegitimate daughter of the deceased uncle. The revelation, if true, makes her Max’s
cousin and, according to French law, the beneficiary of La Siroque.
Suspecting Christie may be a fraud, Max questions her about her past while bickering
with her over the fate of the vineyard, whose plonk (as the French define bad wine) rivals the
worst vinegar imaginable. Max, who has tasted La Siroque’s awful vin de pays, also finds
some other bottles in Uncle Henry’s cellar bearing the name Le Coin Perdu (‘the lost
corner’). This mysterious, legendary vin de garage has fetched thousands per bottle on the
black market for years, according to the fetching local cafe owner, Fanny Chenal, with whom
Max has become smitten.
Where does the wine come from, and why is Duflot so insistent on staying at La
Siroque whatever the vineyard’s fate? And, what about some unusual vines discovered on
the property by Christie, which the crusty vintner claims are experimental in nature, and a
renowned oenologue has deemed unworthy?
Max’s memories and the passage of time bring forth emotions and feelings he
thought were long lost, and afford him a new appreciation of his late Uncle Henry’s
philosophy on life – and on life in Provence: “There’s nowhere else in the world where one
can keep busy doing so little, yet enjoy it so much!”
Peter Mayle is a native Brit who abandoned a successful advertising career and
reinvented himself as a best-selling author and novelist. He has been writing about the good
life in the South of France for over fifteen years. Critics have praised his books, both fiction
and nonfiction, calling the writer “the world’s foremost literary escape artist” because of his
knack for setting his colorful yarns in a locale one magazine called “the most enticing place
this side of paradise.” Mayle’s first book, a memoir called A Year in Provence, has sold
over five million copies (in 28 languages) since its publication in 1991.
It was over a bottle of Provençal wine that Mayle (who lives full-time in the Luberon
area of Provence) and filmmaker Ridley Scott (who has maintained a vacation home and
vineyard there for fifteen years) came up with the idea for Mayle’s breezy 2004 novel A
Good Year. “Ridley used to work in the commercials business and I used to work in the
advertising agency business in London,” Mayle recounts about his early history with the
filmmaker; their friendship stretches back to London’s advertising world of the 1970s. “He
was about the best there was, so we would always use his company for shooting commercials
if we could afford him. We worked together intermittently in London, and then he went off
and did movies and I went off and (wrote) books.”
Almost three decades later, Scott and Mayle had a memorable lunch. “Ridley arrived
with a newspaper clipping which reported on new wines in Bordeaux – ‘garage’ wines –
which commanded huge prices without a chateau or pedigree. Yet, people paid a fortune for
them.”
“I saw this piece in the newspaper business section of the Times about a vineyard in
France that was selling garage wine for over £30,000 a case,” Scott recounts about the 1996
clipping, which he still keeps in his files in London. “I was looking for an excuse to come
back to France to shoot a film, and this story idea offered the perfect opportunity.
“I bounced this idea off Peter Mayle and he said, ‘That would make a good novel,’”
Scott remembers. “And I said, ‘You write the book, then I’ll get the film rights.’ So, he
wrote the book, which was successful.”
Mayle labored at his laptop for nine months in 2003, researching the subject in both
in his adopted Provence and in one of the world’s renowned wine regions, Bordeaux, on
France’s Atlantic coast. Le Pin, located in the appellation called Pomerol, cultivates what
many believe to be the best Merlot on the planet.
In the meantime, Scott went off to Morocco and Spain to film his epic saga,
“Kingdom of Heaven.” A month after the author turned in his manuscript, a deal was
finalized for the film rights – and Scott and Mayle were back in business together.
Scott also suggested the book’s (and film’s) title. “A winemaker has a difficult life.
But if he gets it right, he’s had a good year,” says the filmmaker. “That’s what a French
winemaker will say: ‘It’s been a good year.’”
Scott chose New York native Marc Klein (“Serendipity”) to adapt Mayle’s novel for
the screen. Klein admits that when he accepted Scott’s offer, he knew nothing about wine or
Provence. Scott advised Klein to visit the South of France to conduct research and get a
flavor of the area. Klein visited Provence in 2004, met with Peter Mayle, and spent almost a
year researching the region and the wines.
Adapting Mayle’s novel provided Klein with some formidable challenges. “Peter
writes books that are like travelogues,” says the screenwriter. “They're more about
atmosphere – the kind of book one likes to read on vacation, where you want to be swept
away to a certain place. We needed to provide additional narrative structure on it. At the
same time, we wanted to give moviegoers the same experience they would have reading the
book.”
“Peter’s book is a jolly romp,” Scott adds. “It’s very much embedded in the lifestyle
of Provence. For the movie, I found that the mechanism for the story needed to be adjusted a
little bit, to turn up the volume on the character of Max, who needed to learn an important
life lesson. The philosophy that Uncle Henry was trying to instill into this young Max really
didn’t take.”
A key change from the novel was the screenplay’s depiction of Uncle Henry, who is
only referred to in the novel. After toying with the idea of making Henry a ghostly figure,
Scott and Klein decided to depict the character in flashbacks, which, says Scott, “allows us to
see the grooming of Max as a child, which pays off as the story unfolds.”
According to Russell Crowe, these flashback scenes accent one of the film’s principal
themes: “That as long as people are in your heart, they never die.
“I thought that was a wonderful metaphor,” Crowe continues. “When Ridley and I
worked on ‘Gladiator,’ the metaphor was death. But on A GOOD YEAR, we discussed the
themes in terms of reincarnation – not necessarily from the dead to the living, but having the
‘living dead’, like Max, become revitalized from his experiences in Provence. Every
character in this story has a situation that changes his or her life for the better.”
Says legendary actor Albert Finney, who portrays Henry: “Max has these memories
of his uncle when he had his summer holidays here as a child. He remembers them
favorably, which suggests he had a good time with Henry. Young Max enjoyed his
company. The philosophy Henry imparts on the boy has mostly to do with wine in particular,
but around that is a philosophy of enjoying life. I think he's a good influence on the boy.”
Max isn’t the only character that undergoes transformation. Says Crowe: “For every
character, something happens within the story that elevates, changes or revitalizes his or her
life. I've had the same thing happen in my own life, when I married and we had a baby. So it
is possible to get yourself out of a rut and change things. That's what the title refers to –
Max’s life. He comes to Provence, reconnects with the memory of his uncle and the things
that his uncle taught him, which opens his heart. And his life changes.”
“I think audiences will come out with memories of their childhood after seeing this
film,” says 14-year-old Freddie Highmore, who portrays the young Max. “The film will
make you look back on the things that have happened in your own life. Young Max didn't
know at the time how important the lessons were that Uncle Henry was giving him. But, as
he got older and comes back to visit this place, he realizes how important they have been in
making him grow up.”
THE CAST AND CHARACTERS
“As a story teller, a novelist, I don't think you can ever completely divorce yourself
from your main characters,” says Peter Mayle. “Bits of you creep in there, whether you like
it or not, whether it's intentional or not. Your characters are often reflections of what you
yourself feel, and Max is representative of a very strong feeling that I had when I was his
age, which is I wanted to basically get out of London and try something else. Of course, Max
does it in a rather more dramatic fashion than I did.”
“You live with these characters by yourself all the time in your own head,” Marc
Klein offers about the craft of screenwriting. “Then, you work with someone like Russell
Crowe, who's a genius. He came to me in between takes and gave me ideas about the
character. He inhabited his character in a way that's even deeper than I could have ever
hoped.”
While looking for a vehicle on which to re-team with Ridley Scott, Crowe remembers
chatting with the director during the production of ‘Gladiator’ about getting together again
for another film. “I enjoy working with Ridley because we have a really good rhythm
together. We talked about what the next project could be, knowing we wanted to do
something entirely different from ‘Gladiator.’ So, we decided to work together on a comedy.”
“I always thought that Russell would be perfect for the character of Max,” Scott adds.
“Russell is like Max. Russell carries a lot of the innocence in him and manages to keep that
innocence fresh, untrammeled somehow.”
Crowe found much to dig into when he took on the role. “Max has had a fortunate
childhood in that he had this wonderful bon vivant uncle who put all the information in him
that he needed in order to become a good bloke. But, he's taken his uncle's advice on
competition and edge and made it his life's mantra, to the point where competition isn't really
any fun for him anymore.
“One of the key things that Ridley said to me when we first talked was, ‘There's a
Provençal saying that you don't own the chateau; the chateau owns you,’” Crowe continues.
“That's one of the things we worked on. Max must travel to Provence in order to receive his
inheritance. From the time that he gets there, events conspire to keep him here. It's very
definitely a fish-out-of-water/coming-of-age adult comedy with humanity, which gives it
realism.”
While the film represented the second Crowe-Scott collaboration, it was the fourth
reteaming for the director and five-time Oscar-nominee Albert Finney. The stage-and-screen
legend essays the role of Uncle Henry, a character that existed in name only in Mayle’s
novel, but comes to life throughout the film.
Finney relates that he did not indulge in creating much backstory for the character,
but acknowledges that a long-ago, fateful trip Henry made to the U.S. West Coast – a visit
that is discussed but not depicted in the film – is an important part of the character’s history. Another AuMax’s inheritance of the property and his future at the chateau.
The actress, who did a videotaped audition for Scott only weeks before filming was to
begin, is well-known Down Under but less so outside of her native country. She has been
winning critical acclaim for several years for her work in such films as “The Monkey’s
Mask” and the sexual drama, “Somersault,” the only Australian film screened at the 2004
Cannes Film Festival, where the actress won a standing ovation.
“Christie is a twenty-one year old American girl from the Napa Valley in California,”
says Cornish, who hails from the Aussie wine region of the Hunter Valley near Sydney. “She
learns that she has a birth father and that he's alive and lives in France. So, she makes the
journey to his front door (which is when we meet Christie in the film). Unfortunately, she
finds out the bad news about Henry, but meets a cousin, Max, whom she never knew she had.
When Christie arrives on the doorstep, it throws something into the mix which changes Max.
He doesn't really believe this girl and of course, he's wary of her. Eventually, the two
characters find something in each other that they can both relate to.”
Also joining the starring cast is Marion Cotillard (“A Very Long Engagement”) as
Fanny Chenal, a Provençal beauty who owns the local café – and who catches Max’s eye. “I
liked the script’s spontaneity,” the Parisian beauty states. “I also appreciated Max’s journey
– how he comes to understand what he really needs is right there at the chateau and in
Provence.
“Fanny is the owner of a restaurant,” she continues. “She's a broken heart who
decided that life would be much easier, less painful, without love. She organized her life not
to be hurt again. Her café is called La Renaissance, which means ‘rebirth’. But, sometimes,
hopefully, life brings you what you need, even if you don’t know what that is. Even if Fanny
doesn't want to confess that she needs love, she definitely needs love. And she deserves it,
too.”
From his homeland, the director cast British character actor Tom Hollander (“Gosford
Park,” “Enigma,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”) in the role of Charlie
Willis, Max’s best friend, who guides Max on the possible sale of the property; Archie
Panjabi (“Bend It Like Beckham,” “East Is East,” “The Constant Gardener”) as Max’s
reliable London assistant, Gemma; and Freddie Highmore (“Finding Neverland,” “Charlie
and the Chocolate Factory”) as the young Max, seen in flashbacks with Uncle Henry at the
chateau.
“I'm the young Max, who’s based on the older Max, because they're the same
character,” Highmore offers. “I watched Russell work a bit and we talked about the character
and how each of us thought he was going to be. It just came from that. It was just great fun
from the moment I stepped onto the set to be with Ridley and Albert and Russell.”
Scott also populated his movie with other popular French performers. Didier
Bourdon portrays Francis Duflot, the longtime vintner who has tended to La Siroque’s vines
for three decades and who may know the true secrets of the vineyard’s potential. “Francis
Duflot is a winemaker. Vinyo, as we say in France,” Bourdon describes. “He has a long
history with Max. They knew each other when they were younger. Their relationship is
between friendship and mistrust. When Max returns to Henry’s home, after being away for
years, Duflot is wondering, worried that Max will sell the château.”
Duflot’s wary relationship with Max comes to a head during a tennis match between
the two, which becomes more like a war than a friendly game. “The tennis match scene came
about because Ridley is a great lover of the sport,” Crowe says. “He was bemoaning to me
over a glass of red wine that we didn't have any battle sequences in the movie. That got me
thinking. And we had the whole sequence set up by the tennis court, and a sequence playing
tennis in flashback. And so I made the suggestion that perhaps we find a way of getting these
two men to do battle on the clay court.”
Valeria Bruni Tedeschi (“Mon homme,” “Les gens normaux n’ont rien
d’exceptionnel”) plays Nathalie Auzet, the local notaire handling the legal papers on Max’s
behalf; veteran European character actor Jacques Herlin (Visconti’s “The Stranger,” Fellini’s
“Juliet of the Spirits”) plays the irascible Papa Duflot; and French comic actress Isabelle
Candelier (“André le magnifique,” “Versailles rive Gauche”) plays the vigneron’s wife and
chateau’s caretaker, Mme. Duflot. (Scott calls Candelier “the French Lucille Ball.”)
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
In describing the allure of Provence, author Peter Mayle notes the area has three
hundred days of sunshine a year, stunning scenery, remarkably unspoiled countryside, and
extraordinary light. “You don't find that light in many other places in the world. I like the
pace of life down here. It imposes a certain rhythm on you, which, when you get used to it, is
very pleasant. I feel at home here.”
“I loved waking up in Provence,” adds Russell Crowe, who lived there for two
months during production. “There's something extra special about this particular valley, the
Luberon. I think it's got to do with its fertility. The light there is very similar to Australia --
the blues, the pinks and the oranges in the sky. I felt very comfortable there.”
“I loved shooting in Provence…it’s just so beautiful!” adds Ridley Scott, who has
owned a vacation home and operated a vineyard there for fifteen years, but hadn’t filmed in
France since his debut feature, “The Duelists,” almost thirty years ago. “This shoot was one
of my most pleasant experiences.”
Provence itself dates back to 600 B.C., when Phocaean Greeks settled in Massalia,
now modern-day Marseilles on the Mediterranean coast, and the region’s most populous city.
Its history could also be depicted through the history of the wines introduced by these
Phocaeans over 2600 years ago. These ancient vines – the oldest in France – were later
developed by the Romans and, thereafter, in the Middle Ages, by monastic communities.
Comprised of 700 villages, Provence has several regional wine growing appellations
(covering an estimated 27,000 hectares, or 68,000 acres), all designated as A.O.C.
(appellation d’origine controlee), the governmental system established in the 1930s that
regulates production and distinguishes quality French wines from table wines. The region
boasts extraordinarily favorable growing conditions, or terroir, defined as a combination of
conditions in a vineyard site that comprise the vine's total environment and give its wines
what longtime wine writer Matt Kramer calls “somewhereness.”
The Mediterranean climate (year-round sunshine, perfect ventilation from a wind
dubbed "mistral" and good rainfall), combined with the terrain’s siliceous soil, favors red
grapes like Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre, much of which is used to
produce rosé, the region’s specialty of the estimated 140,000,000 bottles produced annually.
White grape varietals common to the terrain include Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Ugni Blanc
and Rolle.
Scott based the production in the sub-appellation called Cotes du Luberon (where his
own vineyard of eleven hectares is situated), an area whose vines extend over 7500 acres
from Cavaillon to Apt in north-central Provence, where 70% are red grape varietals. Most of
the vintners (some 80%, including Scott) grow grapes and sell them to cooperatives to
produce the local table wine (vin de pays) named for the appellation. However, Scott focused
his scouting efforts on several independent vineyards that bottle their own product.
“I looked at almost a dozen chateaux in the area between Roussillon and Bonnieux
before coming back to the first one we saw, La Canorgue,” the director states about the
location where his company of 125 craftsmen spent most of their nine-week shoot in the
Provençal region, which coincided with the vineyard’s prime harvesting season for the next
year’s vintage.
Scott chose La Canorgue due to its spectacular western view looking out over the
Luberon, and the magical dusk light that bathes the main house in the late afternoon. The film
company, under the watchful eye of veteran location supervisor Marco Giacalone (who
worked with director Scott on “Kingdom of Heaven”) and French location manager Thierry
Zemmour, took over the vineyard and chateau for much of the nine-week shooting schedule
in the South of France.
According to Nathalie Margan, who runs La Canorgue with her father, Jean-Pierre,
the Margans were hesitant when approached by the production, because the shoot coincided
with harvest time. “But, we knew the shoot would be an adventure,” Nathalie says, “so we
took on the challenges that came with it.”
Margan describes the experience of huge trucks, vast amounts of equipment and 125
cast and crew swarming all over her property as “initially strange, but ultimately thrilling. It
was great to participate. We were asked a few times to suggest how a real winemaker would
have done things or what the technical terms were for this or that. They made their movie
without disturbing us, and we made a good wine without disturbing them.”
“La Canorgue was interesting,” says production designer Sonja Klaus, noting the
production worked hard to restore the chateau for the shoot. “We re-landscaped the ground,
putting in statutory and ornamentation. Inside, the whole point was to have this slightly
dilapidated, lived-in, comfortable feeling – a feeling of shabby chic…cluttery, lived-in, and
homey. We wanted the place to feel as if one was staying with your favorite uncle or your
favorite aunt.”
Outside the house, among acres of vines, Klaus had a more daunting task, one she
never expected. “Ridley's words to me, when he first asked me to do it, were, ‘We're just
going to hang out in the South of France and throw a few props around,’” she says with a
laugh. “And I thought that sounded nice – until he added, ‘Oh, and by the way, there's a
tennis court. I think we might have to change the swimming pool, or build another
swimming pool for all the stunts.’
“There was this field at the back of the house, which was actually in a perfect spot for
a tennis court,” says Klaus. “The snag was that it wasn't big enough to put a tennis court on
it. So we actually cheated it, made the tennis court slightly smaller. But, when you watch it
on film you won't know that.”
Another key chateau shooting location was its empty pool, where Crowe got the
opportunity to flex both his comedic and physical muscles. “We have a running gag where
Max falls into the pool and then realizes he has fourteen-foot sheer walls, and he simply can't
get out,” says the actor. “The pool doesn't have any water in it, so he has no way of getting
out.”
Apart from the many weeks of filming at La Canorgue, Scott and his
cinematographer, Frenchman Philippe Le Sourd captured the area’s regal beauty in a series
of celluloid French postcard-like images of other quaint villages scattered throughout the
hills and valleys of the Luberon. Those included Gordes (four days at Cafe Renaissance,
dubbed Fanny’s Café in the film), Cucuron, Lacoste, Avignon and Menerbes (where author
Mayle used to reside, and whose former house is still a popular stop on guided tours that
frequent the village). The company also spent three days at another local vineyard, Chateau
Les Eydins, which doubled for the home of the story’s gruff vigneron, Duflot.
Following the two-month Provençal schedule, Scott relocated the crew to London for
the production’s final eight days of filming, at such recognized spots as Piccadilly Circus, the
architecturally-stunning Lloyds of London building in the city’s financial district, and the
trendy Knightsbridge area.
Like Mayle’s book, the film opens in the London financial world, and Scott liked “the
antithesis and juxtaposition of London and Provence. One place is as attractive as the other.
London’s a great place to live. Provence is a fantastic place to live. Is it better? No, it’s
different. For me, I live in Provence… because I live in London. So, I need one to have the
other.”
Adds Peter Mayle: “Knowing Ridley’s eye for landscape, color and composition, I’m
sure he’s made the Luberon look every bit as gorgeous as it is. I can’t wait to see the movie.”
ABOUT THE CAST
RUSSELL CROWE (Max Skinner) received three consecutive Best Actor Academy
Award® nominations for his performances in Michael Mann’s “The Insider” (1999), Ridley
Scott’s “Gladiator” (2000) and Ron Howard’s “A Beautiful Mind” (2001). He won the Best
Actor Oscar for his performance as Maximus, the Roman general-turned-gladiator, in
“Gladiator,” a role that also brought him Best Actor honors from several critics’
organizations, including the Broadcast Film Critics Association. In addition, he received
nominations for the Golden Globe®, the BAFTA Award and the Screen Actors Guild honor.
In Howard’s 2001 Best Picture Oscar winner, Crowe’s masterful portrayal of Nobel
Prize-winning John Forbes Nash, Jr. earned him his third Academy Award nomination in as
many years and garnered him Best Actor awards from the Hollywood Foreign Press,
Broadcast Film Critics Association, Screen Actors Guild and BAFTA, among other critics
groups.
Crowe received his first Academy Award nomination for his work in Mann’s non-
fiction drama “The Insider,” as tobacco company whistle-blower, Dr. Jeffrey Wigand. He
earned Best Actor Awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics, Broadcast Film Critics,
National Society of Film Critics and the National Board of Review, and nominations for a
Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA and a Screen Actors Guild Award™.
He followed this triple triumph with another commanding performance -- as Capt.
Jack Aubrey in Peter Weir’s epic adaptation of Patrick O’Brian’s novels, “Master and
Commander: The Far Side of the World.” The film collected ten Academy Award
nominations (including Best Picture), with Crowe earning nominations for the Golden Globe
and Broadcast Film Critics honors.
He reunited with director Ron Howard as Depression Era prizefighter James J.
Braddock in the highly-praised drama, “Cinderella Man,” an official entry in the Venice Film
Festival. For his critically-acclaimed performance, Crowe received nominations for best
actor from SAG and the Hollywood Foreign Press. He next reteams with director Scott on
the gritty Harlem-set drama, “American Gangster,” also starring Denzel Washington.
Crowe also earned kudos for his performance as sensitive but brutal vice cop Bud
White in Curtis Hanson’s period crime drama, “L.A. Confidential,” a film which was cited
with nine Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture. He later starred in
Jay Roach’s sports drama, “Mystery, Alaska,” and in Taylor Hackford’s action drama, “Proof
of Life.”
He made his American film debut in Sam Raimi’s 1995 western “The Quick and the
Dead,” opposite Gene Hackman, Sharon Stone and Leonardo DiCaprio. He next starred as
the cyber-villain Sid 6.7 in “Virtuosity” alongside Denzel Washington. Additional film
credits include “Heaven’s Burning,” “Breaking Up,” “Rough Magic,” “The Sum of Us,” “For
the Moment,” “Love in Limbo,” “The Silver Brumby” (based on the classic Australian
children’s novel), “The Efficiency Expert” and “Prisoners of the Sun.”
Born in New Zealand, Crowe was raised in Australia (his current residence) where he
has also been honored for his work on the screen. He was recognized for three consecutive
years by the Australian Film Institute (AFI), beginning in 1991, when he was nominated for
Best Actor for “The Crossing.” The following year, he won the Best Supporting Actor
Award for “Proof” and, in 1992, he received Best Actor Awards from the AFI and the
Australian Film Critics for his performance in the controversial “Romper Stomper.” In 1993,
the Seattle Film Festival named Crowe Best Actor for his work in both “Romper Stomper”
and “Hammers Over the Anvil.”
Five-time Academy Award nominee ALBERT FINNEY (Uncle Henry) is the
dynamic British stage and film actor whose career, now spanning a half century, is one of the
most accomplished in the annals of contemporary acting.
Though widely known and praised for inspired performances in such films as “Tom
Jones,” “Night Must Fall,” “Two for the Road,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Shoot the
Moon,” “The Dresser,” “Under the Volcano” and “Erin Brockovich,” Finney first achieved
acclaim for his work on the classical theatre stage.
After studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (accepted when he was just
17), the Salford, Lancashire, England, native joined the Birmingham Repertory Company and
made his London debut in the company's production of Shaw's “Caesar and Cleopatra” in
1956. During his two years with the BRC, he debuted in the West End opposite Charles
Laughton and Elsa Lanchester in “The Party,” then starred in the title roles of “Macbeth” and
“Othello” before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1959 for the centenary
anniversary season at Stratford-on-Avon.
There, he essayed such roles as Cassio in “Othello” (directed by Tony Richardson,
with Paul Robeson playing the title character), Lysander in “A Midsummer Night's Dream”
(again working with the legendary Laughton) and understudying another English stage
legend, Laurence Olivier, in “Coriolanus,” receiving critical acclaim when he briefly took
over the lead.
While he continued to triumph on the English stage (in such plays as “The Lily White
Boys” and, especially, “Billy Liar” with the Royal Court Theatre), movies beckoned, with
1960 becoming a watershed year for the acting talent. Finney played the small part of
Olivier's son, Mick Rice, in “The Entertainer” (reuniting with director Tony Richardson),
then won critical acclaim and enormous success as the brawling, nonconformist factory
worker, Arthur Seaton, in Karel Reisz’s milestone in British realist cinema, “Saturday Night
and Sunday Morning.” Only his second motion picture role, Finney’s performance earned
him two BAFTA nods (one as Best Actor, the other, winning as Most Promising Newcomer),
as well as the Best Actor prize from the National Board of Review.
That role led Richardson to cast the then 26-year-old as Henry Fielding’s rakish,
picaresque, bawdy “Tom Jones.” The 1963 film, which won four Oscars, including Best
Picture, and earned Finney his first of five Academy Award nominations, cemented his
international stardom. Additionally, he collected his third (of thirteen) BAFTA nomination,
the New York Film Critics honor and two Golden Globe® nods -- Best Actor/Comedy or
Musical, and Best Male Newcomer (which he won).
After the huge success of “Tom Jones,” Finney returned to films (after a sojourn back
on the stage) with Reisz’s 1964 drama, “Night Must Fall” (which the actor also produced),
followed by Stanley Donen’s classic 1967 romantic drama, “Two for the Road,” in which he
starred opposite the luminous Audrey Hepburn. That same year, Finney stepped behind the
camera for his directorial debut on “Charlie Bubbles,” which also marked the debut of actress
Liza Minnelli.
Over the ensuing years, Finney has commanded the motion picture screen in such
projects as Sidney Lumet’s “Murder on the Orient Express” (Oscar and BAFTA
nominations), Ridley Scott’s “The Duellists” (the first of four collaborations with Scott),
Ronald Neame’s “Scrooge” (BAFTA nomination), Alan Parker’s “Shoot the Moon” (BAFTA
and Golden Globe nominations), Stephen Frears’ “Gumshoe” (BAFTA nod) Peter Yates’
“The Dresser” (Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations, as well as the Silver Bear at
the Berlin Film Festival), John Huston’s musical “Annie” and his drama “Under the
Volcano” (Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, and the Los Angeles Film Critics Award),
Alan J. Pakula’s “Orphans” (a role he originated on the London stage), the Coen Bros.’
“Miller’s Crossing,” Mike Figgis’ “The Browning Version” (produced by Ridley Scott),
Yates’ “The Run in the Country,” Bruce Bereford’s “Rich in Love,” Steven Soderbergh’s
“Traffic” and “Erin Brockovich” (Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations) and Tim
Burton’s “Big Fish” (BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations). He recently reteamed with
Burton, providing the voice for one of the animated characters in his highly-anticipted
feature, “Corpse Bride,” and just completed work on Michael Apted’s 18th historical drama,
“Amazing Grace.”
No less accomplished on the small screen, Finney delivered award-winning
performances in such telefilms and miniseries as HBO’s “The Gathering Storm” (winning
BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for his portrayal of Sir Winston Churchill in the
feature produced by Ridley Scott), “A Rather English Marriage” (BAFTA nomination),
“Karaoke” and “Cold Lazarus” (combined BAFTA nomination for both 1996 Dennis Potter
telefilms), “The Green Man” (BAFTA nomination), “The Biko Inquest” (his second
directorial effort, for which he collected a CableACE nomination for his performance),
HBO’s “The Image” (his first Emmy nomination), and CBS-TV’s “Pope John Paul II,”
playing the title role.
In addition to producing the 1964 feature “Night Must Fall,” Finney also produced
(under his Memorial Enterprises Productions banner) “Charlie Bubbles,” Lindsay Anderson’s
“If...” and “O Lucky Man!” and Frears’ “Gumshoe.”
Even with his success on the big screen, Finney never abandoned his stage roots,
continuing his association with the National Theatre Company at the Old Vic in London,
where he performed in the mid-1960s in Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” and
Chekov’s “The Cherry Orchard.” He won Tony Award nominations for “Luther” (1964) and
“A Day in the Death of Joe Egg” (1968), and also starred onstage in “Armstrong’s Last
Goodnight,” “Love for Love,” Strindberg’s “Miss Julie,” “Black Comedy,” “The Country
Wife,” “Alpha Beta,” Beckett’s “Krapp’s Last Tape,” “Cromwell,” “Tamburlaine the Great,”
“Another Time” and, his last stage appearance in 1997, “Art,” which preceded the 1998 Tony
Award-winning Broadway run. He won Olivier Awards for “A Flea in Her Ear” and
“Orphans” and the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Osborne’s “Luther.”
MARION COTILLARD (Fanny) made her American movie debut as Josephine in
Tim Burton’s “Big Fish.”
Cotillard is well-known in her native France for her performances in Luc Besson’s
“Taxi” (reprising her role in the equally successful sequels, “Taxi 2” and “Taxi 3”), for which
she collected her first Cesar nomination. She is equally recognized for her work in director
Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s romantic drama “Un long dimanche de fiancailles” (“A Very Long
Engagement”), for which she won the Cesar in 2004 for Best Supporting Actress. She earned
her second Cesar nomination in 2001 for “Les Jolies choses” (“Pretty Things”), under the
direction of Gilles Pacquet-Brenner.
The daughter of working theatre actors (her mother runs acting workshops in Paris),
Cotillard started her career at age sixteen, making her film debut in “L’Histoire du garcon qui
voulait qu’on l’embrasse” (“The Story of a Boy Who Wanted to Be Kissed”). She played the
title role in the 2001 production, “Lisa,” and more recently starred in “Une Affaire Privee”
(“A Private Affair”), “Jeux d’enfants” (“Love Me If You Dare:), “Ma vie en l’air” (“Love Is
in the Air”), “Cavalcade” and “Sauf le respect que je vois dois.”
The busy actress also stars in the current and forthcoming releases “Edy,” “La Boîte
noire,” “Toi en moi,” “Fair Play” and Abel Ferrara’s “Mary,” which unspooled at the 2005
Venice Film Festival, walking off with the Special Jury Prize. She will next play Edith Piaf
in “La Vie en rose,” and also has coming out in 2006 the features “Le Concile de Pierre” and
“Dikkenek.”
Heralded as Australia’s next major acting talent, ABBIE CORNISH (Christie
Roberts) garnered critical-acclaim and the Australian Film Institute Award as Best Actress
for her star turn as a sexually-charged teenager in Cate Shortland’s 2004 coming-of-age
drama, “Somersault.”
For her breakthrough role as Heidi, the sexually tortured teen, Cornish also won the
Inside Film (IF) Award as Best Actress, the Australian Film Critics Circle prize and a Special
Jury Breakthrough Award at the 2004 Miami International Film Festival. “Somersault,” the
only Australian film screened at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival (where Cornish won a
standing ovation) elicited raves from The New York Times film critic A.O. Scott, who called
her “an actress whose delicate and ferocious performance combines classic movie-star
loveliness with serious dramatic ability.”
Cornish hails from Australia’s Hunter Valley, born in Newcastle, New South Wales,
in 1982. Growing up on her family’s farm, she began acting at fifteen after a modelling stint
led to her professional debut on the Australian Broadcasting Company’s series “Children’s
Hospital.” Soon thereafter, she landed a co-starring role on the ABC series “Wildside,” for
which she won her first AFI honor in 1999.
She earned a second AFI nomination in 2003 for her guest-starring role on the ABC
miniseries, “Marking Time.” Other roles include “The Monkey’s Mask” (2000), “Everything
Goes” (2004), “Horseplay” (2003), “One Perfect Day” (2004), and the upcoming feature,
“Candy,” in which she stars opposite fellow Aussies Heath Ledger and Oscar winner
Geoffrey Rush. She has a co-starring role in Shekhar Kapur’s “Elizabeth: The Golden Age.”
TOM HOLLANDER (Charlie Willis) has worked with such acclaimed international
filmmakers as Robert Altman (“Gosford Park”), Michael Apted (“Enigma”), Neil LaBute
(“Possession”), Terry George (“Some Mother’s Son,” his film debut), Richard Eyre (“Stage
Beauty”) and Gore Verbinski (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men’s Chest” and “Pirates of
the Caribbean: World’s End”). For his work as part of Altman’s ensemble cast in “Gosford
Park,” Hollander shared several critics awards, including those from the Broadcast Film
Critics Association, the Online Film Critics Association and the Screen Actors Guild.
He recently completed a role opposite Ralph Fiennes and Donald Sutherland in “Land
of the Blind” and was just nominated as Best Supporting Actor for a 2005 British
Independent Film Award for his performance opposite Johnny Depp, Samantha Morton and
John Malkovich in Laurence Dunmore’s “The Libertine.” He also recently reteamed with
actor Joseph Fiennes in Finn Taylor’s forthcoming release “The Darwin Awards.”
The Oxfordshire-born, Cambridge-educated actor collaborated with directors Joe
Wright (the current release of “Pride & Prejudice,” for which he won critical acclaim and a
‘breakout performance’ citation in The New York Times), Tom Hunsinger and Neil Hunter
(“The Lawless Heart”), Rose Troche (“Bedrooms and Hallways”) and Nick Hamm (“Martha,
Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence,” released in the U.S. as “The Very Thought of You”).
Hollander’s television work is equally accomplished, with roles in the recent
BBC/PBS Emmy-winning miniseries “The Lost Prince” (acclaimed as King George V
opposite Miranda Richardson’s Queen Mary), the adaptation of “The Life and Adventures of
Nicholas Nickelby” opposite Charles Dance, the prominent, BAFTA-nominated BBC drama
“Wives and Daughters” and a memorable guest stint as Saffie’s boyfriend Paolo on the long-
running BBC comedy “Absolutely Fabulous: The Last Shout.” For his work as Guy Burgess
in the BAFTA-nominated BBC feature “Cambridge Spies,” Hollander won the Best Actor
honor at the International Television Festival in Biarritz 2003.
While at Cambridge, he was a member of the university’s celebrated Cambridge
Footlights revue and was President of the Marlowe Society, where he became well-known for
his performance of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” directed by fellow classmate Sam Mendes. The
London stage veteran also starred in the groundbreaking Donmar Warehouse staging of “The
Threepenny Opera,” directed by Phillida Lloyd.
Onstage, he collaborated with Jonathan Kent in the title role of Moliere’s “Tartuffe”
(Best Actor, Time Out Awards, 1996), and the role of Edgar in Shakespeare’s “King Lear,”
and in Gogol’s stage classic, “The Government Inspector,” all at the Almeida. He also
starred for Oscar-nominee Stephen Daldry in “The Editing Process” and starred in the title
role of the original staging of Jez Butterworth’s Olivier Award-winning drama “Mojo” at
London’s Royal Court Theater. He first worked with theatre director Richard Eyre in his
1998 staging of David Hare’s “The Judas Kiss,” originating his role opposite Liam Neeson in
London’s West End before reprising his performance across the Atlantic on the Broadway
stage the same year. For his work on the English stage, Hollander has won four Ian
Charleson Awards, including one for his performance in "Way of the World" at the Lyric,
Hammersmith, in 1992. Most recently, he returned to the Donmar Warehouse to great
acclaim for his performance as Laurie in “The Hotel in Amsterdam.”
FREDDIE HIGHMORE (Young Max) recently co-starred in two high-profile
motion pictures: as Charlie Bucket in Tim Burton’s box-office hit, “Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory,” and opposite Oscar nominee Johnny Depp, in Marc Forster’s critically-
acclaimed Best Picture Academy Award nominated film, “Finding Neverland.”
For the latter, the young actor won the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award as
Best Young Actor, and collected several other award nominations for his work, including two
nods from the Screen Actors Guild (for Supporting Actor and Best Ensemble).
Highmore, a native of England, began his acting career at age six, playing Helena
Bonham Carter's son in “Women Talking Dirty.” He also appeared opposite Guy Pearce in
Jean-Jacques Annaud’s adventure film, “Two Brothers,” and alongside Kenneth Branagh in
“Five Children and It.”
Highmore has also appeared in a number of television productions in the U.K.,
including the BBC film “Happy Birthday Shakespeare” and ITV's miniseries “I Saw You,” as
well as “The Mists of Avalon” in the U.S. He is currently back on the big screen, filming
“Arthur and the Minimoys” for filmmaker Luc Besson in France. He will next star opposite
Robin Williams and Liv Tyler in “August Rush,” which will be produced by Jim Sheridan
and directed by his daughter Kirsten (screenwriter for her father’s 2003 Oscar-nominated
drama “In America”).
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
RIDLEY SCOTT (Director, Producer) earned consecutive Academy Award
nominations as Best Director for his stunning recreation of the deadly 1993 battle in
Mogadishu, Somalia, in “Black Hawk Down” (one of 2001’s biggest box-office hits) and for
the epic adventure “Gladiator,” his vivid and dramatic evocation of ancient Rome that won
five Oscars (out of twelve nominations), including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell
Crowe (as well as directing nominations for Scott from the DGA and BAFTA).
“Gladiator” also won both the Golden Globe and British Academy Awards as Best
Picture, and has earned over $800 million at the global box office. Both motion picture
triumphs further solidified his reputation as one of contemporary cinema’s most innovative,
influential and versatile visual stylists.
Scott was born in South Shields, Northumberland, England. Reared in London,
Cumbria, Wales and Germany, he returned to Northeast England to live in Stockton-on-Tees.
He studied at the West Hartlepool College of Art where he excelled in graphic design and
painting, two strengths that would later serve as his signatures on the movie screen. He also
studied at London’s Royal Academy of Art, where his contemporaries included the famous
artist David Hockney. During his studies there, Scott completed his first short film.
Graduating with honors, Scott was awarded a traveling scholarship to the United
States. During his year there, he was employed by Time Life, Inc., where he gained valuable
experience working with award-winning documentarians Richard Leacock and D.A.
Pennebaker. Upon his return to the U.K., he joined the BBC as a production designer and,
within a year, graduated to directing many of the network’s popular TV programs.
After three years, he left to form his own company, RSA, which soon became one of
the most successful commercial production houses in Europe (later adding offices in New
York and Los Angeles). Over the years, Scott has directed over three thousand commercials,
including the captivating spot for Chanel No. 5 entitled “Share the Fantasy” and the
memorable one for Apple Computers that aired but once, during the 1984 Super Bowl. His
work in the commercial arena has collected awards at the Venice and Cannes Film Festivals,
as well as being honored by the New York Art Directors’ Club. RSA still maintains a high
profile in the global marketplace and represents some of the most acclaimed directors in the
film and advertising arenas.
Scott made the leap from commercial production (“pocket versions of feature films”
he calls them) to movies with 1977’s “The Duellists,” the lustrous Napoleonic War saga that
brought him the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. His second film switched genres,
taking the filmmaker from the past into the frightening future with the groundbreaking sci-fi-
thriller, “Alien,” which walked off with an Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
He stayed in the future (and set the stage for future filmmakers) with his next feature,
“Blade Runner,” the landmark masterpiece starring Harrison Ford that is considered one of
the milestones of contemporary moviemaking. The film was nominated for two Academy
Awards -- art direction and visual effects. It was also added to the National Film Archives
(maintained by the U.S. Library of Congress), the “youngest” film to be so honored.
Scott followed this triumph later in the decade with three more films -- the big screen
fairy tale, “Legend,” starring Tom Cruise; the urban thriller, “Someone to Watch Over Me”
with Tom Berenger; and the cross-cultural gangster epic, “Black Rain,” starring Michael
Douglas and Andy Garcia.
In 1987, Scott formed Percy Main Productions to develop and produce feature films.
The first production, which he helmed, was “Thelma and Louise.” Starring Oscar-nominees
Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, the film collected five Academy Award nominations,
including Scott’s first as director (the film won the Best Original Screenplay prize and was
also nominated for two British Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director). He
followed with “1492: Conquest of Paradise,” his historical epic starring Gerard Depardieu as
Christopher Columbus, and “The Browning Version,” produced by Scott and starring Albert
Finney and Greta Scacchi.
In 1995, along with younger brother Tony (also a successful filmmaker), he formed
Scott Free productions, which produced “White Squall,” with Jeff Bridges, “G.I. Jane”
starring Demi Moore, and the blockbuster sequel, “Hannibal,” with Anthony Hopkins and
Julianne Moore (all three directed by Ridley Scott). Scott Free also produced “Clay Pigeons”
and “Where the Money Is,” a caper comedy starring Paul Newman.
Scott directed his own caper comedy, “Matchstick Men,” starring Nicolas Cage and
Sam Rockwell, and the epic story of the Crusades, “Kingdom of Heaven,” which toplined
Orlando Bloom and Jeremy Irons. He will once again step behind the cameras on the gritty
Harlem-set drama, “American Gangster,” reteaming with actor Crowe and collaborating with
Oscar-winner Denzel Washington for the first time.
Scott also recently executive produced Kevin Reynolds’ costume epic, “Tristan &
Isolde”; Curtis Hanson’s family drama “In Her Shoes”; and “The Assassination of Jesse
James by the Coward Robert Ford,” starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck.
The company also produced Showtime’s CableACE-winning anthology series “The
Hunger” (adapted from Tony Scott’s 1983 film) and the Emmy and Golden Globe award-
winning HBO telefilm, “RKO 281,” starring Liev Schreiber as Orson Welles in the
docudrama recreating the making of “Citizen Kane.” Scott Free also executive produced
“The Gathering Storm” for HBO, the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning telefilm (Best Made
for Television Movie) depicting the life of Winston Churchill that starred Emmy-winning
Best Actor Albert Finney and Emmy nominee Vanessa Redgrave. The company also
recently signed a two-year deal with CBS to develop up to three projects for the network, the
first of which is the acclaimed drama “Numb3rs.”
The film director was involved in the combining of the two preeminent European film
studios, Pinewood Studios and Shepperton Studios into a studio complex which houses forty-
two stages, backlots and locations as well as award-winning post-production and production
support services. Scott originally filmed “Alien” at this facility. Ridley together with his
brother Tony Scott were part of the consortium which purchased Shepperton Studios in 1995
which subsequently merged with Pinewood in 2001.
In recognition for his contributions to the arts, Scott was awarded knighthood in 2003
from the Order of the British Empire.
MARC KLEIN (Screenwriter) has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most
sought-after writer/directors following his work with three compelling, well-regarded, and
buzzworthy projects. Combining his ability to work with various genres and his innate sense
of both male and female characters, Klein has proven himself an undeniable filmmaking asset
on the rise.
Klein is currently editing his feature directorial debut, “The Girls’ Guide to Hunting
and Fishing,” which he also adapted for the screen. Melissa Banks’ international bestseller is
an endearing tale of a Manhattan book editor (Sarah Michelle Gellar) who changes her take
on the game of romance after she lures the attention of an influential older man (Alec
Baldwin). The film is scheduled for release in 2007.
Klein is also writing the screenplay for “Golden Gate,” based on his original pitch.
Produced by Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner, the Paramount Pictures romance is scheduled to
begin production next year with Cruise attached to star.
Klein made his first impression on audiences worldwide with the acclaimed Miramax
release “Serendipity.” Directed by Peter Chelsom (“Shall We Dance”), the film stars John
Cusack and Kate Beckinsale in an enchanting tale of a long-distance love that stands the test
of time and happenstance. “Serendipity” garnered positive notices for Klein’s richly drawn
romantic characterizations and a narrative economy which branded the film’s time-lapsing
effect.
Prior to his debut as a screenwriter, Klein earned his first stripes in the romantic
comedy genre working for director Jon Turteltaub, whose film “While You Were Sleeping”
charmed audiences worldwide and launched Sandra Bullock to international acclaim. Klein
graduated from New York University Film School, where he honed his skills for
screenwriting while studying film icons such as Woody Allen, Peter Sellers, and John Sayles.
His first sold script, “Love, Jenny,” was purchased by Overbrook Entertainment (“Hitch”) as
a staring vehicle for Will Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Klein also co-wrote the
script “Instant Message,” currently in development at Village Roadshow/Warner Bros. for
director Jay Roach (“Meet the Parents”).
PETER MAYLE (Author) spent fifteen years in the advertising business, first as a
copywriter and then as a creative executive (for such agency giants as David Ogilvy and
George Lois) in New York and London, before relocating to the South of France to write
educational books for children. His first book, Where Did I Come From (1973), a simple
volume about the ‘facts of life’, has sold over 2,000,000 copies to-date.
A brief return to London precipitated his final relocation to Provence in 1988, where
he still resides with his wife and three dogs. With the intention of writing a thriller, the
author became enchanted with his new surroundings and, in 1990, published the
autobiographical memoir A Year in Provence, which became an international bestseller
(spending three years on the New York Times list) and won the British Book Awards ‘Best
Travel Book of the Year’ honor. In 1993, the book (which has sold over 5,000,000 copies)
was adapted into a successful British TV miniseries starring John Shaw and Lindsay Duncan.
Since then, Mayle has written twelve more books (both fiction and non-fiction),
including Toujours Provence (1991), Hotel Pastis (1993), A Dog's Life (1995), Anything
Considered (1996), Chasing Cezanne (1997), Acquired Tastes (1992), Encore Provence
(1999), French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork and Corkscrew (2001) and Confessions
of a French Baker, (2005). His latest (already available in France) is entitled Provence A-Z,
which hits bookstores Stateside in the Fall.
In addition to his books, which have been translated into more than twenty-five
languages, Mayle, a native of Brighton, East Sussex, England, has contributed to the Sunday
Times, Financial Times, Independent, GQ and Esquire. In 2002, he was made a Chevalier of
the Legion d’Honneur for services to the French-speaking world.
BRANKO LUSTIG (Executive Producer) reteams with filmmaker Ridley Scott for
their fifth project together after serving as executive producer on Scott’s recent release,
“Kingdom of Heaven,” as well as his Oscar-winning (Best Editing and Sound) war drama,
“Black Hawk Down” and “Hannibal.” The pair first collaborated on Scott’s 2000 Best
Picture Academy Award winner, “Gladiator,” for which Lustig captured his second Oscar
statuette, second British Academy Award (BAFTA) and second Golden Globe prize. He
won his first Academy Award (as well as a Golden Globe and BAFTA honors) for his work
as a producer on Steven Spielberg’s epic 1993 Holocaust drama, “Schindler’s List.”
Born in Osijek, Croatia, Lustig survived two years in Nazi concentration camps at
Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. Following the war, he began his career as an assistant
director at Jadran Films, Croatia’s largest film and television studio. He later worked as the
European production manager on two Oscar-nominated titles -- Alan Pakula’s "Sophie’s
Choice" and Norman Jewison’s "Fiddler on the Roof."
Lustig went on to serve as assistant director on Volker Schlondorff’s film adaptation
of Gunter Grass’ novel “The Tin Drum” and as assistant director, associate producer and
European production manager for Dan Curtis’ miniseries “Winds of War” and its sequel,
“War and Remembrance” (winning the Directors Guild of America Award for the latter). He
was also a producer and assistant director on the Emmy-winning telefilm “Drug Wars: The
Camarena Story,” the sci-fi thriller “Deadlock” and also produced two other miniseries --
“The Great Escape: The Final Chapter” and “The Intruders.”
In addition to his longtime affiliation with Ridley Scott, Lustig has also produced
Mimi Leder’s 1997 actioner, “The Peacemaker,” starring George Clooney and Nicole
Kidman.
JULIE PAYNE (Executive Producer) began her association with Ridley Scott as his
assistant on “1492: Conquest of Paradise,” and she continued in that capacity on “White
Squall,” “G.I. Jane” and “Gladiator.”
In 2001, Payne was appointed Managing Director of Scott Free Films London, where
she is currently developing the projects, “Emma’s War, based on the book by Deborah
Scroggins, with Tony Scott attached to direct; “Elegance,” based on a book by Kathleen
Tessaro; and “Potsdamer Platz, written by Louis Mellis and David Scinto.
For Scott Free/BBC and HBO, Payne was executive producer on “The Gathering
Storm,” starring Albert Finney and Vanessa Redgrave. The film was nominated for a Golden
Globe award and an Emmy. Payne is currently working with BBC/HBO on a sequel, entitled
“Walking with Destiny,” written by Hugh Whitemore.
LISA ELLZEY (Executive Producer) is an Executive Vice President of Production
at Twentieth Century Fox. She joined the studio in the fall of 2005.
Ellzey is the executive producer of the upcoming “The Assassination of Jesse James
by the Coward Robert Ford” (2007), starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck, directed by
Andrew Dominick.
Before joining Fox, she was the President of Scott Free Entertainment, the company
owned by Ridley Scott and Tony Scott. She produced “In Her Shoes” (2005), directed by
Curtis Hanson, and starring Cameron Diaz, Shirley MacLaine, and Toni Collette. Ellzey also
produced “Tristan and Isolde” (2006), starring James Franco and Sophia Myles, with Kevin
Reynolds directing. Ellzey was the executive producer of Ridley Scott’s “Kingdom of
Heaven” (2005), starring Orlando Bloom, Liam Neeson, Ed Norton, and Jeremy Irons.
Ellzey was also the executive producer of Tony Scott’s “Domino” (2005), starring Keira
Knightly, Mickey Rourke and Christopher Walken.
Also while at Scott Free, Ellzey was the co-executive producer of “The Gathering
Storm” (2002) for HBO. The film portrayed the life of Winston Churchill and starred Albert
Finney and Vanessa Redgrave. Nominated for nine Emmy awards, the film received three:
along with Albert Finney (Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie), and Hugh Whitemore
(Writing for a Miniseries or Movie), Ellzey took home a statue for the Best Made for
Television Movie. In addition, the film received two Golden Globes Awards, including Best
Miniseries or Motion Picture, as well as three BAFTA Awards.
In 2002, Ellzey co-executive produced the reality television show “AFP: American
Fighter Pilot” for CBS.
Before joining Scott Free, Ellzey was President of Sonnenfeld/Josephson where she
was associate producer of “The Crew” starring Burt Reynolds and Richard Dreyfuss. Prior to
that, she was Vice President of Doug Wick’s Red Wagon Productions.
Ellzey began her career by producing a low budget independent film entitled “The
Poison Tasters” starring French Stewart, which premiered at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival.
Between shooting the film and its festival screening, she spent three years at Creative Artists
Agency as an assistant in the Motion Pictures Literary department.
PHILIPPE LE SOURD (Director of Photography) is well-known in European film
circles for his cinematography on feature films, music videos and commercials.
Le Sourd first worked with director Ridley Scott on a recent TV spot for Prada (co-
directed by Scott’s daughter, Jordan). He followed with another spot for Jordan Scott, this
time for Renault. He has also guided the camera work on commercials for such clients as
Nike, Nissan, Christian Dior, Mercedes, Target, Lancôme, Disneyland, Infinity, Lexus and
Smirnoff, among many others.
In the music video arena, Le Sourd has collaborated with such renowned musical
artists as George Michael, Isaac Hayes, Alanis Morissette, Florent Pagny, Scratch Machine
and others. His directorial collaborations here include Les Freres Poiraud and Jake Scott
(Ridley’s son).
For the motion picture screen, Le Sourd directed the photography for the French
features “Cantique de la racaille” (1998, directed by Vincent Ravalec), “Peut-Être” (1999)
and “Atomik Circus: Le retour de James Bataille” (2004, reuniting with Les Freres Poiraud).
He also worked with Ravalec on two short films: “Conséquences de la réalité des morts”
(1996) and “La Merveilleuse odyssée de l'idiot Toboggan” (2002).
The Paris native broke into the business after a chance encounter with Oscar-
nominated cinematographer Darius Khondji, whom he met while a university student. He
began as a camera loader for Khondji on “Delicatessen” (directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet &
Mark Caro) before becoming his focus puller on such features as “Stealing Beauty” (directed
by Bernardo Bertolucci), “Le Cite des enfants perdus” (reuniting with directors Jeunet and
Caro), “Marie-Louise et la Permission,” “L’ombre du Doute,” “Prague” and “Before the
Rain.”
SONJA KLAUS (Production Designer) reunites with director Ridley Scott after
working as a set decorator on his most recent release, “Kingdom of Heaven,” and his 2000
Oscar-winning Best Picture, “Gladiator.” Klaus was one of four set decorators on the film,
and was part of the team nominated for the Academy Award for Best Art Direction/Set
Decoration on the film. She also shared the art direction award from the National Board of
Review for her work on Scott’s Roman epic.
Klaus, now based in London, is a native of Los Angeles who relocated to England as
a young girl. Her first career choice was not in the arts, but science, as a marine biologist.
She abandoned the idea after attending the Dartington College of Art in Devon, studying Art
& Design. Still undecided about her career, she worked for a year with the resident costume
and theatre designers at the school before earning her B.A. Honours Degree in Theatre
Design at Wimbledon College of Art.
She began working professionally in London’s West End theatre world. After four
years (during which time she designed small theatrical productions), she moved into the TV
arena as an art director, working on a children's TV program. She eventually moved into
commercials (over two dozen), music videos (over forty) and television dramas before
seguing into motion pictures with her first production design credit, “Soft Top, Hard
Shoulder” in 1992.
In addition to her collaborations with director Scott, Klaus has also earned set
decorator credits on such features as “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider -
- The Cradle of Life,” “Dog Soldiers,” “The Calling,” “Five Children and It” (which starred
Freddie Highmore), “Prince Valiant,” “My Giant” and “The Commissioner.” For television,
Klaus served as a set decorator (for production designer Roger Hall) on the 1997 miniseries
“The Odyssey,” the 1999 telefilm “Alice in Wonderland” and the 1998 NBC miniseries,
“Merlin,” on which she was part of Hall’s Emmy-nominated design team. Most recently, she
served as the U.K. set decorator on the French production, “San Antonio.”
Her production design (art director) credits in the U.K. also include the 1994 TV
series, “The Pirates,” the 1989 series “Streetwise,” the miniseries “Eye of the Storm,” and the
features “Feast of July” and “Mad Dogs and Englishmen.”
DODY DORN, A.C.E. (Film Editor) reunites with director Ridley Scott after serving
in the same capacity on his last two projects –“Kingdom of Heaven” and “Matchstick Men.”
Dorn collected an Oscar nomination for Christopher Nolan’s debut feature,
“Memento” (also earning nominations for an AFI Film Award and an A.C.E. ‘Eddie’ Award
for her editing). In the same year, Dorn received Emmy and A.C.E. ‘Eddie’ Award
nominations for her work on the acclaimed ABC miniseries, “Life With Judy Garland: Me
and My Shadows,” starring Judy Davis.
Prior to her breakout year in 2000, her work was also on display in two films at the
1999 Sundance Film Festival’s Dramatic Competition -- “Treasure Island” and “Guinevere,”
starring Stephen Rae and Sarah Polley, marking the feature directorial debut of screenwriter
Audrey Wells (“The Truth About Cats and Dogs.”) Dorn’s diverse career also includes
“Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist,” a documentary by Kirby Dick
which was honored with a Special Jury Prize at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival and with
the Best Film prize at that year’s L.A. Independent Film Festival.
Other films include “I Woke Up Early the Day I Died,” the off-beat feature film
starring Billy Zane based on an Ed Wood script written in 1974; Britta Sjogren’s poetic short
“A Small Domain,” winner of the 1996 Sundance Film Festival’s Grand Jury prize for Best
Short; actress Julie Delpy’s directorial debut short, “Blah Blah Blah”; “Murderous
Decisions,” the interactive movie for European Television; “Tuesday Morning Ride,” the
Chanticleer Discovery Program film that received a 1996 Academy Award nomination as
Best Short; and Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s screen adaptation of the classic Samuel Beckett
play, “Waiting for Godot.” Dorn also collaborated again with filmmaker Nolan on his 2002
thriller, “Insomnia.”
A native of Santa Monica, California, Dorn graduated from Hollywood High School
and began her career as a production assistant on John Carpenter’s TV biopic, “Elvis.” She
moved into sound editing in 1982, working on such Hollywood classics as “Silverado,” “The
Big Chill,” “Mrs. Soffel,” “Racing with the Moon,” “The Big Easy” and “Children of a
Lesser God.”
A long term collaboration with Alan Rudolph includes work as a Supervising Sound
Editor on “The Moderns,” “Choose Me,” “Trouble in Mind,” and “Made in Heaven.” Other
sound supervisor credits include “The Big Picture,” “State of Grace” and “Powwow
Highway.” Dorn also started her own sound company, Sonic Kitchen, and, in 1990, won a
Golden Reel Award for Best Sound on James Cameron’s sci-fi epic, “The Abyss.”
MARC STREITENFELD (Music) has collaborated with director Ridley Scott on
five of the award-winning filmmaker’s previous projects, including “Gladiator “ (technical
score advisor on the Oscar-nominated soundtrack), “Matchstick Men” and “Kingdom of
Heaven” (music supervisor), and “Hannibal” and “Black Hawk Down” (music editor). This
film represents his first as sole composer.
Streitenfeld is also a protege of Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer, working with
the prolific music artist on two dozen projects as both music supervisor and music editor. In
addition to his collaborations with Zimmer on director Scott’s film works, he has worked (in
various capacities) with Zimmer on such titles as “Crimson Tide” and “The Fan” (both
directed by the other filmmaking Scott, Tony), “The Rock,” “The Peacemaker,” “The Last
Samurai,” “The Pledge,” “Mission: Impossible II,” “Beyond Rangoon,” “The Thin Red
Line,” “As Good As It Gets,” “The Preacher’s Wife” and “The Prince of Egypt” (the latter
four Oscar-nominated original scores).
Streitenfeld was born in Munich. The self-taught musician began studying music as a
young boy, playing classical guitar, which led to his versatility on numerous instruments. He
relocated to Los Angeles at the young age of nineteen, first working with Zimmer as his
assistant, then as a freelance music editor and supervisor since 2001.
©2006 Twentieth Century Fox. All rights reserved.
ALL PHOTOS 2006 Van Redin/New Line Productions
New Line Cinema and Walden Media present How to Eat Fried Worms, a feature film adaptation of Thomas Rockwell’s hugely popular young adult book, which
has been a perennial seller since its publication in 1973, amassing nearly 3 million copies sold worldwide. Rockwell has penned numerous books for young readers and has received The Mark Twain Award, the California Young Reader Medal, and the Sequoyah Award for How to Eat Fried Worms.
How to Eat Fried Worms tells the story of Billy (Luke Benward), an eleven-year-old who inadvertently challenges the town bully, Joe Guire (Adam Hicks), on his first day at a new school. To save face and earn the respect of his new classmates, Billy agrees to a bet that will determine his fate at the school - whether or not he can eat ten worms in one day. As the pressure mounts, he must summon heroic strength to keep his five-year-old brother from blabbing, his weak stomach from betraying him, and his big mouth from getting him into more trouble than he’s already in.
tells the story of Billy (Luke Benward), an eleven-year-old who inadvertently challenges the town bully, Joe Guire (Adam Hicks), on his first day at a new school. To save face and earn the respect of his new classmates, Billy agrees to a bet that will determine his fate at the school - whether or not he can eat ten worms in one day. As the pressure mounts, he must summon heroic strength to keep his five-year-old brother from blabbing, his weak stomach from betraying him, and his big mouth from getting him into more trouble than he’s already in.Mitch Forrester (Tom Cavanagh) and his wife Helen (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) have packed their boys into the family station wagon and are heading to a new town with a new job for Mitch and a new elementary school for Billy. It seems to Billy that everybody else, including his little brother Woody (Ty Panitz), easily adapts to the new surroundings.
Billy’s fears are realized in his first moments at the new school when the old adage ‘everybody picks on the new kid’ appears to be true. Everybody except the tall, lanky girl named Erika Tanzy (Hallie Kate Eisenberg) whose kindness simultaneously inspires gratefulness and humiliation in Billy. When the school bully Joe and his band of 5th grade followers put worms in Billy’s lunch, Billy surprises them all when he stands up to and embarrasses Joe. This leads the two to make a bet: on Saturday Billy must eat 10 worms by 7PM.
Meanwhile, at his work, Mitch is struggling with his own issues about fitting in and first impressions that lead him to take on a certain challenge of his own. When his parents leave Woody in his care, Billy presses Erika into service to help keep an eye on Woody…and to lend him some moral support in his gastronomic challenge.
Joe’s gang makes each worm more delightfully revolting than the last, beginning with La Big Porker, which is fried in pig fat. This odyssey through worm cuisine takes the boys all over town as they try to force Billy to throw up by dubbing each specimen increasingly disgusting names like The Burning Fireball, The Greasy Brown Toad Bloater Special, and The Barfmallow. When the adventure finally ends up down by the river for worms such as The Green Slusher and Radioactive Slime Delight, all of the kids learn the true meaning of friendship and bravery, as well as the difficulties and importance of doing the right thing.
How to Eat Fried Worms is a New Line Cinema and Walden Media presentation of A Mark Johnson Production, directed by Bob Dolman (The Banger Sisters). The screenplay is by Dolman, based on the novel How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell. The producers are Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer. The movie stars Luke Benward, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Adam Hicks, with Kimberly Williams-Paisley , and Tom Cavanagh. The talented cast also includes Austin Rogers, Alexander Gould, Ryan Malgarini, Philip Daniel Bolden, Clint Howard, Ty Panitz, and James Rebhorn.
is a New Line Cinema and Walden Media presentation of A Mark Johnson Production, directed by Bob Dolman (). The screenplay is by Dolman, based on the novel by Thomas Rockwell. The producers are Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer. The movie stars Luke Benward, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Adam Hicks, with Kimberly Williams-Paisley , and Tom Cavanagh. The talented cast also includes Austin Rogers, Alexander Gould, Ryan Malgarini, Philip Daniel Bolden, Clint Howard, Ty Panitz, and James Rebhorn.The creative team includes director of photography Richard Rutkowski, production designer Caty Maxey, costume designer Kathleen Kiatta, composers Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh and editor Janice Hampton, A.C.E.
How to Eat Fried Worms marks a continuing collaboration between New Line Cinema and Walden Media, as well as the re-teaming of Walden Media with producers Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer. Both were producers on the worldwide hit The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
marks a continuing collaboration between New Line Cinema and Walden Media, as well as the re-teaming of Walden Media with producers Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer. Both were producers on the worldwide hit .How to Eat Fried Worms filmed in 2005 in multiple locations in and around Austin, Texas, including the Travis Heights neighborhood and Stacy Park, Zilker Elementary School, Onion Creek Country Club, the Blue Hole swimming hole and Austin Studios.
filmed in 2005 in multiple locations in and around Austin, Texas, including the Travis Heights neighborhood and Stacy Park, Zilker Elementary School, Onion Creek Country Club, the Blue Hole swimming hole and Austin Studios.New Line Cinema will release How to Eat Fried Worms (rated “PG” by the M.P.A.A. for “mild bullying and some crude humor”) in theaters nationwide on August 25th, 2006.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Director Bob Dolman first became aware of the classic young adult novel How to Eat Fried Worms when he was approached as a writer to draft a revised screenplay. Since his sons were in their early teen years at the time, he had been drawn to doing a project for children and took on the task. “It seemed like a book that they would want to see as a movie,” explains Dolman. Little did he know at the time that he would be directing the film when his sons were grown.
“When I read the book, I saw all sorts of possibilities in it for a movie,” remembers Dolman. “The book tells a small story about a group of boys who make a bet and the main character, Billy, ends up eating worms over several days. It felt like a movie that would be fun to write, since really the joy of the book is watching them cook and eat the worms in different ways.”
“However, I felt the story needed to be bigger to work as a movie. So I began to think about how to invent situations and characters that could turn the story into a movie,” explains Dolman. “One of the first things that I brought to it was to up the stakes, so to speak, by making the bet take place all in one day. In the book, Billy eats the worms over a 15 day period and that didn't seem to be compelling enough, so I condensed it into eating all 10 worms in one day to give the proceedings some urgency.”
“I wanted the movie to be more sophisticated and be a story for boys and girls of all ages, not just a story for little boys,” adds Dolman. “Another big difference is there just weren't as many characters in the book. I made Joe a bully to increase the conflict in the story and added Erika, the only girl, who is the conscience of the movie. tells the story of Billy (Luke Benward), an eleven-year-old who inadvertently challenges the town bully, Joe Guire (Adam Hicks), on his first day at a new school. To save face and earn the respect of his new classmates, Billy agrees to a bet that will determine his fate at the school - whether or not he can eat ten worms in one day. As the pressure mounts, he must summon heroic strength to keep his five-year-old brother from blabbing, his weak stomach from betraying him, and his big mouth from getting him into more trouble than he’s already in.is a New Line Cinema and Walden Media presentation of A Mark Johnson Production, directed by Bob Dolman (). The screenplay is by Dolman, based on the novel by Thomas Rockwell. The producers are Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer. The movie stars Luke Benward, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Adam Hicks, with Kimberly Williams-Paisley , and Tom Cavanagh. The talented cast also includes Austin Rogers, Alexander Gould, Ryan Malgarini, Philip Daniel Bolden, Clint Howard, Ty Panitz, and James Rebhorn.marks a continuing collaboration between New Line Cinema and Walden Media, as well as the re-teaming of Walden Media with producers Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer. Both were producers on the worldwide hit . filmed in 2005 in multiple locations in and around Austin, Texas, including the Travis Heights neighborhood and Stacy Park, Zilker Elementary School, Onion Creek Country Club, the Blue Hole swimming hole and Austin Studios. “I wanted the movie to be more sophisticated and be a story for boys and girls of all ages, not just a story for little boys,” adds Dolman. “Another big difference is there just weren't as many characters in the book. I made Joe a bully to increase the conflict in the story and added Erika, the only girl, who is the conscience of the movie. The little brother, Woody, is also an invention. In fact all of the friends were quite different than the ones in the book. I felt like the characters needed to be broader and bigger and a little more adventurous and there had to be a bigger pack of them.”The project went through multiple drafts and lay dormant for many years while Dolman went on to write other projects and eventually direct his first movie – The Banger Sisters – on which he worked with producer Mark Johnson. “We had a really positive experience together and when that project was winding up, I asked Bob what he wanted to do next…and he told me about this book, How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell,” remembers Johnson.
“I had never read it and all of my friends said ‘you'll love this book,’ ‘my son is reading it,’ ‘it was really important to me growing up,’ ‘that's so much fun,’ and so on. So, I read it and loved the spirit of it and the message of it,” explains Johnson. “It’s really a wonderful tale of youthful energy and has a whole sense about being who you are. All of the messages were right, but it was in a package that is a lot of fun.”
“It’s a timeless tale of growing up that uses a very gross and interesting device, the worms, to make its point,” adds producer Philip Steuer. “Ultimately, I think it’s about a bully and a new kid coming to town and what that kid has to go through to be accepted. That’s kind of what everybody may have felt at a certain time in their life. The fact that these little creepy, crawly things help sell that point and help these kids get past their insecurities, is really pretty interesting.”
Johnson and Dolman began working together towards making the film and Dolman found new inspiration to expand on the tale. “I was also drawn to the story because it felt like a war story in which there weren’t really any of the dangers of war,” says Dolman. “But there are all the emotions that go with being in a battle: fear, doubt, wondering if you’re going to survive, questions of integrity, fighting fairly and standing up for what you believe in. Also, behind the dare is Billy’s own bravado. He comes to discover that he’s really got to rise to the occasion and back up his own beliefs with actions.”
The story weaves multiple themes, including acceptance, forgiveness, friendship, and not judging by first impressions, into a tale involving the culinary delights of earthworms. But for Dolman, courage and joy are the ideas that stand out above the others.
The director chose to amplify the theme of courage in the movie. “This boy comes to school and he gets involved with these other boys on a bet and in order to follow through on it, he has to be brave,” explains Dolman. “Behind any bet, there is a question of whether or not you can meet the challenge, so that does suggest an act of courage.”
“I know it may seem far fetched that anybody would eat worms. But Billy makes a bet and it takes a lot of courage just to follow through on what you said you were going to do and to stand up to people under scary circumstances. His first impulse is to run away, but his next impulse is to stay and face it.”
“Secondly, what emerged from the performances of the cast is something that I’m even more excited about, and that is the idea that laughter and joy and fun can overpower mean-spiritedness, crabbiness, and even cruelty,” adds Dolman. “I think the natural state of children is one of happiness, friendliness, love, getting along…and when it is oppressed, things go haywire. When it is allowed to be free and flourish, it runs it’s own wonderful course. And that’s what the story is about. It’s a very forgiving story.”
“YOU NEED HOW MANY KIDS?”
“The most important thing was getting the cast right,” says producer Mark Johnson. “This isn’t a movie with elaborate special effects or huge sets…it's really about the spirit of the book being in these kids. The most painstaking work we had to do was finding the right kids. We interviewed thousands before we came up with our core gang. What I'm particularly proud of is each kid is his or her own idiosyncratic self and, as charismatic as they are, they are not Hollywood kids. They are very real.”
“We weren't looking for performers,” agrees director Bob Dolman. “I was more interested in the natural spirit of the kids. Sometimes we selected kids with next to no acting experience because just they had that quality of being natural and real and funny and sincere.”
The search for young actors extended nationwide and the production opened casting offices in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas. “They came from all over the United States. Videotapes were sent in from everywhere. We had a really limited time to cast; ten weeks to find all eleven main kids,” adds producer Philip Steuer. “It was a very truncated process.”
“The personalities of the kids needed to play off one another. We saw some kids who we liked very much and thought ‘this kid is a terrific actor, but he's not right for this role, let's put him over to this part.’ The whole cast didn't click in until we had all of the elements. It was almost like a jigsaw puzzle to say this guy works here and this kid works there. You can't just say this is the best kid for the part. You ask if this the best kid for the part, in connection with this other kid who is going to play against him, and this other kid is going to be his best friend. It was a fun movie to cast because you did no one part in isolation,” explains Johnson.
“There was a frustrating time when we weren’t finding Billy and we were really stuck, because you couldn’t cast anyone else - the dad, the mom, the little brother, the other boys - until you had Billy,” adds Steuer.
“Casting took us a long time because we cast everything around Billy,” agrees Dolman. “We had about 30 young actors who were contenders to play the parts of the other boys. It’s like pulling together a team and making sure that you have your pitcher first. When we found Luke Benward to play Billy, then the rest of the casting happened rather quickly.”
The filmmakers ended up casting kids from California, Nevada, Tennessee, New Jersey, Texas, Oklahoma and Florida to complete the puzzle. “Because of the interlocking nature of the cast, one of the funny things our casting director Stephanie Corsalini said to Bob Dolman was ‘you’ll look back on this and you’ll say to yourself ‘I couldn’t have done this movie with any other cast,’” adds Steuer.
“The part of Billy the protagonist was probably the toughest one because we required so much of that boy, we need to see him at his lows and at his highs. We have got to see a boy who is, through a great deal of the movie, in a panic because he's made a bet that he knows in his heart he can't possibly win,” explains Johnson.
“Choosing Billy was difficult,” agrees Bob Dolman. “I was not only looking for someone who could act the part, but someone who had the energy to carry the part. I don't know of any other movie where the lead child actor is in almost every single scene. That's just exhausting, hard work for any actor. In addition, we shot in Austin, Texas in summer weather that was hot - 90 degrees plus, and humid - without exception every day. So sheer stamina was important. We were all looking for a kid who could carry that and have the energy and enthusiasm to go through it, who also had some acting experience.”
Tennessee-native Luke Benward was chosen to star as Billy, the new kid in the 5th grade overwhelmed by every aspect of his new life.
“My mom and I tape all my auditions in our kitchen and send them in. With this movie, we were running late and were rushing to get the tape to FedEx. We had thirty minutes until their last deadline of the night, and the place was a thirty-minute drive from our house. And the tape had to be in LA the next day in order for me to be considered,” explains Benward.
“We were racing to FedEx and everything was trying hard to stop us,” laughs Benward. “There was traffic, there was a train changing cars, we got lost. We finally got there 20 minutes late and they wouldn't let us in. The lady who worked there felt sorry for my mom, who was just about in tears. So she gave my mom all of the packaging through the door and mom laid it all out on the sidewalk. My mom was like, ‘Thank you so much.’ The FedEx lady said, ‘Don't worry, we will get it there.’ It got there the next morning and they ended up flying us to Los Angeles for a meeting with the director.”
Benward and his mom returned home to Franklin, Tennessee and after additional rounds of taped auditions, they waited and waited for news.
“I was at a friend’s house for a sleepover and my parents came over to surprise me. I came downstairs and saw my mom and dad sitting on the couch, and I was afraid they were going to make me come home and sleep in my own bed. My dad gave me a Texas Longhorns hat. I didn’t know what it was at first. He explained it's the team from Austin, Texas…and that's where I’d be shooting my next movie! Oh, yeah! It was a really awesome moment,” remembers Benward.
The Benwards didn’t forget those who helped Luke get the part. The next day, they arrived at the courier’s office with a bouquet of flowers from their garden for one very surprised FedEx employee.
An actress and acting coach by profession, Kenda Benward served as her son’s acting coach during production. “Billy is an awesome role for any actor, adult or child, to play because he has a range of emotions that he plays at any given time,” explains Kenda Benward. “He is not just playing one objective. It’s a story about a struggle of trying to find your place and confronting your fears. As Billy, Luke has to play someone who was popular, and now that he is in a new place, is intimidated easily.”
Six-year old Ty Panitz is featured as Woody, Billy’s annoyingly perfect and naturally popular little brother who adapts to their move with great ease, becoming the center of attention at his kindergarten in just one day.
“Like all younger brothers, Woody doesn't know what to make of his older brother,” says producer Mark Johnson. “He's bemused and also really irritated by him. At one point, he sings a song that couldn't be sweeter, except he puts his own lyrics into it. The punch line is basically, ‘I wish my brother were dead!’”
Panitz got the role by singing “God Bless America” at his audition. He and co-star Hallie Kate Eisenberg’s off-screen friendship was echoed on-screen in their roles of little kid and baby-sitter.
Eisenberg plays Erika Tanzy, an early bloomer who towers over her classmates in an awkward fashion and offers Billy friendship, a calming influence and advice that he’s not sure he wants. As the lone girl in the story, she is the outside person looking in who seems to have a better sense of what’s going on than everybody else.
“Erika’s very sensible. She's certainly more composed and world-wise and watches these boys with puzzlement,” comments Johnson. “At one point, Erika makes the unoriginal comment that boys are pretty weird. I think that's what this movie is so much about.”
“Erika's very practical and she's mature beyond her years,” agrees Eisenberg. “She's very smart. I loved that the character was so different from the boys.”
She makes sure that Billy knows he is the first person to ever do anything in the face of the bully Joe’s cruelty. “Erika is pretty important. She tells my character Billy to not run away and says the line ‘Win it true,’” explains Luke Benward. “She encourages him to not try to get out of it, but to just go and win the bet, do the deal, be true to yourself. She helps my character realize that I made the bet, I shouldn't have been bragging, so I have got to go through with it. If I lose, I lose.”
A veteran actress at age 13, Eisenberg was excited to learn a new skill for the role. “My character is into archery and it's something that I never would have wanted to learn on my own. Now that I have, I really would like to do more with it. I went to a couple of lessons and it was really hard at first, because you have to be strong. Then I got the hang of it, I got a few bull's eyes and it's fun.”
Filmmakers cast a freckle-faced redhead named Adam Hicks to play Joe Guire, the school bully whose confident demeanor and mean spirit intimidates his entire circle of friends and enemies.
“It starts out where I have all of the power. People listen to me. And I like it. At first, I try to overpower Billy, but he makes the bet and stands up to me…it's the first time that’s happened,” comments Hicks. “It scares me a little, but I can’t mess up my rep and let the others see that. I think everyone has had that time in their life where their friends were all around them and they don’t want to lose face. Everyone has a little bit of Joe in them.”
“I do think there are times in our lives when most of us have, out of insecurity, bullied somebody,” agrees producer Mark Johnson. “But with the wisdom of adulthood, we look back on it and understand why we did it at the time. Adam does a great job, because he’s not a bully at all in real life.”
“When I tried out for the part, my friends and family said, ‘You can’t play Joe. You're not a bully.’ I said, ‘It's acting!’ I’ve been determined to prove them wrong,” laughs Hicks. “Being an actor, I watch other people. The bullies in my school, I don't like them, but I still watch them. They sort of clench their fists, they look at you sideways or if they walk up to you, they don't back down. They keep staring at you non-stop.”
Director Bob Dolman gave Hicks further guidance. “Bob would always tell me that bullies play it cool. They don't care if this kid or that kid doesn't like ‘em. Bob has helped me so much and I couldn't have done the part nearly as well without him.”
Throughout the story, Joe uses the myth of his ‘death ring’ to keep fear in the hearts of the whole 5th grade. “It ends up that it's a ring that you could buy at Wal-Mart,” laughs Hicks.
Joe’s posse includes a half dozen fifth graders all trying to figure out how to fit in. Alexander Gould plays the high-strung boy nicknamed Twitch. “He is a little nutty, a little cuckoo,” says Gould. “Twitch’s parents expose him to a lot of art and music. He doesn't want to really show that he likes it, but he secretly really likes it.”
The bigger Joe Guire bullies Twitch and the others throughout the story. “I think that bullies are really afraid of something that they think is not so good about themselves, so they beat up on other kids who are smaller and weaker than them to make them feel better about themselves. It's really not a good thing,” observes Gould.
Houston-native Andrew Gillingham makes his feature film debut as Twitch’s best friend Techno Mouth, aptly nicknamed due to the elaborate braces on his teeth.
“Techno Mouth is a really fun kid, but kind of a crazy kid,” explains Gillingham. “He does stuff like climb up walls and hang from ceilings. Twitch and I have always been friends and we stick together in the story.”
“Andrew got his braces in May and I thought there goes any opportunity for him to get acting parts,” remembers his mother Carol Gillingham, a first-grade teacher. “Then the very next month, he auditioned for this piece and he got the part of Techno Mouth partly because of his braces. So, what I thought was a bad thing, turned out to be in his favor.”
Despite being told not to, both Twitch and Techno Mouth instinctively want to make friends with Billy, and eventually learn the importance of standing up to Joe and letting their natural joy shine through.
“At first, Twitch is weak. His backpack gets stolen and he gets pushed down. Then he meets Billy and he's having fun and gets the courage to stand up to Joe. That's really a big change for Twitch. After that, he gets stronger and he really starts feeling a lot better about himself,” explains Gould. “Twitch is really afraid of Joe in the beginning, because Joe is just plain, straight out mean. That death ring is like somebody holding a gun to your head every minute. So he does whatever Joe says. But it turns out he does have bravery inside him.”
“We have all been bullied and we have all been bullies at some point or another. The message of the movie is that bullying begets bullying and you have to stop it at some point,” says producer Mark Johnson. “It doesn't make Joe happy. Bullying is a no-win situation and a terrible burden to Joe.”
“There are multiple life lessons in this movie, including standing up for truth,” comments Luke Benward’s real-life father Aaron Benward. “Billy faces a crisis, he has to face a choice head on and realizes that he has to follow through with this choice. Billy says, ‘I am going to take this bet and I am going to do it,’ and by being an example by standing up for the others, interestingly enough, everybody comes and rallies around him. I think that is something we can look for when we stand for something that we feel passionately and deeply about. Even at the beginning, where he wasn't sure he was going to make it, the support of just a few key people helped him realize, ‘I can do this.’ You can see him finally get to the point with each worm that it is going to happen. By worm ten, it is his triumph.”
“The movie is also about a boy who overcomes his fears,” adds Luke Benward. “Billy has a weak stomach and he has to find the courage to eat worms. Some of the others have to face their fears as well. It’s also about friendship and how a boy who has no friends earns them.”
“When you see the boys start switching sides, you realize the movie is about true friendship,” adds Valerie Gould (real-life mom to Twitch). “It’s about living by your values and holding on to what is right. It's also about coming of age. Billy learns that he had the ability to do whatever he sets his mind to and that he doesn't need to be a follower. I think it's also about learning how to treat others with respect and treat others the way you want to be treated.”
“Billy is really an every boy in the sense that he's all of us at some point in our lives when we’ve experienced a lot of peer pressure,” relates Mark Johnson. “When you get defensive and scared, you end up doing something that may or may not be true to yourself. In this particular case, Billy makes a boast that he doesn't really believe in and then he has to live with that boast. It's really about being true to yourself and about standing up for what you believe. The fact is if you are who you truly are, then friends and wonderful things and the pluses and minuses of life will happen to you.”
Joe’s gang also includes The Puke Watchers, Bradley and Plug. Philip Daniel Bolden is the multiple-watch wearing Bradley, who performs his duties as the Official Time Keeper of the bet with soldier-like diligence. “Time is very important because Billy has to eat all of these 10 worms by 7:00 p.m.,” comments Bolden. “Bradley is also an official puke watcher and official worm keeper in the movie. He's a really cool character.”
Oklahoma City-native Blake Garrett was cast as the untidy and thick-headed Plug. “He’s a dirty guy, kind of the pig pen of the group,” says Garrett. “Plug's really a funny character, full of laughter. But he's also the tough guy and not the brightest in the group. He acts like a guard for Joe, even though Joe doesn’t always treat him very well.”
Filmmakers chose Alexander Agate as apprehensive Donny Pickett, the “Brain” of Joe’s outfit, charged with researching all the details of worm life. “Donny's a cowardly kind of kid in the beginning,” explains Agate. “But, he's the smart guy, he knows everything about the worms because studies them. Maybe he is kind of a nerd.”
Ryan Malgarini, who garnered big laughs playing Lindsay Lohan’s younger brother in the hit comedy Freaky Friday, was cast as the mocking Benjy. Joe’s right-hand-man eager for his approval, Benjy also serves as the Official Worm Cooker and gives newly created recipes unique names like “Radioactive Slime Delight,” “The Barfmallow” and “The Peanut Butter & Worm Jam Sandwich.”
“I liked the script because it’s about kid relationships and it has great morals. I also had to learn to cook and speak a little French for the role. Some of the lines were ‘merci beaucoup,’ ‘barf malloo’ and ‘saute ala mode’… very foreign,” laughs Malgarini. “My grandma helped me out on how to speak French. It was really quite fun.”
“Benjy says he’s French when he’s really not and he’s saying all of this French stuff that nobody really understands,” adds Malgarini. “His bike is loaded with cooking utensils and he’s got a big huge backpack with supplies. He can have food coming out of nowhere. Basically, I’m a traveling worm chef.”
“I think How to Eat Fried Worms is about not biting off more than you can chew. Basically, don't do something that you can't handle. And it's also about bullies and how they pick on you and how, in the end, they are just human beings like all of us,” sums up Malgarini.
The story also includes the nervous loner Adam Simms, played by actor Austin Rogers. Adam’s odd habits include smelling his fingers and stating the obviously disgusting in his misguided attempts to be helpful to Billy’s quest, after Joe assigns him to ‘Billy’s team.’
“He’s sort of the weirdo type in the group. Without knowing that he's grossing Billy out, he constantly does,” explains Rogers. “He's unusual, dresses weird, he has a weird bike, he just does a bunch of weird stuff and people kind of get annoyed with him. But he feels very helpful along the way when he gets to cook the omelet worm.”
“It's very interesting to see how all of the characters learn to accept their uniqueness. And accept one other's uniqueness. And embrace the fact that it's okay to be different, that it's okay to have a quirk,” comments Carol Gillingham. “To be a little strange is not such a bad thing.”
Rogers adds, “I loved working with all the kids and Bob Dolman. He is an excellent director. No offense to anyone, but it is very hard to work with us kids. You have got to have their complete attention.”
“I think Bob loves working with kids. The first thing he did when all of our kid actors arrived is to have everyone call them by their character names. Because, in a sense, that's how we see them,” explains Mark Johnson. “I think that's given a real looseness to the production and it's a wonderful enterprise. The number one goal for all of us is to make a good movie, but the implied goal is that everybody have a good time in the process.”
“Bob was really great about picking up on the traits the kids brought,” adds producer Philip Steuer. “For example, he made Benjy the cook when he saw him juggling salt and pepper shakers. He really tailored the script to the strengths of each actor.”
“I have a background in improvisational comedy writing, so I was always looking for possibilities that hadn't been on the page,” explains Dolman. “Ryan Malgarini, who plays Benjy, is very physical and so he is now the cook. Other things like that seeped in on the way. Once Ryan said the French word I gave him, he had so much fun that I said ‘you are going to be French.’ He doesn't know anything about being French, doesn't speak a word of French, but decided to play it like he was French. Things like that evolve.”
“You couldn't see everything in the auditions. Austin Rogers, who plays Adam Simms was cast as a kind of morose boy that I thought should just stand in one place. But, it turns out he's a great physical comedian,” reveals Dolman. “When you put him on a bicycle, he can make you laugh. When he dances, he can make you laugh. So I added things when I saw the strengths in any of them. They are all quite malleable. In children, you don't see all of their strengths until they loosen up a little bit.”
The boys really responded positively to Dolman’s changes. “I think I'm a lot like my character Donny because he's a quiet, cowardly kind of kid,” explains Alexander Agate. “He's kind of a nerd. Mr. Dolman actually said to me, ‘I invite you to create your own character, I just want it to be very natural for you.’ So, Donny's basically just like me.”
“In order to direct these kids, I had to let myself have fun,” adds Dolman. “I did want to come from their place, understand their energy, so we played a lot. This was like summer camp for all of us and for all of the crew and all the parents as well. I think everybody was inspired by these kids. I found it was the only way that I could really communicate to the kids. We just all banded together in a playful way.”
“Bob’s not afraid to express himself. If he feels happy, he will just jump around and start going crazy, being all goofy. If he’s sad, then he’ll tell you. Then we’ll make it up to him and then start being all goofy again,” explains Ryan Malgarini.
“He's a really fun director and just really outgoing. At one point, he was directing us swimming on his back in the water,” laughs Luke Benward. “If you need to talk to him about the scene, he'll just stop and answer all of your questions. He was really encouraging and helped me make it more energetic. He will also show us how to do it, he won't just tell us. He will just get up and go for it. It really helps us.”
“It's a true testament to Bob's leadership,” comments Kendra Benward. “He is not only a prince of a man, but as a director, he is a team player. There is no ego involved. He is so open to these kids and none of them feel intimidated to come to him. That's why he is getting the good stuff out of these kids because he is willing to take the time with them. Kids on film sets learn acting as they're doing it. They're professional actors, but they don't have 20 years of experience behind them, and Bob has really taken on that role to help teach them on this movie.”
“I very much believe in mentoring young people. I think it's great to be able to pass on your knowledge,” comments Dolman. “One of the great joys of working on this movie is that many of the kids in our young cast are interested in filmmaking. They wanted to see playback of takes and learn from the more experienced adult actors. I think some of them will go on to work in many capacities, including directing or producing or camera work. It was fun to show them how things worked and explain why we did it this way. They asked the camera people questions, they asked everyone in each department questions. I encouraged the kids, we all did.”
With the main kids signed on, the filmmakers turned their attention to casting the adults in the movie. The first order of business was finding the right pair of actors to play Billy’s parents. Tom Cavanagh was cast as his father Mitch, who has moved his family to a new town for his new job, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley plays Mitch’s wife, Helen.
“Tom brings a real believability, yet a certain eccentricity, to the part of the father and we wanted the father to be believable, at the same time like so many parents, certainly from the kids' point of view, slightly clueless,” laughs Mark Johnson.
Cavanagh’s storyline runs parallel to his son’s in the movie. “Billy is having trouble at school…he’s intimidated by people and worried about fitting in,” explains Dolman. “When you go to Mitch's place of work, you see that Mitch is facing the same sort of situation, just on an adult level. But it has a lot of the same ingredients. He's a bit nervous, he's clumsy, he drops things because he's nervous, and he's worried about what people are thinking of him. He ends up accepting an invitation to play tennis in the same way that Billy accepts the worm bet.”
“I hope that the kids watching will see that it's not just kids who feel afraid of new situations and feel intimidated by people who are bigger than they are. Adults go through the same thing,” adds Dolman. “Kids often think their parents are fearless, but in fact, adults feel all of the things that children feel.”
Kimberly Williams-Paisley agrees, saying “it’s a great little subplot that Bob included to show that adults have the same sorts of fears that kids do. Tom's character is afraid of his new job and his coworkers because he doesn't know them. He is the new kid on the block, and his boss invites us to play tennis and not thinking, he says ‘sure, we love to play tennis.’ Of course, we don't play tennis at all. We're terrible.”
“So we get stuck on the tennis court and he is terrified, which I just think is hysterical. What winds up happening is they show up and they’re not intimidating, they're just people,” adds Williams-Paisley.
The pair had a ball shooting the tennis scene where they face off against Mitch’s boss Rob Simon and his wife Whacker on the tennis court.
“That is not a funny scene,” deadpans Tom Cavanagh. “The correct description for that scene is shameless. Over the top would fit or you could probably call it broad. Anytime someone is standing around with mats, pads, and trampolines and saying, ‘Dude, do anything you want,’ it’s very hard to resist. I would say free forming is the nicest way you can put what we're doing out there.”
“We really were able to get goofy on the tennis court and I had a great day,” laughs Williams-Paisley. “Tom and I were flailing on the big thick mat. We love to do that kind of thing.”
“Kimberly and Tom are not afraid to do physical comedy – they are athletes, actually,” observes Dolman. “They take pratfalls, they fall down, stand up, drop things…it's wonderful. Sometimes, they are out and out clown-like. In a way, they are big kids. It helps again with that theme of the story…grownups, they are like kids, they are just bigger. Plus, they both have a great sense of comedic timing.”
In addition to the physicality of the role, Williams-Paisley was also attracted to the project for other reasons. “I thought the script was adorable and relatable. To me, the mom read like a perfect mom. Laid back, easy going, with a sense of humor, adoring and happy to be a mom. I like that part of Helen. She’s a good sport and kind of sarcastic, but also madly in love with her children and husband. She’s also turned into a little bit of a goof, a little bit of a klutz.”
“This set is a great place to be having fun and because it is a kid's movie, there is that kid's energy,” observes Williams-Paisley. “There is a lot of silliness and Bob is very laid back, which is terrific. He is also one of the only directors I've seen who stands next to the camera, sort of like the way they used to do it. Bob is working the kids and he is shouting encouragements at them in the middle of the scene, so it lends a certain spontaneity. He is great with the kids.”
Williams-Paisley was also keen to work with her co-star. “Tom Cavanagh is hysterical. I've admired his work for a long time. He is very funny and he throws something new in every single take. I’m never quite sure what he is going to do, so that's why it’s fun to act with him, because he is always surprising. Plus, he recently worked with my sister – they played each other’s love interest. Now this summer, I get him. So it’s kind of all in the family!”
“I am knocking them off one by one,” laughs Cavanagh. “That's the reason I did this movie, any Williams who takes up acting, I plan to act with them.”
Other adult actors featured include James Rebhorn as Principal “Boiler Head” Burdock and Clint Howard makes a cameo appearance as the cantankerous short order cook, Uncle Ed.
“A WORLD BOYS OUGHT TO LIVE IN”’
How to Eat Fried Worms began principal photography on July 25th, 2005 on location in Austin, Texas and continued throughout the summer heat until September brought the return to school for most of the cast.
began principal photography on July 25, 2005 on location in Austin, Texas and continued throughout the summer heat until September brought the return to school for most of the cast.Filmmakers chose to shoot the story in Austin due to the producers’ previous positive experiences in Central Texas and the community’s “anytown” quality. “Mark Johnson and Phil Steuer have made several movies in Austin so they have a familiarity with the Austin film community,” explains director Bob Dolman. “Environmentally, Austin fit the story and there are excellent movie crews here.”
How To Eat Fried Worms filmed in multiple locations in and around Austin including Zilker Elementary School, the Travis Heights neighborhood and Stacy Park, the Northwest Hills neighborhood, Austin Studios, the Blue Hole swimming hole in Wimberley and the Austin Diner. Other shooting locations included: the 1st Unitarian Church, which played Woody’s pre-school; the Onion Creek Country Club, where the parents ‘played’ tennis; and Highway 21 in Bastrop County, where we first learn about Billy’s queasy stomach.
filmed in multiple locations in and around Austin including Zilker Elementary School, the Travis Heights neighborhood and Stacy Park, the Northwest Hills neighborhood, Austin Studios, the Blue Hole swimming hole in Wimberley and the Austin Diner. Other shooting locations included: the 1 Unitarian Church, which played Woody’s pre-school; the Onion Creek Country Club, where the parents ‘played’ tennis; and Highway 21 in Bastrop County, where we first learn about Billy’s queasy stomach.In early July 2005, filmmakers held an open casting call at a local hotel for school-aged background extras and were overwhelmed with the response when over 2000 kids from Austin and as far away as Houston and San Antonio showed up. Organizers had been expecting around 200 and attributed the remarkable turnout to the popularity of the book.
Those young actors were used to populate the schoolyard, classrooms, hallways, library and cafeteria of Zilker Elementary. Filming in the school took place during the first two weeks of shooting, so that filmmakers would be finished at that location when teachers returned the second week in August to prep for their school year.
The school schedules of the principal cast made the shooting schedule particularly tight. “Logistically, we were against a ticking clock with the start of school. We wanted to finish in time for the principal actors to start in their own schools,” adds producr Philip Steuer. “We were able to schedule around most of the kids school starts, which was the blessing of hiring kids from other states, they all went back to school at different times. That actually was a bonus for us.”
“The film is set in contemporary times but I think we all felt it had the ability to be a period movie,” comments Steuer. “We certainly wanted it to have a period feel without being a period movie…not really knowing when or where you were, more of timeless period than a specific period. The kids are all on bikes and there’s not a lot of technology, but the idea was to have timeless sense to it.”
“The book was written in the 1970s and has a pre-computer innocence about it. It depicts a world that feels almost forgotten,” comments director Bob Dolman. “We’ve intended to present a world of boys as perhaps it ought to be. We wanted to quiet their world, so that their only real concern is ‘gee it's hard moving into a new place, trying to fit in, getting picked on.’ In a way, the theme of the movie could be that children of that age should have problems no bigger than ‘I have to eat a worm.’”
Production designer Caty Maxey and costume designer Kathleen Kiatta were charged with creating this any-town, timeless feel. “Bob’s marching orders were to keep it simple,” states Steuer. “All the clothes are contemporary and we didn’t build any elaborate sets.”
“Bob’s priority was the boys’ comfort,” says Kiatta. “For the most part I was given free rein, but he really wanted me to hone in on the boys as individuals and try to make them all different. Once I got to spend a little time with them, they each brought something very special to the table. I got to be most creative with Twitch's costumes – the artwork on his pajamas and some of his t-shirts was all drawn on by hand.”
Maxey took advantage of the classic Craftsman architecture prevalent in the Travis Heights neighborhood of South Austin and the adjacent idyllic Stacy Park to highlight the film’s timeless feel. By using a pre-defined color scheme, the art department was able to seamlessly blend the bedroom/hallway/bathroom set, built on stage at Austin Studios, with the interiors and exteriors of the practical Forrester House that were shot on location at a real residence in the Northwest Hills neighborhood.
Twitch’s house was found in that same neighborhood when location scouts discovered a recently sold home that was about to go through major renovations. The production came in and constructed the kitchen set (specific to the scene that allowed Techno Mouth to hang from the rafters) inside the shell of the home.
Maxey’s team also constructed an elaborate dilapidated bait shack in Austin and trucked it to the Blue Hole location, about an hour away in the Texas Hill Country. The formerly private natural swimming hole was recently donated to the City of Wimberley with the intention of making it into an official park.
“The whole final sequence was shot in the most beautiful place with a swimming hole right beside us all the time,” comments Dolman. “The weather was between 95 and 105 degrees and all the boys could think about was that river.”
“You could practically see the sirens calling them,” laughs producer Mark Johnson. “But they have a professional job acting in a movie. It was difficult for them, in this idyllic setting with a river going by. They just wanted to get done with their scene so they could run over there and throw rocks in the water and poke something with a stick. Yet you can't do it, you're working. It so goes against what being a kid is.”
The filmmakers managed to keep the cast out of the water during the shooting day, but they were allowed to swim after wrap in the evenings. “The water was so clear!” exclaims Hallie Kate Eisenberg. “At the end of the week, Ryan and I pushed our director in the water and then all of the kids jumped in. There was even a huge tree that we all climbed and jumped off of into the freezing water.”
Luke Benward was the lucky cast member, as he got to be in the water during the shooting day as part of the scene. “Blue Hole was awesome! It was so pretty,” exclaims Benward. “The cameras were in the water on platforms and sometimes I would go under the platform and hold on to bars. They had scuba divers who were there just in case you got a cramp or something. They taught me a little bit about scuba diving between scenes.”
“It was difficult just because they had so much energy that just wanted to run in every different direction,” says Bob Dolman. “The kids are really quite amazing and disciplined for 10 to 13 year-old actors. Nevertheless they are kids. When we had all nine of the worm boys in so many scenes, they just had another ideas a lot of time. It was very easy for them to be distracted, just in the ways that boys will be distracted. That I found to be the most exhausting part of directing them.”
Despite the challenges of working with his young cast, Dolman could not have been more pleased with them. “They have a genuineness about them. They don't seem like they are show business kids. They don't seem to have big egos and are very giving to each other. So they come across on camera quite naturally,” reveals Dolman. “As the director, I just tried to keep their natural selves in front of the camera. It wasn't about performing as much as it was just keeping them as genuine as possible, trying to pull forth from them what I already saw in them as people. They all seemed to just be able to act out of their own place, which to me is great acting.”
Austin Diner was the local eatery transformed into The Brown Toad Diner. The art department decorated the interior with thousands of toads and frogs gathered from local bric-a-brac and thrift stores, which the owner of Austin Diner decided to keep when they re-opened for business. On the roof, they placed a giant toad that the special effects department rigged to stick its tongue out, like it was eating flies. Inside the diner, the kids meet Adam Simms’ Uncle Ed, played by Clint Howard.
“I LOVE WORMS”
The production utilized real worms, gummy worms, rubber worms, stunt worms and fake edible worms to play the title characters.
Casting real worms presented unique challenges to the production. “Really early in pre-production, we were very concerned about not killing any of them,” explains producer Philip Steuer. “We met with a worm specialist named Steven Kutcher in Los Angeles, who is an entomologist and does bugs for movies. He told us that heat will affect the way worms move and you have to keep them cool.”
Of course, the production was slated to film during the height of the summer heat. “When we began working in Texas, our property master Dwayne Grady spearheaded their care and took it on full force with regards to who would do what with the worms. In our basement of the production office, we had a worm farm, home to thousands of live worms. As product placement, one company actually gave us living habitats (elaborate tins of dirt) to keep them in.”
The prop department also instructed the crew to save certain leftover food including: old toast, pancakes, fruit/vegetable scraps, crushed egg shells, coffee grounds and dead flowers and leaves to feed the worms.
Property master Dwayne Grady and his crew of five took their care extremely seriously. “On set the worms were always kept in special temperature-controlled containers,” explains assistant property master Amy Bell. “They were treated like movie stars.” Gummy worms and rubber worms were used as stand-ins to keep the stars out of the heat for as long as possible to preserve the energy of their performances. When production wrapped, several crewmembers adopted many of the stars and took them home to live in their gardens.
Among other things, special effects coordinator Everette Byrom, III and his brother, special effects foreman Craig Byrom, were responsible for the practical stunt worms. For example, “The Burning Fireball” is cooked in a boiling pot and the special effects wizards made the concoction gurgle and look boiling hot, even though the liquid was room temperature and safe for the actors to throw stuff in the pot and splash the contents without getting burned.
The props department filled the counter tops of Twitch’s kitchen with a range of things the actors could throw into the pot. “We threw everything from a household kitchen,” explains Ryan Malgarini, who plays the worm chef Benjy. “Lettuce, hot sauce, pepper, just about anything that you could find in the house, we put into this pot and cooked it and boiled it and fried it. It was crazy and disgusting!”
Luke Benward’s reaction to eating “The Burning Fireball” worm was natural and real. “The pot had a big stew full of bananas and banana peels and glass bottles and hot sauce and cayenne papers and then they put the edible prop worm inside,” remembers Benward. “It was red and it was actually in the stew they made. It just tasted really bad. It's was hot the first time it touched my tongue and then it just got gross.”
The special effects technicians also rigged the "Radioactive Slime Delight" worm to splat worm parts without actually harming a real worm. “It's a worm that goes in the microwave and is turning, turning, turning, and all of a sudden it blows up all over the microwave,” explains Benward. “There are pieces of worm everywhere and I have to eat it with a spatula. It was actually corn syrup and edible worm flying everywhere, so it was all sticky and that one had no taste, but the texture in your mouth was like…let’s just say, that's the one that I want to get in one take.”
Benward was grateful for the assistance of special effects and props departments in his worm-eating escapades. “For one scene, I did have to put a real worm in my mouth – a Canadian night crawler. It wasn't too gross, it was actually kind of good,” Benward comments surprisingly. “I didn't bite into it, but the outside was salty and slimy. One of our props guys said ‘I wouldn't let you put anything in your mouth that I wouldn't put in my mouth.’ He tasted everything before I did. That was really awesome.”
Prop department member Doug Field actually made the edible worms in his kitchen at home. The worms were molded out of gelatin and hand painted with edible paint. They came in flavors like pistachio, vanilla, tapioca and fruit punch. “The first one I had to eat – “La Big Porker” – was supposedly fried in pig fat. So on the outside they made it look like it had fat hanging off of it and made it look like some of the worm slime melted into the fat. The special effects people also made it squirt goo. It was gross,” explains Benward.
Several of the edible worms were more elaborate. “’Brown Toad Bloater Special’ is supposed to be deep fried. Actually, it’s portabella mushroom with molasses, chocolate syrup and maple syrup. That mixture of syrups all mixed on the worm and he poured it into my mouth and it stuck out because it was really hard to eat,” remembers Benward.
In the movie, the “Barfmallow” worm is made of marshmallows, tuna fish, ketchup and mayonnaise. “Since that would have actually made me sick, they used that strawberry stuff that is in cereal. It was actually pretty good,” reveals Benward.
Even though their characters are non worm-eaters, over the course of production, most of the cast did taste the edible worms out of curiosity.
“I didn’t really want to eat any of them. Even though they are fake edible worms, they still are pretty nasty,” comments Malgarini. “They each got more sick and disgusting as we went on. But ‘The Green Slusher’ tasted like cereal…it was mix of Trix and Lucky Charms. It actually tasted pretty good. That’s the one I liked the most.”
“Out of solidarity for Billy, I ate the worms,” admits Tom Cavanagh, who plays Billy’s dad. “They're gross. It wasn't a pretty sight. Do you know who ate none of the worms? Kimberly Williams. I had to eat all of her worms, too.”
Williams wasn’t the only female cast member who didn’t sample the props. “I didn't eat any of the worms because they have gelatin in them and I'm a vegetarian,” explains Hallie Kate Eisenberg. “But to see all of these boys standing there lined up, tasting the worms all together, putting these worms in their mouths. It's hysterical to watch. Ty, who plays Woody, and I did get to do this scene with ice cream over and over and over. By the last few takes we were miming eating them. We had to eat about 25 ice cream bars, which is a lot better than worms.”
“CAMP WORMS, TEXAS”
summer camp (n) - a place, usually residential, offering outdoor recreational activities & skill development for children during the summer
The young cast and their families – parents, grandparents and siblings - had a unique experience during the 8 weeks of production. “Even though they were surrounded by all of this film making equipment, they just behaved like kids at summer camp. I hope that comes across in the movie,” comments director Bob Dolman.
Producer Philip Steuer agrees. “There was archery, water sports, cooking, campfires.” Producers threw the cast and crew a bowling party to kick off filming that set the tone for the entire production. As filming progressed, the cast often went on outings together during their off time to places such as the local water park, the Austin Duck Tour and miniature golf.
“It really felt like we were all away at summer camp and our camp project was making this movie,” says Hallie Kate Eisenberg. “Bob had us call each other by our character names, like when you get a nickname at camp. We were all from different places and we all came together while the weather’s warm and learned new things. Instead of cabins, we stayed at an apartment complex and after work, we all swam in the pool and hung out with each other.”
The project was also a unique acting environment, one that echoed the themes in the film. “In most of my movies, I act with adults or maybe, at most, two or three other kids,” explains Adam “Joe” Hicks. “So, with this movie – wow - 10 other kids - that's really cool. When I arrived I was thinking ‘I hope I get along with everyone, I hope everyone likes me.’”
“When you have this many kids, you do worry about them all getting along,” admits Philip Steuer. “That certainly wasn’t an issue at all, some of them will probably be life-long friends.”
“They became their characters and the friendship that this movie needs to show, is a friendship that now they completely have,” agrees producer Mark Johnson. “These kids are together every second of the day. They have become a gang of friends and that friendship works for the movie. In fact, sometimes we have to fight it a little bit, because there is a rivalry in the movie.”
Instead of a club house, the young actors had a green room, which was an air conditioned trailer, parked near the set, which included a foosball table, video games, movies and musical instruments, couches, bean bags and lots of movie posters on the walls.
“The green room is a trailer where we take a break while the crew moves the cameras around. We escape from the sun and play games. We even used the instruments in there to get a band going called ‘Production 5.’ It lasted for about maybe one, two weeks,” laughs Blake “Plug” Garrett.
“Blake got some tips from Ethan our sound mixer, who plays guitar,” shares Hallie Kate Eisenberg. “We had it all worked out…Austin is the band manager and lead harmonica player, Adam plays drums, and Ryan also played guitar. Luke and I were the singers. All of us wrote songs together.”
The adult actors also experienced some of the life-imitating-art-imitating-life phenomenon of the project. “I came into this movie towards the end of it, and I felt like the new kid on the block,” reveals Kimberly Williams-Paisley. “I always have some trepidation going into a new situation…who are these people and how I am going to fit in here? How long will it take for them to get to know me? I think a lot of people can relate to this story.”
“On my first day on set Ty, who plays my youngest son, bet me 20 bucks that he could beat me at foosball. So, I took him on and he did beat me,” admits Williams-Paisley. “But he did have a partner, so there were two against one. Then I teamed up with Ty's mom and went against the two kids, and they beat us hands down. These kids really know what they're doing in foosball. Ty is a little firecracker.”
“On this movie, there's about 500 bets made a day and no one ever follows through with them. Everyone says things like ‘I will pay you five bucks if you can get the basketball in the hoop.’ Everything is a bet,” laughs Hallie Kate Eisenberg.
Director Bob Dolman thinks that audiences will enjoy seeing any eventual behind-the-scenes features about the making of the movie. “I would love for people to be able to see what it has been like for these kids to go through this, because it has been unique. The kids are really featured all the way through this movie, there are hardly any adults in it. The kids dominate and carry the movie. To see how they pulled that off, how they worked with me and with the crew. To see how all of the parents helped these kids to learn their lines and be ready on set every day. The families helped us enormously, there was a huge collaboration that went on with the parents, grandparents and the friends of the kids that were here.”
The ‘worm kids’ (as they began calling themselves) and their families were so touched by their journey that they made their own video to thank their director for the experience. “I really felt like they were thanking the whole crew, all of the people that were involved. They were just warm and genuinely grateful,” says Dolman. “It just touched everybody."
One final challenge for filmmakers was scheduling the ADR (additional dialogue replacement, or sound “looping”) before the voices of the boys changed. “We wanted to do it as soon as possible after wrapping principal photography. Both Adam Hicks and Ryan Malgarini are 13 and their voices will pop soon, big growth spurts are coming,” relates producer Philip Steuer.
After a quick 39 days of production, principal photography wrapped on Sunday, September 18th, 2005, along tree-lined Highway 21 in Bastrop County, forty-five minutes outside Austin. For filmmakers, cast and crew, summer camp was over and it was time to go back to school.
“I CAN’T WAIT TO READ THE WORM BOOK”
“I don't think anything encourages students to read more than having a movie made of a book,” states Carol Gillingham, a first grade teacher in Houston and mother of Andrew “Techno Mouth” Gillingham. “I think being able to make comparisons between the book and the movie will be a lot of fun. It's a fabulous way to get kids to read books.”
“During scouting, every time we went into a school, we met the teachers and librarians who were excited because the students already knew this book,” comments director Bob Dolman.
“I have made a number of movies based on books: The Natural, My Dog Skip, A Little Princess, Donnie Brasco, The Notebook and most recently The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I think that you have a responsibility when you are translating a book into a film, because you have to respect the fact that there is a core readership who have certain expectations from your movie,” explains producer Mark Johnson. “As filmmakers, you can make alterations, but it’s important to try to keep the themes and characters somewhat consistent. I think in a book like How to Eat Fried Worms, that is and has been read by a lot of kids, you want to make sure that they have the experience of seeing something new and original, that yet still reminds them of the experience of reading the book. So it's a little bit of a balancing act.”
Adds Johnson, “the ideal thing is to take the book as your foundation and then have a screenwriter who adds what he or she is particularly talented at, to come up with something that's it's own new animal. Bob Dolman really dreamed up this whole kinetic energy and conflict between all of these kids. The ultimate compliment came from Thomas Rockwell, the author of the book, who had read our screenplay and liked it a great deal. It’s loosely based on his book and he appreciated it for what it is.”
A feature film adaptation of Thomas Rockwell’s hugely popular young adult book How to Eat Fried Worms completely fit the corporate mission of Walden Media. Founded in 2001 by Cary Granat, former president of Miramax Films’ Dimension label, and education reformer Micheal Flaherty, Walden Media specializes in entertainment designed to recapture the audience’s imagination, rekindle curiosity and spark an enthusiasm for lifelong learning.
“Our company is focused on creating multiple learning avenues, both before and after the film, around the subject matter of the story,” says Cary Granat. “We explore the themes online, in school and in after-school programs with groups like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Young Life, 4 H, Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA. We want kids to go out and actually do things in the community tied to what the story is about. Oftentimes books become a great resource to allow us to talk to kids through a shared kind of common experience. So, they've read the book, now they can go see the film.”
“The theme of bullying is really important to bring to kids in school today,” adds Granat. “Teachers are using the book as a staple in their curriculum. It’s part of an accredited reading list of all 50 states, plus many places internationally. For us this is really hitting the jackpot: great themes, accredited nationwide, and it's something that kids really adore.”
“In the book, the chapter headings are literally military headings. This was a very smart way to teach kids that there's very little difference in terms of bullying on the war field and bullying in school,” comments Granat. “In the movie, Billy makes this incredible stand. He lays the gauntlet. And then he starts to question ‘what have I done?’ The rest of the story is Billy building up again that same level of courage, tenacity, temerity, and boldness.”
Billy’s actions inspire the other boys to change. “What it takes is the first person to start doing something differently. Once they do and they have that conviction, other people will follow that example,” says Granat. “It's a great story of the exemplary role model. It's amazing how everybody who starts out in this gang, slowly but surely joins Billy’s team. He has taken the step to do the right thing.”
“Hopefully young audiences can take away a feeling of empowerment,” adds Granat. “It's their responsibility and only their responsibility to take that first step themselves. They can't wait for someone else to show them how to do it. That's really another great theme in this book: sometimes the hardest thing to do is take that first step. But once you do it, you learn to overcome your other fears and anxieties.”
“The whole film is infused with great comedy all throughout,” continues Granat. “We want to use high entertainment value as an educational tool, because nothing is more inherently educational than something you relate to and find entertaining and think about it after you have seen. We recognize that power of media.”
“Books can be a valuable teaching aid, but nothing beats parenting. Nothing beats a parent sitting down with their child and with a logic and a reason and a love, explaining and teaching,” comments actor Clint Howard. “But this movie is an effective tool and a wonderful opportunity for a little life lesson that parents can share with their kids.”
“I think the beauty of so many family films today now is that they really are family films,” concludes producer Mark Johnson. “They may be specifically for kids or about kids, but adults will really like them. I think our humor will be pretty hilarious to kids, but I don't think it will escape grown ups. So, if we have done our job right, this movie should work for kids and parents.”
ABOUT THE CAST
Luke Benward (Billy Forrester)
(Billy Forrester)Eleven year-old Luke Benward was cast in his first film at age 5, appearing alongside Mel Gibson and Madeleine Stowe in We Were Soldiers. In the two years following, he shot television pilots for “Life on the Water” and “Family Affair” starring Tim Curry and Gary Cole.
He was cast in the family film Because of Winn Dixie at age 8 after choosing to audition with a toothpick in his mouth. The choice set him apart from the hundreds of boys vying for the role of Stevie Dewberry, one of the two brothers tormenting Annasophia Robb’s character. Director Wayne Wang loved the idea and used it in the film.
Benward stars as Angel/Michael in Martina McBride’s award-winning music video for “Concrete Angel.” The clip was nominated for a Grammy, among other awards, and McBride took home the prize for Female Video of the Year at the 2003 CMT Flameworthy Awards.
His commercial credits include campaigns for McDonalds, Nintendo, American Express, and Hamburger Helper.
Part of an entertainment family, Benward also loves to sing and dance and got his acting start tagging along to auditions with his mother – actress, acting coach and former CMT veejay Kenda Benward. His father, Aaron Benward, is half of the country music duo Blue County. He has two younger sisters, Ella and Gracie.
Born and raised in Tennessee, he enjoys riding his bike and playing football and video games. Benward read the book How To Eat Fried Worms when he was in the 3rd grade, but never ate a worm until he began work on the film. He did, however, once eat a roly poly bug on a dare.
Hallie Kate Eisenberg (Erika Tansy)
(Erika Tansy)At thirteen, Hallie Kate Eisenberg is already a seasoned actress with numerous film, television, stage, and commercial credits on her resume.
Eisenberg made her feature film debut at age 5, playing Marie in DreamWorks’ family film Paulie. She then portrayed Barbara in Michael Mann’s Academy Award nominated film The Insider starring Russell Crowe and Little Miss in Christopher Columbus’ Bicentennial Man starring Robin Williams. Eisenberg went on to co-star with Minnie Driver in Beautiful, directed by Sally Field.
She played Helen Keller in the award-winning ABC-Wonderful World of Disney TV movie “The Miracle Worker.” Eisenberg also appeared in three movies of the week: as Eleanor in “Nicholas’ Gift,” Josie in “Blue Moon,” and Jenny in “Swing Vote.” She has guest starred on the FOX TV series “Get Real” and the CBS-TV drama, “Presidio Med.”
On cable television, Eisenberg recently co-starred with Patricia Heaton and Jeff Daniels in the 2004 remake of Neil Simon's “The Goodbye Girl.” On HBO, she played Abby Mills on “A Little Inside;” and in the upcoming feature, “Jesus, Mary and Joey” she plays Melissa, a cancer patient.
Eisenberg made her Broadway debut in the Roundabout’s star-studded play, "The Women," which also aired on PBS as part of its Stage and Screen series.
Commercial credits include promos for the Independent Film Channel (as Christie, the “hot young Indie director“) and a four-year campaign as the spokesperson for Pepsi. These spots include the voices of several celebrities (Joe Pesci, Aretha Franklin, Isaac Hayes, and Marlon Brando) and appearances by KISS, Faith Hill, baseball great Ken Griffey, Jr., Nascar’s Jeff Gordon and Halle Berry.
Eisenberg received the Young Artists Special Achievement Award for most outstanding young performer in television advertising. The Young Artists Awards also nominated her for outstanding young actress in a feature film (Beautiful); and outstanding young actress for her portrayal of Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker.” She was nominated for best young actress in a feature film (Bicentennial Man) for Hollywood Reporter’s Youngstar Awards. Eisenberg also won a Camie award for her performance in “The Miracle Worker.”
In addition, Eisenberg has served as a special correspondent for “Entertainment Tonight” and has covered events such as the Gotham Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and the Emmy Awards®.
When not acting, Hallie competes in equestrian competitions with her horse, Nate. Eisenberg has a sister, Kerry, and a brother, Jesse. Rounding out the household are three dogs and two cats. She lives in New Jersey with her parents, Amy and Barry. Eisenberg read the book How To Eat Fried Worms while working on the movie.
Adam Hicks (Joe Guire)
(Joe Guire)Thirteen year-old Adam Hicks starred in the leading role of Brady Davis in the feature film Down and Derby. He was recently seen on the big screen in Disney’s remake of The Shaggy Dog starring Tim Allen and in The 12 Dogs of Christmas, released on DVD in November of 2005.
Beginning at age 5, Hicks was a series regular playing Young Dave on the show “Titus,” which ran for three seasons on the FOX network. He was also a series regular on the Frank Oz directed TV pilot “The Funkhousers,” co-starred on ABC’s “That Was Then,” and was the Discovery Channel’s “The Discovery Kid 2000.” In addition to numerous commercial credits, he has participated in several stage productions in Las Vegas, including playing the title role in “Tom Sawyer.”
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Hicks first knew he wanted to act after seeing the movie Home Alone and began bugging his mother, a nurse, continuously until she let him begin auditioning. His first job was a national commercial for “The Best of Andy Griffith,” in which he played Opie.
Hicks has a 10 year old brother and their pets include 2 dogs and 5 cats, all rescued animals. He has a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and has twice been a National Champion. His other interests include skateboarding, rugby, rap, Hip-Hop dance and playing the drums. He is also a fan of the Rolling Stones and David Bowie.
Austin Rogers (Adam Simms)
(Adam Simms)Eleven year-old Austin Rogers will be seen in the soon-to-be released comedy Blind Guy starring Jane Seymour and Eddie Kaye Thomas. He is also featured in the direct-to-video kids project Undercover Kids. His short film credits include Two Divorced guys in A Bar and Three Body Problem.
Rogers’ television credits include HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “According to Jim,” “Life on a Stick,” and “The Orlando Jones Show.”
Also a singer and dancer, Rogers starred in the leading role of Nick Burns in the play “A Thousand Clowns” at the Norris Theatre in Redondo Beach, CA and has been a recurring soloist with the Calabasas Chamber Orchestra. He has also appeared in numerous local productions at the Performing Arts Center in Tampa.
His commercial credits include national spots for Office Depot, Toyota, Sprint, Six Flags, Holiday Inn, Reynold’s Wrap, and a currently airing hilarious spot for Staples, in which Rogers presses an “easy button” under his school desk.
Rogers read the book How To Eat Fried Worms this year. He has never tried a worm but has eaten beetles and flies, “basically any bug that falls into my pool. They crunch like popcorn.” Rogers lives both in Tampa, Florida with his father and Los Angeles with his grandmother.
Alexander Gould (Twitch)
(Twitch)Twelve year-old Alexander Gould began his acting career at age two with his first speaking role. Since then he has had a successful career on the big and small screens, including providing the voice of Nemo in the hit Disney/Pixar animated feature Finding Nemo. And more recently provided the voice of the title character in the Disney release Bambi II, The Great Prince of the Forest. His other feature work includes the independent film Wheelmen and the Wes Craven-produced suspense thriller They.
Gould has appeared in recurring roles on “American Dreams” and "Ally McBeal" and co-starred in the series "Boomtown." He has guest-starred on numerous critically acclaimed television shows, including "Malcolm In The Middle," "7th Heaven," "Family Law,” “Freaks and Geeks,” and "Even Stevens.” He was also seen in the television movies "The Day The World Ended" and "The Point of Origin."
He can currently be seen as Shane Botwin, the imaginative youngest son of Mary-Louise Parker, in the Showtime series “Weeds.”
Gould, an avid reader, has noted that How to Eat Fried Worms is one of his favorite books. Gould lives with his family – including sisters Emma and Kelly, five dogs, two goats, four horses, one cat and one bunny in California.
Ryan Malgarini (Benjy)
(Benjy)Fourteen year-old Ryan Malgarini charmed movie-goers as Harry Coleman, the quintessential bratty-yet-lovable younger brother in the hit Disney comedy Freaky Friday starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. In 2002, Malgarini filmed his first movie The United States of Leland, portraying the title character as a six-year-old in flashbacks opposite Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey.
Malgarini can currently be seen in the Disney Channel Original Movie Go Figure playing Bradley Kingsford, a gadget-building computer whiz. He has also been seen on the Disney Channel as one of the guest hosts of “Click-it to Pick-it.” Malgarini's segment reunites him with his Go Figure co-star Tania Gunadi. His other television appearances include “Spin City,” “The Gilmore Girls,” and “Malcolm in the Middle.”
A natural comic performer, Malgarini first caught the acting bug observing his grandmother’s involvement in show business. When he was 8 years old, he tagged along to be an extra in another of her commercials and wound up featured in the ad, along with his grandparents, his uncle, and R & B legend Lou Rawls. Other commercials followed, including spots for McDonald's and Washington Mutual Savings Bank.
Malgarini’s interests include basketball, baseball (his grandfather played professionally), skateboarding, magic, and he plays piano and is learning guitar. A born mimic, Malgarini enjoys doing imitations of Jerry Seinfeld, Louie Anderson, and Steve Burns, the peppy host of Nick, Jr.'s Blues Clues. He also enjoys participating in fund-raising events, such as the Variety Club Children's Charity of Southern Nevada Silent Auction and the Ronald McDonald House Walk-a-Thon, which he co-hosted with Anne Hathaway (The Princess Diaries) and Jeremy Sumpter (Peter Pan).
He lives in Las Vegas with his grandparents John and Gloria Malgarini and their rescue-dog Mia. He frequently enjoys spending time with his extended family that live across the country—from Seattle to New York City. He once made a bet that he wouldn’t talk for two days. While extremely difficult for him, Malgarini did follow through…for a day and a half. He has not yet read How To Eat Fried Worms, but he plans to soon.
Philip Daniel Bolden (Bradley)
(Bradley)Ten year-old Philip Daniel Bolden was most recently featured as Kevin Kingston in the hit family comedy Are We There Yet? starring Ice Cube and Nia Long. Philip will be reprising his role in the sequel entitled Are We Done Yet? when filming starts at the end of the summer. (Billy Forrester) (Erika Tansy) (Joe Guire) (Adam Simms)(Twitch) (Benjy)(Bradley)Ten year-old Philip Daniel Bolden was most recently featured as Kevin Kingston in the hit family comedy starring Ice Cube and Nia Long. Philip will be reprising his role in the sequel entitled ? when filming starts at the end of the summer. He also appeared as Mack Jr. in Johnson Family Vacation opposite Steve Harvey and Vanessa L. Williams. His other film credits include The Animal and Little Nicky. Bolden first wanted to act at age 3 and booked his first job – a movie called Mystery Men - that same year.On television, Bolden has guest-starred on “According to Jim,” “CSI: Miami,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” and has had recurring roles on both “My Wife and Kids” and “The King of Queens.” He also appeared in the telefilm “Play’d: A Hip Hop Story.”
Bolden, who was born in New Orleans, had a breakout role in a McDonald’s commercial with Kobe Bryant and had a leading role in Macy Gray’s music video “Sweet Baby.” He lives in Southern California with his family.
He is a fan of mystery books and has yet to read How To Eat Fried Worms. He bets his dad when they play video games, but he always wins. Some of Bolden’s favorite activities include football, reading, acting, and listening to soul/R & B music.
Ty Panitz (Woody Forrester)
(Woody Forrester)Ty Panitz decided he wanted to be an actor when he was four years old. Now six, Panitz was recently seen in his feature film debut, as the youngest sibling Ethan Beardsley in the remake of the classic family film Yours, Mine And Ours.
As a baby, Panitz began his career by doing commercials including a stint as the Gerber baby at 9 months of age. His interests include swimming, bike riding, tennis, and football. Panitz is a devout Philadelphia Eagles fan and cried when they lost in the Super Bowl. His favorite songs are The Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America, which he sang for his Woody audition, complete with hand signs.
Panitz lives in Manhattan Beach, CA with his two younger brothers, Parris and Sawyer, and his mother, who read the book How To Eat Fried Worms to him aloud. His favorite book is Where’s Waldo, which was a gift from co-star Hallie Kate Eisenberg.
James Rebhorn (Principal “Boiler Head” Burdock)
(Principal “Boiler Head” Burdock)Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Rebhorn earned his BA from Wittenberg University and his MFA from Columbia. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and two daughters.
Mr. Rebhorn's impressive list of credits encompasses both comedy and drama. His many film appearances include roles in Meet The Parents, The Last Shot, Far From Heaven, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle, Snow Falling on Cedars, The Game, Independence Day, Last Ball, If Lucy Fell, White Squall, Up Close and Personal, I Love Trouble, My Fellow Americans, Guarding Tess, Carlito's Way, Scent of a Woman, Lorenzo's Oil, Blank Check, 8 Seconds, My Cousin Vinny, White Sands, Regarding Henry, Basic Instinct, Silkwood, and Cat's Eye.
On Broadway he has appeared in “Dinner at Eight,” “The Man Who Had All the Luck,” “I’m Not Rappaport,” the Tony Award-winning revival of “Our Town,” and most recently in the long-running hit revival of “Twelve Angry Men.” Earlier, he received a Dramalogue Award for his performance in the LaJolla Playhouse production of “Nebraska.” He played Harvey in “Ancestral Voices” and Captain Anderson in “Far East,” both at Lincoln Center, and has appeared in numerous off-Broadway productions at The Manhattan Theatre Club, The New York Shakespeare Festival, and The Ensemble Studio Theatre, among many others.
He has performed lead roles in a variety of series and TV movies including “The Book of Daniel” with Aiden Quinn, “Third Watch,” “Seinfeld,” “Law and Order,” “Bright Shining Lie,” “Mistrial,” “The Wright Verdicts,” “The Guiding Light,” “I'll Fly Away,” “Sarah, Plain and Tall,” “Kate and Allie,” and Tom Hanks' HBO mini-series “From the Earth to the Moon.”
Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Helen Forrester)
(Helen Forrester)Currently co-starring in the hit ABC Television sitcom “According to Jim,” Kimberly Williams-Paisley first lit up the screen as the radiant young bride in the comedy feature film series Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride Part II.
Currently, Williams-Paisley completed filming Warner Brothers’ We are Marshall, co-starring opposite Matthew McConaughey for director McG. The film is based on the true story of the tragic loss of the Marshall University football team in a 1970 plane crash – and how the school found the strength and confidence to recover and return to glory.
As “According to Jim” enters it’s sixth season, Williams-Paisley continues to evolve in her role opposite Jim Belushi and Courtney-Thorne Smith, and recently added to her versatile and growing credits by directing an episode of the show which aired in February, 2006.
She recently wrote and directed and starred with Patrick Dempsey in the short film Shade, for which she won the Director’s Choice: Outstanding Directing and Acting at the Sedona International Film Festival. She is editing a second short, Numero Dos, which was shot last summer in New Orleans.
Williams-Paisley has also been establishing her creativity outside the performing arena beginning with accomplishments as a published writer for such publications as In Style and Redbook magazines.
Her other credits include the ABC Family Network’s Lucky Seven, and the Lifetime Original feature Identity Theft, on both of which she also served as Co-Producer. She co-starred in The Christmas Shoes for The CBS Network, appeared in ABC’s Relativity, in the NBC mini series The Tenth Kingdom and in the CBS movie Follow the Stars Home.
Williams-Paisley made her Broadway debut in the Tony Award-Winning “The Last Night at Ballyhoo” and has appeared on stage in “The Vagina Monologues,” and in “All in the Timing.” She has also performed on the London Stage in David Mamet’s “Speed the Plow.”
Williams-Paisley is actively involved with the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research, St. Jude Hospital and the XP Foundation.
Tom Cavanagh (Mitch Forrester)
(Mitch Forrester)Tom Cavanagh, popular star of NBC’s critically acclaimed series “Ed,” and the more recent CBS/VH1 series, “Love Monkey,” has been working non-stop in both film and television .
He just completed two features, the lead role in a medical thriller called Hospital, directed by Tony Kranz and Cake Eaters, directed by Mary Stuart Masterson. Prior to that he did the Sue Kramer helmed romantic comedy, Gray Matters co-starring Heather Graham and Bridget Moynahan. He also stars with Sally Fields and Ben Chaplin in the upcoming emotional indie film Two Weeks, directed by Steve Stockman.
Prior to that, Cavanagh starred in two independent features. Alchemy is a romantic comedy written and directed by Evan Oppenheimer and was featured in New York’s Tribeca Film Festival. Heart Of The Storm is a taut thriller where Cavanagh, in a distinct departure from his usual persona as an easy-going charmer, plays Simpson, an escaped convict who takes refuge in the home of a mother and her two young daughters while a hurricane rages outside. That film was shown at the Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival in 2004
On the small screen, Cavanagh starred in the ABC’s Christmas movie “Snow;” reprised his popular role as Dan - Zach Braff’s older brother - on “Scrubs;” and played Christine Lahti’s gay, drug addicted brother on the critically acclaimed “Jack & Bobby.”
During his down time from “Ed,” Cavanagh starred as Bobby Strong in the Broadway hit musical “Urinetown,” as well as in Showtime’s multiple Emmy
Award® and Peabody Award-winning movie “Bang, Bang You’re Dead,” for which he was nominated for an Emmy Award®.
Cavanagh was born in Ottawa, Canada, the second of five children. When he was six, his family moved to a small village in the African nation of Ghana. His father set up and education program to train local teachers in modern methods of learning, while his mother taught the village locals. When the family returned to Canada, Cavanagh entered high school in Sherbrooke, Quebec and later attended Queens University in Ontario. There he pursued his growing interest in theatre and music, as well as becoming a class-A athlete, playing both varsity hockey and basketball. He was soon cast in the Broadway revival of the musical, “Shenandoah.” Other stage credits include “Grease,” “A Chorus Line,” “Cabaret,” and “Brighton Beach Memoirs.”
Andrew Gillingham (Techno Mouth)
(Techno Mouth)Eleven-year-old Andrew Gillingham is making his feature film debut in How To Eat Fried Worms.
Gillingham’s first love is baseball, but through constant exposure, his interest in acting is growing. From the age of 1, Gillingham tagged along with his older sister Allison (who began acting at age 4 and is now 14) to her workshops and productions at the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre, the training wing of Houston’s Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS).
He began appearing in small productions such as church Christmas programs and YoungStars productions at the Humphreys School. In the third grade, at age 9, he was cast in TUTS’ major stage production of “Brigadoon” at Houston’s Hobby Center. Following that, the Houston Grand Opera called and asked him to audition for the opera “Salsipuedes”, in which he was also cast.
Gillingham’s commercial credits include a spot for the TUTS production of “Scrooge,” a local spot for Reliant Energy, and national spots for Sprint PCS and RoadRunner. He also guest starred on a local television program called “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up.”
Besides being a baseball fanatic and an Astros fan, Gillingham also loves the WNBA Houston Comets. A Boy Scout since first grade, his other interests include shooting hoops, swimming, and playing video games. His favorite type of music is oldies. An Honor Student, he lives in Houston with his family and their dog and two millipedes.
Blake Garrett (Plug)
(Plug)Thirteen year-old Blake Garrett appears in a featured role in the independent feature film Little Flower, now making the festival circuit. His TV series credits include the pilot episode of the television series “Inconceivalbe.”
At age 10, Garrett traveled with the arena show “Barney’s Colorful World International Tour.” The tour ran from the fall of 2003 until the spring of 2004 and Garrett starred in the role of Mike, which he also plays in the subsequent video.
Born in Austin, Texas and raised in Edmond where he attends middle school, Blake discovered his love of performing at age 8, appearing in numerous local productions including the leading roles of the Magician in “Aladdin and His Magical Lamp” and as Charlie Brown in “Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute.” Other theater credits include “The Wizard of Oz,” “Annie” and “Grease.” In Los Angeles, he’s trained with coaches from TVI Actors Studio and The Young Performer’s Studio. In Oklahoma City, he’s trained and performed with ACTS Acting Academy, Lyric Musical Theatre Academy and StageStruck Studios.
Garrett’s interests include football, wrestling, wakeboarding, listening to his iPod, and playing video games. He lives in Edmond, Oklahoma with his mother, his younger brother Ryan, their dog, 2 cats, and a snake. Spicy foods are a way of life for Garrett, which he proved by eating wasabi on a dare, shocking his friends who were unaware he actually likes the sweet and sour condiment.
Alexander Agate (Donny Pickett)
(Donny Pickett)Eleven year-old Alexander Agate stars in the upcoming film Half-Life, a story about a boy who uses his imaginative powers to cope with difficulties at home. (His 8 year-old sister Katrina Agate is featured as his friend.) He is also featured in the Sci-Fi mystery Spectres.Agate got his acting start doing commercials, for companies like Mattel, and civic theater near his home in Southern California.
At age 5, Agate’s mother started him in both Tae Kwon Do and acting so he could interact with other kids, since he is home-schooled. He now has a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Additionally, he is an aspiring paleontologist/zoologist and enjoys writing stories, reading, and acting.
He read the book How To Eat Fried Worms at age 10 and counts Fire Bringer, The Name of the Game Was Murder, and The Redwall Series among his favorite books.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
Bob Dolman (Written for the Screen & Directed By)
In 2002, Bob Dolman made his directorial debut with the comedy The BangerSisters, starring Goldie Hawn and Susan Sarandon. Before that, he worked
, starring Goldie Hawn and Susan Sarandon. Before that, he workedmostly as a writer. He began his career when he joined the staff of the ’70s
sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati.” He went on to write for SCTV and won two Emmy
Awards®. He then created the Showtime comedy series “Poison” and wrote all
of its episodes. His screenplay credits include Willow and Far And Away
(which he also co-produced) as well as The Banger Sisters and How To EatFried Worms.
.Dolman grew up on Vancouver Island and now lives down the coast on Venice
Beach. He's presently dreaming up something new.Thomas Rockwell (Based Upon The Book By)
(Based Upon The Book By)Thomas Rockwell is the author of the beloved children’s book How to Eat Fried Worms, winner of the Mark Twain Award, the California Young Reader Medal, and the Sequoyah Award.
Hailing from an artistic family, it’s no surprise Rockwell became an author of children’s books. His father was artist Norman Rockwell and his mother was an unpublished writer, who bought her children lots of books and often read aloud to them, even after they had learned to read. Rockwell’s older brother became an artist and his younger brother became a sculptor.
Rockwell also penned Rackety-Bang And Other Verses, Humpf, Squawwwk!, Hiding Out, and The Thief, all illustrated by his wife Gail Sudler. The Portmanteau Book was also illustrated by his wife, with help from their two children, Barnaby and Abigail.
Other Rockwell titles include The Neon Motorcycle, How to Eat Fried Worms and Other Plays, Hey, Lover Boy, Oatmeal Is Not For Moustaches, How to Fight a Girl, and How To Get Fabulously Rich.
As a child, Rockwell read omnivorously: books, cereal boxes, and comic books - the comic books read for free during afternoons on the steps of Howard's General Store on Route 7 in Arlington, Vermont. After graduating from Arlington Memorial High School, Rockwell attended Princeton University for two months and then transferred to Bard College, where he majored in literature.
Rockwell then worked for a gardening magazine in New York City before he and Gail moved to their present home beside a dairy farm outside Poughkeepsie, New York. There he helped his father write his autobiography, My Adventures as an Illustrator, and a book about his work, The Norman Rockwell Album. He then wrote some short stories, worked for the War on Poverty, sold second-hand books, and after reading The Oxford Book of Nursery Rhymes to his son, Rockwell rediscovered his interest in children's books. In 1969, he published his first children's book, Rackety-Bang And Other Verses.Mark Johnson (Producer)
(Producer)Mark Johnson won the Best Picture Academy Award for Barry Levinson’s poignant 1988 drama Rain Man, starring Dustin Hoffman (Best Actor Oscar) and Tom Cruise. One of several films Johnson made with Levinson during a twelve-year span; the movie (winner of four Oscars) also captured a Golden Globe as Best Picture.
Johnson most recently produced the highly anticipated The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, a co-production between Walden Media and The Walt Disney Company that opened nationwide in December.
Born in Maryland, Johnson spent ten years of his youth in Spain. He earned his undergraduate degree in drama from the University of Virginia and his M.A. in Film Scholarship from the University of Iowa. From there, he moved to New York and entered the Director’s Guild Training Program, where one of his first projects was Paul Mazursky’s touching autobiographical drama, Next Stop, Greenwich Village. He subsequently relocated to Los Angeles and moved up from production assistant to assistant director on such projects as Movie, Movie, The Brinks Job, Escape from Alcatraz and Mel Brooks’ High Anxiety, which was co-written by future business partner Barry Levinson.
In his successful partnership with Levinson, Johnson produced all of the writer-director’s films from 1982-1994. In addition to Rain Man, their diverse slate of acclaimed features includes Good Morning, Vietnam, The Natural, Tin Men, Toys, Young Sherlock Holmes, Avalon, Diner (their 1982 debut project, for which Levinson earned an Oscar nomination for his screenplay), and Bugsy, nominated for ten Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. Bugsy also captured a Best Picture Golden Globe Award.
In 1994, Johnson established his own independent production company and won the Los Angeles Film Critics New Generation Award for his very first effort -- A Little Princess, directed by Alfonso Cuaron. Johnson, under his new banner, also produced the comedy Home Fries with Drew Barrymore, and the dramatic thriller Donnie Brasco, starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. He served as executive producer for CBS-TV’s “L.A. Doctors” and “Falcone,” and also executive produced the hit CBS drama, “The Guardian.” Johnson’s latest television project is an hour-long dramedy, “Love Monkey,” which premiered midseason on CBS and had a complete run on VH1 this spring.
Johnson’s recent slate of motion pictures includes The Alamo and The Rookie, both directed by John Lee Hancock; director Bob Dolman’s The Banger Sisters, with Susan Sarandon and Goldie Hawn; Brad Silberling’s drama, Moonlight Mile, with Sarandon and Dustin Hoffman; Tom Shadyac’s supernatural thriller, Dragonfly with Kevin Costner and Kathy Bates; Levinson’s Irish satire, An Everlasting Piece; Robert Zemeckis’ spooky thriller What Lies Beneath, starring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer; the hit comedy Galaxy Quest with Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver; and My Dog Skip, the acclaimed family drama (co-produced with John Lee Hancock) starring Frankie Muniz, Diane Lane and Kevin Bacon.
Johnson recently produced Nick Cassavetes’ drama, The Notebook, based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestseller and The Wendell Baker Story, which marked the directorial debuts of filmmaking brothers Luke and Andrew Wilson. He is currently in preproduction on Prince Caspian, the sequel to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Additionally, Johnson has either presented or executive produced Luis Llosa’s directorial debut, Sniper, Tim Robbins’ directorial debut, Bob Roberts, Steven Soderbergh’s Kafka, Robert Redford’s Oscar-nominated Quiz Show and Journey of Hope, winner of the 1999 Foreign Language Film Oscar. Johnson serves as the Chair of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Foreign Language Film Award Committee and as a Governor for the producer's branch.Philip Steuer (Producer)
(Producer)Along with producer Mark Johnson, Philip Steuer most recently produced the first of the live-action feature film adaptations of the C.S. Lewis books The Chronicles of Narnia. The highly anticipated The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, is a co-production between Walden Media and The Walt Disney Company and opened nationwide on December 9, 2005 to critical acclaim and box office success.
Steuer also worked with Johnson, serving as executive producer on two John Lee Hancock-directed movies -- The Rookie, one of 2002’s critical and commercial hits, and his epic re-telling of the battle for Texas independence, The Alamo.
He has also established an ongoing collaboration with respected filmmaker Neil LaBute. The pair joined forces for Propaganda Films and produced Your Friends and Neighbors, a biting romantic satire starring Ben Stiller, Aaron Eckhardt and Jason Patric. They collaborated again on the critically acclaimed, offbeat comedy, Nurse Betty, with Renee Zellweger, Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock, which was nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival. Steuer again reunited with LaBute on The Shape of Things, a quirky romantic story starring Paul Rudd and Rachel Weisz.
Steuer has also turned his talents to the advertising world, executive producing the second series of memorable BMW Internet shorts features. The new trilogy, entitled Hire: The Hostage, once again starred Clive Owen in spots directed by John Woo, Joe Carnahan and Tony Scott. Additionally, he has produced over forty national commercial campaigns with such notable production companies as RSA, Propaganda and Anonymous Content, among others.Richard Rutkowski (Director of Photography)
(Director of Photography)Over the last few years, Director of Photography Richard Rutkowski has assembled an eclectic list of credits that include highly stylized mainstream work as well as documentary and bare-bones independent features. His resume includes almost every form of modern camerawork, from tiny DV cameras to HD to 35mm widescreen.
Using only mini-DV cameras and a minimum of crew, his work on the indy feature Homework was praised for its visual sophistication and helped the film to earn the Grand Jury Prize at the 2004 Slamdance Film Festival. At that year’s Sundance Festival, Rutkowski's work was represented by Alison Maclean’s documentary Persons of Interest. In 2003, Rutkowski received a Best Cinematography Nomination at the 2003 Independent Spirit Awards for Neil Burger’s Interview with the Assassin, which was also nominated as Best First Feature.
Most recently, Rutkowski photographed the CBS television pilot “Love Monkey” starring Tom Cavanagh for producer Mark Johnson. Other recent credits include Gil Kofman’s The Last Jew and See This Movie, a comedy produced by Chris and Paul Weitz.
Rutkowski entered the industry in 1989 and worked as a camera assistant for a broad range of cinematographers on films such as Kids, Flirting With Disaster, Copland, Buena Vista Social Club and Three Seasons, winner of the Best Cinematography Award and Grand Jury Prize at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival.
As a camera operator and 2nd unit cameraman, Rutkowski’s credits include Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream, Harmony Korine’s Julien Donkey Boy, Phone Booth and the soon to be released Winter Passing. In 2001, Rutkowski worked with director Adrian Lynne and cinematographer Peter Biziou on Unfaithful, serving as 2nd unit DP and B Camera operator.
Rutkowski grew up in Long Island, New York, the son of landscape painter Casimir Rutkowski. He began making short films while a student at Harvard, studying with documentary filmmakers Ross McElwee and Robert Gardiner. Rutkowski is also an avid still photographer, whose work has been exhibited in New York and Los Angeles and seen in publications internationally.Caty Maxey (Production Designer)
(Production Designer)Caty Maxey has moved seamlessly between the mediums of television and film throughout her career as a production designer and art director.
Her film credits as a production designer include Someone Else’s America, Manhattan Sunrise, and the short film Time Loves A Hero.
Maxey previously worked with director Bob Dolman as the art director on The Banger Sisters. Her other feature film credits as art director include The Princess Diaries, Rockstar, Payback, and She’s The One. As an assistant art director her credits include Bed of Roses, Sabrina, Roommates, Glengarry Glen Ross, and Boomerang.
She recently served as production designer on the popular CBS television series “The Guardian,” as well as the UPN show “Sex, Lies and Secrets.” Additional television credits as art director includes “Wasteland,” in additional to “Freaks and Geeks,” “David Letterman” and “The Cosby Show” as assistant art director.
Maxey graduated with honors from the NYU Masters Program in Theater/Film and worked in New York for over a decade, before making Los Angeles her home in 1997.Kathleen Kiatta (Costume Designer)
(Costume Designer)Kathleen Kiatta designed costumes for director Tommy Lee Jones’ drama The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, which was honored at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival.
As wardrobe supervisor, her feature film credits include the upcoming Every Word Is True, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Life of David Gale, Miss Congeniality, Arlington Road, Evening Star, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, and The Hand That Rocks The Cradle.
She has also served in various costume department positions on dozens of other movies and television shows such as the recent hit Friday Night Lights, The Alamo, Second Hand Lions, All The Pretty Horses, and the series “Law and Order.”Janice Hampton, A.C.E. (Editor)
(Editor)Among Janice Hampton’s numerous credits as a film editor are the recent teen comedies Ice Princess and How to Deal.
Other feature film credits include Drop Dead Gorgeous and Pump Up The Volume, as well as the John Waters’ films Serial Mom, Pecker, Cry-Baby and Hairspray.
She began her career as an assistant editor on Rocky and went on to serve as editor on the sequel Rocky II. She has also edited the television series “Law and Order.”
Mark Mothersbaugh (Composer)
(Composer)Emmy award-winning composer Mark Mothersbaugh has written the music for more than 70 film and television projects. He first came to prominence in the music world in the 1970s as lead singer and keyboard player of the progressive new wave/rock band Devo, who released a series of highly eclectic and satirical albums including “Are We Not Men?” and “Freedom of Choice.”
In the mid-1980’s, Mothersbaugh began to write music for commercials where he received a Clio award for his work. He then went on to composing music for numerous television projects including the memorable theme song and underscore for “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse.” He then scored the popular children’s series “Rugrats.” He also wrote the music for the hugely successful The Rugrats Movie.
In 1996, Mothersbaugh met Wes Anderson and scored the filmmaker’s critically acclaimed Bottle Rocket. He wrote the music for Anderson’s Rushmore starring Bill Murray and The Royal Tenenbaums starring Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anjelica Huston and Owen Wilson. The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou marks Mothersbaugh’s fourth collaboration with Anderson.
Mothersbaugh’s other feature film credits include Catherine Hardwicke’s Thirteen starring Evan Rachel Wood and Holly Hunter, Joe and Anthony Russo’s Welcome to Collinwood starring George Clooney, Happy Gilmore starring Adam Sandler, 200 Cigarettes and The New Age from director Michael Tolkin and producer Oliver Stone, among others.
He recently wrote the music for Hardwicke’s film Lords of Dogtown and the comedy The Ringer directed by Barry Blaustein and produced by the Farrelly Brothers. He composes the music for NBC’s dramatic series “LAX.”
Mothersbaugh has been nominated for numerous Emmy awards and is the recipient of BMI’s distinguished Richard Kirk Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 1990, he founded Mutato Muzika, a recording studio and music production company based in Los Angeles.
Mothersbaugh is a world-renowned artist who cites Andy Warhol as inspiration. His paintings and drawings have been shown in galleries around the world. He’s a visual artist as well, and has designed numerous video games.
He continues to perform with Devo, which has had resurgence in recent years. The group has played concerts across the country including Central Park in New York last summer. Mothersbaugh was born in Ohio and studied at Kent State University.
(Written for the Screen & Directed By)In 2002, Bob Dolman made his directorial debut with the comedy , starring Goldie Hawn and Susan Sarandon. Before that, he worked(which he also co-produced) as well as and . (Based Upon The Book By) (Producer) (Producer) (Director of Photography) (Production Designer) (Costume Designer) (Editor) (Composer)Bob Mothersbaugh (Composer)
Bob Mothersbaugh first came to prominence in the music world in the 1970s as the guitar player and original member of the progressive new wave/rock band Devo, who released a series of highly eclectic and satirical albums including “Are We Not Men?” and “Freedom of Choice.”
In the mid-1980’s, Mothersbaugh began to write music for commercials with his brother Mark Mothersbaugh (co-founding member of Devo). Together they went on to compose music for numerous television projects including the underscore for the popular children’s series “Rugrats.” Mothersbaugh’s feature film credits include Resculpting Venus, Hansel and Gretel, 200 Cigarettes, Men, The Big Squeeze, Sex, Love, Etc. among others.
In 1990, Mark founded Mutato Muzika, a recording studio and music production company based in Los Angeles where Bob has scored numerous video games including Rugrats - Scavenger Hunt and Rugrats Gameboy. Currently Bob writes the underscore for the Rugrats series “All Grown Up” and MTV’s animated comedy “Where My Dog’s At.”
Bob continues to perform with Devo, which has had resurgence in recent years. The group has played concerts across the country and will be on tour late summer of 2006.
(Composer)
August 22, 2006
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BRITNEY SPEARS GIVES BIRTH TO SECOND SON
Access Hollywood confirmed with Britney Spears’ father, Jamie Spears, that Britney has given birth to her second child.
The proud grandfather says he has already seen the baby.
Britney reportedly delivered a 6-pound, 11-ounce baby boy, via C-section, just before 2 a.m. this morning.
Federline reportedly took her to the hospital last night to prepare for her C-section surgery. Sean Preston was also born via C-section, almost a year ago.
According to reports, Kevin was joined at Britney’s bedside by Britney’s mom, Lynne, and her sister, Jamie Lynne. No one from Kevin’s family was present.
InfoSpace Kicks Off CTIA With Exciting New Product and Partnership Announcements
Sept. 12, 2006 Leading mobile media and technology company InfoSpace, Inc. (NASDAQ:INSP), today issued four announcements introducing important new products and partnerships to fuel the growth of its mobile initiatives. The announcements, made on the first day of CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2006 in Los Angeles, include: -0-
-- InfoSpace and Tony Hawk, Inc. Announce an Exclusive Partnership to Take the Tony Hawk Brand to Mobile Phones Establishing a Base for the Ultimate Action Sports Mecca The world's most successful and iconic action sports brand and InfoSpace announced a partnership to bring Tony Hawk and the actions sports lifestyle to the mobile universe. Beginning today, Tony Hawk's(R) Mobile Dissent(TM) goes live on the Web (http://www.tonyhawkdissent.com) as the first and only mobile portal to the action sports lifestyle personified by the undisputed ruler of the action sports community, Tony Hawk. -- Major Upgrade of "InfoSpace Find It!" Debuts at CTIA In this new version, InfoSpace has added spoken turn-by-turn directions, integrated performance-based advertising and 15 million points of interest to InfoSpace Find It!, the first comprehensive location-based application which helps consumers easily and quickly find everything from nearby restaurants and movie times to maps and driving directions. -- InfoSpace Signs Mobile Gaming Agreement with Activision InfoSpace announced that it has signed an agreement to create mobile versions of several top Activision games, including the two most recent titles from the legendary action sports superstar Tony Hawk, as well as mobile versions of "GUN," a Western-style action game, and a selection of Anthology Classic 2600 titles, which include classic games that were first designed for the Atari 2600. -- InfoSpace Announces Partnerships with Classic Media and Bagdasarian Productions to Bring Iconic Characters to Mobile Devices InfoSpace has signed deals with Classic Media and Bagdasarian Productions to bring some of the world's most famous classic movie and TV stars to mobile, including Rocky & Bullwinkle, Lassie, The Lone Ranger, Alvin & the Chipmunks, and a host of others.
About InfoSpace, Inc.
A leading mobile media and technology company, InfoSpace, Inc. (NASDAQ:INSP) develops and distributes content, products and services that are creating a robust mobile marketplace and make it easy for consumers to discover, personalize and enjoy their experiences. Founded in 1996, InfoSpace leverages its online and mobile assets to potentially reach more than 90 percent of mobile subscribers in North America through partnerships with operators such as Cingular Wireless, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and Virgin Mobile and through its direct to consumer channel Moviso(R) (Moviso.com). The company's mobile portal services are also available to more than 60 percent of the U.S. market. Online, the company showcases its leading metasearch technology though Web sites such as Dogpile(R) (Dogpile.com) and its comprehensive directory listings in such properties as Switchboard(R) (Switchboard.com). For more information, please visit http://www.infospaceinc.com.
Cautionary Note about Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding InfoSpace's launch of the Tony Hawk's Mobile Dissent mobile channel and products; the upgrade of InfoSpace Find It!; InfoSpace's agreement with Activision; and InfoSpace's agreements with Classic Media and Bagdasarian Productions. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could affect InfoSpace's actual results include the scope and timing of consumer adoption, carrier adoption and implementation, and market acceptance of the products involved. A more detailed description of certain factors that could affect actual results include, but are not limited to, those discussed in InfoSpace's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as filed from time to time, in the section entitled "Risk Factors." Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. InfoSpace undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Sept 12, 2006VH1 Classic Presents 'KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977'
Monumental 6 Hour 2-DVD Box Set Chronicles the Rise of KISS From New York's Baddest Glam Rockers To Hottest Band In The Land with Never-Before-Seen Footage, 70+ Live Performances, Four Full Concerts & More
First Installment of Definitive KISS Live DVD Collection In Stores October 31, 2006
Where other bands have fan clubs, KISS has a full-fledged Army of the most rabid and loyal true believers in the world. For more than three decades, the KISS Army has wanted and demanded nothing less than the best from their band and across all those years, that's exactly what KISS has always delivered.
The biggest, baddest, most triumphant show band in rock & roll history, KISS has weathered and transcended the fads, follies and delusions of an industry based on the quick buck and the passing fancy.
In the past thirty years, a thousand musical trends and genres have come and gone and come again -- sensitive singer-songwriters, glam, metal, punk, alternative, garage, roots, new wave, goth, hardcore, grunge, industrial, techno, retro, hip-hop, teenybop pop, boy bands, girl groups, etc. etc. -- and through it all, there has always been KISS.
KISS endures because the band is archetypal, iconic, larger-than-life and louder than thunder. The band, the brand, the blood, the fire and fireworks, the spectacle, the shock and awe and wonder of it all. KISS has always given its Army the Best Rock in the World and neither side has ever settled for less. And, for all the flash and arena-sized theatricality, the core of KISS is really the music, as potent and powerful and connected to the true heart of rock & roll as any band or artist or performer of the past century.
For the KISS Army, the release this Halloween of "KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977" marks the arrival of nothing less than a Holy Grail: 6 solid hours of vintage KISS going all the way back to the deep early roots of the band's classic line-up -- Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss -- captured and re-mastered on 2 state-of-the-art DVDs featuring more than 70 live performances and four full concerts bundled along with unreleased tracks and never-before-seen footage.
The mind-boggling first volume of a definitive three part collection (Volumes Two and Three are being readied for release in 2007) presented by VH1 Classic, "KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977" is a showcase of pristine digitally-restored video coupled with a 5.1 audio mix to provide both stunning visual quality and powerhouse finely-detailed sound designed to meet the approval of the most demanding KISSmaniac.
"KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977" goes all the way back one of the band's earliest live performances in the New York pre-punk glam rock bar scene of the early 1970s before tracing the rocket-paced transformation of KISS into international rock gods who filled the world's largest arenas as the undisputed hottest band in the land by 1977.
A dream come true for the KISS Army, "KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977," contains seldom seen high points of KISStory including significant never- before-available material drawn from the band's own personal video vaults. In addition to four full concerts from the peak of the band's first golden era, the DVD set also features notorious television interviews, early KISS music videos and rare unreleased tracks. Included in the lavish "KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977" package are spell-binding eyewitness liner notes penned by the members of KISS themselves.
Disc One of "KISSology: Volume One 1974-1976" takes a look back at an early bar-band KISS (freshly risen from the shards of Wicked Lester) already thinking much bigger than any of their contemporaries. 1974 is covered with a live concert in Long Beach as well as KISS's televised appearances on ABC's "In Concert" and an interview/performance on "The Mike Douglas Show." By 1975, KISS was playing San Francisco's fabled Winterland, headlining NBC's "Midnight Special" and making videos for "C'mon & Love Me" and their signature "Rock and Roll All Night," all included on "KISSology." In 1976, KISS came to Detroit for an incendiary concert at the Motor City's Cobo Hall, captured on Disc One of "KISSology."
Disc Two of "KISSology" picks up the threads of 1976 with the band's interview and performance of "Black Diamond" on "So It Goes," a must-see and much-discussed interview and performance of "King of the Nighttime World" on "The Paul Lynde Halloween Special," and personal band footage from May 1976. The 1977 material on Disc Two captures the band at the pinnacle of its international fame, performing to tens of thousands of fans at the legendary Budokan Hall in Tokyo in April '77 and, a little more than a month later, headlining "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert." Disc Two closes with scorching concert footage from The Summit in Houston, Texas on September 2, 1977, showing KISS laying down the creed that still beats at the heart of the band: Rock & Roll All Night and Party Every Day!!!
KISS has recorded more gold records than any other American band in history and has sold 80+ million records throughout their career. The group has earned more than 55 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards since receiving its first gold record for "KISS Alive!" in 1975. KISS has performed more than 3500 concerts in front of nearly eighty million fans in virtually every country on planet earth.
"KISSology Volume One 1974-1977" provides ample evidence of why KISS has lasted so long and continues to mean so much to so many millions of people. KISS is 100% dedicated to the heart and soul and power of ROCK and when the house lights go down, KISS is still the hottest band in any land.
Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s, including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police and many more. Learn more at www.vh1classic.com.
Family Favorite Sitcom 'According to Jim' Hits National Syndication September 18, 2006
Buena Vista Television Rolls Out Hit Jim Belushi Laugher Nationwide
"According to Jim" won the affection -- and belly laughs -- of audiences nationwide when it debuted on ABC in 2001. And now -- in the midst of its primetime popularity -- this breakout family comedy will launch into national syndication five days a week on Monday, September 18.
Multi-talented film, television and stage actor Jim Belushi stars as a loving family man. He is the all-American guy, fiercely devoted to his beautiful wife Cheryl (Courtney Thorne-Smith) and their three down-to-earth kids. He has it all, but still sometimes wrestles with the former wild teenager not-so-dormant within. While supporting his family as a contractor in a design firm with his younger, architect brother-in-law Andy (Larry Joe Campbell), Jim still finds time to pursue his other passion, playing the blues with his six-man garage band.
Cheryl is gorgeous, smart, and has Jim's number. She calls him on his antics but enjoys the playful banter and appreciates his passion, honesty and steadfast loyalty to her and the kids. Though Cheryl always seeks perfection and control in what she does, she's grateful to Jim when he coaxes her playful side out into the open. She's champagne and strawberries to Jim's beer nuts and bratwurst, yet somehow love conquers all.
Dana (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) is Cheryl's sister. She's strong-willed and pretty, but emotionally shortsighted and self-centered. Hot on the trail of the perfect guy, the men she chooses all seem to have commitment issues like getting past the first date. Dana fills up her life by enjoying her two nieces and nephew, and verbally sparring with Jim.
Andy is loving yet neurotic, and on the prowl for the lady of his dreams. Although he is a brilliant ball of creative energy, his sensitive nature is a great foil for sister Dana and brother-in-law Jim.
"According to Jim" also stars Taylor Atelian, Billi Bruno, Connor Sullivan, Garret Sullivan and Conner Rayburn.
From Touchstone Television in association with Brad Grey Television, "According to Jim" is entering its sixth season on ABC. Buena Vista Television is the domestic television distribution division of The Walt Disney Company.
Web site: http://www.watchjim.tv/
Andre Agassi Announces Addition of Ellen DeGeneres and a Special Acoustic Performance by John Mayer to Grand Slam Benefit Concert
Andre Agassi announced the addition of Ellen DeGeneres and a special acoustic performance by John Mayer to the all-star line-up for his 11th Annual Grand Slam for Children benefit concert for at-risk youth in Las Vegas.
Mayer, currently on tour with a brand new album entitled Continuum, and DeGeneres will complement the existing superstar roster which includes Counting Crows, Sarah McLachlan, legendary rocker Phil Collins and Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger and composer David Foster, who will be serving as musical director for the 11th time. The talented performers will take the stage at 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The celebrity fundraising show is one of the biggest events of the year in Las Vegas.
Tickets priced at $90, $70 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are now on sale at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office. Tickets also will be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (Tower Records/WOW!, select Smith's Food and Drug Centers, Robinsons-May stores and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
The Grand Slam for Children concert fundraiser, presented by Genworth Financial, benefits the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF), a nonprofit organization established in 1994 to assist at-risk youth in Las Vegas, where Agassi was raised. More than 85,000 fans and VIP guests have attended 10 Grand Slam events, raising $52.3 million for charity.
Specific charities benefiting from the AACF fundraiser include the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a model charter school in West Las Vegas; Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club; Assistance League of Las Vegas' Operation School Bell; Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Nevada; Child Haven; Class! Publications; Cynthia Bunker and Joy McClenahan Memorial Scholarship Fund; I Have A Dream Foundation; Las Vegas Inner-City Games; Las Vegas Philharmonic's Youth Concert Series; Las Vegas Sun Summer Camp; and YMCA of Southern Nevada.
Since its inception in 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has been distinguished by its roster of top entertainers including Barbra Streisand, Sir Elton John, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Robin Williams, Carlos Santana, Don Henley, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Ray Romano, Jamie Foxx, Jay Leno, Stevie Nicks, Seal, Tim McGraw, India.Arie, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Dennis Miller, Brian McKnight, Tears for Fears, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Groban and others.
For more information, please contact the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation at 702.227.5700.
About the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation
The AACF, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity, was created to provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The Foundation strives to assist those underprivileged, abused and abandoned children who may be deprived of basic options in life. The AACF also offers a combination of emotional, physical and academic programs designed to enhance a child's character, self-esteem and career possibilities.
About Genworth Financial
Genworth is a leading insurance holding company, serving the lifestyle protection, retirement income, investment and mortgage insurance needs of more than 15 million customers, and has operations in 24 countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and 17 other European countries. For more information, visit www.genworth.com.
Source: Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation
Apple Announces iTunes 7 With Amazing New Features
Disney, Pixar, Touchstone & Miramax Movies Now Available on the iTunes Store
Apple(R) today announced iTunes(R) 7, the most significant enhancement to the world's most popular music jukebox and online music and video store since it debuted in 2001. iTunes 7 delivers stunning new features such as the new album and Cover Flow views of music, TV shows and movies, enabling users to quickly find titles in their library as well as casually browse through and re-discover titles they already own. In addition, the iTunes Store ( www.itunes.com ) is now offering over 75 movies from Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films, that customers can purchase and download to watch on their computers and iPods, and soon on their flat screen televisions with Apple's upcoming iTV* player. Movies will become available on the iTunes Store the same day they are released on DVD, with new releases priced at $12.99 when pre-ordered and during their first week of availability, and $14.99 thereafter, and library titles available for just $9.99 every day.
"Here we go again! First music, then TV shows, and now movies," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "In less than one year we've grown from offering just five TV shows to offering over 220 TV shows, and we hope to do the same with movies. iTunes is selling over one million videos a week, and we hope to match this with movies in less than a year."
"ABC and Disney Channel were the first networks to offer television programming on iTunes, and we're once again breaking new ground as The Walt Disney Studios becomes the first to debut feature films on the iTunes platform," said Robert Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. "Disney is committed to providing innovative ways for audiences to enjoy their favorite entertainment content, and our association with Apple is yet another example of how we continue to reach consumers on their terms, regardless the time, location or device."
"Steve Jobs and Apple have consistently demonstrated that they have their finger on the pulse of today's audience with regard to legal downloads of music and television shows, and our presence on iTunes will now allow us to deliver Disney's films in this popular and convenient format," said Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. "Not only are we proud to be expanding our association with Apple, but we feel that this new venture meets a growing demand for movie viewing that will ultimately expand the market for our films."
The iTunes Store has quickly become the world's most popular video download store, selling over one million videos per week. The iTunes Store began selling TV shows with five shows from ABC/Disney less than a year ago, in October 2005, and rapidly expanded its library to over 220 television shows from over 40 networks today. The iTunes Store also features the world's largest catalog of online music with over 3.5 million songs and has sold a stunning 1.5 billion songs, making it the world's most popular digital music store.
The iTunes Store now features great new releases and library titles from Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films, such as "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," "Shakespeare in Love," "The Princess Diaries," "The Incredibles," "National Treasure," "Toy Story," "The Rock" and "The Rookie." Customers can purchase and download movies from iTunes the same day they become available on DVD, or pre-order upcoming movies which are automatically downloaded when they become available. Customers get the same great one-click download experience for movies that they enjoy with music and TV shows.
With iTunes 7, all videos purchased from the iTunes Store are downloaded in near-DVD quality at a resolution of 640x480 (up to 480, depending on the aspect ratio), which is four times higher than before. Downloaded videos can be played on computers and iPods. iTunes 7 also includes new features to better organize and enjoy digital music and video, including expanded parental controls, an iTunes video playback window with on-screen controls, and the new Cover Flow view that lets you visually browse your entire video collection by cover artwork.
The iTunes Store now also offers downloads of popular video games for fifth generation iPods, including "Tetris," "Mahjong" and "Mini Golf" from Electronic Arts Inc.; "Pac-Man" from Namco Networks America Inc.; "Cubis 2" from FreshGames, LLC; "Bejeweled" and "Zuma" from PopCap Games, Inc.; "Texas Hold'em" and "Vortex" developed by Apple, all available beginning today for $4.99 each.
With Apple's legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as integrated podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, seamless integration with iPod(R) and groundbreaking personal use rights, the iTunes Store is the best way for Mac(R) and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and video online.
Pricing & Availability
iTunes 7 for Mac and Windows includes the iTunes Store and is available as a free download immediately from www.itunes.com . Purchase and download of content from the iTunes Store for Mac or Windows requires a valid credit card with a billing address in the country of purchase. Television shows and feature films are available in the US only, and video availability varies by country. Games are available for download in the 21 countries in which iTunes operates and play on the fifth generation iPod. New release feature films are $14.99 (US) each and other feature-length films are $9.99 (US) each, television shows are $1.99 (US) per episode, music videos and short films are $1.99 (US) each and games are $4.99 (US) each.
* iTV is the project's internal code name and will not be the final product name.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award- winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.
Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iTunes and iPod are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Source: Apple
NFL & Apple Offer 2006 NFL Highlights on the iTunes Store
Highlights of All Regular Season NFL Games & NFL GameDay from NFL Network Available for $1.99 Each
The National Football League (NFL) and Apple(R) today announced that they will bring 2006 NFL regular season action to the iTunes(R) Store ( www.itunes.com ), offering video downloads of highlights from individual NFL games the day after they are played. For the first time ever, football fans will be able to download highlights of each NFL regular season game for $1.99 per game. Fans may purchase a "Follow Your Team" Season Pass for $24.99 and have game clips from their favorite teams delivered automatically as they become available for viewing on a computer or iPod(R).
NFL fans will also be able to download NFL Network's NFL GameDay, hosted by Rich Eisen with Steve Mariucci and Deion Sanders. This all-inclusive Sunday night wrap-up show offers the most comprehensive NFL coverage on television, with highlights from every NFL game plus post-game reaction and expert analysis, all for $1.99 per show or $19.99 for a full season.
"We are dedicated to bringing the best of NFL action to NFL fans wherever they are," said Brian Rolapp, NFL vice president of media strategy. "We're convinced offering NFL highlights produced by Emmy Award-winning NFL Films and NFL Network's GameDay on iTunes is a great way for fans to not only follow their team but also experience the NFL as they never have before."
"We're thrilled to bring all the top action from the 2006 NFL season to football fans via iTunes," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "With approximately ten minutes of game highlights from every NFL game, NFL fans will be able to download exclusive highlights that give a unique perspective of each game."
Beginning September 18 and on each Monday thereafter during the regular season, fans will be able to download extensive action from Sunday games on iTunes for $1.99 per game, with Monday night games available on Tuesday. The $24.99 "Follow Your Team" Season Pass allows fans to select any of the 32 NFL teams and have game highlights from each of their 16 games automatically downloaded when they become available the following day. All Week 1 NFL game downloads become available on iTunes on September 18.
The iTunes Store now features over 3.5 million songs, 65,000 podcasts, 20,000 audiobooks, over 5,000 music videos and 220 television shows. With Apple's legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as integrated podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, seamless integration with iPod and groundbreaking personal use rights, the iTunes Store is the best way for Mac(R) and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and video online.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award- winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.
NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the first television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football. For more information, log onto www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/home .
Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iPod and iTunes are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Source: Apple
Apple Introduces the New iPod
Hollywood Movies, Games & New Lower Price
Apple(R) today introduced the new iPod(R), the best digital music player and most popular portable video player in the world. The new iPod features a 60 percent brighter and more vibrant 2.5-inch color display perfect for watching TV shows and now Hollywood movies right in the palm of your hand. The new iPod features seamless integration with iTunes(R) 7 and the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com) which now includes over 75 Hollywood movies, 220 television shows and popular video games designed specifically for the fifth generation iPod. The new iPod is available in a 30GB model at the new low price of $249 and an 80GB model, which holds up to 20,000 songs or 100 hours of video, for $349.
"The world's best digital music player has evolved into the world's most popular portable video player too," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "The new iPod's brighter and more vibrant display and longer battery life make it perfect for watching Hollywood movies and TV shows right in the palm of your hand."
The new iPod features Apple's patented Click Wheel for precise, one-handed navigation, and is seamlessly integrated with iTunes 7, which now features gapless playback for enjoying albums the way they were intended to be listened to. iPod's new Search and Quick Scroll feature makes it even easier for music fans to find exactly what they are looking for and Apple's patent pending Auto-Sync technology automatically downloads digital music, podcasts, photos, audiobooks, movies, music videos and popular TV shows onto the iPod and keeps them up-to-date whenever the iPod is plugged into a Mac(R) or Windows com- puter.
With its stunning high-resolution color display, iPod allows users to view album art and photo slideshows while playing music, or watch video and play games in full color. Popular video games designed specifically for the fifth generation iPod include: "Bejeweled," "Cubis 2," "Mahjong," "Mini Golf," "Pac-Man," "Tetris," "Texas Hold'em," "Vortex" and "Zuma," and are available for purchase on the iTunes Store.
The 30GB model features up to 14 hours of battery life for music playback and up to three and a half hours of video playback, and the 80GB model fea- tures up to 20 hours of battery life for music playback and six and a half hours of video playback.* The new iPod features brightness control allowing users to easily change the brightness.
Pricing & Availability
The new iPod models are available worldwide through the Apple Store(R) (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The new 30GB iPod model in white or black is available for $249 (US), and the new 80GB model in white or black is available for $349 (US). All iPod models include redesigned earbud headphones providing superior comfort, fit and sound qual- ity, and a USB 2.0 cable.
Optional accessories for the new iPod include: Universal Dock for $39 (US), Apple Remote for $29 (US), Apple iPod AV cable for $19 (US), the iPod Camera Connector for $29 (US) and a new incredibly compact iPod USB power adapter for $29 (US) which at almost half the size of the previous USB power adapter, is perfect for charging your iPod while traveling.
iPod requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port and Mac OS(R) X version 10.3.9 or later and iTunes 7.0 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4), Windows XP Home or Professional (Service Pack 2) and iTunes 7.0 or later. Internet access is required and a broadband connection is recommended.
* Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. See www.apple.com/batteries for more information. Music capacity is based on four minutes per song and 128-Kbps AAC encoding; actual capacity varies by content. Photo capacity is based on iPod-viewable photos transferred from iTunes. Video playback based on 640X480 iTunes video content.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.
NOTE: Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iPod, iTunes and Apple Store are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Source: Apple Computer, Inc.
International Superstar Andrea Bocelli Announces Fall Tour Dates for November and December
Andrea Bocelli: Under The Desert Sky to be Released on Decca/Sugar November 7th
** Includes DVD Concert Footage and Live Audio CD from Lake Las Vegas **
International superstar Andrea Bocelli returns to the U.S. for select concert dates beginning November 30th at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City. This not-to-be-missed show will feature the tenor performing some of the world's most famous opera arias as well as love songs from his platinum-selling smash Amore. The CD marked Bocelli's highest debut ever and has remained on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and the top of the Classical Crossover chart since its release in January. On November 7th, the highly anticipated follow-up to Amore, Andrea Bocelli: Under The Desert Sky, will be released on Decca/Sugar.
Just in time for the holidays, Under The Desert Sky features live performances from Amore as well as bonus tracks including Neil Diamond's "September Morn" and a duet with Tony Award(R)-winner Heather Headley on "The Prayer." Other highlights include the classic "Besame Mucho," the inspiring "Because We Believe" and a heartfelt duet with Katharine McPhee on "Can't Help Falling In Love." The beautiful Lake Las Vegas Resort was the backdrop for the concert which was also recorded as part of PBS Great Performance series.
The media has embraced Bocelli as well as affirming his position as one of the most romantic voices in the world. The Los Angeles Times stated Amore is a "romantic bonbon" with a "dreamy delivery" while the New York Post concurred giving the album a "4 star" review. Surrounding the release of Amore, Andrea sang for millions in a massive TV campaign that included two nights alongside Grammy-winning Amore producer David Foster on American Idol, an unprecedented three segments on the Today Show, and performances at the Closing Ceremony of the Winter Olympics and the NBA All Star Weekend.
Look for Andrea Bocelli on tour.
Thurs., November 30th New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Sat., December 2nd Portland, OR Rose Garden
Sun., December 3rd Seattle, WA Key Arena
Tues., December 5th Mexico City, MX Auditorio National
Wed., December 6th Monterey, MX Arena de Monterrey
Sat., December 9th Denver, CO Pepsi Arena
Sun., December 10th Anaheim, CA Arrowhead Pond
Source: Universal Music Classics Group
Web site: http://www.iclassics.com/
Bill Anderson and Little Jimmy Dickens Share Insights with Some of Today's Hottest Artists CMA Announces the Newest Members of the Country Music Hall of Fame
Bill Anderson and Little Jimmy Dickens Share Insights with Some of Today's Hottest Artists
By Peter Cronin
© 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.
In 2003, CMA created the Artist Relations Committee as part of an ongoing effort to educate and involve the artists in all that the organization does on behalf of Country Music. Chaired by Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn and Co-chaired by ASCAP Senior VP Connie Bradley, the committee agreed that while CMA is rightly concerned with moving forward, it should never lose touch with Country's colorful past and with the rich history that points the way to the future.
There are great members in the artist community that can provide insight into where CMA has been and where it needs to go. The May CMA Board meetings in Dallas presented the perfect opportunity for a cross-generational artists "summit." Moderated by CMA Close Up Editor Peter Cronin, the panel brought together some of today's hottest Country artists - Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn; Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry; Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts; and John Rich of Big & Rich - with living legends and Country Music Hall of Fame members "Whispering" Bill Anderson and Little Jimmy Dickens. The conversation quickly took on a life of its own as panelists tackled a number of Country Music-related topics. Following are some excerpts from this lively and historic panel.
SONGWRITING
ANDERSON: "When I got [to Nashville] in 1960, I think there were three or four publishing companies. It was the beginning of the artist/songwriter thing with myself, Mel Tillis, Roger Miller, Tom T. Hall and people like that. There weren't many people making a living writing songs, and there was very little co-writing. You went into your room at night, pulled down the shades, tried to get in a mournful mood and wrote a sad song. For years I thought that was the way you had to do it. And then about 10 years ago I discovered this great thing called co-writing, and boy it sure is a lot more fun that way."
BROOKS: "Didn't Roger Miller once say, 'I don't really get the co-writing thing; Picasso didn't co-paint did he?' I spent 10 years writing for a living before Ronnie [Dunn] and I started. I can't think of a higher-pressure job for a person starting out in the business. There are a handful of guys that make their living at songwriting, but there's only a few slots out there. It's really challenging."
RICH: "Your ears are more important than your mouth when you're writing songs. We saw Gretchen Wilson go from being a bartender to selling 4 and a half million records. We were at my house watching CMT. She's sitting there in a T-shirt and sweatpants and flip-flops, a Bud Light in one hand, a lit cigarette and a Copenhagen dip in the other. Two or three videos roll by with female artists and she goes, 'I can't look like that, I can't sound like that, and I can't say what they're saying, 'Cause that's not me.' I said, 'Well, what do you want to sing?' She said, 'I'm just a redneck woman standing in the front yard with a baby on one hip.' She was saying the lyrics of the song right then! We wrote that song in about 60 to 70 minutes, and that's what opened my mind up to finding out what's unique about an artist and creating the song about what is unique about them. As soon as I started incorporating that into my songwriting, everything went to another level."
ANDERSON: "You never get tired of hearing somebody record one of your songs, and I'm just as excited about it happening today as when I found out Ray Price had cut 'City Lights' back in 1958."
DICKENS: "I was riding in Minnie Pearl's airplane with Hank Williams and he said, 'Tater, you need a hit.' And I said, 'Who doesn't?' Hank said, 'I'm gonna write you one. He started quoting the lines to 'Hey Good Lookin' and he wrote it in 20 minutes. He said, 'You record that, it'll make you a hit.' I said, 'First thing I do when I get home, I'll record it.' A week later, I met Hank in the radio station, and he said, 'Tater, I cut your song today!'"
TOURING
ANDERSON: "In the early '60s, the Wilburn Brothers asked me if I would do a private show for the employees of the Eastman-Kodak company. They said, 'We'll pay you $35 to ride to Rochester, N.Y., in the back of our Cadillac, do a show on the stage, tear down, go down in the basement, do a dance, get in the car and go back home. Well, I'd been making $50 a week as a disc jockey and I thought, '$35 a day! There's not that much money in the world!' This was in the days before interstates; it would take you seven or eight hours to drive to Cincinnati and another three hours to drive through Cincinnati. You finally end up in Rochester, a few hours before the show. We took showers, set the equipment up, did a two-and-a-half hour concert, tore everything down, went into basement, set it all up again, and played a two-hour dance. When the night was over, we packed up our stuff in the car and started right back to Nashville. That'll take something out of you. If you've never ridden in a Chevy coupe with five musicians and a bass fiddle, you haven't lived. But I wouldn't take anything for those days."
GENTRY: "Eddie and I do the same thing, but not in that extreme. Playing clubs around Kentucky growing up, instead of having the bass on top, we were in my Camaro with the hatchback popped open with speakers hanging out, and guitar straps and cords going every which way in the wind. That makes me appreciate what I have today, being able to drive on tour buses, the bigger crowds and everything else. But I still don't forget."
DICKENS: "It hasn't all been fun. I had a manager one time who booked me into a phone booth on New Year's Eve. Standing room only."
BROOKS: "If you don't have great songs and some hits, you don't get to have all that fun."
RECORDING
ANDERSON: "When I came along it was a singles oriented business. You'd cut singles, you'd try to get hit records and then it would be on the radio. A regular record session was normally three hours, four songs, and you'd cut your next two singles. If your singles did well, they'd put out an album. We did not go in and cut album projects.
DEMARCUS: "It has changed sonically and I think for the better. I love the process of being in the studio, and I love hearing my songs on the radio. That's what pumps me up."
RICH: "I'm recording stuff on John Anderson right now. I just love him. He's got one of those voices that's never going to be duplicated. John Anderson - bring it on!"
NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND EVOLVING FORMATS
GENTRY: "If I can go and pick up the one or two good songs from an album for two bucks, why would I go out and spend $18 on an album I'm never going to listen to? The generation growing up is seeing that."
DEMARCUS: "I don't know . we had a pretty good first week about a month ago, and I think people still like to hold that jacket in their hands and look at the lyrics. It still matters to a lot of people more than we think."
BROOKS: "When I started getting into music, when I was into an artist, the single was cool, but once the dance was over I wanted to hear the other music they made. Knowing those obscure cuts on an album is all part of the cool factor of being a fan. Word of mouth is still very much a part of music culture. My kids are like that. There's still the real music fan who wants all of it."
DICKENS: "I think that's because they like the artist. When people buy music today, they go looking for that one artist, and whatever is on that album they're going to buy it, 'cause they like that person."
IMAGE AND CAREER BUILDING
RICH: "These two guys have nicknames - 'Whispering' Bill Anderson, 'Little' Jimmy Dickens. I look at the MuzikMafia as my version of the Rat Pack, the camaraderie and supporting each other. Gretchen Wilson, who's she? She's the 'Redneck Woman.' 'Big and Rich,' what's that? That's Country Music without prejudice. 'Big' Kenny, 'Two Foot' Fred, 'Cowboy' Troy and on and on. I think Country Music is going back to that. Rascal Flatts has a total identity. Montgomery Gentry, that chain microphone, your whole thing, there's a character going on there. And I think if Country Music starts focusing on that character, as Mr. Dickens said, they're buying that character. Kenny Chesney has now officially replaced Jimmy Buffett as the biggest island guy in the world. But it all starts with the song, down at the creative level at the bottom building it up."
ANDERSON: "You guys have got one thing we didn't have, that helps you get that identity, and that's the music videos. When I came along, you had to put out record after record for people that never associated a name with an artist. Today you've got that video in their living room and they can see what's different about Rascal Flatts and Brooks & Dunn."
RICH: "People can decide they don't like you a lot faster too!"
ANDERSON: "When we came along, if you sounded like anybody else, it was, 'We'll see you later.' You had to be unique in the way you sounded; you probably don't have to be that different today."
DICKENS: "One time, Marty Robbins said I want to thank Little Jimmy Dickens for helping me with my career and getting me into this business, because I figured if he could make it, anybody could."
RICH: "The cookie-cutter method in Nashville is unhealthy. I think you ought to use different players, different studios, different engineers, different tactics; you ought to mix it up to give that particular artist a fighting chance to have their own sound. I've learned that lesson, and thank goodness, had some success at it."
COUNTRY MUSIC FANS
ANDERSON: "I learned from people like Little Jimmy Dickens and the Wilburn Brothers. If you made a fan in those days, you made a fan for life and they would accept you through the lean years as well as the good years. The relationship between the artist and the fan was really close in those days."
BROOKS: "They are the people that give us jobs and allow us to do what we do every night. Once you forget that and don't take the time to give back to them a little bit - a few moments to hug or sign an autograph - you're hunting down the wrong path."
THE CURRENT STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
RICH: "I think [the labels] are taking some big chances. They certainly took a chance with us, Big & Rich."
GENTRY: "We were definitely left of what was being played on mainstream radio at the time we got signed."
ANDERSON: "The Opry is bigger than any one artist. The most exciting nights at the Opry are when there's just the right mix of veteran artists and new people. My fans, the ladies with the blue hair, are cheering for Big & Rich and Brooks & Dunn. And then the young kids come down to take my picture. When it works, it's total magic.
RICH: "We're something totally oddball, and that's what turns me on about what's going on in Nashville right now. There's so much undiscovered knowledge and wisdom out there and bridges to be built. I think we could triple our business around the world, and I don't think that's a pipe dream."
On the Web:
Bill Anderson - www.billanderson.com
Big & Rich - www.big&rich.com
Brooks & Dunn - www.brooks-dunn.com
Montgomery Gentry - www.montgomerygentry.com
Rascal Flatts - www.rascalflatts.com
CMA Announces the Newest Members of the Country Music Hall of Fame
By Wendy Pearl and Scott Stem
Harold Bradley, Sonny James and George Strait to be Formally Inducted During "The 40th Annual CMA Awards" Nov. 6 on the ABC Television Network
© 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.
The Country Music Association has announced that influential musician/producer Harold Bradley, legendary singer Sonny James and multi-award-winning entertainer George Strait, will become the newest members of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame. Formal induction for the artists will take place during "The 40th Annual CMA Awards," on Monday, Nov. 6.
Bradley will be inducted in the "Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980" category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation with the "Career Achieved National Prominence Prior to World War II" and "Non-Performer" categories. James will be inducted in the "Career Achieved National Prominence Between World War II and 1975" category. Strait will be the second artist inducted in the "Career Achieved National Prominence Between 1975 and the Present" category, which was created last year.
All inductees are chosen by CMA's Hall of Fame Panel of Electors, consisting of more than 300 anonymous voters appointed by the CMA Board of Directors. Bradley, James and Strait will increase membership in the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame from 95 to 98 inductees.
"The highest musical honor achievable for a Country Music artist and musician is to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and these are all outstanding and highly deserving individuals," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "Harold Bradley has been instrumental in creating 'The Nashville Sound' since 1946, becoming the most recorded guitar player in history. Sonny James recorded an incredible streak of hit records for more than 25 years. And George Strait, whom nearly every Country artist on the charts today cites as a major influence, continues to create great music, having placed at least one single in the Top 10 every year since 1981.
"It is with great pride that CMA will induct these three exceptional artists and musicians into the Country Music Hall of Fame, where they will join an intimate yet influential group of performers and industry veterans who have made lasting contributions to Country Music over the last century."
Harold Bradley
A Nashville native born Jan. 2, 1926, Bradley and his older brother Owen (who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1974) grew up to become instrumental in both Country Music and Nashville's music history.
Fascinated early on with the banjo, Bradley took his brother's advice and began learning guitar. He became so skilled with the guitar that he toured with Ernest Tubb and the Texas Troubadours during the summer between his junior and senior years in high school.
After graduation and service with the U.S. Navy, Bradley studied music at George Peabody College in Nashville while playing guitar for artists on the Grand Ole Opry. His first Country Music recording session was in Chicago in 1946 with Pee Wee King and the Golden West Cowboys. As recording increased in Nashville, Bradley grew to become one of the busiest studio musicians in town, playing rhythm, lead and/or bass guitar as well as banjo. He was known for creating the "tic-tac" style of muting bass notes for the bass guitar.
In the late 1940s, Bradley and his brother Owen built Nashville's first recording facility, Castle Recording Studio. This studio lasted until 1955 when the brothers built a larger facility capable of stereo recordings known as the Bradley Film and Recording Studios on Sixteenth Avenue South in Nashville. This was the first music studio on what would eventually be known as "Music Row." Because so many Country and pop hits were being recorded at the Bradley Studio, Columbia Records eventually bought it in 1962 and built their record label around it.
Through the years, Bradley became the most recorded guitar player in history and would come to be known as "the Dean of Nashville Session Guitarists." As one of the original "A Team" studio musicians of Nashville, his musical talents were heard on such recordings as "Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy" (Red Foley); "Do the Hokey Pokey" (Ray Anthony); "Ballad of New Orleans" (Johnny Horton); "Jingle Bell Rock" (Bobby Helms); "I'm Sorry" (Brenda Lee); "Crazy" (Patsy Cline); "Only the Lonely" (Roy Orbison); "King of the Road" (Roger Miller); "Big Bad John" (Jimmy Dean); "Make The World Go Away" (Eddy Arnold); "Harper Valley PTA" (Jeannie C. Riley); "Stand By Your Man" (Tammy Wynette); "Coal Miner's Daughter" (Loretta Lynn); and "Swingin'" (John Anderson), among hundreds more. His performances can also be heard on recordings by Joan Baez, Perry Como, Buddy Holly, Burl Ives, George Morgan, Elvis Presley, Charley Pride, Jim Reeves, Marty Robbins, Hank Snow, Conway Twitty, Gene Watson, Hank Williams and more. In addition, he recorded three solo albums of instrumentals. He also performed on a variety of film soundtracks, including "A Walk in the Spring Rain," "Clambake," "Coal Miner's Daughter," "The Fastest Guitar Alive," "Kissin' Cousins," "Six Pack," "Smokey and the Bandit II," "Stay Away Joe," "The Sugarland Express," "Sweet Dreams" and ".tick.tick.tick."
Bradley was also prolific as a producer, working with Eddy Arnold and other artists. In 1999, artist Mandy Barnett turned to Bradley to finish producing her album I've Got a Right to Cry after his brother Owen (who was in the midst of producing the project) passed away.
The busy Bradley also co-produced 39 half-hour episodes of the late 1950s television series "Country Style, USA," which featured many Grand Ole Opry artists. He appeared briefly in Robert Altman's 1975 award-winning movie "Nashville" and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) named him music director for their fundraising telethon, "Legends of Country Music" in 1985.
Taking an industry leadership role, Bradley served as the first President of the Nashville chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS). He has served as the President of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) in Nashville since 1991, and was named the AFM International Vice President in 1999. In his position with the AFM, he has also established a musicians' union presence in Branson, Mo.
Bradley is one of 12 musicians inducted into the Studio Musicians Hall of Fame at RCA's Studio B, now a museum operated by the Country Music Foundation. He also received the NARAS Superpicker Award for six consecutive years (1974-1979).
Sonny James
Born James Hugh Loden on May 1, 1929 in Hackleburg, Ala., (95 miles northwest of Birmingham), the boy who would grow up to be known as "The Southern Gentleman" was raised on a 300-acre farm. Between 1960 and 1979, his singles spent an incredible 57 weeks in the No. 1 position - more than any other Country artist. Both of his parents were musicians, and his older sister Thelma was a singer and guitarist. With such a musical household, the family regularly performed together on Saturday nights at the homes of friends, incorporating the young boy at age 3 by teaching him to sing and play a homemade mandolin made from a molasses bucket.
In 1933, the Loden Family began performing on the radio each Saturday on WMSD/ Muscle Shoals, Ala. The family also won a Mid South Champion Band contest, with the top prize being a two week performance stint on WAPI/Birmingham, Ala. Kate Smith, who was the headlining artist for the contest, held the young Loden backstage, giving him a silver dollar while telling him he would have a bright future in the entertainment business. This proved to be wise words from one entertainment legend to a young child who would grow up to become one himself.
The Loden Family (who by now had added young Ruby Palmer on vocals and bass) performed around the South, building a reputation in the region. They became regular performers on KLCN/Blytheville, Ark., before moving on to stations in Greenwood and Columbus, Miss. After a stint at WJDX/Jackson, Miss., they moved to WNOX/ Knoxville, Tenn., in the mid-1940s to perform on the daily "Midday Merry-Go-Round" and Saturday night "Tennessee Barn Dance" radio shows. At WNOX, the Loden Family was part of a talent roster that at various times included Chet Atkins, Archie Campbell, Bill and Cliff Carlisle, Lost John Miller (and his banjo player Earl Scruggs) and Johnny Wright. In 1946, the Loden Family moved to WPTF/Raleigh, N.C., (where James roomed with Atkins); in 1949 they moved briefly to WSGN/Birmingham, Ala., before heading to WMPS/Memphis, Tenn. After Thelma and Ruby both left the band to get married, the family retired from performing and moved back to Hackleburg to open a clothing store.
Loden joined the National Guard and finished high school before briefly performing with a friend on WHBQ/Memphis, Tenn. In September 1950, he was called up to become a member of the First National Guard troops sent to Korea for the Korean Conflict. While there, Loden began seriously writing songs while playing both the guitar and fiddle. After two years overseas, Loden returned home and moved to Nashville where he looked up his former roommate Atkins who had become an established recording artist and session musician.
Atkins later secured an audition for Loden with Capitol Records' producer Ken Nelson, leading to a recording contract, a new stage name of Sonny James (based on Loden's teenage nickname) and a new tagline - "The Southern Gentleman."
In 1953, his single "That's Me Without You" hit No. 9 on the Billboard Country chart. James began appearing on important radio shows including the "Louisiana Hayride" and the "Saturday Night Shindig" before joining the "Big 'D' Jamboree" on KRLD/Dallas, Texas. He also began hosting the first 30 minute slot on every third episode of the influential "Ozark Jubilee" television show. The other rotating hosts for that segment were Webb Pierce and Porter Wagoner, with Red Foley hosting the final hour each week, putting James in great company.
James continued having hits with "She Done Give Her Heart to Me," "For Rent (One Empty Heart)," "Twenty Feet of Muddy Water" and "The Cat Came Back" among others. The combination of his vocals and guitar playing created a distinct sound. In 1956, he released "Young Love," which became his biggest hit and signature song. The song spent nine weeks at No. 1 during 1956-57 and crossed over to top the pop charts. For the next several years, James charted songs including "First Date, First Kiss, First Love" on both the Country and pop charts.
Moving to Nashville with his wife Doris (whom he married in 1957), James joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1962. Two years later, he hit No. 1 on the Country charts with "You're the Only World I Know." This began his domination of the Country charts for the next eight years, with 21 of his next 25 singles reaching No.1. During the five years between 1967 and 1971, he had 16 consecutive No. 1 singles. Among his hits were "Take Good Care of Her," "I'll Never Find Another You," "A World of Our Own," "Born to Be With You," "Bright Lights, Big City," "My Love," "Running Bear," "It's the Little Things" and "Only the Lonely" among others. Backed by his band, the Southern Gentlemen, James toured the U.S. and overseas, as well as making frequent television appearances on national shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show," "The Bob Hope Show" and "The Andy Williams Show." He also appeared in movies such as "Las Vegas Hillbillies," "Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar" and "Nashville Rebel."
In 1967, James and Bobbie Gentry co-hosted the first CMA Awards, setting the bar for all future hosts of "Country Music's Biggest Night." James received five CMA nominations throughout his career including Entertainer (1967); Male Vocalist (1967; 1969); and Album of the Year (1967 for The Best of Sonny James; 1976 for 200 Years of Country Music).
Honors and awards were plentiful. In 1961, he became the first Country Music artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Billboard named him the No. 1 Country Artist of 1969. On Jan. 31, 1971, the Apollo 14 moon flight (commanded by astronaut Alan Shepard) took a program James recorded exclusively for them into space - a first for a Country artist. In appreciation, the crew presented him with a flag they had carried to the moon. In 1977, Record World Magazine named him the Country Music's Male Artist of the Decade.
James changed record labels from Capitol to Columbia Records in 1972; towards the end of the decade he moved again to Monument Records. He remained a strong force in Country Music through 1983, scoring hits with "Only Love Can Break a Heart," "That's Why I Love You Like I Do," "When the Snow is On the Roses," "Is it Wrong (For Loving You)," "A Mi Esposa con Amor (To My Wife with Love)," "A Little Bit South of Saskatoon," "Little Band of Gold" and "What in the World's Come Over You" among others. A man of many talents, James expanded his career by producing other artists and entering music publishing in the early '70s. He produced three albums for Marie Osmond, including her hit single "Paper Roses." He also continued to perform concerts, appear on national television shows such as "Hee Haw" and participate regularly in Fan Fair, now CMA Music Festival. In 1983, James retired from performing to raise cattle in Alabama. He currently lives in Nashville.
George Strait
Born May 18, 1952 in Poteet, Texas, and raised in nearby Pearsall, Strait was the son of a junior high school teacher, who owned and operated a ranch that had been in his family for nearly 100 years. Growing up he spent his weekdays in town and his weekends on the ranch outside Big Wells, Texas. Although he joined a garage rock band as a teenager, his musical preference was traditional Country. After graduating high school in the late '60s and briefly attending college, Strait married his high school sweetheart Norma. Enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1971, he moved to Hawaii two years later where he began playing Country Music with an Army-sponsored group called Rambling Country, which also played some dates off-base under the name Santee.
After leaving the Army in 1975, Strait returned to Texas and enrolled in Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, where he graduated in 1979 with a degree in agriculture. While there he formed his Country band, Ace in the Hole. The band recorded a few albums for an independent label in Dallas in the late '70s, but had little success. In 1979, Strait became friends with Erv Woolsey, a Texas club owner and former MCA Records employee. Woolsey invited MCA executives to watch Strait perform and in 1980 Strait was signed to MCA Records with Woolsey as his manager.
Strait's debut single "Unwound" from his first album Strait Country was released in 1981 and became a Top 10 hit. Astonishingly, Strait has had at least one single hit the Top 10 every year since. With songs including "If You're Thinking You Want a Stranger (There's One Coming Home)," "Fool Hearted Memory," "Amarillo By Morning," "You Look So Good in Love," "The Fireman," "The Chair," "Nobody in His Right Mind Would've Left Her," "Ocean Front Property," "All My Ex's Live in Texas," "You Know Me Better Than That," "If I Know Me" and "Love Without End, Amen," among others, Strait established a reputation for consistently recording songs influenced by honkytonk and Western swing traditions. He also began co-producing his albums from 1984 onward, starting with his fourth album, Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind.
Strait maintained his family's ranching traditions as well as his love of team roping by launching the George Strait Team Roping Classic in 1983. The annual event has grown to become among the largest and most prestigious open ropings on the circuit, regularly hosting the most prestigious names in the sport. Strait, who is a card-carrying member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, remains an avid outdoorsman and an expert horseman.
In 1992, Strait landed the lead role of the movie "Pure Country," which brought him attention from new audiences. His first box set, the four-disc Strait Out of the Box, was released in 1995 and within a year had become one of the five biggest-selling box sets in popular music history. He continued to record hit songs including "I Cross My Heart," "Carrying Your Love With Me," "Blue Clear Sky," "I Just Want to Dance With You," "Check Yes or No," "Write This Down," "She'll Leave You With a Smile," "The Best Day" and many more. 50 Number One Hits was released in 2004, compiling the rare achievement of his first 50 No. 1 songs (as well as his 51st, "I Hate Everything") on two CDs. The project was a strong seller, eventually certified as six-time multi-Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
In addition to conquering radio and sales charts, Strait became one of Country Music's top concert attractions of all time, with his appearances selling out auditoriums and frequently setting new attendance records. From 1997 to 2001, he assembled the "George Strait Country Music Festival," a day-long musical event, which packed stadiums around the nation. Each year featured an amazing line up of Country Music artists taking the stage throughout the day before Strait closed the show each night, including Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw and more. The huge and enthusiastic crowds served as a launching pad for the young artists who later headlined tours of their own. Strait continues to tour annually, selling out venues and thrilling audiences nationwide.
As of 2006, 25 years after releasing his debut single, Strait remains a dominant force in Country Music with sales exceeding 62 million albums. The RIAA has certified Strait with 13 multi-Platinum, 30 Platinum and 33 Gold albums. According to the RIAA, he has received more Gold albums than any other artist in Country Music, and is currently tied with Frank Sinatra in eighth place for the most Gold albums of any artist in any musical genre. Strait has received 16 CMA Awards, including two consecutive Entertainer of the Year nods (1989, 1990); five Male Vocalist of the Year Awards (1985, 1986, 1996, 1997, 1998); and three Album of the Year Awards (1985 - Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind; 1996 - Blue Clear Sky; 1997 - Carrying Your Love With Me). His most recent CMA Award was in 2005 for Musical Event of the Year for his performance with Lee Ann Womack on the song "Good News, Bad News."
REACTION FROM 2006 COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:
Harold Bradley - Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980
"For the past 60 years I've been focused on playing the guitar in the Nashville recording studios. I never thought about being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame because it seemed to be reserved for famous artists. And I want to thank the Country Music Association for putting studio musicians on the ballot, and I want to accept this honor on behalf of the pioneer studio musicians, the A-team studio musicians and all recording musicians everywhere, because they're all in my hall of fame. Somewhere my brother Owen is smiling."
Sonny James - Career Achieved Between World War II and 1975
"It's a great honor to join many of my friends in the Hall of Fame."
George Strait - Career Achieved National Prominence Between 1975 and the Present
"I'm very honored of course, to say the least. I've tried to think of something good to say. So many things have happened in my career. I get asked sometimes 'What's the highlight of my career?' because I've been doing it for so long, and I always have a hard time coming up with something, because so many good things have happened. But I think this is, without a doubt, the most special thing that's ever happened and I don't know how anything could top getting put in the Hall of Fame. It's just the very highest honor that you can get in this business."
"After I hung up after talking with [CMA Chief Strategic Officer] Ed [Benson], I did kind of have to chuckle because I'm thinking, 'Well, don't people usually get this after their career's over?' I'm hoping this is no sign of that because I still feel like I've got a lot of good years left in me. I still enjoy everything and I've got a new record that's going to come out in October that I feel like is the best record I've ever done since 1981, so I'm really looking forward to that coming out. And I've already got tour dates set for next year so I'm still rolling."
"Actually, I was surprised. I don't see how anybody could not be surprised. Early in my career it never crossed my mind actually. I guess later on in your career you start thinking about it and wondering if you could get in, but I don't see how anybody could just figure they're going to get in. It's just too special an honor. Of course, I wanted it, but you just can't expect it. It's an overwhelming honor. It's like nothing else that's happened to me in my 20 some odd years in the business."
On the Web: www.CMAawards.com
Harold Bradley - www.nashvillesound.net/harold_bradley.htm
Sonny James - www.sonnyjames.com
George Strait - www.georgestrait.com
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AT&T and MobiTV Launch Live TV Subscription Service For Broadband
AT&T Broadband TV Delivers Live MobiTV Content to Consumers Through Wired- and Wireless-Based Broadband Connections; Provides Convenient Window to News, Sports and Entertainment
Sept. 12 Tuning in to popular TV programming while at home or on the go is now as simple -- and ubiquitous -- as powering up a broadband connection.
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and MobiTV, Inc., the global leader in television and music services for all things mobile and broadband, today announced an agreement to offer a mobile television service to broadband users in the United States, including AT&T Yahoo!(R) High Speed Internet and AT&T WorldNet subscribers. The browser-based service, which will be called AT&T Broadband TV, will enable subscribers to use a computer to access a wealth of live programming while at home, at work, or on the go using wired and wireless broadband technologies.
Through the deal, AT&T becomes the first U.S. broadband provider to offer a live TV subscription service with MobiTV to consumers through any broadband connection. The service expands upon an earlier agreement that enables AT&T to offer MobiTV to customers who use thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi hot spots.
The AT&T Broadband TV service will initially have approximately 20 channels of live and made-for-broadband television content spanning national news, sports, entertainment and full-length music videos from top artists. Among the channels included in the initial channel lineup is Fox News,* Bloomberg, Oxygen, History Channel, Comedy Time, Toonworld, Maxx Sports and the Weather Channel.
The industry-leading, browser-based service features desktop integration for easy access, fast channel-changing, full-screen functionality and quality video playback. Subscribers can quickly access AT&T Broadband TV through a hyperlink or desktop shortcut.
Users will have access to a comprehensive channel lineup for a flat monthly subscription of $19.99. And soon, additional television channels will be offered to ensure that AT&T customers have access to the broadest range of entertainment content. The subscription can be used with nearly any broadband connection, at home, work or on the road.
Consumers can test-drive and order the new service at http://att.mobitv.com/. The companies will also market the AT&T Broadband TV offering on the AT&T WorldNet portal at www.att.net.
"The AT&T Broadband TV service offers our customers the ability to watch live television programming beyond the TV screen, increasing our capabilities to provide compelling content to consumers who are seeking information and entertainment when, where and on the device they desire," said Scott Helbing, executive vice president, AT&T Entertainment Services. "The deal helps further enhance AT&T's broadband service and three-screen initiative by offering differentiated broadband-enabled content that consumers are increasingly demanding."
"Television is officially available on the PC now and will reach television fans in their home, office, college dorm, at the airport or anywhere they happen to be," said Dr. Phillip Alvelda, CEO, chairman and co- founder of MobiTV. "MobiTV and AT&T will deliver premium quality content seamlessly across all broadband networks, making entertainment, wireless and technology history."
Through this agreement, AT&T, the nation's largest high speed DSL Internet provider with more than 7.8 million DSL lines in service, will give its customers and other broadband users a new avenue for entertainment and information, enabling them to take control of their viewing options. In addition, the company recently launched AT&T Homezone, a groundbreaking new service that integrates AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet, AT&T | DISH Network satellite television and AT&T Home Networking services via a single device.
The new AT&T Homezone service provides Internet-based video with satellite TV programming in a seamless in-home experience, giving consumers a powerful new way to extend the best of the Internet beyond the desktop to bring entertainment content to their TV screens and stereos. It features digital videorecording, movies on demand, photo- and music-sharing, storage for both, and it whets the anytime/anywhere generation's appetite with remote, Web-based access to the system.
* Fox News is available to AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet subscribers
only.
Note: This AT&T release and other news announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. is one of the world's largest telecommunications holding companies and is the largest in the United States. Operating globally under the AT&T brand, AT&T companies are recognized as the leading worldwide providers of IP-based communications services to business and as leading U.S. providers of high speed DSL Internet, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. AT&T Inc. holds a 60 percent ownership interest in Cingular Wireless, which is the No. 1 U.S. wireless services provider with 57.3 million wireless customers. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and AT&T products and services is available at www.att.com.
About MobiTV
MobiTV, Inc. (www.mobitv.com) is leading the convergence of television, film and music content across the mobile and personal computing markets. The Emmy(R) Award winning service has more than one million subscribers and offers popular TV and digital radio channels from top labels, networks and cable providers. The MobiTV(R) service is available in; the US through AT&T, Sprint, Cingular, Alltel; the UK through 3UK and Orange; in Canada through Bell Canada, Rogers and TELUS Mobility; in Latin America through America Movil, Claro and Telcel; and other regional carriers internationally. Founded in 1999, MobiTV is a privately-held company headquartered in Emeryville, CA.
Subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. provide products and services under the AT&T brand. MobiTV and the MobiTV logo are trademarks, service marks, and/or registered trademarks of MobiTV, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. All other trademarks, service marks, and product names used herein are the property of their respective owners.
Source: AT&T Inc.
Web site: http://www.att.com/
http://www.mobitv.com/
Doubleday Entertainment's Newest and Tenth International Book-of-the-Month(R) Selection is Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale
One of the most talked about novels this fall is Diane Setterfield's debut The Thirteenth Tale (Atria, Publication date: September 12, 2006), a gothic novel of suspense that tells the story of the Angelfield family as set forth by their biographer, the lovely Margaret Lea, a romantic young woman who works in her father's bookshop while hiding a devastating family secret. Doubleday Entertainment(TM) has chosen Setterfield's classic ghost story as its newest and tenth International Book-of-the-Month(R) (IBOM) selection because of its compelling voice and outstanding story. The Thirteenth Tale illuminates a world of secrets, confused identities, lies, and half-truths, with a spellbinding and atmospheric style -- just the type of novel that makes a perfect International Book-of-the-Month(R).
The International Book-of-the-Month(R) (IBOM) is the now established global marketing program of Bertelsmann's DirectGroup. The book clubs' publishers and senior editors choose titles by focusing on the authors and books with the potential to become international bestsellers, and then about 3 times a year on the average, a single title is chosen. By selecting one book as the International Book-of-the-Month(R), the book clubs shine a spotlight on a book that they feel readers around the world will enjoy and that will cross international borders.
The Thirteenth Tale is being offered to over 22 million readers in 12 countries: CANADA, UK, AUSTRALIA, GERMANY, AUSTRIA, NETHERLANDS, THE CZECH REPUBLIC, SPAIN, UKRAINE, FRANCE, and POLAND; and in the U.S.A. through Doubleday Book Club(R), The Literary Guild(R), Book-of-the-Month Club/Smart Readers Rewards(R), Doubleday Large Print Book Club(R), The Mystery Guild(R), Rhapsody Book Club(R), and via http://www.zooba.com/.
THE THIRTEENTH TALE
It was from growing up roaming the stacks of her beloved father's bookshop that lovely Margaret Lea developed her powerful devotion to literature and writing. Still, she is taken aback when she is summoned to the estate of aging author Vida Winter -- a woman whose name is legend, yet of whom little is known -- to pen her biography. You see, Margaret is well aware the reclusive Miss Winter, renowned for her storytelling prowess, is notorious for regaling those who dare to ask about her history with fantastic reminiscences, none of which has proven to be real. But Margaret makes it clear she will not be manipulated; she will settle for nothing less than the truth, however shocking it may be ...
Remarkably, The Thirteenth Tale is Diane Setterfield's haunting debut, yet it is written with the sure hand of a seasoned writer adept at luring you in. For as Margaret delves into Vida Winter's past -- to her seductive mother, her debauched uncle, and the rest of the aristocratic, but doomed Angelfield family -- she finds a connection to her own painful secret ... and we find a book that holds us captive until the stunning end.
List of Doubleday Entertainment's IBOMs to date:
(September 2006) The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
(May 2006) Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger
(October 2005) Immoral by Brian Freeman
(July 2005) The Traveler by John TwelveHawks
(May 2005) Saffron Skies by Lesley Lokko
(September 2004) Suspect by Michael Robotham
(January 2004) Retribution by Jilliane Hoffman
(November 2003) A Blade of Grass by Lewis De Soto
(August 2003) A Faint, Cold Fear by Karin Slaughter
(March 2003) No Second Chance, Harlan Coben
PRAISE FOR DIANE SETTERFIELD'S THE THIRTEENTH TALE:
"Setterfield has provided a rarity: a beautifully written novel with a swift plot, atmospheric setting and witty dialogue that combine to provide a read that will leave any book lover well satisfied."
- BookPage
"... graceful storytelling ..." - Publishers Weekly
"[The Thirteenth Tale] is a gothic novel . . . [that] grabs the reader with
its damp, icy fingers and doesn't let go until the last shocking secret has
been revealed ... Setterfield's first novel is equally suited to a rainy
afternoon on the couch or a summer day on the beach."
- Library Journal
"Setterfield has crafted an homage to the romantic heroines of du Maurier,
Collins and the Brontes ... enchanting Goth for the 21st century."
- Kirkus Reviews
About Diane Setterfield:
Diane Setterfield is a former academic, specializing in 20th century French literature, particularly the works of Andre Gide. She lives in Yorkshire, England. The Thirteenth Tale is her first novel.
About DOUBLEDAY ENTERTAINMENT(TM):
Doubleday Entertainment(TM) is the preeminent marketer of books and merchandise via direct mail and e-commerce in the U.S., with over 7 million members and including over 35 book clubs, such as Doubleday Book Club(R), Literary Guild(R), Book-of-the-Month Club(R) and special interest and lifestyle clubs like One Spirit(R) and The Good Cook(R). A wholly owned subsidiary of BOOKSPAN, Doubleday Entertainment and its predecessors (Book-of-the-Month Club and Doubleday Book Club) have been recognized as leaders in the direct marketing business for over 70 years.
Source: Doubleday Entertainment
Web site: http://www.zooba.com/
Emmy(R) Award Winner John Leguizamo to Star in Spike TV's Gripping New Original Scripted Eight-Hour Drama Event, 'The Kill Pit'
Lionsgate and Mandeville to Produce Event for Summer 2007 Premiere
Spike TV has announced a fast-paced, thrilling new original scripted eight-hour drama event, "The Kill Pit," starring Emmy(R) Award-winning actor John Leguizamo. Produced by Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) , the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, in association with Mandeville, the drama follows a bank heist that goes terribly awry and the hostage negotiations that ensue. "The Kill Pit" goes into production during the first quarter of next year for a summer 2007 premiere.
Written by James DeMonaco ("The Negotiator," "Assault on Precinct 13") and executive produced by David Hoberman ("Monk") and Todd Lieberman ("Eight Below," "Bringing Down the House") of Mandeville and DeMonaco, "The Kill Pit" revolves around a midtown bank robbery by a team of American Iraqi-War veterans led by Leguizamo. More than a dozen hostages from all walks of life are taken, ranging from the daughter of a business tycoon to an adulterous couple.
"It's a great cat and mouse game with lots of action and suspense and will surely resonate with our guy audience," said Pancho Mansfield, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, Spike TV. "John Leguizamo is the ideal actor to bring edginess and intensity to the lead role."
"We were immediately drawn to this project by the caliber of the writing and the creative team involved," said Kevin Beggs, President of Programming and Production, Lionsgate. "We're excited to be working with David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman, James DeMonaco and John Leguizamo and forging a new relationship with Spike TV on our first production for the network."
Throughout the eight-hour event, viewers will follow the escalating action as the volatile soldiers plot their way out, the negotiator anticipates their moves and the hostages desperately try to survive. Time is critical and the game intensifies with surprising twists at every turn.
An acclaimed stage and screen star, John Leguizamo received an Emmy(R) Award for the Spike Lee-directed presentation of his Tony-nominated Broadway solo show, "Freak," for HBO. His numerous other accolades include a Golden Globe nomination for his comic turn in "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar," and a SAG Award nomination for his work in Baz Luhrmann's Academy Award-nominated "Moulin Rouge." Leguizamo's other credits include "Carlito's Way" for director Brian De Palma, Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo & Juliet," "Empire," Spike Lee's "Summer of Sam," "Undefeated," which he also directed, and the animated hit "Ice Age" and its sequel. The actor was recently seen in a recurring role on the hit series "ER."
Bill McGoldrick is Spike TV's Executive in Charge of Production.
Lionsgate is the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, winning this year's Best Picture Academy Award(R) for Crash, generating two consecutive years of $300 million-plus domestic theatrical box office, operating a $500 million-plus home entertainment business and producing a broad slate of prime time television series for fiscal 2007. It is a premier producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library of more than 7,800 titles is a valuable source of stable, recurring revenue and a foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.
Spike TV is available in 90 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc.
Source: Spike TV
Web site: http://www.spiketv.com/
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition To Open in Cincinnati at the Museum Center at Union Terminal
RMS Titanic, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Premier Exhibitions, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRXI) , has entered into an agreement to bring the enormously successful Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition to the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. The Exhibition is scheduled to open to the public on November 4, 2006 for a limited engagement.
Returning, by popular demand, the new version of this blockbuster Exhibition, now viewed by more than 17 million visitors, will include more than 300 artifacts not previously seen in Cincinnati, along with stunning room re-creations and a hands-on replica iceberg.
"In our previous short run in Cincinnati the Exhibition was viewed by more than 100,000 attendees and we look forward to dramatically increasing those numbers during the upcoming full run," states Arnie Geller, President and CEO of Premier Exhibitions, Inc. "Our strong partnership with the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal alongside these not before seen elements will provide visitors with an entirely new and original experience."
RMS Titanic, Inc. is the only company permitted by law to recover objects from the wreck of the Titanic. The Company was granted Salvor-in-possession rights to the wreck of Titanic by a United States federal court in 1994 and has conducted seven research and recovery expeditions to Titanic's debris field which recovered approximately 5,500 artifacts.
Premier Exhibitions, Inc. is a major provider of museum quality touring exhibitions throughout the world.
Certain of the above statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and projections about future events, based on the information currently available to it. The forward-looking statements include statements relating to the Company's anticipated financial performance, business prospects, new developments, new strategies and similar matters. The following important factors, in addition to those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2006, especially in the Risk Factors and the Management's Discussion and Analysis sections, and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K (each of which is available upon request from the Company), may affect the future results of the Company and cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements; material adverse changes in the economic conditions in the Company's markets, including terrorist attacks, competition from others, how much capital the Company may or may not receive from required financings, and whether or not, and to what extent, the Company consummates its planned leases to place exhibitions. We disclaim any obligation to update these forward- looking statements.
Web site: http://www.prxi.com/
In Her Debut Album with Global Appeal, Teenage Singer Marjorie Dawson Gives New Meaning to the Phrase 'Sweet 16'
Marjorie Dawson is only 16 years old, but you'd never know it from listening to her recent debut album, "A Foreign American Song." Like the tracks on her CD that reflect worldliness, Dawson's voice belies her age.
With tracks that include "L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle," you'd never guess that Dawson's first language is English. In fact, most of the tracks are sung in Spanish. Dawson also sings two Judeo-Sephardic songs in Ladino, "Si La Mar Fuera de Leche" and "Adio Querida."
Produced by Mark Sinko under the Thleudron Record Label, "A Foreign American Song" was recorded with a full orchestra, with the collaboration of veteran San Antonio musicians including violinist Sebastian Campesi. A violinist with the San Antonio Symphony for two decades, Campesi blends Italian and Gypsy folk traditions.
"A Foreign American Song," recorded at San Antonio's Salmon Peak Recording Studio, is the high school student's first professional foray - and the culmination of four months of studio rehearsals. Her previous musical experience is limited to a country and blues demo she recorded at age 14 with Dr. Beltram Roberts.
While Dawson's CD is rich in cultural overtones, it also reveals a wide range of musical genres. Dawson masters everything from a sultry tango to a Broadway show tune ("All That Jazz") to an operatic number and a world- renowned inspirational piece ("Ave Maria").
For more information and to hear audio clips, visit http://www.thleudron.com/. "A Foreign American Song" is available online at http://www.cdbaby.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/.
Note to editors: Album credits and track listing follow.
Executive Director: Alma Aguado, M.D.
Sound Engineer: Mark Sinko
Mastered by Billy Stull at Sonic Solutions
CD Design & Graphics: NationWide Color
Musicians:
Violin: Sebastian Campesi, San Antonio, TX
Piano: Anthony Bazzan, San Antonio, TX
String Bass: Jim Kalson, San Antonio, TX
Trombone: Ron Wilkins, San Antonio, TX
Accordion: Mark Rubenstein, San Antonio, TX
Nylon String Guitar: Joe Gonzales, San Antonio, TX
12-string Guitar: Mark Sinko, San Antonio, TX
Drums: Kyle Thompson, Austin, TX
Hand Percussion: Gabriel Herrera, San Antonio, TX
Castanets: Jackie Rodriguez, San Antonio, TX
Tracks:
1. La Tarara
Writer: Federico Garcia Lorca
2. La Violetera
Writer: Jose Padilla
3. Si La Mar Fuera De Leche
Traditional Judeo-Sephardic
4. Granada
Writer: Agustin Lara
5. La Cumparsita
Writers: G.H. Matos Rodriguez, E.P. Maroni, P. Contursi
6. All That Jazz
Writers: Fred Ebb, John Kander
7. Por Una Cabeza
Writers: Carlos Gardel, Alfredo Le Pera
8. Adio Querida
Traditional Judeo-Sephardic
9. Vergin Tutto Amor
Writer: Francesco Durante
10. L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera from 'Carmen': Act I)
Writer: Georges Bizet
11. Wie Melodien Mieht Es Mir Op. 105, No. 1
Writers: Johannes Brahms, Klaus Groth
12. Ave Maria
Writer: Franz Schubert
Web site: http://www.thleudron.com/
ACIDplanet.com Launches Kevin Cahoon and Ghetto Cowboy's 'Fashionista' Track Remix Contest
The Winning Remix of the Fashion Anthem 'Fashionista' to Be Played On the Catwalk During L.A. Fashion Week in October 2006
-- Kevin Cahoon and Ghetto Cowboy, along with ACIDplanet.com(R), one of the Internet's premier sites for user-generated music and video content and computer-based recording and remixing tools, have launched a new remix contest. Aspiring musicians can now add their own musical flavor to Kevin Cahoon and Ghetto Cowboy's fashion runway anthem, "Fashionista." By hosting this remix contest, ACIDplanet.com is helping produce the soundtrack for the next L.A. Fashion Week in October 2006.
Singer-songwriter Kevin Cahoon is also known for his rock-star performances in Hedwig & The Angry Inch, The Rocky Horror Show, The Who's Tommy, and the current Broadway smash, The Wedding Singer. With his band, Ghetto Cowboy, he delivers a unique brand of distorted, gritty rock and glam combined with pistol power performances and raw theatrics. Through their raucous live shows, the group has quickly become one of the most buzzed about new arrivals on New York City's downtown music scene.
Following the release of its debut CD DOLL earlier this year, Ghetto Cowboy received four nominations at the 2006 OutMusic Awards and Kevin Cahoon walked away with the Outstanding Debut Recording-male award; The Onion (NY) and Pabst Blue Ribbon selected Ghetto Cowboy as band of the week in their "Live and Local" Campaign; the band charted in the top 50 on Sirius Satellite Radio's Mid-Year Music Survey; and "Fashionista" was featured on several runways during the last two Fashion Weeks in NYC.
This ACIDplanet.com contest is the first experience that Kevin Cahoon and Ghetto Cowboy have had with being part of a remix contest. "It's incredible because the listener gets to be part of the artistic process," says Cahoon. "They can add their own experience and their own take to the track. It really opens up your audience to so many avenues that you would never have before and it opens up the experience of the song as well."
Cahoon, who will help pick out the winning track, says that he looks forward to the winning remix of "Fashionista" becoming an anthem for next season's runway. "I think what I'm looking for is for the remix to sort of put us on the runway," says Cahoon. "I think the track should have a real urban feel to it. It should feel like New York and feel like Downtown."
Users must upload their remix of "Fashionista" to ACIDplanet.com by Tuesday, September 19, 2006 in order to be eligible for the contest. One grand prize winner will receive $100 American Express Gift Card from Kevin Cahoon, ACID Pro software, five Sony Sound Series(TM) Standard Collection libraries, and the chance for the winning remix to be used during L.A. Fashion Week.
ACIDplanet.com is a growing online community of individual digital musicians. Users can create and upload their own music and videos for the world to experience or listen to music created by others, and check out the most popular videos. In addition to sharing original creations, users participate in regularly scheduled remix contests featuring several notable musicians. Some other artists, including Beck, De La Soul and Nine Inch Nails, have contributed music to past remix contests at ACIDplanet.com.
For more information and complete contest rules, please visit: http://www.acidplanet.com/
About Sony Media Software
Sony Media Software manages the following media creation titles: ACID(R) Pro, ACID Music Studio(TM), ACID XMC(TM), CD Architect(TM), DVD Architect(TM), Jam Trax(TM), Sound Forge(R), Sound Forge Audio Studio(TM), Super Duper Music Looper(R), Vegas(R), Vegas Movie Studio(TM)+DVD, and Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software. Sony Media Software produces The Seminar Series(TM) product training DVDs, Sony Sound Series(TM) music and sound effects libraries, Sony Vision Series(TM) graphics, animations and stock footage libraries, and Noise Reduction(TM) plug-in. The team also runs ACIDplanet.com(R), a worldwide community for progressive musicians. For additional product information, please visit www.sony.com/mediasoftware.
ACID, Beatmapper, CD Architect, DVD Architect, Jam Trax, LooperVision, Noise Reduction, Sound Forge, Sound Series, Super Duper Music Looper, Vegas, and Vision Series are trademarks or registered trademarks of Madison Media Software, Inc., a Sony Corporation of America subsidiary, or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners in the United States and other countries.
Source: Sony Media Software
Web site: http://www.acidplanet.com/
Web site: http://www.sony.com/mediasoftware
Teen Puppet Pals Jump from TurboNick Shorts to New Nickelodeon Comedy Series, Mr. Meaty, Premiering September 22 at 8:30 p.m.
Mr. Meaty Sizzles Online with 2.3 Million Unique Visits, 6.2 Million Page-Views and 326,000 Podcast Downloads on Nick.com Restaurant Mini-site
-- Nickelodeon's absurd new buddy comedy/puppet series Mr. Meaty, premiering Friday, September 22 (8:30 p.m. ET/PT), serves up super-sized laughs from the mall food court bunker tended by teen "odd couple" Josh Redgrove and Parker Dinkelman, who geek out and concoct life-changing plans to escape the monotony of minimum wage. And the best pals work in the mall that has it all: love, ambition, aliens, zombies and ample parking. The series developed from Nickelodeon's TurboNick broadband platform on nick.com -- where it appeared first as a series of shorts -- is a co-production of Nickelodeon Television and 3Js Productions. Jack Lenz serves as executive producer; creator-puppeteers Jason Hopley and Jamie Shannon write and direct.
"Mr. Meaty is a truly original comedy," says Tom Ascheim, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Nickelodeon Digital Television, of the series spiced with two 11-minute adventures per episode. "You literally feel the unique voice of its creators in every grease-stained puppet moment. In Josh and Parker, our slightly challenged burger flipping duo, they've given us a great new buddy tandem in the comedic tradition of Laurel and Hardy, Drake and Josh and SpongeBob and Patrick."
Hopley and Shannon (Whoopi's Littleburg, Nanalan'), who've partnered in puppetry for 15 years, point to the unique appeal of the medium and Mr. Meaty. "These puppets are rubbery, three-dimensional cartoons with an awkward, raw style," says Hopley, admitting the unabashedly dorky Parker on his arm "is me." Shannon, who brings Josh to life, savors the show's satire, affirming, "We've recreated a whole world in 3-D -- from hot dogs to walls and escalators, people and even monsters -- to magnify kids' mall-centric social lives and to make fun of suburban monotony, bad food and too much meat."
Kids first got a taste of Mr. Meaty shortly after TurboNick launched in July 2005. Tempting samples sizzled throughout the summer, when Mr. Meaty re-emerged on TurboNick in May with a steady stream of bloopers and shorts and arrived with free video podcasts on iTunes and www.nick.com/meaty, as well as on all of the kid channel's Video on Demand (VOD) partners and its wireless carriers. And while the series hasn't yet premiered, the chockfull Mr. Meaty restaurant website is burning up at nick.com with 2.3 million unique visitors, 3.2 million visits and 6.2 million page-views to date and nearly 326,000 podcast downloads. It features training videos with Josh and Parker, print-up menus, mall employee of the week profiles, Mr. Meaty job applications, games, sneak peek clips, a message board and character profiles. Following the on-air series premiere, complete Mr. Meaty episodes will be offered on TurboNick.
Behind the flashy facade of the vast Mr. Meaty franchise beats the heart of angst-ridden, self-absorbed Josh and Parker who unleash disaster at every turn. At 16, newly cool cashier Josh pursues as many girls as possible, often to the annoyance of geeky cook Parker, who at 15 still lives in childish fantasies. They're opposites, but Josh can't help but like his longtime pal, and Parker is undyingly loyal to his best friend and Mr. Meaty sidekick. Josh's under-developed shoulders are weighed down at times by Parker's emotional outbursts in the kitchen behind him, the voracious customers in front and the Mr. Meaty Head Office watching from a surveillance camera mounted on the wall above. As the unofficial, unaware champions of the underdog in a world that relies on the veneer of a perfect customer service experience, the awkward duo endure one of the most soulless jobs on earth in order to save enough money to someday produce their breakthrough sci-fi horror movie: Ninja Zombies.
Decoding girl missions, meat explosions and Parker's fantasy transformations into a unicorn are just part of the pals' shift at Mr. Meaty, and the call of the mall pulls them into a glistening haven of pop-teen madness. Venturing there, they find denizens like Goth Girl, Josh's chalky crush who works as a candy girl at Sparkle City Movie Theatre and has given up on mainstream society; and ex-paintball champ/cop Doug, a mountain of a man who keeps the peace and comes to Josh and Parker's rescue. Teen trio Ashley, Brittany and Ashley 2 indulge in a free-for-all frenzy of lipstick testing and perfume bathing while mercilessly gossiping at Pantosphere's make-up counter. There's also Melissa the vegetarian who works in the food court at Soy What. And hanging out at the fountain are Jocks, Skaters -- and Master Kindu, dispenser of interstellar wisdom. All visit Mr. Meaty and suffer Josh and Parker's actions.
Lifelong puppeteers/fantasy fanatics Hopley and Shannon met in sixth grade at Toronto's Claude Watson School for the Arts. In 1993, they launched their career in puppetry by creating the Grogs and gained popularity with the puppet troupe on Canada's YTV, then segueing to CBC, TVO, Showcase -- and Nickelodeon. The duo honed their skills as creature-makers, creators, writers and puppeteers for numerous specials, shorts and commercials. In 2004, Hopley snagged a stint as art director/puppet designer/lead puppeteer on Nick Jr.'s Whoopi's Littleburg specials. And he and Shannon created Michael's Island, a series of puppet shorts for Nick Jr. After five years of incubating ideas and style for the Grogs brand, Hopley and Shannon launched Grogs, Inc. under the banner of Jack Lenz's Lenz Entertainment, which evolved into the trio's current production company, 3 Js. Their two-time Gemini Award-winning CBC pre-school series Nanalan' (2004-06) also aired as interstitials on Nick Jr.
Nickelodeon, now in its 27th 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, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number- one-rated basic cable network for eleven consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) .
Web site: http://www.nick.com/meaty
http://www.nick.com/
Tween Leader TEENick Expels Back-To-School Blahs, Invites Laughter With Winning Trio of All-New Primetime Fall-Season Premieres, Sunday, September 24
Drake & Josh Gears Up for Oprah Encounter in Season Starter; Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide Offers New Grade Resolutions and Tips; Zoey 101 Reveals Romantic Resolution
A mighty trio of TEENick hit comedies -- Drake & Josh, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and Zoey 101 -- conquers back-to-school blahs, Sunday, September 24 with all-new fall season primetime premieres. It's back-to-back, must-see TV when the top- rated live-action series for kids and tweens, Kids' Choice Award-winning Drake & Josh, kicks off the night -- and a fourth season -- at 7 p.m., followed by third season openers of blockbuster series Ned's Declassified at 7:30 p.m. and Zoey 101 starring Kids' Choice Award winner Jamie Lynn Spears at 8 p.m. (all times ET/PT).
Turnabouts, curveballs and a boatload of laughs rock the season premieres. In Drake & Josh/"Josh Runs into Oprah" Josh (Josh Peck) is jazzed at the prospect of meeting his TV idol when Drake (Kids' Choice winner for Favorite TV Actor, Drake Bell) gets tickets to "Oprah" for his birthday, but delight turns to dismay in the studio parking lot. As school bells ring on Ned's Declassified/"A New Grade" & "Dodgeball," the title tipster (Devon Werkheiser) enters the new world of eighth grade and resolves to conquer it, but best laid plans go raucously awry and Ned becomes an accidental bully. Zoey 101/"Surprise" finds take-charge Zoey (Jamie Lynn Spears) embarking on new adventures at Pacific Coast Academy with a new roommate -- and reeling from a romantic revelation.
Tween leader Nickelodeon has been number one with that demo (kids 9-14) in total day ratings for 14 years, and TEENick shows continue to dominate the TV landscape. Instant hits since they debuted, Drake & Josh, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and Zoey 101 account for three of the top five regularly scheduled live-action series on cable (total day) in 2Q 2006 with tweens (9- 14); Drake & Josh was tops followed by Ned's (#3) and Zoey (#4). Drake & Josh, which first broke records as Nick's highest rated series premiere in almost 10 years and started stripping M-F at 5:30 p.m. in February, has ranked as the number-one regularly scheduled live-action show with kids 2-11 and 9-14 for two consecutive quarters. Year-to-date, Nick averages a 2.56 Tween 9-14 rating, besting its competition by double digits.
Post-season premieres, TEENick's regular lineup on Sundays next season will include Romeo! (6 p.m.), The Amanda Show (6:30 p.m.), Drake & Josh (7 p.m.), Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide (7:30 p.m.), Zoey 101 (8 p.m.) and Unfabulous (8:30 p.m.).
As Zoey 101 heads back to the books amid ocean breezes, Zoey and Lola (Victoria Justice) find they have a new roommate, Quinn (Erin Sanders). This season the outnumbered girls still strive to survive and thrive at the newly co-ed boarding school, despite detractors like Logan (Matthew Underwood), and with the help of pals Chase (Sean Flynn) and Michael (Christopher Massey). In the season premiere, "Surprise," Lola and Quinn predict that Chase is going to profess his love to Zoey, but the truth is, he has a bigger surprise. Meanwhile, it looks like Logan and Michael just might fight to the finish to get the top bunk this year. Creator/executive producer is Dan Schneider (All That, The Amanda Show, Drake & Josh, What I Like about You).
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide continues to chronicle the wacky adventures of Ned Bigby (Devon Werkheiser) and his best pals Moze (Lindsey Shaw) and Cookie (Daniel Curtis Lee) at James K. Polk Middle School, as "every-kid" Ned shatters the fourth wall to share tips and tricks on jumping school hurdles. Each episode features two 11-minute romps. In the third-season premiere, "A New Grade" and "Dodgeball," new eighth grader Ned vows to be tougher and accidentally becomes the new bully -- swatting at a swarm of flies and unintentionally KO'ing nearby classmates; Moze vows to be nicer but copes with an I-teacher who's a monster in a monitor. And sans braces, Cookie pursues the new no-braces, non-sniffling Lisa Zemo. In "Dodgeball" team captain Ned must battle bully Loomer and his secret weapon Cookie, and he must do it without ace player Moze. Upcoming Survival Guides offer tips in dealing with pitfalls and problems of art class, popularity, social studies, the school play, revenge, bad hair days and much more. Scott Fellows (The Fairly OddParents) is creator/executive producer.
Drake & Josh's odd couple of teen stepbrothers, Drake Parker and Josh Nichols (Drake Bell and Josh Peck), share shenanigans that cement a brotherly bond. And it is singer-musician/ladies' man Drake who pulls responsible Josh into the high jinks. Miranda Cosgrove (School of Rock) hoodwinks them both as little sis Megan. In the season premiere, "Josh Runs into Oprah," after Drake forgets Josh's birthday -- and throws a big surprise party for his "girlfriend" of five days -- the guilt-racked teen atones by getting his brother tickets to Oprah. However, delight turns to dismay in the studio lot when the guys argue over parking and distracted driver Josh accidentally runs into his idol. Drake and Josh hightail it to the hospital to make amends -- and maybe meet Oprah -- but two huge bodyguards, a horde of reporters and a farcical scheme add up to another fiasco. This season, too, a Drake & Josh TV movie is on tap. Bell, who penned the show's theme song, continues to perform his original music. Creator/executive producer is Dan Schneider.
Nickelodeon, now in its 27th 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, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number- one-rated basic cable network for eleven consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) .
Web site: http://www.nick.com/
MTV2 Proudly Announces 'MTV2 $2BILL PRESENTS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE FEATURING 30 SECONDS TO MARS'
Fresh Off Winning the Fan-Driven MTV2 Award at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards, 30 Seconds to Mars to Give Back to Their Family of Friends and Fans and Invite Them to Experience One of the Hottest Tours of the Year for $2
Green Tour With All Touring Vehicles Using Bio-Diesel Fuel Dubbed by Mars 'ENVIRONMENTOUR'
MTV2 announced today 'MTV2 $2BILL PRESENTS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE FEATURING 30 SECONDS TO MARS.' The biggest MTV2 $2Bill tour ever hits 30 cities beginning October 17th and ends on November 25th with dates in major markets across the country including Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Boston and New York, among others. Head Automatica and Cobra Starship will serve as the opening acts for 30 Seconds To Mars during the tour. In addition, Pink Spiders, Rock Kills Kid, The Receiving End Of Sirens, Envy on the Coast and Men, Women and Children will be joining the tour for select tour dates. This is an all-ages tour and a limited amount of tickets per city will be made available for $2 each while they last in a special internet pre-sale sponsored by MTV2 and 30STM beginning at noon ET/PT on Sept 16th at Ticketmaster.com. There will be a 4 ticket limit per order for the pre-sale. Sales for General Tickets will begin the following week on September 23rd. Fans should be sure to check 30Secondstomars.com and tours.mtv2.com for complete tour and ticket information and access to tons of unique content for 'MTV2 $2BILL PRESENTS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE FEATURING 30 SECONDS TO MARS'.
Said singer Jared Leto, "This is an amazing time of celebration for us all and we are very excited to join forces with the unique and creative individuals at MTV2 to present what we hope will be one of the most exciting tours of the fall... 'WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE.' With a powerful line up of phenomenally talented opening bands and having an environmentally acceptable 'green' tour, we are looking forward to yet another chance for us to share something unique with our family of fans that have supported us so passionately and also invite and introduce many others to the world of 30 SECONDS TO MARS. Taking this approach gives us the opportunity to set an example and share with others the possibilities of real alternatives for a safer, cleaner world. We will see you all very soon for what will be an exciting, chaotic circus of insanity, and an unforgettable tour!!!"
30 Seconds To Mars released the certified gold record A Beautiful Lie on August 30, 2005 to critical acclaim. Alternative Press said, "... they just might be rock's best-kept secret." "The Kill," which is the second single from their album, has become a top three hit at Modern Rock Radio while the video has just won the MTV2 Award at the 2006 VMAs after being nominated for two - "Best Rock Video" and the MTV2 Award. Continuing to tour through the end of 2006, they recently completed their first ever headlining tour which sold out across the country; they also played Bamboozle, Lollapalooza, and this summer's Warped Tour. In addition to 'MTV2 $2BILL PRESENTS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE FEATURING 30 SECONDS TO MARS' the band will play Bamboozle West as well as the KROQ Inland Invasion show.
In support of the 'MTV2 $2BILL PRESENTS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE FEATURING 30 SECONDS TO MARS', 30 Seconds To Mars will be hosting a week of MTV2's T-MINUS ROCK, MTV2 will air an UNLEASHED video premiere and a Makes a Video on Monday October 16th for their new single "Attack," air a 1/2 hour original video based special featuring the bands touring alongside 30 Seconds to Mars, MTV Overdrive will feature a 30 Seconds to Mars tour diary featuring 2 -3 minute video clips of band's experiences and much more.
Dates for 'MTV2 $2BILL PRESENTS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE FEATURING 30 SECONDS TO MARS' as follows:
Show Date Venue
Tuesday, October 17th The Myth
Minneapolis, MN
Wednesday, October 18th Eagles Ballroom
Milwaukee, WI
Friday, October 20th Congress
Chicago, IL
Saturday, October 21st Egyptian
Indianapolis, IN
Sunday, October 22nd State Theater
Detroit, MI
Tuesday, October 24th Promo West Pavilion
Columbus, OH
Friday, October 27th Roseland
New York, NY
Saturday, October 28th Avalon
Boston, MA
Sunday, October 29th Lupo's
Providence, RI
Monday, October 30th Ritacco Center
Toms River, NJ
Tuesday, October 31st Electric Factory
Philadelphia, PA
Thursday, November 2nd Tabernacle
Atlanta, GA
Friday, November 3rd House of Blues
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Saturday, November 4th Hard Rock
Orlando, FL
Monday, November 6th Revolution
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Tuesday, November 7th Jannus Landing
St. Petersburg, FL
Thursday, November 9th Verizon
Houston, TX
Friday, November 10th Sunset Station
San Antonio, TX
Saturday, November 11th Ridlea Theater
Fort Worth, TX
Monday, November 13th Pageant
St. Louis, MO
Wednesday, November 15th Fillmore Theater
Denver, CO
Thursday, November 16th Salt Air
Salt Lake City, UT
Saturday, November 18th Roseland Theater
Portland, OR
Sunday, November 19th The Premier
Seattle, WA
Wednesday, November 22nd Warfield
San Francisco, CA
Friday, November 24th SOMA
San Diego, CA
Saturday, November 25th Wiltern
Los Angeles, CA
Presenting a series of inexpensive concerts for music fans around the country, MTV2's $2Bill has attracted a diverse mix of music acts and artists including Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz, the Beastie Boys, Radiohead, DMX, Linkin Park, Coldplay, Fat Joe, The Foo Fighters, The Roots, Musiq, Nas, The Vines, The Strokes, Secret Machines, Kanye West, System of a Down, Daddy Yankee and most recently, My Chemical Romance.
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 130 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 150 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
Source: MTV
Web site: http://www.mtv.com/
http://30secondstomars.com/
http://tours.mtv2.com/
Nokia and EA Team up to Advance Mobile Gaming Worldwide
EA to Bring Mobile Titles to Current and Next Generation Nokia Devices
Nokia (NYSE: NOK), the world leader in mobile communications, and Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world's leading interactive entertainment software company, today announced a collaboration that will see EA become a major supplier of mobile games to millions of Nokia mobile device owners through Nokia Content Discoverer. This solution allows mobile customers easy access to downloadable content through a collection of shopping mall "stores" on their mobile device. Initially, customers will be able to download seven EA titles, Tetris(R), Tetris(R) Mania, The Sims(TM)2, Doom(R), FIFA 06, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR(R) 06 and FIFA Street 2 this holiday season. Starting in mid-2007, EA intends also to support the launch of the Nokia next generation mobile games platform with top EA titles that will be custom-designed for Nokia S60 devices.
In an effort to advance the content delivery model and overall player experience, Nokia and EA will work together to craft a superior mobile gaming experience for consumers worldwide. Nokia device owners can look forward to improved game quality, outstanding performance and intuitive delivery.
"Nokia shares our vision of making it easy for people around the world to find and play the best quality games on their mobile phones. We are looking forward to working more closely with Nokia on promoting a delivery system that propels mobile gaming forward," said Mitch Lasky, senior vice president, EA. "This relationship will bring together EA's great brands and development studios with Nokia's innovative hardware and global consumer reach."
"The core of Nokia's games strategy is to make it easy for people to find, buy and play great quality mobile games and we're excited to expand our relationship with EA to help make that possible," said Jaakko Kaidesoja, director, games, Multimedia, Nokia. "Nokia and EA have a common vision regarding the opportunities in mobile games and how to turn them into a reality. When you combine Nokia's leadership in hardware, usabiliy and software platforms with EA's brands and quality thresholds, the results will speak for themselves."
Launching the first half 2007, Nokia's next generation mobile gaming platform makes it easy for people to find, buy, play and share rich and immersive games on a range of Nokia smartphones. EA intends to deliver a range of popular EA SPORTS(TM) and EA(TM) branded mobile titles at the launch of this next generation mobile gaming initiative.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for videogame systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA SPORTS BIGTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2006, EA posted revenue of $2.95 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG, POGO and the Sims are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Official FIFA licensed product. The FIFA Logo (c) 1977 FIFA TM. The mark "TIGERWOODS" and the TW Logo are trademarks of ETW Corp. and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of ETW Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.
www.nokia.com
Source: Nokia
Nickelodeon Expands Partnership With Boys & Girls Clubs of America for Let's Just Play Campaign
More Than 50,000 Kids From Almost 350 Boys & Girls Clubs in All 50 States to Participate in Network's Worldwide Day of Play
New Boys & Girls Clubs of America PSA to Debut on Nickelodeon This Month
Nickelodeon today announced an expanded partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), making it a signature partner for the "Let's Just Play" campaign. Through this partnership, BGCA will play an integral role in Nickelodeon's ongoing efforts to encourage kids to participate in healthy active play. The network's award-winning "Let's Just Play" campaign encourages health and wellness, and activity among kids and families.
"The 'Let's Just Play' partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a natural extension of Nickelodeon's commitment to provide resources and tools for kids to help them make healthy lifestyle choices," said Jean Margaret Smith, senior vice president, Public Affairs, Nickelodeon. "Boys & Girls Clubs of America have been instrumental in our 'Let's Just Play' campaign over the past four years, and we look forward to continued success with them on- board and this expanded relationship."
"We at Boys & Girls Clubs of America are thrilled to expand our relationship with Nickelodeon Networks," commented Romero Brown, senior director, Teen Services for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "Our shared commitment to the health and well-being of children makes this partnership a natural one."
On Sept. 30, more than 355 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country and around the world will celebrate Nickelodeon's third annual Worldwide Day of Play, an event in which the network will go dark from 12 noon to 3 p.m. in order to encourage kids to get up, go out and play. Clubs in the 50 US states, Italy, Portugal, Guam, Turkey, Cuba, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom, will host "Let's Just Play" themed events, where an estimated 50,000 kids will take part in activities aimed at educating kids about healthier lifestyles.
Part of BGCA efforts for "Let's Just Play" also include a registration drive to encourage kids to participate in this year's Let's Just Play Go Healthy Challenge, a campaign developed by Nickelodeon and The Alliance for a Healthier Generation - a joint partnership between the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation. BGCA will reach out to kids through the Keystone Internet Community, YouthNet, www.bgca.net and with blast emails. Several Boys & Girls Clubs have been featured in the on-air installments of this year's Let's Just Play Go Healthy Challenge, and executive Romero Brown serves on the Go Healthy Challenge Advisory Board.
Nickelodeon has produced a new public service announcement (PSA) that encourages kids to visit their local Boys & Girls Club and enroll in its programs and services that promote and enhance the development of boys and girls. The PSA will begin to air on Nickelodeon Sept. 13 and on TurboNick, the network's broadband video site on Nick.com. Nickelodeon has participated in BGCA Keystone conferences, and features the organization on its Let's Just Play website as well as in Nickelodeon Magazine.
Through encouraging kids to participate in past Worldwide Day of Play events, to participating in the "Let's Just Play Giveaway," to promoting Let's Just Play through BGCA infrastructure to reach kids, parents, local boards and professionals, BGCA and Nickelodeon have partnered in the past on numerous activities and projects related to active play. On a grassroots level, BGCA and Nickelodeon have held more than 3,000 events for the "Let's Just Play" campaign in local clubs, and in 2005 alone, encouraged approximately 40,000 kids to participate in Boys & Girls Club events for Worldwide Day of Play.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (http://www.bgca.org/) comprises a national network of more than 3,900 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some 4.6 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Clubs programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon is currently in its fourth year of its award-winning pro- social initiative, "Let's Just Play." In November 2005, "Let's Just Play" entered into a partnership with The Alliance for a Healthier Generation to combat the spread of childhood obesity. The three organizations combined forces on a comprehensive media and public awareness campaign, encouraging young people to engage in healthy and active lifestyles. Nickelodeon is using its multimedia platforms and the "Let's Just Play" campaign, working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and other partners, to reach millions of young people across the country and spread the message of the Healthier Generation movement.
Nickelodeon has committed more than $30 million and 10% of its air to health and wellness messaging. Over the past 2 years, Nickelodeon has also awarded approximately $2 million in grants and through its "Let's Just Play Giveaway" to schools and after-school programs to help provide resources that will create and expand opportunities for physical play. For more information on Nickelodeon, visit www.Nick.com, www.Nickjr.com or www.teachers.nick.com.
Nickelodeon, now in its 27th 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, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number- one-rated basic cable network for eleven consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) .
Source: Nickelodeon
Web site: http://www.nick.com/
http://www.bgca.org/
http://www.nickjr.com/
http://www.teachers.nick.com/
New Streaming Music Recorder Boasts Improved Song Recognition Technology
SAN ANSELMO, Calif., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Applian Technologies today announced the release of Replay Music 2.5, a software program they describe as a "revolutionary new way to make MP3s and CDs from Music Videos, online Radio Stations or Digital Music Services." Replay Music 2.5 records streaming songs and saves them as individual, high-quality MP3s.
Unique to Replay Music is its auto-tagging feature, which uses song fingerprinting technology to automatically add the song's artist, title, album and genre information to MP3 files. Version 2.5 comes with an improved song recognition feature, iPod and iTunes support, and other enhancements.
"This is the ideal program for anyone who loves music and is looking for a way to discover new artists," said Applian CEO Bill Dettering. "Replay Music has always been one of our most popular programs. We are convinced that this latest version will generate even more interest with digital music lovers because it makes discovering new music that much easier."
Customers can download a free demo, or purchase Replay Music 2.5 for $39.95, at http://www.replay-music.com/. Replay Music requires a Windows-based PC.
Applian Technologies is recognized as the global leader in software products for recording streaming media. Other popular Applian products include Replay Radio, Replay A/V, Replay Converter, and Replay Screencast. Learn more about Applian Technologies at http://www.applian.com/.
Web site: http://www.applian.com/
http://www.replay-music.com/
KyLinTV First to Broadcast SZTV and SZTV Public in North America: Chinese IPTV Service Provides Cantonese Viewers with More Choices
KyLinTV is the first Chinese entertainment service to broadcast Shenzhen TV (SZTV) and Shenzhen Public (SZTV Public) in North America, as part of the largest selection of Chinese entertainment in North America: 26 live broadcast channels and a vast video library that offers subscribers more than 20,000 hours of choice.
SZTV Public, launched in November 2002, broadcasts entirely in Cantonese. SZTV Public services TV viewers with its southern styled programs and strong Cantonese content.
Some of the popular shows on SZTV Public include "News Plaza," a well- known Cantonese news program that is the leading local news program in Shenzhen, focusing on the local news and social problems of the area and "Star," a daily talk show featuring the latest stars, giving viewers a look at their normal day-to-day lives.
"It is so great to see that KyLinTV has added SZTV Public to its service," said Kenneth Choi, a KyLinTV reseller in Chicago. "KyLinTV really does try to provide entertainment for all Chinese-speaking families living in North America and my customers are thrilled to have additional Cantonese content to watch!"
SZTV, launched in May 2004, covers over 300 cities in mainland China, in addition to Hong Kong and Taiwan as well. SZTV programs focus on the latest news, entertainment and fashion, aiming to become the face of entertainment to the Shenzhen people.
Programs on SZTV include "Searching for Love," a reality show that takes an in-depth look at the love affairs of couples and "A Comet of Laughter Lands on Earth," a comedy segment that have contestants competing to see who tells better jokes.
KyLinTV subscribers have direct access to the most popular broadcasts from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In addition, KyLinTV will broadcast US Chinese channels with programs produced exclusively for North American consumers.
Viewers can tune in to live broadcast channels on KyLinTV and watch the programs as they air. If they miss the program they wanted to watch, subscribers have the option of using the broadcast channel companion which preserves the lineup of news and entertainment programs for 24 hours, and is a feature that is unique to KyLinTV. In addition, KyLinTV subscribers can take advantage of the broadcast channel on demand, an exclusive library of the most popular programs from that channel.
For more information and a full multimedia press kit, please visit http://www.kylintv.com/press/kylintvbroadcast
About KyLinTV
Launched in September 2005, KyLinTV is the future of entertainment. KyLinTV is the first and only IPTV service dedicated to the Chinese community living in North America, offering both live broadcast as well as 20,000+ hours of video on demand programming. For more information on KyLinTV programming please visit http://www.kylintv.com/
The service comes to the marketplace through the stewardship of two key investors, Charles B. Wang, founder of Computer Associates, and Charles Dolan, founder of Cablevision and Home Box Office. Production is made possible through technology partnerships with NeuLion, Inc. of Plainview, New York and Trans Video of Beijing, China.
The NeuLion iPTV solution delivers KyLinTV content over the public internet to television screens throughout North America, live and in real time. NeuLion is the Future of IPTV: No PC Required http://www.neulion.com/
Source: KyLinTV
Web site: http://www.kylintv.com/
http://www.neulion.com/
Blip.tv and Akimbo Bring Internet Video Personalities to TV
The Best of Blip.tv's User-Created Online Video Series Available through Akimbo Internet VOD Service
Blip.tv, an online video sharing site that hosts and distributes Web-based TV shows and videoblogs, announced today that its premium content will be available for television viewing through Akimbo's Internet video-on-demand service. By showcasing its highest-quality and most popular online video series through Akimbo, blip.tv ensures that the best user-generated video will be available in millions of homes across the U.S. and Canada.
"Blip.tv makes it easy for anyone to create, produce and distribute video shows through the Web - and beyond," said blip.tv co-founder and CEO Mike Hudack. "Through this great partnership with Akimbo, user-created videos can now make the leap from the Internet directly to television sets. Together, we are simplifying the process of making a star out of the ordinary person. Just as any other video content, user-generated content is best enjoyed sitting on your couch, watched on a full-screen TV."
This partnership marks blip.tv's first step toward bringing its content to television sets. Akimbo delivers thousands of programs through set-top boxes to TV via broadband Internet connections, giving its users the best of TV, film and other quality programs.
"Akimbo works closely with content partners like blip.tv to offer our subscribers the largest and most diverse collection of quality video-on-demand titles anywhere," said Akimbo CEO Josh Goldman. "By partnering with blip.tv, Akimbo helps elevate some of the most compelling user-generated content to a mainstream television audience -- it's the best of the Web accessible in the comfort of the living room."
The blip.tv content available through Akimbo will be chosen on the basis of content, popularity, and production quality, and the channels will be continually expanded and updated to always include the best of blip.tv. Chosen content will be available alongside all other Akimbo programming so that users can select blip.tv shows from the listings in the user-friendly, onscreen Akimbo Guide. Users can also subscribe to and store their favorite blip.tv shows within their personal video library. All blip.tv show creators have the option to choose whether their content can be considered for distribution through Akimbo.
Video bloggers who use blip.tv are also able to take advantage of its wide distribution network on the Internet, and can automatically cross-post their videos to blogs, iTunes and other video aggregators, websites and media channels.
About blip.tv
Founded in May 2005, blip.tv is an online video sharing site providing the tools and platform for anyone to create and distribute original, Web-based TV shows and videoblogs. Blip.tv hosts user-generated content from around the world and posts it to iTunes, Flickr, blogs and more. Blip.tv offers an opt- in advertising program, splitting all advertising revenues with its users 50/50. The company also supports a variety of licenses, including Creative Commons. In an August 2006 review, Light Reading ranked blip.tv the #1 online video sharing site. To learn more, please visit http://www.blip.tv/.
Source: blip.tv
Web site: http://www.blip.tv/
GameTap Is Going Back to School With the Most Robust Parental Controls and a Vast Collection of On-Demand Educational Games
GameTap Expands Learning Games Library with Titles from Humongous, Jump Start, Clue Finders and Mighty Math Along with Parent-Empowering Filtering Features
GameTap, the first-of-its-kind broadband entertainment network from Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), is now offering enhanced parental controls and has added a slew of new kid- friendly entertainment and educational games. The new GameTap filtering feature enables parents to select games and content appropriate for each member in the family. Popular educational titles now premiering on the network include Oregon Trail, Carmen Sandiego, Putt Putt, Jump Start, Clue Finders, Mighty Math, Lego, and Math Blaster.
"GameTap is a network built for everyone to enjoy," says Stuart Snyder, Senior Vice President and GameTap's General Manager. "While the kids are having a ball choosing from the hundreds of available games and programs, mom and dad have complete peace of mind knowing they have the flexibility to tailor the content for their children. We make it easy for parents on GameTap."
"In addition to fine-tuning our parental controls, we are adding more than a dozen popular learning games to our on-demand library," said Snyder.
Nearly all titles on GameTap are rated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB), an industry group that applies ratings to games based on their content. Similar to motion-picture and television rating systems, ESRB ratings suggest appropriate ages for players. For example, games rated E (Everyone) are deemed appropriate for players ages six and up, while E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) games are right for slightly older children. Games rated T (Teen) are generally considered acceptable for adolescents. For those few games on the network without official ESRB ratings, GameTap applies its own comparable rating system.
One Subscription, Multiple Users
A single GameTap subscription accommodates up to seven family members, giving each a separate ID and allowing each to customize their GameTap welcome screen by choosing their favorite games, programs and other features. However, with GameTap's new enhanced parental controls, parents set individual parameters for each member of the family. Parents can limit each child's access to age-appropriate games and content. For example, parents might allow younger children to play only games rated E or E10+, the video game equivalents of movies rated G and PG.
While older children might be allowed to play T-rated games, parents have the ability to screen individual games and programs. Thanks to GameTap's enhanced parental controls, parents can set specific games, programs and content off limits to family members. For example, a teen might be allowed to play a T-rated sports game but not allowed to play a similarly rated war game. On GameTap, parents choose what's right for each member of the family.
More Learning Games
Along with its new and advanced parental controls, GameTap is adding new educational titles to its menu of more than 600 on-demand video games. GameTap boasts one of the largest selections of children's software on demand with more than 115 games now and over 20 coming in the next few weeks rated E or less. They include such popular games as Oregon Trail, Carmen Sandiego, Putt Putt, Jump Start, Clue Finders, Mighty Math, Lego, and Math Blaster. Other family favorite educational games joining the GameTap lineup include Africa Trail, Millie and Baily Kindergarten, Thinkin' Science, The Yukon Trail, and Travel the World with Jimmy! Deluxe. GameTap is also hosting a "cartoon week" which will include many games featuring Batman and Scooby-Doo.
To register for GameTap, visit www.gametap.com and receive a free trial. For $9.95 a month, subscribers with a broadband connected PC can enjoy unlimited access to more than 600 video games and 400 shows with new titles and programs added every week.
About GameTap
GameTap is the leader in digital game distribution and broadband entertainment. Launched by Turner Broadcasting in 2005, it now delivers more than 600 authentic versions of the greatest console, computer and arcade games on demand, including original and exclusive episodic properties. In addition to games for every age and interest, GameTap offers more than 400 original entertainment programs, popular video streams and thriving virtual communities to broadband-connected PCs. Continually updated with new games, programs and features, GameTap is a downloadable application that supports navigation and game play using keyboard and mouse, as well as most USB peripherals. Go to www.gametap.com and expand your playground.
About Turner
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment products around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.
Source: GameTap
Web site: http://www.gametap.com/
USN's 'Ultimate Shopping Network' Records Best Sales Month Ever for Coins; Results Fueled by High Demand for 24 Karat American Buffalo Gold Coins
$2 Million in Revenue Achieved on Record Sales of More Than Two Thousand of the Highly Collectible American Buffalos
USN Corporation (BULLETIN BOARD: USNR) ("USN"), owner of the "Ultimate Shopping Network," announced today its best monthly coin sales ever, fueled by high demand for the network's stock of the U.S. Mint's 24 Karat American Buffalo Gold coins. Offering some of the industry's lowest prices on a broad range of coin grades, from the first strike, mint-state (MS) 70 American Buffalos available at $999 to the ultra-rare proof issue, first strike, PCGS-PR70DCAM selling for $4,995, USN has become the retailer of choice for coin collectors and investors across the nation.
Based upon James Earle Fraser's design of the Buffalo Nickel issued between 1913 and 1938, the American Buffalos are the first 24K coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint and have been made in an extremely limited run of 300,000 total coins. The network's largest seller has been the first strike, MS-70 American Buffalo, which at $999 is being offered at a discount to the $1,099 to $1,199 it is available for from most other outlets.
"We believe these impressive results are indicative of the strength of the USN brand among U.S. households," said Mark J. Miller, CEO of USN. "Our model of offering luxury products at unbeatable values has garnered rave reviews from our shoppers and allowed us to build what is the first and only luxury TV shopping network."
In addition to coins, USN sells a range of other high-end goods including fine diamonds and jewelry and designer accessories from fashion houses such as Prada and Fendi. Reaching new markets in the TV shopping industry, USN has an average price point of $400 versus the industry norm of $75 to $100.
USN reaches over 30 million aggregated U.S. households on DIRECTV Channel 345, Dish Network channel 223, and various cable and broadcast outlets. The Ultimate Shopping Network's 24/7 programming offers television's most luxurious shopping experience and the network is a rapidly growing player in the multi-billion dollar television commerce industry.
ABOUT USN CORP.
USN's (BULLETIN BOARD: USNR) wholly owned Ultimate Shopping Network is quickly becoming the luxury brand in television shopping. USN has positioned itself as television shopping's version of high-end retailing with a dedication to service, quality, integrity and luxury. Today, the Ultimate Shopping Network is broadcast to more than 30 million aggregated U.S. households on DIRECTV Channel 345, Dish Network 223, and various cable and broadcast outlets. The company also has an Internet shopping site, http://www.shopusn.com/, which offers customers many of the same upscale products seen by viewers on the network at very competitive price points.
The statements included in this press release concerning anticipated or expected future revenue or growth or expressions of future goals or objectives, including statements regarding whether current plans to grow and strengthen the company's existing network will be implemented or accomplished, constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. All forward-looking statements in this release are based upon market information available to USN Corporation on the date of this release. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements include the availability of funding for current and future operations, as well as others discussed in USN Corporation's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. USN Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Web site: http://www.shopusn.com/
Web site: http://www.usncorp.com/investor-mailalert.aspx?b=1417&1=1
SANYO Announces the Sprint Power Vision(SM) SCP-8400 - A Compact Powerhouse of Entertainment, Style and Productivity
Latest Edition of SANYO's Popular 8000 Series Comes Loaded With Bluetooth(TM), Music Player, 1.3 MP Camera and Sprint Power Vision(SM) Capabilities
Today SANYO announced planned availability of the next generation in SANYO's popular 8000 Series phones, the SCP-8400 by SANYO Long considered SANYO's "go-to" camera phone, the latest edition is packed with advanced features for entertainment and productivity including Bluetooth, a 1.3-megapixel camera, high-resolution QVGA internal screen, music player, removable memory card, and the ability to operate on the high-speed Sprint Power Vision(SM) Network. The SCP-8400 by SANYO is available in three bold color selections, Electric Blue, Powder White and Midnight Black.
The SCP-8400 by SANYO will be available on October 1 through Sprint retail stores, select third-part retail stores, www.Sprint.com and Sprint telesales (1-800-SPRINT-1) for $279.99 suggested retail price or $99.99 after mail-in rebates with a two-year subscriber agreement.
"Fans of our 8000 Series phones will be excited to see the enhancements that have been made," said Andy Kodera, senior vice president and general manager of SANYO Fisher Company's Wireless Communications Division. "We kept everything that our customers love, including the great speakerphone and the compact, easy-to-use form factor, but have taken it to the next level technologically. The SCP-8400 by SANYO has all the latest features that consumers are looking for; it will really inspire upgrading to this next generation phone."
The most notable enhancement is the inclusion of Sprint Power Vision capabilities, which allows users to enjoy streaming music and video, live TV, full-length music downloads, fast Web browsing and On Demand information for news, sports, weather and more, all at broadband-like download speeds.
In addition, the camera has been upgraded to 1.3 Megapixel resolution. The internal screen is larger (2.0-inch diagonal) and offers QVGA resolution (240 x 320 pixels) for better viewing of images and other media. With the addition of the removable microSD memory card, the SCP-8400 now also supports larger memory capacities (a 64MB card is included and optional cards up to 1GB are supported,) a built-in MP3/AAC music player, and a mass storage mode which allows files to be easily transferred from a PC and stored to the memory card using an included USB cable.
The SCP-8400 by SANYO also represents an expansion of Bluetooth functionality in SANYO's lineup. Supported Bluetooth applications include wireless Bluetooth headsets, hands-free car kits, dial-up networking (phone as modem), vCard transfer via Object Push Profile, and File Transfer Protocol.
On top of the technological advancements, the SCP-8400 by SANYO has a fresh new appearance and features a unique new personalization accessory called the "SANYO FaceMask." Unlike a traditional faceplate, which must be used to finish the look of a phone, the SANYO FaceMask is an add-on fashion accessory. FaceMasks come in a variety of shapes and designs and complement the colors of the phone while allowing extreme personalization. The Midnight Black phone comes with a Blue FaceMask, Electric Blue phone with Black FaceMask, and Powder White phone with Metallic Lavender FaceMask. Additional FaceMasks are available for purchase.
The SCP-8400 by SANYO supports the latest version of Sprint Themes, allowing for even more personalization. Themes allow users to select a user interface for the standby screen, main menu and favorites and, in some cases, link to other Theme-related multimedia and online content. One pre-loaded Theme is included and additional Themes can be easily downloaded from the handset.
About SANYO
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a $20 billion manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronics and commercial equipment, including multimedia and telecommunication products. SANYO Fisher Company (a division of SANYO North America Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.), based in Chatsworth, California markets PCS phones, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics, televisions, dictation devices, digital camera/camcorder combinations, home appliances, LCD projectors, security video equipment and air conditioning systems.
For more information, visit SANYO Wireless Communications online at www.sanyowireless.com.
Source: SANYO Wireless Communications
Web site: http://www.sanyowireless.com/
The Stars Come Out to Celebrate The World's First and Only Artistic Exhibit Dedicated to 'Touch' - Artists from NYC & Across the U.S. Design One-Of-A-Kind Elements
Nikki Hilton, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Vanessa Minnillo, Jared Leto
Ali Torre Accepts Donation for Safe at Home
SEPTEMBER 13, 2006 / 5:30-8 P.M. / 31 W 19TH Street (between 5 & 6th)
The Event is being held to kick off the World's First & Only Artistic Exhibit Dedicated to "Touch" -- the exhibit was designed by New York City based artists and sculptors and various artists across the country. The exhibit -- sponsored by Nivea -- will be unveiled to the public on 9/14 and last until 10/14. The celebrities will walk through this unique and interact with the various elements, such as the custom- designed thermo-chromatic wall (to see how much heat their bodies give off, they will touch the wall and see the heat reactive paint instantly change color -- How Hot is Your Touch?)
Ali Torre (Joe Torre's wife) will accept a donation from Nivea on behalf of the Safe at Home Foundation -- a foundation her husband Joe started to raise awareness of domestic abuse. She will discuss the importance of the foundation.
The following is detailed information on the exhibit and all the cool stuff that consumers can see and touch.
Here are some of the interesting elements of the Touch Exhibit:
"Experience Art"
Artist: George Erikson, Ph.D., Sculptor
In 1994, Erikson's wife Christine, an artist, gave George a set of sculpting tools the day after he completed his masters in clinical psychology and his doctorate in experimental psychology. George immediately began creating a collection that was a culmination of his education and artistic view of the world. His inspiration was deeply grounded in the importance of touch. "In order to truly experience art, it must be touched."
George and Christine Erikson reside in Maine creating art.
"Intuitive" maple
"Waterfall" bronze
Each piece is hand sanded, oiled and buffed to a state of perfect smoothness. Explore this art to truly experience the sense of touch.
Artist: Peter Cabot, Sculptor
"As a distant third behind sight and hearing in the popularity polls of sensory perception, touch tends to be taken for granted during those mundane hours of life ... outside the realm of the sexual, of course."
Cabot resides in Bronx, New York and enjoys working with many different mediums, materials and outlets. His more commercial fabrications have been included in diverse venues such as Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Trump Tower, the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Good Morning America, Macy's Annual Flower Show, Heritage of Pride, BACA Film Festival, & MTV.
"Different Strokes" foam and wood
"This sculpture represents a return to the simple, sensual pleasure of everyday touch, the kind many of us left behind when we traded kindergarten discovery for grown-up facade. This piece affords the opportunity to take a few minutes and give touch a full and deserving moment all its own. Don't be afraid to close your eyes and join me for a little tactile adventure."
"Feel The Crowd"
Artist: Patti Morris, Designer
This custom designed, thermo-chromatic wall is inviting to human touch, as it brings body heat to life. While the fingertips are the most sensitive to heat, they also are effective deliverers of warmth. To see how much heat yours give off, touch any part of the crowd in the wall and see the heat reactive paint instantly change color.
Morris resides in Bronx, New York.
"Touching Art"
Artist: New Yorkers
There's something about a mound of clay that is fascinating. Whether it's molded into a symbolic figure or is used to release frustration, clay attracts people and they want to get hold of it. So go ahead, you know you want to ... touch it! At the conclusion of the exhibit, the final product will be cast and remain as art with the imprint of thousands of visitors upon it.
"The Power of Touch"
Artist: Johnny Kravlevich, Designer/Filmmaker
No matter how astounding technology becomes, the world depends on the power of human touch in order to move forward. Think about everything the world couldn't do without human touch ...
Kravlevich resides in Bushwick, New York.
"Tagged at Home"
New York Yankee Jorge Posada's Catcher's Mitt
Many New Yorkers have seen this mitt tag players at home plate. However, how many fans have actually had the opportunity to touch a Yankee possession responsible for so many wins? Now's your chance to touch New York Yankee Jorge Posada's catcher's mitt!
"Safe at Home"
Authentic Yankee Stadium Home Plate
Game: July 31, 2005 - New York Yankees vs. the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Many New Yorkers have seen this from the bleachers of Yankee Stadium, but how many have actually touched this piece of New York history? Now's your chance to touch a genuine Yankee Stadium home plate!
Nivea believes that touch is essential for all stages of human development. It evokes both an emotional desire and a fundamental physical need. Nivea has established The Loving Touch Fund to support research that helps further our understanding of the importance of touch, as well as organizations that encourage all aspects of positive touch.
TOUCHTEMPLE
"Now Let Us Touch You"
Feel the touch of hundreds of strips of raw silk running over your skin as you enter the TOUCHTEMPLE and get ready to relax every nerve in your body. Consumers will enjoy a complimentary Scalp Massage, Neck and Shoulder Massage or Hand Massage from a licensed massage therapist.
SKINSCAPES
Skin has been transformed into a work of art. Images of actual human skin has been magnified 5000 thousand times under an electron microscope. The result: a very interesting art piece.
INFORMATION ON TOUCH EXHIBIT (ADMISSION FREE)
31 W. 19th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
New York, NY 10011
September 14, 2006 - October 14, 2006
Tuesday - Saturday 12-7
Sunday - 12-5
This event is being organized by Blue Sky Communications.
Source: Blue Sky Communications
Sears Unveils New Fall Advertising
Ty Pennington and Customer Testimonials Showcase a Surprisingly Broad Array of Sears Merchandise
Sears, Roebuck and Co. will differentiate itself from other retailers this fall by launching new television advertising featuring customers talking candidly about real experiences and real purchases they have made at Sears. Each testimonial captures the feeling of discovery and sense of satisfaction inspired by a quest that ends in finding something great.
"The advertising communicates how customers, when they take the time to rediscover Sears, will be pleasantly surprised by the breadth and depth of merchandise," said Joan Chow, senior vice president and Sears' chief marketing officer. From a redesigned home fashions department and new Kenmore Pro appliances to trend-right fall fashions, Sears has a unique opportunity to be a one-stop destination for fall solutions."
The spots highlight core product categories including apparel, home fashions, electronics, sporting goods, fitness, appliances and tools. In place of a customer, one ad features home design expert, Ty Pennington, who discusses his perspective on Sears' home furnishings.
The advertising broke nationally this week with more than six 30-second television spots and will be featured on programs such as ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," FOX's new show "Vanished," CBS shows "Big Brother," "Amazing Race" and "Rock Star." Additional spots will be rolled out throughout the fall timeframe. Creative was developed by Y&R Chicago.
About Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:SHLD) , is a leading broadline retailer providing merchandise and related services. Sears, Roebuck offers its wide range of home merchandise, apparel and automotive products and services through more than 2,400 Sears-branded and affiliated stores in the United States and Canada, which includes approximately 926 full-line and 1,100 specialty stores in the U.S. Sears, Roebuck also offers a variety of merchandise and services through sears.com, landsend.com, and specialty catalogs. Sears, Roebuck offers consumers leading proprietary brands including Kenmore, Craftsman, DieHard and Lands' End -- among the most trusted and preferred brands in the U.S. The company is the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 13 million service calls made annually. For more information, visit the Sears, Roebuck website at http://www.sears.com/ or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at http://www.searsholdings.com/ .
Source: Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Web site: http://www.sears.com/
http://www.searsholdings.com/
Playboy.com Searches America's Sexiest Lingerie Chain for the Hottest Women of Victoria's Secret
Victoria's Secret made The Miracle Bra famous, but it's what's underneath all the padding that Playboy.com is really interested in. Although it's no secret that the lingerie mega-chain's catalogs are very sexy, the men's website has noticed that the employees of the Victoria's Secret are beautiful as well. Playboy.com is now searching for the sexiest "Women of Victoria's Secret" to drop their lingerie for an online pictorial. It doesn't matter if the employee is a part-time cashier or a corporate officer, as long as she is a current Victoria's Secret employee who is 18 or older.
Women who are interested in posing can apply by sending one headshot and one full-body shot (bikini or nude), a clear and legible photo copy of a government-issued photo ID proving they are 18 or older, and a recent pay stub showing proof of current employment at Victoria's Secret.
Women must also include the following information with their submission:
* Full name
* Age
* Hometown
* Phone number and E-mail
* Victoria's Secret store location
* A few sentences about themselves
Submissions can be mailed to:
Playboy
Attn: Women of Victoria's Secret
680 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
Important: All entries must include a signed Model Release and a signed Photographer Release forms to be considered for publication. Forms and further instructions can be found at Playboy.com. Entries must be postmarked by October 23, 2006.
Submissions can also be e-mailed to: vicsecret@playboy.com. All photo submissions become the property of Playboy and cannot be returned.
** Note: All photos submitted will be considered for inclusion in our online photo submission gallery in the Playboy Cyber Club.
Playboy.com's "Women of Victoria's Secret" model search is not affiliated with Victoria's Secret. Playboy, Playboy.com, Cyber Club, and the Rabbit Head Design are trademarks of Playboy Enterprises International, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners and do not constitute or imply the endorsement or sponsorship thereof.
Source: Playboy.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: This feature is exclusively on Playboy.com. This pictorial is NOT a feature in Playboy magazine.
Columbia Records & Burgundy Records Announce the Release of Romantic Classics, the New Album from Julio Iglesias
One of the World's All-Time Top-Selling Artists Interprets Best-Loved Pop, Rock & Country Classics On First English Language Album In More Than A Decade
In Stores Tuesday, September 19
Columbia Records and Burgundy Records announce the release of Romantic Classics, the new English language album from Julio Iglesias -- the best-selling Latin singer of all time and one of the world's Top 10 best-selling recording artists in any genre ever -- on Tuesday, September 19.
For Romantic Classics, the first English language album from Julio Iglesias since 1994's Crazy, the artist has drawn from the worlds of pop, rock and country music to record his sublime interpretations of songs originally performed by a diverse range of artists including Willie Nelson, George Michael, the Bee Gees and The Cars.
Recorded in Los Angeles and Punta Cana with producers Albert Hammond and Robert Buchanan, Romantic Classics showcases Iglesias and a small sympathetic ensemble performing 11 best-loved songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Guest artists on the album include Grammy winning trumpeter and Columbia Records labelmate Chris Botti (on Iglesias' smoky version of Herb Alpert's "This Guy's In Love With You") and saxophonist Dave Koz (on a spellbinding rendering of George Michael's "Careless Whisper").
Other tracks on Romantic Classics include: "Everybody's Talking," "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?," "Always On My Mind," "Waiting For A Girl Like You," "Drive," "I Want To Know What Love Is," "Right Here Waiting," "The Most Beautiful Girl," and "It's Impossible."
"For this album, I've carefully considered the question of what makes a pop song classic. What sort of songs not only reach the top of the charts but reverberate in our ears -- and our hearts -- forever, becoming as familiar as memories?," writes Julio Iglesias in his liner notes for Romantic Classics. "Regardless of the era or the genre, the songs I've found are united by a common theme, one that I have often explored in my work. They eloquently address one stage or another in the life of a romance, from infatuation and longing to heartbreak and betrayal. Each has a melody that's impossible to resist and lyrics that will continue to be relevant as long as people fall in and out of love. I endeavored to truly reinterpret these hits, not simply remake them, taking a fresh approach for a contemporary audience. I hope that those of you who remember these songs will savor them once again and that those who are just discovering them will enjoy them as much as I did when I heard them for the first time."
Source: Columbia Records
Web site: http://julioiglesias.com/
http://columbiarecords.com/
http://burgundyrecords.com/
"Oscar’s Docs" Explores Early 1960s
The Oscar®-winning documentaries of 1961 and 1962 will screen on Monday, September 18, at 7:30 p.m., in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Linwood Dunn Theater as the kick-off to "Oscar’s Docs, Part Two: Academy Award-Winning Documentaries 1961-1976.” The 11-week series showcases the short and feature-length documentaries honored each year by the Academy.
In 1961, “Project Hope” took home the Oscar for Documentary Short Subject for its chronicling of the maiden voyage, in 1960, of the hospital ship SS Hope. A 16mm print which had suffered complete color fading, was used as the basis for a digital restoration of the film, making it the first fully digital restoration project funded by the Academy Film Archive. A new 35mm print of “Project Hope” was created from the restored elements and will screen courtesy of Klaeger Films.
“Le Ciel et la Boue” (“The Sky Above—The Mud Below”), which received the Academy Award for Documentary Feature in 1961, follows French filmmaker Pierre-Dominique Gaisseau’s 1959 expedition through the island of New Guinea. The seven-month adventure exposed a marked contrast between the superb aerial photography made possible by the technology of the outside world, and the seemingly “prehistoric” rituals of the indigenous population. A new 35mm print, courtesy of Arthur Cohn, one of the film’s Oscar-winning producers, and Rank Films, will be screened.
The 1962 Oscar winner for Documentary Short Subject, “Dylan Thomas,” uses film to translate the poet’s words into a visual language. Director Jack Howells, a former schoolmaster, used images to mirror Thomas’s words and to explore the world of the writer himself. Actor Richard Burton serves as both a surrogate Dylan on screen and a commentator off screen. A 35mm print of “Dylan Thomas,” preserved by the Academy Film Archive and presented courtesy of Janus Films, will be screened.
The medieval tale of Reynard the Fox and the rise of the Nazi Party are intricately connected in the 1962 Academy Award-winning Documentary Feature “Black Fox: The True Story of Adolf Hitler.” Narrated by Marlene Dietrich, the film cuts back and forth between historical images of Hitler’s rise and Wilhelm von Kaulbach’s 1846 illustrations of the fable. A new 35mm print, preserved by the British Film Institute and presented courtesy of Image Productions, will be screened.
Passes for "Oscar’s Docs, Part Two: Academy Award-Winning Documentaries 1961-1976" are available at a cost of $30 for the general public and $25 for Academy members and students with valid ID. Tickets for individual evenings of the series are available for $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with valid ID. Passes and tickets may be purchased by mail, in person at the Academy during regular business hours or, pending availability, the night of the screening when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater is located at 1313 Vine Street in Hollywood.
©A.M.P.A.S.®
Academy Highlights Role of Magic Lanterns in Evolution of Film
The dreams of Victorian-era magic lanternists will come to life at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday, October 4, at 7:30 p.m. Presented in cooperation with Los Angeles Filmforum, “Magic Lanterns and the Evolution of Film Narratives,” a historical review of Victorian projections and illustrated entertainments, will be presented at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood.
Magic lanternists in the Victorian era had two dreams: first, to make still images move; second, to tell stories in pictures. Mixing historical commentary and period showmanship using an original triunial (three-level) lantern, David Francis of the Library of Congress and Joss Marsh, professor of Victorian studies at Indiana University, will trace the origin and development of those dreams in the context of cartoons, illustrated books, narrative paintings and other 19th century visual art forms. The program will particularly highlight the importance of Charles Dickens and Victorian temperance propaganda to both lanternists’ storytelling and to the early development of narrative film.
“Magic Lanterns” will present a full range of lantern materials – from early engraved, moving and painted slides to “dissolving views” and hand-colored photographic “life model” sets, one of which is an extension of the famous temperance story “Buy Your Own Cherries.” It anticipates the lantern’s competition with film (especially in Britain) into the 1920s.
In addition, the evening will include two films by R. W. Paul, “Buy Your Own Cherries” and “A Christmas Carol,” which illustrate the influences of stage and slide techniques.
Tickets to “Magic Lanterns and the Evolution of Film Narrative” are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased at the Academy in person during regular business hours, by mail, or, if still available, at the box office on the night of the event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Linwood Dunn Theater is located at 1313 Vine Street in Hollywood.
©A.M.P.A.S.®
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TIMBERLAKE AT AT&T CLASSIC
Odds to Win 'Dancing With the Stars' from PinnacleSports.com
Mario Lopez, Vivica A. Fox Early Favorites to Be Next Dancing Star
Sept. 11 With the season premiere of "Dancing With the Stars" debuting tomorrow night, PinnacleSports.com has released updated odds on which celebrity contestant will win the latest edition of the hit reality show. The source for betting odds on all things entertainment-related, PinnacleSports.com originally opened wagering on "Dancing With the Stars" just minutes after ABC unveiled the show's famous participants, which include an NFL legend, a pair of former teen heartthrobs, a former politician turned talk-show host, a conservative political pundit and a country musician, among others.
The odds-on favorite when betting opened, former "Saved by the Bell" star Mario Lopez, remains the favorite to take the dancing crown at 3/1 (i.e., win $3 for every $1 bet). PinnacleSports.com lists actress Vivica A. Fox with the second-best odds at 4/1 to add the "Dancing With the Stars" crown to her list of credits that already includes "Kill Bill" and "Independence Day". Monique Coleman of "High School Musical" fame is listed at 9/2 while former teen heartthrob Joey Lawrence is at 6/1 to win ABC's celebrity dance-off. Hoping to avenge wife Lisa Rinna's fourth place finish last season, former "L.A. Law" star Harry Hamlin is a solid contender to win the celebrity dance-off at 13/2.
"Reality shows like 'Dancing With the Stars' and 'American Idol' have become extremely popular with bettors, even rivaling wagering on some of the world's most popular sporting events," said Simon Noble of PinnacleSports.com. "It's extremely difficult to handicap the show before the contestants even perform their first dance, but bettors agree that Mario Lopez and Vivica A. Fox have the inside track to win the celebrity reality show. Since first opening betting, Harry Hamlin has also gained support from players who believe his wife's appearance on the last edition of 'Dancing With the Stars' can only help with his preparation for the show."
PinnacleSports.com lists pop singer Willa Ford at 9/1 to be named the dancing queen, while country artist Sara Evans stands at 10/1. The NFL's all- time leading rusher Emmitt Smith currently stands at 14/1 to add the "Dancing With the Stars" title to his three Super Bowl rings. Former Miss USA Shanna Moakler and conservative political pundit Tucker Carlson are both listed at 23/1, while talk show host Jerry Springer is the biggest long shot to win the reality series at 49/1.
PinnacleSports.com will offer wagering on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" throughout the entirety of the series. For more information and a complete list of betting options, please visit http://www.pinnaclesports.com/ .
Current Odds: All Odds Subject to Change Odds to Win "Dancing With the Stars" Mario Lopez 3/1 Vivica A. Fox 4/1 Monique Coleman 9/2 Joey Lawrence 6/1 Harry Hamlin 13/2 Willa Ford 9/1 Sara Evans 10/1 Emmitt Smith 14/1 Shanna Moakler 23/1 Tucker Carlson 23/1 Jerry Springer 49/1 About PinnacleSports.com
PinnacleSports.com ( http://www.pinnaclesports.com/ ) is the Internet's largest sports betting site, serving customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. Founded in 1998, PinnacleSports.com was the first sportsbook to introduce reduced margin wagering, using a -105 pricing model that gives bettors up to 50% better value on wagers than traditional bookmakers. With low minimum bet requirements and the highest maximum limits on the web, PinnacleSports.com has earned an industry-leading reputation for providing consistent value to the player, professional customer service and the quickest payouts online. Fully licensed and regulated in Curacao, the company offers a secure environment for sports betting, racing and casino gaming.
It's The Thought That Counts
According to a new survey by VoiceQuilt, Trends in Gift Giving, 47 percent of all U.S. women buy gifts for 10 or more occasions throughout the year, 25 percent say they gave gifts for 15 or more events, and nineteen percent say they gave gifts for 20 or more occasions in the last 12 months.
Hope Flammer, chief executive officer and founder of VoiceQuilt, said "What I find so fascinating is... the fact that a non-occasion like 'just because,' is such a popular occurrence for gift giving among the majority of women..."
The gift giving occasions in the last year were
- Birthdays (95 percent)
- Religious holidays (88 percent)
- Mother's day (74 percent)
- Valentine's Day (70 percent)
- Father's day (66 percent)
Sixty-five percent say they gave gifts over the last year "just because" and eighty-eight percent of those say they gave between one and five gifts in the last year.
- Women strive to give gifts that are more thoughtful, personal and one-of-a-kind. 92 percent of U.S. women say the most important attribute of the gifts they give is that the gift is sentimental
- 90 percent say the gift should be something the recipient asked for
- 88 percent say it should be functional
- 83 percent say original
- 79 percent feel it should be "just for them"
U.S. women admit a variety of motivations behind gift giving. They said:
- To say I love you (62 percent),
- Because the occasion required a gift (58 percent)
- To surprise the gift receiver (52 percent)
- Because they loved giving gifts" (48 percent)
- To thank someone (43 percent)
- Because it was the right thing to do (37 percent)
- Because... I needed to reciprocate (14 percent)
- To say I'm sorry (5 percent)
- Felt peer pressured (4 percent)
- To... curry favor with someone (1 percent)
69 percent of women nationwide purchased gifts online in the last 12 months
- Fifty percent of women say they purchased one to five gifts online in the last year
- Thirteen percent say they purchased six to 10 gifts online in the last year
- Three percent say they purchased 11 to 19 gifts online in the last year
- Four percent say they purchased 20 or more gifts online in the last year
- The vast majority of U.S. women spend less than $50 on gift giving regardless of the occasion.
American Airlines Statement Regarding The Path to 9/11 on ABC-TV
American Airlines today issued the following statement regarding the ABC-TV program The Path to 9/11:
"The Disney/ABC television program, The Path to 9/11, which began airing last night, is inaccurate and irresponsible in its portrayal of the airport check-in events that occurred on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.
"A factual description of those events can be found in the official government edition of the 9/11 Commission Report and supporting documents.
"This misrepresentation of facts dishonors the memory of innocent American Airlines employees and all those who lost their lives as a result of the tragic events of 9/11."
American said it will have no further comment beyond the statement at this time.
Current AMR Corp. (NYSE:AMR) releases can be accessed on the Internet.
The address is http://www.aa.com/
Source: American Airlines, Inc.
Eminem Designed Nikes Debut on eBay Tomorrow, September 12, 2006
Eminem and Nike Come Together to Help Raise Funds for Disadvantaged Youths Around the World
- Unique Product Collaboration is Born to Help Raise Funds for the Marshall Mathers Foundation and Ninemillion.org -
Multi-platinum rapper Eminem and Nike, the world's leading sports and fitness company, have joined forces to create a limited edition run of the iconic Air Max series to benefit charity. An ardent fan of the Air Max and avid collector of sneakers, Slim Shady jumped at the chance to imprint his own personal touch on the world of sneaker collectors and raise funds for disadvantaged youths, both in his home state of Mitchigan, USA, and around the world in refugee camps.
Eminem (aka Marshall Mathers) has turned his talents to designing limited-edition uppers of eight different shoes in the Air Max series; from the Air Max '87 (originally designed by Tinker Hatfield, one of the world's foremost footwear designers), all the way up to the most recent Air Max 360, the new full-length Air technology from Nike. His reinterpretation of the upper has been laid onto the original blueprints for each of the Air Max shoes to create a unique set of shoe designs. "If you told me ten years ago that I'd be designing this whole series of Air Max's, I never would have believed it," commented Eminem. "It's one of the hottest lines that Nike ever produced, so I'm honored to make my own contribution. My only problem was figuring out how to make the shoes different from stuff they've already done: Nike always has the dopest color combos."
Only 8 full sets of the footwear (64 pairs of shoes in total), will be produced before they are auctioned off over a period of 4 weeks, starting August 31st, to help raise money for the Marshall Mathers Foundation and ninemillion.org. All 64 pairs will be numbered and autographed by Eminem making them true collectors items in every sense.
Eminem remarks: "We're always looking for new ways to try raise money and awareness for the foundation, so when Nike approached us we jumped at the chance. When we got the info on ninemillion.org, it made even more sense. Who wouldn't want to design their own line of Nikes? And to do it for charity makes it that much better."
Throughout its history the Air Max series has set a benchmark in sports performance, continually elevating product design and technology to new levels.
DETAILS OF AUCTIONS:
All 8 styles will still be auctioned off at Nike stores and on eBay, with the proceeds going directly to ninemillion.org and the Marshall Mathers Foundation. All proceeds will be shared on an equal basis between the two charities.
Date Location Shoes Quantity 31st August NikeTown London Air Max '87 1 pair Air Max '90 1 pair 12th September eBay Air Max '87 7 pairs Air Max '90 7 pairs 16th September NikeTown Berlin Air Max 180 1 pair Air Max 93 1 pair 19th September eBay Air Max 180 7 pairs Air Max '93 7 pairs 22nd September Nike Store, Paris Air Max '95 1 pair Air Max '97 1 pair 26th September eBay Air Max '95 7 pairs Air Max '97 7 pairs 28th September NikeTown London Air Max '03 1 pair Air Max '06 1 pair 3rd October eBay Air Max '03 7 pairs Air Max '06 7 pairs
The first auction will take place on August 31st, in conjunction with an event at NikeTown London. During this session one pair of both the Max 1 and the Max 90 will be put up for offer, with both styles then being posted for auction on Ebay.
All eBay auctions will begin on each of the allocated Tuesdays at 00:00 hours, running for 7 days and finishing at 23:59 hours the following Monday.
About Ninemillion.org
Ninemillion.org is an innovative global campaign led by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), with founding partners Nike and Microsoft to raise awareness and funds to bring education and sport programs to the world's refugee youth. The campaign represents the nine million forgotten refugee youth across the globe, many of whom do not have the opportunity to learn and play. Nine million faces, nine million names. Nine million stories. For further information visit media.ninemillion.org
About the Marshall Mathers Foundation:
The Marshall Mathers Foundation is a non-profit corporation set up to provide funds for organizations working with troubled youth in southeast Michigan.
Electronic House Names SoundScape 360 'Product of the Year' for 2006
-- Vutec's ArtScreen SoundScape 360 has been named a 2006 Product of the Year by the editors of Electronic House.
In accepting the award, Howard Sinkoff, president of Vutec, commented that, "We are proud to have designed a product that fuses AV technology with art because it enables consumers to enhance their total audio-video experience by integrating high-performance technology with the aesthetics of their living environment."
Vutec introduced SoundScape 360, a flat screen masking system, in response to the new surround sound technology developed by major audio manufacturers such as Boston Acoustics, Mirage, Polk Audio, and Yamaha. The new surround sound technology delivers a five-channel sound field from a single horizontal speaker instead of the current system of hard-wired, multiple speakers.
The ArtScreen masking system incorporates a hardwood frame and retractable screen with a digital art-on-canvas print to create a technologically advanced masking system for Plasma and LCD televisions and video projection screens. When the artwork is retracted, the screen is visible for projection or television viewing within the frame. When the television is not in use, a reproduction of art or photography is displayed within the frame.
Integrated into the ArtScreen housing, SoundScape 360 features a fully dimensional sound compartment that can be positioned above or below the video display, which meets all existing manufacturer's specifications. The new framed art dimension also expands image flexibility to accommodate a greater variety of portraits and other vertically proportioned artwork.
Vutec also offers an option for recessing the video display into the wall, keeping only the framed SoundScape 360 at the wall surface.
SoundScape 360 is available in standard display sizes for Plasma and LCD televisions from 32 inches and up. For front projection screens, SoundScape is available up to 110 inches in size. Custom sizes can also be accommodated.
Available frame styles, liners, and images for reproduction can be viewed at www.vutec.com/artscreen/. Custom artwork, such as family photography or corporate logos, can also be reproduced. SoundScape 360 comes with an IR remote, while RF, RS-232 and IP-enabled controls are optional.
"With total ownership of LCD and Plasma televisions in the US forecast to top 10 million units this year," said Mr. Sinkoff, "many owners will want to integrate their video displays with their home's interior design, especially since the average HDTV now measures 42 inches. ArtScreen and its sister product, SoundScape 360, provide consumers with a multi-room solution by turning a video display into a work art with the touch of a remote."
MSRP is $4,750 and up, depending on size, frame style (four categories available), and mounting configuration (two options available).
About Vutec Corporation
Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Florida, Vutec Corporation designs and manufactures video projection screens, masking systems and AV presentation tools. The company's products are designed for commercial, home, and institutional applications and sold through a network of authorized dealers and distributors in 67 countries.
GSN Premieres 'THAT'S THE QUESTION' to American Audiences October 2
'Entertainment Tonight' Vet Bob Goen Hosts New U.S. Version That Tests Contestants' Word Skills and Trivia Knowledge
GSN is bringing the highly-rated international game show, THAT'S THE QUESTION, to American audiences starting Monday, October 2. Produced by Scott Sternberg Productions and hosted by Bob Goen ("Entertainment Tonight," "Miss Universe"), the fast-paced word game will air Monday thru Fridays from 6:00 - 6:30 PM, ET.
THAT'S THE QUESTION is a half-hour series that combines word scrambles with a test of world history and pop culture trivia knowledge. Contestants compete against each other in a race to discover a question.
Clues to the question are revealed by unscrambling words that contain one extra letter, which is, upon being unscrambled correctly, dropped into its proper place in the question, a la "Hangman." The players take turns for the opportunity to unscramble clue words and guess what the question is, while earning valuable points, which determine who goes to the final round. The winner's score is translated into seconds of time they are allocated to try to correctly identify a question and its correct answer in the grand finale. If they are successful, their prize goes from $500 to $5,000.
Widely popular in numerous countries around the globe, THAT'S THE QUESTION is currently setting ratings records in the Netherlands, Switzerland and France.
Goen, who served as host of "Entertainment Tonight" from 1993 to 2004, began his broadcast career as a sportscaster and then made the transition to his life-long dream: hosting game shows. Among his credits are "Wheel of Fortune" and "The Hollywood Game." He is also known globally from hosting the "Miss Universe," "Miss USA," and "Miss Teen USA" pageants.
Widely acknowledged for his success in producing a variety of television genres, Sternberg's credits include such top-rated hits as "Hollywood Squares," "Love Connection," "Rock and Roll Jeopardy," "The Extreme Gong Show" and "Wheel of Fortune for Kids." Among his most recent projects are "Square Off," "Sunday Morning Shootout," "My First Time" and "Spying on Myself."
About GSN
GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming and interactive game playing. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN features over 133 hours per week of interactive programming, which allows viewers a chance to win prizes by playing along with GSN's televised games via GSN.com. Now reaching over 60 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com
About Scott Sternberg Productions
Scott Sternberg Productions is a full service television production company focusing on unscripted programming. Emmy-award winning CEO, Scott Sternberg, founded Scott Sternberg Productions in 1991. The firm provides content to broadcast and cable networks, web portals and satellite radio stations. Scott Sternberg Productions also produces branded content for major non-broadcast entities. No Studio Entertainment and Spanglish Entertainment are wholly owned subsidiaries of Scott Sternberg Productions. Both produce regional and local programs, with Spanglish Entertainment providing content for Spanish language outlets. Scott Sternberg Productions is located at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, CA.
-GSN-
Source: GSN
Superscape's a No Brainer for 3D Mobile Games!
SAN CLEMENTE, California, September 11/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- How big is your brain? Superscape Group plc (LSE: SPS) the world's leading creator and publisher of 3D mobile entertainment products, today announced the availability of the wildly popular online brain teasing game, No Brainer on mobile. The online game was designed by Kid Interactive and licensed for mobile through Global Wireless Entertainment.
Exercise your brain by answering a stream of seemingly never ending but simple Yes or No questions; Things that you wash with soap... a car?; Things that can fly...Pigs? You only have one second for each answer - can you think that fast? Question and answer combinations are randomized which keep gameplay unique and increasingly challenging every time. Gameplay is complimented by a humorous floating brain with comedy glasses and a German accent. Your job is to exercise and grow the brain as big as you can!
"We are very excited to launch No Brainer," says Don Wisniewski, Sr. VP of Publishing at Superscape, "It's our foray into a new realm of 3D casual games for the mobile gaming market. Consumers are asking for fun, addicting products and this one really fits the bill. You'll find yourself smiling and laughing out loud at some of the questions."
Based on the popular online game that tests your brainpower to its limit! It takes a quick mind and fast reflexes to answer these yes/no questions; "Does Oprah sweat?" or "Can you squish Britney Spears?" The game features whimsical interactive 3D graphics, hilarious voice over questions with hundreds of random answers. Your job is to answer correctly, without frying your brain, and grow your brain in the multiple gameplay modes.
No Brainer is launching on major wireless carriers soon and will definitely put your brain to the test and a smile on your face!
About Superscape
Superscape is the world's leading publisher of 3D mobile games. The company was the first in the world to develop and launch international standard (JSR 184) compliant solutions for the delivery of innovative games on mass-market handsets. Superscape is quoted on the London Stock Exchange and has corporate offices in Hook, Hampshire (UK) and San Clemente, California (USA), together with development and production facilities in Moscow.
About GWE
Global Wireless Entertainment, Inc. (GWE) headquartered in San Diego, California, with operations in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, is the only industry leader specializing in mobile personalization inside and outside the mobile phone. GWE specializes in long-term brand acquisition and representation. GWE products include skins, information applications, wallpapers, ringtones as well as 2D and 3D games for mobile phones on the J2ME and BREW (R) platforms. For more information, please visit www.gwe-usa.com.
About KID Group
KID Group is a think tank and design group that creates new ideas for games, toys and consumer products. With 10 years of expertise behind multiple toy and software industry successes, KID Group has created award-winning toy designs, established the category of Interactive Play, and invented the top selling electronic games and interactive toys on the market today. KID has licensed hundreds of concepts to leading companies including Hasbro, Mattel, Fisher Price, Spin Master, Milton Bradley, Konami, Atari, Shockwave and Superscape. www.kid-group.com
Source: Superscape Group plc
Love Boot Camp Wants You!
Debut of a New Genre, Reality-Meets-Self Help Talk Show, Premiering at the New York TV Festival
Dr. Diana's, Love In 90 Days Boot Camp, television pilot debuts on September 14th at the Directors Guild Theater during the New York TV Festival (NYTVF) and is currently gaining momentum on the streets of NYC. The pilot represents a new genre; a hybrid of "Reality" meets "Self Help Talk Show" and comes off the heels of CW announcing the launch of Greg Behrendt's talk show this fall. Dr. Diana Kirschner has appeared on Oprah and Good Morning America, to name a few. Her book, "Opening Love's Door: The 7 Lessons" has been called a 'cult classic' by Readerviews.com & her Amazon short, "The Ultimate Guide to Getting the Love You Want" is a #1 bestseller.
Unlike Behrendt, Dr. Diana debunks urban love legends and empowers her Boot Camp Gals with exercises that build their courage enabling them to make smart choices and rid themselves of negative thoughts associated with rejection. "He's not that into you" ironically becomes the positive stepping stone to make life altering changes that not only build their confidence and self esteem -- but also helps women create their own black books while retaking control of their love lives.
Furthermore, Dr. Diana, ala love goddess, has traveled to distant lands to learn the secrets of love and seduction and has now chosen to spread her education as a Ph.D in Psychology mixed with her findings among Eastern and Western gurus and sages that she has encountered along the road. Why? Dr. Diana is ready to shake up and wake up women's minds, hearts and spirits, turning fantasy into reality. Her 90 day program has already helped thousands of single women find love, even those in the "near-impossible" 45+ demographic.
The New York Television Festival, which is launching its second annual TV pilot festival from September 12th - September 17th, has selected Dr. Diana's reality/talk show, Love in 90 Days Boot Camp, to premiere in front of industry insiders on September 14th. Dr. Diana's show debuts for the general public at the Directors Guild Theater on September 16th.
Dr. Diana's pilot will be judged by renowned Julie Chen, host of Big Brother and anchor of The Early Show CBS, along with Michael Davies, the Executive Producer of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Wife Swap, as well as TV personality, Rachael Ray, for this year's booming "Reality Category".
It's no wonder why Dr. Diana's Love in 90 Days Boot Camp is catching the eye of leading broadcasters as one of the most coveted "Reality" shows debuting at NYTVF. Her perfect blend of reality meets tough love talk show antics, is the next evolution of "Alternative Programming" and rides the continuing wave of non-scripted series.
For more information about Dr. Diana, go to MSN's Live Spaces Page: http://lovein90days.spaces.live.com/ for witty repartee and the latest tips from the expert herself
Si TV Premieres New Original Series 'Dating Factory' Featuring Host Mario Lopez
Young Latino Singles Unite Through 'Lips, Hips and Grips' Series Debuts Sept. 18
Si TV, the first English-language, Latino-themed network, announced today it will debut a new original series called Dating Factory, hosted by TV star Mario Lopez. Premiering Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m. (PDT and EDT), the 30-minute series promises to deliver a hip and irreverent twist on dating.
The show is hosted and co-executive produced by Mario Lopez, (Saved By the Bell, Pacific Blue, Animal Planet, Dancing with the Stars) along with provocative side-kick and former model Carmen Palumbo. Dating Factory features 13 different sexy men and women competing for a chance to win a hot date through a humorous screening process, testing the contestants' potential love connection.
"Dating Factory is Si TV's newest mating game featuring young latinos front and center," said Ed Leon, SVP of Programming and Production of Si TV, and executive producer of Dating Factory. "Audience members get to find love, interact with a well-known personality and see Mario expose his matchmaking talents."
The painfully funny elimination quest for the hot date entails three challenges. In "Clever Come-ons," contestants eloquently craft and humorously twist their words to allure the dater's heart so they can be chosen. These semi-finalists then must "Confess & Undress," where cruel confessions like "Fantasized about my boss," mean an instant adios to your clothing. "Chemistry 101," the final hurdle for the hopefuls, is a perfect segment for them to caress to impress contestants. Clock in to the Dating Factory -- where Si TV makes love.... Funny.
About Si TV
Si TV is the first English-language, Latino-themed network. Connecting with 18-34 year-old viewers, Si TV's 60% original programming slate features hip and culturally-relevant shows including the latest in entertainment, music, lifestyle, comedy and independent films. The network launched in February 2004 and is available nationwide on Dish Network and in 13 million homes across the country on Cox, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon, among others. For more information on Si TV, please visit www.sitv.com.
Source: Si TV
CHRIS CORNELL HAS WRITTEN AND WILL PERFORM
THE MAIN TITLE SONG FOR CASINO ROYALE
Original Song Entitled "You Know My Name"
THE MAIN TITLE SONG FOR CASINO ROYALE
Original Song Entitled "You Know My Name"
It was announced by producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. and Sony Pictures Entertainment, that Chris Cornell, the singer/songwriter behind Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog, has written, in collaboration with Bond composer David Arnold, and will perform the main title song entitled "You Know My Name," for the new James Bond adventure CASINO ROYALE.
Daniel Craig stars as the new "007" in CASINO ROYALE directed by Martin Campbell. The film will be released worldwide by Columbia Pictures on November 17, 2006.
The acclaimed singer-songwriter, whose upcoming release with Audioslave marks the 11th album of his career, has also enjoyed success with the groups Soundgarden and Temple of the Dog, as well as his own critically acclaimed solo album in 1999, "Euphoria Morning." In addition, he has collaborated with such groups as Alice in Chains and made contributions to other soundtracks.
"I've always loved Chris' work, both as a writer and as an artist, and had hoped someday to find the right film to inspire him," said Lia Vollack, President, Worldwide Music for Columbia Pictures. "His music is both soulful and tough. It was the perfect complement to Daniel Craig and CASINO ROYALE."
Cornell joins such distinguished performers as Madonna, Sheryl Crow, Paul McCartney & Wings, Carly Simon, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, Sheena Easton, Duran Duran and Garbage who have performed title songs for previous James Bond adventures, though he will be among the select few who have both written and performed an "007" title song (others include McCartney & Wings, Crow and Madonna). Other songs were written by composers as varied as Anthony Newley & Leslie Bricusse, Lionel Bart, John Barry, Bono & The Edge and Marvin Hamlisch.
Daniel Craig stars as "007" James Bond, the smoothest, sexiest, most lethal agent on Her Majesty's Secret Service in CASINO ROYALE. Based on the first Bond book written by Ian Fleming, the story, which has never been told on film until now, recounts the making of the world’s greatest secret agent.
James Bond's first "007" mission leads him to Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), banker to the world's terrorists. In order to stop him, and bring down the terrorist network, Bond must beat Le Chiffre in a high-stakes poker game at Casino Royale. Bond is initially annoyed when a beautiful British Treasury official, Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), is assigned to deliver his stake for the game and watch over the government's money. But, as Bond and Vesper survive a series of lethal attacks by Le Chiffre and his henchmen, a mutual attraction develops leading them both into further danger and events that will shape Bond's life forever.
ABOUT EON PRODUCTIONS
EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC is owned by the Broccoli family and has produced twenty one James Bond films since 1962, including CASINO ROYALE. The Bond films, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, make up the most successful franchise in film history and includes the recent blockbuster films GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day. EON Productions and Danjaq, LLC, are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise.
About Columbia Pictures
Columbia Pictures, part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is an independent, privately-held motion picture, television, home video, and theatrical production and distribution company. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising approximately 4,000 titles, and over 10,400 episodes of television programming. Its film library has received 208 Academy Awards®, one of the largest award-winning collections in the world, and includes numerous successful film franchises, including James Bond, Pink Panther and Rocky. MGM is owned by an investor consortium comprised of Sony Corporation of America, Providence Equity Partners, Texas Pacific Group, Comcast Corporation and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
Amazon.com Launches Amazon UnboxTM, a Digital Video Download Service with DVD-Quality Picture
Amazon Unbox Offers Thousands of DVD-Quality Picture TV Shows, Movies and Other Videos From Around the World; Unbox RemoteLoadTM Technology Allows Customers to Buy From One PC and Download to Another; "Star Trek," VH1 Make Digital Download-to-Own Debut
Sept. 9, 2006--Amazon.com (Nasdaq:AMZN): Amazon.com (Nasdaq:AMZN) today announced the launch of Amazon UnboxTM, a new digital video download service offering customers thousands of television shows, movies and other video content from more than 30 studio and network partners from Hollywood and around the world. Unbox is the only video download service to offer DVD-quality picture. In addition, Unbox RemoteLoadTM technology allows customers to buy from one PC (such as an office computer) and download to another (such as a home computer). Customers can visit www.amazon.com/unbox to try the Unbox service with a free TV show.
Unbox offers triple the video quality of the leading commercial Internet video services, delivering content encoded at 2,500 kilobits per second using the ultra-efficient VC-1 Advanced Profile codec. At no additional charge, Unbox also automatically includes a second file optimized for playback on any Windows Media-compatible portable device. In addition, Unbox uses progressive download, eliminating the need to wait for the entire video to download before watching. This means the typical cable broadband customer can start watching any Unbox TV show or movie within five minutes of ordering.
"Amazon Unbox offers TV and movie enthusiasts a fast, convenient way to watch thousands of their favorite videos from around the world," said Bill Carr, Amazon.com's vice president of digital media. "Now Amazon.com customers can choose to get videos delivered to their doorstep from Amazon's DVD store or choose Amazon Unbox and download DVD-quality picture movies or television shows to their PC."
Unbox RemoteLoad technology offers customers the convenience of shopping for Unbox videos on Amazon.com from any Internet-connected PC -- like their PC at the office -- and download their videos to that PC or any other connected PC -- like their PC at home. Plus, customers get the added flexibility of taking their video collection on the go using any Windows Media video-compatible portable device, including the popular Creative Zen Vision:M.
"Amazon has built the ultimate solution for anyone who has ever had a friend or coworker tell them that they missed a great TV show last night," said Carr. "Now customers can visit Amazon.com while at work and download DVD-quality TV shows and movies to their PC at home or wherever it is most convenient for them to watch."
Amazon Unbox customers will be able to access their videos in the Amazon Your Media Library, a personalized Web page that indexes and organizes their media purchases from Amazon.com, including books, CDs, DVDs and Unbox Videos. Your Media Library provides each Unbox customer a place to keep track of their Unbox video purchases, and even download them to an additional PC.
Amazon Unbox customers can download episodes of their favorite television shows that aired as recently as last night or favorites from decades past. Unbox offers current hits from top networks like CBS with "CSI" and "Numb3rs" and FOX with "24" and "Prison Break" as well as classics like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Firefly" and "Star Trek." Unbox also offers a broad selection of popular shows from cable networks such as A&E, Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, FX and several channels from MTV Networks, including Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV and VH1. From September 14th through September 27th, all of the final, cliffhanger episodes from last season's "CSI," "CSI: Miami" and "CSI:NY" will be available for $0.01 to celebrate CSI Week and the launch of the season for all three "CSI" series.
Several television series and films will make their digital download debut with Amazon Unbox, including all 79 episodes of the original "Star Trek" series (plus the pre-Shatner original pilot), many anime series including "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED." HGTV, FINE LIVING TV Network and VH1 are three networks making their digital download debut, offering titles such as "Design on a Dime," "America's Dream 18" and "Breaking Bonaduce," respectively.
Movies available on Unbox include new releases such as "V for Vendetta," "Inside Man," "Failure to Launch," "RV" and "Walk the Line" as well as numerous classics like "Ben Hur," "Chinatown" and "Poseidon Adventure" from top studios including 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Entertainment and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc. Unbox will also have independent films from studios such as Focus Features, Fox Searchlight and Lionsgate, including "Akeelah and the Bee," "Brokeback Mountain" and "Friends With Money."
Amazon Unbox also offers a broad selection of international television shows and films from the UK, Korea, Hong Kong and Japan. These include the epic Korean period drama "The Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-shin"; the popular BBC comedy "Coupling"; Hong Kong's "Hand of Death," directed by John Woo starring Jackie Chan; and Japan's "Escaflowne."
Unbox customers can purchase television series episodes for $1.99 per episode, purchase most movies for between $7.99 and $14.99, or rent the latest movies for $3.99. To learn more about Amazon Unbox and to download your first television show free of charge, visit www.amazon.com/unbox.
Participating Television Networks
A&E, Adult Swim, Animal Planet, BBC, The Biography Channel, Cartoon Network, CBS, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, E! Entertainment Television, FINE LIVING TV Network, FOX, Fuel TV, FX, HGTV, The History Channel, KBS (Korean Broadcast System), Logo, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, The N, PBS, Speed, Spike, Travel Channel, TV Land and VH1.
Participating Movie Studios
20th Century Fox, Paramount, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc.
Unbox Partner Quotes
CBS
"With its broad and extensive user base, impressive marketing capabilities and the Unbox technology, Amazon.com is uniquely positioned as a programming platform in the online world, and we're excited to be one of their charter content providers," said Larry Kramer, President, CBS Digital Media. "The site is a perfect vehicle to further extend the reach of our Network brand and create more opportunities for audiences to discover current and classic CBS programming."
Fox Entertainment Group
"We expect the convenience of Amazon's Unbox to be a catalyst in expanding the reach of our digital offerings," said Peter Levinsohn, President, Fox Digital Media. "Amazon has made a name for itself as having the biggest selection of physical goods online. We are happy to be a part of its effort to realize this same goal in digital content."
MTV Networks
"VH1 has chosen Amazon Unbox for our download-to-own premiere of select shows because it offers viewers a flexible and high-quality way to enjoy their favorite programs -- the very qualities our 30-something viewers find important," said Tom Calderone, executive vice president and general manager, VH1. "We are excited to join the other MTV Networks' brands in this launch, and to extend VH1's hit shows to yet another platform."
Paramount
"Amazon is one of the great trusted brands in the digital space with an excellent track record of building direct consumer relationships via the Internet," said Thomas Lesinski, President, Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment. "We are very excited about Amazon's new Unbox service, which will provide consumers with a convenient high-quality option for downloading movies directly to their computers."
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
"This agreement with Amazon is very exciting for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. It represents the first time one of our established customers has embraced digital distribution," noted Benjamin S. Feingold, Worldwide President of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Digital Distribution and Acquisitions. "Sony and Amazon share the goal of delivering outstanding entertainment to consumers whenever they want it, on whatever platform they choose to experience it and in the most efficient manner possible, and we are delighted to partner with Amazon in fulfilling this mission."
Universal Studios Home Entertainment (USHE)
"We are pleased to partner with Amazon on this exciting venture, which offers a convenient and flexible alternative for purchasing and enjoying Universal films," said Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment. "Consistent with NBC Universal's strategy for ubiquitous content distribution, we are very excited to align with Amazon, a top-tier partner that is on the forefront of a unique new electronic sell-through technology to deliver our entertainment product: The Unbox Experience."
Warner Bros. Entertainment
"Warner Bros. digital distribution strategy is to provide consumers with access to our world-class entertainment through as many platforms, devices and channels possible," said Simon Kenny, President, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. "Amazon is the Internet's leading online retailer, and our customers are already comfortable acquiring entertainment from the website. Unbox is a natural extension of this and a good fit for Warner Bros."
MGM
"Delivering on our strategy of distributing MGM movies and television series on robust new digital platforms, we are very pleased to be able to offer MGM programming to the launch of Amazon's Unbox service and hope to include additional product in the weeks to come as the service undoubtedly flourishes," said Douglas A. Lee, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Digital Media at MGM. "We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Amazon as it introduces its millions of users to its new service, and welcome them to receiving new ways of obtaining MGM's extraordinary library of films and television," he said.
About Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc., (Nasdaq:AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as health and personal care, jewelry and watches, gourmet food, sports and outdoors, apparel and accessories, books, music, DVDs, electronics and office, toys and baby, and home and garden.
Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, and www.joyo.com.
As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Forward Looking Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to competition, management of growth, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfillment center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, significant amount of indebtedness, inventory, limited operating history, government regulation and taxation, payments, fraud, consumer trends, and new business areas. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, and all subsequent filings.
CONTACT: Amazon.com Media Relations
SOURCE: Amazon.com
17 Scientific Achievements in Competition for 79th Academy Awards®
The Scientific and Technical Awards Committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that 17 scientific and technical achievements have been selected for further awards consideration.
“The list of achievements is made public to allow individuals and companies with similar devices or claims of prior art the opportunity to submit their devices or claims for review as well,” said Scientific and Technical Awards Committee Chair Donald C. Rogers.
The deadline to submit additional entries is Wednesday, September 20.
The committee has selected the following methods or devices for further consideration:
Rosetta Separations – Digital YCM Masters for Digital
Film Preservation; Pacific Title and Art Studio
Archival Separations from Digital Image Data;
Technicolor Digital Intermediates
HFC Brumagic MPST Densitometer; Hollywood Film
Company
SnoBiz®; CITC
Arriflex 235 Camera System; Arri Inc.
Ultra-Solution Digital Registration of Technicolor
3-Strip Motion Pictures; AOL, LLC
Harmony/Opus; Toon Boom Animation, Inc.
Rotoshop - Interpolated-Rotoscoping Software;
Flat Black Films
A Flexible Hair Grooming and Rendering System;
Weta Digital
“Shave and a Haircut”; Joe Alter
Image-Based Modeling; Industrial Light & Magic
Open EXR; Industrial Light & Magic
“Final Draft”; Final Draft, Inc.
Furnace, Motion Estimation Technology;
The Foundry
Industry Conversion to Cyan Analog Dye
Soundtracks; Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
DFS (Digital Foley Station); New Magic
Entertainment
“cmotion” Radio Remote Control System;
cmotion GmbH
After thorough investigations are conducted on each of the entries to be considered further, the committee will meet in early December to vote on recommendations to the Academy's Board of Governors, which will make the final awards decisions.
The Scientific and Technical Awards will be presented at the Regent Beverly Wilshire hotel in Beverly Hills on Saturday, February 10, 2007.
©A.M.P.A.S.®
Bill Moyers Returns to Investigative Reporting With Moyers on America Airing in October on PBS
Three Documentary Series Investigates Key Issues Facing Democracy
Journalist Bill Moyers returns to investigative reporting in October with three documentaries taking on important issues facing the nation in the upcoming elections for control of Congress. In Moyers on America, airing Wednesdays, October 4, 11, and 18 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings), Moyers and his team travel the nation to report on political corruption, Christians and the environment, and democratic access to the Internet.
On October 4, "Capitol Crimes" investigates the Abramoff lobbying scandal examining the web of relationships, secret deals and political manipulation that reveals the shadowy underbelly of American politics. On October 11, "Is God Green?" looks at the significant implications of a debate among politically powerful conservative evangelical Christians over the handling of the environment. And on October 18, "The Net at Risk" reports on if a few mega-media corporations get their way in Washington, they could restrict the democratic possibilities of the Web's new future.
"We're looking at three issues that deserve to be at the center of the debate this fall, not just because they are important topics, but because together these stories reveal a powerful and sometimes disturbing picture about how our government works," says Bill Moyers. "The way these issues are playing out should serve as a wake-up call for citizens."
Moyers on America
"Capitol Crimes"
PBS Airdate: Wednesday, October 4 at 9 p.m. (check local listings). 120 minutes.
The fall of Jack Abramoff has exposed a huge web of corruption that still remains vastly unreported by the broadcast media, even as prosecutors continue to chase down leads and quiz insiders and witnesses. "It's a dizzying scope of perfidy and politics that boggles the imagination, and although Jack Abramoff and Tom DeLay have been brought down, the system remains as vulnerable as ever," says Bill Moyers. He and his colleagues untangle emails, reports, interviews and facts on the record to provide viewers with a coherent pattern of criminal and political chicanery. The documentary is followed by a discussion led by Moyers with leading thinkers about the possible solutions for America's political system.
Moyers on America
"Is God Green?"
PBS Airdate: Wednesday, October 11 at 9 p.m. (check local listings). 60 minutes.
A new holy war is growing within the evangelical community, with stakes for the earth and American politics. For over a decade liberal Christians have made the environment a moral commitment. Now some conservative evangelicals as well are standing up for the earth as a Biblical imperative of stewardship. From a dynamic conservative church in Boise, Idaho to an evangelical activist group known as Christians for the Mountains in West Virginia, grassroots believers are speaking out. So are some conservative evangelical leaders at the national level who have called for action to stop global warming. But they are being met head-on with opposition from religious right political figures like Jerry Falwell and James Dobson, who are pillars of the right-wing coalition that adamantly supports the Bush administration in downplaying the threat of global warming. The political stakes are high: three out of every four self-identified white evangelical voters cast their ballots for George W. Bush in 2004. The program explores how a serious split among conservative evangelicals over the environment and global warming could reshape American politics.
Moyers on America
"The Net at Risk"
PBS Airdate: Wednesday, October 18 at 9 p.m. (check local listings). 90 minutes.
The future of the Internet is up for grabs. Big corporations are lobbying Washington to turn the gateway to the Web into a toll road. Yet the public knows little about what's happening behind closed doors where the future of democracy's newest forum is being decided. If a few mega media giants own the content and control the delivery of radio, television, telephone services and the Internet, they'll make a killing and citizens will pay for it. America's ability to compete in the global marketplace, the unfettered exchange of ideas online, and broadband services that could improve quality of life for millions are at stake. Some say the very future of democracy itself may hang in the balance. In "The Net at Risk," Bill Moyers and journalist Rick Karr report on the wannabe "lords of the Internet" and examine how promises by the big tel-co companies of a super-high speed Internet in return for deregulation and tax breaks have gone unfulfilled while the public has paid the price. After the documentary, Moyers leads a discussion on media reform to explore the real- world impact of deregulation on communities and citizen participation in democracy.
Moyers on America is supported by an extensive companion Web site at http://www.pbs.org/moyers where visitors can interact, give feedback, and participate in an online workshop designed to inform, engage, and spark public discourse on the issues presented in the documentaries. After the broadcast, each episode will be available in its entirety for viewing online.
Moyers on America is funded by the Park Foundation and our sole corporate funder Mutual of America Life Insurance Company.
Web site: http://www.pbs.org/moyers
Song Blamed for Speeding Tickets Nationwide
Record Label, Morusa Records, Agrees to Pay Some of the Fines
While driving on that open road, pop the CD in and prepare to be pulled over for speeding by a highway patrol car. At least that's what thousands of drivers are experiencing all across the country -- all due to an instrumental rock song called: "Let's Drive" by singer/songwriter Plissken.
The three-and-a-half minute rock guitar riff is being blamed for speeding tickets received by driving enthusiasts who say they were victims of the song's upbeat tempo. The consensus is the song puts you so deeply into the driving groove that the speed limit becomes irrelevant.
"It's a great song, but you get into this zone and you begin to speed without realizing it," says Connie Mendez, one of the recipients of a speeding ticket in California.
Car expert Barry Chadwick, whose weekly column appears in Foothills Living magazine and the Arroyo Seco Journal, says drivers are easily influenced by songs.
"Music affects the way you drive and feel about your car, and this song will actually make you enjoy traffic!" says Chadwick.
The label says they'll pay some of the fines since they feel partly responsible as the CD's website touts the slogan: "Get on that open road and put the pedal to the metal!"
"We've received complaints from drivers in eleven states," says Adrian Martinez, president of Morusa Records, the label that released the CD a year ago. "We have agreed to pay for some of the fines as a courtesy."
They label recently posted a link on their website that asks: "Have you gotten a speeding ticket because of our song?" as they try to keep track of how many people are being pulled over because of "Let's Drive."
Web site: http://www.morusarecords.com/
'Walk Lighter on the Planet' Is the Green Mandate for CSNY's Paradigm-Shifting, Biodiesel Powered, Nationwide 'Freedom Of Speech '06 Tour'
In the Spirit of Community, Cooperation, Environmental Responsibility, National Preservation and Freedom, CSNY Fuels 8 Tractor-trailers and 10 Buses With B99 - 99% Soy-derived, American-made Biodiesel
With this summer's acclaimed "Freedom Of Speech '06 Tour" -- concluding Sunday, September 10 in Pittsburgh, PA -- legendary rock quartet Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY) did far more than passionately serve up what the Boston Globe recently called, "What a rarity: a concert that sends you home thinking, feeling, and rocking." The tour's high-profile social consciousness quotient underscores its politically-charged dialogue with an environmental statement that marks a profound paradigm shift for the concert touring and event transportation industry.
The band's new transportation model supports CSNY's belief in challenging the cloaked in secrecy energy policies that have cost the United States so much on so many levels -- including diversion of taxpayer money from other areas that would benefit most Americans, and wartime casualties in the fight to preserve the petroleum-driven status quo. Finding that unacceptable, they built their own energy plan based on transparency, community involvement, and cooperation, contacting local suppliers of domestically grown renewable fuel nationwide to power "Freedom Of Speech."
Working with San Francisco-based transportation provider Roadshow Services, "Freedom Of Speech" '06's fleet of eight 53' tractor-trailer trucks and ten artist buses is fully powered by B99, a 99%-pure, American-made, soy-derived biodiesel fuel. The largest undertaking of its kind ever to use crop-based, cleaner-burning alternative fuel, CSNY's current tour is also the only one to employ pure agricultural biodiesel rather than the more commonly used 80/20 blend with high levels of petroleum, thus eliminating most harmful particulate matter. It supports local farming, preserves the environment and reduces our dependence on foreign oil.
CSNY Production Manager Tim Foster (who's worked with Neil Young for 33 years), says the group's switch to biodiesel first came about for Young's 2004 Greendale concert tour after the artist read Joshua Tickell's seminal green energy primer "From The Frying Pan To The Fuel Tank -- The Complete Guide To Using Vegetable Oil As An Alternative Fuel." Foster recalls that Young passed the book along to him with the directive that, going forward, they "walk lighter on the planet" while on tour.
In addition to their famous social and political activism, environmental causes have long been passionately advocated by all four of CSNY's principals. In 1979, Graham Nash co-founded No Nukes/M.U.S.E. -- Musicians United For Safe Energy -- with Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and John Hall (currently running for U.S. Congress in New York), and the all-star concerts organized under the M.U.S.E. banner remain seminal benefit events. David Crosby was one of the first individuals to employ bio-diesel for his personal vehicles, and has been driving a crop-fueled truck for years. A number of Young's cars and trucks are biodiesel driven, and Nash and Stills are converting their vehicles over as well.
One of the most thoroughly tested alternative fuels on the market, biodiesel is completely renewable and self-sustainable, is available nationwide and can be used in existing engines and fuel injection equipment. It has none of the ozone-polluting and carcinogenic chemicals that abound in petroleum based diesel; it's healthier for flora and fauna of every kind, and air quality for drivers, crew and passengers of the fleet is massively improved. "It used to be," says Foster, "that when you walked through the backstage area at one of our shows, say at the Hollywood Bowl, the air would be heavy with petroleum. Now, you don't smell anything, it's clean." Also, of critical importance to CSNY, biodiesel is American-made and is a means -- right now -- of reducing dependence on foreign oil while boosting the U.S. economy and protecting the environment.
"Freedom Of Speech" is running as clean as possible with 99% soy-based fuel. "Nobody else is doing that now," says Roadshow's VP Sean O'Rourke. "Because B99 is not as readily available, we're coordinating refueling -- via tanker trucks -- for ourselves, servicing the entire fleet at once." Through working with CSNY, O'Rourke has become a vocal expert on and advocate for biodiesel. "A lot of it has to do," he says, "with the fact that we're a Northern California-based trucking company silly enough to be working in San Francisco, as cost prohibitive a place as any to run an interstate business. But I like to think our business is based on our progressive ideals, and I feel truly patriotic about this endeavor. That's where CSNY approaches it from, understanding that it's good not just environmentally and for the climate, but also for our national interest and the world. As an agent of change in any area, part of that is being an educator. We are compelled to make a difference."
When Rudolf Diesel demonstrated his diesel engine at the 1900 World's Fair, he used peanut oil to operate it. While Diesel designed it to run on a diversity of fuels, including petroleum and coal dust, he saw field crops as the long term future for the engine because of the virtually unlimited supply. Over a century later, his visionary invention is shared by enduring agents of change Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, who believe, "We can change the world."
For Official CSNY Tour, Ticket and Fan Club information, visit www.csny.com
Final "FREEDOM OF SPEECH" tour date:
Web site: http://www.csny.com/
A NEW ERA BEGINS: 180 Turning Lives Around Celebrates 30th Anniversary Year
Evening Highlighted by Special Honorary Guests: Tipper Gore and Jon Bon Jovi
-- 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. will host a momentous 30th Anniversary Gala on the Navesink on Saturday, September 16, 2006 in celebration of the agency's 30 years of lifesaving service in providing shelter, hotlines, counseling, protection, support, prevention, education and advocacy for nearly 300,000 victims and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. The fundraiser, the largest special event in the agency's history, will conclude a milestone year by honoring special guests Tipper Gore and Jon Bon Jovi.
Named one of the Ten Most Admired Women in the World, Mrs. Gore has brought her warmth, charm and infectious energy to communities and organizations around the globe. A dedicated, hands-on advocate for issues of mental health, homelessness, and violence in the media, she uses stories from her own life of public service to inspire and enlighten her audiences.
"I am honored to join in the celebration of 180's 30 year anniversary," said Tipper Gore. "The fundamental responsibility that we have as mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons is to join together to lend support to those women and families in need."
Mr. Bon Jovi is an avid advocate for local charity work. As co-owner of the Arena Football League's Philadelphia Soul, he has committed the franchise to focusing attention and funding to local causes; the Soul partnered with 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. to launch the 2ND FLOOR(R) youth helpline in Philadelphia.
"As a musician and father, I am proud to be a part of the 30th anniversary celebration," said Jon Bon Jovi. "The 2ND FLOOR(R) youth helpline provides an anonymous and available resource when life's pressures and everyday situations get overwhelming. We can't underestimate the difference we can make together in the lives of our children."
The elegant evening will feature the outstanding cuisine of Restaurant Nicholas, a musical performance by Bobby Bandiera, and dancing. A very special and unique pledge tent will serve as the Gala's centerpiece featuring 180's vital programs and services.
"For 30 years, 180 has been committed to ensuring every home is a safe home in our community," said Philip Murphy, 180's Board President. "It is the agency's belief that change is always possible and as we celebrate a new chapter in 180's legacy, we ask members of the community to reach deeply into their hearts to support our fundraising efforts which will ensure that 180's services will be available for vulnerable families in need."
Proceeds from the 30th Anniversary Gala will support 180's courageous mission of ending family violence, abuse and sexual assault in our community. Today, 180 employs 83 staff members and over 400 volunteers, offering services at seven main locations, 10 residential sites, and 45 satellite locations throughout Monmouth County. The 2ND FLOOR(R) youth helpline is the only toll-free helpline (1-888-222-2228) in Monmouth County, Mercer County and parts of Philadelphia dedicated to broad youth issues.
For more information about gala tickets, sponsorships and underwriting information, please call 732-264-9114 or log on to http://www.180nj.org/.
For 30 years, 180 Turning Lives Around has served as a private, non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence, family violence, abuse, and sexual assault in our community. 180 is committed to providing shelter, counseling, protection, education, and advocacy for residents of Monmouth County who are affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. To learn more about 180 Turning Lives Around visit their website at http://www.180nj.org/. Those who need immediate emergency assistance can call the organization's toll free 24-hour hotlines for domestic violence at 1-888-843-9262 or 732-264-4111 and for sexual assault contact 1-888-264-RAPE or 732-264-RAPE.
The 2ND FLOOR(R) youth helpline, a program of 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc., is the only toll-free helpline in Monmouth County dedicated to broad youth issues. Designed as a positive resource to help children and youth, 2ND FLOOR(R) has grown beyond Monmouth County to include parts of Philadelphia and the Mercer County, New Jersey area. The toll-free helpline 1-888-222-2228 operates from 9a.m. until midnight, seven days a week and is staffed by highly trained volunteers who provide an understanding, non-judgmental and caring response to callers. 2ND FLOOR(R) does not provide psychotherapy/professional counseling, or access to assistance in a medical or other emergency. Parents should continue to instruct their children to call 911 or their local police in medical or other emergencies.
Web site: http://www.180nj.org/
InstantDef.com Provides Instant Satisfaction With Fifth and Final Digisode Starring will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo and apl.de.ap
Final installment completes 20-minute series featuring Snickers' superheroes fighting to save hip hop
You've heard of dope. You've heard of ill. But this is blind fresh, B! On September 8, brace yourself for the epic conclusion of the defest story ever told. Instant Def, Episode V, EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY.
This final chapter of the highly stylized Instant Def digisode series brings to conclusion the battle between hip hop super group Instant Def and rival Boo-T Records. Instant Def members Beat Down, Tag, Mechanism and Eye4Eye -- played by musical stars will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo and apl.de.ap respectively -- are fighting to 'keep hip hop real'.
The Instant Def foursome started as Snickers(R) factory workers, but an incident at the plant brought them in contact with a Snickers 'concoction' and transformed them into super def superheroes. In this final episode, the group will finally defeat the series nemesis, Boo T.
"It's been quite an experience seeing the Instant Def project go from conception to completion," said Vic Walia, Snickers brand manager. "We used a fully-integrated marketing plan to reach the online trendsetters and tastemakers, urging them to experience InstantDef.com first hand, and we feel that we've touched this audience in a cool, yet organic way.
Launching the final digisode doesn't mean the end of Instant Def, however. Now that all five digisodes are finally viewable at once, fans can now enjoy the full, 20-minute experience at InstantDef.com.
The Instant Def story unfolds over 20 minutes of stylized, computer generated art led by director Jesse Dylan and the post production team at LA- based Form TV. As the entire shoot happened against green screen, Form's team literally worked around the clock some days to create the Instant Def vision of Snickers, Dylan, BBDO Executive Creative Director Jimmy Smith, Art Director Javier Castillo and visual effects producer Dick Voss.
"This is a good example of the ad as a story line," says Jimmy Smith, who created the campaign. "It's the kind of entertainment and product help that Snickers' target audience will think is dope."
In a case of art-imitates-life, Snickers hopes Instant Def becomes as in- demand as the stars of Instant Def, who won the Video Music Award for 'Best Hip Hop Video' on August 31, 2006.
About Masterfoods USA
Masterfoods USA, the United States food, snack and petcare operations of Mars, Incorporated, is one of the world's leading food manufacturers. With more than $5 billion in annual sales, the combined food, snack and petcare segments are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered in Hackettstown, NJ, Masterfoods USA employs more than 8,000 associates in the United States, with 38 manufacturing facilities nationwide. The company owns some of the world's favorite brands including M&M'S(R) Brand, SNICKERS(R) Brand, UNCLE BEN'S(R) Brand, PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food For Dogs, WHISKAS(R) Brand Food For Cats.
For additional information, visit the Masterfoods USA Online Newsroom at www.masterfoodsnews.com.
Web site: http://instantdef.com/
http://www.elevationgrp.com/
http://www.masterfoodsnews.com/
Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp's 'One-Day-Only' in Columbus Sells Out!!!
Campers Vie for Once-in-a-Lifetime Chance to Open for Def Leppard and Journey at Germain Amphitheater, 9/10
Almost 80 rock fans who dream of becoming rock stars will have their wishes granted when Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp (RRFC) gives them the opportunity to open for Def Leppard and Journey at Germain Amphitheater on Sunday, 9/10 in Columbus, OH. The special Battle of the Bands blowout -- in front of 15,000 ticketholders (5:30 pm - 7:20 pm) -- will feature RRFC campers of all musical abilities who have spent the day rehearsing with their counselor/rock star legends. Almost half the campers hail from the Ohio area.
Sunday's sold-out One Day Only edition of Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp offers all campers 10-hours of rock tutelage with counselor/ rock star royals including Teddy Andreadis (Guns & Roses), Simon Kirke (Bad Company, Free), Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad), Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger), Gunnar Nelson (Nelson), Artimus Pyle (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Spencer Davis (Spencer Davis Group), Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Doobie Brothers) and Michael Lardie (Great White). The One Day Only RRFC offers campers use of studio-quality equipment, a pre-show meet-and-greet, a photo opportunity with Def Leppard and Journey, pre-show dinner for two, two tickets to the show ... and a lifetime of memories.
RRFC is more than jamming, recording and performing live with rock stars. In the words of recent attendees, it's "mind-blowing," "unforgettable" and "a life-changing experience." Over the last few years, Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp has drawn hundreds of people who have skipped out on their day jobs to seek a little bit of rock 'n roll nirvana, among them White House press secretary Tony Snow, who attended at recent edition of RRFC. RRFC also designs and organizes team building events and training programs for corporations.
The next Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp will take place in Los Angeles (Feb. 15-19, Presidents Day weekend) and will feature Paul Stanley (Kiss), Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead), Brett Michaels (Poison), Steve Vai, Jane Wiedlin (Go Gos), Scott Ian (Anthrax) and many more.
Web site: http://www.rockandrollfantasycamp.com/
'Viva Pinata' Makes Its TV Debut Sept. 9
CG Animated Series Acts as Springboard for New Franchise From Microsoft, Rare and 4Kids Entertainment With Xbox 360 Video Game and Full-Range Licensing Program Coming Soon
Viva Pinata(TM) -- one of the most buzzed-about new kids' entertainment properties of the year -- from Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) , Rare Ltd. and 4Kids Entertainment Inc. will make its debut this Saturday morning on 4Kids TV on FOX. The computer graphics (CG) animated series produced by 4Kids Entertainment and Bardel Entertainment will act as a springboard for the new franchise, which will also include an Xbox 360(TM) video game from Microsoft Game Studios and other licensed merchandise.
Created by U.K.-based developer Rare, Viva Pinata is the first property to be introduced as part of an alliance between Microsoft and 4Kids Entertainment. It not only marks Microsoft's efforts to broaden the Xbox 360 audience beyond core gamers, it solidifies 4Kids' role as a leader and innovator in the world of children's entertainment marketing and licensing. Families can also gear up for even more pinata fun with the "Viva Pinata" video game, developed by Rare exclusively for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system; the game will be launched this holiday season.
"Today is an exciting day as we continue to reach out to new audiences and introduce families to a vibrant world that will not only entertain, but also inspire creativity and imaginations on many levels," said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. "People of all ages are invited into the Viva Pinata universe, where they will meet a cast of wacky characters and enjoy an immersive interactive experience with the Xbox 360 game and Viva Pinata merchandise."
In addition to the Saturday morning 3-D animated television series, the Viva Pinata brand will offer a number of entertainment elements for everyone, from kids to adults, to enjoy. The Xbox 360 video game, which will hit store shelves in November, invites gamers to create their own environment where they can attract and host more than 60 species of wild piñatas and customize pinata-filled adventures in their unique, ever-growing world. "Viva Pinata" gameplay will continue to evolve with new content available via the Xbox Live(R) network and the ability to play, trade and interact with millions of gamers via the online gaming and entertainment network. An extensive product line of Viva Pinata-inspired merchandise across multiple categories will debut in 2007. The new "Viva Pinata" Web site, http://www.vivapinata.com/ , will be officially launched Sept. 11 and will feature the sights and sounds of Pinata Island.
"This is a brand the world will grow to know and love, thanks to a dynamic partnership with Microsoft Game Studios and Rare," said Alfred R. Kahn, chairman and CEO of 4Kids Entertainment. "The animated series premiere marks the first in a long line of exciting opportunities for kids and creative minds of all ages to interact with Viva Pinata, a brand that has the power to attract a diverse, worldwide audience."
Following the strategic alliance announced in January 2006 with Microsoft, 4Kids' exclusive representation agreement includes all broadcast, home video, music and merchandise licensing rights on a worldwide basis for the Viva Pinata property.
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming network and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 is expected to have a catalog of 160 high-definition games by the end of 2006 and to be available in nearly 40 countries by the end of 2007. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360 .
About Xbox Live
Xbox Live is the first and only unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox Live connects millions of members across 24 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox Live Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, and movie trailers, as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live .
About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox(R) and Xbox 360 video game systems, the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows ( http://www.microsoft.com/games ), including such franchises as "Age of Empires(R)," "Flight Simulator" and "Zoo Tycoon(R)"; Xbox and Xbox 360 ( http://www.xbox.com/ ), including such games as the upcoming "Gears of War" and franchises such as "Halo(R)," "Fable(R)," "Project Gotham Racing(R)" and "Forza Motorsport(TM)"; and MSN(R) Games ( http://www.games.msn.com/ ), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Hexic(R)."
About Rare Ltd.
Rare Ltd., one of the world's leading video game developers, was founded in 1985 by Chris and Tim Stamper. Based in the United Kingdom, Rare is the mastermind behind some of the most popular video games available, including multimillion-dollar sellers "GoldenEye 007," "Perfect Dark(R)," "Banjo- Kazooie(R)" and "Donkey Kong 64." In November 2005, Rare released "Perfect Dark: Zero(TM)" and "Kameo(TM): Elements of Power(TM)" for Xbox 360, the second-generation video games console from Microsoft, and continues to entertain the world with the upcoming release of "Viva Pinata." For further information visit www.rareware.com .
About 4Kids Entertainment
Headquartered in New York City with an international office in London, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:KDE) , is a global provider of children's entertainment and merchandise licensing. 4Kids, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, provides domestic and international merchandise licensing; product development; television, film, music and home video production and distribution; media planning and buying; and Web site development. For further information, please visit the Company's Web site at www.4KidsEntertainment.com.
About 4Kids TV
4Kids TV, 4Kids Entertainment's four hours of children's programming broadcast Saturday mornings on FOX, features popular animated series for both boys and girls including Magical DoReMi(TM), Winx Club(TM), Bratz(R), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles(R), Sonix X(TM) and G.I. Joe Sigma 6(TM). For more information, please visit www.4Kids.TV .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
NOTE: Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, Xbox, Windows, Age of Empires, Zoo Tycoon, Halo, Fable, Project Gotham Racing, Forza Motorsport, MSN, Hexic, Perfect Dark, Banjo-Kazooie, Perfect Dark: Zero, Kameo and Elements of Power are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. or Rare Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries.
Rare Ltd. is a subsidiary of Microsoft Corp.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Web site: http://www.rareware.com/
http://www.4kidsentertainment.com/
http://www.4kids.tv/
http://www.microsoft.com/
Fashion Week Gets 'ShoZu'ed by Allure Magazine: Photo/Video Blog to Be Created by ShoZu-Enabled Cellphones
Allure Editors Will Post Images in Near-Real Time
ShoZu Inc. announced today that editors from Allure Magazine will be creating a near-real time photo/video blog from Fashion Week events in New York, Milan and Paris using camera phones equipped with ShoZu's one-click image uploading technology. Photos and video clips snapped with the phones will be instantly beamed to the blog via ShoZu's service along with the editors' descriptive tags, providing exclusive backstage looks at the personalities and pressures behind the spring 2007 collections.
Going live this week at http://allurebackstage.com/ , the blog will report from New York Fashion Week from September 8-15 as well as the Women's Ready To Wear shows in Milan and Paris from September 23-October 1 and October 1-9, respectively. The events will showcase a Who's Who of designers ranging from Karl Lagerfeld, Vera Wang and Donatella Versace to Michael Kors, Muicca Prada and Carolina Herrera.
Allure Magazine's fashion and beauty insiders will be posting up-to-the- minute diaries on their adventures with celebrities, designers, industry icons, and the beautiful people at the runway shows in all three cities, providing a perspective on the fashion world that is not usually available to those outside the industry.
"Women want to know about fashion trends, but the real excitement is backstage -- the designers, the models, the spectacle and the celebrities as well as the stumbles and the intrigue," said Marie Jones, spokeswoman for Allure Magazine. "By partnering with ShoZu, we can take fans exclusively backstage with us for an up-close-and-personal look as it happens. You'll see it at Allure before you see it anywhere else."
The Allure blog is the latest in a series of ShoZu projects providing instant documentation of major media and entertainment events through collaboration with event sponsors or other partners. ShoZu has also enabled mobile photo and video blog coverage of the 50-day 2006 Vans Warped Tour(R) this past summer, the SXSW music/film/interactive conference in Texas in March, and the U.S. debut of Australia's The Veronicas in New York in February.
"This project is another example of how our 'shoot, click and share' capabilities can be used to extend the user-generated content movement into new areas," said Jen Grenz, Global Partner Marketing Director for ShoZu. "Whether you're sending family photos from your camera phone to your favorite photo sharing community or posting video clips of a concert to a blog created for that performer's fans, ShoZu is the fastest and easiest way to get there."
ShoZu's free image uploading application allows camera phone owners to send photos and video clips directly from their handsets without transferring the files to a PC and without the complex commands, loss of image quality, or interruption of other activities associated with wireless email, MMS messaging or other uploading methods. Users can make phone calls or take more photos while an image is transferring, and the service automatically resumes from the point of failure in the event of a dropped connection rather than forcing users to start over.
Destination sites currently supported by ShoZu include photo and video sharing communities such as Buzznet, Flickr, Kodak EasyShare Gallery, Samsung Fun Club, Textamerica, Webshots and YouTube; personal blog sites such as Blogger, Typepad and Wordpress; any MetaWeblog-enabled blog; and citizen- contributed photo galleries like CNN, the BBC and Scoopt. Images can also be sent to any FTP site or to any email address for easy image sharing with family and friends. More than three dozen additional destinations will be added over the next six months.
About ShoZu
ShoZu specializes in interactive media solutions that enable cellphone users to get more out of the mobile experience, providing fast and easy handset access to multimedia web content ranging from photo portals to blogs, videocasts and podcasts. Services include 'ZuCasts' delivered directly to handsets on a subscription basis, one-click uploading of camera phone images and video clips, and two-way message exchange with community websites. The company's patented technology transfers any kind of data effortlessly and inexpensively between a mobile phone and the Internet without the need to open a mobile phone browser, wait for pages to load, interrupt phone calls, start over in the event of a dropped connection, or sync to a PC. Visit http://www.shozu.com/ .
Web sites: http://www.shozu.com
http://allurebackstage.com
Source: ShoZu Inc.
Chicago High School Math Teacher Makes Hollywood Debut, Films Walk-On Role on CBS Show 'NUMB3RS'
Adding to the excitement of the back-to- school season, Oak Park and River Forest High School math teacher Sheila Hardin soon will make her Hollywood debut on the hit CBS TV show "NUMB3RS" thanks to her success in inspiring students to learn more about math and how it impacts their everyday lives.
Hardin won the role of a lifetime through a Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN) (TI) and CBS Paramount Network sweepstakes, "Use 'NUMB3RS' Every Day for a Hollywood Get-Away." The sweepstakes was part of "We All Use Math Every Day(TM)," a mathematics education program developed by TI and CBS, in association with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). The program encourages teenagers to study and learn more about math and provides free classroom activities that help students explore the math derived from the concepts featured in the show.
Hardin will film her guest appearance in Hollywood on Sept. 7-9, 2006. The episode will air during season three of the series this fall.
Hardin's ninth grade student, Kevin Binder, nominated her for the prize and earned extra sweepstakes entries by answering additional math questions online. Hardin and Binder won grand prize trips to Hollywood with their families to tour the "NUMB3RS" filming location and meet the cast.
"I am inspired that Kevin has taken such an interest in 'NUMB3RS' through the 'We All Use Math Every Day' program that he completed the math activities on his own time," said Hardin, who teaches geometry and Advanced Placement calculus. "I hope that my experience will inspire all of my students to be excited about learning and applying math to their daily lives."
Thousands of educators across the nation are downloading the classroom activities from http://www.cbs.com/numb3rs each week and more than 32,000 have signed up for teacher kits, encouraging over three million students to become more engaged and interested in math.
"TI congratulates Sheila and Kevin for winning the sweepstakes, and more importantly, for inspiring students and educators to achieve more in math and learn how the subject prepares them to succeed in life," said Melendy Lovett, president, Educational and Productivity Solutions business, TI.
Educators can visit http://www.cbs.com/numb3rs to download the classroom activities; to sign up to receive a teacher kit which includes program information, activities, a classroom poster and bumper sticker; and to register for a weekly e-mail packed with classroom activities and exclusive insider information about the "We All Use Math Every Day" program.
About Texas Instruments
Educational & Productivity Solutions, a business of Texas Instruments, provides a wide range of advanced tools connecting the classroom experience with real-world applications and enabling students and teachers to explore mathematics and science interactively. Designed with leading educators and researchers, Texas Instruments' educational technology and services are tested against recognized third-party research on effective instruction and improved student learning. Such research shows that use of graphing calculators and wireless collaborative technology in the classroom helps teachers implement instructional strategies that lead to higher student interest, engagement and achievement in mathematics.** For more than 15 years, TI has worked closely with educators and administrators to develop student-focused curricular and supplemental classroom materials, and it supports the world's largest professional development organization for the appropriate use of educational technology. More information is available at http://www.education.ti.com/ .
Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company includes the Educational & Productivity Solutions business. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.
Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com/ .
** See http://www.education.ti.com/research for more information.About "NUMB3RS"
Ridley Scott, Tony Scott, Barry Schindel, David W. Zucker, Nicolas Falacci, and Cheryl Heuton are executive producers of NUMB3RS, which was created by Cheryl Heuton and Nicolas Falacci. NUMB3RS is produced by CBS Paramount Network Television in association with Scott Free. CBS Paramount Network Television is a division of CBS Studios Inc.
About the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a public voice of mathematics education, providing vision, leadership, and professional development to support teachers in ensuring mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students. With 100,000 members and 240 Affiliates, NCTM is the world's largest organization dedicated to improving mathematics education in prekindergarten through grade 12. The Council's Principles and Standards for School Mathematics includes guidelines for excellence in mathematics education and issues a call for all students to engage in more challenging mathematics. More information is available at http://www.nctm.org/ .
Source: Texas Instruments
Web site: http://www.cbs.com/numb3rs
http://www.education.ti.com/
http://www.ti.com/
http://www.nctm.org/
http://www.education.ti.com/research
Yamaha Music Interactive, Inc. Selects Click&Buy as its Online Payment Option
- Musical Instrument Manufacturer's Interactive Arm to add Click&Buy payment option to their world wide e-commerce web sites in 2006
Click&Buy, the leading ePayment provider for online and mobile digital content and services, today announced the signing of an agreement with Yamaha Music Interactive, Inc., for the global musical instrument manufacturer's interactive division. Through the use of Click&Buy, Yamaha will offer its customers the option to purchase products on-line via credit and debit card, direct bank debits or invoice. Yamaha will use Click&Buy on a global basis, offering consumers many different alternatives to purchasing digital content, such as software, sheet music, midi files. Besides offering credit card payments, Click&Buy also offers more than 40 other payment options, which are highly popular in many European countries - a cash payment and direct invoicing to a phone bill.
Yamaha is highly regarded in the entertainment world for its musical instrument quality. They provide a broad spectrum of musical products for individual and orchestral performers. Yamaha manufactures pianos, digital pianos, keyboards, digital instruments, drums, guitars, stringed, wind, and percussion instruments and accessories, professional audio equipment and music education products. Yamaha Music Interactive, Inc. is engaged in maintaining, hosting, and promoting web sites for Yamaha's musical instrument related business.
"We are happy to serve Yamaha with the Click&Buy solution, enabling to broaden international sales by reaching users as localized as possible." Said Eberhard Dollinger, Chief Sales Officer at Click&Buy, "To be chosen by this respectable company makes us proud, and we look forward to expanding and intensifying both of our businesses to a worldwide audience." "As we expand our business and activities on the Internet, and increase our presence in the world-wide marketplace, we require an efficient and reliable partner who can offer our customers a payment option that does perform more than a credit card", said Jin Katagiri, Chief Operating Officer at Yamaha Music Interactive, Inc.
About Yamaha Music Interactive, Inc.
Yamaha Music Interactive, Inc. is one of the subsidiaries fully owned by Yamaha Corporation in Japan, aiming to facilitate business development over the Internet along with several musical instruments, such as the Disklavier (player piano) and IDC (Internet Direct Connection) equipped electronic keyboards. In addition, it operates several e-commerce sites offering software, sheet music, midi files and accessories, including: www.yamahamusicsoft.com and www.digitalmusicnotebook.com.
About Yamaha Corporation
Yamaha began over one hundred years ago when a young entrepreneur named Torakusu Yamaha set out to craft a high-quality reed organ. Before long, the company he founded had not only gone on to manufacture Japan's first piano, it had also gained recognition abroad: In 1904, a Yamaha piano and organ were awarded an Honorary Grand Prize at the St. Louis World's Fair. From these auspicious beginnings, Yamaha grew to become one of the best-loved manufacturers of musical instruments in the world. And as it grew, the company capitalized on a unique heritage of artisanship and technological know-how to diversify into an astoundingly wide range of products and services. Today, Yamaha is a leader in businesses ranging from musical instruments and audio & video products to information technology products, new media services, home furnishings, auto components, specialty metals, music education and resort facilities. Yet, true to their musical origins, no matter what business they take on -- or what country they do business in -- they seek to remain perfectly attuned to a set of common values that define the World of Yamaha.
About Click&Buy
Click&Buy is one of the leading complete payment processing systems worldwide for online and mobile digital content. In August 2006 Deutsche Telekom (T-Online Venture Fund) made a 10% investment in Click&Buy's holding company, the Zug, Switzerland-based company FIRSTGATE Holding AG. The Fund is taking advantage of the opportunities resulting from an already existing cooperation between Click&Buy and Deutsche Telekom; this cooperation is to be further expanded, including the marketing the broadly diversified portfolio of Deutsche Telekom's services/products worldwide.
Click&Buy makes it possible for companies to outsource complex billing for paid content, services and goods. The system handles both billing in various currencies and the processing of credit cards, direct debits and the 40 most commonly used payment procedures in Europe and North America
Many famous brands, such as Electronic Arts, T-Online Gamesload, Apple iTunes, Skype, Nero, Tiscali, Meetic, Playboy, SanDisk, Financial Times Deutschland, Univision and many others use Click&Buy to bill their customers. More than 6,000 content providers and 6 million consumers use Click&Buy. Click&Buy is operated by licensing partner SWISSCOM in Switzerland, British Telecom in the UK and by Click&Buy (LTD.) in the remaining parts of Europe and in North America Click&Buy will soon be available via TELMEX in Latin America, a market with more than 100 million potential customers.
Downloads:
http://www.clickandbuy.com/extra/download/press/f_YA_PM_060908.htm
Source: Firstgate AG
'Live with Regis and Kelly' and Guinness World Records(TM) Present 'Guinness World Record Breaker Week' 2006 September 12-15, 2006 on 'Live'
New Record Set Today During Preview of Special Week
Hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa again will bring amazing record-setting feats to "Live with Regis and Kelly" during the 2006 edition of "Live's Guinness World Record Breaker Week," September 12-15, 2006.
For years, "Live with Regis and Kelly" and Guinness World Records have showcased history-making, record-breaking moments live on the air. Host Regis Philbin was honored in 2004 with the Guinness World Record for Most Hours on Camera. Last year, multiple title-holder and Guinness World Record Hall of Famer Suresh Joachim hunkered down in the WABC lobby, and set a new record for The Longest TV Watching Marathon, an astounding 69 hours, 48 minutes. Next week, a new group of record holders and aspiring record breakers will display their very special talents, setting new marks or competing to hang on to their individual records.
Today, Philbin and Ripa gave "Live" viewers a special preview of next week's excitement, as 21-year-old Patrick Bertoletti successfully broke the Guinness World Record for Most Ice Cream Eaten in 30 Seconds. The local Chicagoan shattered the existing record of 9.3 ounces by devouring 13.4 ounces of cold vanilla goodness.
Next week, first up will be canine wonder Anastasia, the frenetic Jack Russell Terrier with a destructive eye for inflatable object, who will journey to New York from Southern California to take a shot at setting the record for Most Balloons Popped in One Minute by a Dog. Next up will be Brighton, Colorado's own Don Claps, with a dizzying attempt at Most Cartwheels in One Hour, a record that he currently holds with a mesmerizing count of 1,076.
Also featured will be Kenneth Lee of West Orange, NJ, who will wield his trusty samurai sword as he tries to slash the mark for Most Apples Cut in the Air by a Sword in One Minute (current record: 21). And finally, two daring souls will attempt to spin their way into Guinness World Record history: Oklahoma City teenager Alicia Clifton will try to perform the Most Consecutive Pirouettes (current record: 36), and Tim Ferriss of San Jose, Calif., will attempt the record for Most Tango Spins Performed in One Minute with his partner Alicia Monti (current record: 27).
"Live's Guinness World Record Breaker Week" commemorates the release of Guinness World Records 2007 edition, the annual best-seller which is currently in stores.
Guinness World Records is the universally recognized authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and 20 languages and is one of the highest-selling books under copyright of all time with more than 3 million copies sold annually across the globe. Guinness World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary edition in 2004, a year after the sale of its 100 millionth copy. The Guinness World Records website (www.guinnessworldrecords.com) receives more than 11 million visitors a year. Guinness World Records is published by HIT Entertainment Limited, a fully integrated global studio with divisions in the U.K., U.S., Canada and Japan, including broadcast production and distribution, video and audio sales, consumer products licensing and marketing.
"Live with Regis and Kelly" is executive produced by Michael Gelman, and has been distributed in national syndication by Buena Vista Television since 1988. Produced by WABC-TV in New York, "Live with Regis and Kelly" airs in more than 200 markets across the country.
Web site: http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/
The Sean Hannity Show Celebrates Five Years on the ABC Radio Networks
Hannity, one of the Most Listened-to Hosts in all of Radio - Over 500 Stations and Over 100% U.S. Coverage -
September 10th marks five years since ABC Radio Networks launched The Sean Hannity Show from record success at WABC New York to national audiences. Today, The Sean Hannity Show has over 500 affiliates, is in 50 of the top 50 markets and extends beyond U.S. borders via the American Forces Radio Networks to millions of service men and women.
"Finding a guy like Sean Hannity, putting him on the stage at WABC in New York and watching him grow into this monster hit for ABC is the most rewarding thing any programmer could hope to see," said Phil Boyce, VP NewsTalk Programming, ABC Radio."
Known for "Hannitizing America," captivating listeners with spirited convictions on politics, government and the day's issue, Hannity is one of a few radio hosts today that can galvanize millions of listeners.
"Congratulations to Sean on this tremendous milestone," said Jim Robinson, President, ABC Radio Networks. "Sean's unique talent and abilities really show radio at its best. We look forward to celebrating the next five years and beyond."
In the five years that The Sean Hannity Show has been syndicated, Hannity has won numerous awards including Radio & Records' Syndicated News/Talk Personality of the Year three times, 2003, 2004, 2005 and the highly prestigious National Association of Broadcasters' Marconi Award for Best Syndicated Program, 2003. He has also authored two national best-selling books, continues to co-host the top-rated Hannity & Colmes on FOX and is often found on the road speaking to maximum capacity crowds in every city he visits.
About ABC Radio Networks
ABC Radio Networks has over 4,400 affiliate radio stations reaching nearly 106 million people age 12 and over each week. Programs and services include ABC News Radio, Paul Harvey News and Comment, The Sean Hannity Show, Satellite Sisters, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Doug Banks Morning Show, MoneyTalk with Bob Brinker, The Mark Levin Show, The Mark Davis Show, The Larry Elder Show, American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks, The Dan Patrick Show, The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Mike and Mike in the Morning, The Michael Baisden Show, Dick Bartley's Rock & Roll's Greatest Hits, Todd Pettengill at the 80s, Renan Almendarez Coello-El Cucuy de la Manana, El Vacilon de la Manana with Luis Jimenez and Moonshadow and El Vacilon de la Manana with Enrique Santos and Joe Ferrero, Daddy Yankee On Fuego Radio and ESPN Deportes Radio. Other ABC broadcast services include ABC Sports Radio, Radio Disney, syndicated music and talk programs including Flashback, format-specific ePREP and production libraries, ABC's Jack FM(TM) and nine other 24-Hour Formats, including Scott Shannon's True Oldies Channel and ESPN Radio, which is the exclusive network radio home of Major League Baseball, the NBA and the Bowl Championship Series.
Source: ABC Radio Networks
The 'CBS Evening News With Katie Couric' Is in First Place for the Second Consecutive Night
10.13 Million Viewers Watched the 'CBS Evening News' Last Night
CBS Broadcast Is Also Dominant in Key Demos
Last night's (6) CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC attracted 10.13 million total viewers, finishing in first place for the second consecutive night, while easily beating "NBC Nightly News" (7.04 million viewers) and ABC's "World News" (7.11 million viewers).
The CBS EVENING NEWS beat both NBC and ABC by more than two full ratings points and by more than three million viewers each. Compared to the same night a year ago, the CBS EVENING NEWS was up +42% in households (7.1/14 vs. 5.0/10), while NBC dropped -26% (5.0/10 from 6.8/14) and ABC decreased -25% (4.9/10 from 6.5/13).
The CBS broadcast increased +38% in total viewers (10.13 million vs. 7.34 million), while NBC decreased -23% (7.04 million vs. 9.20 million) and ABC also decreased -23% in total viewers (7.11 million vs. 9.20 million).
The CBS EVENING NEWS showed gains in the key news demographic of adults 25-54: up +42% (2.7 vs. 1.9) compared to the same night last year. Additionally, the CBS broadcast was up +27% in adults 18-49 (1.9 vs. 1.5). NBC was down -30% in adults 25-54 (1.9 from 2.7) and down -33% in adults 18-49 (1.4 from 2.1), while ABC was down -25% in adults 25-54 (2.1 from 2.8) and down -20% in adults 18-49 (1.6 from 2.0).
In household ratings, the last time the CBS EVENING NEWS finished in first place for two consecutive nights was in 1998 (Friday, July 10 and Monday, July 13).
The CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC is broadcast weekdays (6:30-7:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Rome Hartman is the executive producer of the broadcast.
Source: CBS
As Bush and Congress Square Off on Prosecution of Suspected Terrorists, Experts Sit Down With Ted Koppel in Special Live Town Meeting, Sunday, September 10 at 9:30 PM following KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY - THE PRICE OF SECURITY on Discovery Channel at 8 PM ET
With President Bush's announcement yesterday on the transfer of suspected terrorists held by the CIA at secret foreign prisons to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a wide ranging panel of experts representing the Administration, Congress, family members of 9/11 victims and former lawmakers all weigh in with opinions, options and perspectives at special live town meeting at Discovery Communications World Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, Sunday, September 10 at 9:30 PM ET/PT following the broadcast of KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY - THE PRICE OF SECURITY on Discovery Channel at 8 PM ET/PT.
Participants will include Paul McNulty, Deputy Attorney General of the U.S.; Rep. Chris Shays, Chairman of House Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threat and International Relations; Tom Ridge, Former Secretary of Homeland Security; Gen. Tony Zinni, former Chief, CENTCOM; Ted Olson, former Solicitor General, member of Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board; Gov. Tom Kean, Chair, 9/11 Commission; Lee Hamilton, Vice- Chair, 9/11 Commission and Jamie Gorelick, former Deputy Attorney General and Member, 9/11 Commission.
The President announced yesterday the transfer of the last 14 suspected terrorists held by the CIA at secret foreign prisons to the military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and asked Congress to clarify the rules for the War on Terror before they recess for the November mid-term elections. This sets off a debate that will be at the center of the Koppel town meeting this Sunday evening.
The Koppel town meeting will provide the first opportunity since the President's remarks for civil liberties advocates to question government officials on these issues. Bush's proposed courts, outlined in draft legislation sent to Congress Wednesday, would allow defendants to be prosecuted with evidence they are not permitted to see, as well as evidence obtained through coercive interrogations that fall short of torture.
The live town meeting immediately following THE PRICE OF SECURITY special provides a high-tech forum for viewers to ask policymakers questions about the state of security and civil rights in America through koppelondiscovery.com. Starting on Tuesday, September 5 and continuing through the live broadcast on September 10, people can submit questions via the website.
Also at the live town meeting, Ted Koppel will release results of a Discovery Channel/TIME magazine poll that asked Americans what individual liberties they are willing to give up -- or not give up -- in the name of national security. This poll is a follow-up to one that was taken by TIME magazine soon after the September 11 attacks.
Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in 170 countries and territories with nearly 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 27 network entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Espanol, Discovery Kids en Espanol, Discovery HD Theater, FitTV, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir), Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Real Time. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ:DISCA) (NASDAQ:DISCB) , Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.
Source: Discovery Channel
Web site: http://www.discovery.com/
http://koppelondiscovery.com/
Dennis Quaid and Teen Phenom Chris Brown Confirmed to Participate in a Gift of Hope Celebrity Charity Weekend in Las Vegas on December 1 - 3, 2006
Celebrity Golf Tournament, Youth Soccer Clinic, Gala Dinner Concert and Awards Ceremony, Poker Tournament, My Red Carpet Kids Concert and After-Party Scheduled for the Gift of Hope Charity Weekend
Fat Cats Entertainment Group, an entertainment marketing, media and production conglomerate, in association with Alex Hodges Presents, today announced details of the annual Gift of Hope charity fundraising weekend in Las Vegas, benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, taking place on December 1-3, 2006.
The annual Gift of Hope celebrity hosted charity weekend is the largest fundraiser of the Southern Nevada chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Funds raised will support our mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. This year's Gift of Hope festivities include events where the entire family, young and old, can participate in and enjoy.
The charity weekend kicks off on Friday, December 1, 2006 with The Pete and Mary-Jo Findlay fun filled celebrity golf tournament at the privately gated and beautifully landscaped Cascata Golf Club (www.caesars.com/Cascata/Holes.htm). The soon to be named celebrity host of the event, will lead the way on the par-72 course that provides stunning vistas at every turn, including the 3,600-foot peak at Red Mountain, lush fairways, lakes, and streams.
On Saturday, December 2nd the festivities continue with a daytime soccer clinic held at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas featuring the U.S. Soccer Men's and Women's National Teams. The biggest names in the game will be on hand to personally interact with youth players of all ages and skill levels.
The excitement continues Saturday, December 2nd, with a classic rock performance by host, Dennis Quaid and The Sharks, taking place at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The evening includes a Gala Dinner, silent auction, concert, and awards ceremony. The awards honor the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of local individuals, clinicians, volunteers, companies and other groups and organizations that, through their dedicated efforts, have advanced the Society's mission. Las Vegas' favorite comedian, George Wallace, will warm the audience up for an opening musical performance by Corey Feldman.
The Poker Against Leukemia & Lymphoma (PALL) celebrity tournament begins Sunday afternoon December 3rd, at the luxurious Red Rock Casino Resort Spa. Professional poker players and celebrity poker players alike will mix and mingle among the tournament tables to make the competition more exciting for all participants.
The highlight of the weekend for all of the kids in town will be My Red Carpet, a super V.I.P., red carpet extravaganza catered to the "PG-13" crowd at the Orleans Arena on Sunday, December 3rd. Teen sensation Chris Brown will be headlining the concert event, making his first, highly anticipated appearance in Las Vegas, along with a kid-friendly line-up of spectacular performances. Tween fans will experience an A-list celebrity concert line-up, complete with the red carpet treatment of a true Hollywood event ... except the only VIP's are the kids! Young party goers will soak in the glitz and glamour of walking down the exclusive red carpet, complete with velvet ropes, sky trackers, media walls and paparazzi lining the path for an unforgettable night of fun. Proceeds from this event will also benefit A Place Called Home and the Kim Flowers Foundation.
Immediately following the PALL tournament and My Red Carpet extravaganza, the entire charity weekend will culminate with a celebrity filled after-party at Cherry Nightclub, hosted by nightclub owners and Society members Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford, and Gift of Hope Chairman, Michael Bellon.
The Gift of Hope fundraiser is chaired by Michael Bellon, the principal of the Pinnacle Group, a luxury high-rise condominium development (www.thepinnaclelasvegas.com) in the heart of Las Vegas. To ensure that no child is left out during the holiday season, Bellon graciously included A Place Called Home and the Kim Flowers Foundation as charity beneficiaries of a Gift of Hope.
"Last year's Gift of Hope honorary hosts were renowned Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and Grammy winner Sheryl Crow and with your help we hope to make this year even bigger. Many thanks to the addition of Fat Cats Entertainment Group who has been an integral reason we have been able to expand the event line-up this year and increase our fundraising goal from $500,000.00 to $1,000,000.00," explains Bellon. "Amid the holiday season, a time of profound love, what could be more important than to help wipe out the disease that takes the lives of more children than any other in our nation. Remember ... you never stand so tall, as when you bend down to help a child," Bellon commented.
Title sponsors Elysium Enterprises, Findlay Automotive Group and Enterprise Rent-a-Car along with other sponsors will provide catered meals along with live entertainment, water, snacks and additional amenities throughout each day.
Your participation will help save lives. Please join us in our fight against blood cancers, as we give a "gift of hope" to many and raise funds to find a cure. For more information please contact the Southern Nevada chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at (702) 436-4220.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in White Plains, NY, with 66 chapters in the United States and Canada, is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
About Fat Cats Entertainment Group
Fat Cats Entertainment Group, LLC (FCEG) is a multi-media firm comprised of professionals and representatives from elite talent and literary agencies, public relations firms, fulfillment houses, special event marketing, promotions, sports entertainment and hotel casino marketing. Innovation is FCEG's forte' with cutting edge marketing and sales strategies.
FCEG is the same firm that implemented "Diddy Day" with Mayor Oscar B. Goodman honoring Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' entrepreneurship, consequently ushering new business to Las Vegas. Other events and clients that FCEG has been involved with include Mos Def, Usher, Outkast, Wesley Snipes, Gary Payton, former California Governor Gray Davis, JC Chavez (N'Sync) and Jermaine Oneal among others. FCEG is slated to soon announce their upcoming event line-up for 2007 NBA All-Star Week. For more information visit www.fatcatsonline.com
Source: Fat Cats Entertainment Group
Web site: http://www.fatcatsonline.com/
Pop Superstar Beyonce to Make Rare Personal Appearance at J&R Express at Macy's Herald Square, Friday, September 8
New Album, 'B'Day,' in Stores Now
WHO: Pop Superstar Beyonce
WHAT: A rare in-store appearance celebrating the release of "B'Day"
WHERE: J&R Express at Macy's Herald Square (151 West 34th Street, NYC)
WHEN: Friday, September 8, from 6pm-8pm
(Photographer & Crew Call Time: 5:30pm - Enter at 7th Avenue)
Pop music and fashion icon Beyonce will make a rare personal appearance at J&R Express at Macy's Herald Square (151 West 34th Street, Manhattan) on Friday, September 8, from 6pm-8pm. (MEDIA CALL TIME: 5:30pm) Beyonce will meet and greet her fans and sign copies of her recently-released second solo album, B'Day.
B'Day, one of 2006's most eagerly-anticipated albums, was released worldwide on September 4 (September 5 in the US), in celebration of Beyonce's 25th birthday. The album -- which rocketed to the #1 spot on the Japanese International Album Chart within 2-and-1/2 days of its release -- contains the global smash single, "Deja Vu," and the just-released "Ring The Alarm," which Beyonce performed to show-stopping effect during a memorable appearance at this year's MTV Video Music Awards. The artist's "Check On It" video took home the MTV Video Music Award for Best R&B Video.
Beyonce became one of the most widely-recognized and highly-respected women in pop culture as a founding member of Destiny's Child, the top-selling female group of all time.
Over the past decade, Beyonce has earned numerous accolades including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, World Music Awards, and NAACP Image Awards. In 2001, when Beyonce took home an ASCAP Pop Songwriter of the Year Award, she became the first African-American woman -- and the second woman ever -- to receive that honor.
Beyonce's latest film project, the movie version of the hit musical "Dreamgirls, is slated for release in December 2006.
www.beyonceonline.com
Fan club: www.welovebeyonce.com
www.houseofdereon.com
www.columbiarecords.com
Web site: http://www.columbiarecords.com/
http://www.beyonceonline.com/
http://www.welovebeyonce.com/
http://www.houseofdereon.com/
CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood and NBC4's Mario Solis Host Free Pigskin Premiere Event:
World Premiere Screening of New NBC Series, 'Friday Night Lights' to Be Followed by Debut Live Telecast of NBC's 'Sunday Night Football,' Sunday, September 10, Beginning at 3pm
CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood and NBC4 team to celebrate a free "Pigskin Premiere Event," the world premiere screening of NBC's much-anticipated fall network series, "Friday Night Lights" followed by the debut broadcast of NBC's "Sunday Night Football" on Southern California's largest outdoor Astrovision screen for hundreds of fans on Sunday, September 10.
The event kicks off at 3pm with a special advance world premiere screening of "Friday Night Lights" hosted by NBC4's Mario Solis, who greets fans from the Universal CityWalk stage as they prepare for an afternoon of non-stop football action. The new "Sunday Night Football" games will telecast live immediately afterwards starting at 4pm PT with the New York Giants hosting the Indianapolis Colts. Both will air on CityWalk's giant, state-of-the-art 18'x22' Astrovision screen.
Expanding on the hit feature film "Friday Night Lights," the series centers on the small football-obsessed town of Dillon, Texas. Dillon's promising high school team, its star quarterback, and newly appointed head coach feel the mounting pressure of the town's pride and honor riding on their shoulders as a new football season kicks off.
"Friday Night Lights" is a weekly drama debuting on NBC Tuesday, October 3 at 8pm ET/PT. The new series is a production of Imagine Entertainment, NBC Universal Television Studio and Film 44. "Sunday Night Football" kicks off weekly at 7pm ET / 4pm PT on NBC.
Admission to Universal CityWalk for the screening of "Friday Night Lights" and broadcast of "Sunday Night Football" are free.
Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., is a full day, movie-based theme park featuring such unique and groundbreaking attractions as "Revenge of the Mummy -- The Ride," "Shrek 4-D," "Terminator 2: 3D," "Jurassic Park -- The Ride" and the world-renowned behind-the-scenes Studio Tour and includes the adjacent CityWalk, a unique dining and shopping promenade featuring 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, clubs, shops and movie theaters.
Universal Studios Hollywood (www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com) is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Universal Studios, a part of NBC Universal.
NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.
Source: Universal Studios Hollywood
Web site: http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
Jazz Legend Wynton Marsalis to Headline Inaugural 'In Higher Definition Private Performance Series' on Velocity Broadcasting
- Tickets Now Available at www.VelocityBoxOffice.com -
Velocity Broadcasting(TM), the nation's largest private broadcasting network, will initiate a paradigm shift in entertainment programming this fall with "In Higher Definition Private Performance Series(TM)." On October 6 and 7, 2006, guests will gather in the Velocity High-Definition (HD) Suites(TM) in Morton's The Steakhouse private Boardroom locations across the country for the inaugural performance of the series featuring jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, a performance in collaboration with DownBeat Magazine.
"No one else in the nation is offering fans this unique way of enjoying a live concert," noted Marsalis. "Jazz is an expressive, evocative form of music, and with this concept -- combining top quality audio, visual, and dining -- fans will experience a unique and intimate listening session. I'm thrilled to be part of it."
Guests of "In Higher Definition Private Performance Series" will gather in Morton's Boardrooms nationwide, home of Velocity's digital theaters, where they will dine on Morton's signature four-course dinner and witness an exclusive, private performance beamed via satellite into the HD Suite. Equipped with digital, high-definition projection systems, 108" screens and 7.2 surround sound with 11 speakers, the HD Suite accommodates up to 40 guests in each location.
"Jazz icon Wynton Marsalis is the perfect ambassador to join us in introducing this groundbreaking concept that will clearly redefine the entertainment medium," said Philip Elias, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer of Velocity Broadcasting. "What better combination - Morton's exceptional menu and the finest jazz performed live by a living legend?"
Velocity will televise Marsalis' performance with 16 different cameras to capture every part of the private concert, and at the conclusion of the performance, guests will have the opportunity to ask Marsalis questions via satellite.
"Jazz has always been ahead of the trends in music, so Wynton Marsalis 'In Higher Definition' makes perfect sense," said Kevin Maher, president of DownBeat Magazine. "A trend-setting artist in a trend-setting atmosphere. The Velocity Broadcast experience gives each guest a front-row seat from the comfort of Morton's locations around the nation."
The "In Higher Definition Private Performance Series" also marks a new era for Morton's The Steakhouse.
"Morton's, the nation's premier steakhouse is taking our private dining experience to a higher level," reflected Thomas J. Baldwin, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Morton's Restaurant Group. "We are eagerly anticipating the moment when Wynton Marsalis will appear live via satellite in each of our Boardrooms to entertain our guests. Morton's is proud to partner with Velocity Broadcasting on this exciting new venture."
Attendees of the "In Higher Definition Private Performance Series" featuring Wynton Marsalis will be given a limited edition HD-DVD of the concert as part of the performance experience. For tickets and more information on "In Higher Definition Private Performance Series," log onto www.VelocityBoxOffice.com.
Velocity Broadcasting
Velocity Broadcasting, an Elias/Savion company, is the largest private broadcasting network in the country that specializes in delivering powerful, private broadcast programming. Events are powered via satellite to invitation-only audiences in Morton's private Boardrooms, equipped with HD Suites that deliver unprecedented audio and video quality broadcasts in SD- standard or HD-high-definition formats.
Velocity Broadcasting is designed to deliver the future in HD entertainment and precisely targeted business communications. Each event is fully encrypted off Echostar 121. In addition, Velocity's teleconnect services allow viewers to ask real-time questions and present their comments live on the air. Velocity broadcasts originate from Velocity Studios or mobile production facilities anywhere in the world. For more information, visit www.VelocityBroadcasting.com.
Morton's The Steakhouse
Morton's Restaurant Group, Inc. is the world's largest owner and operator of company-owned upscale steakhouse restaurants. Morton's Steakhouses have remained true to their founders' original vision of combining generous portions of high quality food prepared to exacting standards with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment.
As of June 1, 2006, the company owned and operated 71 Morton's Steakhouses located in 61 cities across 28 states and four international locations (Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Hong Kong) and 4 Bertolini's Authentic Trattoria restaurants. For more information, visit www.mortons.com
DownBeat Magazine
DownBeat is the world's preeminent publication for jazz, blues and a wide variety of other great music. On the music scene since 1934, DownBeat delivers an insider's view on the music scene to more than 100 nations around the world each and every month. With award-winning feature articles, expert music reviews and sleek design, DownBeat stands an American original.
Source: Velocity Broadcasting
Web site: http://www.velocityboxoffice.com/
http://www.mortons.com/
Paris Hilton was arrested by Los Angeles police officers in Hollywood early Thursday on suspicion of driving under the influence. During the arrest she was briefly handcuffed. Hilton was booked at LAPD's Hollywood station at 1:43 a.m. and released shortly afterward, said Nick Velasquez, a spokesman for the city attorney's office.
This is Hilton's first drunken-driving arrest, Mintz said, adding that he doesn't expect the incident to hurt her image.
"The people who enjoy Paris as a comedian or actress on TV or as a singer on her CD, a woman who seems to have captured the imagination of so many people, I don't know if this is going to have any impact on them one way or another," he said. "But, of course, she regrets what took place."
Hours after her release, Hilton defended herself to radio host Ryan Seacrest during his Thursday morning show on local station KIIS-FM.
"It was nothing," said Hilton, 25.
The singer, actress, handbag designer and heiress to the Hilton hotel fortune said she was "starving because I had not ate all day" and possibly "speeding a little bit" in her Mercedes-Benz SLR on her way to grab a bite.
"I was just really hungry and I wanted to have an In-N-Out burger," said the one-time pitchwoman for Carl's Jr.
Hilton, who made her singing debut last week with the release of her eponymous CD, said she spent Wednesday filming a music video and going out with her sister, Nicky, and some friends for dinner, but not eating. The group then headed to a charity event sponsored by rocker Dave Navarro.
Hilton said she had "one margarita" at the event.
Just last month, she told the Los Angeles Times that she "doesn't like the taste of alcohol."
"It grosses me out," she said.
Hilton told Seacrest that police stopped her for speeding. An LAPD spokeswoman said Hilton was driving erratically.
"Officers observed the vehicle driving in an erratic manner so they pulled the car over," officer Marjan Mobasser said Thursday.
Hilton's blood-alcohol level was .08 percent -- the minimum to warrant an arrest, Mintz said.
Ellen DeGeneres has been set to host the 79th Academy Awards telecast, producer Laura Ziskin announced today.
It will be DeGeneres’ first time as Oscar® host, as well as her first appearance on an Academy Awards telecast.
“Ellen DeGeneres was born to host the Academy Awards,” said Ziskin. “There is no more challenging hosting job in show business. It requires someone who can keep the show alive and fresh and moving, as well as someone who is a flat-out great entertainer. Ellen completely fits the bill. I can already tell she is going to set the bar very high for herself and therefore for all of us involved in putting on the show. Now all we need is a lot of great movies.”
DeGeneres is the host of the syndicated talk show “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” which this year won its third Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show and earned DeGeneres her second Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host.
Launched in September 2003, the show won four Daytime Emmys in its freshman year, including Outstanding Talk Show, after garnering a record twelve nominations. In its second season, the show won five Daytime Emmys, and this year earned a total of six Emmy Awards.
“When Laura Ziskin called, I was thrilled,” said DeGeneres. “There’s two things I’ve always wanted to do in my life. One is to host the Oscars. The second is to get a call from Laura Ziskin. You can imagine that day’s diary entry.”
DeGeneres has twice hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards telecast and co-hosted the show in 1994. For her first solo Emmy stint, which took place shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, she received high praise.
“She just sparkles,” said Academy President Sid Ganis. “She is such a pleasure to watch. Her wit cuts to the truth of things, but in a wonderfully warm-spirited way. I think she'll be a fantastic host for this show and we're extremely pleased that she's agreed to do it.”
Prior to the launch of her talk show, DeGeneres scored with simultaneous achievements on stage, film and in the literary world. She enjoyed popular and critical response to her voice performance of ‘Dory,’ the fish with extreme short-term memory, in the Disney/Pixar animated feature film, “Finding Nemo.” DeGeneres earlier crossed the country on a 35-city stand-up comedy tour, entitled “Here and Now,” which was taped for HBO and subsequently nominated for two Emmys. And in October, 2003, her second book, “The Funny Thing Is...” was published. Comprised of comedic short stories and essays, the book hit the New York Times’ bestseller list upon its release. In 2005, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for the audio version of the book.
DeGeneres began her acting career in television on Fox's sitcom, “Open House.” She moved on to ABC's “Laurie Hill,” prior to being offered “These Friends of Mine” by ABC. After the first season, the show was renamed “Ellen.” Running from 1994 to 1998, the show brought DeGeneres Emmy nominations each season in the “Best Actress” category.
In 1997 DeGeneres was the recipient of the Peabody Award as well as earning an Emmy for writing the critically acclaimed “Puppy Episode” in which her character came out as a gay woman. DeGeneres followed with the CBS sitcom, “The Ellen Show,” which ran from 2001 to 2002.
DeGeneres' feature film credits also include “EDTV” for director Ron Howard, “The Love Letter,” “Goodbye Lover,” “Coneheads” and “Mr. Wrong,” in which she starred with Bill Pullman.
In 1995, her first book “My Point...And I Do Have One” debuted at number one on the New York Times’ bestseller list, and in 1997 she released her comedy CD, “Taste This.”
The ceremonies honoring film achievements for 2006 will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2007. The 79th Annual Academy Awards Presentation will be broadcast live from the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland by the ABC Television Network, beginning at 5:00 p.m. (PST) with a half-hour arrivals segment.
PENTHOUSE INKS EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR DEAL WITH WAAT MEDIA
FOR MOBILE CONTENT DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING
INKS EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR DEAL WITH WAAT MEDIADEAL COVERS NORTH AMERICA, LATIN AMERICA AND EUROPE - DEBUTS AT CTIA SHOW
September 7, 2006 WAAT Media™ (Booth # 1131), the global leader in late night mobile entertainment, has signed a multi-year, exclusive agreement with Penthouse Media Group Inc. (PMGI), to distribute Penthouse content throughout North America, Latin America and Europe. Propositions will include editorial, photos, images, games, audio and video clips from the Penthouse library including Penthouse Forum and Penthouse Letters; as well as new programming designed specifically and exclusively for mobile distribution.
“Our agreement with WAAT will reinforce PMGI’s ongoing effort to deliver quality adult entertainment to mobile consumers worldwide,” says Mark Rudolph , President of Licensing for PMGI. “WAAT’s experience in adapting and distributing content to meet the wide diversity of technical and regulatory requirements, creating compelling consumer WAP, MobileTV and game propositions, will represent one of the Industry’s most significant launches to date.”
Adi McAbian, Managing Director of WAAT Media concurs, “It’s exciting to be an integral part of revitalizing the Penthouse brand on a global basis. Leveraging our platform, we will be launching over 50 premium mobile content sites on operator portals that include images, videos and games in 18 countries within the next 60 days.” “In addition, we are developing three mobile TV channels, numerous integrated Premium SMS campaigns for Penthouse publishing partners and a web-to-mobile program for Penthouse online and its affiliates.”
, Managing Director of WAAT Media concurs, “It’s exciting to be an integral part of revitalizing the Penthouse brand on a global basis. Leveraging our platform, we will be launching over 50 premium mobile content sites on operator portals that include images, videos and games in 18 countries within the next 60 days.” “In addition, we are developing three mobile TV channels, numerous integrated Premium SMS campaigns for Penthouse publishing partners and a web-to-mobile program for Penthouse online and its affiliates.”Penthouse currently publishes magazines in 12 countries, produces and licenses video programming for TV, Video-On-Demand, DVD and broadband distribution, operates www.penthouse.com; licenses products with a range of manufacturers and distributors, and licenses Penthouse boutiques. In addition, Penthouse Magazine comes to life in Penthouse Gentlemen’s Clubs across North America .
About Penthouse Media Group Inc.
Penthouse Media Group Inc. is an international, multimedia entertainment company that is globally recognized as one of the premier brands in adult entertainment and publishes one of the most widely circulated groups of men’s lifestyles publications. Originally founded in 1965 by Bob Guccione, the company also operates numerous entertainment websites including, www.penthouse.com provides adult video entertainment and a broad array of products and services via its numerous licensees.
About WAAT Media
WAAT Media is the world’s premier provider of late night entertainment for mobile phones and wireless devices. With on-deck agreements encompassing 90 major mobile carriers, WAAT Media distributes images, games, video and mobile TV to more than 40 countries and in 17 languages. WAAT Media’s long-term, exclusive content agreements assure that its content partners receive a comprehensive mobile programming and marketing strategy across print, television and on-line, while providing consumers with the highest quality mobile entertainment experience. For more information visit: www.waat.com.
NFL Teams With White Cherry Entertainment and Don Mischer Productions to Produce Opening Kickoff, Thanksgiving and Super Bowl XLI Pregame and Halftime Shows
See What's Behind the Closet Door 'Starz Presents the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Sweepstakes'
Something to Believe in: Kenneth Cole New York and Jon Bon Jovi Launch Limited Edition Outerwear to Help the Homeless
Amy Pascal Named Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Extends Employment Agreement to 2011
Wynn Las Vegas Announces 2006 'Dancing with the Stars' Predictions
Japan Gives Beyonce a #1 Album for Her 'B'Day'
The Howard Stern All-Time Top Ten Moments, Now Uncensored, to Be Hosted by Donald Trump Exclusively on SIRIUS Satellite Radio
50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition Hits Streets Today
Rodney Dangerfield's Widow Seeks to Prevent Unauthorized Use of Video of Act; Suit Alleges Daughter Defrauded Comedian
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NFL Teams With White Cherry Entertainment and Don Mischer Productions to Produce Opening Kickoff, Thanksgiving and Super Bowl XLI Pregame and Halftime Shows
The NFL will partner with WHITE CHERRY ENTERTAINMENT and DON MISCHER PRODUCTIONS to produce season-long marquee entertainment shows, it was announced today. The shows include Opening Kickoff 2006, a special primetime halftime show Thanksgiving night on NFL Network, and the Super Bowl XLI pregame and halftime shows. This marks the NFL's first season-long production partnership.
White Cherry Entertainment, led by Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss, will serve as executive producers, while Don Mischer Productions will serve as executive producer and director. The NFL has worked the past three years with both White Cherry Entertainment and Don Mischer Productions on Opening Kickoff and Super Bowl shows.
The partnership begins with Thursday night's "NFL Opening Kickoff 2006 Presented by Sprint," on NBC (8:00 PM ET) a 30-minute special prior to the Miami Dolphins-Pittsburgh Steelers' game. The show features Rascal Flatts from Heinz Field in Pittsburgh with Martina McBride singing the national anthem. Diddy and Cassie will appear from Miami Beach as the NFL looks ahead to Super Bowl XLI in South Florida on February 4, 2007.
The companies will then produce the halftime show for NFL Network's first live regular-season game on Thanksgiving night (8:00 PM). The show will originate from Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, site of the Kansas City- Denver game.
White Cherry and Don Mischer Productions will conclude the season by producing Super Bowl XLI pregame and halftime shows at Dolphin Stadium.
In addition to producing the previous two Opening Kickoff shows, which have featured artists such as The Rolling Stones, Green Day, Mary J. Blige, Destiny's Child, Toby Keith, Lenny Kravitz, Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, and Santana, White Cherry Entertainment's Kirshner and Weiss have produced and directed shows for both broadcast and cable networks. Among their credits are acclaimed television specials and stadium spectaculars. This multiple Emmy Award winning team has produced such specials as The Tony Awards; The July 4th Celebration in Boston; The Daytime Emmy Awards; The Vibe Awards; GQ Men of the Year Awards; CBS' coverage of The Tournament of Roses Parade and The Thanksgiving Day Parade; and the past 4 Democratic National Convention's.
Emmy Award-winning Don Mischer Productions has produced the two past Super Bowl pregame and halftime shows, featuring Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones. Don Mischer, who served as the shows' executive producer and director, also produced the Super Bowl XXVII halftime show with Radio City Music Hall Productions in 1993 featuring Michael Jackson. Among the company's vast and celebrated productions are the opening and closing ceremonies for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, eight Emmy Award shows, the Kennedy Center Honors and the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
Source: NFL
See What's Behind the Closet Door 'Starz Presents the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Sweepstakes'
National Sweepstakes Celebrates Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' and Walden Media's 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' on Starz Saturday, Sept. 23
Starz Entertainment shows you the secret behind the wardrobe door with the world television premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' and Walden Media's "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" on Starz Saturday, Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) and the "Starz Presents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Sweepstakes."
The "Starz Presents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Sweepstakes" begins on Saturday, Sept. 16 and coincides with the Starz On Demand and Vongo early premieres of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." The sweepstakes runs through Monday, Oct. 23 and features a grand prize trip for four to the Walt Disney World(R) Resort near Orlando, Fla.
"We are giving our subscribers a chance to enjoy the magic of Disney with the world television premiere of 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' and the coinciding sweepstakes," said Patti VanDerGang, manager of consumer promotions for Starz Entertainment. "We look forward to bringing the land of Narnia to life for our viewers and to make the movie interactive with the 'Starz Presents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Sweepstakes.'"
There are three ways to enter the "Starz Presents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Sweepstakes."
* One option is to watch "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" on our flagship channel Starz or Starz On Demand during the promotion period to see the secret behind the wardrobe on screen, then go to http://www.starz.com/, complete the entry form and click the submit button. * The second way to enter is to mail a 3" by 5" card with your name, complete address, home telephone number and date of birth in a stamped envelope to "Starz Presents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Sweepstakes," Dept. 4554, P.O. Box 5006, Stacy, Minn. 55078-5006. * Finally, during the sweepstakes period, individuals who become new Vongo members will receive one automatic entry into the sweepstakes. Eligible entrants will have a chance to win: * One (1) grand-prize: trip for four to Walt Disney World(R) Resort near Orlando, Fla. Included in the trip is roundtrip air transportation to/from Orlando; four (4) nights hotel accommodations (one quad occupancy room at a Walt Disney World(R) Resort hotel); four (4) 5-day Magic Your Way passes with Park Hopper(R) option; a VIP back lot tour at the Disney-MGM Studios for the winner and three guests on day during their prize stay; complimentary use of transportation within the Walt Disney World(R) Resort; and $1,000. * Or one (1) first prize: A "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" framed lithograph autographed by the director and a producer. * Or fifty (50) second prizes: A "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" merchandise gift pack.
Characters from "The 'Wood," the Starz animated short series that pays homage to the unique characters that make up Hollywood (previously announced), will host the Starz Saturday Premiere of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" on Sept. 23, which also includes a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie featuring cast and crew interviews.
Walt Disney Pictures' and Walden Media's "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is a spectacular live action/CGI motion picture adaptation of C.S. Lewis' beloved literary classic. The movie follows the exploits of the four Pevensie siblings -- Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter -- in World War II England who enter the world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe while playing a game of 'hide-and-seek' in the rural country home of an elderly professor. Once there, the children discover a charming, peaceful land inhabited by talking beasts, dwarfs, fauns, centaurs and giants that has become a world cursed to eternal winter by the evil White Witch, Jadis. Under the guidance of a noble and mystical ruler, the lion Aslan, the children fight to overcome the White Witch's powerful hold over Narnia in a spectacular, climactic battle that will free Narnia from her icy spell forever.
The film marks the first live action directorial effort for Andrew Adamson (Academy Award(R)-nominated for "Shrek," "Shrek 2"), who also co-wrote the film's screenplay adaptation with Ann Peacock and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. The film is produced by Academy Award(R)-winning filmmaker Mark Johnson ("Rain Man"). The cast includes Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, Rupert Everett, Ray Winstone, Dawn French and Jim Broadbent, with Liam Neeson as Aslan.
Starz is where the new hit movies live. Don't just see the big movies, experience them.
Starz Entertainment is a premium movie service provider operating in the United States. It offers 16 movie channels including the flagship Starz(R) and Encore(R) brands with approximately 15.1 million and 27.1 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment airs more than 1,000 movies per month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced services including Starz HD, Starz On Demand and Vongo(SM). Starz Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation that is attributed to Liberty Capital Group, www.starz.com.
Something to Believe in: Kenneth Cole New York and Jon Bon Jovi Launch Limited Edition Outerwear to Help the Homeless
Kenneth Cole New York announced today that Kenneth Cole and Jon Bon Jovi have partnered to design a limited-edition outerwear collection that will be made available at Kenneth Cole New York retail stores and Saks Fifth Avenue stores this November. Proceeds of the exclusive offering will benefit HELP USA, a national not-for-profit organization with a mission to empower the homeless and others in need to become and remain self-reliant. Through the development of quality housing with on-site support services, HELP USA provides resources for its residents to become independent and productive.
Jon Bon Jovi will wear one of the jackets on the red carpet of this year's Fashion Rocks event on September 7th. Bon Jovi performs at this year's Fashion Rocks event, which will be broadcast on CBS on Friday, September 8th at 9:00pm ET/PT.
Additional info about the Jon Bon Jovi / Kenneth Cole partnership benefiting HELP USA will be forthcoming. For information on Bon Jovi, Kenneth Cole, and HELP USA please visit: www.bonjovi.com, www.kennethcole.com, and www.helpusa.org respectively.
Source: Kenneth Cole New York
Amy Pascal Named Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Extends Employment Agreement to 2011
Amy Pascal has been promoted to Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and has extended her deal with the studio to 2011, it was announced today by Michael Lynton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
In addition to her new title, Pascal will continue to serve in her role as Chairman of the studio's Motion Picture Group. Lynton remains Chairman and CEO of the studio, and the two will continue to report to Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Corporation.
The move recognizes Pascal's vast contributions to the company and was initiated by Lynton, who wanted to formalize the strong relationship he and Pascal have forged as partners, managing the operations of Sony Pictures.
"This richly deserved promotion reflects the reality of our partnership here at Sony Pictures. Ever since Howard brought us together, Amy and I have been partners in running the studio, and I really wanted our titles to reflect our teamwork," said Lynton. "Amy's contributions to Sony Pictures, across all our divisions, have been invaluable."
During the past five years combined, no studio has performed better in North America than Sony Pictures Entertainment. Since January, 2002, the studio has released 37 #1 films. Sony was #1 in market share in 2002 and 2004 and was #2 in 2003. Sony is the only studio to exceed the $6 billion dollar mark in domestic box office sales between 2002 and 2006.
To date this year, Sony has released 8 #1 films, including The Da Vinci Code, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Click, R.V., Pink Panther, Silent Hill, Underworld: Evolution and When A Stranger Calls. The studio has exceeded more than $1 billion in North American ticket sales for five consecutive years, a record matched by only one other studio in the history of domestic box office.
Upcoming films from Sony Pictures include the launch of Sony Pictures Animation and their debut title Open Season, Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith, Casino Royale, the 21st James Bond adventure, The Grudge 2, and Nancy Meyers' The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, Jude Law and Kate Winslet, among many others.
Sir Howard Stringer said, "When Michael came to me with the idea of naming Amy co-chair, it made perfect sense, because this is clearly a case of the whole being even greater than the sum of the parts. Michael and Amy are very talented people in their own right, but there's a magic to their partnership that makes Sony Pictures the best studio in the business."
"With the industry coming to terms with the challenges of a new era of entertainment, Michael and I share the same vision as we navigate Sony Pictures into the future," said Pascal. "I couldn't be more grateful to Michael and Howard for their unflinching faith and continued support. We have had much success over the past several years and that is a testament to the phenomenal talent of the people in production, marketing, home entertainment, television, digital and all our business units. I am extremely proud of the team we have in place and, with Michael, I look forward to building upon the record we've established."
Under Pascal's guidance, Columbia Pictures has made history with such blockbusters as The Da Vinci Code, which achieved the biggest international opening weekend in history, and Spider-Man(R). Other hits produced and released during Pascal's tenure include Spider-Man(R) 2, Hitch, Fun With Dick and Jane, R.V., The Grudge, 50 First Dates, Something's Gotta Give, Closer, Big Fish, Guess Who, Bad Boys 2, S.W.A.T., Once Upon A Time in Mexico, Charlie's Angels(R): Full Throttle, Panic Room, Mr. Deeds, Men in Black II, Charlie's Angels(R), Big Daddy, Stuart Little and A Knight's Tale.
Pascal was a studio executive at Columbia from 1987 to 1994, after which she was named President of Production for Turner Pictures where she remained for two years. She rejoined Columbia in 1996 as President.
Earlier in her career, Pascal served as Vice President of Production at 20th Century Fox. Before joining Fox, she worked for producer Tony Garnett at Kestrel Films, an independent production company affiliated with Warner Bros.
During the past two decades, Pascal has overseen the production of such hit films as Michael, Groundhog Day, A League of Their Own, Little Women, and Awakenings, among many others.
In addition to her achievements in filmed entertainment, Pascal serves on the AFI Board of Trustees as well as the Executive Board of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in International Relations.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/.
Wynn Las Vegas Announces 2006 'Dancing with the Stars' Predictions
John Avello, Director of Race & Sports Operations, Releases His Weekly Odds for the ABC Reality Show
Forget about the mid-term elections and never mind NFL football. All eyes and ears are on ABC's hit reality show "Dancing with the Stars." John Avello, Director of Race & Sports at Wynn Las Vegas, has assessed the celebrity contestants for the 2006 season of the show "Dancing with the Stars."
The odds to win the 2006 season of "Dancing with the Stars" as of today, September 6, 2006, are as follows:
Predicted Placement Celebrity Contestant Predicted Odds 11 Jerry Springer 40:1 10 Tucker Carlson 20:1 9 Emmitt Smith 18:1 8 Harry Hamlin 15:1 7 Shanna Moakler 14:1 6 Willa Ford 12:1 5 Joe Lawrence 10:1 4 Vivica A. Fox 8:1 3 Sara Evans 6:1 2 Monique Coleman 5:1 1 Mario Lopez 4:1
Avello uses both industry insiders and formulaic processing to derive the above odds for the show. He is known for accurately pegging winners in advance and boasts a near-perfect record with past predictions on shows such as "American Idol," "The Apprentice" and "Survivor." He will update his "Dancing with the Stars" odds each week until the series finale.
"This competition is all about fans at home. The fans will vote, but they will not necessarily vote based on talent. Master P. taught us that," says Avello, who sets the wagering line for Wynn Las Vegas, covers all on-site sports bets and nationwide horse racing and has also supplemented his sports focus with other entertainment odds-making including the Oscars, Emmys and Grammys.
Odds to win attached are for entertainment purposes only. About Wynn Resorts
Wynn Resorts is traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol WYNN and, since December 2004, it has been part of the NASDAQ-100 Index. Wynn Las Vegas, a luxury hotel and destination casino resort located on the Las Vegas Strip, opened to the public on April 28, 2005. Wynn Las Vegas features 2,716 luxurious guest rooms and suites; an 111,000 square foot casino; 22 food and beverage outlets; an on-site 18-hole golf course; approximately 223,000 square feet of meeting space; an on-site Ferrari and Maserati dealership; and approximately 76,000 square feet of retail space. For more information, visit www.wynnlasvegas.com.
Japan Gives Beyonce a #1 Album for Her 'B'Day'!
Pop Icon's New Album, 'B'Day,' Hits Top Slot on Japan's International Album Chart Within 2-1/2 Days of Release
Beyonce's fans in Japan have been celebrating the pop music icon's 25th birthday by taking her brand-new album, B'Day, to the #1 spot on the Japanese International Album Chart in record- breaking time. B'Day rocketed to the top of the charts within 2-and-a-half days of its release on September 4, Beyonce's birthday.
Beyonce -- whose "Check On It" took home the MTV Video Music Award for Best R&B Video just last week -- celebrated the release of her eagerly-awaited B'Day with her fans around the world when AOL Music LIVE! delivered an exclusive, live broadcast from the Budokan in Tokyo, Japan on September 5. Millions of fans have seen Beyonce perform hot tracks off B'Day as well as some old favorites at www.aolmusic.com/beyonce.
Beyonce is topping charts around the world once again with "Deja Vu" (featuring Jay-Z), the first single from B'Day.
A bona fide international sensation, "Deja Vu" is the #1 commercial single in Japan and the United Kingdom and has achieved #1 Airplay in Hong Kong and Korea. The track made it to #1 on the German Club Charts, is the #1 R&B Airplay song in the Philippines and is #1 on major stations in Indonesia.
Back in the States, "Deja Vu" peaked at #1 on the Single Sales chart, #1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart, and #1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales chart in the US, according to Billboard. "Deja Vu" was also a #1 song on iTunes.
A groundbreaking video for "Deja Vu," lensed by the world-renowned British director Sophie Muller (an MTV Music Video Award winner), was the #1 video on Yahoo!, the #1 most-streamed video at MTV.com, and the #1 video on MTV's "TRL" ("Total Request Live"). The "Deja Vu" video has also hit the #1 spot in the UK.
Beyonce's B'Day, one of 2006's most eagerly-anticipated albums, was released worldwide September 4 (September 5 in the US), in celebration of Beyonce's 25th birthday.
www.beyonceonline.com
Fan club: www.welovebeyonce.com
www.houseofdereon.com
www.columbiarecords.com
Source: Music World Music/Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records
The Howard Stern All-Time Top Ten Moments, Now Uncensored, to Be Hosted by Donald Trump Exclusively on SIRIUS Satellite Radio
SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) today announced that Donald Trump, TV star, real estate tycoon and longtime friend of The Howard Stern Show, will introduce the all-time top ten uncensored Howard Stern moments, as voted by fans from Stern's classic material of the last 20 years.
The All Request Top Ten will be announced in a special broadcast this Friday, September 8th at 12:00 pm ET on SIRIUS, channel 100. The poll can be accessed at http://www.sirius.com/votenow and will be open until 10:00 am ET on Friday, September 8th.
The classic moments began airing over the Labor Day weekend. SIRIUS subscribers heard incredible Stern moments, phony phone calls, live musical performances, celebrity interviews, song parodies, and more. They include: Fred's bachelor party, AJ Benza fighting with Stuttering John, Cookie Puss, Billy West as Marge Schott, Jesus Twins interviews and performances, Hank the Angry Dwarf, live performances by Stevie Wonder, Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters, Staind, and Green Day, The Homeless Brady Brunch, and classic Dial-a-Date.
About SIRIUS
SIRIUS delivers more than 125 channels of the best programming in all of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free music channels in satellite radio, offering 67 music channels available nationwide. SIRIUS also delivers 61 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, NBA and NHL and broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NFL, NBA and NHL. All SIRIUS programming is available for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95.
SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at shop.sirius.com.
SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep(R), Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln-Mercury, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Rolls Royce, Scion, Toyota, Porsche, Volkswagen and Volvo. Hertz also offers SIRIUS in its rental cars at major locations around the country.
Click on http://www.sirius.com/ to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase a SIRIUS radio and subscription.
Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among the key factors that have a direct bearing on our operational results are: our dependence upon third parties, including manufacturers of SIRIUS radios, retailers, automakers and programming partners, our competitive position and any events which affect the useful life of our satellites.
50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition Hits Streets Today
First PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) System Product to Offer the Complete Entertainment Experience Featuring Exclusive 45-Minute Documentary About 50 Cent and G Unit, Massive Collection of 50 Cent/G Unit Music and Exciting Hack N' Slash in the Hood Gameplay
Vivendi Games ("VG") today announced that 50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system , the gritty urban action game starring multi-platinum recording artist 50 Cent, has shipped to retail nationwide.
50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition packs more multimedia entertainment into one PSP system disc than any other PSP system title to date. 50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition offers all new exciting gameplay, 36 new deadly counter-kills, 4-player cut-throat wireless multiplayer and a voice over cast including 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Tony Yayo and Eminem as the shady "Detective McVicker" and Dr. Dre as "Grizz."
"Boasting more than 160 tracks of music including exclusive tracks in the easy to access jukebox, more than a dozen music videos and a 45-minute documentary highlighting off-stage personas of 50 Cent and his talented roster of superstars from the G Unit Record label, 50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition is the definitive collection of hip-hop entertainment for the PlayStation Portable," said Cindy Cook, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, VU Games. "No other game to date has taken full advantage of all of PSP's strengths and we are excited to be the first."
"Never before has an artist committed to a game and delivered as much content as what can be found in 50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition," said 50 Cent. "I love my PSP because I'm always on the road performing or on movie shoots, so this is a great chance to play my game, listen to my music and watch my videos anywhere, anytime."
About 50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition
In 50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition, 50 gets caught in a web of corruption, double-crosses and shady deals that lead him on a bloody path through New York's underworld. Backed-up by his G Unit soldiers, the streets heat up as 50 Cent takes on the most dangerous crime families in the city. Players assume the role of 50 Cent in a fictitious story, where they will use an arsenal of tactics including counter kill moves, evasive rolls and human shields to stay alive while the bullets fly.
Penned by Emmy(R) award winner Terry Winter, 50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition stars an unprecedented line-up of the hottest recording artists in the music industry today, including 50 Cent and G Unit's Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks and Young Buck, as well as other hip-hop superstars.
The game also includes tracks and remixes from 50 Cent, music from his multi-platinum albums Get Rich or Die Tryin' and The Massacre and over a dozen 50 Cent and G Unit music videos.
50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition was created in partnership with Interscope Records, Shady Records and Aftermath Records.
More information about the game can be found at http://www.50centbulletproof.com/.
About Vivendi Games
Vivendi Games (www.vivendigames.com) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG) category, holds leading positions in the PC, console, handheld and mobile games markets, and is an emerging player in casual online games. Vivendi Games' two principal studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, headquartered in Irvine, CA, the creator of World of Warcraft(R), Diablo(R), StarCraft(R), and Warcraft(R); and Sierra Entertainment, headquartered in Los Angeles, which includes Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios, and Massive Entertainment. Sierra's IPs include Crash Bandicoot(R), Spyro The Dragon(R), Empire Earth(R),SWAT(R), Darkwatch(TM), TimeShift(TM), Ground Control(R) and Leisure Suit Larry(R). Vivendi Games is also home to Vivendi Games Mobile, publishing games for the emerging mobile market, and Sierra Online, dedicated to publishing casual games for online play and distribution on all platforms. Vivendi Games maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment. The company has 16 offices around the world conducting business in 75 countries.
"50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition" interactive game (C) 2006 Vivendi Universal Games, Inc. All rights reserved. Vivendi Universal Games and the Vivendi Universal Games logo are trademarks of Vivendi Universal Games, Inc. Developed by High Voltage Software, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
"PlayStation", "PS" Family logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo(TM) may be required (sold separately). Certain limitations apply to Wi-Fi compatible connectivity. See manual for details. Player responsible for Wi-Fi compatible fees.
Source: Vivendi Games
Rodney Dangerfield's Widow Seeks to Prevent Unauthorized Use of Video of Act; Suit Alleges Daughter Defrauded Comedian
-- Rodney Dangerfield's widow, Joan Dangerfield, filed a lawsuit today against the late comedian's daughter, Melanie Roy-Friedman, seeking to prevent further unauthorized use of a video of the legendary comedian's one-hour Las Vegas Act.
The lawsuit states, "Although Melanie was never an author or an owner of any copyrights in the Act or the Video, several months after Rodney's death [in 2004] Melanie registered the Video with the United States Copyright Office, knowingly misrepresenting that she was the Video's sole author and owner. Now, contrary to both the law and her late father's wishes, Melanie has copied and attempted to distribute the Video."
The lawsuit, filed in U. S. District Court in Los Angeles, alleges that Melanie Roy-Friedman "defrauded her father to obtain, for her own selfish purposes, his life's work."
"In 1988," the lawsuit states, "Rodney was performing his comedic monologue in Las Vegas, and his daughter, Melanie, asked Rodney if he would allow the Act to be videotaped. Rodney had always zealously guarded the Act and had previously refused substantial monetary offers from various producers to videotape and exploit his Act. Melanie, however, told Rodney that she wanted a copy of the Act for her 'personal use,' so that her future children could see it. Relying upon that representation, Rodney trusted his daughter and allowed her to videotape the Act."
The suit continues, "Under Rodney's supervision and at his sole expense, the Act was videotaped. When the videotape of the Act was completed, Melanie gave Rodney a copy of the Video, but told him it was the master Video. In 1994, Rodney learned that Melanie had given him not the professional-quality master Video, but a lower-quality copy, inappropriate for reproduction and broadcast use. Rodney assumed this was an oversight by Melanie, and he asked her to return his master Video so that he could release his Act to the public. Melanie agreed to do so -- only to renege, belatedly claiming that the Video was her 'personal property' and refusing to return it.
"Rodney was heartbroken that his daughter had deceived him. In a later filmed interview, Rodney lamented Melanie's betrayal: 'So I think to myself, Jesus, what a schemer. While I'm still alive, she'll scheme to take my act. She'll have it when I'm dead. You know, what other reason, man? Any other reason she would want my act and not give it to me, you know what I mean? What other reason? She wants to hold it until I die and then she can sell it.' Sadly, Rodney's premonition -- that Melanie wanted to keep the Video until he died so that she could sell it -- proved to be correct."
"This was a very difficult step for Joan Dangerfield, Rodney's widow," said Patricia Glaser, Mrs. Dangerfield's attorney and a partner of the law firm of Christensen, Glaser, Fink, Jacobs, Weil & Shapiro LLP. "We explored every other option before filing this suit to ensure Rodney's wishes and legacy were honored and the rights of his heirs protected. Unfortunately, Melanie gave us no choice."
Joan Dangerfield stated, "Rodney was not only my husband, but my hero, and a dedicated father to both of his children. Melanie's actions hurt her father terribly." Mrs. Dangerfield pointed out that the Act, honed over forty years, was Dangerfield's masterpiece; it fueled his fame and included a shotgun barrage of over three hundred jokes eliciting laughs every six seconds.
Mrs. Dangerfield has submitted applications to the Copyright Office to correct the false information that Roy-Friedman provided and to correctly identify Rodney Dangerfield as the author of the Act and the Video and his widow as the true owner of the copyright.
In addition to seeking to prevent further acts of copyright infringement, the suit asks that all copies of the video and any derivative works in violation of Joan Dangerfield's copyright be impounded and returned to Mrs. Dangerfield.
From The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Foundation As Lead Sponsor of LA Opera’s First Ever Ring Cycle LA Opera Creates “The Eli and Edythe L. Broad General Director” In Their Honor
General Director Plácido Domingo announced at a press conference today that The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Foundation has given $6 million to be the lead sponsor of LA Opera’s upcoming new production of Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen, which will make this long-awaited project a reality. Joining Mr. Domingo onstage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for this announcement were Mr. and Mrs. Broad and LA Opera executives including Chairman and CEO Marc I. Stern, Music Director James Conlon and Chief Operating Officer Edgar Baitzel. This will be the Company’s first presentation of Wagner’s epic four-part masterpiece, which is considered not only to be one of the great monuments of western culture, but also the ultimate test of an opera company’s artistic resources. Further details of the Ring will be announced in late September.
Additionally, in honor of the Broads’ generosity, LA Opera will name the position of General Director as “The Eli and Edythe L. Broad General Director.”
“I am thrilled that Eli and Edythe Broad have made possible one of my most cherished dreams for LA Opera,” said Plácido Domingo. “The visionary and far-reaching generosity of their gift will help make this vision a reality. For quite some time, we have been looking forward to the artistic challenge of presenting a Ring cycle. Now, thanks to Eli and Edythe, we will both create an extraordinary experience for our loyal audiences as well as show Ring lovers from around the world what LA Opera is capable of achieving. The fact that this support comes from such distinguished leaders of international philanthropy, who are particularly devoted to making Los Angeles one of the world’s great cultural capitals, is especially gratifying. As we gather here on the eve of our 21st season, I could not be more excited about the Company’s future.”
The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Foundation had previously underwritten LA Opera’s 2005 productions of Pagliacci and Parsifal, as well as the Company’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend, which marked the opening of the 2005-2006 Season.
“Los Angeles has truly world-class arts offerings,” said Eli Broad. “Our opera company has become, under the leadership of General Director Plácido Domingo, together with Chief Operating Officer Edgar Baitzel, one of the top opera companies in the world today, and we now welcome its new Music Director James Conlon. Additionally, Los Angeles also has a world-class symphony, theaters and museums. Our family is pleased to support LA Opera and bring one of the great opera experiences to our city. Performances like the Ring will draw cultural tourists not only from our region but from around the country and the world.”
“This is an extraordinary gift not only for LA Opera, but for the city and county of Los Angeles and for opera lovers worldwide,” said Marc I. Stern. “I have long admired the Broads’ deep and wide-ranging civic interests and it is a privilege for LA Opera to be the recipient of their vision to make downtown Los Angeles a key destination for the performing arts and one of the great cultural capitals of the world. Their support for the Company’s upcoming Ring cycle will indeed add luster to our city’s artistic prestige. Their exceptional leadership gift will now allow LA Opera to move forward with financial confidence with a new presentation of the Ring cycle, one of the Company’s major artistic goals.”
“It is exhilarating for me, on the eve of my first performances at LA Opera, that we can announce the Broads’ gift which will enable us to produce our Los Angeles Ring,” said James Conlon. “Their generosity infuses the Company and the whole city with vision and confidence. I especially applaud their support for Plácido Domingo, whose tireless accomplishments have brought the Company so far so quickly.”
“This wonderful gift helps give LA Opera the security to go ahead with long-term planning for the future, a rare achievement for a relatively young opera company,” said Edgar Baitzel. “The generosity of the Broads highlights what we have achieved — particularly in the last five years and especially since the LA Philharmonic moved out of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion — and paves the way for us to greatly increase the operatic repertory that we can present to our audiences.”
Eli Broad is a renowned business leader who built two Fortune 500 companies from the ground up over a five-decade career in business. He is founder-chairman of SunAmerica Inc. and KB Home (formerly Kaufman and Broad Home Corporation). Mr. and Mrs. Broad are now focused on philanthropy. The Broad family’s commitment to philanthropy and community is both deep and wide-ranging, with ongoing leadership roles in the arts, education, science and civic development.
Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen is a monumental experience that tells a unified story, drawn from Norse mythology, over the course of four complete operas: Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried and Götterdämmerung. The plot concerns an epic struggle to win control of a magic ring that gives its bearer the power to rule the world. Created by the evil dwarf Alberich, the ring is successively possessed by Wotan, the king of the gods, then by the dragon Fafner, and eventually by Wotan’s son, Siegfried. Ultimately, the ring comes into the possession of Brünnhilde, who returns the ring to its source, thus ending the reign of the gods. Conceived as a festival event, it is the biggest work in the history of Western music, developed over the course of 28 years, from its conception in 1848 to the first performances of the completed cycle in 1876. One of the most influential theatrical works ever created, it is the culmination of Wagner’s unique musical style. The comparative rarity of Ring stagings, as well as the work’s overwhelming musical and dramatic impact, regularly inspires thousands of opera lovers to travel around the world to experience different productions, with significant impact on a city’s cultural and economic life.
Celebrating its 21st Season, Los Angeles Opera has now become, under the leadership of General Director Plácido Domingo and Music Director James Conlon, the nation’s fourth largest opera company and a renowned producer of works from the classical and contemporary repertoires. The 2006-2007 Season includes 75 performances of ten operas, four of which will be conducted by Maestro Conlon who makes his debut this weekend leading the opening productions of Verdi’s La Traviata and Don Carlo.
HEADLINES OF STORIES BELOW
The Debut of the 'CBS Evening News With Katie Couric' Finishes Number One In the Metered-Market Average Broadcast More Than Doubles Its Recent Metered-Market Average
Comcast ON DEMAND Tops Three Billion Views Nation's Premier Video-On-Demand Service Features 7,500 Programs Monthly in Fall Lineup
Back by Popular Demand ... Clearview Cinemas' Legendary Ziegfeld Theatre Presents Its Hollywood Classics! Film Series Movies ... The Way They Were Meant to Be Seen!
MGM Expands Worldwide Television Distribution Group Jim Packer to Lead New Senior Management Team as President Studio to Launch Sales Campaign for 'Casino Royale' and 'Rocky Balboa' as Well as Movie Franchises 'Legally Blonde,' 'WarGames,' 'Species' and 'Into The Blue'
Celebrate Latina's 10th Anniversary Latina Magazine and MTV tr3s will host a coast-to-coast birthday party during Hispanic Heritage Month! Tour will hit New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and Miami September 16 - October 15
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Aligns With World Famous Cirque du Soleil(R) Exclusive Collaboration will feature BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin martini cocktails in the Cirque du Soleil Tapis Rouge(TM) - a first for Cirque du SoleilSarah Jessica Parker to Serve as 2006 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF National Spokesperson
New Gap Marketing Campaign Featuring Original Film Footage of Audrey Hepburn Helps Gap "Keeps it Simple" This Fall When the 'Brazilian Dream' Meets the American Dream: the 'Original' Apprentice Story Gwen Stefani to Release Limited Edition Doll Series
Bob Dylan's Modern Times Debuts At #1 On Billboard Chart Album Marks Artist's Return To Top Spot After 30 Years
Chris Tucker: Live! On National Comedy Tour Returns for a Series of One-Night Stands
Zoran Announces NEW High Performance SupraTV 160 Processor Family for Set Top Box and Digital Television Markets Grundig and Homecast Models; Zoran Reference Designs Demonstrated at IBC 2006 in Amsterdam
Lionel Richie Announces Coming Home Tour Exclusive Charitable Pre-Sale at Tickets-for-Charity.com(TM) to Benefit United Way
Anheuser-Busch to Launch 'Bud.TV,' an Online Entertainment Network
Programming to Feature Multiple Channels of Original Content
Sony Computer Entertainment America Media Statement Regarding New European Launch Date for PLAYSTATION 3
Executives Deliver "the Goods" to ICT Attendees at IEC's Broadband World Forum Americas
Donald Trump Says 'You're Fired' and Now Former Trump Executive Vice President Needs Severance Package Negotiations Expert Career Protection Will Provide Free Consultation and Expert Severance Pay Negotiations Advice for 'Apprentice' Co-Star and Longtime Employee of the Trump Organization
New 'TV Planner' Guide on Comcast.net Helps Customers Navigate Expanding TV Choices Top
The Road to Sugarland
Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley Lead Nominees with Six Nominations Each for "The 40th Annual CMA Awards"
Discovery Communications Inc. Mourns the Death of TV Host and Conservationist Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter
Veteran TV Host Todd Newton Signs on as Emcee of GSN's Coverage of the 'WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES,' the First-Ever Casual Games Championship Awarding a $1 Million Grand Prize
MTVN Kids and Family Group Launches New Content on iTunes Music Store in September The N's Hit Series Degrassi Launches Today - Sept. 5 Six New Property Additions Include Nickelodeon's Mr. Meaty, Nick Jr.'s The Wonder Pets!, TEENick Hit Series Drake & Josh, Unfabulous, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide
Glenn Close Announced as EIF Ambassador to Saks Fifth Avenue's 2006 KEY TO THE CURE Campaign Benefit T-Shirt Design by Oscar De La Renta A Women's Cancer Initiative in Partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund The Jagermeister Music Tour Is Back! Slightly Stoopid and Pepper To Headline Death Row Records and Marion 'Suge' Knight Announce Claim Deadline Vyyo to Showcase Revolutionary UltraBand 3 Ghz Passive Line at Mid-America Cable Show Sept. 5-7 Get Two 'Guilty Gear' Brawlers In One Game as Majesco Entertainment Ships 'Guilty Gear Judgment' for the PSP(R) System Jordan Knight Shows QVC(R) Some Love
AT&T Blue Room Seats Elton John Fans Front Row for Upcoming Fashion Rocks' Private Pre-Show Event Exclusive AT&T Blue Room Footage to Feature Songs From Elton John's Upcoming New Release and a Selection of His Greatest Hits
Penthouse Interviews The Rock, Jeremy Shockey and Lou Dobbs NFL Preview Featured and Penthouse's Sex Expert Reveals The Top Five Ways To Get Over Her
Carl's Jr.(R) Launches Sequel to Popular 'Cow Shake' Ad to Promote New Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts(TM) Made With M&M's(R) Milk Chocolate Candies 'Cow Shake-Off' Features Dueling Guys, Cows, and Hit Single 'Milkshake' by Kelis
Academy/UCLA Documentary Series Begins Its 25th Year
Career and Educational Search Sites and Demographics
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the 2005-2006 Primetime Emmys
2006 MTV Video Music Awards Celebrates an Eclectic Group of Music Across More Screens Than Ever Before
DMX Cancels USO Tour to Persian Gulf
Casting Call for New Spike TV Reality Competition Series - 'BULLRUN'
Leal Vineyards Rocks the Night Away with Celebrities Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson Pay Surprise Visit to Winery
Nintendo Launches New DS Lite Colors Amid Record-Breaking Game Sales Onyx and Coral Pink Follow Sale of 1 Millionth New Super Mario Bros.
Cox Communications and TiVo Announce Deployment Agreement Cox to Deploy TiVo's DVR and Advertising Software
NTN Buzztime(R) Launches New Multiplayer Miniature Golf Game on Its Restaurant and Sports Bar iTV Network Patrons of Buzztime iTV Network Locations in North America and the United Kingdom Can Now Compete in Real-Time in Buzztime's Crazy Golf(TM)
Legendary Musician Maynard Ferguson Dies Grammy Nominated Trumpeter Known for 'Gonna Fly Now,' the Theme to the Movie Rocky, was 78
Music Superstar Shakira Set to Light the Stage on Fire at '2006 MTV Video Music Awards' Shakira Will Join List of Highly Anticipated Superstar Performers for Live August 31st Broadcast OK Go to Perform Groundbreaking Rendition of Their Video 'Here It Goes Again' on Treadmills Live for the First Time Ever Axl Rose, Lindsay Lohan, Kanye West, Paris Hilton, Diddy, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Pussycat Dolls and 50 Cent Added to Presenters List for 2006 VMAs Borat and Sarah Silverman to Make Special Guest Appearances
Volvo Premieres Webisodes Capturing Worldwide Treasure Hunt for Buried Volvo Action-packed Webisodes Capture Frantic Final Search for Buried Volvo XC90 V8 SUV in Islands of the Bahamas Event Part of Volvo's Promotional Tie-in to Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest; Visit www.volvocars.us/thehunt Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge to Announce Dates for National Contestant Searches in Las Vegas and Atlanta
What do K-Fed, Abe Lincoln, Virgin Mobile USA and the Jersey Shore Have in Common? They are Giving Power Back to the Penny! Virgin Mobile's Penny-Clad Armor Truck Rolls Into the Jersey Shore to Show You Why Pennies are Powerful!
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IEC Presents ICT Leaders Exploring Network Platforms for Broadband Content Delivery at the Broadband World Forum Americas
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AOL Video Launches Digital Movie Downloads
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Gordon Ramsay to Open First U.S. Restaurant in New York City Fall 2006: Gordon Ramsay at The London
The Romance Reader Has Embraced Digital Entertainment and Harlequin is Leading the Way by Delivering More Happy Endings via the Launch Of New Digital Content and an eBook Boutique
DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE -FINAL FANTASY VII- Breaks Down Mobile Gaming Boundaries Highly Anticipated Action Title to Be Available Exclusively on Amp'd Mobile
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Author/Socialite Eric Schiffer Praises Paris Hilton and Her Musical Talent Amid Controversy at Her CD Release Party in Hollywood
Comedy Superstars Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston Shine in One of the Year's Most Hilarious Films, 'The Break-Up' The Box-Office Hit Arrives on DVD October 17, 2006 With Side-Splitting Extras Including an Alternate Ending and Deleted Scenes! 'One of the best American comedies in years.' - Pete Hammond, Maxim
USATODAY.com Launches New Entertainment and Sports Podcasts 'Pop Candy' and 'Fantasy playbook' Podcasts Extend Popular Life and Sports Sections to New Platform
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Video Without Boundaries to Change Company Name to MediaREADY, Inc. New Corporate Website WWW.MEDIAREADYINC.COM Announced
Got Game Entertainment's 'Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle' Digs into North America Unique first person adventure game sets archaeological mystery against the backdrop of an eerie Cornish landscape
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Play Music From Your MP3 Player, Mobile Phone or Laptop Through any FM Stereo
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On October 24, 2006 Restless Records will release "Butchering The Beatles" -- featuring the BIGGEST, the BADDEST, the HEAVIEST all-star line-up ever assembled to honor what is arguably the greatest band ever -- THE BEATLES.
Gnarls Barkley Receives RIAA Platinum Certification; Duo's Debut Honored for Sales Exceeding One Million; "Crazy" Makes History While Scoring Three MTV VMA Nods
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Oral-B Powers Up Brushing Routines With New Line of Affordable Power Toothbrushes At Under $20, New Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean Reduces Up to 2x More Plaque Than a Regular Manual Toothbrush
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____________________________________________________
The Debut of the 'CBS Evening News With Katie Couric' Finishes Number One In the Metered-Market Average
Broadcast More Than Doubles Its Recent Metered-Market Average
Sept. 6 Last night's (5) debut of the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC finished number one in the metered-market average, according to Nielsen.
The broadcast garnered a 9.1/17 rating in those markets, making it the highest rated CBS EVENING NEWS broadcast since Feb. 23, 1998, which occurred during CBS's coverage of the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano.
The broadcast also more than doubled its recent metered-market average of 4.4/9, covering the past four weeks.
"We're encouraged by last night's numbers, but what's more important is what the audience will be six months and a year from now," said Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports. "Our primary focus remains on producing the highest quality broadcast night in and night out."
Final national ratings, as well as total viewers and demographic breakdowns, will be available this afternoon.
Source: CBS
Comcast ON DEMAND Tops Three Billion Views Nation's Premier Video-On-Demand Service Features 7,500 Programs Monthly in Fall Lineup
New 'TV Planner' Guide on Comcast.net Helps Customers Navigate Expanding TV Choices
Television viewers are increasingly choosing to watch the shows they want on their schedules - a trend fueling the incredible growth of Comcast's signature video-on-demand service, which has now surpassed three billion program views since 2004. Comcast, the nation's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services, also set a new monthly record for July, with customers watching 180 million ON DEMAND shows.
As ON DEMAND tops three billion views - the equivalent of 10 programs watched by every person in the United States - Comcast customers have made music videos and programs (more than 540 million viewed), children's shows (more than 330 million viewed), free movies (more than 180 million viewed) and sports and fitness programs (more than 73 million viewed) some of the most popular programming categories.
"Customer response to ON DEMAND over the past few years has been extraordinary," said Page Thompson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video Services for Comcast. "ON DEMAND is the ultimate viewing experience, and as more customers try the service and we continue expanding our content library with viewers' favorite shows from top networks and VOD-exclusive programs, we expect ON DEMAND use to continue climbing."
TV Planner on Comcast.net
To help manage the growing number of viewing choices, Comcast also has launched an online program guide - called TV Planner - on Comcast.net, the company's award-winning broadband portal. TV Planner integrates the advanced search functionality available on the Internet today to make it even easier for customers to discover and sort through all of the ON DEMAND and TV programming options.
Viewers can customize searches by title, category (such as movies, sports, kids and HD) and genre (such as comedy, documentary and drama) to find the programming that best matches their interests. TV Planner is the first and only online program guide that enables viewers to search ON DEMAND and HD ON DEMAND.
Comcast ON DEMAND's Fall Lineup
Comcast's ON DEMAND service offers a growing library of more than 7,500 programs per month - available any time customers want to watch them, with the ability to fast forward, rewind and pause selections. Approximately 95% of ON DEMAND programs are available at no additional charge for Comcast Digital Cable customers based on their service levels. Viewers can choose from categories like:
-- Premium Services: movies and award-winning original series from HBO,
Showtime, Cinemax, The Movie Channel, Starz and Encore
-- Movies: up to 800 movies every month, from the latest Hollywood
blockbusters to all-time classics
-- Network Primetime: hit shows from CBS and NBC, including "CSI: Crime
Scene Investigation," "NCIS," "Survivor," "The Office," "Law & Order:
Criminal Intent" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
-- TV Entertainment: hit shows from the most popular cable networks,
including A&E, MTV, VH1, E!, TNT, Comedy Central, Discovery, USA
Network, BBC America, TV One, Logo, CMT, TBS, BET and Oxygen, as well
as classic TV series like "Charlie's Angels," "One Day at a Time" and
"Soap" from Comcast's exclusive Tube Time service
-- Kids: popular children's series from PBS KIDS Sprout, Nickelodeon,
Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Noggin and Discovery Kids
-- Sports & Fitness: more than 90 workout and motivational programs from
exercisetv and programs from Versus, NFL Network, Speed Channel, NBA
TV, Golf Channel, OLN and Sportskool
-- Music: hundreds of music videos in a wide range of genres as well as
concert performances, music instruction series and Comcast's Karaoke
On Demand, giving viewers the chance to belt out a favorite tune in
the comfort of their own living room
-- Life & Home: lifestyle advice on topics including parenting, cooking,
weddings, fashion and style
-- Cutting Edge: featuring anime, programs from Cartoon Network's Adult
Swim and Dating On Demand, the first network to combine video on
demand with online dating
Comcast also is introducing high-definition (HD) ON DEMAND programming, giving customers the added choice and convenience of watching programs in crystal-clear HD at any time.
About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) (NASDAQ:CMCSK) (http://www.comcast.com/) is the nation's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services. With 23.3 million cable customers, 10 million high-speed Internet customers, and 1.6 million voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.
Comcast's content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, The Golf Channel, OLN, G4, AZN Television, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One and four regional Comcast SportsNets. Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.
Web site: http://www.comcast.com/
Back by Popular Demand ... Clearview Cinemas' Legendary Ziegfeld Theatre Presents Its Hollywood Classics! Film Series
Movies ... The Way They Were Meant to Be Seen!
Clearview Cinemas today announced that it is bringing back its "Hollywood Classics!" Film Series, beginning Friday, September 8. The five-week series will showcase films that were requested by moviegoers during Clearview's first "Hollywood Classics!" Film Series held this past winter. Each week will feature a special theme including: All Time Classics Week, Super Heroes Week and a week dedicated to award-winning Director Steven Spielberg.
"With the overwhelming success of our first 'Hollywood Classics!' Film Series, Clearview is excited to be able to bring back this special event. Our goal is to give moviegoers, whether they are watching these films for the first or fifth time, the opportunity to see Hollywood's classics the way they were meant to be seen, on the big screen at a premier venue like the Ziegfeld Theatre," said Doug Oines, senior vice president and general manager for Clearview Cinemas.
The series runs from September 8 through October 12 and tickets are available at a reduced rate of $7.50.
WHAT: Hollywood Classics! Series
September 8 - 14: All Time Classics Week!
Featuring: "Citizen Kane," "Casablanca," and
"The Good, The Bad & The Ugly"
September 15 - 21: All Time Favorites Week!
Featuring: "The Wizard of Oz" and "Gone with the Wind"
September 22 - 28: Super Heroes Week!
Featuring: "Superman," "Batman," and "Spider-Man"
September 29 - October 5: Steven Spielberg Week!
Featuring: "Jaws," "Back to the Future," and "ET - The Extra
Terrestrial"
October 6 - 12: Musicals Week!
Featuring: "West Side Story," "Cabaret," and a special sing-a-long
version of "Grease"
WHEN: Friday, September 8 through Thursday, October 12, 2006
WHERE: Clearview Cinema's Ziegfeld Theatre
141 West 54th Street, New York, NY
Tickets are available at the theatre box office or through clearviewcinemas.com. For information on showtimes call 212-777-FILM #602 or visit www.clearviewcinemas.com.
A subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation since 1998, Clearview Cinemas was formed in 1994 and currently operates 51 movie theatres with 262 screens in the New York metropolitan area, including the famous Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City. Clearview Cinemas operates theatres in New Jersey, Manhattan, Westchester, Rockland County, Long Island and Pennsylvania. More information can be found at www.clearviewcinemas.com.
Source: Clearview Cinemas
Web site: http://www.clearviewcinemas.com/
MGM Expands Worldwide Television Distribution Group
Jim Packer to Lead New Senior Management Team as President
Studio to Launch Sales Campaign for 'Casino Royale' and 'Rocky Balboa' as Well as Movie Franchises 'Legally Blonde,' 'WarGames,' 'Species' and 'Into The Blue'
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) is reinvigorating its worldwide television distribution operation, hiring senior management and bringing a number of new high profile programs to buyers around the globe. The announcement was made today by Harry E. Sloan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, MGM and Rick Sands, Chief Operating Officer, MGM.
The restructured MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group, which reports to Sands, is headed by seasoned distribution executive Jim Packer, who assumes the new title of President. In this position, Packer remains in charge of television distribution worldwide, including U.S. barter sales and syndication, as well as all emerging forms of television programming distribution on a worldwide basis.
"After reinvigorating our domestic theatrical distribution business with over 20 new theatrical pictures a year, and establishing a dedicated MGM sales force in partnership with Fox Video, the next logical step is to expand our worldwide television distribution operation to meet our increased activity and product flow," said Sloan in announcing the division's restructuring. "Further, the international market for TV product has never been healthier and MGM continues to be an active and extremely competitive player in the marketplace."
Sands added: "As aggressive and smart competitors, the reorganization of our worldwide television distribution operation is simply one way of maximizing the assets in our library and positions us for future growth in the marketplace. Jim Packer has already made significant contributions during his tenure at MGM and we are pleased he will be leading us to even bigger growth opportunities in his new role as President of the group."
"After spending the last six years here at MGM, I truly understand the value of this tremendous library," said Packer. "Having been given the challenge of increasing our market presence, I could not be more enthused about the expansion of our worldwide distribution team. With 'Casino Royale,' 'Rocky Balboa' and our new slate of premiere movie titles, our expanded distribution presence comes at the ideal time."
Adding fuel to its distribution pipeline, MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will handle the international television sales for "Casino Royale" the new James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig, and "Rocky Balboa," the sixth and final Rocky movie starring Sylvester Stallone. Leveraging proven properties within the massive MGM library, the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will launch a worldwide sales campaign for the following movies:
*"Legally Blonde 3" -- Beauty and brains bring big laughs.
*"Cutting Edge 3" -- The romantic drama about the quest for victory among
professional ice skaters.
*"Into the Blue 2" -- A new and exciting installment based on the action
thriller about aspiring treasure hunters.
*"WarGames 2" -- Scheduled to begin shooting in Montreal in November, the
thrilling story of what happens when top officials try to dismantle the
famous computer.
*"Species 4" -- The fourth installment of the Species franchise continues
in Mexico, where new experiments with DNA bring horrific results. An
MGM/360 Production, Frank Mancuso, Jr. will oversee production beginning
in October on "Species 4." Mancuso has served as the producer or
executive producer on the previous "Species" movies.
In addition to its new program offerings, the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will continue to handle distribution of over 4,000 movie titles and 10,000 television series that make up the MGM library, the world's largest modern filmed and television library. Among the key television properties featured in the MGM catalogue are "Stargate SG-1," the sci-fi series that is celebrating its record-setting 200th episode on the Sci-Fi Channel, and the immensely popular drama series "The L Word," which airs on Showtime in the U.S.
With the announcement of the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group restructuring, MGM has also announced key promotions within the group. Joe Patrick has been promoted to Executive Vice President, North America. He previously served as Senior Vice President for the studio and is based in Los Angeles. Mary Ann Pasante, who has been the Vice President of Latin America Sales, has also been promoted to Senior Vice President of Latin America Sales and will continue to be based in Atlanta.
Packer, who joined MGM in 2001, initially served as Executive Vice President, Domestic TV. In this post, he was the architect of several innovative partnerships, including the MGM/UPN "Weekend Movie" and the PAX/MGM "Night at the Movies."
Packer was promoted to Executive Vice President of MGM's Worldwide Television Distribution unit in April 2005, charged with oversight of the studio's worldwide TV distribution activities, including the licensing of MGM programming to TV outlets around the world for free to air network television, basic and pay cable. Packer will continue to be based at the studio's headquarters in Los Angeles.
Before joining MGM, Packer was an executive with The Walt Disney Company, where he spent 15 years working within the Buena Vista Domestic Television Distribution unit. During his tenure at Buena Vista, Packer consistently increased his areas of responsibility, handling the distribution of off-network product, theatrical films and first run series, including such properties as "Home Improvement," "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" and "The Golden Girls," as well as numerous movie packages. Packer, a graduate of Leeds Business School at the University of Colorado at Boulder, also serves on the Board of Governors for the Museum of Television & Radio.
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,000 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 110 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), Texas Pacific Group (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
Web site: http://www.mgm.com/
Celebrate Latina's 10th Anniversary Latina Magazine and MTV tr3s will host a coast-to-coast birthday party during Hispanic Heritage Month!
Tour will hit New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and Miami September 16 - October 15
Latina, the #1 magazine for U.S. Hispanic women, announced today it will celebrate its 10th anniversary-as well as the profound influence Latinos have had on America in the last decade-by embarking on a five-city tour during Hispanic Heritage month (Sept. 15 through Oct. 15). It will be a three-day cultural festival, visiting a different city each weekend, and will include live musical performances, fashion shows, beauty makeovers and family activities. The tour will feature live entertainment provided by MTV tr3s, the new multi-platform entertainment destination from MTV that's dedicated to superserving today's new Latino youth.
The Latina Magazine Nation Tour(TM) will kick off in New York and is expected to connect with over 50,000 consumers. Events will be free and open to the public. For more information and updates on the tour, visit http://www.latina.com/.
City Venue Dates*
New York Forest Park, Queens 9/16-9/17
Chicago Humboldt Park 9/23-9/24
Los Angeles Exposition Park 9/30-10/1
Houston Reliant Park 10/7-10/8
Miami Bicentennial Park 10/14-10/15
* All dates Saturday - Sunday
"Latina magazine is a trusted authority in providing the best news and information on Latin music, culture, fashion, beauty, entertainment and more. Now we can bring our unique experience and perspective beyond the pages of the magazine, directly into the lives of our readers and their families -- right in their own back yards," said Fabio Freyre, CEO of Latina Media Ventures (LMV). "We are thrilled to join forces with our high-quality partners to create such a special event that puts at its center the rich language, culture, and influence of U.S. Latinos."
Each star-studded weekend will include local musical talent, beauty makeovers by L'Oreal Paris, and live fashion shows by Akademiks. The entire family can get involved in activities such as soccer clinics, domino competitions, face painting, balloon making or drum circles. Dance-offs and a battle of the bands will ensure that everyone gets a chance to flaunt their talent! If music's your thing, take part in the guitar pick contest and be entered to win your very own Gibson Guitar. Test-drive hot new cars from Daimler Chrysler for the chance to be entered to win a brand new Crossfire Convertible! Stop by the Kodak photo booth for a chance to win a new camera.
All visitors are encouraged to bring a photograph representing their own Latin style. Bring your photo to the Latina magazine booth to be eligible for a chance to win an appearance in a future issue of Latina magazine.
Latina magazine Editorial Director, Betty Cortina, Founder Christy Haubegger and Los Angeles television journalist, Giselle Fernandez, will be among the inspiring speakers leading discussions on topics of importance to all Latinas -- what it takes to succeed, living in a bicultural world, balancing family and work and what it means to be a Latina today.
Latina magazine is the leading lifestyle publication for bicultural Hispanic women -- a market segment that will reshape the country's social, economic, and cultural landscape in the next decade. The U.S. Hispanic population is expected to number 42 million by 2007. By 2020, it is estimated that one in every five Americans will be Hispanic.
About Latina Media Ventures LLC
Latina Media Ventures LLC is the premier integrated media company serving the growing U.S. Hispanic marketplace. LMV's diverse media properties include its flagship magazine, Latina, the leading lifestyle publication for bicultural Hispanic women in the U.S. with an audience in excess of 2 million, as well as Latina Digital Media, Custom Publishing, Live Events, and Licensing businesses.
Source: Latina Media Ventures LLC
Web site: http://www.latina.com/
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Aligns With World Famous Cirque du Soleil(R)
Exclusive Collaboration will feature BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin martini cocktails in the Cirque du Soleil Tapis Rouge(TM) - a first for Cirque du Soleil
the leading super-premium gin in the United States, is collaborating with the world famous Cirque du Soleil, becoming the first spirit ever to be featured at Cirque du Soleil Tapis Rouge lounges. This forward thinking and groundbreaking relationship will feature unprecedented exposure for the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE brand throughout the United States and further demonstrates the creative and trend setting nature of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE.
"This enterprising relationship with Cirque du Soleil will allow us to enhance what is already a truly inspired performance experience," said BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Senior Marketing Manager, Giles Woodyer. "We are thrilled to be aligning with a brand that so similarly strives for excellence and commits to upholding the creativity, innovation and genuine expression that signifies BOMBAY SAPPHIRE."
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is the official spirit of Cirque du Soleil in the United States and will be the only featured spirit served in the intimate Tapis Rouge. The Tapis Rouge is a dedicated lounge opened pre-show and during intermission. Now, VIP guests (21+ and older) will be able to enhance the sensory experience of the performance by enjoying delicious BOMBAY SAPPHIRE cocktails.
"BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin's natural elegance and dedication to quality align perfectly with the vision and innovation of Cirque du Soleil," stated Ryan Sandilands, Corporate Alliances Director, Cirque du Soleil.
This defining alliance, which also includes premiere parties, highlights BOMBAY SAPPHIRE'S ongoing support and celebration of artistic expression, as well as the brand's ability to develop meaningful and relevant associations with today's adult consumer.
The Official Cocktail of CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE SURIYA
1 part BOMBAY SAPPHIRE
3 parts Fresh Pineapple Juice
Drizzle of Chambord
Served in a chilled martini glass.
About BOMBAY SAPPHIRE
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is the best selling super premium gin in the United States. The combination of its ten unique botanicals, vapour infusion process and authentic British heritage secure BOMBAY SAPPHIRE as a leader among gins, as well as a symbol of style and sophistication. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE strongly supports inspired adult individuals who create passionate work in design, film and other artistic arenas. For more information, please visit www.bombaysapphire.com.
BE BRILLIANT AND INSPIRED. DRINK RESPONSIBLY!
www.bombaysapphire.com
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK.
IMPORTED BY THE BOMBAY SPIRITS COMPANY U.S.A., MIAMI, FL.
GIN - 47% ALC. BY VOL.
Web site: http://www.bombaysapphire.com/
Sarah Jessica Parker to Serve as 2006 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF National Spokesperson
The U.S. Fund for UNICEF announced today that actress and UNICEF Ambassador Sarah Jessica Parker will serve as the national spokesperson for the 2006 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. Throughout the month of October, Ms. Parker will encourage kids to get involved by raising funds for vulnerable children around the world with the time-honored orange Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box.
"The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is extremely fortunate to have such a caring and dedicated Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF 2006 spokesperson," said Charles J. Lyons, president of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "Ms. Parker's passion for improving the lives of children and the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program will undoubtedly help raise awareness throughout the country and inspire other parents to get their children involved."
Sarah Jessica Parker was appointed a UNICEF Ambassador in 1997 and has been supporting UNICEF in a variety of ways ever since. This is Ms. Parker's second time serving as the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF spokesperson; she last served in 1997. In 2003, Ms. Parker showed her support of the campaign by participating in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign launch at the NBA store here with UNDP Youth Emissary and basketball great, Dikembe Mutombo.
"My involvement with Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is particularly dear to me because I participated as a child and now that I am a mother I want to share the experience with my son," said Ms. Parker. "Halloween can be very focused on the amassing of bucket-loads of sweets. Yet, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF demonstrates that kids can do good deeds and still have fun. A positive first experience with philanthropy can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of giving."
Ms. Parker's dedication to UNICEF extends past her involvement with the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program. Most recently, Ms. Parker pledged her support of UNICEF when she helped promote the return of Cartier's LOVE Charity bracelet. Because of Sarah Jessica Parker's support, the proceeds from the sale of Cartier's blue LOVE bracelet will go to UNICEF. Similarly, she helped UNICEF brighten the world for children in 2004 when she lit the UNICEF Snowflake -- which graces the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street during the annual lighting ceremony here in the city. Shortly afterwards, during the aftermath of the 2004 South Asia Tsunami, Sarah Jessica designed a limited edition Gap t-shirt to benefit UNICEF's tsunami relief and recovery efforts. Gap donated $100,000 from the sales of those shirts to UNICEF.
Ambassador Sarah Jessica Parker will be present at this year's Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF launch event here in New York City this October.
About UNICEF
Founded in 1946, UNICEF helps save, protect and improve the lives of children in 156 countries through immunization, education, health care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority. For more information about UNICEF or to make a donation, please visit unicefusa.org/trickortreat or call 1-800-4UNICEF.
Source: U.S. Fund for UNICEF
Web site: http://www.unicefusa.org/
http://unicefusa.org/trickortreat
New Gap Marketing Campaign Featuring Original Film Footage of Audrey Hepburn Helps Gap "Keeps it Simple" This Fall
This week, the skinny black pant is back at Gap with the introduction of a new, groundbreaking campaign featuring original film footage of timeless style icon Audrey Hepburn. The campaign, entitled "Keep it Simple," is centered on innovative television spots incorporating a memorable scene of Audrey Hepburn dancing in the classic film Funny Face. Celebrating Gap's re-launch of the perfect black pant, the ads mark Gap's third and final marketing campaign of the fall season.
"Gap has a rich history of integrating memorable choreography and music into our advertising, but we've never done anything quite like this before," said Trey Laird, creative director of Gap. "We wanted to do something really special to re-launch our skinny black pants and thought who better to showcase them than actress Audrey Hepburn -- an iconic woman famous for dressing with sophistication and classic style."
Debuting September 7, Gap's new "Keep It Simple" TV spots juxtapose classic footage of Audrey Hepburn dancing in skinny black pants to the 1980 AC/DC hit song "Back in Black." The ad opens with a scene from Funny Face as Audrey Hepburn dances through a Parisian cafe. It continues as she jumps out of the movie and onto a backdrop resembling the look and feel of an iconic Gap ad. Special effects and graphics help her navigate her way across the screen in a series of energetic dance steps. She then jumps back into Funny Face as the spot concludes with the tagline "It's Back -- The Skinny Black Pant."
"We're thrilled because this is the first time in more than 12 years that a film clip of Audrey Hepburn has been authorized to endorse a commercial product in North America," said Kyle Andrew, vice president of Gap Marketing. "This ad is a true testament to timeless style and we couldn't be more excited to have Audrey Hepburn -- the ultimate style icon -- represented in our campaign."
Gap became known for fabulous "must-have" black pants more than a decade ago -- they flew off shelves and helped millions of women across the country dress with sophistication and style. Gap's reintroduction of the perfect fitting pair of skinny black pants this fall is a celebration of this classic, iconic piece. Named after timeless fashion icon Audrey Hepburn -- "The Audrey Hepburn(TM) Pant" is sleek and simple with modern details that are undeniably cool. It has an updated bi-stretch fabrication, which allows for greater flexibility and movement and helps the pant keep its shape. Gap's new skinny black pants are destined to become a modern day classic.
In addition to black pants, Gap has a long heritage of offering a wide variety of clean, classic and simple styles. And this fall Gap is back with a collection of great fitting, sophisticated pants in a range of lengths and shapes, as well as classic shirts, turtlenecks, sweaters and outerwear. Worn day or night, dressed up or down, these are the simple, iconic pieces that will never go out of style. In Gap stores this fall, the clean collection is featured in a one-stop shopping destination. You'll find a new dedicated space within Gap stores filled with the classic "must-have" items you always need and want.
The "Keep It Simple" television campaign features 30 and 60-second spots that will air in the United States on all major networks, spot markets and cable from September 7 through October 5. The spots will premiere on network television shows including "Grey's Anatomy" (ABC), "CSI" (CBS) and "Studio 60" (NBC). Gap.com will also feature the new "Keep It Simple" television commercial, as well as exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the ad. Complimenting this outstanding broadcast effort are a series of black-and-white print ads featuring models in clean, simple looks anchored in skinny black pants will run in October issues of major national magazines including Vogue, InStyle and Elle. There will also be outdoor ads in major markets.
Laird+Partners, Gap's creative agency, developed the "Keep It Simple" marketing campaign. The TV spots were developed using visual effects by Method Studios and graphic design and animation by Logan and print ads were photographed by famed fashion photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.
In celebration of the launch of the "Keep It Simple" ad campaign, Gap is making a generous contribution to the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund. The Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund is a non-profit organization created to continue Ms. Hepburn's international appeals on behalf of children around the world.
Web site: http://www.gapinc.com/
When the 'Brazilian Dream' Meets the American Dream: the 'Original' Apprentice Story
-- The story of the self-made man who overcame all odds and succeeded is a fundamental part of the appeal and seductive power of the so-called American Dream. The young Brazilian entrepreneur Ricardo Bellino is the personification of this dream, which still captivates the imagination of millions in America and all over the world.
The story of an unknown businessman from a faraway country who sells his idea to Donald Trump in just three minutes and becomes a partner of the legendary American billionaire is a business fairy tale come true. It also shows that the "Brazilian Dream," or the hope of building your own path towards success despite economic, social, cultural and historical obstacles that may seem impassable, is not just a dream. It can be a real possibility if you are willing to believe and try. In his new book "You Have 3 Minutes", Bellino reveals the secrets behind successful negotiations and shows how intuition, persistence, creativity, communication skills and a good idea can work miracles -- even for those who don't have money, experience or a business network. Bellino's book describes a real life tale of entrepreneurial drive that shows us what can happen when the 'Brazilian Dream' meets the American Dream.
Multimedia News Release: Click on the following URL to see Ricardo Bellino's interview:
What: McGraw-Hill will host a cocktail party to celebrate the
publication of "You Have 3 Minutes! Learn the Secrets of the Pitch
from Trump's Original Apprentice" - by Ricardo Bellino.
When: September 12, 6-9 P.M.
Where: Trump Tower - 725 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y.
The book's key messages:
1. How to sell your idea in three minutes -- or less.
2. Why first impressions are so important and how to create an excellent
first impression on a potential business investor or employer.
3. How to approach a world famous tycoon like Donald Trump and capture
his attention.
4. Learn from a successful businessman how to use intuition to make snap
decisions, find the best opportunities and close great deals.
5. How to sell your image and improve your communication skills.
Contact information:
Elizabeth Priestley
Source: INEMP
Gwen Stefani to Release Limited Edition Doll Series
-- This Fall, Grammy Award-winning songwriter and performer Gwen Stefani will conquer yet another role -- toy designer. Stefani will release a Limited Edition series of eight dolls entitled Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Inspired by her multi-platinum album and tour, each doll will reflect Gwen's eclectic onstage incarnations. Ranging from her Hollaback Girl to the fashion-forward Harajuku Girls of Tokyo, the dolls in this high-end line will reflect the distinctive style and personality which have made Gwen Stefani an icon.
"I thought the dolls would be a good opportunity to capture some of the key looks from the album and the tour," stated Stefani. "The Harajuku Girls and I wore such wicked costumes we had to share them with the world again."
Available at select fine retailers this fall, each doll comes with interchangeable outfits along with exclusive Gwen collectibles like posters, pocket mirrors, trading cards and other stylish accessories. Using images and characters from her music videos and onstage performances, the dolls are truly an extension of Gwen's music and vision. Embodying both her distinctive fashion sense and charismatic persona, the dolls will be THE must-have toy this Holiday season.
"The dolls are another dimension to the album and the tour, another layer to the world of Love. Angel. Music. Baby," said Stefani.
For this venture Gwen has partnered up with Huckleberry Toys, a newly formed company that is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of imagination, fun and creative play for kids of all ages.
Source: Huckleberry Toys
Bob Dylan's Modern Times Debuts At #1 On Billboard Chart
Album Marks Artist's Return To Top Spot After 30 Years
Bob Dylan's new album, Modern Times, has debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, making this the artist's first album to hit the top of that chart in 30 years. This 30-year span between #1 albums - Desire hit the top spot in 1976 -- is the longest of any living recording artist. Modern Times has sold more than 192,000 copies in the United States since its release, marking the biggest such sales period for a Bob Dylan album in the 15 year history of SoundScan.
Fan response was equally as impressive internationally, with Modern Times debuting at #1 on the album charts of Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway and Switzerland. The album entered the UK chart at #3 with 55,000 units sold, marking a one-week sales record in that country for any Bob Dylan album. Additionally, Modern Times debuted at #2 in Germany, Austria and Sweden, and #3 in The Netherlands.
Modern Times is already one of the most critically lauded albums of Bob Dylan's career. Rolling Stone awarded the album 5 stars (out of 5) and proclaimed it, "His third straight masterwork." Ann Powers of the Los Angeles Times wrote that Dylan is, "our living Rosetta Stone, his songs carrying forth the essence of a thousand blues and folk classics, connecting the canonical and the folkloric to the present day." In the UK, Mojo magazine exclaimed, Epic...Heartbreaking...Dynamic ... Apocalyptic!" while Uncut gave Modern Times its highest ranking of 5 stars. (See attached page of press quotes).
According to Columbia Records Chairman Steve Barnett, "Modern Times is an absolutely staggering record, and we couldn't be more thrilled that fans have responded to it so enthusiastically by putting Bob at #1, which is where he belongs. This extraordinary artist has been integral to our company for nearly 45 years, and he remains at the peak of his artistry, vitality and cultural impact. We are incredibly proud of Bob's great achievement."
Bob Dylan is currently featured in an iPod commercial, seen performing "Someday Baby" from Modern Times. A short film starring Scarlett Johansson and set to Bob Dylan's new song "When The Deal Goes Down" premiered on AOL and was released online and to video channels last Thursday. Directed by Academy Award nominee Bennett Miller (Capote), the silent film was shot on 8mm and takes place in the early 1960s. Clues connecting the film's scenes to Bob Dylan's early career are creatively placed throughout the piece.
Bob Dylan is one of the world's most popular and acclaimed songwriters, musicians and performers, having sold nearly 100 million albums and performed literally thousands of shows around the world in a career spanning five decades. He is currently in the midst of his third annual summer U.S. tour of minor league baseball stadiums, and will begin a 24-city tour October 11 in Vancouver, B.C.
The Times They Are A-Changin', the new Broadway musical told through the songs of Bob Dylan and conceived, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Twyla Tharp, will open October 26 at New York's Brooks Atkinson Theatre.
Bob Dylan's most recent studio albums, Time Out Of Mind and "Love And Theft" have been among his most commercially successful and critically lauded, each having been certified Platinum in the U.S. and earning Grammy nominations for Album Of The Year (Time Out Of Mind won that award in 1998).
He wrote and recorded "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 film Wonder Boys, for which he received both the Academy Award and Golden Globe. The first volume of his memoirs, Chronicles, was one of the most acclaimed and best-selling non-fiction works of 2004, and last year's No Direction Home film, directed by Martin Scorsese, captivated audiences worldwide as it documented Dylan's early career and rise to fame. The film won a Peabody Award in 2006.
Bob Dylan's weekly XM Satellite Radio show, Theme Time Radio Hour, debuted in May and has quickly become one of that network's most popular programs, with more than 1.7 weekly listeners.
Bob Dylan -- Modern Times
* * * * * (out of five) -- "His third straight masterwork."
Joe Levy, Rolling Stone
"Its 10 songs make you think hard about the past and muse quietly about the future .... [Dylan is] our living Rosetta Stone, his songs carrying forth the essence of a thousand blues and folk classics, connecting the canonical and the folkloric to the present day.
Ann Powers, Los Angeles Times
* * * * (out of four) -- "It takes about 30 seconds to figure out you're in the presence of a giant .... [Modern Times] contains some of Dylan's most direct love lyrics, meditations on mortality, vindictive vendettas, pointed political commentary, dry wit, apocalyptic imagery and head-scratching flights of fancy -- sometimes seemingly in the same song. The music, too often overlooked in evaluating Dylan's work, offers varied delights."
Ken Barnes, USA Today
"Startling. Radiates the observant calm of old masters who have seen enough life to be ready for anything -- Yeats, Matisse, Sonny Rollins." Robert Christgau, Blender Magazine
"Epic...Heartbreaking...Dynamic...Apocalyptic! .... [Modern Times] is in the passionate tradition of his last two superb albums, 1997's biting, bruising Time Out Of Mind and 2001's more jubilant and eclectic 'Love And Theft'. Dylan looks into the heart of the modern age and tells us what he sees in a vision still commanding and bold."
Robert Hilburn, Mojo
"Modern Times is powerful and more consistent than its recent predecessors. At times rollicking and at others reflective, it's the work of a master songwriter who knows how to use guile where flash might have worked in the past."
David Bauder, Associated Press
"The state of America, vibrant sexuality, depression-era jazz and blues, and some excellent jokes; another classic from the revitalised master" -- * * * * * (out of five)
Uncut
Grade A -- "Intriguing, immediate and quietly epic, Modern Times must rank among Dylan's finest albums."
Pat Gilbert, Entertainment Weekly
* * * * (out of four) - Critics Choice
Steve Dougherty, People Magazine
* * * * (out of four) -- "Modern Times delivers on all counts ... .Its 10 tunes are so squarely built on the American songbook, your finger doesn't dare poke the CD player's skip button. It rambles and gambles on pre-rock styles laced with so many cryptic notions and personal references that interpretive lit classes will be busy for semesters. Dylan is a living, breathing genius who stoked his creative fires back in '97 for Time Out of Mind and kept them burning with the Grammy-winning 'Love and Theft' in 2001. He continues his run here, tying all three albums together with a vintage roots-music aesthetic.
Dan Aquilante, New York Post
"Modern Times is an album that snaps into place like a puzzle part alongside his latter-era masterpieces, 'Love and Theft' and its predecessor, Time Out of Mind -- albums that have restored his reputation and given him a new voice. At this point in his serpentine career, Dylan is the cagey veteran who can summon entire worlds in his songs. Long may he run."
Joel Selvin, San Francisco Chronicle
"Wry, spry and rollicking .... Dylan extends his renaissance of the past decade with songs that at once feel culled from some arcane archive of American roots music and ripped steaming from one of his reliably rollicking live shows. It's an offhandedly exact blend of present and past, and being pulled through it by a master of such advanced years and powers brings to mind the late works of Yeats or Picasso ...."
Shawn Levy, Portland Oregonian
"A vibrant album bursting with wit, charm, emotion, and deeply sampled musical history. Modern Times is what we have come to expect from Bob Dylan in autumn: another masterpiece that doesn't make too much of itself."
Chris Morris, L.A. City Beat
* * * * * (out of five) - "With Modern Times, in stores today, Dylan affirms that he has become precisely the character he aspired to be since his earliest acoustic folk albums ... .Guthrie and the old bluesmen borrowed old songs and commented on events in the same way, which makes Dylan's new music another link in a precious cultural chain -- just the way he first imagined."
Jim Abbott, Orlando Sentinel
* * * * (out of four)
Detroit Free Press
Grade A - [Modern Times] is a brilliantly oddball blend of country, blues and good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll. Modern Times is glorious proof that, at 65, Dylan still has plenty to say, and with singular eloquence."
Calvin Wilson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Rating 5 out of 5 - "With today's release of Modern Times, Bob Dylan continues a late-career winning streak that is without parallel in rock 'n' roll .... Only Dylan still touches hearts in such a visceral, vital way ... .It would be tempting to call Modern Times the concluding part of a brilliant trilogy - if the end were in sight."
Bernard Perusse, Montreal Gazette
"It's a loose-limbed, wide-ranging (to say the least) table-setter that straightaway offers the assurance that His Bobness is still on the late-in- life hot streak that began with the elegiac Time Out of Mind in 1997 and continued with the sprightly 'Love and Theft'."
Dan DeLuca, Philadelphia Inquirer
"There is something poetic about the fact that Bob Dylan is the lone second-generation rock luminary to make music that suits his age and status. In this, Dylan is as avant-garde as he was in his '60s heyday. The 65-year-old grapples with pressing issues, memory and mortality prime among them. But by looking back, to the roots of his art, he has managed to forge ahead, crafting songs that are as vibrant and profound as ever .... [Dylan] is singing as beautifully as he ever has, his voice a marvel of sly shading."
Bradley Bambarger, Newark Star Ledger
* * * * (out of four) -- "Using the familiar musical forms of blues, rock and pop, the legendary singer-songwriter - in his many guises - traverses a landscape that's equal parts treacherous, beautiful and humorous. And in doing so has released his most intimate work in years."
Rob Lowman, Los Angeles Daily News
"Here in 2006, Dylan's stock as a cultural barometer, as a leader and a sage, is higher than it has been in decades. We still look to Dylan to tell us about our lives now, not our lives then: He's still here, his artistry fully present, and millions still respond to him as a contemporary artist, not a legendary figure from the dim and misty '60s. There's a simple reason for this, and here it is: He still delivers the goods. Like his last two highly acclaimed CDs, 1997's Time Out of Mind and 2001's 'Love and Theft', the 10-track Modern Times is a wonderful addition to his oeuvre, and quite possibly the best of the three."
Dave Ferman, Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
"[Modern Times is] a masterful assimilation of forms into a sound that is close to wholly unique. This record could have been released 40 years ago or 10 years from now .... In terms of phrasing, manipulation of time and accent and ability to wring subtlety and nuance from his own peerless song-poems, Dylan is absolutely masterful here."
Jeff Miers, Buffalo News
"Modern Times could very well be called 'Love and Theft', Part II; Dylan draws from the same influences - old folk, '30s-styled ballads, '50s-era rave-ups - that made his 2001 album a breath of fresh air .... There's more introspection on this album than any since Blood on the Tracks."
Mark Brown, Rocky Mountain News
"This enchanting album is rife with homespun reflections on philosophy, religion and the never-ending quest for true love."
Wayne Robins, Billboard Magazine
"Romantic and spectacular .... Dylan's finest since Blood on the Tracks."
Jody Rosen, Slate
www.bobdylan.com
www.columbiarecords.com
Web site: http://www.columbiarecords.com/
http://www.bobdylan.com/
Chris Tucker: Live! On National Comedy Tour Returns for a Series of One-Night Stands
Chris Tucker returns to the stage, hitting the road for a series of one-night stand concerts. Tucker, who is in the midst of a 21-city tour, will hit New York (Sept. 8), Chicago (Sept. 9), Washington, DC (Sept. 10), and will close out the series with a live in- concert filming, in his hometown, Atlanta, (Sept. 15 and 16). The film will debut as a movie in 2007.
Tucker has already made appearances in cities such as Baltimore, Jacksonville, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Orlando and San Diego. He goes one-on-one with his audience sharing his thoughts on celebrity friends, family, politics and everyday life.
"Every true comedian eventually returns to his roots -- stand-up comedy," says Tucker. "There's energy, an excitement you can only receive when you're in front of a live audience. I love my movie career, but I miss that one-on-one connection with the crowd. I'm excited to get back 'home' in front of my fans and tell them what's been going on with me."
Tucker returns to the stage after nearly a decade, where he established his career as a stand-up comedian after appearing on Def Comedy Jam. He went on to play starring roles in blockbuster movies including: Friday, Money Talks, as well as Rush Hour and Rush Hour 2, where he starred alongside international action superstar Jackie Chan. He starts filming Rush Hour 3 in late September; the movie is expected to be released next summer.
Tucker has recently established the Chris Tucker Foundation tackling issues such as HIV/AIDS, education and the lack of clean water in Africa.
Remaining Shows
NYC, NY - Friday, Sept. 8, 2006, 7:30 pm
Beacon Theatre
2124 Broadway
Ticketmaster - 212.307.7171
Chicago, IL - Saturday, Sept. 9, 7:30 pm
Arie Crown Theater
2301 Lake Shore Drive/McCormick Pl
Ticketmaster - 312.559.1212
Washington, DC - Sunday, Sept. 10, 6:00 pm
Warner Theatre
13th St, NW
Ticketmaster - 202.397.7328
Atlanta, GA - Friday, Sept. 15, 8:00 pm
Fabulous Fox Theatre Atlanta
660 Peachtree St., NE
Ticketmaster - 404.817.8700
Web site: http://www.noelle-elaine.com/
Zoran Announces NEW High Performance SupraTV 160 Processor Family for Set Top Box and Digital Television Markets Grundig and Homecast Models; Zoran Reference Designs Demonstrated at IBC 2006 in Amsterdam
-- Zoran Corporation (NASDAQ:ZRAN) announced that its SupraTV 160 family of highly integrated processors for digital televisions and set top box systems, is shipping in new products from Homecast and other major European brands that will be demonstrated at the International Broadcast Convention (IBC) 2006 in Amsterdam during September 8-12. In addition, new set-top box models from Grundig using SupraTV processors will be on display.
"Homecast's SupraTV 140-based satellite set-top boxes have been very successful because the SupraTV processor enables us to provide many high quality features accessed via an attractive user interface. We have received excellent support from Zoran to optimize our new product solutions. Our customers welcome our new SupraTV 160-based models -- especially, the USB support and the improved price points," said Seung-Jo Choi, managing director and chief technology officer at Homecast.
"Zoran's SupraTV 140 processor has worked well for Grundig's current families of entry, mid-range, and digital video recorders for the European satellite and terrestrial markets. We welcome the opportunity to use Zoran's new SupraTV 160 processors to provide additional key features such as common interface modules for viewing encrypted content and playback of external media files enabled by the new USB interface," said Horst Janssen, product director digital reception at Grundig.
"Our goal for the SupraTV 160 family of products is to enable our customers to offer a range of highly differentiated products based on a single platform. We are delighted that set-top boxes based on our SupraTV processors are now in production from Grundig, Homecast and other leading manufacturers of satellite and terrestrial set-top boxes for Europe and the Middle East," said Ram Ofir, senior vice president, general manager Zoran's home entertainment division.
The SupraTV 160 family of programmable processors when combined with Zoran's complete SiliconSoftware solution deliver all the key features required for designing terrestrial, satellite, and cable set-top boxes as well as integrated digital televisions for the European market. Advanced features enabling manufacturers to offer highly differentiated products even in cost- sensitive markets include: digital video recording hardware and software, two- slot Common Interface Modules (DVB-CIMs), MHEG-5 for the UK terrestrial market, advanced security, and USB 1.1 for software updates as well as MP3 and JPEG file decoding.
The SupraTV 160 family integrates a MIPS32 CPU complete with a Memory Management Unit supporting 16 and 32bit SDRAM, programmable multi-stream transport demultiplexer with conditional access, flexible audio DSP supporting MPEG, MP3, and WMA audio standards, MPEG video decoder, high quality video scalar with an advanced 2D graphics engine, digital video encoder, audio DAC, digital timing oscillator, and smart card protection and control functions. A programmable guest bus enables glueless connections to hard drives or peripheral devices including Common Interface and Ethernet ICs, and is used in conjunction with other features to offer a low system cost for DVB-CIM and digital video recording.
The SupraTV 160 processor will be demonstrated by invitation at Zoran's IBC customer meeting suite located in the RAI Convention Center.
About Zoran Corporation
Zoran Corporation, based in Sunnyvale, California, is a leading provider of digital solutions in the growing digital entertainment and digital imaging markets. With two decades of expertise developing and delivering digital signal processing technologies, Zoran has pioneered high-performance digital audio and video, imaging applications and Connect and Share technologies for the digital home. Zoran's proficiency in integration delivers major benefits for OEM customers, including greater capabilities within each product generation, reduced system costs, and shorter time to market. Zoran-based DVD, digital camera, DTV, multimedia mobile phone, and multifunction printer products have received recognition for excellence and are now hundreds of millions of homes worldwide. With headquarters in the U.S. and operations in Canada, China, England, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, Zoran may be contacted on the World Wide Web at www.zoran.com or at +1-408-523-6500.
Zoran, the Zoran logo, SiliconSoftware and SupraTV are trademarks or registered trademarks of Zoran Corporation and/or its subsidiaries in the United Stated and/or other countries. All other names and brands may be claimed as property of others.
Source: Zoran Corporation
Web site: http://www.zoran.com/
Lionel Richie Announces Coming Home Tour Exclusive Charitable Pre-Sale at Tickets-for-Charity.com(TM) to Benefit United Way
-- Tickets-for-Charity.com, the official online charitable ticketing partner of Lionel Richie's Coming Home Tour, and United Way of America today announced that beginning September 1, 2006, an exclusive pre-sale of tickets for Richie's upcoming fall 2006 concert tour will benefit United Way. The pre-sale includes premium seats and VIP packages at different price levels for every show on the tour. The 16-city tour will begin in Detroit on October 27 and end on November 25 in Oakland, CA. During the pre-sale period, which ends on September 22, tickets for the tour are only available at Tickets-for-Charity.com and every purchase benefits United Way. Lionel Richie's Coming Home album featuring the hit single, "I Call It Love" is in stores on September 12.
"We are thrilled that Lionel Richie's upcoming concert tour will benefit United Way and we thank Tickets-for-Charity for making it possible," said Brian Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way of America. "United Way is committed to making a difference in people's lives throughout the country. This is a great way for Lionel Richie fans to contribute to the work of United Way, such as ensuring children are ready for school or improving access to healthcare. Besides," Gallagher continued, "Lionel Richie is an incredible entertainer."
Tickets and VIP packages, including backstage passes to an exclusive pre-show party and a meet-and-greet with Lionel Richie, are available at www.tickets-for-charity.com for purchase at face value plus a pre-determined donation amount, which will benefit United Way, especially in the 16 tour cities.
"Based in theatres and small venues, Lionel Richie's Coming Home tour will be an intimate, unforgettable experience for fans," said Jord Poster, founder of Tickets-for-Charity. "They'll not only get access to some of the best seats in the house, they'll also receive the satisfaction of knowing they've helped United Way in their important work supporting communities across the country."
"I have always believed in the work of United Way," said Richie. "They are there day-in and day-out in towns across America to make things better for young children, families, or those affected by crises like Hurricane Katrina. I couldn't be happier that this great organization will benefit from my tour thanks to Tickets-for-Charity."
United Way makes a difference every day in the lives of millions of Americans by addressing the underlying causes of critical issues facing communities. While local United Ways tackle issues based on local needs, common areas of focus include helping children and youth succeed, improving access to healthcare, promoting self-sufficiency, and strengthening families.
Tickets-for-Charity offers fans access to great seats at their favorite sports, music and theater events that are not available anywhere else and -- in the process -- gives them an easy way to support important charitable causes. Tickets-for-Charity.com, which launched in August 2005, has raised more than $1.6 million for highly respected national charities through charitable sales for music and sports events, including The Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang 2005-2006 Tour, Barbra Streisand's 2006 Tour and The Boston Red Sox 2006 Season.
Fans can visit www.tickets-for-charity.com to find exclusive seats and VIP packages for all Lionel Richie tour dates. The full tour schedule is as follows:
DATE CITY VENUE
27-Oct Detroit, MI Music Hall
28-Oct Chicago, IL Sears Centre
30-Oct Toronto, ON Roy Thomson Hall
3-Nov Washington, DC Constitution Hall
4-Nov Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Events Center
5-Nov Baltimore, MD Symphony Hall
7-Nov Newark, NJ NJ Performing Arts Center
8-Nov New York, NY Beacon Theatre
10-Nov Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
11-Nov Boston, MA Opera House
12-Nov Philadelphia, PA Tower Theater
15-Nov Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
17-Nov Charenton, LA Cypress Bayou Casino
18-Nov Charenton, LA Cypress Bayou Casino
19-Nov Sunrise, FL BankAtlantic Center
24-Nov Los Angeles, CA Kodak Theatre
25-Nov Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre
About Charity Partners, LLC and Tickets-for-Charity(TM)
Charity Partners, LLC was founded by Jord Poster (one of the founders of Priceline.com) to develop high-impact fundraising platforms for recognized public charities throughout the U.S. and the world. The Company has set a goal of generating more than $1 billion a year in charitable donations by 2010. Beginning with the $15 billion of financial value trapped in the hands of unsanctioned resellers in the secondary ticket market, the Company formed Tickets-for-Charity(TM) in 2004 to give sports and music fans a convenient way to support important causes while gaining access to high demand sporting and entertainment events across the country. In addition to United Way, Charity Partners currently partners with highly respected charities nationwide, including America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, CARE, City Year, CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation, Jumpstart for Young Children, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, The Leary Firefighters Foundation, The National Children's Cancer Society, National Federation of the Blind and Partnership for a Drug-Free America.
About United Way
United Way is a national network of more than 1,300 local organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and people's lives by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant local issues. While local United Ways tackle issues based on local needs, common areas of focus include helping children and youth succeed, improving access to health care, promoting self-sufficiency, and strengthening families. For more information about United Way, please visit: www.unitedway.org.
Source: Tickets-for-Charity
Web site: http://www.unitedway.org/
Web site: http://www.tickets-for-charity.com/
Anheuser-Busch to Launch 'Bud.TV,' an Online Entertainment Network
Programming to Feature Multiple Channels of Original Content
Anheuser-Busch will tap into the world's growing online community by launching an internet-based entertainment network -- Bud.TV -- featuring 24-hour live and on-demand programming from numerous exclusive partners such as Wild West Picture Show Productions, TriggerStreet.com, LivePlanet, SEED, @radical.media, Omelet and DDB Worldwide.
Bud.TV will engage contemporary adult consumers with a wide array of entertainment options in branded and original proprietary content including new humorous webisodes, sporting events, consumer-generated content, field news reports, celebrity interviews, music downloads and comedian vignettes. The first-of-its-kind initiative is slated to launch in February 2007, and more content providers will be announced in the coming months.
"We're always looking for new opportunities to connect with adult consumers on a more personal level," said August Busch IV, president, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "With adults spending more time online looking for entertainment to fit their lifestyles, we believe Bud.TV will enable us to reach them in an engaging and fun way."
Bud.TV will launch as a multi-channel online network, with as many as seven channels dedicated to a variety of consumer-interest areas, including comedy, sports, news, short films, and original and mainstream programming. The network will also serve as a distribution platform for multimedia content providers showcasing new and creative material. Bud.TV's innovative desktop application will allow users to view the content in full-screen DVD quality, setting Bud.TV apart in quality and performance from other online entertainment portals.
Bud.TV will partner with Wild West Picture Show Productions in the marketing release campaign of its upcoming documentary "Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show." In addition, Bud.TV will showcase short films of rising filmmakers and screen writers on Kevin Spacey's TriggerStreet.com project, along with multi-platform productions from LivePlanet -- producers of the Matt Damon-Ben Affleck fronted "Project Greenlight," the world's largest online filmmaking contest.
"Supporting TriggerStreet.com since its creation four years ago, Anheuser-Busch understands the importance of encouraging promising talent in new and innovative ways," said Spacey, Academy Award winning actor and founder of TriggerStreet.com. "With Bud.TV they are continuing on this exciting path while providing original content for the growing number of adults who seek entertainment on the Internet."
Bud.TV also will tap into existing and forthcoming projects from partners like SEED (a division of Backyard Productions), @radical.media, and Omelet for reality programming and original content.
"We saw a great opportunity to partner with several of the world's most enlightened entertainment content providers into a single, unique online network," Busch said. "As adult consumers look for more entertainment options online, Bud.TV will help redefine the boundaries of emerging media."
Anheuser-Busch tapped into the talent of its former Vice President of Creative Development Jim Schumacker to head up the new Digital Marketing team overseeing Bud.TV. Schumacker and his team report to Vice President of Global Media and Sports Marketing Tony Ponturo as the company expands its use of new media to communicate with consumers.
Anheuser-Busch is working with DDB Worldwide as the lead agency to help manage and produce Bud.TV. Rodgers/Townsend (St. Louis) is providing the interactive design for the website and desktop application, and Nine Systems (San Diego) is producing the technology and distribution platform for Bud.TV.
Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.8 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer, and a 27 percent share in Tsingtao, the No. 1 brewer in China. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired U.S. and Global Companies lists in 2006. Anheuser-Busch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and is America's top recycler of aluminum cans. For more information, visit http://www.anheuser-busch.com/ .
Sony Computer Entertainment America Media Statement Regarding New European Launch Date for PLAYSTATION 3
Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced it remains on track for the November 17, 2006 launch of the PLAYSTATION(R) 3 computer entertainment system in North America.
Earlier today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced it had revised its launch date to March, 2007. Responding to this announcement, Kaz Hirai, president and chief executive officer, SCEA stated:
"The change in the release date for PLAYSTATION 3 in the SCEE territories will not impact our launch for the system here in North America. Our plans remain unchanged, and we are on track to meeting our goals with this important launch. It is also important to note that the previously announced global PLAYSTATION 3 shipment forecast of six million units within the fiscal year ending 2007 has not changed."
The revision of the launch date in the SCEE territories was caused by the delay in the mass production schedule of the blue laser diode within the Sony Group, thus affecting the timely procurement of key components to be utilized in PLAYSTATION 3.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PS one(TM) game console, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system and the upcoming, much-anticipated PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for PS one game console, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PSP handheld entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as regional headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. More information can be found online at http://www.us.playstation.com/ .
Donald Trump Says 'You're Fired' and Now Former Trump Executive Vice President Needs Severance Package Negotiations Expert Career Protection Will Provide Free Consultation and Expert Severance Pay Negotiations Advice for 'Apprentice' Co-Star and Longtime Employee of the Trump Organization
-- Carolyn Kepcher, who sat beside Donald Trump during many employment terminations on the 'Apprentice,' had the boardroom table turned on her and has been let go. Kepcher, a co-star with Trump from the start of the 'Apprentice' and Chief Operating Officer of two of Trump's golf courses, has been offered complimentary severance pay package negotiation advice by the employment law and human resources experts of CareerProtection.com.
"The shock of her dismissal reported Friday proves that anyone, even a longtime star performer of a company, can have their employment terminated without notice, for any reason, and at any time. Kirk Nemer, J.D., SPHR, President and CEO of Career Protection(R), has offered Ms. Kepcher his employment law expert negotiation advice for her severance pay package.
"Executives and professional employees need expert advice and counsel on their side during such difficult and stressful times," Nemer stated. "Severance pay and packages must be negotiated as they are not a 'take-it-or-leave-it' situation," Nemer added.
Nemer said that "companies want a General Release of Legal Claims in exchange for a severance package, and will happily negotiate its terms to get one.
"We would like to assist Kepcher with a severance pay negotiations strategy that would enable her to get the best severance package from the Trump Organization," Nemer adds.
For more information on how executives and professionals can receive a severance pay negotiations strategy and free consultation to protect their career and financial future, visit http://www.careerprotection.com/ .
About Career Protection(R)
A leading national provider of employment negotiations advice, the human resource and legal experts at Career Protection(R) have protected the careers of professionals throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Career Protection has negotiated hundreds of employment agreements and severance pay packages. Career Protection's HR and legal experts have previously served as Vice Presidents of Human Resources, Directors of Human Resources, Corporate Counsel/Attorneys, or Recruiters for many Fortune 500 and Global Corporations. For more information, contact Career Protection or visit http://www.careerprotection.com/ .
Top Executives Deliver "the Goods" to ICT Attendees at IEC's Broadband World Forum Americas
Industry leaders share executive insight as they discuss the cable network, its applications, cutting-edge content, and entertainment opportunities in
"Delivering the Goods: Content and Applications for Broadband Networks"
CHICAGO – September 5, 2006 – The International Engineering Consortium (IEC) will present Stephen Ackroyd, President at Yummy Interactive, Inc.; Robert C. McIntyre, Chief Technical Officer at Scientific-Atlanta; Pauline Moller, Vice President and Executive Producer at Electronic Arts (Canada) Inc.; Robin Murdoc, Global Portal Segment Lead at Accenture; David Purdy, Vice President & General Manager, Television Services, Rogers Cable Communications Inc; and Ronald J. Zimmer, President and Chief Executive Officer at CABA in a cutting-edge plenary panel at the inaugural Broadband World Forum Americas, which takes place September 11-14 at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre.
IEC President John Janowiak commented, "We are thrilled to bring an equipment provider, a cable provider, a content-distribution enabler, a content provider, an association that promotes advanced technologies for the automation of homes, and a consultant together in one panel representing each segment of a complete network. This panel exemplifies what attendees will reap from more than 150 industry experts in more than 40 educational sessions boasting the latest developments under the large umbrella of broadband. The Broadband World Forums feature key players at the forefront of the industry, and we are pleased to bring our world-class programming to the Americas."
The panel will talk about the further penetration of addressable markets for broadband access services and how it depends on consumer demand for the content and applications enabled by these services. Panelists will lead the discussion by analyzing the most compelling applications, what it takes to become a preferred provider, and other issues in this critical area.
Chairperson Ackroyd commented, "I will talk about how broadband enables the electronic delivery of top games, which today are frequently 5 GB or bigger. Carriers need real content-based services to make the quad play a reality. I will show attendees how carriers can create subscription games services and sell electronic versions of games with as little effort as creating a Web link."
"I look forward to discussing how the broadband experience allows for the personalization of the TV and video experience, as well as the roll out of sustainable business models that will support the vast array of content available in the broadband space," said David Purdy, VP and GM, Television Services for Rogers Cable Communications Inc. "In addition, I look forward to sharing how Rogers plans to leverage content delivery, with specific references to the FIFA World Cup."
Robert McIntyre, CTO at Scientific Atlanta, a Cisco company added, "I will discuss how we are at a broadband technology inflection point where we see digital compression, security, user interface and architecture decisions we made ten years ago being made again, as IP convergence drives a broadband network upgrade cycle." McIntyre continued, "As a result, the expansion of video services is driving architecture and bandwidth for next-generation networks. HDTV and time-shifted viewing are creating a renewed excitement about television, the path to NGN is now clear, and telco IPTV deployments are happening today, not tomorrow."
Finally, President and CEO of CABA, Ronald Zimmer, concluded, "CABA has undertaken leading-edge research, through its Internet Home Alliance Research Council, on the future of broadband in the home. This data and information will allow Broadband World Forum Americas' attendees to learn about technology and applications and how to target specific consumer segments and create more profits and satisfied end-user experiences."
This session takes place on September 14 at 9 a.m. and all industry professionals are welcome to attend at no cost with an Exhibits Plus pass, which is available at the main registration counter.
To view additional featured speakers at the show, visit http://www.iec.org/events/2006/bbwf_americas/conference/featured_speakers.html.
About the Broadband World Forum Americas
The inaugural Broadband World Forum Americas debuts September 11–14, 2006, at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. With TELUS as the official sponsor, the event completes the Broadband Series, which includes the popular Broadband World Forum Europe (the 2005 Madrid event drew nearly 6,000 industry professionals to register) and the successful Broadband World Forum Asia. For more information, please visit http://www.iec.org/events/2006/bbwf_americas.
About the IEC
A nonprofit organization, the IEC is dedicated to catalyzing technology and business progress worldwide in a range of high-technology industries and their university communities. Since 1944, the IEC has provided high-quality educational opportunities for industry professionals, academics, and students.
In conjunction with industry-leading companies, the IEC has developed an extensive, free, on-line educational program. The IEC conducts industry-university programs that have a substantial impact on curricula. It also conducts research and develops publications, conferences, and technological exhibits that address major opportunities and challenges of the information age.
More than 70 leading high-technology universities are IEC affiliates, and the IEC handles the affairs of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association and Eta Kappa Nu, the honor society for electrical and computer engineers. The IEC also manages the activities of the Enterprise Communications Consortium. Please visit http://www.iec.org.
The Road to Sugarland
By Peter Cronin
© 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.
The storm came quickly and was on top of the fans before they knew it; a real Tennessee squall complete with roaring thunder and dangerous lightning. The steamy-and-sunny weather held until literally the eleventh hour at this year's CMA Music Festival in June, but the sky finally opened up at the end of the final night - just as Sugarland was about to hit the stage.
"I hated it for the fans, but they stuck with it and waited out the rain," said Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles. "We were back in the dressing room and they had them in the tunnels where they evacuate people in that situation. All of a sudden they were all singin' Hank Williams Jr's 'Family Tradition,' and I said, 'I will absolutely stay as long as I have to, to play for these guys because they love music and they are dedicated to it.' They were making the best out of what could have been a pretty chaotic situation."
The same could be said of Sugarland, a trio that rose from the ashes of three marginally successful singer/songwriter careers to become the breakout Country act of 2005. The band's debut album, Twice the Speed of Life, was released in 2004 and before anybody could run for cover, Sugarland was tearing up the charts and Nettles' soaring Country/gospel voice was dominating the Country airwaves. Smash hit singles "Baby Girl," "Something More" and "Down in Mississippi (and Up to No Good)" catapulted the trio - Kristen Hall, Nettles and Kristian Bush - to top-drawer tours opening for Kenny Chesney and Brooks & Dunn.
When Luke Lewis, Co-Chairman of Universal Music Group Nashville, caught one of Sugarland's shows, he knew right away he'd found something special.
"Their live performance was among the best I've ever seen," Lewis said. "Jennifer Nettles was mesmerizing, and the songs were great."
"It was pretty quick," Nettles said. "We started and a year later we had a record deal. We had all done it our own way, but without really shooting for the fences. And when we got together we just said, 'Let's go for it, let's write these songs, let's do it in Country Music because that's where the heart of the singer/songwriter is right now and that's what we do.'"
While they're not necessarily on a mission to make Country Music safe again for singer/songwriters, neither is Sugarland your typical Music Row success story.
"I think the Country fans of today are the same people that were into the acoustic rock movement of the '90s," Bush said. "I think they're the same people who bought John Cougar Mellencamp records and Black Eyed Peas records. I'm watching Country Music as a format that opens its arms more liberally than any other format that I've been involved with."
Sugarland's roots go back to Atlanta in the late '90s and the same vibrant singer/songwriter scene that spawned pop hitmakers like Shawn Mullins and John Mayer. Eddie's Attic, a songwriter's club in the Atlanta suburb of Decatur, was one of the focal points of the scene and Nettles' husband, Todd Van Sickle, owned the place for a few years. As solo artists, the three were aiming for the then-emerging AAA radio format - Nettles with her locally legendary live shows, Hall with her solo releases on the small High Street label, and Bush with his own major label duo, Billy Pilgrim - when Hall made the call that started the Sugarland ball rolling.
"She called me and said, 'I believe in you, and I believe in your writing, and I think that you're undiscovered,'" Bush said. "She also knew that I'd had a major record deal and that I knew how to navigate all of it, and she'd never done that."
Bush and Hall began writing songs together and immediately knew they'd found something special. Needing a singer, they enlisted Nettles, who became the vocal spark that ignited and distinguished Sugarland.
From their hit singles to deeper album cuts such as the inspirational "Stand Back Up," the songs they wrote together for Twice the Speed of Life chronicle both the frustrations and obstacles they faced trying to bust out of the Atlanta scene and the dreams and the drive that were so integral to their eventual success.
"We really wanted to get out of where we had all been as artists and move beyond that to something bigger," Nettles said. "Consequently all the songs reflect that; 'Fly Away,' 'Baby Girl,' all of those songs - you speak to the human condition and write what you know in your life."
Sugarland's compelling blend of true-to-life lyrics and soaring melodies proved irresistable to Country fans, who quickly propelled the band's sales into the triple-Platinum stratosphere.
"We're constantly excited about every turn of events," Bush said. "Every stage we get to play, and every friend who turns another person on to our music, it's a thrill every time."
Hall may have been the catalyst that got them going, but at the height of Sugarland's newfound success, she made the decision to leave the act and concentrate full-time on her songwriting. Bush and Nettles didn't miss a beat. Focusing on their strengths and similarities, the new duo continued to tour non-stop and write for their upcoming sophomore album. With their small-town backgrounds and shared musical sensibilities, the creative chemistry between them only grew stronger.
"Kristian and I work together very, very well on an interpersonal level," Nettles said. "We enjoy each other's company and we have our own rhythm in the way we write together."
Both Bush and Nettles were raised in small southern towns - she in Douglas, Ga., and he in Dolly Parton's hometown of Sevierville, Tenn., - in homes where music was around all the time.
"My mom loved the radio, and that shaped me as a musician, a writer and an artist," Nettles said. "It was always Crystal Gayle, Rita Coolidge, Juice Newton and Linda Ronstadt, especially."
For Bush, music came early and easily. When he was 4 years old, his mother enrolled him and his brother Brandon in a pilot program at the University of Tennessee for the Suzuki violin method.
"My brother and I were both guinea pigs for that system," Bush said. "When a child's language skills are developing, they teach them music as if it's another language."
It's hard to argue with success. Both Bush brothers went on to become multi-instrumentalists and major-label successes. Brandon plays keyboard with the Columbia Records rock band Train. Most recently, Brandon has been in a Nashville recording studio, adding keyboards to Sugarland's new tracks.
"I'm trying to get Brandon to come out and play with us," Bush said.
For Nettles, growing up in the Southern Baptist tradition was the perfect way to develop her voice.
"Growing up in the South and in the rich heritage of gospel and blues and R&B and soul; it's in our food, it's hot and sweaty and fried chicken and all of those things," she said. "Before Sugarland and Country specifically, my style was unfocused. I love all kinds of music, so I would sing all kinds of music - jazz, show tunes, R&B and Country as well. It's been really nice to focus and develop that part of my craft."
She may have found her true voice singing Country, but Nettles still knows how to rock. When the upstart trio joined rock superstars Bon Jovi for an acclaimed episode of CMT's "Crossroads," the vocal chemistry between Nettles and Bon Jovi was so potent that the band invited Nettles to join them in the studio. The resulting duet single, "Who Says You Can't Go Home," was a multi-week No. 1 Country hit for the New Jersey rockers and a memorable performance at the 2005 CMA Awards. In August, the 2006 CMA Awards nominations were announced and Nettles and Bon Jovi are up for Musical Event of the Year for the duet plus Sugarland also received nominations for Horizon and Vocal Group of the Year.
For Sugarland, the past couple of years have been a non-stop, pedal-to-the-metal ride to the top between the tours and the TV appearances and the Awards shows.
"It feels like a gift, and I'm just thankful for it every day," Bush said about his artistic partnership with Nettles. "Who else can you sit across from in a rocking chair when you're 70 and say, 'Hey, remember playing the GRAMMYS? Do you remember when Paul McCartney came up and said, 'Hey, I really dig your sound-check'?"
When the band appeared on the hit NBC-TV show "Las Vegas," Nettles even got a chance to make her acting debut. But in the midst of all the craziness that goes along with Country stardom, both Nettles and Bush remain focused on maintaining their artistic momentum and taking full advantage of what they know is a once-in-a-lifetime creative partnership.
"I have found that my creative self knows where I am in the world before my conscious self does," Nettles said. "When I look at the songs we're writing for this next record; a song called 'Settling' about not settling for less than you're worth, or a song like 'Want To,' which is about exploring something new and jumping into something deeper; I'm having to go inside and churn up all these things and dig deep."
Bush and Nettles, who are co-producing their sophomore album with Byron Gallimore, can hardly contain their excitement when talking about the music the fans will get to hear this fall when the album, Enjoy the Ride, is scheduled for release on Nov. 7.
"It's a really beautiful record," Bush enthused. "It's still a roots record, and the topics and the songs are beautiful. A lot of people have discovered what we're doing, and I want to make those people proud."
As for Nettles, reflecting on that stormy Nashville night in June at the CMA Music Festival when - even after four days and nights of non-stop music - the fans waited for more than an hour to hear her band perform, she knows that Sugarland is in exactly the right place.
"I'm from the South and Country Music has been a part of my life forever," she said. "And we are really lucky as Sugarland to have the fans that we do. Every kind of music has its own style of fan, but Country Music, I believe, is special."
On the Web: www.sugarlandmusic.com
Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley Lead Nominees with Six Nominations Each for "The 40th Annual CMA Awards"
By Wendy Pearl
© 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.
The final list of nominees for "The 40th Annual CMA Awards" is an across-the-board collection of hard-core traditionalists, Country Music hit makers, mainstream innovators, with a healthy dose of up-and-comers added to the mix.
"Country Music is thriving on the talent and creativity of an outstanding group of artists and they are well represented with our nominees," said CMA COO Tammy Genovese. "These talented performers, musicians, songwriters, producers and directors demonstrate the artistic depth and creativity driving the growth of our format this year. It is an exciting time for Country Music and the 2006 CMA Awards will definitely reflect that in November."
"Today is one of the most exciting days of the year, not just for Country Music but for ABC as we plan our inaugural broadcast of the CMA Awards," said Andrea Wong, Executive VP, Alternative Series, Specials and Late-Night, ABC Entertainment. "We congratulate the incredible lineup of nominees whose talent reflects all the best and brightest in all of music today and we look forward to celebrating with them and our partners in Country Music this November."
"The 40th Annual CMA Awards" will be hosted for the third time by Arista Nashville super duo Brooks & Dunn and broadcast live from the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Monday, Nov. 6 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.
For the first time, the announcement of the final nominees in five of the 12 CMA Awards categories was made on ABC News' "Good Morning America" with Brad Paisley and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, from the "Good Morning America" studios in New York City's Times Square. The remaining categories were announced by Jason Aldean and Little Big Town on a special edition of CMT's "CMT Insider" live from the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville.
"This year the CMA Awards will come right from the heart of Downtown Nashville, here at the Gaylord Entertainment Center, right across the street from the mother church of Country Music, the Ryman Auditorium, on historic Broadway, right across from the Country Music Hall of Fame, which preserves the treasures as well as the deep roots of Country Music," said Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell. "I have no question that the stars will shine in Downtown Nashville. It is incredibly important for all of us to come together in this way to celebrate 'Country Music's Biggest NightT.'"
"Having both 'Good Morning America' and 'CMT Insider' broadcast our CMA Awards final nominees live brings a whole new level of excitement to these highly-anticipated announcements and allows fans across the country to experience the same excitement our artists and the industry feel as the names are announced," Genovese said.
Paisley didn't simply deliver the good news; he was one of the major stories of the day with six nominations for the 2006 CMA Awards including Entertainer; Male Vocalist; Album for Time Well Wasted; and Single, Musical Event and Music Video of the Year for "When I Get Where I'm Going" (featuring Dolly Parton).
Paisley, who has won five CMA Awards since he won the Horizon Award in 2000, tied for the most nominations with CMA Awards hosts Brooks & Dunn. But Ronnie Dunn slipped ahead in the overall tally with an added nomination as songwriter on the duo's hit "Believe," which Dunn co-wrote with Craig Wiseman, marking Dunn's first individual nomination.
Brooks & Dunn were nominated for Entertainer, which they won in 1996; Vocal Duo, which they have won a record 13 times; Album for Hillbilly Deluxe; Single and Music Video for "Believe;" and Musical Event of the Year for "Building Bridges," with guest vocals by Sheryl Crow and the man who hosted the CMA Awards for 12 consecutive years before Brooks & Dunn took over in 2004, Vince Gill. This is Crow's second CMA Awards nomination. Only one nomination is counted per category, per project, but the duo could pick up additional trophies at this year's ceremony for co-producing their nominated Single with Tony Brown, and Album with Mark Wright, Tom Shapiro, Bob DiPiero and Brown.
With six nominations bringing his career total nominations to 33, Paisley moves ahead of music legends Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Conway Twitty in the nominations count. With three nominations this year for her work with Paisley on "When I Get Where I'm Going," Parton moves ahead of Reba McEntire as the female artist with the most CMA Awards nominations (43) in the 40-year history of the CMA Awards.
Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban and newcomer Carrie Underwood each had four nominations. Chesney was nominated for Entertainer, which he won in 2004; Male Vocalist; Album for The Road and the Radio; and Single of the Year for "Summertime." Chesney could win two additional Awards for co-producing his nominated Album and Single of the Year with Buddy Cannon.
Urban was nominated for Entertainer; Male Vocalist; Single for "Better Life," produced by Urban and Dann Huff; and Song of the Year for "Tonight I Wanna Cry," which Urban co-wrote with Monty Powell. Urban won his first CMA Award in 2001 with the Horizon Award. In 2004, he won Male Vocalist and last year Urban won Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year.
One of the breakout artists of the past year, Underwood definitely didn't miss the attention of CMA's voting members. She her first CMA Awards nominations including Female Vocalist; the Horizon Award; and Single and Music Video of the Year for "Jesus Take the Wheel," which was also nominated for Song of the Year for songwriters, Hillary Lindsey, Brett James and Gordie Sampson.
After winning three consecutive Vocal Group of the Year Awards (2003, 2004, 2005), Rascal Flatts received their first nomination for Entertainer of the Year. The Entertainer of the Year Award has only been won four times by a group including Dixie Chicks (2000) and Alabama (1982, 1983, 1984). Rascal Flatts also received nominations for Vocal Group and Album of the Year for Me and My Gang. Rascal Flatts co-produced the album with Huff.
Several artists received two nominations each this year including Big & Rich, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Sugarland and Gretchen Wilson.
A song that resonated with CMA Awards voters was Big & Rich's poignant "8th of November," about a physically and emotionally scarred Vietnam Veteran. The anthem was nominated for Song of the Year, giving Big Kenny Alphin and John Rich individual nominations as songwriters. They received two nominations as Big & Rich for Vocal Duo and Music Video of the Year for "8th of November," which was directed by Robert Deaton, George Flanigen IV and Marc Oswald.
Hill won Female Vocalist of the Year in 2000 and she is nominated in the category again in 2006. She is also nominated in the Musical Event of the Year category with husband Tim McGraw for "Like We Never Loved at All." Hill and McGraw have a string of nominations in the musical collaboration category including "Let's Make Love" (2000); "Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me" (1998); and "It's Your Love," which won the CMA Award in 1997.
Jackson maintains his perch atop of the list of artists with the most career CMA Awards nominations in 2006 with 74. He is nominated for Male Vocalist and Album of the Year for Precious Memories. The album is a pared down collection of church standards Jackson recorded for his mother as a Christmas present in 2005. Initially, there were only 100 copies recorded.
Lambert received her first CMA Awards nomination in 2005 for the Horizon Award and in 2006 she has two nominations - Horizon and Music Video of the Year for "Kerosene," which was directed by Trey Fanjoy. An artist can only receive two nominations for the Horizon category in their career. Little Big Town received their first CMA Awards nominations in 2006 including Horizon and Vocal Group of the Year.
Like Little Big Town, Sugarland also received nominations for Horizon and Vocal Group of the Year, but Jennifer Nettles also picked up a solo nod for Musical Event of the Year with Bon Jovi for their duet "Who Says You Can't Go Home." This is Bon Jovi's first CMA Awards nomination.
Wilson won the Horizon trophy in 2004 and last year she was named CMA Female Vocalist of the Year. She is nominated in that category again in 2006 and picked up an additional nomination for Musical Event of the Year with Merle Haggard for "Politically Uncorrect."
As the CMA Awards celebrates its 40th Anniversary, it is interesting to note that Haggard was nominated for Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year in 1967 at the first "CMA Awards Banquet and Show," and has received a nomination in every decade since for a career total of 45 CMA Awards nominations.
Completing the Female Vocalist of the Year category with Hill, Underwood and Wilson are Sara Evans and Martina McBride. McBride has won the Female Vocalist of the Year trophy four times (1999, 2002, 2003, 2004), surpassing Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette's record and tying her with Reba McEntire for the most wins in the Female Vocalist category.
In 2005, Dierks Bentley won the Horizon Award and in 2006 he joins the ranks of the Male Vocalist of the Year category for the first time, rounding out the list with Chesney, Jackson, Paisley, and Urban.
Joining Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, and Sugarland in the Vocal Group of the Year category are Lonestar and Alison Krauss + Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas, which received its first Vocal Group of the Year nomination in 2005. And speaking of Douglas, CMA's reigning Musician of the Year picks up an additional nod in the Musician category this year.
Brooks & Dunn's domination on the Vocal Duo of the Year category is being challenged in 2006 by Big & Rich; Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry, who won the Award in 2000; Van Zant, made up of Southern rock royalty brothers Donnie Van Zant (.38 Special) and Johnny Van Zant (Lynyrd Skynyrd); and a new entry in the category, Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp of The Wreckers.
Rounding out the Horizon Award category with Lambert, Little Big Town, Sugarland and Underwood is Josh Turner. Turner received his first CMA Awards nomination in the category in 2004.
"The depth and diversity of the Horizon nominees this year really speaks to the strength and future of the format," Genovese said.
The 2005 CMA Awards, held Nov. 15 for the first time in New York City at Madison Square Garden, won the night in viewers and key demographics, according to final national Nielsen ratings. The CMA Awards were first in households (11.1/17), viewers (17.73m), adults 18-49 (5.4/13), and adults 25-54 (6.7/15). The Awards were Tuesday's No. 1 program in households, viewers and adults 25-54. According to Nielsen, the CMA Awards was the No. 10 program of the week. Research estimates that more than 36 million viewers watched all of part of the ceremony. The 2005 broadcast ranked behind only the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, and the Emmy Awards during the 2005-06 television season for award shows among total viewers, making the CMA Awards the top-rated music awards program of the television season.
"When the CMA Board of Directors decided to make the move to New York for a one-time event, Nashville's city leaders at first were reluctant, but eventually everyone embraced the idea and saw it as an opportunity to show off our wares and to show off Nashville," said Mike Dungan, CMA Board President and President/CEO of Capitol Records Nashville. "Ultimately our New York show accomplished our goals and set a new bar for higher achievement. Throughout the process we made a total commitment to return the CMA Awards to Nashville and make the 40th anniversary a spectacular event that was bigger and better than it was before."
The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the 6,000 industry professional members of CMA, which was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958. The first "CMA Awards Banquet and Show" was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards were broadcast on NBC television for the first time - making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The show aired on NBC through 1971 and on the CBS Television Network from 1972 through 2005.
Winners of "The 40th Annual CMA Awards" will be determined in the third and final round of voting by eligible voting members of the Country Music Association. CMA Awards balloting is officiated by the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
In addition to live coverage of the CMA Awards nominees news conference events, the special edition of CMT's "CMT Insider" re-aired immediately following the live broadcast and a video news release including footage of the CMA Awards nominees and Country Music Hall of Fame inductees announcements, exclusive interview content, performance footage from the 2005 CMA Awards, music video clips, and more was serviced.
"The 40th Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Walter C. Miller is the Executive Producer; Robert Deaton is the Consulting Producer. Premiere Radio Network is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, including a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2006 CMA Awards. Chevy, an American Revolution, is the official ride of the 2006 CMA Awards. Additional promotional partners include aolmusic.com, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products® and Hallmark Cards®. Charles Fazzino is the official artist of the 2006 CMA Awards.
REACTIONS FROM SOME OF THE CMA AWARDS NOMINEES
"I'm honored and humbled at the same time. There are heroes and friends in this category. A big thanks to everyone that voted for us."
- Dierks Bentley
Male Vocalist of the Year
"This is the most important piece of work we have ever done. This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for us as songwriters and artists to be able to pay a debt of respect and gratitude to all of our veterans, especially the Vietnam vets."
- Big & Rich
Vocal Duo, Music Video and Song of the Year
"Feel like we got some fresh wind in our sails - been a long time since we had this kind of fun - and a magic song like 'Believe' is the kind a career like ours can only dream of. Thanks Ron and Craig [songwriters Ronnie Dunn and Craig Wiseman] and the Man Upstairs for that one. Doesn't hurt to have Vince and Sheryl, two of the greatest talents on the planet, on our current single, either."
- Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn
Entertainer, Vocal Duo, Album, Single, Musical Event and Music Video of the Year
"It's good to feel 'the love' out there. I guess you might think that it would work the other way, but the longer that we're in this business, the more humbling it becomes. Kix and I realize how privileged that we are to be accepted by the fans and the people that surround us within the industry."
- Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn
Entertainer, Vocal Duo, Album, Single, Song, Musical Event and Music Video of the Year
"We work so hard on this music and it's always humbling when your peers hear something in your music that you were trying to get across. I make this music about who I am, for sure, but it's also a lot about the lives the people coming to our shows live . So, in a lot of ways, recognizing The Road and the Radio is telling the people who love this music, that their lives are the things that matter." - Kenny Chesney
Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Album and Single of the Year
"I think [Horizon Award] is even tougher than last year. I definitely gotta bring my 'A' Game. I have to say I am such a fan of the other nominees, it could be anyone's big night. I've been a fan of Little Big Town from the very beginning and Sugarland puts on such great live shows and great albums. It's going to be tough. Plus, it's such a big deal to me that I'm in a category (Music Video of the Year) with artists I have been a fan of for years. Trey Fanjoy did such a fabulous job with the 'Kerosene' video and I'm very proud of it."
- Miranda Lambert
Music Video of the Year and Horizon Award
"We were totally shocked when we saw our name during the Premiere [Radio Networks] broadcast. Kimberly was reading the nominations for Vocal Group of the Year and peeked ahead and saw our name on the card. Jimi was looking over her shoulder in shock while Phillip and I were dying for them to say something. After what seemed like an eternity, Kimberly laughed and read our name as a nominee. We are completely blown away by this ... what a great surprise."
- Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town
Vocal Group of the Year and Horizon Award
"It's been an amazing morning and an unbelievable year. We feel very blessed."
- Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town
Vocal Group of the Year and Horizon Award
"Man, it is always a great honor to be nominated for a CMA Award."
- Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry
Vocal Duo of the Year
"Sharing the honor with artists we'll soon tour with makes it even more exciting." - Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry
Vocal Duo of the Year
"This is great, I'm excited."
- Brad Paisley
Entertainer, Male, Album, Single, Musical Event and Music Video of the Year
"This is our first recognition from the CMA in the entertainer category, and it is such an honor. We have worked so hard the last few years to deliver great albums and to give back to our fans with our live shows. We appreciate that our industry of peers is patting us on the back with these acknowledgements."
- Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts
Entertainer, Vocal Group and Album of the Year
"This is my first time to be nominated for the CMA Awards, so to be recognized for four is a big surprise and an amazing honor. I'm extremely excited and can't wait until November."
- Carrie Underwood
Horizon Award, Female Vocalist, Single and Music Video of the Year
"Donnie and I are blown away by the embrace that Country Music has given us. It's great to see that people appreciate our music and what we do. We want to thank the fans, Country radio and the CMA for this recognition."
- Johnny Van Zant of Van Zant
Vocal Duo of the Year
"I'm always shocked and humbled to hear my name in a category alongside such talented women. I still can't believe I got to sing with Merle Haggard, and I'm so proud to have my name beside his in the event category."
- Gretchen Wilson
Female Vocalist and Musical Event of the Year
"This is a huge honor for us. We are so excited to be sharing the category with the other talented duos and even happier to represent the category from a female perspective."
- Michelle Branch of The Wreckers
Vocal Duo of the Year
"A No. 1 single and our first CMA nomination in one week? It's unbelievable. Michelle and I really set no expectations for this project, so when things like this start happening, it is so exciting. It's a blessing, and it makes all the blood, sweat and tears that went into everything worth it. And I also feel it's an affirmation that Michelle and I were supposed to work together."
- Jessica Harp of The Wreckers
Vocal Duo of the Year
Discovery Communications Inc. Mourns the Death of TV Host and Conservationist Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter
Sept. 5
Discovery Communications is deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Steve was beloved by millions of fans and animal lovers around the world and was one of our planet's most passionate conservationists. He has graced Animal Planet's air since October 1996 and was essential in building Animal Planet into a global brand.
Steve was killed during a filming expedition for Animal Planet on the Great Barrier Reef. While we are still collecting specific details, it appears that this was a rare accident in which Steve swam over a stingray and was stung by its barb in his chest. A doctor on board Croc One, Steve's research vessel, was unable to resuscitate Steve, and by the time a rescue helicopter reached him, he had died.
DCI Founder and Chairman, John Hendricks said, "Steve was a larger than life force. He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions and millions of people across the globe. He was a true friend to all of us at Discovery Communications. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Terri, Bindi and Bob Irwin as well as to the incredible staff and many friends Steve leaves behind."
DCI CEO and President Judith McHale said, "I don't think we will ever get over the loss of Steve Irwin, a human being of enormous feeling and irrepressible enthusiasm and dedication to everything he touched."
Discovery Networks, U.S. President Billy Campbell said, "The sense of loss we feel about Steve is shared by people around the world, evident by the hundreds of heartfelt condolences that have already flooded into Steve's fan site on Animalplanet.com."
Discovery Networks International President Dawn McCall, said, "Rarely has the world embraced an animal enthusiast and conservationist as they did Steve Irwin. Steve's passion for animals and leadership in conservation awareness leaves a powerful and lasting legacy across the globe." Outside the United States, Animal Planet is available in 160 countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East with programming customized in 24 languages.
Animal Planet in the United States will air special tribute programming beginning tonight at 6 p.m. ET/PT. The programming will highlight Steve's background, including his early days as the Croc Hunter, and his passion for wildlife and his family. On Sunday, September 10, Animal Planet U.S. plans to air an all-day marathon tribute featuring the Best of the Croc Hunter. Animal Planet International in markets around the world will provide the same programming.
To honor Steve and the enormous contribution he made to the world and to our company, DCI will rename the garden space in front of Discovery's world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, the "Steve Irwin Memorial Garden."
DCI is planning to create the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund, which it expects to affectionately call "The Crikey Fund." The Fund will be established to honor Steve's passion and exuberance for conservation and the animal kingdom and is expected to provide a way for people from across the globe to make contributions in Steve's honor to support wildlife protection, education and conservation. The Fund will provide support to Steve's Australia Zoo in Beewah, Australia, as well as educational support for his children, Bindi and Bob Irwin.
Steve Irwin was the world's best-known wildlife crusader. As the Crocodile Hunter, Steve became a household name, and his television adventures have been seen around the globe. In 2002, he starred in the feature film, The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course and appeared on numerous popular television talk shows. Throughout his high international profile, Steve's commitment to wildlife always remained paramount.
His passion to protect the world's most endangered and threatened species could be traced back to his parents, conservationists and animal lovers Bob and Lyn Irwin, the founders of Australia Zoo. As a young boy, Steve helped Bob rescue and relocate crocodiles in the rivers of North Queensland. The father- and-son team was proud to say that over 100 crocodiles living at Australia Zoo were either caught by them or bred and raised in the zoo.
In his 20s, Steve volunteered his services to the Queensland government's rogue crocodile relocation program, living alone for years in the mosquito- infested creeks, rivers and mangroves of North Queensland.
In 1992, Steve and his friend, television producer John Stainton, created a distinctive new style of wildlife documentary. That one-hour program, The Crocodile Hunter, featured Steve, his new wife, American wildlife caretaker Terri Raines, and the animals of Far North Queensland. Steve's boisterous charm, unconventional style and extraordinary daring, combined with Terri's wit and composure in dangerous situations and their amazingly close encounters with such potentially deadly creatures as crocodiles, venomous snakes and spiders, made The Crocodile Hunter a worldwide hit.
In addition to The Crocodile Hunter series, Steve and Terri filmed 53 episodes of the Emmy Award-nominated Croc Files, The Crocodile Hunter Diaries, a behind-the-scenes look at Steve's daily life at Australia Zoo, and New Breed Vets, a series highlighting the cutting-edge veterinarian science.
As testimony to their commitment to conservation and the environment, Steve and Terri purchased over 60,000 acres of wildlife-sensitive land and worked the rehabilitation and breeding of some of the world's most endangered animals. At Australia Zoo, they established a breeding program to help such endangered species as the southern cassowary, koala, giant land tortoise, Fijian crested iguana and Komodo dragon, to name just a few. The zoo, a dedicated conservation area covering over 250 acres, earned Australia's most prestigious tourism award as "Major Tourist Attraction" for 2003. Steve was recently awarded the title "2004 Queensland Australian of the Year."
Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media company with operations in 170 countries and territories reaching 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 28 trusted brands including Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and COSMEO, a revolutionary online homework help service, as well as Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. Discovery brings the real world to the whole world through its global multiplatform initiatives including Discovery Travel Media, Discovery Mobile and multiple broadband services. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ:DISCA) (NASDAQ:DISCB) , Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.
Web site: http://www.discovery.com/
http://animalplanet.com/
Veteran TV Host Todd Newton Signs on as Emcee of GSN's Coverage of the 'WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES,' the First-Ever Casual Games Championship Awarding a $1 Million Grand Prize
FUN Technologies' WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES Features the World's Best Players of Solitaire, Zuma and Bejeweled 2 and Tapes Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel
Chuck Woolery Hosts a Special Celebrity Round of the Lingo Online Skill Game Held in Conjunction With the Event
-- Veteran television host Todd Newton ("WHAMMY", "Game$how Marathon," "Made in the USA") will host the first-ever WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES (W3Games), a competition awarding a $1 million grand prize to the best casual game player in the world. The $1 million grand prize, to be presented by event sponsor, FUN Technologies, is the largest ever awarded in a casual online tournament or game. Produced by Base Camp Films, WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES will air as a one-hour prime time special on GSN, Sunday, December 3, at 9:00 p.m. ET. The event will be taped on Saturday, September 9, at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.
As host, Newton will call the action for the competition, in which 72 casual gamers, representing seven countries from around the world and 22 U.S. states, demonstrate their mastery of three of the most popular casual games: Bejeweled 2, Zuma, and Solitaire. After three rounds of competition and elimination, $1 million dollars will be awarded to the last player standing.
In addition to the casual games championship, the festivities on September 9 will include Emmy Award-winning Chuck Woolery, host of GSN's television LINGO series. Woolery will be the master of ceremonies for a special competition in which celebrities will play the online Lingo skill game, competing for their favorite charities.
Each participant in the WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES qualified through playing online tournaments at FUN Technologies' casual games sites, WorldWinner and SkillJam, or at any of FUN's partner sites including GSN.com, MSN Games, Real Networks and Virgin Games. Of the 72 players, ranging in age from 20 to 63, 58 are from the United States.
WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES is being executive produced by director/producer Brady Connell and producer Jim Jusko for Base Camp Films, which they co-own. Two-time Emmy winner Connell has played integral roles in such television projects as "Survivor," "Eco-Challenge" and "The Amazing Race."
WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES' taping on Saturday, September 9, is open to the public and to the media.
About GSN
GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN has allowed viewers to play-along with on-air programming via their computers and GSN.com since 2000. Now reaching more than 60 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.
About FUN Technologies
FUN Technologies is one of the world's leading online and interactive casual games providers. FUN's strategy is to provide its cutting-edge gaming systems to top distribution partners around the world. FUN is 51% owned by Liberty Media Corporation (NYSE:L) (NYSE:LMCB) and FUN's common shares are listed on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN".
About FUN Games
FUN Technologies' FUN Games division, comprised of its wholly owned subsidiaries SkillJam, WorldWinner and Octopi, develops and distributes casual games solutions with a focus on free play and cash competitions across online, mobile and iTV platforms. Its broad network of partner sites includes leading global brands, such as AOL Games, EA-Pogo, GSN, Lycos, MSN Games, Real Networks and Virgin Games. FUN Games hosts ten million tournaments and awards millions of dollars in prizes every month.
-GSN-
Source: GSN
Web site: http://www.gsn.com/
MTVN Kids and Family Group Launches New Content on iTunes Music Store in September
The N's Hit Series Degrassi Launches Today - Sept. 5
Six New Property Additions Include Nickelodeon's Mr. Meaty, Nick Jr.'s The Wonder Pets!, TEENick Hit Series Drake & Josh, Unfabulous, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide
Free Special Sneak Peek Offered of Brand New Nick Show Mr. Meaty Before Its On-Air Network Debut
New Seasons from Zoey 101 Also Planned
This September, MTVN Kids and Family Group will launch a line-up of hit new entertainment programming on iTunes(R) Music Store (www.itunes.com), including six properties from Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, and The N, the nighttime network for teens. Launching today on iTunes is The N's Degrassi: The Next Generation, a fictional, dramatic series that tackles tough issues in a realistic way, which ranked number-one in premiere ratings in its time period among teens in its most recent series of premieres last March.
During the month of September, Nickelodeon will add to iTunes hit TEENick series Drake & Josh, Unfabulous and Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, as well as Nick Jr. top-rated series The Wonder Pets!, and new seasons from the TEENick favorite, Zoey 101, for purchase. The network will also roll out a free sneak peek of its new series, Mr. Meaty, prior its on-air network debut.
For $1.99 per episode, consumers can download Nickelodeon and The N series from the iTunes Music Store and view them on their iPods or computers. As shows premiere on-air, they will be added to the iTunes library. By the end of September, approximately 450 half-hour episodes from the Nickelodeon, The N and Nick at Nite programming library will be available on iTunes, with more rolling out in the coming months.
From The N:
"Degrassi"
* Season Four (20 episodes) and Season Five (18 episodes) - available
Sept. 5
Degrassi introduces a new generation of kids going through the trials and tribulations of adolescence in the 21st century at the newly refurbished Degrassi Community School. The fourth season of Degrassi delves into topics including, sexuality, alcoholism, mental illness, self-esteem and school violence. Season five deals with topics that include: relationships, self image, physical disability, drugs, pregnancy and sexual identity. Season six of Degrassi premieres on The N Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
From Nickelodeon:
"The Wonder Pets!"
* Season One (10 episodes) - available Sept. 12
The Wonder Pets! is Nick Jr.'s newest original series starring three courageous classroom pets who sing opera and travel the world. Currently ranked as the number three preschool series on commercial television, every episode of The Wonder Pets! is an original mini-operetta, with music written and developed by some of Broadway's top Tony(R) and Grammy(R) Award-winning talent.
"Mr. Meaty"
* Season One (20 episodes) - available mid-Sept.
Mr. Meaty is Nickelodeon's absurd new buddy comedy/puppet series premiering on-air Sept. 22 (8:30 p.m. ET/PT). Mr. Meaty serves up super-sized laughs from the mall food court bunker tended by teen "odd couple" Josh Redgrove and Parker Dinkelman, who geek out and concoct life-changing plans to escape the monotony of minimum wage. The series developed from Nickelodeon's TurboNick broadband platform on Nick.com -- where it appeared first as a series of shorts.
Mr. Meaty's "Buffalo Burrito" will be available on iTunes as a sneak peek before it premieres on Nickelodeon. In "Buffalo Burrito," Josh can't stand to be near Parker - he stinks. Oblivious, Parker thinks they're simply 'growing apart' and need something to strengthen their friendship. That 'something' is cramming himself and Josh into a buffalo costume together to promote the latest Mr. Meaty taste sensation. But when Josh freaks out from the smell, they end up being tasered by Mr. Carney, and wake up on the wild plains a free buffalo.
TEENick Programming - available late Sept.:
"Drake & Josh"
* Season One (6 episodes)
* Season Four (20 episodes)
Drake & Josh, this year's Kids' Choice Award winner for Favorite TV Show, has been the top regularly scheduled live-action series on cable with kids 2- 11 and tweens 9-14 for two consecutive quarters in 2006. Created/executive produced by Dan Schneider, the show follows odd couple teen stepbrothers, Drake Parker and Josh Nichols in their shenanigans.
"Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide"
* Season One (13 episodes)
* Season Three (13 episodes)
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide chronicles the wacky adventures of Ned Bigby and his best pals Moze and Cookie at James K. Polk Middle School, as "every-kid" Ned shatters the fourth wall to share tips and tricks on jumping school hurdles.
"Unfabulous"
* Season One (13 episodes) and Season Two (13 episodes)
Unfabulous follows Addie Singer, a quick-witted, self-aware 13-year-old who is just trying to get through junior high school one day at a time. She's a typical teen with one exception: her penchant for sometimes silly, but poignant song-writing. Her home-grown music helps her make sense of the unexpected, unwelcome, uncomfortable and sometimes unexplainable events that go hand-in-hand with adolescence.
"Zoey 101"
* Season Three (13 episodes)
Zoey 101 stars Jamie Lynn Spears as 13-year-old Zoey Brooks, a winsome leader whose independent nature is put to the test at the newly co-ed Pacific Coast Academy. In the Emmy and Teen Choice Award-nominated show from Dan Schneider, Zoey and her teen pals strive to survive and thrive amid ocean breezes at PCA. In season three, Zoey and friends still strive to survive and thrive at the newly co-ed boarding school, despite boy detractors.
The all-new fall season primetime premieres of Drake & Josh, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and Zoey 101, take place on Nickelodeon television Sunday, Sept. 24. Season passes, priced at $19.99, will be available for all three shows. As shows premiere on-air, they will be added to the iTunes season pass offering for download.
MTVN Kids and Family Group range of content offerings on iTunes includes the top-rated preschool series, Dora the Explorer, The N's critically acclaimed series South of Nowhere, pop culture phenomenon and unparalleled kid hit SpongeBob SquarePants, Nick at Nite originals Fatherhood - an animated series based on Bill Cosby's best-selling book of the same name, and Hi-Jinks -- the hit hidden-camera series in which adults play good-natured pranks on kids of all ages, and more. MTVN Kids and Family Group programming may be downloaded from iTunes' TV section in the Nickelodeon, The N, and Nick at Nite branded areas.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, in its 27th 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, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for eleven consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA)
Web site: http://www.nick.com/
Glenn Close Announced as EIF Ambassador to Saks Fifth Avenue's 2006 KEY TO THE CURE Campaign
Benefit T-Shirt Design by Oscar De La Renta
A Women's Cancer Initiative in Partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund
-- Saks Fifth Avenue and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) announced today that award winning actress Glenn Close has been named Entertainment Industry Foundation ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue's 2006 KEY TO THE CURE initiative. KEY TO THE CURE is a women's cancer initiative founded in partnership with EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund. The program will also receive ongoing support from Mercedes-Benz USA.
"When I was invited to be the Entertainment Industry Foundation's ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue's Key to the Cure, I didn't hesitate for one second because I have so many friends who have died from cancer and my grandmother had breast cancer," said Ms. Close. "I think it's tremendously important to raise more awareness about the importance of early detection and support promising scientific research like EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund."
In the 7 years since the inception of the Saks Fifth Avenue charity shopping event, the company, together with its vendors and partners, has raised more than $20 million. Working to continue this success, the money raised through Saks Fifth Avenue's 2006 KEY TO THE CURE will benefit more than 50 charitable programs dedicated to finding new detection methods, treatments and, hopefully, a cure for women's cancers through EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund.
"Saks Fifth Avenue is the leading retailer for this kind of national philanthropic outreach and KEY TO THE CURE is one of the most important initiatives that our company has," said Stephen I. Sadove, Chief Executive Officer of Saks Inc. "We are enormously grateful to Ms. Close for honoring us as this year's EIF ambassador to KEY TO THE CURE, as well as to Oscar de la Renta for designing such an elegant T-Shirt."
"Saks feels very strongly that it is our duty to help the communities that we serve and KEY TO THE CURE is a true coming together of our associates, vendors and partners to do great work. Working with Ms. Close and Mr. de la Renta along with our partners Mercedes Benz-USA, and EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund, we know that this year's shopping event will fund innovative cancer research that will change the future of all women's cancers."
Saks Fifth Avenue's shopping weekend will take place October 12th - 15th at all of its stores nationwide, during which a percentage of sales will benefit EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund. In support of this program, Ms. Close will appear in a national public service announcement (PSA) wearing a limited edition t-shirt designed by Oscar de la Renta, exclusively to benefit Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE.
Renowned photographer Timothy White generously donated his time to photograph Ms. Close for the campaign. Known as the master of contemporary portraiture, White has worked with some of the most distinguished faces in Hollywood. The PSA will appear in major fashion and lifestyle magazines in September and October.
Partnering with Saks Fifth Avenue and the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund in KEY TO THE CURE is Mercedes-Benz USA, which donated $1 million last year through a special vehicle offered at select Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the country. The company will do the same this year with a signature edition of its E 350 mid-size luxury sedan, which will go on sale this fall.
"To support this year's KEY TO THE CURE campaign we are pleased to offer a special fleet of one of our most popular luxury sedans - the Mercedes-Benz E 350," said Carol Goll, General Manager, Brand Experience Marketing, Mercedes- Benz USA. "The E 350 sets the standard in mid-size luxury sedans through a combination of elegant styling and strong performance with the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission. It is our hope that - by offering this special-edition vehicle, we can support KEY TO THE CURE and help bring women's cancer treatment options and prevention one step closer."
Saks Fifth Avenue initiated its shopping weekend in 1999. Since then, the company has donated over $20 million to women's cancer research and treatment organizations throughout the United States. Organizations benefiting from these funds include: EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund; The Breast Cancer Research Foundation; Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai; Houston's M.D. Anderson; Boston's Gillette Center; the Susan G. Komen Foundation; and many others.
The Women's Cancer Research Fund, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, was established by Chairs Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, along with Founders Kelly Chapman Meyer, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Marion Laurie and Jamie Tisch. WCRF supports innovative research, education, and outreach directed at the development of more effective approaches to the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all women's cancers
As a philanthropic leader of the entertainment industry, the Entertainment Industry Foundation has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars - and provided countless volunteer hours - to support charitable initiatives addressing some of the most critical issues facing society today. For more information, visit www.eifoundation.org.
Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's pre-eminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and home furnishings, and its first-rate fashion expertise and the exemplary client service of its Associates. Today, Saks operates 55 full-line stores in 26 states, 2 stores in the Middle East in Dubai and Riyadh, 50 OFF 5th Outlet Stores and www.saks.com, the company's online store.
Web site: http://www.eifoundation.org/
http://www.saks.com/
The Jagermeister Music Tour Is Back! Slightly Stoopid and Pepper To Headline
Get ready to bring the party! This year's Jagermeister Music Tour is all about the music and the vibes. Slightly Stoopid and Pepper, two of the most innovative dub-rock bands out there, are set to headline. The Tour takes off October 19th in Anaheim.
Southern California's Slightly Stoopid fuses acoustic rock and blues with reggae, hip-hop, dub, metal, funk, and punk to create a signature sound. Ranked by Pollstar as one of the Top 50 Touring Bands this year, Slightly Stoopid packs houses across the world with their surf-inspired jams. Veteran music festival performers, the band has played with Dave Matthews Band, Sublime, The Roots, G. Love and Special Sauce, Blink 182, and Toots and the Maytals. One of the most successful independent bands to come around in the last few years, Slightly Stoopid has sold over 200,000 units on their own label, STOOPID RECORDS.
Hailing from Kona, Hawaii, Pepper is a dub/ rock power trio with reggae- rock roots. Mixing influences like Nirvana and Black Sabbath with the likes of Bad Brains and Sublime, Pepper creates some of the best "kick back, sunny side, back side, grinding mellow guitar picking, cool wave riding sounds" around. The Jagermeister Music Tour coincides with the October 3rd release of their latest album, No Shame, the band's major label debut on Lava/Atlantic Records.
"Having Slightly Stoopid and Pepper together on this Tour is a major deal for us. Both bands have a long history of working with Jagermeister," says Rick Zeiler, Director of Marketing and Brand Development for Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc., the importers of Jagermeister. "Stylistically, it's definitely different than Tours we've done in the past. Both these bands have a unique vibe all their own and that goes well with Jagermeister. Their music lends itself to a party atmosphere and Jagermeister is all about a good party!"
This isn't the first time the bands will be touring together. Yesod Williams, the drummer of Pepper says, "Reunited and it feels so good! It's like touring with your family again with us and Stoopid out together for the first time in three years. The only difference is we are fueled on Jagermeister this time!"
"We are looking forward to touring with Pepper again," says Miles Doughty, one of Slightly Stoopid's frontmen. "It is usually one big party when the two bands get together, and it is definitely the best tour for fans. The added element of Jagermeister is sure to make for more madness this time around."
Each show will be supported by local Jagermeister bands. Jagermeister now has an arsenal of over 200 sponsored bands from coast to coast. Now in its fifth year, the Jagermeister Music Tour is bigger than ever, becoming THE rock show to see. Produced by Live Nation, past Tours have brought Staind, Disturbed, Slayer, Slipknot, Hatebreed, Saliva, hed P.E., Drowning Pool, and Ill Nino to the masses, and now the Tour continues its charge.
For about 30 bucks, fans will get the chance to see some of the biggest acts in reggae/ rock and receive some of the sweetest swag around, including great Jagermeister prizes and giveaways like the Jagermeister Compilation CDs with live and unreleased tracks from Jagermeister bands as well as plenty of Jagermeister shirts, hats, and more. Other prizes and giveaways from sponsors include custom tour prizes from Schecter Guitars, Peavey Electronics, and Coffin Case.*
The Jagermeister Music Tour will be advertised in print and on radio. For more information, check out http://www.jagermeistermusictour.com/. Tickets on sale soon! Get ready to rock!
About Jagermeister
Imported from Germany and made with herbs and spices, Jagermeister is the most popular shot brand in the United States and the leading imported cordial. Known for its creative marketing and innovative promotions, Jagermeister is proud to be a part of the music scene and an active supporter of up-and-coming musicians. Jagermeister is imported by Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc. of New Rochelle, NY who encourages all those 21 and over to drink responsibly.
About Live Nation
Live Nation is a leading live content and distribution company focused on creating superior experiences for artists, performers, corporations and fans. Live Nation owns, operates or has booking rights for 150 venues worldwide and promoted or produced over 28,500 events in 2005. Live Nation is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Live Nation is listed on The New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV". For more information regarding Live Nation and its businesses, please visit the company's web site at http://www.livenation.com/.
* Must be 21 or over to be eligible for prizes. Giveaways and raffle
prizes are subject to state and local laws and are not available in
California and may not be available at other shows. JAGERMEISTER IS
DEDICATED TO MUSIC, NOT UNDERAGE DRINKING.
THE JAGERMEISTER MUSIC TOUR SCHEDULE**
Date City State Venue
Thursday, October 19, 2006 Anaheim CA The Grove of
Anaheim
Friday, October 20, 2006 Bakersfield CA The Dome
Saturday, October 21, 2006 San Francisco CA Warfield Theatre
Sunday, October 22, 2006 Eugene OR McDonald Theatre
Monday, October 23, 2006 Portland OR Crystal Ballroom
Wednesday, October 25, 2006 Park City UT Harry O's
Thursday, October 26, 2006 Aspen CO Belly Up Aspen
Friday, October 27, 2006 Denver CO Fillmore Auditorium
Saturday, October 28, 2006 Omaha NE Sokol Underground
Tuesday, October 31, 2006 Saint Louis MO The Pageant
Wednesday, November 01, 2006 Milwaukee WI The Rave
Thursday, November 02, 2006 Indianapolis IN Vogue Theatre
Friday, November 03, 2006 Chicago IL Congress Theatre
Saturday, November 04, 2006 Minneapolis MN First Avenue
Tuesday, November 07, 2006 Detroit MI St. Andrews Hall
Wednesday, November 08, 2006 Cleveland OH House of Blues
Thursday, November 09, 2006 Columbus OH Newport Music Hall
Friday, November 10, 2006 New York NY Roseland Ballroom
Saturday, November 11, 2006 Atlantic City NJ House of Blues -
Atlantic City
Tuesday, November 14, 2006 Boston MA Avalon Ballroom
Wednesday, November 15, 2006 Philadelphia PA Electric Factory
Thursday, November 16, 2006 Sayreville NJ Starland Ballroom
Friday, November 17, 2006 Baltimore MD Rams Head Live
Saturday, November 18, 2006 Charleston SC Music Farm
Sunday, November 19, 2006 North Myrtle Beach SC House of Blues
Monday, November 20, 2006 Orlando FL Hard Rock Live
(Universal Studios)
Tuesday, November 21, 2006 Fort Lauderdale FL Revolution
Friday, November 24, 2006 Jacksonville FL Plush
Saturday, November 25, 2006 Atlanta GA Roxy
Sunday, November 26, 2006 Nashville TN Exit In
Wednesday, November 29, 2006 Houston TX Club V (Verizon
Wireless Theatre
Set Up)
Thursday, November 30, 2006 Corpus Christi TX Concrete Street
Amphitheatre -
The Patio
Saturday, December 02, 2006 Tulsa OK Cain's Ballroom
Tuesday, December 05, 2006 Phoenix AZ Celebrity Theatre
Wednesday, December 06, 2006 Los Angeles CA The Wiltern LG
Thursday, December 07, 2006 Las Vegas NV House of Blues
Friday, December 08, 2006 San Diego CA 4th & B
Saturday, December 09, 2006 San Diego CA 4th & B
** Dates and venues are subject to change. Check local listings.
Additional dates to be confirmed in the following markets:
Phoenix AZ, Reno NV, Las Vegas, NV, Cleveland OH, New York NY, Hampton Beach NH, Boston MA, Providence RI, Washington DC, Wichita KS, Des Moines IA, Huntsville AL, Shreveport LA
Web site: http://www.jagermeistermusictour.com/
http://www.sidneyfrankco.com/
Death Row Records and Marion 'Suge' Knight Announce Claim Deadline
A Los Angeles Bankruptcy Judge has ordered that parties asserting claims against either Death Row Records or Marion "Suge" Knight must file those claims with the Bankruptcy Court presiding over the bankruptcy cases by October 31, 2006 or risk being barred from participating in the cases or from asserting claims against Death Row or Knight. Knight and Death Row filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on April 4, 2006 in Los Angeles, CA.
Chapter 11 allows a company to continue its business operations while it restructures. Death Row is being operated by a Court appointed trustee. Knight continues to manage his bankruptcy estate as a debtor in possession. Having a full understanding of the liabilities of Death Row and Knight is critical to a comprehensive reorganization. "We believe that it is vital that all parties asserting claims come forward and assert them in a timely manner so that Death Row can come out of Chapter 11 quickly," said Todd Neilson, the Death Row chapter 11 trustee.
Creditors seeking information about the case or their claims can obtain such information at the following website addresses: http://knight.pszyjw.com/ or http://deathrowrecords.pszyjw.com/ or may contact Kaye Scholer LLP, counsel for R. Todd Neilson, the Chapter 11 Trustee of Death Row; Hill Farrar and Burrill, counsel for Marion "Suge" Knight; or the Official Creditors Committee appointed in these cases through its counsel, Pachulski, Stang, Ziehl, Young, Jones, & Weintraub.
Source: Kaye Scholer LLP
Web site: http://deathrowrecords.pszyjw.com/
http://knight.pszyjw.com/
Vyyo to Showcase Revolutionary UltraBand 3 Ghz Passive Line at Mid-America Cable Show Sept. 5-7
Vyyo Inc. (NASDAQ:VYYO) , a supplier of broadband access equipment for cable and private wireless broadband network solutions, will show how its revolutionary line of UltraBand(TM) 3 Ghz passive elements can meet current and future bandwidth needs for cable system operators at the Mid-America Cable Show Sept. 5-7.
At its booth (#325) in the Overland Park Convention Center, Vyyo will show how the UltraBand line of taps, splitters and other passive elements provides superior quality for today's services and offers operators the ability to increase the capacity of HFC plant. UltraBand passives are compatible with Vyyo active products and together they create Vyyo's spectrum overlay solution that allows existing coax to accommodate additional services and meet growing customer demand.
"With Vyyo's leading-edge technology, cable has all of the bandwidth it requires to meet not only present needs but those of the foreseeable future," said Avner Kol, COO of Vyyo. "Operators who install UltraBand passives to meet service needs today will be able to easily migrate to a complete spectrum overlay solution when needed without any disruption to existing services."
Vyyo UltraBand products and spectrum overlay solutions enable cable operators to compete effectively with fiber-based solutions being deployed by telcos at a fraction of the cost (approximately 10% of FTTH) while fully leveraging their installed coax assets. Spectrum overlay doubles downstream bandwidth and increases the upstream by a factor of four or more, enabling the delivery of advanced services, including 100 high definition channels; high- definition VOD; and ultra-high speed data of 30 Mbps or more.
All UltraBand passives are engineered to meet the exacting SCTE and FCC standards cable operators require, and install in the same way as existing passives, using industry standard connectors and standard test equipment. Key attributes of the UltraBand passive line include support for two bands, the 5-1003 MHz legacy band and the 1300-2750 MHz Vyyo UltraBand; integration of an upstream, plug-in attenuator within all taps to enable the operators to balance the legacy return path; low insertion loss at frequencies up to 2750 MHz; and RF/AC bypass capability when the faceplate is removed.
About Vyyo Inc.
Our products are designed for use by cable television and wireless telecommunication operators, wireless internet service providers (ISPs), utilities and enterprise. Our cable solutions include cable system spectrum overlay solutions designed to expand cable operators' typical HFC (hybrid- fiber coax) network capacity in the "last mile" by up to 2x in the downstream and 4x or more in the upstream, addressing bandwidth demand for T1 and other advanced services. Our wireless broadband solutions enable utilities and other customers to operate private wireless networks for communications to their remote assets and customers. Typical applications include high-speed internet services, SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition), voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and telephony (T1/E1), all based on modified Data Over Cable System Interface Specification (DOCSIS(R)) technology. For more information, please visit www.vyyo.com .
Safe Harbor Statement
Statements made in this press release relating to the future, including those related to the opportunities created for our customers given our ability to provide spectrum overlay and wired and wireless T1 solutions and our ability to significantly increase upstream and downstream bandwidth, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward- looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our business and results of operations to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include among others: whether we will be able to move from development stage to deployment and establish commercial relationships with cable system operators; whether we will be able to successfully produce our wireless systems and whether such systems will be adopted and deployed by utilities and other customers; the current limited visibility available in the telecommunications and broadband access equipment markets; the willingness and ability of operators to adopt our new technology and apply it in a manner that meets customer demands; our ability to produce and distribute our broadband wireless and spectrum overlay solutions in the quantities, and with the quality control, desired by the market; and other risks set forth in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. We assume no duty to update these statements.
NOTE: All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
DOCSIS is a trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
Source: Vyyo Inc.
Web site: http://www.vyyo.com/
Get Two 'Guilty Gear' Brawlers In One Game as Majesco Entertainment Ships 'Guilty Gear Judgment' for the PSP(R) System
Providing PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system owners with a powerful 1-2 fighting punch, Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ:COOL) , an innovative provider of digital entertainment products and content, today announced it has shipped Guilty Gear Judgment. Developed by ARC System Works and rated T for Teen, Guilty Gear Judgment is now available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $39.99.
"Guilty Gear Judgment offers gamers incredible value by combining two deep fighting games on one UMD," said Ken Gold, vice president of Marketing for Majesco. "Both games feature the character-driven game play and unique signature attacks that have defined the Guilty Gear series across multiple systems and made it a fan favorite."
Guilty Gear Judgment for the PSP(R) system offers the fast paced arcade fighting of Guilty Gear X2 #Reload plus brand new side scrolling action in Guilty Gear Judgment. Guilty Gear Judgment features 21 Guilty Gear characters, including Sol Badguy, Potemkin, May, Dizzy and Faust, all of whom have their own unique combos; multiple modes of play including Story Mode (with intertwining character stories) and two player co-operative fighting. In Guilty Gear X2 #Reload, players assume the role of 23 Guilty Gear characters and compete across six modes of play including 2-player Head-to-Head, Arcade, M.O.M (Medal of Millionaire), VS CPU, Survival and Training.
Guilty Gear Judgment is now available for a suggested retail price of $39.99. For more information please visit www.guiltygearjudgment.com.
About Majesco Entertainment Company
Headquartered in Edison, NJ, Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ:COOL) is an innovative provider of digital entertainment products and content, with a focus on publishing videogames for leading portable systems such as the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, Nintendo DS(TM) and Game Boy(R) Advance. Current product line highlights include Cooking Mama for the Nintendo DS(TM), Guilty Gear Judgment for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system and JAWS(TM) Unleashed, as well as digital entertainment products like Frogger(R) TV Arcade. Majesco now offers Game Boy(R) Advance Video versions of the beloved DreamWorks Animation movies Shrek, Shrek 2 and Shark Tale. More information about Majesco can be found online at www.majescoentertainment.com.
Safe Harbor
Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period(s) or by the use of forward- looking terminology, such as "may," "will," "intend," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or other comparable terminology. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. These factors include but are not limited to, the demand for our products; our ability to complete and release our products in a timely fashion; competitive factors in the businesses in which we compete; continued consumer acceptance of the gaming platforms on which our products operate and our products; fulfillment of orders preliminarily made by customers; adverse changes in the securities markets and the availability of and costs associated with sources of liquidity. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release publicly the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
Web site: http://www.majescoentertainment.com/
http://www.guiltygearjudgment.com/
Jordan Knight Shows QVC(R) Some Love
Former New Kids on the Block frontman and songwriter Jordan Knight has been crooning his way into the hearts of listeners for nearly two decades. On Friday, September 8 from 5 - 7 PM (ET), Knight is scheduled to launch his second solo album, "Love Songs," on QVC during a 20th birthday party broadcast.
Previously known for his chart-topping tunes and eye-catching moves, Knight's latest album brings his music to the next level. "Love Songs" is a combination of new material and personal renditions of classic hits. Giving his own treatment to legendary ballads like "Careless Whisper," "One More Night," and "Waiting for a Girl Like You," Knight performs these timeless melodies in a fresh, new way.
Packaged especially for QVC, "Love Songs" is accompanied by a five-song bonus CD featuring acoustic versions of a few fan favorites (QVC Item #E01503). During his QVC appearance, Knight is scheduled to perform select songs in front of a live studio audience.
"In the past, my albums and shows combined love songs with dance songs, and I began receiving feedback that the fans enjoyed the love songs the most," says Knight. "So when deciding on my next project, 'Love Songs' was the natural choice. QVC jumped to mind as the perfect launch pad for this new album to reach a wide variety of fans in a meaningful way."
"Love Songs" may be ordered through QVC by calling 800.345.1515 or http://www.qvc.com/ while supplies last.
QVC, Inc., a $6.5 billion company, is an e-commerce leader, marketing a wide variety of brand name products in such categories as home furnishings, licensed products, fashion, beauty, electronics and fine jewelry. QVC, which celebrates its 20th birthday this year, reaches over 160 million homes worldwide. Other divisions/subsidiaries include QVC.com, QVC @, QVC Local and QVC ProductWorks. The QVC Studio Tour is located at the company's world headquarters in West Chester, Pa. QVC is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation.
Source: QVC, Inc.
Web site: http://www.qvc.com/
AT&T Blue Room Seats Elton John Fans Front Row for Upcoming Fashion Rocks' Private Pre-Show Event
Exclusive AT&T Blue Room Footage to Feature Songs From Elton John's Upcoming New Release and a Selection of His Greatest Hits
AT&T is making it fashionable to spend a weekend sitting in front of a computer with exclusive access to the official Conde Nast Media Group Fashion Rocks pre-party featuring Elton John. Beginning September 10, and only on the AT&T blue room, the company will deliver the up-close and personal Elton John performance highlighting songs from the artist's upcoming new release, "The Captain and the Kid," as well as favorites from his greatest hits.
AT&T's groundbreaking online portal, the AT&T blue room ( http://attblueroom.com/music ), features exclusive musical content, in-studio interviews, live performances and unedited commentary of chart-topping artists. This year, in recognition of its first anniversary, AT&T blue room renews its commitment to being the online destination for exclusive webcasts of the industry's hottest shows, giving fans who can't attend in person the opportunity to see memorable performances in real time and at no charge. The 2006 blue room lineup has featured webcasts from some of the biggest names in music festivals, such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the Bonnaroo Music Festival and Lollapalooza 2006. Upcoming exclusive events on the AT&T blue room include Austin City Limits Festival, Sept. 15 - 17, 2006, and Vegoose 2006, Oct. 28 - 29, 2006.
"The AT&T blue room is providing fans from around the country and across the globe with a truly unique opportunity -- the chance to experience an intimate performance with a legend of rock 'n' roll," said Rick Welday, chief marketing officer-AT&T Consumer. "Opportunities like this not only position the AT&T blue room as the online content destination for which fans are searching but also allow AT&T to showcase how its products and services connect users to memorable experiences every day."
Beginning Sunday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. Eastern time, 4 p.m. Pacific time, the AT&T blue room will be the only place to access footage from the official Fashion Rocks Elton John pre-party, which will take place in New York City on Sept. 6, in celebration of the highly anticipated Fashion Rocks concert the following night. The performance will be archived on the AT&T blue room ( http://attblueroom.com/music ), allowing fans to relive the experience for weeks to come.
Fashion Rocks returns for a third time with a live concert on Sept. 7, 2006, at New York's Radio City Music Hall. A collision of style and sound, the star-studded fashion and music spectacular will kick off Fashion Week with a nationally televised special celebrating the relationship between fashion and music, which will air on the CBS Television Network on Friday, Sept. 8, 2006 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET/PT). Proceeds from the show will benefit the Elton John AIDS foundation.
"If you are a fan of Elton John, this concert is the show to watch," said Richard D. Beckman, president of Conde Nast Media Group. "We are proud to present this rare opportunity to see a musical icon debut a new body of work and provide visitors to the blue room with such an exciting and incomparable experience."
The AT&T blue room is part of a strategic initiative to link the AT&T brand to premier communications and entertainment experiences, as well as to fuel sales and demonstrate how key products and services, such as AT&T Yahoo!(R) High Speed Internet and Cingular Wireless, meet the increasing consumer demands for value, choice and convenience. To experience the AT&T blue room, visit http://attblueroom.com/music .
Note: This AT&T release and other news announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss .
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is one of the world's largest telecommunications holding companies and is the largest in the United States. Operating globally under the AT&T brand, AT&T companies are recognized as the leading worldwide providers of IP-based communications services to business and as leading U.S. providers of high speed DSL Internet, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. AT&T Inc. holds a 60 percent ownership interest in Cingular Wireless, which is the No. 1 U.S. wireless services provider with 57.3 million wireless customers. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and AT&T products and services is available at http://www.att.com/ .
Subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. provide products and services under the AT&T brand.
Source: AT&T Inc.
http://www.att.com/
http://www.att.com/rss
Penthouse Interviews The Rock, Jeremy Shockey and Lou Dobbs
NFL Preview Featured and Penthouse's Sex Expert Reveals The Top Five Ways To Get Over Her
The Rock is determined to pulverize all your preconceived notions of him and in the October issue of Penthouse, Mr. Dwayne Johnson does just that. Find out how this wrestler- turned-actor is lighting up the silver-screen in Gridiron Gang and Spy Hunter: Nowhere To Run - and not just with his impressive physique, but with his acting abilities. A joker at heart, The Rock admits that, "Other people in the WWE would always ask me, 'Why are you always trying to be funny?' but I thought, you can't always be yelling." Ready for a comedic role next; you still might want to laugh with him, not at him.
Jeremy Shockey, the New York Giants tight-end - has been in the NFL and in the gossip pages - for four years. Now, he says he's learned how to stay out of trouble by playing it close to his vest. In the October issue of Penthouse, however, Shockey drops the poker face and reveals to Dave Hollander that he's got a lot more on his mind than generic sound bites.
Lou Dobbs believes that motivating the working class to vote would be a solution to problems such as Illegal Immigration (he wants the U.S. borders locked down) and Industrial Outsourcing (he favors protecting U.S. jobs). A CNN anchor since the 1980's, Mr. Dobbs has seen a lot of changes in our country in the past 20 years - including a lack of political and social activism; "If families are fortunate enough to have two parents in the household, both are working. Time has been compressed for people in this country. We're so exhausted from all of our responsibilities; I think people have taken the easy way." He is hopeful of independent change, however, since he believes many are fed-up with both the Republican and Democratic parties.
Vices & Vanities - Top Five Ways To Get Over Her and Women's Eight "Moan Zones"
You were dumped and now you're angry. You feel betrayed and now you're hurting. Well, fret not because it happens to everyone, including Penthouse Pets - and our very own Dr. Z has some relevant tips on how to get over a girl who gave you the slip. Also, Dr. Z's Moan Zone is a list of erogenous hot spots that every man should be aware of. From "ear-gasm's to Tootsie Teasing, find out which not-so-obvious locations can get your woman hot and bothered in no time!
Sports - NFL Football Preview
Penthouse compares the AFC Playoff Teams to the NFC Playoff Teams. Also, can Peyton Manning finally win the big one? Check out the 2006 NFL preview for Sleeper Picks, Top Values and get the lowdown on each leagues pigskin contenders.
If you like to "go down under," than you'll adore our October Pet, Kimberley Rogers! Originally born in Australia, this 23-year-old, sultry blue-eyed brunette moved to the States with her family in the 1990's and called St. Louis, Missouri home for years. Just recently, however, 'Kiwi Kimberley' moved to San Diego, California - where wearing less clothing is optimal!
The October 2006 Penthouse issue is currently available at newsstands and at www.penthouse.com/digital.
+1-561-912-7034, or kberzon@pmgi.com
Web site: http://www.penthouse.com/digital
Carl's Jr.(R) Launches Sequel to Popular 'Cow Shake' Ad to Promote New Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts(TM) Made With M&M's(R) Milk Chocolate Candies
'Cow Shake-Off' Features Dueling Guys, Cows, and Hit Single 'Milkshake' by Kelis
Cow shaking is back at Carl's Jr.(R)! In a follow-up to last fall's highly successful and popular "Cow Shake" television commercial for the chain's launch of Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts(TM), Carl's Jr. has re-enlisted the services of actor and cow shaker extraordinaire Kyle Dunnigan, this time pairing him off against a rival cow shaker to the hit tune "Milkshake" by Kelis. The sequel, titled "Cow Shake-Off," supports the launch of the newest Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts flavor made with M&M'S(R) Milk Chocolate Candies.
"We introduced our Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts last year with the original 'Cow Shake' ad, and it was so popular and drew such an overwhelming response from consumers that we knew we had to create a sequel," said Brad Haley, executive vice president of marketing for Carl's Jr. "In fact, when we started to get fan mail for the human star of the ad -- and his cow, Freedom -- we knew we were on to something well beyond what we experience with one of our typical ads. So, we doubled the fun for the sequel with two 'cow shakers,' and, of course, Kelis' hit song 'Milkshake,' provided the perfect soundtrack for the competition."
The new Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shake made with M&M'S Milk Chocolate Candies is the chain's latest featured flavor. The new shake features real, hand-scooped vanilla ice cream, vanilla syrup, and real milk, blended to order with pieces of M&M'S Milk Chocolate Candies and topped with whipped cream. A scoop of malt powder can be added for a classic malt taste. The shakes and malts sell for $2.99 at most company-owned restaurants, although pricing may vary.
"We believe our shakes and malts -- made with real, hand-scooped ice cream and real milk -- are the best in the fast-food world, so we always strive to find great ingredients that can make them even better," Haley said. "M&M'S Milk Chocolate Candies absolutely fit the bill, and this new shake is another ideal complement to our line of charbroiled burgers."
The "Cow Shake-Off" commercial continues Carl's Jr.'s decade-long trend of producing edgy, irreverent advertising aimed at young, hungry guys. The ad was created by advertising agency of record Mendelsohn|Zien, mastermind of many iconic Carl's Jr. ads including the Paris Hilton "That's Hot" spot and the "If it doesn't get all over the place, it doesn't belong in your face" campaign from the mid-90's. The commercial is currently airing in local restaurant markets and can be seen in the Now on TV section of www.carlsjr.com.
About Carl's Jr.
This year, Carl's Jr. celebrates 65 years in the quick-service industry. What began as a lone hot dog cart in Anaheim, Calif. in 1941 is today an international organization that employs nearly 30,000 people worldwide. Carl's Jr. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:CKR) of Carpinteria, Calif. As of the first fiscal quarter ended May 22, 2006, CKE Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,141 franchised or company-owned restaurants in 43 states and in 13 countries, including 1,062 Carl's Jr. restaurants, 1,963 Hardee's(R) restaurants and 100 La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill(R) restaurants. For more information, or to find a Carl's Jr. near you, go to www.ckr.com or www.carlsjr.com.
About Masterfoods USA
Masterfoods USA, the United States food, snack and pet care operations of Mars, Incorporated, is one of the world's leading food manufacturers. With more than $5 billion in annual sales, the combined food, snack and pet care segments are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered in Hackettstown, NJ, Masterfoods USA employs more than 8,000 associates in the United States, with 39 facilities nationwide. The company owns some of the world's favorite brands including M&M'S(R) Brand, SNICKERS(R) Brand, UNCLE BEN'S(R) Brand, PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food for Dogs, WHISKAS(R) Brand Food for Cats.
* A photo of the new Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shake & Malts made with M&M'S Milk Chocolate Candies; stills, and footage of the original "Cow Shake" or new "Cow Shake-Off" television commercials are available upon request.
Source: CKE Restaurants, Inc.
Web site: http://www.ckr.com/
http://www.carlsjr.com/
Academy/UCLA Documentary Series Begins Its 25th Year
Beverly Hills, CA — Fourteen short and feature-length documentaries, including the Oscar-winning “A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin” and two other nominees, will be screened in Part One of the 2006–2007 Contemporary Documentary Series, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy Foundation and the UCLA Film and Television Archive. Now in its 25th year, the series kicks off September 27, at 7 p.m., at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. All screenings in the series are free.
Following is the complete schedule for Part One:
September 27
“Mr. Mergler’s Gift” (directed by Beverly Shaffer, produced by Germaine Ying Gee Wong)
“Mad Hot Ballroom” (directed by Marilyn Agrelo; produced by Amy Sewell, Agrelo)
October 11
“Murderball” (directed by Henry-Alex Rubin, Dana Adam Shapiro; produced by Jeffrey Mandel, Shapiro) Academy Award nominee.
“39 Pounds of Love” (directed by Dani Menkin; produced by Menken, Daniel J. Chalfen)
October 25
“On Native Soil: The Documentary of the 9/11 Commission Report” (directed by Linda Ellman; produced by Jeff Hays, Ellman, Lenville O’Donnell)
“Occupation: Dreamland” (directed by Garrett Scott, Ian Olds; produced by Scott, Selina Lewis Davidson, Nancy Roth)
November 1
“A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin” (directed by Eric Simonson; produced by Simonson, Corinne Marrinan) Academy Award winner.
“The Devil and Daniel Johnston” (directed by Jeff Feuerzeig; produced by Henry S. Rosenthal)
November 15
“Street Fight” (directed and produced by Marshall Curry) Academy Award nominee.
“The Last Campaign” (directed and produced by Wayne Ewing)
November 29
“Dimmer” (directed by Talmage Cooley; produced by Cooley, Andy Spade, Anthony Sperduti)
“The Boys of Baraka” (directed and produced by Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady)
December 13 – special screening at the IMAX Theater
“Aliens of the Deep” (directed by James Cameron, Steven Quale; produced by Andrew Wight, Cameron)
“Wild Safari 3D: A South African Adventure” (directed by Ben Stassen; produced by Stassen, Charlotte Huggins, Caroline Van Iseghem)
In “Mr. Mergler’s Gift,” a piano teacher nearing the end of his life and long career takes on one last student, the nine-year-old daughter of Chinese immigrants. Daniel Mergler guides the young prodigy toward a life of music, while she brightens what are the final months of his existence. In “Mad Hot Ballroom,” diverse New York City schoolkids journey into the world of ballroom dancing, a new and unexpected arena. A citywide competition transforms them from reluctant participants, trying to maintain the “cool” teenager stance, to determined competitors learning the merengue, rumba, tango, foxtrot and swing.
All screenings are free and open to the public. They will begin at 7 p.m. at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater, except for the December 13 program at the IMAX Theater. Filmmakers will be present whenever possible to discuss their films and take questions from the audience. Part Two of the series will begin in March.
The Linwood Dunn Theater is located at the Academy’s Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study, 1313 North Vine Street, in Hollywood, at the northwest corner of Fountain Avenue and Vine Street. Parking is available behind the building through the entrance on Homewood Avenue, one block north of Fountain. The IMAX Theater is located in the California Science Center in Exposition Park, at the corner of Exposition Boulevard and Figueroa Street. Parking is available for $6 in the lot on Figueroa and 39th ©A.M.P.A.S.®
Career and Educational Search Sites and Demographics
A deeper drilldown on Online career and educational sites to explore visitor demographics, advertisers and advertising technologies used.
Top 10 Online Education and Careers Destinations Week ending August 6, 2006 US, Home and Work | ||
Brand or Channel | Unique Audience (000) | Active Reach (%) |
Monster.com Network | 5,237 | 4.01 |
CareerBuilder Network | 5,172 | 3.96 |
Yahoo! HotJobs | 1,568 | 1.2 |
AOL Research & Learn | 1,278 | 0.98 |
MSN Encarta | 1119 | 0.86 |
U.S. Dept. of Education (ED) | 975 | 0.75 |
Merriam-Webster | 890 | 0.68 |
University of California at Berkeley | 832 | 0.64 |
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign | 823 | 0.63 |
About Education | 796 | 0.61 |
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView | ||
Demographic Data for Category Month of July 2006 US, Home and Work Category | |||
| Target | Unique Audience (000) | Audience Composition (%) |
Total |
| 80,098 | 100 |
Male |
| 38,274 | 47.78 |
Female |
| 41,825 | 52.22 |
Age | 2 - 11 | 2,170 | 2.71 |
| 12 - 17 | 6,034 | 7.53 |
| 18 - 24 | 6,412 | 8.01 |
| 25 - 34 | 12,112 | 15.12 |
| 35 - 49 | 28,560 | 35.66 |
| 45+ | 35,003 | 43.7 |
| 55+ | 15,508 | 19.36 |
| 65+ | 5,157 | 6.44 |
HH Income | $ 0 - 24999 | 4,449 | 5.55 |
| $ 25000 - 49999 | 16,447 | 20.53 |
| $ 50000 - 74999 | 21,483 | 26.82 |
| $ 75000 - 99999 | 15,985 | 19.96 |
| $ 100000 - 149999 | 13,631 | 17.02 |
| $ 150000+ | 6,913 | 8.63 |
| No Response | 1,190 | 1.49 |
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView | |||
Data on the Public Service Industry, Education Segment Week ending August 6, 2006 US, Home and Work
Top 20 Advertisers | ||
| Impressions (000) | Share of all Impressions |
GUS Plc | 3,559,395 | 73.3% |
American InterContinental University | 666,479 | 13.7% |
Apollo Group, Inc. | 471,961 | 9.7% |
DeVry Inc. | 64,874 | 1.3% |
The Art Institutes | 13,103 | 0.3% |
Colorado Technical University | 5,251 | 0.1% |
Washington Virtual Academy | 4,923 | 0.1% |
Almeda University | 4,734 | 0.1% |
Pennsylvania State University | 4,069 | 0.1% |
Norwich University | 2,693 | 0.1% |
Northwestern University | 2,680 | 0.1% |
Capella Education Company | 2,465 | 0.1% |
Olivet Nazarene University | 2,447 | 0.1% |
ITT Technical Institute | 2,219 | 0.0% |
The University of Liverpool | 2,009 | 0.0% |
Emmanuel College | 1,704 | 0.0% |
California Virtual Academies | 1,698 | 0.0% |
New York Film Academy | 1,399 | 0.0% |
Old Town School of Folk Music | 1,365 | 0.0% |
Grantham University | 1,241 | 0.0% |
Total | 4,853,258,000 | 100.0% |
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance | ||
Top Ad Sizes | |||
| Dimensions | Impressions (000) | Share of all Impressions |
Button #1 | (120x90) | 4,106,309 | 84.6% |
Leaderboard | (728x90) | 428,522 | 8.8% |
Wide Skyscraper | (160x600) | 103,428 | 2.1% |
Medium Rectangle | (300x250) | 75,470 | 1.6% |
Non-Standard Dimension |
| 60,425 | 1.2% |
Skyscraper | (120x600) | 27,066 | 0.6% |
Full Banner | (468x60) | 20,789 | 0.4% |
Button #2 | (120x60) | 12,881 | 0.3% |
Rectangle | (180x150) | 6,107 | 0.1% |
Half Banner | (234x60) | 3,990 | 0.1% |
Large Rectangle | (336x280) | 3,226 | 0.1% |
Vertical Banner | (120x240) | 2,855 | 0.1% |
Micro Bar | (88x31) | 895 | 0.0% |
Square | (250x250) | 540 | 0.0% |
Vertical Rectangle | (240x400) | 422 | 0.0% |
Square Button | (125x125) | 341 | 0.0% |
Total |
| 4,853,266,000 | 100.0% |
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance | |||
Ad Delivery Types | ||
| Impressions (000) | Share of all Impressions |
In-Page | 4,791,147 | 98.7% |
Pop-Under | 53,252 | 1.1% |
Expanding | 7,116 | 0.1% |
Pop-Up | 1,410 | 0.0% |
Over-Page | 335 | 0.0% |
Transitional | 5 | 0.0% |
Total | 4,853,265 | 100.0% |
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance | ||
Crocodile Hunter Steve Hunter Dies from Stingray
Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter from Australia died from a stingray during a driving expedition for a documentary in the Great Barrier Reef of the coast of Northeast Australia. The news has just flashed within the last half hour. He’s entertained and opened the worlds for many with his enthusiasm and passion for nature’s animals.
Gaining a worldwide audience through the cable TV channel Animal Planet, I remember feeling anxious with Irwin’s daredevil antics, but I tuned in finding him listed sometimes numerous times a day. Presuming Irwin, attired in a khaki safari outfit, was taking the necessary caution, he always managed to survive, until now. An accident with nature is not a surprise, the accident with a stingray is though.
His wife Terri joined him on-air with a similar enthusiasm towards nature. She was always more cautious in her approach. Although the “Crocodile Hunter” was cancelled after an incident when he carried his then one-month old baby while feeding a crocodile at an Australian zoo, I am hoping there may be renewed interest in a show with her, which is likely to have a kindler gentler side.
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences tonight (Sunday, August
27, 2006) awarded the 2005-2006 Primetime Emmys
for programs and individual achievements on the “58th Primetime Emmy Awards”
originating on the NBC Television Network from the Shrine
Auditorium in Los Angeles. The Academy's Chairman & CEO
Dick Askin participated in the awards ceremony. Ken Ehrlich was
Executive Producer of the telecast.
In addition to Emmys in 27 categories announced tonight, Emmys in
68 other categories and areas for programs and individual
achievements were presented at the Creative Arts Awards on August
19, 2006 from the Shrine Auditorium. The awards were tabulated by
the independent accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP.
The total primetime awards announced on tonight’s telecast were
distributed as follows: (Note: The figures in parenthesis represent the
grand total of Emmys awarded, including those announced tonight
and those announced August 19.)
Programs
HBO 2 (4)
NBC 1 (2)
ABC -(1)
FOX 1 (2)
CBS 1 (1)
PBS -(2)
Cartoon Network -(-)
History Channel -(2)
Comedy Central 1 (1)
Disney -(1)
FX Network -(-)
Showtime -(-)
TNT -(-)
A&E -(-)
Discovery Channel -(1)
Nickelodeon -(-)
SCI FI Channel -(-)
TCM -(-)
USA -(-)
WB -(-)
Individuals
7 (22)
5 (12)
1 (10)
2 (8)
1 (8)
1 (6)
-(4)
-(1)
1 (1)
-(1)
1 (2)
1 (2)
-(2)
-(1)
-(-)
-(1)
-(1)
-(1)
1 (1)
-(1)
Total
9 (26)
6 (14)
1 (11)
3 (10)
2 (9)
1 (8)
-(4)
-(3)
2 (2)
-(2)
1 (2)
1 (2)
-(2)
-(1)
-(1)
-(1)
-(1)
-(1)
1 (1)
-(1)
-ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
MEGAN MULLALLY as Karen NBC
Will & Grace
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
ALAN ALDA as Arnold Vinick NBC
The West Wing
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
BLYTHE DANNER as Izzy Huffstodt SHOWTIME
Huff
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
JEREMY PIVEN as Ari Gold HBO
Entourage
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A
MOVIE
KELLY MACDONALD as Gina HBO
The Girl In The Café
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES
THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART COMEDY CENTRAL
Jon Stewart, Executive Producer
Ben Karlin, Executive Producer
Stewart Bailey, Co-Executive Producer
Kahane Corn, Co-Executive Producer
David Javerbaum, Supervising Producer
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
MARC BUCKLAND, Director NBC
My Name Is Earl
Pilot
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
GREG GARCIA, Writer NBC
My Name Is Earl
Pilot
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE IN A VARIETY OR
MUSIC PROGRAM
BARRY MANILOW, Performer PBS
Barry Manilow: Music and Passion
-ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
JON CASSAR, Director FOX
24
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
TERENCE WINTER, Writer HBO
The Sopranos
Members Only
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A
MOVIE
JEREMY IRONS as Earl of Leicester HBO
Elizabeth I
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY
PROGRAM
LOUIS J. HORVITZ, Director ABC
78th Annual Academy Awards
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY
PROGRAM
DAVID JAVERBAUM, Head Writer COMEDY CENTRAL
RACHEL AXLER, Writer
KEVIN BLEYER, Writer
RICH BLOMQUIST, Writer
STEVE BODOW, Writer
TIM CARVELL, Writer
STEPHEN COLBERT, Writer
ERIC DRYSDALE, Writer
J.R. HAVLAN, Writer
SCOTT JACOBSON, Writer
BEN KARLIN, Writer
ROB KUTNER, Writer
SAM MEANS, Writer
CHRIS REGAN, Writer
JASON REICH, Writer
JASON ROSS, Writer
JON STEWART, Writer
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
ANDRE BRAUGHER as Nick Atwater FX NETWORK
Thief
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
TONY SHALHOUB as Adrian Monk USA
Monk
-ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING MADE FOR TELEVISION MOVIE
THE GIRL IN THE CAFÉ HBO
Richard Curtis, Executive Producer
Paul Abbott, Executive Producer
Hilary Bevan Jones, Producer
OUTSTANDING REALITY/COMPETITION PROGRAM
THE AMAZING RACE CBS
Jerry Bruckheimer, Executive Producer
Bertram Van Munster, Executive Producer
Jonathan Litman, Executive Producer
Hayma "Screech" Washington, Executive Producer
Amy Nabseth Chacon, Co-Executive Producer
Elise Doganier, Co-Executive Producer
Evan Weinstein, Co-Executive Producer
John Moffet, Supervising Producer
Mark Vertullo, Supervising Producer
Alex Rader, Supervising Producer
Phil Keoghan, Producer/Host
David Brown, Senior Producer
Allison Chase, Senior Producer
Barry Hennessey, Senior Producer
Jennifer Basa, Producer
Patrick Cariaga, Producer
Bob Mora, Producer
Michael Norton, Producer
Michael Noval, Producer
Cynthia A. Palormo, Producer
Giselle Parets, Producer
Bob Parr, Producer
Bill Pruitt, Producer
Matt Schmidt, Producer
- ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A
DRAMATIC SPECIAL
TOM HOOPER, Director
Elizabeth I
HBO
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A
DRAMATIC SPECIAL
RICHARD CURTIS, Writer
The Girl In The Café
HBO
OUTSTANDING MINISERIES
ELIZABETH I
Suzan Harrison, Executive Producer
George Faber, Executive Producer
Charles Pattinson, Executive Producer
Nigel Williams, Executive Producer
Barney Reisz, Producer
HBO
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
HELEN MIRREN as Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I
HBO
-ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
MARISKA HARGITAY as Detective Olivia Benson
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
NBC
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS as Christine Campbell
The New Adventures of Old Christine
CBS
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
KIEFER SUTHERLAND as Jack Bauer
24
FOX
OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
THE OFFICE
Greg Daniels, Executive Producer
Ben Silverman, Executive Producer
Ricky Gervais, Executive Producer
Stephen Merchant, Executive Producer
Howard Klein, Executive Producer
Paul Lieberstein, Co-Executive Producer
Michael Schur, Producer
Kent Zbornak, Producer
NBC
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
24 FOX
Joel Surnow, Executive Producer
Robert Cochran, Executive Producer
Howard Gordon, Executive Producer
Evan Katz, Executive Producer
Brian Grazer, Executive Producer
Kiefer Sutherland, Co-Executive Producer
Michael Loceff, Co-Executive Producer
Steven Kronish, Co-Executive Producer
Jon Cassar, Co-Executive Producer
Manny Coto, Co-Executive Producer
David Fury, Co-Executive Producer
Michael Klick, Producer
Brad Turner, Producer
-ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
PROGRAMS WITH MULTIPLE AWARDS
August 19 August 27 Total
Elizabeth I 5 4 9
24 235
Baghdad ER 4 -4
MyNameIsEarl 2 2 4
Rome 4 -4
78th Annual Academy Awards 3 1 4
The Amazing Race 2 1 3
The Girl In The Café -33
Bleakhouse (Masterpiece Theatre) 2 -2
Boston Legal 2 -2
Dancing With The Stars 2 -2
High School Musical 2 -2
How I Met Your Mother 2 -2
Into The West 2 -2
MADtv 2 -2
Rome: Engineering An Empire 2 -2
Six Feet Under 2 -2
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart -22
The Simpsons 2 -2
The XX Olympic Winter Games –
Opening Ceremony 2 -2
TheWestWing 1 1 2
Will&Grace 1 1 2
The MTV Audience Has Spoken!
2006 MTV Video Music Awards Celebrates an Eclectic Group of Music Across More Screens Than Ever Before
Host Jack Black Brings The Thunder
Radio City Music Hall transformed into Video City Music Hall with imagery projected all over the walls of the theater throughout the entire night. With a dramatic kick off atop the observation deck of The Top of the Rock, Jay-Z welcomed the VMAs back to New York City. The biggest night in music opened with Justin Timberlake's sizzling performance of his hit single, "SexyBack." Host Jack Black, dressed as the bad Moonman and Elvis, followed with a comical rock performance featuring Tenacious D band mate Kyle Glass that brought the thunder to the audience, setting the stage for a spectacular musical extravaganza.
For the first time ever, VMA viewers were able to vote on all general awards categories reflecting and celebrating the most eclectic group of artists today. Panic! at the Disco nabbed "Best Video of the Year" for "I Write Sins Not Tragedies." Avenged Sevenfold won "Best New Artist Video" for their music video "Bat Country." Beyonce took home a Moon Man for "Best R&B Video" for her music video "Check on It." A.F.I. grabbed a Moon Man with "Miss Murder" winning for "Best Rock Video." Pink hauled in "Best Pop Video" for her music video "Stupid Girls."
While the VMAs aired live on MTV, MTV.com streamed "VMA Live: Backstage Uncensored," an unprecedented live simultaneous view of ALL the action behind the scenes and backstage that viewers have never gotten to see. Fans followed talent such as Ludacris, OK Go, and T.I. as they traveled from dressing rooms to the stage for their performances. In addition to the television and broadband experiences, MTV Mobile offered updates and recaps of the VMAs across all wireless carriers. The VMAs were also celebrated across all of MTV's platforms including MTV2, mtvU, MHD, MTV World, and Urge.
The end of the summer bash was jam packed with memorable performances. Shakira, along with Wyclef Jean, performed a jaw dropping and hip-shaking "Bollywood" rendition of "Hips Don't Lie." Ludacris and Pharell, joined by the sultry Pussycat Dolls, got the audience out of their seats with an energetic performance of "Money Maker." For the first and only time, OK Go performed their treadmill dance live on stage reaching their target heart rate and impressing all with their physical prowess. The All-American Rejects blew the roof off the house with a rocking rendition of their song "Move Along," as thousands of kids surrounded them on stage and were projected on the walls of the house. The night continued with Beyonce's highflying performance of "Ring the Alarm," as she descended 65 feet to the stage from the ceiling in a flowing coat and ending her performance rising 20 feet into the air above the crowd. T.I. joined by Young Dro and a chorus of children performed a medley of his hits "Shoulder Lean" and "What You Know." Panic! at the Disco kept the energy up with their performance of "I Write Sins Not Tragedies," visually inspired by Tim Burton with Victorian influences. Christina Aguilera performed a heart-wrenching rendition of her ballad "Hurt" with Linda Perry accompanying her on the piano. The show came to a climatic end when Axl Rose introduced The Killers' debut performance of their new single "When You Were Young."
The Raconteurs kept the flow going the entire evening as they provided the live musical accompaniment to the show and were joined by rock legend Lou Reed in a surprise appearance, as well as Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top who performed at the very first VMAs.
Other highlights included: Lil' Kim entering the stage in an orange prison suit and declaring herself free. Sarah Silverman taking good natured jabs at everyone from Lance Bass to Paris Hilton. Silverman had the audience laughing while she left celebrities guessing who was going to be her next target of sarcasm. In a self-deprecating taped moment, Britney Spears and Kevin Federline earned some laughs when they announced the winner for Best R&B Video.
The tone turned more serious when Queen Latifah introduced former Vice President Al Gore to the stage. In the spirit of "An Inconvenient Truth," Gore brought a message of urgent importance concerning the world community to the VMA audience. In a unique and groundbreaking moment, he projected the plight of the environment onto the actual walls of the theater. To highlight that caring about the environment is the new norm, MTV unveiled new Break the Addiction PSAs during the MTV Video Music Awards. The spots' approach is that if you're not actively combating global warming every day, you're behind the times. They heralded "There's a new PC out there - EC (Environmentally Correct)." Break the Addiction is MTV's year-long campaign and 12-step program, launched on Earth Day 2006, to educate and empower young people to make daily choices that improve their life and simultaneously curb the impact of global warming and preserve our environment.
Kanye West presented groundbreaking music video director Hype Williams with a Video Vanguard Award in recognition of his continuous contribution to the music video medium. Hip-hop artists Missy Elliot and Busta Rhymes, the stars of Williams' most celebrated work, also took the stage to pay tribute to Williams with first time performances of "Supa Dupa Fly," and "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See."
The star studded show also included appearances by Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Chris Brown, Fall Out Boy, Rihanna, Jared Leto of 30 Seconds To Mars, Shaun White, Ne-Yo, the cast of Jackass Number 2, Amy Lee of Evanescence, Lil Jon, Axl Rose, Diddy, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, The Rock, Nicole Richie, Abigail Breslin, Paris Hilton, and Nick Lachey.
2006 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS:
Winners for "Viewer's Choice" were not determined at the issue of this release.
VIDEO OF THE YEAR Panic! At The Disco "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" A Fever You Can't Sweat Out decaydance/Fueled By Ramen Director: Shane C. Drake Producer: Brandon Bonfiglio Production Company: Red Van Pictures BEST MALE VIDEO James Blunt "You're Beautiful" Back To Bedlam Custard Records/Atlantic Records Director: Sam Brown Producer: Kat Armour-Brow Production Company: Flynn Productions BEST FEMALE VIDEO Kelly Clarkson "Because of You" Breakaway RCA Director: Vadim Perelman Producer: Rhonda Vernet Production Company: Tate USA BEST GROUP VIDEO The All-American Rejects "Move Along" Move Along Interscope Records/Doghouse Records Director: Marc Webb Producer: Marcienne Friesland Production Company: DNA BEST RAP VIDEO Chamillionaire featuring Krayzie Bone "Ridin'" The Sound of Revenge Chamillitary/Universal Music Director: Life Garland Producer: Hagai Shaham Production Company: Lotus Filmworks, Inc./Terrero Films BEST R&B VIDEO Beyonce featuring Slim Thug & Bun B "Check On It (Pink Panther)" Destiny's Child #1's Music World/Sony Urban/Columbia Director: Hype Williams Producer: Matthew Stillman Production Company: Stillking Productions BEST HIP HOP VIDEO The Black Eyed Peas "My Humps" Monkey Business A&M Records Director: Fatima Robinson and Malik Sayeed Producer: Tony McGarry Production Company: Black Dog at RSA Films BEST DANCE VIDEO Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg "Buttons" PCD A&M Records Director: Francis Lawrence Producer: Lynn Zekanis Production Company: DNA BEST ROCK VIDEO A.F.I. "Miss Murder" Decemberunderground Interscope Records Director: Marc Webb Producer: Marcienne Friesland Production Company: DNA BEST POP VIDEO Pink "Stupid Girls" I'm Not Dead LaFace/Zomba Label Group Director: Dave Meyers Producer: Joseph Sassone Production Company: Radical Music BEST NEW ARTIST IN A VIDEO Avenged Sevenfold "Bat Country" City Of Evil Warner Bros. Records Director: Marc Klasfeld Producer: Rachel Curl Production Company: Rockhard Films BEST DIRECTION IN A VIDEO Gnarls Barkley "Crazy" St. Elsewhere Downtown/Atlantic Records Director: Robert Hales Producer: Coleen Haynes Production Company: HSI Productions BEST CHOREOGRAPHY IN A VIDEO Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean "Hips Don't Lie" Oral Fixation Vol. 2 Epic Records Director: Sophie Muller Producer: Grant Jue Production Company: Oil Factory Choreographer: Shakira BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS IN A VIDEO Missy Elliott "We Run This" The Cookbook From Touchstone Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment's "Stick It" Hollywood/Gold Mind/Atlantic Records Director: Dave Meyers Producer: Barbara Benson BEST ART DIRECTION IN A VIDEO Red Hot Chili Peppers "Dani California" Stadium Arcadium Warner Bros. Records Director: Tony Kaye Producer: Rachel Curl Production Company: Above The Sea Art Director: Justin Dragonas BEST EDITING IN A VIDEO Gnarls Barkley "Crazy" St. Elsewhere Downtown/Atlantic Records Director: Robert Hales Producer: Coleen Haynes Production Company: HSI Productions Editor: Ken Mowe BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY IN A VIDEO James Blunt "You're Beautiful" Back To Bedlam Custard Records/Atlantic Records Director: Sam Brown Producer: Kat Armour-Brow Production Company: Flynn Productions Cinematographer: Robbie Ryan MTV2 AWARD 30 Seconds To Mars "The Kill" A Beautiful Lie Virgin Records America Director: Bartholomew Cubbins Producer: Alexander Moon and Douglas Friedman Production Company: A Common Thread, Inc. BEST VIDEO GAME SOUNDTRACK Marc Ecko's Getting Up (Atari) BEST VIDEO GAME SCORE Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Jeremy Soule) RINGTONE OF THE YEAR FortMinor "Where'd You Go"
Salli Frattini and Dave Sirulnick were the Executive Producers for the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards." Ian Stewart and Summer Strauch were Producers. Hamish Hamilton was Producer/Director. Kathy Flynn was Event Producer.
The "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.3 billion people via MTV's global network of 50 channels reaching 481.5 million households around the world as well as through syndication. Its convergent and original online programming will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV's 43 Web sites around the world.
The official sponsors of the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" are Acuvue, Chevrolet, Dodge, Herbal Essences, JCPenney, Pepsi, Taco Bell and Virgin Mobile USA.
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 100 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
Source: MTV Networks
DMX Cancels USO Tour to Persian Gulf
Earl Simmons, who performs as rapper DMX, cancelled a week-long tour to entertain troops in Kuwait and Iraq. He offered no explanation.
Simmons was scheduled to depart on his tour Aug. 22, but delayed his departure until Aug 23. His representative agreed to add a day to the original schedule. However, on Aug. 23, he failed to appear on time for his flight to Kuwait.
"We are extremely disappointed that DMX decided not to complete the tour he asked us to arrange for him," said John Hanson, USO senior vice president for marketing and communications. "When we announced this tour, troops were extremely excited about the possibility of seeing a performer they admired. We understand their disappointment."
The USO and the military worked on an extremely tight schedule to make it possible for DMX to travel when it was convenient to him. "Typically, it takes up to 45 days to arrange transportation, housing, production assistance and country clearances for entertainment tours," Hanson said. "This tour was put together in just under two weeks, because we know how much service men and women appreciate his performances. Mr. Simmons let a lot of people down."
The USO listens to the troops and does its best to provide the kinds of music and entertainment they request. Celebrities who have performed on USO tours over the last few years include 50 Cent, Toby Keith, Master P, Lil' Romeo, Jessica Simpson, Shinedown, Chely Wright, Shaggy, Drowning Pool, Lil' Mo, La Mafia and Ludacris.
Entertainers on USO tours volunteer their time to perform and meet with U.S. service members around the world. "We will continue to provide quality entertainment to the people who defend us daily around the world in some remote and often dangerous places," said Hanson. "Fortunately, most performers honor their obligation to perform once they make the commitment."
Web site: http://www.uso.org/
Casting Call for New Spike TV Reality Competition Series - 'BULLRUN'
WHEN: SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
10:00am-6:00pm
WHERE: PALMS CASINO RESORT
(West Parking Lot - Flamingo/Arville)
WHAT: Based on the popular invitation-only car rally, BULLRUN the competition reality television series on Spike TV is a rally across North America with a big money prize for the winner. For more information: www.bullruncasting.com
WHO: BULLRUN is for men and women, young and old, everyone from sexy trophy wives with a love for adrenaline to seasoned men who have been tinkering with the same Mustang since it rolled off the line. BULLRUN is for anyone who loves their car and wants the chance to show off their love of the road and their ingenuity behind the wheel - while competing for a big money prize!
Teams must be 21 and over and legal residents of the United States. Drivers must have a good driving record to participate. Cars can be as new or old as you like.
**YOU MUST BRING THE CAR YOU WANT TO COMPETE IN TO THE CASTING CALL
Source: Spike TV
Web site: http://www.spiketv.com/
http://www.bullruncasting.com/
Leal Vineyards Rocks the Night Away with Celebrities
Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson Pay Surprise Visit to Winery
Attendees to a summer concert at Leal Vineyards were surprised by a visit from Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson at the winery on Friday night. The newlywed couple, along with professional volleyball player/model Gabrielle Reece and her surfer husband, Laird Hamilton, enjoyed a private wine tasting at the winery. They next headed to the small town of Tres Pinos and Frank Leal's Cantina Grill and Tequila Bar restaurant. While at the Cantina, Kid Rock entertained the delighted, packed house by mixing records with the DJ and singing "Cowboy," "Sweet Home Alabama," and other numbers.
Leal Vineyards is the creation of Frank Leal. His motto? "Phat wines - no pretense." His mission is to fashion truly exceptional wines that appeal to connoisseur and novice alike. The scenic 45-acre Leal estate grows San Benito County-appellated Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre. Nestled in the rolling foothills of Hollister in California's Central Coast region, the winery was hand-built in 1999 with an eye to both tradition and cutting-edge technique. The property boasts a welcoming Tasting Room, open daily, and Lavanda (lavender in Portuguese), a state-of-the-art event and wedding facility. The winery's on-line home is http://www.lealvineyards.com/ - a fun, informative website that reflects Frank's dedicated yet irreverent approach to crafting world-class vintages. Leal Vineyards: "Fine Wines and Good Times."
Source: Leal Vineyards
Web site: http://www.lealvineyards.com/
Nintendo Launches New DS Lite Colors Amid Record-Breaking Game Sales
Onyx and Coral Pink Follow Sale of 1 Millionth New Super Mario Bros.
The only thing more fun than new Nintendo(R) DS Lite hardware colors is trying to keep up with the breakneck sales of the software to play on the popular little portable! On Sept. 13, two new colors -- Onyx and Coral Pink -- join Polar White, which is enjoying its own incredible sales peak and getting noticed everywhere.
The new colors also complement numerous DS games, including New Super Mario Bros.(R), which has hit the 1 million unit sales mark after just 12 weeks on sale in the United States. That's an average of roughly eight games sold each minute continuously since launch, making it the fastest-selling DS title in the United States for a 12-week period. Overall, DS system and game sales are both up more than 300 percent in July alone.
"Not only are the DS Lite screen and battery life incredible," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "But the new colors just add another element of fun, allowing people to 'personalize' who they are by the color, or colors they pick."
Several other DS games are burning up shopping baskets. Animal Crossing(R): Wild World already has sold more than 800,000 units, and two brain games -- Brain Age(TM): Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day (sold 4 million units worldwide) and Big Brain Academy(TM) (nearly 2 million sold to date worldwide) -- are part of a phenomenon of people wanting to feel as mentally sharp as possible by playing daily.
The best part for Game Boy(R) Advance owners is Nintendo DS Lite plays their entire library of up to 1,000 Game Boy Advance games in single-player mode.
The Official Nintendo Player's Guide for New Super Mario Bros. is now available at retail. For more information about the game, visit mario.nintendo.com.
The worldwide innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo DS(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance and Nintendo GameCube(TM) systems, and upcoming Wii(TM) console. Since 1983, Nintendo has sold nearly 2.2 billion video games and more than 375 million hardware units globally, and has created industry icons like Mario(TM), Donkey Kong(R), Metroid(R), Zelda(TM) and Pokemon(R). A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.
Source: Nintendo
Web site: http://mario.nintendo.com/
Web site: http://www.nintendo.com/
Cox Communications and TiVo Announce Deployment Agreement
Cox to Deploy TiVo's DVR and Advertising Software
TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ:TIVO) , the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVR), and Cox Communications, the nation's fourth-largest cable television company, have entered into an agreement to make TiVo's leading DVR and interactive advertising service available to select Cox subscribers.
Under the terms of the agreement, TiVo will customize its cable software for deployment on compatible Cox DVR set-top-boxes. TiVo's downloadable software will allow Cox to deliver the TiVo(R) service in Cox subscriber homes without replacing existing DVR boxes, and without an install appointment. In this way, current Cox DVR customers who wish to enjoy the award-winning TiVo service, can quickly and easily add the benefits of TiVo to their DVR subscription.
"We are excited to add TiVo to the portfolio of Cox entertainment services," said Steve Necessary, vice president of video product development, Cox Communications. "Cox is committed to offering our customers the best television experience possible. Our new joint service will allow us to build on the popularity of the TiVo brand while continuing to provide our customers with the simplicity of our products and the award winning customer service they have come to expect."
Cox Digital Cable customers with DVR service who choose to add TiVo to their Cox subscription will enjoy the renowned TiVo user interface as well as new innovations that link the capabilities enabled by Cox's broadband network like On DEMAND and High Definition service, with exclusive TiVo features like Season Pass(TM) recordings, WishList(R) searches and the recently announced TiVo KidZone. KidZone gives parents an easy way to safeguard their kids from video content while also helping them discover and choose great educational and age-appropriate shows. The service is expected to launch in select Cox markets in the first half of 2007.
Tom Rogers, TiVo's CEO, said, "We are excited to expand our presence in the cable industry by partnering with Cox, a clear leader in driving consumer adoption of the DVR. By combining Cox's marketing prowess and top-quality customer service with TiVo's superior technology and product offerings, we have unleashed a highly scalable way of delivering the best television viewing experience to its customers."
The agreement also provides for Cox to distribute TiVo's interactive advertising platform which enables an industry proven advertising solution that is seamlessly integrated with the award-winning TiVo subscriber experience. The new advertising relationship extends Cox Media's leadership in the advanced advertising arena and further expands TiVo's national advertising footprint. Cox Media is the advertising sales arm of Cox Communications.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications, a Fortune 500 company, is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than 5.9 million total residential and commercial customers. Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network. Cox Business Services is a full-service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long-distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com.
About TiVo Inc.
Founded in 1997, TiVo pioneered a brand new category of products with the development of the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers, TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers as providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its full set of DVR service features into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo's DVR functionality and ease of use, with such features as Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList(R) searches, has elevated its popularity among consumers and has created a whole new way for viewers to watch television. With a continued investment in its patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal point of the digital living room, TiVo's DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and photos. With innovative features, such as TiVoToGo(TM) mobility and online scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers experiencing "TiVo, TV your way.(R)" The TiVo(R) service is also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing solutions for the television industry, including a unique platform for advertisers and audience measurement research. The company is based in Alviso, Calif.
NOTE: TiVo, Series2, 'TiVo, TV your way.' Season Pass, WishList, TiVoToGo and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. and its subsidiaries worldwide.
This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to, among other things, TiVo's service and marketing plans, future pricing strategies, and other factors that could affect future results. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward- looking terminology such as, "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "intend," "estimate," "continue," or similar expressions or the negative of those terms or expressions. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include delays in product development, competitive service offerings and lack of market acceptance, as well as the other potential factors described under "Factors That May Affect Future Operating Results" in the Company's public reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 31, 2006. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect an analysis only and speak only as of the date hereof. TiVo disclaims any obligation to update these forward- looking statements.
Source: TiVo Inc.
Web site: http://www.cox.com/
Web site: http://www.tivo.com/
NTN Buzztime(R) Launches New Multiplayer Miniature Golf Game on Its Restaurant and Sports Bar iTV Network
Patrons of Buzztime iTV Network Locations in North America and the United Kingdom Can Now Compete in Real-Time in Buzztime's Crazy Golf(TM)
NTN Buzztime, Inc. (AMEX:NTN) , a leading developer and distributor of Play Along TV(R) entertainment and technology, announced today the launch of its latest multiplayer interactive television game -- Crazy Golf(TM) -- to its dual-channel Buzztime iTV Network locations throughout North America and the United Kingdom. Up to seven players in each location can control a virtual putter to compete in Buzztime's arcade-style miniature golf game and vie for the best round!
Crazy Golf is the second game on the Buzztime iTV Network to include 3-dimensional graphics for a more virtual and dynamic play-along experience; the first game, Cutthroat(TM) billiards, was released May 17, 2006. Players have the option of positioning their shots from one of two angles: behind the putter (at ground level) and from a standing position.
"Crazy Golf is similar to our blockbuster Texas Hold'em game since players take turns and have more time to socialize. As in the case of Texas Hold'em, we believe Crazy Golf will appeal to our existing customers and many new bar and tavern locations," said Dario Santana, Chief Executive Officer. "From a graphics point of view, it is one of the most visually appealing and realistic games we offer. Players will enjoy the skill of Crazy Golf, which offers a wide variety of challenges and obstacles that must be mastered."
The game is designed to allow from one to seven players to compete in a round of miniature golf. Each one hour game features up to nine holes. Players take turns shooting and rotating after each hole. The holes vary by par, crazy layouts and obstacles such as bumpers, pipes, broken bridges, swinging maces and vanishing holes.
Crazy Golf is now available for play in more than 2,600 locations across North American and the United Kingdom that carry the dual-channel version of the Buzztime iTV Network.
About NTN Buzztime, Inc.
Based in Carlsbad, CA, NTN Buzztime, Inc. (AMEX:NTN) has been a leader in interactive television entertainment for over 20 years and distributes its Play Along TV(R) games and technology through numerous platforms including its own Buzztime iTV Network which is available on TV's in over 4,000 restaurants, sports bars and pubs throughout North America and the United Kingdom as well as cable TV, satellite TV, mobile phones, electronic games and books. For more information, please see www.buzztime.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements which reflect management's current views of future events and operations including but not limited to trends in subscriber preference and engagement and results of marketing strategies. These statements are all based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include the risk of changing economic conditions, failure of product demand or market acceptance of both existing and new products and services and the impact of competitive products and pricing. Please see NTN Buzztime, Inc.'s recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks that may affect the Company. All forward-looking statements included in this release are based on information available to us on the date hereof. These statements speak only as of the date hereof, and NTN Buzztime, Inc. does not undertake to publicly update or revise any of its forward-looking statements, even if experience or future changes show that the indicated results or events will not be realized.
Source: NTN Buzztime, Inc.
Web site: http://www.buzztime.com/
Legendary Musician Maynard Ferguson Dies
Grammy Nominated Trumpeter Known for 'Gonna Fly Now,' the Theme to the Movie Rocky, was 78
Walter "Maynard" Ferguson, one of the most influential musicians and band leaders in the history of Jazz, passed away August 23, 2006 at 8:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, California. He was 78 years old. His death was the result of kidney and liver failure brought on by an abdominal infection. Mr. Ferguson's four daughters Kim, Lisa, Corby, Wilder and other family members were at his side when he passed away after this brief illness. He spoke by phone with his friend and manager Steve Schankman from St. Louis, longtime tour manager Ed Sargent, and friend, and fellow trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.
Mr. Ferguson had recently returned home to California from New York after several sold out performances in July at the famed Blue Note Club. During this time, Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau band also recorded a new album at Bennett Studios in Englewood, New Jersey.
Maynard Ferguson, born May 4, 1928 in Montreal, started his career at the age of 13 when he performed as a featured soloist with the Canadian Broadcasting Company Orchestra. He played with some of the great Big Band Leaders of the 1940's including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Barnett, Jimmy Dorsey and Stan Kenton. In 1945, at age 17, Ferguson became the leader of his own Big Band. The 78-year old musical phenomenon went on to record more than 60 albums, receiving numerous honors and awards including the GRAMMY(R) nomination for "Gonna Fly Now." In 2005, Ferguson was awarded Canada's highest civilian honor, the "Order of Canada" from the Right Honorable Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. In addition to those accolades, Ferguson has been the recipient of DownBeat Magazine's prestigious "DownBeat" Award.
"The Boss," as Ferguson is known, has been performing for packed houses for decades. His recent DVD release, "Live at The Top," captures one of his most memorable performances, a concert held at the Plaza Hotel in Rochester, New York in 1975, with Ferguson performing alongside fellow music pioneers Stan Mark, Ernie Garside and Bruce Johnston. Most recently, Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau Band had been touring the United States. He was preparing for a Fall Tour beginning mid-September in Tokyo, Japan. He had also been invited to play for the King of Thailand's 80th birthday in January.
Mr. Ferguson's body will be cremated in his hometown of Ojai, California. Memorial contributions can be made to the Maynard Ferguson Music Scholarship Fund at University of Missouri - St. Louis, which was established by Steve Schankman at Maynard's 75th birthday celebration. Mr. Schankman and the Ferguson family are planning a memorial concert to take place in St. Louis which will feature many of the band's alumni and friends who Mr. Ferguson performed with during his more than 60-year musical career.
Mr. Ferguson's latest, and last, recording will be released later this year as a legacy to the life of Maynard Ferguson.
Source: Maynard Ferguson Music, U.S.A., Inc.
Music Superstar Shakira Set to Light the Stage on Fire at '2006 MTV Video Music Awards'
Shakira Will Join List of Highly Anticipated Superstar Performers for Live August 31st Broadcast
OK Go to Perform Groundbreaking Rendition of Their Video 'Here It Goes Again' on Treadmills Live for the First Time Ever
Axl Rose, Lindsay Lohan, Kanye West, Paris Hilton, Diddy, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Pussycat Dolls and 50 Cent Added to Presenters List for 2006 VMAs
Borat and Sarah Silverman to Make Special Guest Appearances
MTV: Music Television announced today that Shakira and OK Go have been added to the incredible performers line-up already set for the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards." It was previously announced that Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Panic! At the Disco, T.I., The Killers, Ludacris with Pharrell, The All-American Rejects, The Raconteurs, and Justin Timberlake are confirmed to perform at the star studded awards show. Hosted by Jack Black, the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" will air live from New York's Radio City Music Hall on Thursday, August 31st at 8:00pm ET/PT.
Also, Axl Rose, Lindsay Lohan, Kanye West, Paris Hilton, Diddy, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Pussycat Dolls and 50 Cent, have been added to the presenters list. The star studded show will also include appearances by Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Chris Brown, Fall Out Boy, Rihanna, Jared Leto of 30 Seconds To Mars, Busta Rhymes, Shaun White, Ne-Yo, Missy Elliott, Cast of Jackass, Amy Lee of Evanescence, Lil Jon, and Nick Lachey. Additionally, Borat and Sarah Silverman will make special guest appearances.
The 2006 VMAs will be a multi-platform, multi-screen experience. For the first time ever in awards show history, MTV will expose fans to the insanity on and off the stage. While the VMAs are airing live on MTV, Overdrive, the network's broadband channel, will air "VMA Live: Backstage Uncensored", an unprecedented live view of the ALL the action behind the scenes and backstage viewers have never gotten to see. In addition to the television and broadband experiences, MTV Mobile on all wireless carriers will also offer updates and recaps of the VMAs within minutes. Also, prior to the show, viewers will have access to all nominated videos on MTV Overdrive (www.vma.mtv.com).
Salli Frattini and Dave Sirulnick are the Executive Producers for the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards." Ian Stewart and Summer Strauch are Producers. Hamish Hamilton is Producer/Director. Kathy Flynn is Event Producer.
The "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.3 billion people via MTV's global network of 51 channels reaching 481.5 million households around the world as well as through syndication. Its convergent and original online programming will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV's 44 Web sites around the world.
The official sponsors of the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" are Acuvue, Chevrolet, Dodge, Herbal Essences, JCPenney, Pepsi, Taco Bell and Virgin Mobile USA.
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 130 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
Source: MTV
Web site: http://www.mtv.com/
Volvo Premieres Webisodes Capturing Worldwide Treasure Hunt for Buried Volvo
Action-packed Webisodes Capture Frantic Final Search for Buried Volvo XC90 V8 SUV in Islands of the Bahamas
Event Part of Volvo's Promotional Tie-in to Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest; Visit www.volvocars.us/thehunt
Lights! Camera! Arrggggghhhhhhh! Starting tomorrow, Volvo Car Corporation will premiere an online series of action-packed webisodes chronicling the final stages of its global, multi-media treasure hunt for a pirate-themed Volvo XC90 V8 that Volvo buried in a secret location somewhere in the world.
With seven wanna-be pirates from around the world competing in a frantic, two-day search by land, sea and air throughout the Islands of the Bahamas, the three webisodes -- available at www.volvocars.us/thehunt -- cap Volvo's wildly popular multi-media campaign it developed as part of its sponsorship of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.
The webisodes were produced in the tradition of such popular reality shows as Survivor and Amazing Race, and were filmed by individuals who have worked on reality shows such as Fear Factor. While the first installment premieres tomorrow, part two and the concluding part three premiere Monday, Aug. 28 and Tuesday, Aug. 29, and will be available online for the coming months.
The seven individuals, including three from the United States as well as one each from Japan, United Kingdom, Spain and Austria, were the first among their respective nations to complete a fun, yet challenging, online treasure hunt presented by Volvo that launched on June 12, concluded four weeks later and elicited 52,000 participants in the U.S. alone. They arrived on the Islands of the Bahamas two weeks ago unaware of the location of the final leg until their aircraft landed.
The seven competed in a series of mental and physical challenges on the islands that either eliminated them from competition or advanced them to the next challenge. The ultimate winner was David Hutz, a 30 year-old computer programmer from Herndon, Va. After Hutz determined the final location, assistants dug up the $82,000 Volvo and presented him with the keys. He then announced that he would give the car to his wife, Sheila Hutz. In a surprising twist, nobody left the Bahamas empty handed. At the conclusion of the Hunt, in true Volvo fashion, each finalist was surprised with a small treasure chest that contained keys to a new Volvo.
Other finalists in the Hunt included:
* Jenny Buckalew, 35, Newnan, Ga.
* James Hutz, 57, Carefree, Ariz.
* Karl Lloyd, 33, Surrey, England
* Susanne Kalintsch, 44, Trieben, Austria
* Akihiro Horibe, 36, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
* Jose Luis Dominguez Monge, 31, Valladolid, Spain
The buried, one-of-a-kind, Volvo XC90 featured a variety of elements inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean, including menacing graphics from the film, black leather seats, custom painted 20 inch wheels and more.
Volvo's promotion of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest grew out of the partnership with Disney for the worldwide Volvo Ocean Race. The Volvo ship bears the name of the same boat in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, "The Black Pearl." The Ocean Race began in Vigo, Spain on Nov. 12, 2005 and ended in Gothenburg, Sweden on June 17, 2006.
Source: Volvo Cars of North America
Web site: http://www.volvocars.us/thehunt
Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge to Announce Dates for National Contestant Searches in Las Vegas and Atlanta
-- Reality Racing, Inc. (OTC Pink Sheets: RRCG) President Lee F. Schaefer announced today that the company is in the process of finalizing dates and locations for a national contestant search to find amateur drivers to participate in their new TV show, Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge. The search is tentatively scheduled to be held in both Atlanta and Las Vegas during the early part of November. Exact times, dates and locations will be posted on the website as soon as they are available.
Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge will combine two of the most popular on-air entertainment concepts -- stock car racing and reality television -- to create an unmatched, action-packed 13-week TV series scheduled to air in early 2007. The Rookie Challenge winner will receive national exposure, a cash award, a gold championship ring and the opportunity to drive professionally in a NASCAR(R)-sanctioned race.
Schaefer stated, "There are more than 75 million racing enthusiasts in this country alone and there are plenty among them who believe that they have what it takes to be a professional race car driver. We are looking to hold our two contestant searches in Las Vegas and Atlanta in November to give amateur hopefuls on both sides of the Mississippi a shot at their dreams. We've also signed Nextel Cup(R) Series and NASCAR legends like Bobby and Donny Allison, Cale Yarborough, Rusty Wallace and Junior Johnson to act as judges and mentors for our contestants so they can learn from the best. The winner of Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge will be given the opportunity to actually drive professionally as a member of an established race team in a NASCAR-sanctioned race."
To be eligible as a contestant, male and female entrants must be amateur drivers with no prior race experience, be 18 years of age or older and have no felony traffic offense convictions. The selected finalists will be judged on a point system by the panel of racing legends and judges. Tests, challenges and actual races will be held weekly from which the contestants will earn points to establish their rankings for the final Championship Race. The Championship Race will determine the winner of Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge.
Additional information is available on the Reality Racing website: http://www.realityracingtv.com/
This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance development and results of the Company's business include but are not limited to fluctuations in financial results, availability and customer acceptance of our products and services, the impact of competitive products, services and pricing, general market trends and conditions, and other risks detailed in the Company's SEC reports.
Reality Racing, Inc.
, Inc.
Web site: http://www.realityracingtv.com/
What do K-Fed, Abe Lincoln, Virgin Mobile USA and the Jersey Shore Have in Common?
They are Giving Power Back to the Penny!
Virgin Mobile's Penny-Clad Armor Truck Rolls Into the Jersey Shore to Show You Why Pennies are Powerful!
WHAT: Be on the lookout this summer as Virgin Mobile's penny-clad armored
truck hits the Jersey Shore's summertime hotspots. The Shore will
be the third stop on this summer's six city tour to celebrate
Virgin Mobile's ongoing commitment to give power back to the penny.
Beach revelers in the know will have the opportunity to:
- Save the penny from extinction! Sign Virgin Mobile's Save the
Penny petition
- Guess the number of pennies embedded on the truck for a chance to
win an all expenses paid trip to the Virgin Festival By Virgin
Mobile, this summer's hottest concert, featuring the Red Hot
Chili Peppers, the Killers, The Who and more in Baltimore on
September 23, 2006
- Donate pennies to benefit The RE*Generation, a charitable
movement dedicated to connecting young people with organizations
working on the front lines of activism
- Try out and win Virgin Mobile's latest offerings, including the
very popular Switch_Back messaging phone and pre-loaded games
- Compete in the ultimate speed texting competition
- Participate in TEXT2WIN contests for other chances to win tickets
to Virgin Festival By Virgin Mobile
WHEN: Thursday, August 24 - Sunday, August 27
EVENT Various cities along the Jersey Shore
LOCATIONS:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24
2 p.m. - 10 p.m. City of Margate, Beach Front Street
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
2 p.m. - 10 p.m. City of Longport, Beach Front Street
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
2 p.m. - 10 p.m. City of Point Pleasant, Beach Front Street
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
2 p.m. - 10 p.m. City of Belmar, Beach Front Street
A full schedule of Virgin Mobile's Penny Truck Tour and activities is available at www.STGG.com.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060810/NYTH107
Web site: http://www.stgg.com/
Las Vegas International Restaurant Show to Launch
The Nevada Restaurant Association (NvRA) has partnered with the producers of "The Show" to establish the Las Vegas International Restaurant Show. This unique restaurant exposition will be held parallel to "The Show" at the Las Vegas Convention Center March 4-7, 2007.
"The Show" is the largest beverage and food show in the Western Hemisphere and attracts industry professionals from every state in the nation and more than 20 foreign counties.
"We are delighted to partner with Oxford Publishing Inc., producers of 'The Show,' in the launch of the Las Vegas International Restaurant Show. This new event will reflect the great culinary traditions of Nevada and Las Vegas, which is rapidly becoming the epicenter of restaurant and food innovations," says NvRA Chairman Michael Coward.
"This is going to be a great partnership, which I believe will result in the development of the most exciting and innovative food and beverage event in the industry," Coward adds. "More than 30,000 professionals attend 'The Show' and this number will increase dramatically as the Las Vegas International Restaurant Show develops."
"The addition of the Las Vegas International Restaurant Show will enrich 'The Show' dynamically as we expand this venue to serve all segments of the hospitality industry," says Jennifer Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of Oxford Publishing Inc.
For information on attending or exhibiting at the Las Vegas International Restaurant Show, contact Director of Trade Show Sales and Operations Hollis Green at hgreen@oxpub.com, or (800) 247-3881.
Founded in 1982, the Nevada Restaurant Association is the leading business association serving the needs of the food service operators in Nevada. As an affiliate of the National Restaurant Association, and together with the Nevada Hospitality Foundation, the Association's mission is to represent, educate and promote the rapidly growing industry, which is comprised of more than 5,200 restaurant and foodservice outlets employing more than 150,000 people. www.nvrestaurants.com
Oxford Publishing Inc. publishes Nightclub & Bar, Beer, Wine & Spirits Beverage Retailer and Salud! y Buen Provecho national trade magazines and produces the largest event for the beverage and food industry -- the Nightclub & Bar, Beverage Retailer/Beverage and Food Convention & Trade Show, also known as "The Show" -- in Las Vegas annually as well as a secondary East Coast event held in Atlantic City, NJ. Oxford also produces Fiesta Latina, which focuses on the Hispanic beverage and food industry.
Source: Oxford Publishing Inc.
Web site: http://www.nightclub.com/
http://www.nvrestaurants.com/
Sony Media Software Announces Enhanced Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition as Consumer Content Creation Category Continues to Gain Momentum
Host of New Features Allow Consumers to Create and Share Videos on Virtually Every Platform
-- Sony Media Software announced today its new Vegas(R) Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software, an update to its leading consumer-level video editing and DVD creation application. The new capabilities make it easier than ever for consumers to create and share videos on virtually any platform.
Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software gives users the power to unlock new tools and features in the hottest consumer-level cameras and equipment, providing a stunning array of unprecedented options when filming, editing and viewing video projects. In addition to the new premium tools, Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software is the only consumer-level video editing application that takes advantage of the expanded sound capabilities in many new cameras such as the Sony(R) DCR-DVD405 Handycam(R) camcorder. Owners of such cameras can use Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software to import their camera's video and audio, and edit multiple audio channels to create a surround sound movie project. Additional enhancements let users export their projects to an expanded array of media devices, including direct export to Sony(R) PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) and format support for Apple(R) iPod(R).
"The new features in this version of Vegas Move Studio+DVD Platinum Edition are designed to give users complete freedom with their video projects," said Dave Chaimson, vice president of marketing, Sony Media Software. "Sites such as YouTube(TM), Yahoo!(R), and Google(TM) have made video creation more popular than ever before and Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition is the perfect tool for anybody who would like to join the growing community of content creators."
In addition to its expanded editing and output capabilities, Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software offers advanced DVD authoring through the inclusion of DVD Architect Studio 4 software. The integrated tools streamline the entire DVD creation process, allowing users to add fully customized menus and special features to their video projects.
Sony Media Software's innovative "Show Me How" tutorials also provide new users with extensive in-program support by offering tips and helpful hints that apply directly to the user's own individual project. The exclusive feature helps first-time users jump directly into working on a project, while giving more experienced editors immediate access to relevant answers for their specific questions.
The updated Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software will include all the premium features found in the prior version, including popular features such as extensive HD video support and advanced color correction tools. Additional extras include a Vegas Movie Studio training DVD by VASST, the bundled NewBlue(R) MSP effects and transitions package, more than 20 DirectX(R) audio effects, and 1,001 Sound Effects.
Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software will be available in September for $129.95 (MSRP). For additional information on the product, a list of retailers or to purchase online, please visit http://www.sony.com/mediasoftware.
About Sony Media Software
Sony Media Software inspires creative expression with its award-winning line of products for digital video, music, DVD, and audio production. Sound Forge(R), ACID(R), and Vegas(R) software have defined digital content creation for a generation of creative professionals, amateurs, and enthusiasts. These signature product lines continue to advance the art of providing powerful, accessible tools to unleash the imagination. Today, there is a Sony Media Software application for every level of expertise, including a full line of consumer software based on the company's professional applications. In addition, Sony Media Software produces the extensive Sony(R) Sound Series collection of royalty-free loops and production music, Sony Pictures Sound Effects Series exclusive sound effects, Vision Series video creation assets, as well as www.ACIDplanet.com(R), the internet's premier site for independent music and video artists. As a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the company also develops applications that enhance the experience for users of Sony hardware devices including the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) and Sony Ericsson mobile phones. Sony Media Software customers span the globe and include seasoned professionals in the film, television, video game, and recording industries, students and educators, hobbyists and enthusiasts, and young children exploring music creation.
ACID, ACIDized, ACIDplanet.com, ACIDplanet, the ACIDplanet logo, ACID XMC, Artist Integrated, the Artist Integrated logo, Beatmapper, Cinescore, CD Architect, DVD Architect, Jam Trax, Perfect Clarity Audio, Sound Forge, Super Duper Music Looper, and Vegas are the trademarks or registered trademarks of Madison Media Software, Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners in the United States and other countries.
Source: Sony Media Software
Web site: http://www.sony.com/mediasoftware
http://www.acidplanet.com/
Pop, Punk and Rock Photographer Brad Elterman to Show at San Francisco's Gallery 3175
-- Famed 1970s and 80s pop, punk and rock paparazzi photographer Brad Elterman (www.bradelterman.com/exhibits.html) will participate in a special photo event at San Francisco's Gallery 3175 on September 9, 7pm to 12am. Classic Elterman images supporting the theme 'It's Only Rock N Roll' will be a key part of this multi-photographer exhibition. Photographer presentations start at 8:30pm, to be followed by live bands and a guest DJ. Gallery 3175 is located at 3175 17th Street, San Francisco.
The Northern California event comes on the heels of Elterman's successful exhibition 'Made in LA.' Elterman will cohost a closing reception for this show on Saturday, August 26, 7pm to 10pm at Bamboo Lane Gallery. The show runs through September 2. The gallery is located at 418 Bamboo Lane in Chinatown, Los Angeles. Public welcome.
"My images freeze in time an era that's no more -- a time when paparazzi and celebrity shooters had unencumbered access to the great stars and musicians of the day," says Elterman. "My exhibition reflects some of the photographers who influenced my own work and style: Bob Gruen, Ken Regan and Richard Creamer. Diane Arbus and Helen Levitt were also influential with their quality to capture the spark, the moment in people."
Elterman, who landed his first published image at age 16, traveled the world and partied backstage with The Ramones, KISS, The Sex Pistols and Bob Dylan. From 1974 to 1980 he photographed everyone from Joan Jett and Jackie Onassis, to Frank Sinatra and Blondie.
Both events are open to the public and members of the media are invited. For information about the L.A. event, call Bamboo Lane Gallery, 213-620-1188. For information on the San Francisco night, visit www.rootdivision.org/events_calendar.html
About Brad Elterman
After years shooting as a freelance paparazzi photographer, Brad Elterman formed one of the first Los Angeles-based photo agencies, California Features International, Inc. which specialized in providing celebrity photos to magazines and newspapers worldwide. A published author, Elterman's book "SHOOT THE STARS: How To Become A Celebrity Photographer" garnered interviews on shows including Oprah and CNN. In 1992 he co-founded Online USA, Inc., one of the first digital photo agencies to specialize in celebrity photography, which was purchased by Getty Images in 2000. He is presently a consultant with Buzz Foto, LCC, www.buzzfoto.com.
Web site: http://www.bradelterman.com/exhibits.html
http://www.buzzfoto.com/
Product Placement to Offset Ad-Skipping
According to research released by PQ Media, global paid product placement spending surged 42.2% to $2.21 billion in 2005 with double-digit growth expected to continue in 2006 and beyond, as brand marketers scramble to effectively engage consumers worldwide.
Patrick Quinn, president of PQ Media, said "Product placement has evolved from a novel marketing tactic to a key marketing strategy on a global scale, as brand marketers seek more effective methods to make important emotional connections with consumers... there is a new media order emerging worldwide in which fear of ad-skipping technology, doubts about traditional advertising's effectiveness, and declining government media subsidies have fueled a dramatic increase in the value of seamless brand integration."
Global paid product placement spending in TV, film and other media is expected to climb another 38.8% to $3.07 billion in 2006, driven by the continued shift in the world's leading markets toward a paid placement structure from a barter and added-value model, according to the report.
*Other media, including magazines, newspapers, videogames, Internet, music, books, and radio
Other media, including magazines, newspapers, videogames, Internet, music, books, and radioThe transition is moving slower in Europe due to stricter rules governing the use of product placement. But, opines the report, this will change by year-end 2007, when the European Union is expected to liberalize restrictions encumbering growth in this region, fueling significant upside in some European markets.
The US is by far the world's largest paid product placement market at $1.50 billion in 2005, up 48.7%, making the US the world's fastest growing market as well. The US market tends to be much more advanced than other countries, and it is the model to which most other countries aspire. The majority of spending in the US and abroad is derived from five key product categories: transportation & parts, apparel & accessories, food & beverage, travel & leisure, and media & entertainment.
The report forecasts that global paid product placement spending will grow at a compound annual rate of 27.9% in the 2005-2010 period to $7.55 billion, as product placement growth continues to significantly outpace that of traditional advertising and marketing. The overall value of the worldwide product placement market, including the barter/exposure value of non-paid placements, will increase 18.4% compounded annually to $13.96 billion in 2010.
IEC Presents ICT Leaders Exploring Network Platforms for Broadband Content Delivery at the Broadband World Forum Americas
The IEC's Broadband World Forum Americas will present leaders from Motorola, Texas Instruments, The
Walt Disney Company, and Cisco Systems to discuss the latest in broadband network platforms for
broadband content delivery
The International Engineering Consortium (IEC) presents ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) leaders to discuss a wide range of broadband topics in plenary panels, keynote addresses, workshops, and hot-seat sessions as it premieres its first-ever Broadband World Forum Americas this September 11-15 at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre with TELUS as the official host sponsor.
IEC President John Janowiak stated, "The quality of programming at the show is excellent. The Monday plenary panel exemplifies the IEC's commitment to securing the best speakers from all aspects of the industry, which will ensure that our educational programming is of the highest quality for both professionals and academia."
On opening day of the show, a plenary panel for all attendees will feature Douglas Means, General Manager, Connected Home Solutions and Corporate Vice President, Motorola, Inc. who will serve as chair. Panelists include Tom Flanagan, Director, Technical Strategy, Digital Signal Processing Systems, Texas Instruments; Peter Lee, Vice President, Business Development New Technology, The Walt Disney Company; and Al Safarikas, Senior Director, Wireline Segment, Cisco Systems.
From content developers, service providers, and equipment vendors, the panelists will discuss developing and deploying network platforms for delivering a wide variety of content and applications. Attendees will learn how to obtain an adequate return on their broadband infrastructure investments.
Texas Instruments' Tom Flanagan, Director, Technical Strategy, Digital Signal Processing Systems, commented, "I always enjoy participating in panel discussions as they never fail to bring out divergent views and lively discussion. The panel I am on is focusing on content delivery platforms. My particular bias is toward the role of the residential gateway in content delivery. I am a believer in the RG as a key enabler of WEB 2.0 style personalization of content delivery. This view always generates debate about the "walled garden" approach favored by many operators versus the melding of commercial content and user produced content. We may also delve into the role of the RG in an IMS network with a focus on VoIP and IPTV applications. With a panel you never know where it will end up. If the audience is active they can take the discussion in the direction they desire. That is the beauty of this forum."
The panel will teach their audience how to ensure their content delivery platforms contain all its necessary capabilities.
Other featured speakers at the Broadband World Forum Americas include Christian Unterberger, President, Fixed Networks, Siemens Communications, Stephen Vogelsang, VP, Marketing and Product Management, ECI Telecom, Berndt Baumgartl, President and CEO, Siemens Communications USA and Stephen Ackroyd, President, Yummy Interactive Inc.
All industry professionals may register at http://www.iec.org/events/2006/bbwf_americas/register/
For complete information, visit: http://www.iec.org/events/2006/bbwf_americas/
About the Broadband World Forum Americas
The first-ever Broadband World Forum Americas debuts September 11-14, 2006 at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. With TELUS as the official sponsor, the event completes the Broadband Series, which includes the popular Broadband World Forum Europe (the 2005 Madrid event drew nearly 6,000 industry professionals to register) and the successful Broadband World Forum Asia. For more information, please visit http://www.iec.org/events/2006/bbwf_americas/.
About the IEC
A nonprofit organization, the IEC is dedicated to catalyzing technology and business progress worldwide in a range of high-technology industries and their university communities. Since 1944, the IEC has provided high-quality educational opportunities for industry professionals, academics, and students.
In conjunction with industry-leading companies, the IEC has developed an extensive, free, on-line educational program. The IEC conducts industry-university programs that have substantial impact on curricula. It also conducts research and develops publications, conferences, and technological exhibits that address major opportunities and challenges of the information age.
More than 70 leading high-technology universities are IEC affiliates, and the IEC handles the affairs of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association and Eta Kappa Nu, the honor society for electrical and computer engineers. The IEC also manages the activities of the Enterprise Communications Consortium. Please visit http://www.iec.org.
Documentary Film Entries
Due September 1 for 2006 Oscars®
Friday, September 1, is the deadline for documentary filmmakers to submit their short subject and feature-length documentaries to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for consideration for the 79th Academy Awards®.
Each entry form must be accompanied by supporting materials including an English-language synopsis of the film, a list of film credits, filmographies of the director(s) and/or producer(s), 25 VHS cassette tapes or 25 DVDs of the film, and proof of a seven-day qualifying exhibition in either Los Angeles County or the Borough of Manhattan in New York.
Videotapes or DVDs will be distributed to members of the Academy’s Documentary Branch who will determine the nominees for both the short subject and feature-length categories.
The 79th Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, January 23, 2007, at 5:30 a.m. PST in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
In 2005 “March of the Penguins” and “A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin” won in the Documentary Feature and Documentary Short Subject categories, respectively. The first Oscar for best documentary short subject was first awarded in 1941 to National Film Board of Canada’s “Churchill’s Island.” In 1943 the Academy honored “Desert Victory,” produced by the British Ministry of Information, the first Oscar for best feature-length documentary.
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements for 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network.
AOL Video Launches Digital Movie Downloads
New Partnerships with 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures Home
Entertainment, Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Group Bring Full-Length Movies to All-In-One Online Video Destination
New On-Demand Channels Featuring Television Content Will
Also Be Available from Fox Entertainment Group and Sony
Pictures Home Entertainment
AOL, a leader in live and on-demand entertainment video programming and video search, today announced partnerships with 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group that will offer consumers downloadable movies through the AOL Video portal. These new partnerships complement the more than 17 video content partnerships and more than 45 on-demand channels that AOL Video announced in July. Available to anyone on the Web at http://www.aolvideo.com, the AOL Video portal is a one-stop, high-quality entertainment destination to find, watch and share millions of free streaming and pay-to-download video content from across the Web, broadcast and cable television, and movies.
"We're very excited to add digital movie downloads and additional TV content to the already wide-variety of content that we offer through the AOL Video portal," said Kevin Conroy, Executive Vice President of AOL. "As we continue to build AOL Video into the best source to find millions of free as well as pay-to-download videos, we'll continue to add more and more high quality branded content to the mix and we look forward to working even more closely with 20th Century Fox, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, and Warner Bros."
"We are eager to continue to develop the market for digital downloads by applying our premium content to one of the Web's strongest brands," said Peter Levinsohn, President, Fox Digital Media. "AOL's wide usage will increase our ability to get Fox's electronically-delivered movie and TV product in front of a huge number of consumers."
"Viewing online digital content is no longer an esoteric pastime," said Benjamin S. Feingold, President of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Digital Distribution and Acquisitions. "Online programming services like AOL's video portal have the potential to become a major distribution stream for consumer entertainment and a viable revenue source for Hollywood."
"Partnering with digital powerhouse AOL further underscores NBC Universal's steadfast commitment to harnessing new opportunities and providing the most discerning consumers with legitimate and appealing options for purchasing and enjoying our content electronically," said Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment. "This collaboration marks another important step in advancing our digital initiatives as we continue to aggressively seek out new technologies and forge critical paths in the digital arena."
"Making our movies available to consumers through AOL Video is a great fit within our overall digital distribution strategy," said Simon Kenny, President, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. "Our goal is to provide access to our content through the widest possible selection of platforms and devices and AOL is a great partner in that effort."
Through AOL Video, popular movie titles - from recent DVD releases to a large selection of movies representing all genres - from 20th Century Fox, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group will be available for purchase and download with prices ranging from $9.99 to $19.99 per movie. Once downloaded, movies can be viewed offline as well as on other PCs and compatible portable devices.
More Popular Television Content from Leading Brands
As part of AOL Video's ongoing expansion of its branded video-on-demand channel line up, television content from Fox Entertainment Group and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will be easily accessible through the AOL Video portal's online interactive programming guide (IPG). The AOL Video IPG brings together free and download-to-own video content and organizes it into more than 50 video-on-demand channels. Additional AOL Video on-demand channels will launch in the coming months.
AOL Video will feature Fox Entertainment Group content, available in the coming months, for paid download within five new on-demand channels.
* FOX - Featuring full-length episodes from current Fox television series including "24," "Prison Break," and "Bones."
* Fox Classic Television - Featuring full-length episodes from cult classic and award-winning series including "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Hill St. Blues," and many more.
* FX - Featuring the FX Network's original series "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."
* Speed - Featuring the original series "Pinks" and "Unique Whips."
* Fuel TV- Featuring "Firsthand," which offers a glimpse into the lives of the best freestyle sports athletes from around the world.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will be programming two new on-demand channels on AOL Video, featuring free, ad-supported television content. Additional channels programmed by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment are planned for the coming months.
* AXN - This action-packed channel features full-length episodes from retro classics including "Charlie's Angels," "Starsky & Hutch," and "SWAT."
* FunnyBone - Episodes from some of TV's treasured sitcoms like "Action."
The new AOL(R) Video portal (http://www.aolvideo.com) is a one-stop online destination to find watch and share millions of the best videos from across the Web, broadcast and cable television, and entertainment including movies, music videos, news, user-generated content and full-length TV shows. AOL Video features free streaming videos as well as the ability to purchase and download full-length content that can be viewed on multiple devices and PCs, online or offline. At the center of the AOL Video portal is one of the Web's first online interactive programming guides which brings together thousands of hours of video programming and organizes it into more than 50 branded video-on-demand channels. AOL Video also features industry-leading video search powered by technology from Truveo(TM) and Singingfish(R), and a video player that can go full screen without losing picture quality and that supports AOL's exclusive Hi-Q(TM) video format to watch DVD-quality videos online.
About AOL
AOL and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United States. Web brands include the AOL.com(R) website, AIM(R), MapQuest(R) and Netscape(R). AOL offers a range of digital services in the areas of education, safety and security, communications and music. The company also has operations in Europe and Canada. AOL LLC is a majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX) and is based in Dulles, Virginia.
World Record Attempt Sought by the New Mr. Las Vegas Jeff Beacher 'Heaviest Pig in a Blanket' Stunt to Take Place August 29 During Paris Hilton CD Release Street Festival
Creator of Beacher's Rockhouse Bar, Jeff Beacher, will attempt a world record fete that master magician David Blaine himself could not accomplish. Beacher will perform the "Heaviest Pig in a Blanket" stunt in front of tens of thousands of spectators during the Paris Hilton CD Release Street Festival on August 29th.
The heiress, along with other celebrity guests and tens of thousands of fans, will be on-hand to witness Beacher being wrapped in dough by little people, hoisted on a crane 10 stories high, and then dropped into a vat filled with ketchup, attempting to hold his breath for a record breaking 10 minutes. If he does not make the 10 minutes mark, Beacher will still consider the fete successful if he beats out the seven minute, eight second spot held by Blaine.
Beacher's idea for the stunt came earlier this year when he decided to put the skills he acquired as a youngster to promotional use. As a child Beacher's father may he rest in peace would throw quarters into the bottom of their pool and tell his young son that he could have all the quarters if he went underwater and picked them all up before coming up for air. Always one for a challenge, even as a child, Beacher obliged and the more quarters that were thrown in, the more in control of his breath Beacher became.
"I have been training for this my whole life; this fete will be a testament to my Mother and Father who will be looking at me from Heaven with a smile on their faces knowing that their boy is now the world record holder for holding ones breath. I had met Martin Stephanek the current World record holder at 8 minutes and 58 seconds in Greece at The Olympic Games in 2004 and he has been real supportive of my quest to break his record. I have been freediving for 15 years now and have been able to hold my breath for as long as 6 minutes. I believe that I will shatter this record."
Fans can gather at 9 p.m. on August 29th during the Paris Hilton CD Release Street Festival to witness the stunt. The street festival is being held in celebration of the release of Hilton's album, Paris, and will also commemorate the opening of Beacher's Rockhouse Bar -- the newest and most exciting addition to the Las Vegas Strip.
The festival gets underway at 7 p.m. and is free for the public to attend. It is being described as Beacher's Madhouse meets the San Geneiro Feast with a bunch of Food and Alcohol vendors, carnival games, entertainment and the world-record attempt by Beacher. At midnight the official after-party will be held at Las Vegas' most happening nightspot PURE Nightclub inside Caesar's Palace.
Moe. and Peeping Tom Join The Who as Special Guests On North American Tour The Who is embarking on their first world tour in over 20 years, bringing along some of the hottest guest artists for their fans. Indie-jam quintet moe. and noise rocker Peeping Tom will open on select dates of The Who's North American leg of the tour, kicking off on September 12th at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center.
Fans will get the chance to groove with Peeping Tom on September 12th at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center, September 13th at New York's Jones Beach Theater, September 15th at Ottawa's Scotia Bank Place, September 16th at Boston's TD BankNorth Garden, September 18th at New York's Madison Square Garden and September 21st at Holmdel, New Jersey's PNC Bank Arts Center.
Fans will jam with moe. on September 25th at Chicago's United Center, September 26th at Des Moines' Wells Fargo Arena, September 29th at Detroit's Palace of Auburn Hills and September 30th at Ontario's John Labatt Centre.
The Who, famous for their powerful music and energy on stage, will perform songs from their new mini rock opera, Wire & Glass, material from their upcoming studio album along with their greatest hits and rarities, certain to please long time fans. The new album, provisionally called "Who 2," and the band's first since 1982's It's Hard, is due out later this fall.
Tickets for listed cities are currently on sale, check local listings. For further information including Tour Club memberships and VIP packages visit http://www.thewhotour.com/.
Every ticket sold for the tour will include a free Virtual Ticket membership in The Who Tour club. Updated throughout the tour, tour club members will be given an exclusive insider's look at every aspect of the tour. From rehearsals and preparations to coverage via audio and videos streams, downloads, set lists and news and much more.
The Who World Tour is presented by Concert Productions International.
Source: The Who
'THE 4400' Returns for Season Four The Emmy(R)-Nominated Series Returns to USA with 13 Original Episodes for Summer 2007
USA Network has ordered 13 one-hour episodes of the Emmy(R)-nominated and critically-acclaimed hit series THE 4400, it was announced today by Jeff Wachtel, USA's executive vice president, original programming. The series, which has garnered an Emmy nomination, will return to USA Network in summer 2007 with production scheduled to begin in Vancouver in early 2007. THE 4400 is produced by CBS Paramount Network Television in Association with Sky Television, Renegade 83 and American Zoetrope for USA Network.
THE 4400 premiered on USA as a limited series in July 2004 as the highest-rated and most-watched new series premiere ever on a basic cable network, and still continues to perform as a ratings powerhouse for the network. THE 4400 received three Emmy nominations in its first season, including Outstanding Miniseries, as well as Outstanding Writing and Cinematography for a Miniseries or Movie.
"This show continues to thrive creatively from year to year," said Wachtel. "We're looking forward to another season filled with intriguing characters, unique twists and incredibly suspenseful storylines."
THE 4400 explores the travails of the 4400 people who all at once returned in a ball of light to Earth; though the returnees had not aged physically, many of them reappeared with dramatic abilities ranging from enhanced reflexes to precognition. NTAC (National Threat Assessment Command) is the government agency responsible for keeping track of the returnees and investigating all things related to the 4400.
THE 4400 was created by Scott Peters and Rene Echevarria. Ira Steven Behr, Scott Peters, Maira Suro and Perry Simon are executive producers.
CBS Paramount Network Television is a division of CBS Studios Inc.
Seen in 90 million homes, USA Network is cable television's leading network of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, network shows and blockbuster theatrical films. The USA Network Web site is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.
USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.
Hip-Hop Superstar DMX to Entertain Troops in the Persian Gulf on USO Tour Rapper DMX will soon embark on his first USO tour to perform for troops stationed in the Persian Gulf region. The raspy-voiced rap superstar also will meet and greet service members.
Currently starring in his own reality show, "Soul of a Man," DMX recently released "Year of the Dog ... Again," his first full-length album in three years and the sixth solo release for the Yonkers, N.Y., native. The album made its debut at No. 2 on Billboard's Top 200.
With more than 20 million copies sold in his career, DMX's commercial success as an entertainer is unquestioned. The first artist to have his first five albums debut consecutively at No. 1, he also has experienced success as an actor, starring opposite Steven Segal in "Exit Wounds" and with Jet Li in "Cradle to the Grave." His latest effort, "Last Hour," will feature Michael Madsen and Paul Sorvino.
This tour continues the USO's tradition of bringing entertainment to troops stationed far from home. Celebrities who have recently made trips for the USO include Gary Sinise, Master P, Lil' Romeo, Shinedown, La Mafia, Toby Keith and Pryde.
USO tours are sponsored by AT&T, Inc., the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours.
About the USO: For more than 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems North America, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Military Channel, S & K Sales Co. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit our Web site at http://www.uso.org/.
VH1 Classic and World Productions Present All-Star Line-Up for Live Television Concert Series 'Decades Rock Live: Lynyrd Skynyrd' Premiering on VH1 Classic on Friday, September 1 At 8:00 PM ET/PT Fifth Installment to Feature 3 Doors Down, Hank Williams Jr. and Bo Bice 'If You're a Fan of Live Music, Don't Miss This Series ... ' '(Decades) Does for Rock What CMT's Crossroads Did for Country.' - TV GUIDE
VH1 Classic and World Productions present the fifth installment of "Decades Rock Live," an innovative live concert series that features performances by celebrated artists from rock to soul who have influenced popular music over the last 50 years, as well as performances from some of today's hottest recording acts who have been inspired by these legends. The concert honoring Lynyrd Skynyrd is set to premiere on VH1 Classic on Friday, September 1 at 8:00 PM ET/PT and will feature special guests including 3 Doors Down, Hank Williams Jr. and Bo Bice.
Highlights for the Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute include:
* "Comin' Home" duet with Bo Bice
* "That Smell" duet with 3 Doors Down
* "Sweet Home Alabama" encore performance with Bo Bice, 3 Doors Down and
Hank Williams Jr.
The music performances are augmented with special features, such as "Decades Confidential," exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with the spotlighted artists focusing on their career milestones and highlighting their newest releases, concert performances and other endeavors.
"Decades Rock Live" is taped at Trump Taj Mahal's high definition television studio, The Decades Rock Arena (temporarily renamed from Mark Etess Arena for the duration of the series run), in Atlantic City, NJ. Each episode focuses on a specific artist. The series will be broadcast in High Definition in 5.1 surround sound, and rebroadcast on a premium HD network at a later date.
Fans will also have the chance to get their hands on exclusive memorabilia and special items from the artists scheduled to participate in the series. Both the Guitar Center Music Foundation and the GRAMMY Foundation will work with the show to host silent auctions. The proceeds raised will support the philanthropic missions of each of those organizations.
The series is produced by Eric Sherman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, VH1 Classic and Barry Summers, Executive Producer for World Productions. Co-producer is Tisha Fein (GRAMMY Awards).
For more information on "Decades Rock Live" and the artists visit http://www.vh1classic.com/ .
Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that presents videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s, including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police and many more.
Source: VH1 Classic
Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://www.vh1classic.com/
More Than 19 Million Viewers Tuned in Over Weekend to The Lifetime Original Movie 'The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale' Saturday, August 19 Premiere Becomes Lifetime's Second Most-Watched Movie in Network's 22-Year History With 6.6 Million Viewers - Weekend Online Traffic to LifetimeTV.com Surged More Than 70% -
More than 19 million* viewers tuned in during the August 19-20 weekend to watch the poignant Lifetime Original Movie "The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale," which starred the "American Idol" winner in her own rags-to-riches Cinderella story. The Saturday, August 19 premiere at 9PM (ET/PT) became Lifetime's second most- watched movie in its 22-year history with 6.6 million viewers (5.0 household rating).
Among all original 2006 basic cable movie premieres, "Fantasia" ranks #1 among W18-34 and W18-49 rating.
The Sunday, August 20 encore at 8PM (ET/PT) drew more than 5 million viewers and a 4.0 household rating.
1995's "Almost Golden," which starred Sela Ward as journalist Jessica Savitch, averaged more than seven million viewers when it aired on Lifetime.
Traffic to LifetimeTV.com surged more than 70% in page views and 68% in unique visitors over the weekend compared to the August 12-13 weekend. But Fantasiamania isn't over yet! At Lifetimetv.com, the national "Fantasia" essay contest runs through September 16, with the winner receiving two tickets to the 2007 "American Idol" season finale.
In "The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale," Loretta Devine ("Dreamgirls," "Crash," "Boston Public," "Waiting to Exhale") co-starred as Fantasia's grandmother, and Addie Collins and Tony(R) Award winner Viola Davis ("Traffic," "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit") starred as Fantasia's mother, Diane Barrino. Rounding out the ensemble cast were Kadeem Hardison ("A Different World," "Biker Boyz") in the role of Fantasia's father, JoJo Barrino. Newcomer Jamia Simone Nash ("My Wife and Kids") played the young Fantasia. Acclaimed Emmy(R) and Golden Globe(R)- winning choreographer, actress and director Debbie Allen ("Fame," "Girlfriends") directed the film.
"The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale" was produced by Ostar Productions for Lifetime Television. Bill Haber ("Nightmares & Dreamscapes," "Uprising") served as the executive producer and Ellyn Williams (Lifetime Television's "Hunger Point") co-executive produced. John McMahon ("Nightmares & Dreamscapes") produced the movie and Keith Glover wrote the teleplay based on the autobiography Life is Not a Fairy Tale by Fantasia Barrino.
*Source: Nielsen Media Research (8/19-20/06)
P2+ cume based on 1 minute qualifier, 75% Unification
LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, LMN, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment, and Lifetime Online are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.
Source: LIFETIME Television
Web site: http://www.lifetimetv.com/
World Professional Latin American Dancesport Championship Sponsored by Arthur Murray Dance Studios Explosive Dancing, Fantastic Costumes -- Major Photo/Video Opportunity!!
On Sunday, September 3, the best Latin American ballroom dancers in the world will vie for the most coveted championship title in competitive ballroom dance, the World Professional Latin American Dancesport Championship. Taking place at the Embassy Ball in Irvine, California at the Grand Ballroom, Hyatt Regency, 7:00 p.m., reigning champions Bryan Watson and Carmen, from Germany, will defend their title in a fantastic display of world class Latin ballroom dancing.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060822/FLTU019)
The Embassy Ball is a celebrated international dance event, where the best of the best in professional and amateur ballroom dance fiercely compete for the prestige of international titles and $25,000 in total prize money. More than 55 couples representing over 30 countries will gather for this dramatic event, where competition is intensity personified, costumes are outrageous, and success is measured in centimeters.
"This is a great opportunity for Americans to see what competitive ballroom dance looks like on the international level--a very exciting, very dramatic event that should not be missed by dance fans!" said Thomas D. Murdock, Vice President, Arthur Murray International. If you like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, this is the event not to be missed and Arthur Murray Dance Studios is proud to serve as title sponsor. "As a truly global company, we have been committed as a leader in organizing and/or sponsoring the World Championships since the first world championship was held in the United States in 1983" said Murdock.
Tickets are available for the general public; visit www.embassyball.com or call Brian or Kristi McDonald (760) 327-8637.
Arthur Murray International is known around the world as the most prominent social dance entertainment company, with more than 200 franchised locations in countries on six continents, including America, Canada, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, South Africa, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and Puerto Rico. The Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios continue a tradition of more than 94 years in teaching the world to dance. Visit www.arthurmurray.com to learn more.
Web site: http://www.arthurmurray.com/
http://www.embassyball.com/
Azteca America Presents Special News Report: Katrina and the Hispanic Impact in Conjunction With New Orleans Station Launch - Azteca America was First Hispanic Network on the Ground Following Hurricane Katrina - - WTNO Channel 22, Rebuilt After the Disaster, is First Hispanic Over-the-Air Television Station in New Orleans - - Demographic Shift in Wake of Katrina Creates Demand for Spanish-Language Media -
-- Azteca America, the fastest-growing Hispanic television network in the United States, is pleased to announce a special news report series: Katrina and the Hispanic Impact.
Network news anchor Jose Martin Samano and news correspondent Alvaro Ortiz will be reporting on a series of Hispanic issues ranging from the changing demographics of New Orleans to the current status of Hurricane Katrina victims.
The special news report, which will be transmitted from Aug. 28 - Sept. 1 on Noticiero Azteca America at 6:30 pm and 11:00 pm, will coincide with the launch of station WTNO channel 22 in New Orleans.
"Hurricane Katrina illustrated the importance of quick and accurate communication, in Spanish, by news professionals. Azteca America was the first Hispanic network on the ground in New Orleans last year," said Azteca America Chairman Luis J. Echarte. "The demographic face of New Orleans has changed radically in a very short time and most of the Hispanics who have come to New Orleans are here to rebuild it for the benefit of all; our new station is a response to that change."
New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin said, "We welcome the transmission of Azteca America Channel 22 to the City of New Orleans, and look forward to the important part they will become to the New Orleans community."
Terry Crosby, Chairman and CEO of Una Vez Mas, the station group that owns and operates WTNO Azteca America New Orleans, said "As a new media outlet, and the only over-the-air Spanish-language television station in the market, we will help create jobs and economic opportunities in this market that did not exist before the hurricane. We believe in the future of New Orleans; Despite Katrina we are willing to invest in the market for the benefit of the Hispanic community and the community at large."
Hispanic immigration has more than doubled following the hurricane, with many newcomers engaged in the construction trades. These workers, and later their families, will become part of the future fabric of New Orleans.
"The commitment to the community is clearly demonstrated by our Una Vez Mas station group with this strong investment in the future of New Orleans," added Mr. Echarte.
About Azteca America
Azteca America is the fastest growing Hispanic network in the United States. The network is a wholly owned subsidiary of TV Azteca S.A. de C.V., one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television content in the world. Azteca America currently has presence in 52 Hispanic markets, including: Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Phoenix, Brownsville-McAllen, Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Albuquerque, San Diego, Fresno-Visalia, El Paso, Denver, Orlando, Philadelphia, Tampa, Washington DC, Austin, Las Vegas, Boston, Atlanta, Tucson, Corpus Christi, West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, Seattle, Hartford, Bakersfield, Portland, Salt Lake City, Monterey-Salinas, Laredo, Naples-Ft. Myers, Colorado Springs, Odessa, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Lubbock, Amarillo, Yakima, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Reno, New Orleans, Boise, Omaha, Victoria, Chattanooga, Twin Falls and Charleston.
Visit: http://www.aztecaamerica.com/
Azteca America is a Grupo Salinas Company
Visit: http://www.gruposalinas.com/
About Una Vez Mas:
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Dallas, Una Vez Mas is Azteca America's largest affiliate group currently with stations in Albuquerque (KQDF 25), Austin (KADF 20), Amarillo (KTXD 43), Atlanta (WUVM 4), Corpus Christi (KYDF 64), Dallas (KODF 26), McAllen-Brownsville (KNDF 57-KBDF 64), Las Vegas (KHDF 19), Phoenix (KPDF 41), San Antonio (KVDF 31), Santa Barbara (KZDF 8), Tampa (WXAX 26), Tucson (KUDF 14) and Victoria (KBGS 51). The company's current station line-up delivers over 20% of the total U.S. Hispanic buying power.
Visit: http://www.uvmtv.net/ /
Source: Azteca America
Web site: http://www.aztecaamerica.com/
http://www.gruposalinas.com/
http://www.uvmtv.net/
MTV Takes Over New York City With Vma Events, Concerts, Promotions And More Leading Up to the 2006 Video Music Awards On August 31st at 8 PM ET/PT All-American Rejects, Rihanna, New Found Glory, Chamillionaire and Cartel to Perform at the VMA Kickoff Concert at Battery Park MTV2 Presents a LIFEbeat Benefit Concert with MTV2 VMA Award Nominees Taking Back Sunday and 30 Seconds To Mars 250,000 VMA Metrocards Will Be Available At Select New York City Subway Stations and Much More
MTV will take New York City by storm with the hottest events, concerts, promotions and more as the network, and the biggest names in music, get ready to bring back the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards to Radio City Music Hall on August 31st airing live at 8pm ET/PT.
The MTV "Video Music Awards" NYC promotions and events are as follows:
2006 VMA EVENTS AND CONCERTS:
TUESDAY, AUGUST 29th
VMA KICKOFF CONCERT
Battery Park -5pm
MTV will get the VMA festivities started with a special concert at Battery Park featuring performances by All-American Rejects, Rihanna, New Found Glory, Chamillionaire, and Cartel. Concert attendees will have the chance to win tickets to the 2006 Video Music Awards on August 31st. Tickets for this All- Ages event are free and will be available starting Thursday, August 24th at 12noon at the following locations: Tower Records (1961 Broadway), Tower Records (692 Broadway), and the MTV Store (Corner of 44th/Broadway). In addition, fans can also win tickets to this concert by listening to Z100 and Power 105.1. The VMA Kickoff Concert is sponsored by Verizon Fios. Limit 4 tickets per person.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30th
MTV2 PRESENTS A LIFEbeat BENEFIT CONCERT
Webster Hall - 7pm
MTV2 will hold its annual concert to benefit LIFEbeat, The Music Industry Fights AIDS, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to reaching America's youth with the message of HIV/AIDS prevention. The MTV2 Presents A LIFEbeat Benefit concert will be held at Webster Hall (125 East 11th Street) on Wednesday, August 30th at 7pm ET. Performing at this year's concert are 2006 MTV2 Award nominees Taking Back Sunday and 30 Seconds to Mars and both bands will offer special fan ticket pre-sales on August 22nd. Tickets go onsale to the public August 23rd at 12 Noon. Tickets for the 16 and over concert are $40 for General Admission and are available at www.ticketweb.com / # (866) 468-7619. Limit 2 tickets per person.
2006 VMA PROMOTIONS:
VMA-NYC Microsite
MTV has produced the ultimate web destination to help fans keep up with the latest happenings in this year's MTV Video Music Awards. The site, www.vmanyc2006.com, will be "the site that never sleeps" as it provides a view of life in NYC and the VMA's through the eyes of the artists and of course, New Yorkers. Users can check out their favorite artists' hot spots in NYC via an interactive VMA map, download an exclusive "Vidget" that will update a user's desktop with the latest VMA news, check out all the hot events around NYC leading up to the VMAs, downloadable content, videos featuring messages from various VMA artists and all VMA Week restaurant promotions will live on the VMA-NYC Microsite. There's also a daily sweepstakes giving away limited edition VMA merchandise, and year-long subscriptions to Urge with one winner everyday for 14 days.
VMA Limited Edition Lyric T-Shirts
MTV has created very limited edition T-shirts featuring custom art using the lyrics from Video of the Year Nominee's and Performers songs including: Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Shakira, T.I., The Killers. Panic! at the Disco and more. These T-shirts will be distributed to fans around VMA Week events in NYC including the VMA Kickoff Concert. T-shirts will also be distributed to concert goers and lucky New Yorkers at city hot spots leading up the VMAs.
VMA Metrocards
Beginning Sunday, August 20th a total of 250,000 VMA Metrocards will be available at the following subway stations:
Times Square (7th Ave.) Grand Central
Rockefeller Center W.14th St. (7th Ave.)
W.72nd St. (Broadway) 149th St. & 3rd Ave.-Bronx
Main St. Flushing-Queens Utica Ave.-Brooklyn
Atlantic Ave.-Pacific St.-Brooklyn St.George Ferry-Staten Island
E.14th St. (3rd Avenue) E.68th St.(Lexington Ave.)
Arthur Ashe Kids Day / US Open
Saturday, August 26th - 10 am - 1pm
MTV will have a VMA booth at Arthur Ashe Kids' Day - the US Open's pre-tournament celebration for families - on Saturday, August 26th from 10am- 1pm. Attendees will be able to enjoy performances by Cheyenne from MTV's hit show, Teddy Geiger and Ne-Yo as well as enter to win a pair of tickets to the 2006 MTV Video Music awards. For tickets go to usopen.org or call 866-OPEN- TIX.
NYC Radio VMA Ticket Giveaways
Fans can listen to Z100/WHTZ and Power 105.1 /WWPR starting on Tuesday, August 22nd to win tickets to attend the 2006 VMAs. In addition, Z100 and Power 105.1 will be giving away tickets to the VMA Kick-Off Concert and will also broadcast live from the VMA Red Carpet on Thursday, August 31st.
VMA Restaurant, Bar and Club Promotions
These VMA promotions will take place beginning August 24th through August 31st. See complete listing of participating restaurants and venues below.
Bars, Clubs and Live Music Venues
40/40 Club
6 W. 25th St. Manhattan, 10010
(212) 832-4040. www.the4040club.com
Special MTV VMA themed-menu.
Ace of Clubs
9 Great Jones St. Manhattan, 10012
(212) 677-6963. www.aceofclubsnyc.com
Check out the website for live music calendar.
Bar None
98 Third Ave. Manhattan, 10003
(212) 777-6663. www.barnonenyc.com
For MTV VMA week Happy Hour will run noon-11pm.
Capone's
221 N. Ninth St. Brooklyn, 11211
(914) 426-1021. www.caponesbar.com
Free personal pizza with drink.
Chocolate Monkey
329 Flatbush Ave. Brooklyn, 11217
(718) 789-7896
Thurs. 8/24 - Funky Thursday open 6pm with DJ Show-Off and DJ Ozz.
Fri. 8/25 - Old School night with Ralph McDaniels and Ray DeJon.
Crobar
530 W. 28th St. Manhattan, 10001
(212) 629-9000. www.crobar.com
50% discount off cover on Fri. 8/25 or Sat. 8/26. (Must bring this
listing to redeem this offer.)
Cutting Room
19 W. 24th St. Manhattan, 10010
(212) 691-1900. www.thecuttingroom.com
Live music weekly.
Lotus
409 W. 14th St. Manhattan, 10014
(212) 243-4420. www.lotusnewyork.com
20% discount.
Mica Bar 51
252 E. 51st St. Manhattan, 10001
(212) 888-2453
Mica Bar 587
587 Third Ave. Manhattan, 10022
(212) 661-3181. www.micabar.com
Special MTV VMA themed dish.
The Den
2150 Fifth Ave. Manhattan, 10037
(212) 234-3045. www.thedenharlem.com
Popular signature song drinks offered at 50% off. (Ask host for details.)
Proof Bar and Grill
239 Third Ave. Manhattan, 10003
(212) 228-4200. www.proofnyc.com
Mon. 8/28 Test your pop-culture knowledge! Sign-up with teams to compete
in the Pop-Culture Trivia from 7-9pm. Happy hour everyday from 5-8pm.
Special MTV themed menu.
R & R
416 W. 14th St. Manhattan, 10014
(212) 675-1661. www.randrnyc.com
MTV VMA special drink for only $6.00.
Sapphire Lounge
249 Eldridge St. Manhattan, 10002
(212) 777-5153. www.sapphirenyc.com
No cover charge. (Must bring this listing to redeem this offer.) Special
MTV VMA themed menu.
Restaurants
Cargo Cafe
120 Bay St. Staten Island, 10301
(718) 876-0539
Special MTV VMA themed menu.
Carmine's Family Italian Restaurant
200 W. 44th St. Manhattan, 10036.
(212) 221-3800. www.carminesnyc.com
Signature cocktail served during MTV VMA week.
Chocolat Moderne
27 W. 20th St., Ste. 904-905. Manhattan, 10011
(212) 229.4797. www.chocolatmoderne.com
15% discount on purchase over $30 merchandise total available on-line with
promotional code: MTVZR11378. (Available 8/26-9/26)
Gabriela's Restaurant and Tequila Bar
688 Columbus Ave. Manhattan, 10025
(212) 961-9600. www.gabrielas.com
Signature cocktail served for MTV VMA week.
Galaxy Global Eatery
15 Irving Pl. Manhattan, 10003
(212) 777-3631. www.galaxyglobaleatery.com
10% discount
Ginger
1400 Fifth Ave. Manhattan, 10026
(212) 423-1111. www.gingerexpress.com
Special MTV VMA menu.
Good Enough to Eat
483 Amsterdam Ave. Manhattan, 10024
(212) 496-0163. www.goodenoughtoeat.com
Special MTV VMA menu.
Hip Hop Chow
129 Second Ave. Manhattan, 10003
(212) 674-2469. www.hiphopchow.com
10% discount. (Must bring this listing to redeem this benefit.)
Jezebel
630 Ninth Ave. Manhattan, 10036
(212) 582-1045. www.jezebelny.com
10% discount offer. Special MTV VMA menu.
Jive Turkey
441 Myrtle Ave. Brooklyn, 11205
(718) 797-1688. www.thejiveturkey.com
Special MTV VMA menu.
Katz's Delicatessen
205 E. Houston. Manhattan, 10547
(212) 254-2264. www.katzdeli.com
Playing MTV music.
Madiba Corporation
195 Dekalb Ave. Brooklyn, 11205
(718) 855-9190. www.madibarestaurant.com
Free dessert.
Miss Mamie's Spoonbread Too
366 W. 110th St. Manhattan, 10025
(212) 865-0700. www.spoonbreadinc.com
MTV VMA special dish, North Carolina BBQ ribs and fried chicken
combination dish. For vegetarians it's Norma's magnificent eggplant.
MoBay Restaurant
112 DeKalb Ave. Brooklyn, 11201
(718) 246-2800
17 W. 125th St. Manhattan, 10027.
(212) 876-9300. www.mobayrestaurant.com
Free glass of wine.
Uno Chicago Grill
55 Third Ave. Manhattan, 10003
(212) 995-9668.
391 Sixth Ave., Manhattan, 10014
(212) 242-5230 www.unos.com
15% discount.
Virgil's BBQ
152 W. 44th St. Manhattan, 10036
(212) 921-9494. www.virgilsbbq.com
Signature cocktail served for MTV VMA week.
Public transportation is encouraged to all local events.
The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards will air live ET / tape delayed PT on Thursday, August 31st at 8pm ET/PT from Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Hosted by Jack Black, the star studded show will also include appearances by Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Chris Brown, Fall Out Boy, Rihanna, Jared Leto, Busta Rhymes, Shaun White, Ne-Yo, Missy Elliott, Cast of Jackass, Amy Lee of Evanescence, Lil Jon, and Nick Lachey. Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, All-American Rejects, T.I., Panic! At The Disco, Ludacris and The Killers are scheduled to perform on the show and The Raconteurs will provide the soundtrack for the VMA's live throughout the evening. For more information, please go to www.vma.mtv.com
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 100 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
Source: MTV
Web site: http://www.mtv.com/
The Weinstein Company Hits a High Note With 'Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing' The Weinstein Company Acquires Rights to Distribute Dixie Chicks Documentary Worldwide
The Weinstein Company (TWC) has acquired the worldwide rights to "Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing," a powerful documentary from two-time Academy Award(R)-winning director Barbara Kopple ("Harlan County USA," "American Dream") and director Cecilia Peck, which will be featured as a Gala Presentation at the 31st Toronto Film Festival. The film, which is produced by Kopple and Peck, is a presentation of Cabin Creek Films, and stars the Dixie Chicks: Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison. The announcement was made today by Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of TWC. "Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing" is the first documentary in 14 years to be featured as a Gala Presentation at the Toronto Film Festival.
"Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing" travels with the Dixie Chicks, from the peak of their popularity as the national-anthem-singing darlings of country music and top-selling female recording artists of all time, through the now infamous anti-Bush comment made by the group's lead singer Natalie Maines in 2003. The film follows the lives and careers of the Dixie Chicks over a period of three years during which they were under political attack and received death threats, while continuing to live their lives, have children, and of course make music. The film ultimately presents who the Dixie Chicks are as women, public figures, and musicians.
"I am extremely proud to be associated with this film because it's not only an outstanding and creative piece of work but it also exposes our responsibility as Americans to confront our fundamental right to freedom of speech," said Harvey Weinstein.
Kopple stated, "At a time when Americans are divided between red and blue, rich and poor, immigrant and citizen, the Dixie Chicks and their music cross over many lines. They are contemporary but rooted in tradition, strong yet vulnerable -- career women who are deeply connected to family. This film tells the story of these all-American women who refused to back down and in the process became even stronger."
"The Dixie Chicks paid a huge price for questioning the invasion of Iraq and daring to say what millions of people were thinking," said Cecilia Peck. "Our film looks at the cost of standing up for what you believe in, and the unbreakable bond between three brave women."
Michelle Krumm, executive vice president and co-head of acquisitions and co-productions, brought the project to The Weinstein Company.
Krumm, Michael Cole, co-president of production, and Barry Littman, executive vice president of business and legal affairs, negotiated the agreement on behalf of The Weinstein Company. CAA and Simon Renshaw negotiated on behalf of the Dixie Chicks.
Source: The Weinstein Company
Busch Gardens Europe Goes Over the Edge With 'Griffon' - Video Available Park Debuts World's Tallest, Only Floorless Dive Coaster
Teased since early July with park billboards touting "Like Nothing Else in the World," Busch Gardens Europe took the plunge and unveiled its latest steel marvel, Griffon, the world's tallest and only floorless dive coaster. Currently under construction, this diving, driving force in roller coaster engineering will debut at Busch Gardens late spring 2007.
Griffon will send riders through an extraordinary three-minute journey 205 feet up and 90 degrees straight down at more than 75 mph -- and that's just the beginning. The name Griffon evokes the power and speed of a mythical beast that is part eagle and part lion. The ride twists, turns and plunges -- giving riders a breathtaking adventure unlike any coaster experience in the world.
"With its adrenalin-pumping vertical drops, high speed, a mid-air pause, multiple coaster elements and overall experience, Griffon is certain to fulfill thrill seekers' expectations," said Donnie Mills, executive vice-president and general manager for Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA.
Griffon will incorporate two Immelman loops (a simultaneous loop and roll, the name of which was derived from the World War I German flying ace who invented the tactical maneuver). The world's first floorless dive coaster also incorporates a second 130-foot dive and one water feature with spectacular viewing platforms where ride watchers can share in the thrills. Each floorless coaster car will consist of three, 10-person wide rows.
"The view will be spectacular and every seat on Griffon will offer an excellent ride," said Mills.
The roller coaster is being constructed by Bolliger & Mabillard of Monthey, Switzerland on the former LeMans Raceway site in the French section of the Williamsburg theme park. Griffon is the fifth member of the park's family of renowned coasters.
Construction began July 6, 2006. The most recent roller coaster to debut at Busch Gardens was Apollo's Chariot in 1999.
Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA in Williamsburg are Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks. Other Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks include Busch Gardens Africa and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay; SeaWorld Adventure Parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Sesame Place, a children's play park near Philadelphia; and Discovery Cove in Orlando, a family vacation experience featuring interaction with dolphins and other marine animals.
Web site: http://buschgardens.com/
Cherish 'Unappreciated' Proves Anything But With #4 Billboard Album Chart Debut Hit Single 'Do It To It' Still Burning Up The Charts, With Follow Up Title Track Recently Added to Radio and Companion Video Added to BET
Fueled by the powerhouse hit single "Do It To It," Cherish, the R&B sister act from Atlanta, has debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 album charts. Moving 90,733 copies in its first week, the album also lands at #3 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Executive produced by Sho'Nuff CEO and multi-Platinum producer Jazze Pha, known for his work with Ciara, Nelly and 2Pac, the vibe on "Unappreciated" (Capitol/Sho'Nuff) ranges from sassy to sensuous to crunk, reflecting each of the girls' unique sensibilities and resulting in a knockout musical presentation.
"Do It To It" has proved to be a monstrous hit for the quartet, peaking at #13 on the Billboard HOT 100 Chart and currently sitting at #14 after 15 weeks on the chart. The hit has spawned the latest dance craze, the Snap Dance, and the accompanying video spent 65 consecutive days on BET's "106 & Park" countdown, finally being retired on August 8. The next single, the title track "Unappreciated", was recently added to radio and the companion video debuted on BET on August 15. The group has also performed tracks from the album and appeared on "Good Morning America," "Live with Regis & Kelly" and "MTV TRL," among others.
"Unappreciated" is anything but with fans and critics alike. The fans have spoken and here is what the critics are saying:
"With Destiny's Child no more, the search is on for the next big R&B girl group [and] these four sisters boast the requisite sass, sex appeal and supple voices on an energetic debut." - People
"A cheery female foursome that blends the rapid call-and-response vocals of Destiny's Child with the slithery club grooves of Ciara ... creating a debut that matches of-the-moment beats with sticky melodies." - Entertainment Weekly
"This four-girl R&B group from the Dirty South [creates] a TLC-style party starter... that deserves to be as big as those airwave-hogging monsters." - Rolling Stone
"The R&B quartet Cherish represents Atlanta to the fullest on its new release... which has a variety of ballads and up-tempo cuts that explore life, love and relationships." - Ebony
Cherish is currently the BET.com "Artist of the Month" and Sprint Wireless' featured artist for August. BET.com hosted an exclusive album listening party and audio and video on demand as well as a live BET.com chat
with the group. Sprint Wireless offered exclusive ring tones and songs from Cherish, including the popular "Do It To It (Remix)."
Currently, the group is crisscrossing the country as part of the highly successful "Up Close & Personal Tour" with Chris Brown and Ne-Yo. Hitting more than 30 markets on tour dates through October, the girls (Farrah, 22, Neosha, 20, and 19-year-old twins Felicia and Fallon) are bringing their infectious music and dance moves to the fans on one of this summer's hottest tours.
A full list of concert tour dates include:
DATE CITY, STATE VENUE
8/25 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Center
8/26 New York City, NY Jones Beach
8/27 Philadelphia, PA Tweeter Center
9/01 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
9/03 Raleigh, NC AllTel Pavilion
9/04 Birmingham, AL Boutwell Auditorium
9/07 Miami, FL American Airlines Arena
9/08 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre
9/09 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park
9/10 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
9/12 Columbus, OH Germain Amphitheatre
9/14 Memphis, TN Fed Ex Forum
9/15 St. Louis, MO UMB Pavilion Amphitheatre
9/16 Detroit, MI DTE Music Center
9/17 Chicago, IL Charter Pavilion
9/18 Omaha, NE Omaha Civic Center
9/21 San Antonio, TX Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
9/22 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
9/23 Dallas, TX Smirnoff Music Centre
9/24 Kansas City, KS Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
9/28 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre
9/29 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
9/30 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Pavilion
10/01 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion
10/06 Oakland, CA Chronicle Pavilion
10/08 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
PBS KIDS Sprout(SM) Celebrates First Birthday With Month-Long Birthday Bash, New Shows and Movie Premieres - Video and Photos Available New Fall 2006 Programming Includes the Emmy Award-Winning Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks(TM), Sprout Diner, The Birthday Show and more
PBS KIDS Sprout, the first and only 24-hour preschool destination available on TV, on demand and online for kids ages 2-5 and their parents and caregivers, is celebrating its first birthday this September with a month-long birthday bash filled with surprises, three new programs and two world television premieres.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/pbskidssprout/25235/
In less than one year, Sprout has not only expanded its distribution to almost 20 million households, but it has been recognized for excellence in programming and marketing with five Telly Awards, seven Promax/BDA Awards and two Mark Awards. Additionally, Sprout's most recent Q Score (measuring familiarity and appeal) outranked all other kids' networks and topped both Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny among moms of kids ages 2-5. Sprout is the #1 Kids On Demand service with over 100 million VOD orders since Sprout On Demand launched in April 2005.
Birthday Bash
Movie Premieres & Other Surprises
All month long, beloved Sprout friends like Bob The Builder(TM), Barney(TM), Big Bird, Noddy(TM), Caillou(R) and Angelina Ballerina(TM) will deliver special on-air birthday greetings throughout the day. From Thursday, September 21 through Tuesday, September 26, Birthday Host Kevin will present a daily three-hour block from 3-6 p.m. ET that features Sprout's own Mr. Mailman delivering presents to children who unwrap them to reveal the next birthday- themed show. The biggest presents will be the world television premieres of Angelina's Princess Dance on Thursday, September 21 at 5:00 p.m. ET and Bob the Builder's first musical special, Bob the Builder: Built to be Wild on Tuesday, September 26 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
The Birthday Show
Although Sprout's actual birthday is on Tuesday, September 26, the on-air party begins much earlier. The Birthday Show premieres on Monday, September 11. Hosted by Sprout's own Kevin, this new and expanded Sprout favorite will be enhanced with fun-filled birthday party ideas for kids and parents, including games, crafts, and party planning tips in addition to expanded daily readings of homemade birthday cards submitted by viewers and the Sprout birthday song. Replacing Sprout's original daily "birthday segments," The Birthday Show will continue beyond the month of September airing throughout the day as part of Sprout's regular programming.
New Sprout Season...New Shows
Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks(TM)
Kicking off Sprout's new fall schedule on Sunday, September 10 is the debut of the six-time Emmy Award-winning Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks. The new animated series launches with a special three-hour Grand "Tails" Day block hosted by Grandpa Piggley Winks in honor of National Grandparents Day. Featuring six back-to-back episodes of Jakers!, this special block will begin at noon ET and repeat again at 3:00 p.m. ET. Moving forward, Jakers! will air every day on Sprout at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Jakers! follows the adventures of Piggley Winks and his friends Dannan the duck and Ferny the bull on Raloo Farm in the rural Irish village of Tara in the 1950s. It draws upon the rich heritage of storytelling and intergenerational communication to invite children into an imaginative, diverse world and engage young viewers in adventures that teach important life lessons. Viewers are encouraged to log onto http://www.sproutletsgrow.com/grandtails (launching 8/28) for ways to celebrate Grandparents Day with Jakers! and Sprout.
The Good Night Show
Beginning the following evening at 6:00 p.m. ET, Noel MacNeal, an Emmy- nominated, 20-year veteran of children's television, will join The Good Night Show as Leo, the series' special guest host. Helping parents wind down their kids after a busy day, Leo will play games, sing songs and create bedtime stories with Star, the lovable and lively star-shaped puppet. New to The Good Night Show will be Lucy, an enchanting puppet firefly, who will help introduce episodes of Sprout favorites such as Dragon Tales(TM), Angelina Ballerina(TM) and Bob The Builder(TM). Best known for his role as Bear in Bear in the Big Blue House(TM) and Breakfast With Bear(TM), and as a long-time performer on Sesame Street(R), as well as Blue's Room(TM) and Oobi(TM), MacNeal will act as special guest host Leo while Sprout continues its multi-city search for the new host of The Good Night Show, which will tape its third season later this fall.
Sprout Diner
The following week, opening its doors on Monday, September 18, will be Sprout Diner, a new Sprout original short-form program designed to encourage preschool children to eat healthy foods and to inspire parents and caregivers with healthy eating ideas. Each animated episode features its own nutritious and fun recipe inspired by popular preschool characters like Barney, Elmo, the Teletubbies, Noddy, Sagwa, Caillou and the Berenstain Bears. Sprout Diner owner Brussel Sprout, his daughter Bean and her daughter Alfalfa create healthy, nutritious dishes for each character that calls in to order after a hard day's play.
Children and their parents are encouraged to visit http://www.sproutletsgrow.com/ to download the recipes so they can make them together at home. KidsHealth.org, a national non-profit children's health organization and the web's most visited children's health site, acted as nutritional consultants for the recipes which include yummy, healthy treats like Bob's Berry Delicious Shake, Elmo's Funny Face Pizza Pies and Barney's Purple Hummus Dip.
About Sprout
PBS KIDS Sprout(SM), the first and only 24-hour preschool destination available on TV, on demand and online for kids ages 2-5 and their parents and caregivers, was created as a partnership among Comcast Corporation, the country's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services; HIT Entertainment, a leading provider of quality entertainment for young children; PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), the most trusted distributor of award-winning children's programming; and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street.
Since debuting its video on demand (VOD) service in April 2005, PBS KIDS Sprout has become the #1 Kids On Demand service, generating over 100 million orders since launch. The 24-hour digital channel, which launched in September 2005 along with the website (http://www.sproutletsgrow.com/), is available on digital cable and satellite to almost 20 million committed subscribers. The network's program lineup of gold-standard, curriculum-based children's shows includes: Sesame Street(R), Bob the Builder(TM), Barney & Friends(TM), Thomas & Friends(TM), Angelina Ballerina(TM), Sagwa: The Chinese Siamese Cat(TM), Caillou(R), The Berenstain Bears(TM), Jay Jay the Jet Plane(TM), Teletubbies(TM), Dragon Tales(TM), Pingu(TM), Make Way For Noddy(TM), Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks(TM) and more.
Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/pbskidssprout/25235/
Source: PBS KIDS Sprout
Web site: http://www.sproutletsgrow.com/
Dean Martin's Christmas With Dino to Spread Holiday Cheer With Brand New Duet With Martina McBride Martin's Classic Capitol/EMI Holiday Album Includes a New Recording of 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' In Stores: September 12, 2006
-- Dean Martin's Christmas With Dino is a holiday classic, and to make this year's yuletide especially bright, the 16-track CD has been expanded with a new duet with country music superstar Martina McBride. The new duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" was recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California, the same studio where Martin cut his original version of the song in 1959. Christmas With Dino, to be released September 12 by Capitol/EMI, also presents holiday classics from Martin's Capitol and Reprise catalogs and alternate studio recordings of "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" and "Winter Wonderland."
"There's something about hearing a Dean Martin holiday song," says McBride, "You think, 'Ok, it's time to start the season, it's Christmas time.' That's definitely how I feel."
"Baby, It's Cold Outside," newly recorded as a duet for the new Christmas With Dino release, captures all of the warmth and romance of the holiday season, with McBride's coy protests answering Martin's smooth advances. The result is a magical collaboration in a pairing that is at once classic while also thoroughly modern.
"It's an honor to be able to be a part of this," says McBride, "Dean had such a great voice, and to be able to sing with him all these years later is a thrill."
Christmas With Dino, a perennial holiday music must-have, also includes Martin's warm renditions of "Silver Bells," "White Christmas," "Winter Wonderland," "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer," "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!," "Silent Night," and other classics.
Martina McBride will perform the new "Baby, It's Cold Outside" duet during her annual holiday season tour. In a one-of-a-kind show "guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit" (Champaign, IL News-Gazette), the mega-platinum artist and four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year is once again preparing to dazzle fans with her glorious soprano. The critically lauded Christmas spectacular The Joy of Christmas, now in its fourth year, kicks off a 16-city tour in Chicago November 24 and runs through December 22.
McBride has been wowing audiences and critics alike since she burst on the country scene in the early '90s. Over the last decade, she has sold more than 16 million albums, garnered 20 Top 10 hits, including nine #1s, and she has received numerous awards.
Dean Martin's legacy as an artist and an icon continues to grow. The man who knocked the Beatles from the top chart position at the height of Beatlemania also scored a Platinum record with his fastest-selling album ever, 2004's Dino: The Essential Dean Martin. The 30-track CD entered Billboard's Top 200 chart as its "Hotshot Debut," the week's highest new entry at #28, and
also debuted in iTunes' Top 5, alongside new releases from Avril Lavigne and Modest Mouse.
Dean Martin is as important now to generations of music fans as he's ever been. The warm sensuality of his voice continues to beguile with a winning style and just a touch of mystery. Martin's recordings are heard regularly in the hippest movies, TV shows and commercials.
Dean Martin: Christmas With Dino
1. Baby, It's Cold Outside (NEW DUET with Martina McBride)
2. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
3. White Christmas
4. Silver Bells
5. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
6. Winter Wonderland
7. Blue Christmas
8. Jingle Bells
9. A Winter Romance
10. A Marshmallow World
11. The Christmas Blues
12. Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer
13. Silent Night
14. I'll Be Home For Christmas
15. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Alt. version)
16. Winter Wonderland (Alt. version)
Source: Capitol/EMI
CONTACT: Jennifer Ballantyne of EMI Music Catalog Marketing,
+1-323-871-5494, jennifer.ballantyne@emicap.com
Supernova: the Rockstar Tour Takes Off Across North America 27-City Arena/Theatre Tour Features Top Rated TV Cast: Rock Stars Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted, Gilby Clarke and ??? Special Pre-sale for ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA Viewers Active Now Tickets on Sale to General Public Wednesday, August 30th
It is by no means clear who will be fronting America's most talked about new band, Supernova, but today the band's three founding members, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted and former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke announced they will be inaugurating their band with a 27-city concert tour across North America. Kicking off at the Hard Rock in Miami, Florida on January 16th and culminating at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California on February 27th, Supernova's very first gig will be on New Year's Eve at The Joint in Las Vegas. Tickets go on sale nationally for Supernova's first concert tour on Wednesday, August 30th. The tour is being produced by Live Nation (NYSE:LYV) .
A special presale for ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA viewers which was announced last night on the hit CBS television show is active now and runs through Tuesday, August 29th at 10:00pm. More information can be found on www.cbs.com/primetime/rock_star2 or by going to www.livenation.com.
Over the course of the summer, the highly successful CBS television show ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA searched among 15 contestants to find the most dynamic leader for a band whose players are among the most respected musicians in the world. As music fans across the country voted, Gilby, Tommy and Jason helped guide the process to eliminate performers every week to arrive at the final selection. The lead singer for Supernova will be chosen in a finale episode scheduled to air on September 13th.
Supernova will be touring in support of their highly anticipated Epic Records debut. The yet-to-be-titled album will be produced by Butch Walker (Avril Lavigne, Bowling For Soup, Pink) and released on November 21st. Fans can pre-order the record through the band's official site, http://www.intothesupernova.com/.
SUPERNOVA: THE ROCKSTAR TOUR
DATE: CITY/STATE: VENUE:
12/31/06 Las Vegas, NV The Joint
01/16/07 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Live
01/17/07 Orlando, FL Hard Rock Live
01/19/07 Norfolk, VA Constant Convocation Center
01/20/07 Buffalo, NY Shea's Performing Arts Center
01/23/07 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
01/24/07 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
01/26/07 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
01/27/07 Wallingford, CT Chevrolet Theatre
01/28/07 Worchester, MA DCU Center
01/30/07 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Spectrum
01/31/07 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
02/02/07 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
02/03/07 Chicago, IL Rosemont Theatre
02/05/07 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
02/07/07 Des Moines, IO Wells Fargo Arena
02/08/07 Minneapolis, MN Roy Wilkins Auditorium
02/09/07 Fargo, ND Fargodome
02/11/07 Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie
02/13/07 Loveland, CO Budweiser Events Center
02/16/07 Portland, OR Memorial Coliseum
02/18/07 Everett, WA Everett Events Center
02/19/07 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre
02/21/07 Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena
02/22/07 Oakland, CA Oakland Arena
02/24/07 Phoenix, CA Cricket Pavilion
02/25/07 San Diego, CA Pala Casino
02/27/07 Long Beach, CA Long Beach Arena
About Live Nation
Live Nation is a leading live event and venue management company focused on creating superior experiences for artists, performers, corporations and fans. Live Nation owns, operates and/or has booking rights for 153 venues worldwide and produced more than 29,500 events in 2005. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." For more information regarding Live Nation and its businesses, please visit the company's website at www.livenation.com
Source: Live Nation
Web site: http://www.livenation.com/
http://www.intothesupernova.com/
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/rock_star2
SellaBand: New Model for the Music Industry Artists and Fans Make Music and Money Together
friendly, online company launching today. www.sellaband.com offers a new model for free legal distribution of new music, enabling a direct relationship between developing artists and their fans. SellaBand is not a record company: SellaBand is a facilitator, bringing artists and fans together, and presenting a new economic model. For musicians all around the world, SellaBand is -- and always will be -- free to join.
"As a music lover I was sick of hearing the same music forced upon me time and time again. I wanted to create a concept where the fans can decide for themselves what they were going to hear," says Pim Betist, founder and creator of the SellaBand concept.
The concept works as follows: Self-recording, unsigned artists upload their own profile page on SellaBand, featuring 3 (or less) demo songs, some pictures and a biography. Artists can use their page to promote themselves, encouraging their friends and fans to direct others to the site, and listen to their free music files. Music-lovers -- "Believers" -- can purchase Parts in $10 increments, in the bands/artists they believe in. SellaBand provides a high standard search engine to enable potential Believers to find and identify an Artist. Believers have the opportunity to help promote their favorite bands, while at the same time participating in potential future revenues of the artist they believe in.
Once 5,000 Parts have been sold, the real action starts for the artist and their fans. With $50,000 in their account, the door closes and it will be no longer possible to purchase parts, or to take money out. However, before their band of choice has reached the target, music fans can switch their investment to another band, decide to invest more money, or withdraw their investment altogether. The $50,000 resulting from parts sold, will be used to record a CD (a collection of 6 songs on average) in a good studio, with a solid A&R/production team to support the band in their effort to get maximum result. Precisely 5,000 copies of the CD will be printed. This so called "limited edition" will be sent to the homes of the Believers who have bought a Part in the band.
Says Chris Kimsey, famous record producer and one of the Experts on SellaBand.com: "Music for the people, chosen by the people, supported by the people, not some marketing plan to sell us music that we do not want. SellaBand puts value back into the sound of music."
Next, the songs on the CD will be available as free downloads on SellaBand's Gallery. This is an all-access area where music fans can find and download music for free. All advertising revenues will be shared equally between Artists (33.3%), Believers (33.3%) and SellaBand (33.3%). Revenues per band are based on their market share on the SellaBand Gallery. Also, a "standard" version of the album will be released. Bands can sell it on their own websites and at shows. SellaBand will offer the product through online retailers and other similar sites. Net profits of the CD will be shared equally between Artists and Believers. In the meantime, bands are free to do what they want: sign a record deal, start their own label, or come back to SellaBand for the next experience. Additionally after one year, the artist can take their masters with them.
Says Johan Vosmeijer, a former executive of Sony Music Entertainment and current Managing Director of SellaBand: "While SellaBand's commitment to record the best possible music will always be 100%, we want the legal commitments for musicians to be as light-weight as possible. Basically, we see SellaBand as a sort of trampoline for bands to use. Ultimately it is up to the artist to see how high they can jump, but we won't hold them back in any way or form."
Web site: http://www.sellaband.com/
Atari's Test Drive Unlimited Goes Gold - Racing Reinvented Set to Begin on September 5 Nationwide -
Atari, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATAR) , one of the world's most recognized brands and leading third-party video game publisher, today announced that development is complete on Test Drive Unlimited for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The ultimate automotive and lifestyle gaming experience, Test Drive Unlimited provides gamers with M.O.O.R.(TM): Massively Open Online Racing and the pure freedom to go wherever they choose, whenever they choose and race whoever they choose all in a spectacular, wide open tropical setting. Test Drive Unlimited is on schedule to ship to stores nationwide on September 5 and will be available for a suggested retail price of $39.99.
"Test Drive Unlimited represents a landmark in video games," said Nique Fajors, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Atari, Inc. "Test Drive Unlimited embodies exactly what next generation gaming is all about. With an open, persistent environment, thousands of miles to explore, hundreds of gameplay hours, and over 350 multiplayer and solo challenges, Test Drive Unlimited takes racing to an entirely different level, representing a new benchmark for others to aspire to."
Test Drive Unlimited offers 90 licensed vehicles -- cars AND bikes -- from exclusive manufacturers that are fully customizable with unrivalled interior and exterior details and functions. Car packs featuring six or more vehicles, complete with genre-specific radio stations, will be available for download monthly, beginning six weeks after launch on Xbox Live(R) Marketplace. In addition to many of the world's top cars, the game offers incredible customization options, unique character personalization, more than 1000 miles of diverse, photo-realistic Hawaiian terrain, a challenging single player game and a host of online options with M.O.O.R., which enables gamers to interact with thousands simultaneously. With these realistic features and more, Test Drive Unlimited is racing reinvented.
Test Drive Unlimited is scheduled for release on September 5, 2006. For more information visit http://www.testdriveunlimited.com/.
About Atari
New York-based Atari, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATAR) develops interactive games for all platforms and is one of the largest third-party publishers of interactive entertainment software in the U.S. The Company's 1,000+ titles include hard-core, genre-defining franchises such as The Matrix(TM) (Enter The Matrix and The Matrix: Path of Neo) and Test Drive(R); and mass-market and children's franchises such as Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues(TM) and Dora the Explorer(TM), and Dragon Ball Z(R). Atari, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of France-based Infogrames Entertainment SA (Euronext - ISIN: FR-0000052573), the largest interactive games publisher in Europe. For more information, visit http://www.atari.com/.
Safe Harbor Statement
With the exception of the historical information contained in this release, the matters described herein contain certain "forward-looking statements" that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this release are not promises or guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. We caution you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein. Some of the factors which could cause our results to differ materially include the following: the loss of key customers, such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, GameStop and EB Games; delays in product development and related product release schedules; inability to secure capital; adapting to the rapidly changing industry technology, including new console technology; maintaining relationships with leading independent video game software developers; maintaining or acquiring licenses to intellectual property; fluctuations in the Company's quarterly net revenues and results of operations based on the seasonality of our industry; the termination or modification of our agreements with hardware manufacturers; and other factors described in our SEC filings.
The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company's expectations.
ATARI, the ATARI logo, and classic Atari game titles and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Atari Interactive, Inc. or its affiliates.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Source: Atari, Inc.
Web site: http://www.atari.com/
Sony Pictures Entertainment Acquires Grouper
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has acquired Grouper, the fast-growing user-generated video site on the Internet, it was announced today by Michael Lynton, SPE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Grouper.com, which is the second largest independent video community, enables its members to watch, share and create video on the Web. Under the terms of the $65 million deal, the Sausalito-based company will retain its current management, working closely with a team at Sony Pictures.
"Consumers are spending more and more time on sites like Grouper, and as one of the world's largest creators of entertainment, we want to be where the audiences are," said Lynton. "This acquisition demonstrates the breadth of involvement of Sony Corporation in the field of digital online entertainment. Many people in the Grouper community use Sony cameras to create videos and Sony VAIO computers and mobile devices to store and view them. It makes sense to complete the circle by having Grouper be a part of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which itself creates so much content for people around the world."
"When you pair Grouper's innovative video sharing platform on the web and the desktop with Sony's connected devices and copyrighted media you create a dynamic and exciting environment for consumers," said Grouper CEO and co-founder Josh Felser. "We have an opportunity, as part of the Sony family, to bring together user-generated and copyrighted content across platforms and devices for the first time."
Grouper's primary mission is to give its users the flexibility to take their videos with them across site and platform. Grouper users can browse videos and easily post them to a wide variety of third-party Web sites, such as their personal pages on MySpace, Blogger and Friendster. Grouper's portability is anchored by its robust peer-to-peer video sharing network, which facilitates downloads of high quality uncut original video shared by its members. Its users can download from Grouper.com to connected mobile devices like the PSP and iPod. Grouper also provides members with easy-to-use video editing tools so that videos can be quickly uploaded from cameras, camcorders and webcams.
Lynton said he is impressed by the experience of Grouper's management team. "Grouper is not only one of the leaders in a new wave of content development, it is also a major innovator in empowering users to participate in a dynamic on-line community," Lynton said.
Lynton said the acquisition of Grouper is a strategic initiative in the field of digital entertainment and consistent with Sony Pictures' vision of making entertainment accessible to consumers whenever, wherever and however they want. No immediate changes are planned for the site. Over time, Lynton said there is potential for development of ad-supported and premium content businesses. "Grouper gives us a strong platform for growth," Lynton said.
In addition, he noted that there is value in connecting an enormous amount of imaginative content with a studio that is always interested in finding new ideas and talent for the movies, television shows and games it creates for audiences around the world. "A site like Grouper allows people to showcase their creativity to a vast audience," Lynton said. "It's like a virtual, global audition, and a great source of entertainment," Lynton said.
Sony Pictures Entertainment has been a longtime leader in the arena of digital entertainment. It was one of the first studios in the DVD business and the first to sell television shows online and movies for mobile devices. SPE is also one of the pioneers in digital downloading, with more than 100 of its movies available for purchase on several internet sites. Sony Pictures also includes Sony Online Entertainment, a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/.
About Grouper Networks
Grouper Networks enables its members to watch, share and create video on the Web, desktop and connected devices and continues to be the leading innovator in the user-generated video space. Members can browse videos on Grouper.com and post them to a wide variety of third party Web sites directly from Grouper. With one-click, members can add video to their personal pages on MySpace, Blogger, Friendster and Wordpress or download to their desktops, iPod and Sony PSP. Grouper Networks is located in Sausalito, California. Web site: http://www.sonypictures.com/
http://www.grouper.com/
Gordon Ramsay to Open First U.S. Restaurant in New York City Fall 2006: Gordon Ramsay at The London
Famed Michelin-starred chef, author, television personality, and former professional soccer player Gordon Ramsay will open his first U.S. restaurant, Gordon Ramsay at The London, in New York City at The London NYC Hotel (formerly the Rihga Royal), part of the LXR Luxury Resorts collection. The restaurant will offer intimate modern French dining taking cues from its renowned London counterpart, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay on Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea, the only restaurant with three Michelin stars in London. The bar and more casual area of the restaurant, The London Bar, will be based on Ramsay's exciting Maze restaurant on Grosvenor Square in London featuring a daily offering of market specials and a variety of tasting dishes that encourage guests to construct their own menus in a relaxed and informal environment.
Ramsay's culinary career began when he joined Marco Pierre White at Harvey's in Wandsworth, England, followed by additional training in the kitchens of Joel Robuchon and Guy Savoy in France. In 1993, Ramsay became the chef at London's famed Aubergine, where he was awarded two prestigious Michelin stars within three years of the restaurant's opening. Since then he has opened ten highly acclaimed restaurants worldwide, totaling eight Michelin stars, including Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London's stylish Chelsea district; Petrus, which was awarded with a Michelin star in seven months; Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's; Angela Hartnett at The Connaught; The Savoy Grill; Boxwood Cafe; Banquette; Maze; Verre in Dubai; and Gordon Ramsay at Conrad Tokyo.
Neil Ferguson, previously head chef in Angela Hartnett's kitchen at The Connaught, will be Chef de Cuisine at Gordon Ramsay at The London. Ferguson joined Gordon Ramsay Holdings in 2000 as sous chef at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and had previously worked at numerous three Michelin-starred restaurants including L'Esperance and L'Arpege in France.
The New York restaurant is being designed by internationally acclaimed designer David Collins. The design will combine classic British style with Manhattan vivacity. Decorated in shades of emerald, diners will find privacy offered by richly detailed timber panels, Gordon Ramsay at The London will seat 45 guests. The more casual area and bar offer seating for 80 and seamlessly blends patchwork leather furniture in shades of blue and green. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails and tea service beneath a suede lined ceiling in this warm and inviting room.
The kitchen, which will be equally stunning, will boast a private chef's table, something that Gordon is famed for in London. Here guests can enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of the kitchen whilst dining in luxury.
For more information on Gordon Ramsay and his restaurants, please visit www.GordonRamsay.com. The London NYC, a 564 room hotel is located at 151 West 54th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. For more information on The London NYC property, visit www.TheLondonNYC.com or call LXR Luxury Resorts at 1-877-LXR-XOXO.
ABOUT LXR LUXURY RESORTS:
LXR Luxury Resorts, www.LuxuryResorts.com, is a portfolio of 29 independent properties dedicated to creating an experience of luxury, a sense of ease and endless pleasure. LXR resorts are distinguished by a style and spirit that captures the unique qualities of their setting, whether the urban chic of a city like New York or the beauty and charm of an island like Puerto Rico. All LXR Luxury Resorts offer elegant surroundings, attentive service, guest privileges at private golf clubs and rejuvenating spa programs. LXR Luxury Resorts are located throughout the United States and Hawaii as well as in Puerto Rico and Jamaica. The LXR collection also includes the renowned Golden Door Spa brand and its four spas in the U.S.
Source: Gordon Ramsay Holdings Limited
Web site: http://www.gordonramsay.com/
http://www.thelondonnyc.com/
http://www.luxuryresorts.com/
The Romance Reader Has Embraced Digital Entertainment and Harlequin is Leading the Way by Delivering More Happy Endings via the Launch Of New Digital Content and an eBook Boutique
Harlequin Enterprises Limited (www.eHarlequin.com), the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, today announced the launch of four digital entertainment ventures, specifically: Harlequin Mini (TM) eBooks, Harlequin Mini(TM) Round Robin eBooks, the launch of the eBook Boutique on eHarlequin.com and www.writeharlequin.com, a platform for gathering reader- generated content.
"Harlequin is the brand in publishing that is trusted by women around the world to provide them with great entertainment," says Donna Hayes, Publisher and CEO of Harlequin Enterprises Limited. "We are uniquely positioned to serve their needs and offer entertainment in new digital formats. Put simply, a lot of women are already there, and those who aren't trust us to help them navigate the evolving digital space."
"The modern romance reader has gone digital," says Pam Laycock, Executive Vice President of Harlequin's New Business Development department. "She demands the portability, depth, breadth, immediacy and convenience of romance novels in downloadable formats." Ms. Laycock illustrates this fact by pointing to the success of the company's eBooks on the bestseller lists of many eBook Web sites, including eReader.com, where Harlequin titles out- performed The Da Vinci Code just prior to the release of the film.
Responding to reader demand for even more romance fiction in a digital format, Harlequin is launching the Harlequin Mini eBook. These are short- series eBooks written by Harlequin authors, including New York Times and USA Today bestselling writers-ideal for readers who want a "quick fix" but don't have the time for a longer novel. "No other publisher is doing anything like this," says Malle Vallik, Editorial Director of Harlequin's New Business Development department. "These delicious 'bite-size' stories are exclusive to eHarlequin.com's eBook Boutique." Ten Harlequin Mini eBooks will be available during the August launch of the imprint. Four new Harlequin Mini eBooks will appear every month thereafter. Each story costs only 99 cents to download.
The Harlequin Mini Round Robin eBook is an outcome of Harlequin's collaboration with its readers. These stories are launched by a published author, and subsequent chapters are created-and hotly competed for-by fans and aspiring writers. Many of Harlequin's talented new voices have been discovered through this interactive round robin challenge, including launch author Mia Zachary. The popular Writing Round Robin has been a feature of eHarlequin.com since 2000. This is the first time it will be available as an eBook. As a special introduction, the Harlequin Mini Round Robin eBook will initially be available for free download.
Harlequin Enterprises Limited is at the leading edge of digital publishing, offering about 40 new titles every month in eBook format. As of today, all of these titles will be available in the new eBook Boutique at http://ebooks.eharlequin.com/. It will be the exclusive eRetailer for the Harlequin Mini and Harlequin Mini Round Robin eBooks. eBooks from the eHarlequin Boutique will be available in three formats-Adobe PDF, Microsoft Reader and Mobipocket.
"Harlequin has an unmatched involvement, engagement and participation with its readers," says Pam Laycock. "Because of this intimate relationship, Harlequin is going beyond reader participation in the Round Robin to tap the creativity and wisdom of our global community via www.writeharlequin.com. We ask such burning questions as "What Is Love?" or "What Was Your Worst Date Ever?" and anyone and everyone can send in responses. A collection of the most appealing answers will be published in a digital format early in 2007 and then later as a print version."
Harlequin's drive to develop and offer more content in more ways furthers the company's digital strategy, which also includes downloadable audio from Audible.com (www.audible.com), the leading provider of digitally delivered spoken-word audio, and the Harlequin On the Go(TM) mobile phone content subscription service (HarlequinOnTheGo.com), currently available through Verizon Wireless. Readers can keep up with further digital developments at www.isabelsblog or http://isabelswift.blogspot.com/.
About eHarlequin.com
The eHarlequin.com community provides Harlequin with an outstanding opportunity to speak directly to its readers around the world on message boards, in chat rooms and through author blogs. Whether looking to buy the latest books, reading original stories from bestselling authors, or sharing the love of reading with other readers and authors, eHarlequin.com visitors will discover the ultimate online women's fiction experience.
About Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Harlequin Enterprises Limited is the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, with titles issued worldwide in 25 languages and sold in 94 international markets. The company produces over 115 titles monthly and publishes more than 1,300 authors from around the world. Harlequin Enterprises Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation, a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TS.B). Harlequin's Web site is located at www.eHarlequin.com. Harlequin has offices in 18 countries, including Toronto, New York and London. For more information please visit www.eHarlequin.com or press.eHarlequin.com.
Source: Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Web site: http://www.eharlequin.com/
DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE -FINAL FANTASY VII- Breaks Down Mobile Gaming Boundaries
Highly Anticipated Action Title to Be Available Exclusively on Amp'd Mobile
Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix(TM) interactive products in North America, and Amp'd Mobile, the first fully integrated mobile entertainment company, today announced the debut of DIRGE of CERBERUS(TM) LOST EPISODE(TM) -FINAL FANTASY(R) VII- (DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE). The action-packed 3D mobile game is available for download exclusively on Amp'd Mobile handsets. For more information visit www.ampd.com.
"Amp'd is committed to bringing the best mobile games to market, and DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE raises the bar in 3D gaming worldwide," said Paul Nakayama, Sr. Director of Content Programming at Amp'd Mobile. "We believe game fans will be blown away by this title's advanced graphics and gameplay. This exclusive title represents another 'first' for Amp'd and showcases our leading 3G handset capabilities."
"Adapting a truly dynamic game like DIRGE of CERBERUS to the mobile platform was an invigorating experience for us," said Kosei Ito, Producer, Square Enix Co. Ltd. "DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE -FINAL FANTASY VII- effectively reveals the missing chapter from the PlayStation 2 version. With this in mind, we wanted to create a game on the mobile platform that retained the integrity and imagination of the console version, but could be played on the go. We are confident that gamers will appreciate the innovation in detail and game play and ultimately embrace DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE as another quality continuation to the FINAL FANTASY VII legacy."
Frazer Wilson, CEO of Ideaworks3D Ltd, said: "This has been a really exciting project, and another great opportunity to push the boundaries of mobile gaming with our Segundo technology. Working with the Square Enix team on this important title has been a great honor, and we are delighted to have created a mobile game which offers such unparalleled playing experience."
To support the deployment, Amp'd will feature video previews and mobile game highlights of DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE within Amp'd branded kiosks at retail outlets nationwide, including independent wireless dealers and Best Buy, recently announced as a core Amp'd Mobile distributor. Fans will also have a chance to participate in a limited online giveaway to receive a highly articulated Vincent Valentine action figure with purchase. Amp'd will also be featuring DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE at GamOrz Ball (co-sponsored with mtvU). Lastly, Amp'd will feature DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE in Amp'd The Magazine.
Utilizing the latest in mobile technology, DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE maintains the integrity of the Square Enix brand, and is consistent with the excellence that fans have come to expect from the FINAL FANTASY franchise. Mobile users experience console quality content including intuitive target systems, real time frame rate and high quality picturesque backgrounds.
DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE -FINAL FANTASY VII- tells the story three years after Meteorfall, where the original FINAL FANTASY VII ended, with Vincent Valentine struggling to save the world from Deepground, a mysterious army of bloodthirsty warriors. This action role-playing game will take advantage of all mobile gaming has to offer, allowing players to explore a sprawling world in Battlefield mode, and battle with Deepground soldiers in FPS Battle mode.
DIRGE of CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII-
Gamers can also experience the original PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system game, DIRGE of CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII- (DIRGE of CERBERUS) which shipped last week on August 15, 2006. The first action title in the beloved series, DIRGE of CERBERUS is blockbuster thrill ride from the creators of FINAL FANTASY VII and comes fully loaded with all-new features and bonus content created exclusively for North American audiences.
DIRGE of CERBERUS is rated "T" for Teen. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Web site at www.esrb.com for more information about ratings. DIRGE of CERBERUS is available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $49.99(USD). Additional information on DIRGE of CERBERUS can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/dcff7/.
DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE -FINAL FANTASY VII- was developed by a Square Enix Co., Ltd. team led by Kosei Ito in collaboration with Ideaworks3D Ltd. a BAFTA award-winning mobile games studio headquartered in London (www.ideaworks3d.com). For more information about DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE -FINAL FANTASY VII- visit www.sqexm.com/dirge.
About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.
With headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises -- FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 68 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST(R), which has sold over 40 million units worldwide -- under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
Square Enix, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA. It handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at www.square-enix.com/na.
About Amp'd Mobile
Amp'd Mobile is the first integrated mobile entertainment company for youth, young professionals and early adopters, and the only 3G carrier in the US specifically targeting that demographic. By leveraging the power of broadband wireless (EVDO), Amp'd Mobile offers traditional services such as voice and text within a completely fresh user interface designed specifically for the "mobile graduate" and third-generation (3G) technology. With a myriad of customizable options to meet each person's individual needs, as well as strategic alliances with top entertainment properties, such as MTVN and Universal Music Group, Amp'd Mobile brings a more relevant, personal experience to the wireless lifestyle with unique music, video, community, entertainment, sports and gaming offerings divided into various channels for quick and easy access. Amp'd Mobile is offered nationwide and more information can be found at www.ampd.com.
About Ideaworks3D
Ideaworks3D, Ltd. is a privately held technology and game development company headquartered in London. Founded in 1998 with a strong Oxford and Cambridge computer science and electronic engineering pedigree, the company has an unparalleled track record of creative innovation and technical leadership in the field of rich mobile gaming. Its Segundo3D(TM) game development and porting tool-chain, and AirPlay(TM) connected games platform power more blockbuster gaming brands across BREW, Symbian OS, JAVA, Linux and Windows Mobile than any other mobile games technology.
Ideaworks3D's game studio is the recipient of multiple industry accolades including two consecutive BAFTA Games Awards in 2005 and 2004 for best handheld and mobile games. More information can be found at www.ideaworks3d.com.
DIRGE OF CERBERUS, DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, LOST EPISODE, SQUARE ENIX and the Square Enix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Web site: http://www.ampd.com/
Web site: http://www.esrb.com/
Web site: http://na.square-enix.com/dcff7
Web site: http://www.ideaworks3d.com/
/Web site: http://www.sqexm.com/dirge
Web site: http://www.square-enix.com/na
Music Making on the Rise in the U.S.
NAMM's State of the Music Industry Report Suggests Playing Music Continues to be Highly Important to Americans
A new U.S. Gallup Poll reveals Americans of all ages are continuing to pursue music making and offers insight into the attitudes behind this passion as part of the 2006 Music USA: NAMM Global Report.
NAMM, the trade association for the international music products industry, has released the 2006 Music USA: NAMM Global Report, a state of the industry focusing on trends, sales and music education issues from around the world. The report -- which covers a broad spectrum of music industry segments from grand pianos, to DJ gear, to violins, to electric guitars -- reveals interesting data on the industry and attitudes toward music making:
- Americans are making more music than any other nationality. The U.S.
market accounts for 42.7% of musical instrument purchases, followed by
Japan at 15.6% and U.K. at 6.7%
- More than one-half of U.S. households (52%) has at least one person, age
5 or older, who currently plays a musical instrument -- a sharp contrast
compared to the United Kingdom at 37% and Australia* at 36%
- 40% of U.S. households have two or more musicians
- More women (51%) play musical instruments than men (49%)
- The fastest growing segment of music makers is between the ages of 18
and 34; an increase of 5% percent since 2003
- More people are encouraged by their parents to take up an instrument
(37%) than become interested on their own (29%), or are encouraged by a
teacher (17%) or someone else (16%)
*2001 data
- Almost three-quarters of survey participants started playing before the
age of 11
- The number of people participating in school instrumental music
activities and private lessons increased by 11% since 2003
The report also highlights attitudes behind these trends:
- 85% of Americans believe that music is a very important part of their
life
- 82% of Americans wish they had learned to play a musical instrument, and
67% expressed an interest in learning to play
- 94% of respondents believe music is part of a well-rounded education,
and that schools should offer instrument music instruction as part of
the regular curriculum
- 85% believe participation in school music corresponds with better grades
and higher test scores
- Seniors are turning to music making as not just an enjoyable pastime,
but also for the health and wellness benefits such as enhanced immune
systems, stress reduction, and staving off depression and loneliness
"With more emerging research linking active music making to a host of educational and health benefits as well as being a source of expressing creativity and having fun, it's only natural to see an increase in playing across every U.S. demographic group," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. "More Americans are discovering that you don't have to be a 'musician' to enjoy the proven benefits and enjoyment of playing music."
The music products industry's 16 million unit transactions last year in the U.S. alone show that the industry reaches a broad swath of the population. As more people learn about the benefits of playing music, the industry expects to see America's fondness for music making continue.
In addition to the U.S. data, the 2006 Music USA report also features industry trends on different market segments and offers a global overview of the music products industry by featuring data from nine countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and The United Kingdom.
Guitars and Pianos -- America's Favorites
- Guitars are currently the highest selling musical instruments in America
-- approx. 3.4 million sold in 2005
- In the last two years, the electric guitar has caught up to the acoustic
guitar as per unit sales are becoming even at just over 1.6 million each
- Overall, the fretted products industry is a $1.4 billion dollar industry
in the U.S.
- Yet still more Americans play the piano (31%) than the guitar or bass
(28%)
About NAMM
The International Music Products Association, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for- profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $16 billion global musical instruments and products industry. NAMM's activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit www.namm.org
Web site: http:/// www.namm.org
Author/Socialite Eric Schiffer Praises Paris Hilton and Her Musical Talent Amid Controversy at Her CD Release Party in Hollywood
While a small group of protestors stood outside the packed bash at Hollywood's hottest nightclub Privilege for Paris Hilton's star-studded exclusive CD launch party and criticized the heiress turned pop star, celebrities inside stood up and defended her against the controversy.
"Some may say that there will always be a few people who will attack an icon. What many people do not know is that Paris' voice and music are really good. Not only is she beautiful, but she really does have talent, as she proved during her five-song performance at Privilege," said Eric Schiffer.
Prior to Paris' party, Eric was seen at the famous Viper Room, the Hollywood nightclub owned by Johnny Depp, for the celebrity-filled launch event of the BC Ethic Clothing line -- where Eric entertained Billy Gibbons of legendary ZZ Top.
Eric Schiffer authored the best-selling book "Emotionally Charged Learning." His next book, "Rockstar Entrepreneur," is slated for a spring release. Schiffer, the celebrity author and actor, just signed to star in the soon-to-be-produced motion picture comedy co-starring TK Carter (Showtime's The Corner, Dr. Detroit).
Comedy Superstars Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston Shine in One of the Year's Most Hilarious Films, 'The Break-Up'
The Box-Office Hit Arrives on DVD October 17, 2006 With Side-Splitting Extras Including an Alternate Ending and Deleted Scenes!
'One of the best American comedies in years.' - Pete Hammond, Maxim
An elegant Chicago condo becomes a hilarious battleground in the war of the exes when the comedy blockbuster "The Break-Up" comes to DVD on October 17, 2006 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Vince Vaughn ("Wedding Crashers") and Jennifer Aniston ("Friends with Money") sizzle in this laugh-out-loud story of love gone wrong. A runaway box-office success that grossed over $118 million dollars, "The Break-Up" DVD offers even more non-stop fun and laughs with loads of deleted scenes, outtakes, as well as an alternate ending that puts "The Break-Up" in a whole new light! The DVD is priced at $29.98 SRP.
When art dealer Brooke (Jennifer Aniston) and Chicago bus tour guide Gary (Vince Vaughn) suddenly put an end to their two-year relationship, the joys of home ownership throw a monkey wrench into the split. The formerly happy couple wrangles for control of their jointly owned apartment, guided by well-meaning, but utterly wrongheaded advice of friends and family. Directed by Peyton Reed ("Down with Love") and featuring a spectacular supporting cast including Joey Lauren Adams, Ann-Margret, Jason Bateman, Judy Davis, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jon Favreau, John Michael Higgins and Justin Long, "The Break-Up" delivers a fresh and funny twist on the age-old battle between the sexes.
CRITICS LAUGHED ALONG WITH THE BREAK-UP
Film critics across the country raved about "The Break-Up". Jack Mathews of the New York Daily News proclaimed, "Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston give what may be the best performances of their careers." In addition to declaring the film "one of the best American comedies in years," Pete Hammond of Maxim magazine also added, "It's hilarious, honest and painfully funny." The Insider's Clay Smith thought the film was, "funny, smart and sexy" and that "Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn absolutely sizzle on screen!"
BONUS FEATURES ADD MORE ROMANCE AND LAUGHS!
Exciting extras prolong the laughs and provide special behind-the-scenes peeks, including:
* Alternate Ending -- The DVD offers audiences a special look at "what
might have been" for Brooke and Gary with an alternate ending that will
surprise and delight.
* Deleted Scenes, Extended Scenes and Outtakes -- Over 20 minutes of
comedic new scenes and outtakes will keep fans laughing!
* Three Brothers: A Tour of Chicago -- Vince Vaughn introduces an
exciting and comedic behind-the-scenes look at the some of the Windy
City's most notable attractions.
* Improv with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau -- Longtime comedy partners
Vince and Jon riff their way through a series of side-splitting scenes.
* In Perfect Harmony: The Tone Rangers -- From funky grooves to perfect
pitch, actor John Michael Higgins shows you what it takes to be a Tone
Ranger.
* The Making of "The Break-Up" -- Go backstage with the cast and crew for
an exclusive view of the creation of this breakout hit!
* Feature Commentary with Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston
* Feature Commentary with Director Peyton Reed
SYNOPSIS
Pushed to the breaking-up point after their latest 'why can't you do this one little thing for me?' argument, art dealer Brooke (Aniston) calls it quits with her boyfriend, Gary (Vaughn), who hosts bus tours of Chicago. What follows is a series of remedies, war tactics, overtures and underminings suggested by the former couple's friends, confidantes and the occasional total stranger. When neither ex is willing to move out of the condo they used to share, the only solution is to continue living as hostile roommates until somebody caves. But somewhere between protesting the pool table in the living room, the dirty clothes stacked in the kitchen cupboards and the sports played at sleep-killing volume in the middle of night, Brooke begins to realize that what she may be really fighting for isn't so much the place but the person.
For more information please visit: www.thebreakupmovie.net
CAST & FILMMAKERS
Director: Peyton Reed
Screenplay By: Jeremy Garelick & Jay Lavender
Story By: Vince Vaughn & Jeremy Garelick & Jay Lavender
Produced By: Vince Vaughn, Scott Stuber
Executive Producers: Peter Billingsley, Stuart M. Besser
Director of Photography: Eric Edwards
Production Designer: Andrew Laws
Film Editors: David Rosenbloom, ACE; Dan Lebental, ACE
Associate Producers: Victoria Vaughn, John Isbell
Costume Designer: Carol Oditz
Co-Producers: Jeremy Garelick, Jay Lavender
Music Supervisor: John O'Brien
Music By: Jon Brion
Cast: Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston, Joey Lauren Adams, Ann-Margret,
Jason Bateman, Judy Davis, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jon Favreau, Cole Hauser,
John Michael Higgins, Justin Long
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD
Street Date: October 17, 2006
Copyright: 2006 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Price: $29.98 SRP
Selection Number: 28465 (Widescreen); 28466 (Full Frame)
Running Time: 1 Hour 47 Minutes
Layers: Dual
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1); Full Frame (1.33:1)
Rating: PG-13 for sexual content, some nudity and language.
Technical Info: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0
Stereo; French Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo; Subtitles: English SDH, French,
Spanish
For artwork or screeners, please log on to our Web site at www.ushepublicity.com or fax your request to Universal Studios Home Entertainment Publicity at (818) 866-0226.
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.
http://www.thebreakupmovie.net/
Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Web site: http://www.ushepublicity.com/
Web site: http://www.thebreakupmovie.net/
Web site: http://www.universalstudios.com/
USATODAY.com Launches New Entertainment and Sports Podcasts
'Pop Candy' and 'Fantasy Playbook' Podcasts Extend Popular Life and Sports Sections to New Platform
USATODAY.com, a leading news and information Web site, announces the launch of two new weekly podcasts, "Pop Candy" and "Fantasy Playbook." Today marks the premiere of the "Pop Candy" podcast, hosted by Whitney Matheson, creator of the popular pop culture blog "Pop Candy," which is consistently one of the site's most visited blogs (http://www.popcandy.usatoday.com/). This Friday, "Fantasy Playbook," a weekly rundown of news, notes, and tips for fantasy football fans hosted by Pete O'Brien and Deb Barrington, will begin running weekly and continue throughout the professional football season, expanding on the site's extensive sports coverage.
"Fans of 'Pop Candy' are intensely loyal and enthusiastic about Whitney's daily posts on the world of pop culture, just as USATODAY.com Sports readers are passionate about our coverage of fantasy football," said Chet Czarniak, managing editor of USATODAY.com. "The launch of these podcasts gives readers the chance to engage with USATODAY.com in an entirely new way, and opens up our content to a whole new audience of potential fans."
Advertisers now have an entirely new way to reach this audience as well, via 15-second pre-roll advertisements that run prior to the start of each podcast.
The "Pop Candy" podcast can be found at candypodcast.usatoday.com. Beginning on Friday, "Fantasy Playbook" can be linked to from nfl.usatoday.com. Both will also be available through the iTunes Music Store. A new "Pop Candy" podcast will be available each Tuesday. A new "Fantasy Playbook" podcast will be available each Friday.
USATODAY.com is an award-winning news and information Web site that is updated 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Each month, millions of unique monthly visitors access USATODAY.com News, Money, Sports, Life, Technology, Weather and Travel sections which combine the best of USA TODAY news and information and the latest breaking news with cutting-edge interactive features, information graphics and multimedia functions including audio, video and live Webcasts. USATODAY.com is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) . For more information, please visit http://www.usatoday.com/.
Source: USATODAY.com
CONTACT: Steve Anderson, Director - Communications, +1-703-854-5872,
sanderson@usatoday.com, or Heidi Zimmerman, Manager - Media Relations,
+1-703-854-5304, hzimmerman@usatoday.com, both of USA TODAY
Web site: http://www.usatoday.com/
http://www.popcandy.usatoday.com/
http://www.nfl.usatoday.com/
NOTE TO EDITORS: USATODAY.com podcast hosts are available for radio and television interviews. To set up an interview -- please call Elga Maye, Communications Coordinator at +1-703-854-5292.
VoiceOne(TM) and VariTalk Team Up to Send 'Snakes on a Plane' Personalized Phone Messages from Samuel L. Jackson
VoiceOne(TM) Takes Over As VariTalk's Preferred Call Services Provider -- Delivers Record Volume with 100% Reliability
VariTalk, LLC and VoiceOne(TM) Communications, LLC, a subsidiary of VoIP, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: VOII) , announced today they have begun working together on what many would say is the most successful Internet and mobile marketing campaign ever for Time Warner-owned New Line Cinema's, #1 box office movie "Snakes on A Plane."
The campaign empowers movie fans to create and send personalized phone and E-mail messages in the voice of Samuel L. Jackson. The official film site is online at http://www.snakesonaplane.com/.
Unlike most voice service applications, VariTalk's super-personalized marketing campaigns are on-demand arrangements - with people reacting to promotions, television and radio commercials, and especially word of mouth.
"VoiceOne's proprietary software platform meets the demand with scalability that most hardware-dependent providers cannot match without significant lead time. And VoiceOne's proven technology meets an additional requirement: bullet-proof reliability," explained VariTalk's former CTO and newly named Chief Executive Officer Frederick Lowe.
"When Snakes on A Plane took off, VariTalk was faced with a challenge: record call volume. VoiceOne stepped in quickly and seamlessly, enabling the Company to make immediate improvements in capacity and reliability."
"We are pleased to have come together with VoiceOne. With effectively infinite scalability and 100% delivery success we're sure to rely on them for many future campaigns of this type," Lowe said.
VoiceOne's Chief Technology Officer Shawn Lewis commented, "We are thrilled to be working with VariTalk on creative and successful marketing campaigns like this one. Our technology is scalable, flexible and reliable, so companies like VariTalk, who are on the leading edge of providing new ways to market products and services, can know their campaigns are going to work well technically."
About VariTalk
VariTalk works with clients and agencies to produce entertainment marketing, mobile content, political advertising and brand marketing, based on its patented audio and video personalization platform.
With over 100 years of combined experience in the entertainment, new media and advertising industries, as well as 25 years of combined experience in software development, VariTalk represents a unique combination of industry leaders, all committed to the research, development and deployment of new solutions for merging message and media, commercials and content, information and individuals.
About VoiceOne
VoiceOne Communications, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of VoIP, Inc., a leading provider of turnkey IP voice, video and data communications solutions for service providers, resellers and consumers worldwide. The Company provides a comprehensive portfolio of advanced telecommunications technologies, enhanced services, broadband products, and fulfillment services to the communications industries. For information on VoiceOne and VoIP, Inc., please visit http://www.voipinc.com/.
Source: VoIP, Inc.
http://www.snakesonaplane.com/
Sony Merges Quality LCD TV With Desktop PC for a Sleek Combo
Combining the power of a PC with a quality LCD and stylish design, Sony today unveiled the new VAIO(R) LS1 TV/PC Combo.
Sleek, yet highly-functional, this new device compliments any room in the house where space is at a premium, but entertainment, performance and style is a must.
Featuring a framed display with a transparent border for a stunning, floating effect, the LS1 model packs the essentials for powerful computing into a slim chassis discreetly hidden behind the back of a flat-panel 19-inch WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) LCD display.
The new VAIO LS1 TV/PC model incorporates an Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and a roomy 250 GB (1GB = 1 billion bytes) hard drive for running multiple, demanding applications simultaneously, such as watching and/or recording a TV show while downloading music in the background. The unit is a Windows Vista(TM) capable PC. It is also Windows Vista Premium ready.
"The LS1 model is a testament to our design and engineering prowess incorporating all the power of a desktop into a showpiece design," remarked Mike Abary, vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics in the U.S.
For tidy interior design, the LS1 TV/PC incorporates personal computing into the living space without any unsightly wires. Network cables are discretely routed; ports are conveniently located on the sides; and wired connections are minimized. An included wireless mouse and wireless aluminum keyboard folds up for a beautiful presentation when not in use.
By utilizing the unit's built-in wireless LAN (802.11 b/g) technology, the VAIO LS1 TV/PC can be positioned virtually anywhere in the home and still access Internet sites, e-mail, and a home network.
It's a TV/PC Home Entertainment System
Sporting a 19-inch widescreen display powered by Sony's XBRITE-HiColor(TM) technology, the unit doubles as a flat-panel TV delivering dazzling colors and sharp images whether displaying a movie, television show or web content.
The LS1 model ships with Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP MCE 2005 and a built-in NTSC TV tuner providing DVR-like recording capabilities. It also has a built-in DVD burner and Sony's Click to DVD(R) software so you can create a digital entertainment library for personal viewing at your convenience.
The new VAIO TV/PC also features an audio/video quick resume switch that shuts down the display and the audio output without the PC having to enter sleep mode. This allows you to return to full PC functionality without waiting for the computer to shut down or boot up.
Making it easy to stay in touch with family and friends, the LS1 TV/PC Combo also includes an integrated camera and microphone for recording and transmitting video messages.
The VAIO LS1 TV/PC Combo will be available in mid-September for about $2,100 at authorized retailers nationwide, online at sonystyle.com and at Sony Style (R) stores (for locations visit www.sonystyle.com/retail) in select fashion malls around the country. Pre-orders begin online today at www.sony.com.
Web site: http://www.sonystyle.com/retail
Web site: http://www.sony.com/
Legendary K-Tel International Selects DRA for Digital Distribution
Digital Rights Agency (DRA), a leading worldwide digital music distributor, and Dominion Entertainment, Inc., the legendary K-tel International brand, announced today that DRA will digitally distribute the K-tel International catalog to Internet and mobile entertainment outlets worldwide.
The K-tel catalog includes original and re-recorded classics such as "Julie, Do Ya Love Me" by Bobby Sherman, "Surfin' Bird" by The Trashmen, "The Twist" by Chubby Checker, and "It's My Party" by Lesley Gore.
"The DRA team is thrilled to help bring K-tel's classic catalog to digital music services around the world," said DRA Managing Director Tuhin Roy. "We are particularly excited to market mobile entertainment products based on the K-tel hits."
Digital Rights Agency currently distributes more than 350 leading independent record labels in 15 countries with a total catalog of 350,000 tracks to more than 300 mobile and Internet outlets worldwide. DRA client catalogs feature key titles by recording artists including Daddy Yankee, Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Ludacris, Lil Jon, Lil Flip, Death Cab for Cutie, Yellowcard, Norah Jones, Elliott Smith, Sleater-Kinney and Rilo Kiley.
"DRA's broad distribution network in the mobile world and significant marketing muscle will be an important part of K-tel's digital distribution strategy," said Mary Kuehn, Dominion Entertainment's General Manager. "We look forward to working with the DRA team."
About the Digital Rights Agency
The Digital Rights Agency (www.digitalrightsagency.com) distributes independent record label catalogs to digital outlets around the world. Labels distributed by DRA, either directly or through sub-distribution relationships, include Asphodel (DJ Spooky, Ryuichi Sakamoto), Barsuk (Death Cab for Cutie, They Might Be Giants), BCD Music Group (Lil Jon, Lil Flip and Snoop Dog & Friends), Orbison Records (Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis), Definitive Jux (Aesop Rock, RJD2), Rocketown Records (Chris Rice), Darla (My Morning Jacket), Tiger Style (American Analog Set), Kill Rock Stars (Sleater-Kinney, Elliott Smith, The Decemberists), Oarfin Records (Yellowcard, Chingy, Susan Tedeschi), Ipecac, (Kid 606, Dalek), Talent House (The Presidents of the United States of America), Stony Plain Records (Ronnie Earl, Elvin Bishop, Duke Robillard), Reality Entertainment (Marcy Playground, Krokus), Om Records (Ming and FS), Moonshine Music (Carl Cox, D:Fuse), Wide Hive (DJ Zeph) and Ubiquity Recordings (Greyboy, Francisco Aquabella). DRA also back-ends digital distribution offerings for leading distributors Navarre, Inc., Oarfin Distribution, BCD Music Group and The Talent House and operates in the US, Italy and the UK. The company manages all aspect of the digital distribution process including the negotiation of collective licenses, data delivery, marketing and consolidated electronic royalty reporting. By eliminating duplicative negotiations, content deliveries and accounting, DRA drives significant cost savings for both labels and digital outlets. DRA's outlet partners include download stores, subscription music services, Internet- connected jukeboxes and ringtone providers. The company's website is located at www.digitalrightsagency.com.
About Dominion Entertainment, Inc.
K-tel International, Inc., (www.ktel.com) is a vertically integrated developer, marketer and distributor of a wide array of entertainment products worldwide with active operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany. K-tel, through its operating subsidiaries, markets its product lines and master recording music catalog to retailers, wholesalers, digital distributors and licensees across the globe and via television and other forms of direct response media.
Source: Digital Rights Agency
Web site: http://www.ktel.com/
Web site: http://www.digitalrightsagency.com/
SecureMedia to Launch 'Entertainment Everywhere!(TM)' at IBC 2006, With Breakthrough Security Advancements for Converged Media Protection
Highlights Include a Preview of 'Aoraki', Code-Name for the Next Release of SecureMedia's Widely Deployed Encryptonite ONE(TM) System, and the Introduction of the eONE(TM) PC Media Player
SecureMedia (www.securemedia.com), the technology leader in content protection software for secure video and multimedia delivery over IP networks, announced today that it will launch "Entertainment Everywhere!(TM)" at IBC 2006, 8-12 September, Amsterdam (RAI Convention Centre, Booth 7.102), with a preview of "Aoraki", code-name for the company's next release of its widely deployed Encryptonite ONE(TM) System CA/DRM software solution. SecureMedia will also introduce the eONE(TM) PC Media Player, offering an advanced, secure viewing platform for broadcast and Video-On-Demand content on personal computers and PC-based devices.
The Encryptonite ONE System is an open platform CA/DRM software solution that protects both broadcast and on-demand video services delivered over IP networks. The new "Aoraki" release is code-named after the highest mountain in New Zealand. "Aoraki" introduces and highlights several exclusive platform extensions and delivery features to the popular Encryptonite ONE System for the identification and protection of distributed valued content:
* IdentiFind(TM) -- unique open platform for digital watermark imprint
technologies allowing the use of various watermarking systems to
provide digital forensics that enable content owners and service
providers to track to which users content is delivered along with other
content usage information.
* TrustAdjust(TM) -- configurable security parameters, including variable
encryption key length, to address the new world of diverse quality
content (low-value / high-value).
* EverLock(TM) -- Encryptonite ONE System's common encryption scheme for
both broadcast and Video-On Demand ensuring persistent content security
(no decryption/re-encryption on client devices) on Personal Video
Recorders (PVR) and Network Personal Video Recorders (nPVR) as demanded
by leading content owners.
"As the industry's only open platform CA/DRM system with an ultra-light decoder client, low overhead operation and simultaneous secure content delivery and playback to set-top boxes, PVRs, PCs, portable players and mobile phones, the Encryptonite ONE System truly enables 'Entertainment Everywhere!', our vision of ubiquitous content", said Fred Ellis, CEO of SecureMedia. "Now, with 'Aoraki', SecureMedia has raised the bar on protecting converged media distribution with advanced, flexible security features that address the needs of movie studios and other content owners while presenting new business opportunities for operators."
SecureMedia will also introduce the eONE(TM) PC Media Player, a lightweight software client incorporating the security of the Encryptonite ONE System for broadcast and Video-On-Demand content on personal computers and PC-based devices.
Additionally, SecureMedia will inaugurate "Entertainment Everywhere!" with announcements of new Encryptonite ONE System licensees and Encryptonite ONE System-enabled devices.
Lastly, SecureMedia will announce the opening of new offices and additional resources in Europe and Asia to address the increasing demand for the Encryptonite ONE System solution.
To schedule an appointment at IBC 2006, contact Whit Jackson, VP of Business Development, directly at +1-415-563-1800 ext. 3 or email: IBC2006@securemedia.com.
About SecureMedia, Inc.
SecureMedia Inc. is the leading provider of proven open platform content protection software for the delivery of video-on-demand, IPTV, multimedia and other digital content over broadband IP networks. The Company enables "Entertainment Everywhere!(TM)" by providing a range of content security solutions from the comprehensive Encryptonite ONE(TM) System CA/DRM software suite to software toolkits, hardware cores and plug-ins for third party media delivery systems. SecureMedia's customers represent industry leaders and include Cavalier Telephone, Reeltime Infotainment, TV Sierre, Sony, China Data Broadcasting, Eona and others. Currently, SecureMedia has offices in Boston, San Francisco and Auckland, New Zealand and representatives in Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo with planned expansion in Europe and Asia. For more information visit www.securemedia.com.
SecureMedia is a registered trademark and Encryptonite ONE, IdentiFind, TrustAdjust, EverLock, eONE and Entertainment Everywhere! are trademarks of SecureMedia, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Source: SecureMedia, Inc.
Web site: http://www.securemedia.com/
Video Without Boundaries to Change Company Name to MediaREADY, Inc.
New Corporate Website WWW.MEDIAREADYINC.COM Announced
Video Without Boundaries, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: VDWB) , a leading provider of interactive, media-convergent home entertainment devices, announced today that effective immediately it will operate under the name MediaREADY Incorporated. The name change is a direct result of the company's marketing efforts to build both brand and company awareness of its MediaREADY(TM) software and products.
"The MediaREADY(TM) brand has made significant inroads with retailers, distributors, and consumers. The popularity of the MediaREADY brand and its success has guided management's decision to consolidate the corporate brand," said Jeffrey Harrell, President and CEO of MediaREADY, Inc. "This change is a positive step for the company as we embark on large-scale distribution of our technology. We are also very excited about the launch of our new http://www.mediareadyinc.com/ website. The new website will give consumers an easy-to-navigate introduction of our products and services."
MediaREADY, Inc. products have been initiated to help broadband users bring the exciting world of digital media to the home television. The company is focused on delivering both broadband media products and solutions that are easy to use, easy to afford and able to entertain in ways never before imagined.
For more information on the MediaREADY product line, including purchasing information, visit http://www.mediareadyinc.com/.
About MediaREADY Incorporated:
MediaREADY (BULLETIN BOARD: VDWB) is a leader in digital media-on-demand, enhanced home entertainment, and interactive products that connect people simply. MediaREADY is focused on delivering flexible Consumer Electronics-based products and services that are affordable, easy to use, and simple to understand. For more information, visit http://www.mediareadyinc.com/.
MediaREADY, Glider, Flyboy, and CoPilot are trademarks of MediaREADY, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements:
Forward-looking statements and comments in this document are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements relating to, among other things, the prospects for the company to increase the level of sales, maintain current sales levels, add new products and services and develop new Web sites are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which are significant in scope and nature, including risks related to the demand for the company's products and services, competition, and availability of capital.
Web site: http://www.mediareadyinc.com/
http://www.mediareadyinc.com/investor.html
Got Game Entertainment's 'Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle' Digs into North America
Unique first person adventure game sets archaeological mystery against the backdrop of an eerie Cornish landscape
The myths and mysteries of ancient Cornwall now haunt North America as Got Game Entertainment LLC today announced that "Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle" has shipped to game retailers. Adventure meets archaeology against the backdrop of an eerie Cornish landscape in this unique first person adventure game for the PC which also comes bundled with bonus features on the real Cornwall, a land rich in folklore, magic, and danger.
"Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle" finds you stranded on a lonely road leading to Cornwall's ancient burial ground of Barrow Hill. Following in the footsteps of fictional archaeologist Conrad Morse, you soon discover that this barrow is frighteningly more than just a mound of earth and a collection of forgotten standing stones. Via the game's point and click interface, and using real archaeological techniques, explore well trodden pathways across the land, seek clues in almost forgotten shrines, unearth ancient artifacts, and delve into Celtic legends to ultimately unravel a detailed and spellbinding mystery.
The engrossing story and Cornish setting of "Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle" transport you to another place. Artistically detailed and moody game environments reflecting the mystical countryside of England's westernmost county, famous for its tales of pirates, ghosts, and sinister ancient sites, coupled with the included bonus travel features, allow you to delve deeply into the supernatural wonders of Cornwall.
"Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle" is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB for Alcohol and Tobacco Reference and Mild Violence and will debut for a suggested retail of $19.99.
For more information, visit www.barrowhillgame.com.
About Got Game Entertainment
Founded by Howard Horowitz, Got Game Entertainment, LLC is a publisher of games for PC and Mac. With the release of games such as "Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle", Got Game Entertainment continues its commitment to bringing to market quality games offering exceptional entertainment. For more information on the company and its games, visit www.GotGameEntertainment.com.
Web site: http://www.gotgameentertainment.com/
http://www.barrowhillgame.com/
Malcolm Venville Captures Reality Behind Mexican Wrestlers
Photographer Venville Reveals Private Interview Transcripts From Book Lucha Loco
Today contemporary photographer Malcolm Venville reveals some of the secretive Mexican wrestlers he chose to immortalize in his upcoming limited edition book of photography Lucha Loco to be released November 1, 2006. Venville shot over one hundred unique luchadores (masked Mexican wrestlers) while offering rare insight into their highly secretive personas. At Lucha Loco Online, launched today, Venville not only provides a preview of fighters featured in his book, but an insight into the men in their own words in private interview transcripts now exclusively online at http://www.luchaloco.com/ .
Lucha Loco is the artistic result of Venville's quest to find and capture the essence of these masked gladiator-like showmen throughout many different trips to Mexico City in 2005. Venville says, "Lucha Loco represents something that is missing from life in the western world since the disappearance of the circus and vaudeville. There is poetry in its vibrant and expressive style that is lacking from wrestling."
As a child of profoundly deaf parents, Venville is fascinated with the unspoken language and still countenance of the luchadore mask. It is through Venville's tenacity and desire to observe this serious form of expression while revealing the humanity underneath that culminates in the stunning portraiture series Lucha Loco.
Detailed color photos introduce the figure, the name reveals the character, but the quote reveals the mind behind the mask -- ranging from the emotional -- Super Porky who says, "Here in Mexico us wrestlers work every single day. Sorry, do forgive the tears" -- to the humorous -- Coco Verde, "We don't mix the character from free wrestling with sex," -- to the simple -- Las Momias, "We're the mummies, here to serve the people."
In the introduction, Mexican poet, novelist, and literary critic Sandro Cohen, astute to the ironic imagery, observes that "El Solar, strangely, found it necessary to confess that he once wanted to be a lawyer, and in Mexico that still means fighting for the little guy. Real life didn't allow him to be an avenger for the downtrodden, but wrestling did."
Lucha Loco, the first title to be published by Therapy Publishing, is entirely bilingual with all character descriptions in English and Spanish.
Venville's first book of photography, Layers (Spine & Thames and Hudson), was published in 2003 to critical acclaim in both America and Europe.
Pre-sales for Lucha Loco begin today exclusively at http://www.luchaloco.com/ . Lucha Loco will be released in hardback November 2006.
MTV and Nickelodeon to Take On Larger Role at the Paramount Motion Picture Group
Two Production Companies to Become Full In-House Labels
Scott Aversano Named President of MTV Films and Nick Movies
Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and VIA.B) today announced that MTV and Nickelodeon will become full labels under the Paramount Motion Picture Group (PMPG) as part of a new structure designed to deepen their already successful track record with their core target audiences. The two former production companies, which previously operated as on-lot producers, will now join several other labels under PMPG's umbrella, including Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks SKG, Paramount Vantage and Paramount Classics.
"After successful 12-year stints as production companies at Paramount, we are going to upgrade MTV and Nick to full movie label status," said Tom Freston, Viacom President and CEO. "This will expand their role at Paramount, will better leverage their considerable talent and marketing capabilities, and will allow for smoother day to day management on the lot with strong connections back to the core brands. This move plays perfectly to our company's unique strengths and will surely increase the positive momentum that we're seeing at Paramount under the leadership of Brad and his team."
"MTV and Nickelodeon are two of the strongest brands in entertainment reaching families and young adults," said Brad Grey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Paramount Pictures Corporation. "We look forward to great films and a great future with these two new labels at the Paramount Motion Picture Group."
"In partnership with Paramount, this new model represents a great opportunity to build on the growing success we've experienced making movies over the last decade," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks. "We believe that together we can take these brands to the next level, attract the best talent and material across genres, and really tap into our strong relationships with kid, teens, young adults and families around the globe."
Additionally, Paramount and MTV Networks today named veteran producer Scott Aversano President of MTV Films and Nick Movies, giving him responsibility for film development, production and acquisitions for the two film labels. Aversano will work on the lot, reporting to Gail Berman, President, Paramount Pictures. On all image- and brand-related matters for these pictures, he will also report to Van Toffler, Group President, MTV Networks Music Group, and Cyma Zarghami, President, Nickelodeon and MTV Networks Kids and Family Group.
Aversano will assume his new position effective immediately, transitioning from his current role as an independent producer for Paramount Pictures. Prior to his producing deal with Paramount Pictures, Aversano spent more than seven years with producer Scott Rudin, most recently as President of Production.
"MTV and Nickelodeon are household names with audiences in every corner of the world," said Aversano. "I'm excited to embark on this new challenge to continue bringing movies to the marketplace that utilize Viacom's unique strengths in targeted demographics."
MTV Films and Nick Movies will continue to release films targeted to their respective demographics; with Nick Movies releasing animated and family films, and MTV Films focusing on comedies, documentaries, urban fare and horror films for teens and young adults.
Nick Movies has firmly established itself as a leading kid and family theatrical brand, producing a variety of live-action and animation features including the recently released Jack Black comedy, "NACHO LIBRE" directed by Jared Hess ("NAPOLEON DYNAMITE") and CGI-animated film "BARNYARD" starring Kevin James and Courteney Cox, written and directed and produced by Steve Oedekerk ("ACE VENTURA," "NUTTY PROFESSOR").
Nick Movies is currently in pre-production on the "THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES." In December 2006, the label will release a live-action version of the classic children's book, "CHARLOTTE'S WEB" starring Dakota Fanning, Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey. Other releases include "LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS," starring Jim Carrey, and "THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIES" (both opened at $30 million), and "THE RUGRATS MOVIE."
MTV Films has also established itself as a leading youth film brand by releasing over 20 movies, including "NAPOLEON DYNAMITE," "ELECTION," "THE LONGEST YARD," "VARSITY BLUES," "SAVE THE LAST DANCE," the Oscar-nominated documentaries, "MURDERBALL," "TUPAC: THE RESURRECTION," and the Oscar-winning musical drama, "HUSTLE & FLOW." Upcoming releases include "FREEDOM WRITERS," starring Hilary Swank, "JACKASS: NUMBER 2," featuring Johnny Knoxville, and with DreamWorks, the comedy, "BLADES OF GLORY," featuring Will Ferrell and Jon Heder.
At Rudin, Aversano oversaw production on a variety of films including "FAILURE TO LAUNCH" (Producer), "TEAM AMERICA" (Executive Producer), "LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS" (Co-Producer), "THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE" (Executive Producer),"THE SCHOOL OF ROCK" (Executive Producer), "CHANGING LANES" (Co-Producer), and "ORANGE COUNTY" (Producer).
Prior to joining Rudin, he was Director of Development at Paramount Pictures from 1997 through 1999, where he served as an executive on 12 films and 75 development projects, including "WONDER BOYS," "SOUTH PARK," "BRINGING OUT THE DEAD" and "RUNAWAY BRIDE."
Aversano started his career in the entertainment industry at Sid Ganis' Out of the Blue Entertainment in 1996.
Aversano graduated from Brown University and has a M.A. in English Literature from University of Michigan.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and VIAB) , is a global entertainment company that produces and distributes filmed entertainment through the Paramount Motion Picture Group, which includes Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks SKG, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nick Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Studios and Worldwide Television Distribution.
About MTV Networks
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 120 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of digital services, with all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with audiences through robust consumer products businesses and more than 100 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services, and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby its programming services can be seen worldwide.
Source: Viacom Inc.
Web site: http://www.viacom.com/
BET, Black AIDS Institute and Kaiser Family Foundation Announce Winners of the 3rd Annual Rap-It-Up/Black AIDS Short Subject Film Competition
Concluding an extensive national call for submissions and thorough review process of over 150 screenplay entries, BET, the Black AIDS Institute and the Kaiser Family Foundation proudly announce today that Beverly Abbott, Casey Arrillaga & Wyndle Jordan of Reseda, California won the 3rd Annual Rap-It-Up/Black AIDS Short Subject Film Competition (RIU/BASS) for their outstanding screenplay entitled ODICIE.
The phenomenal writing team of Beverly Abbot, Casey Arrillaga and Wyndle Jordan not only exemplified extraordinary screenwriting, but a personal knowledge and understanding to the importance of educating the public about HIV/AIDS. Their powerful screenplay entitled "Odicie" depicts a young, African-American girl of the same name who bridges her family together and helps to erase the negative stigma of HIV/AIDS when she discovers her uncle is afflicted with the disease. "Odicie" will be produced into a short film to debut on BET coinciding with World AIDS Day (December 1, 2006) in commemoration of the international observance.
The RIU/BASS Film Competition launched in January 2004 to raise awareness about HIV prevention, testing, treatment and the impact of HIV/AIDS in Black communities in the United States. This unique competition tackles sexual health issues ranging from sexual identity and HIV/AIDS testing to interpersonal relationships. Previous Rap-It-Up short film winners WALKING ON SUNSHINE, TANGY'S SONG, MULTITUDE OF MERCIES and LET'S TALK have all been recognized and rewarded for their realistic depiction of HIV/AIDS in the Black community and its impact on BET viewers.
"BET continues to lead the competition in producing pro-social and educational content in a refreshing and appealing way," said Kelli Lawson, BET's executive vice president of corporate marketing. "The network has a proven track record of drawing millions of viewers to specifically-tailored public affairs programming geared to raising social awareness and evoking public and personal action."
"In its third year, the RIU/BASS film competition has become the vehicle to providing an effective medium to raise awareness to HIV/AIDS issues," stated Phill Wilson, Executive Director of the Black AIDS Institute. "It is great to see the impact previous Rap-It-Up films have had on the public, and interesting to see how these films have contributed to the overall HIV/AIDS discourse in Black America."
"As HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately impact African Americans, stories like 'Multitude of Mercies' and 'Let's Talk' help raise awareness and reduce stigma," said Tina Hoff, Vice President and Director of Entertainment Media Partnerships at the Kaiser Family Foundation.
The RIU/BASS Film Competition is a part of BET's Rap-It-Up HIV/AIDS corporate initiative, a public education partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation that has been informing young adults about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) since 1998. To date, BET's Rap-It-Up has tested over 8,500 young people for HIV, managed over 1.1 million calls to the Rap-It- Up toll-free hotline and distributed over 404,000 sexual health information guides, hosted teen forums for over 10,000 youth in over 29 markets nationwide, and have attracted more than 13.3 million viewers through pro- social programming, including award-winning news specials, documentaries and public service announcements (PSAs).
ABOUT BET NETWORKS
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 81 million households according to Nielsen ET media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, the Number 1 Internet portal for African Americans; BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; and BET Mobile, a service venture into the lucrative world of ring tones, games and video content for wireless devices.
ABOUT THE BLACK AIDS INSTITUTE
The Black AIDS Institute is a training and mobilization center focused exclusively on Black people. The Institute's mission is to stop the AIDS pandemic in Black communities by engaging and mobilizing Black institutions and individuals in efforts to confront HIV. The Institute interprets public and private sector HIV policies, conducts trainings, offers technical assistance, disseminates information and provides advocacy from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view.
ABOUT THE HENRY J. KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation dedicated to providing information and analysis on health issues to policymakers, the media, and the general public. It is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries. Information on HIV/AIDS is available at http://www.kff.org/, and a daily news summary report on developments in HIV/AIDS is available on http://www.kaisernetwork.org/, the Foundation's free health information service.
Source: BET Networks
Web site: http://www.bet.com/
http://www.kff.org/
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/
Play Music From Your MP3 Player, Mobile Phone or Laptop Through any FM Stereo
- iStuff iCast Universal FM Transmitter - GBP29.99, Available From www.iWorld.co.uk
With the long-awaited UK legalisation of low-power FM transmitters for MP3 players just around the corner(1), the iPod accessory specialists at iStuff are proud to announce the launch of a new CE certified FM transmitter that offers unparalleled signal clarity and complete versatility. Welcome the new iStuff iCast Universal FM Transmitter.
The universality of the iStuff iCast Universal FM Transmitter stems from a simple, yet brilliant design decision. This stylish little FM transmitter plugs into the standard headphone jack on your iPod meaning it also fits a whole range of other gadgets and gizmos that you may want to stream your sounds from. It is compatible with all types of MP3 players, mobile phones, laptop computers, Sony PSPs and other gaming devices - basically any audio device with a headphone jack. What's more, when you do use it with your iPod you can plug it in without removing your 'pod's protective case.
If you are one of the disillusioned, then this is the product you have been waiting for to re-join the FM transmitter fan club. Wave goodbye to crackles and interruptions, the iStuff iCast Universal FM Transmitter boasts outstanding signal clarity across its 199 FM frequencies available, between 88.1 and 107.9 Mhz, and pumps music through 40dB separation. The backlit LCD screen makes it easy to tune into an available frequency in any environment. Use a 1AAA battery (or car cigarette lighter) to avoid draining power from your MP3 player.
The iStuff iCast Universal FM Transmitter measures less than 9 x 2.5 cm and weighs a miniscule 30g. Available from www.iWorld.co.uk priced at just GBP29.99.
See www.iStuff.co.uk for further information and distribution opportunities.
Editor's Note
(1) Ofcom, the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, is scheduled to overturn the age old law preventing the use of low-power FM transmitters for MP3 players in late autumn 2006.
Source: www.iWorld.co.uk
Tune in to LifeStyle Television Series on Bravo
IPITV is pleased to announce its newest episode of the independently produced LifeStyle Television Series for the 2006 season. LifeStyle is a revolutionary, fast-paced series dedicated to getting the most out of life and squeezing every drop of fun and excitement possible, while offering practical solutions to everyday challenges. Enjoy exotic destinations and upcoming trends for home & fashion. Imagine being brought into a world of leisure and activities never dreamt of before and customizing a lifestyle that revolves around your preferences and desires!
Raffles Resort Canouan Island -- World renowned exclusive Raffles Resorts provide the ultimate private Caribbean getaway in the heart of the Grenadine Islands. Featuring Donald Trump's signature International Golf Course and Trump Privee Casino. http://www.raffles.com/ / 784.458.8000.
LifeStyle recognizes Grand View Beach Hotel for its dedication to creating the ultimate vacation experience in the heart of Villa Point on the south coast of St. Vincent. Set on eight acres of tropical gardens with commanding views of neighboring Caribbean islands, Grand View offers its unique flavor with the kind of privacy and personalized service only found in a family owned and operated hotel. For more information visit http://www.grandviewhotel.com/ / 784.458.4811.
Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach -- Elevated to "Grand" distinction, this all-suite Triple AAA Five-Diamond resort is Cancun's Caribbean jewel and member of the Leading Hotels of the World. http://www.fiestaamericana.com/ / 011.52.998.881.3200
Hotel Villa del Sol -- Refined yet rustic, laid back luxury, privacy and pampering ... Once at Hotel Villa del Sol you'll find spectacular Zihuatanejo Bay, Mexico just steps from your door. Recipient of Conde Naste Johansens award of excellence as the most outstanding hotel in North America and Mexico. http://www.hotelvilladelsol.com/ / 888.389.2645
LifeStyle Television Series -- Fashion Forward Segment
!It Jeans - Inspired by the Los Angeles LifeStyle, !It Jeans embodies the spirit and attitude of a new generation that demands originality and expresses individuality. Favorites among celebrities like Paris Hilton, Jay Mews, and worn on such shows as the OC, Desperate Housewives, and DJ's on MTV to name a few. http://www.itjeans.com/
Watch LifeStyle on Bravo. Visit http://www.ipitv.com/
IPITV is always looking for new guests. See contact info above. IPITV is an independent production company specializing in Innovations in Television Production.
Source: IPITV
http://www.raffles.com/
http://www.grandviewhotel.com/
http://www.fiestaamericana.com/
http://www.hotelvilladelsol.com/
http://www.itjeans.com/
On October 24, 2006 Restless Records will release "Butchering The Beatles" -- featuring the BIGGEST, the BADDEST, the HEAVIEST all-star line-up ever assembled to honor what is arguably the greatest band ever -- THE BEATLES.
All-in-all, over 50 internationally known recording artists bring their unique bone-crushing slant to these remarkable songs. Produced by Grammy award-winning producer/guitarist Bob Kulick and ace engineer Brett Chassen, "Butchering The Beatles" features 12 new, ass-kicking versions of The Beatles' chart-topping hits including "Hey Jude," "I Feel Fine," and "Day Tripper," plus the more esoteric "Hey Bulldog," barked out by the legendary Alice Cooper and "Tomorrow Never Knows," uniquely interpreted by the iconic Billy Idol, alongside classic concept songs like "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "Magical Mystery Tour."
All-in-all, over 50 internationally known recording artists bring their unique bone-crushing slant to these remarkable songs. Produced by Grammy award-winning producer/guitarist Bob Kulick and ace engineer Brett Chassen, "Butchering The Beatles" features 12 new, ass-kicking versions of The Beatles' chart-topping hits including "Hey Jude," "I Feel Fine," and "Day Tripper," plus the more esoteric "Hey Bulldog," barked out by the legendary Alice Cooper and "Tomorrow Never Knows," uniquely interpreted by the iconic Billy Idol, alongside classic concept songs like "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "Magical Mystery Tour."When asked by Guitar Player magazine what possessed him to go all metal on The Beatles, Bob Kulick stated that, "Beatles songs are the Holy Grail. They're the best rock songs ever written. These new recordings are totally faithful, yet completely different. Billy Gibbons singing 'Revolution' or (Motorhead bassist) Lemmy singing 'Back In The USSR' are not exactly Paul McCartney or John Lennon. And of course, the guitar solo sections were lengthened to accommodate all the artists' solo styles."
"Butchering The Beatles" track listing:
1. "Hey Bulldog" - Alice Cooper, vox; Steve Vai, guitars; Duff McKagen (Velvet Revolver / Guns N Roses), bass; Mikkey Dee (Motorhead), drums
2. "Back In The USSR" - Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead), vox/bass; John5 (Marilyn Manson / Rob Zombie), guitars; Eric Singer (Kiss / Alice Cooper), drums
3. "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" - Geoff Tate (Queensryche), vox; Michael Wilton (Queensryche), guitar; Craig Goldy (Dio), guitar; Rudy Sarzo (Dio), bass; Simon Wright (Dio), drums; Scott Warren (Dio), keys
4. "Tomorrow Never Knows" - Billy Idol, vox; Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), guitars; Blasko (Ozzy Osbourne), bass; Brian Tichy (Billy Idol), drums
5. "Magical Mystery Tour" - Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen / Soul Sirkus), vox; Yngwie Malmsteen (Rising Force / Alcatrazz), lead guitar; Bob Kulick, (Meat Loaf / Paul Stanley Band), rhythm guitar; Jeff Pilson (Dokken / Foreigner), bass; Frankie Banali (Wasp / Quiet Riot), drums
6. "Revolution" - Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), vox / guitar; Vivian Campbell (Def Leppard), guitar; Mike Porcaro (Toto), bass; Gregg Bisonnette (David Lee Roth / Ringo Starr Band), drums; Joseph Fazzio (Superjoint Ritual), drums
7. "Day Tripper" - Jack Blades (Night Ranger / Damn Yankees), vox; Tommy Shaw (Styx / Damn Yankees), vox; Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake / Dio), guitars; Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake / Thin Lizzy), bass; Virgil Donati (Steve Vai / Soul Sirkus / Planet X), drums
8. "I Feel Fine" - John Bush (Anthrax), vox; Stephen Carpenter (Deftones), guitar; Mike Inez (Ozzy Osbourne / Alice In Chains), bass; John Tempesta (The Cult / Testament), drums
9. "Taxman" - Doug Pinnick (Kings X), vox; Steve Lukather (Toto), guitar; Tony Levin (John Lennon / Peter Gabriel), bass; Steve Ferrone (Eric Clapton / Tom Petty), drums
10. "I Saw Her Standing There" - John Corabi (Motley Crue), vox; Phil Campbell (Motorhead), guitar; C.C. Deville (Poison), guitar; Chris Chaney (Jane's Addiction), bass; Kenny Aronoff (Smashing Pumpkins / Jon Bon Jovi), drums
11. "Hey Jude" - Tim "Ripper" Owens (Judas Priest / Iced Earth), vox; George Lynch (Dokken / Lynch Mob), guitar; Bob Kulick (Meat Loaf / Paul Stanley Band), rhythm guitar; Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge / Beck / Bogert & Appice), bass; Chris Slade (AC/DC), drums
12. "Drive My Car" - Kip Winger (Winger), vox; Bruce Kulick (Kiss / Grand Funk), guitar; Tony Franklin (The Firm / Whitesnake), bass; Aynsley Dunbar (Whitesnake / Journey), drums
SOURCE: Restless Records
Gnarls Barkley Receives RIAA Platinum Certification; Duo's Debut Honored for Sales Exceeding One Million; "Crazy" Makes History While Scoring Three MTV VMA Nods
"ST. ELSEWHERE," the acclaimed debut album from Downtown/Atlantic recording phenom Gnarls Barkley, has been certified platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding one million units in the U.S. The celebrated album -- which includes the record-setting crossover single, "Crazy" -- has been ranked in the top 10 for the last 9 weeks on the Billboard 200 charts.
"Crazy" recently made history for occupying the most radio airplay charts in a single week, sitting atop eight different radio formats, including Top 40, Triple A, Hot AC, Alternative, AC, Urban, Dance and Rhythmic. Additionally, "Crazy" has been the #1 digital single this summer, with sales now nearing 900,000 and the music video has just received three prestigious nominations for the upcoming "MTV Video Music Awards," including "Best Group Video."
"This is an amazing achievement by two of the most unique and talented artists in music today," says Downtown Records' Chairman/CEO Josh Deutsch. "We are proud to mark this milestone on behalf of Downtown and Atlantic. The record breaking, multi-format success of Gnarls Barkley is a tribute to Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo's uncompromising originality and reminds us that music transcends formats and boundaries."
Gnarls Barkley -- the combination of the groundbreaking artist/producer Danger Mouse and the revered and complex vocalist -- Cee-Lo -- celebrated the RIAA platinum certification of "ST. ELSEWHERE" last week with a live performance on CBS-TV's "Late Show with David Letterman."
SOURCE: Atlantic Records
Culver City, California Implements Pornography and Copyright Filtering Technology on Their Public Wireless Network
Audible Magic's CopySense Appliance to Provide Filtering Solution
-- Culver City, California, the first Los Angeles municipality to offer the public a free all-access wireless Internet system, has now added Audible Magic's CopySense Network Appliance to filter illegal and problematic content from their network. The decision to implement filtering technology was the result of a CopySense network analysis that disclosed the fact that Culver City's open network included some illegal trading of copyrighted music, movies and other video content, including pornographic videos and access to pornographic web sites.
Culver City is home to three motion picture studios and the municipality's move to implement CopySense technology was praised by the Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA). Dan Glickman, president of MPAA, said, "We congratulate Culver City for taking the initiative to implement content filtering on their network. Wireless Internet access can provide the public with tremendous opportunity to make business conducted on computers even more portable. Audible Magic's filtering solution will help safeguard system users from being subject to illegal files."
Known as the "Heart of Screenland," Culver City is also home to nearly 40,000 residents. The innovative offering of a public Wi-Fi system, which covers ten square blocks in the city's newly renovated Town Plaza, was part of a ten-year development project that transformed the old downtown area into a scenic locale of trend-setting restaurants, retail shops and galleries. Businesses, citizens and visitors can now utilize free wireless Internet access, indoors and outdoors, within the coverage area.
John Richo, Director of Information Technology for the city of Culver City, said, "Our campaign initially said 'free and open Wi-Fi access to everybody.' As part of the incentive plan to bring pedestrian traffic to Town Plaza, people were quick to sign up and it was clear this was going to be a popular offering. It was only after we saw an activity report from CopySense Appliance that we realized there were potential problems. The report reflected illegal-download use and some bandwidth was being consumed as a result of accesses to pornographic sites. This activity is clearly not something tax dollars should be paying for. This type of content defeats the purpose of the wireless hotspot. CopySense has allowed our Wi-Fi network to operate smoothly by identifying and blocking certain transmitted files that represent undesirable or unlawful material."
Audible Magic's CopySense technology is a proven and comprehensive solution for the filtering of unauthorized and inappropriate content transferred over the Internet. In the case of Culver City's Wi-Fi system, CopySense is not blocking legitimate P2P/Internet activity. From its existing database, CopySense will specifically match and block only those transmissions that are identified as illegal or pornographic.
Vance Ikezoye, Founder and CEO of Audible Magic, said, "Municipalities across the nation are establishing public wireless networks. They need to understand the challenges they will encounter when deploying these types of networks. They will want to implement measures to ensure their citizens get a positive user experience. Unauthorized or pornographic P2P file sharing applications can crowd out legitimate uses of the Internet and can expose the public and especially minors to unnecessary risk. Our products provide municipalities a simple and effective solution that dramatically reduces the risk of a problem involving their community."
About Audible Magic Corporation:
Audible Magic Corporation provides content management and anti-piracy services to governmental and educational institutions as well as the media and entertainment industries. The company's offerings utilize patented content identification technologies and an extensive reference database of audio and video content. Its digital technology and services are designed to monitor, track, manage, filter, and monetize digital content in all of its forms.
Audible Magic has long-term relationships with the major record labels who have registered their content in the company's database that holds one of the largest collections of copyrighted digital song recording fingerprints in the world. Corporate partners include EMI Recorded Music, Palisade Systems, Sony/BMG Music, Universal Music Group, V2 Music, Warner Music Group, and EMI Recorded Music. Audible Magic's technology is also employed by iMesh and PlayLouder MSP music service. Other major market customers include over 70 educational institutions and the media manufacturing industry. Audible Magic's products include the CopySense P2P Plug-In, CopySense Network Appliance, and RepliCheck.
Audible Magic was cited in the United States Supreme Court Decision Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. v. Grokster Ltd. for its filtering technology. The Company was founded in 1999, with offices in Los Gatos and Berkeley, California.
About the MPAA:
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution; Paramount Pictures; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLLP; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
SOURCE: Audible Magic Corporation
Folgers(R) Introduces Gourmet Selections(TM) - Gourmet-Inspired Coffee Blends for Everyday Enjoyment
The Procter & Gamble Company's (NYSE: PG) Folgers brand today introduced Folgers Gourmet Selections, a distinctive variety of premium coffee blends and flavors meant for everyday enjoyment, marking the brand's first foray into the gourmet coffee segment.
According to the National Coffee Association, the total consumption of gourmet coffee has reached an all-time high, with 63 percent of Americans saying they drank gourmet coffee beverages within the past year(1). However, many consumers save their gourmet coffee for special occasions. With a suggested retail price of $5.99, new Folgers Gourmet Selections is designed to be enjoyed every day. It features only Folgers' most aromatic beans that are specially blended and slowly roasted to provide consumers with premium coffee varieties that have a great depth of taste and aroma.
"As consumers become increasingly sophisticated on the culinary front, they are seeking a broader array of gourmet experiences, including their morning coffee selection," said Doug McGraw, Vice President of Global Coffee for Procter & Gamble. "Folgers Gourmet Selections offers a variety of gourmet-inspired blends and flavors, allowing consumers to enjoy the distinctive taste of gourmet coffee every day."
The Folgers Gourmet Selections line includes a range of eight ground varieties: Morning Cafe, Espresso Roast, Lively Colombian, Lively Colombian Decaf, Vanilla Biscotti, Chocolate Truffle, Hazelnut Crème and Caramel Drizzle. The Lively Colombian, Vanilla Biscotti and Hazelnut Crème varieties are also available in whole bean. Folgers Gourmet Selections will be packaged in premium bags (depending on the specific variety in 10 to 12 oz.), and will be sold at grocery stores and mass merchandisers nationwide in September 2006.
Folgers will support the product launch with a multifaceted marketing effort, including a national advertising campaign, promotional activities, in- store materials, interactive marketing and public relations. The new national television advertising campaign for Folgers Gourmet Selections will debut in September 2006 and is being executed by Saatchi & Saatchi, New York. Coffee drinkers can learn more about Folgers Gourmet Selections at folgers.com.
About Procter & Gamble
Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R), Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Mach3(R), Bounty(R), Dawn(R), Pringles(R), Folgers, Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R), Oral-B(R), Actonel(R), Duracell(R), Olay(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Wella, Gillette(R), and Braun(R). The P&G community consists of almost 140,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.
(1) National Coffee Drinking Trends Survey 2006
SOURCE Procter & Gamble
Tide(R) and America's Second Harvest Renew Partnership and Announce Continuation of The Tide CleanStart(TM) Program
- Tide's Free Laundry Service Committed to Offer Clean Clothes To Families Affected by Disasters -
As the country braces for the 2006 hurricane season and the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, Tide(R) announces, in partnership with America's Second Harvest -- The Nation's Food Bank Network (ASH), its continuing commitment to families who are affected by disasters by reinstating the Tide CleanStart(TM) program. Since 1982, Procter & Gamble has partnered with ASH to donate available products to charitable organizations. Tide CleanStart is a free, full-service mobile laundry initiative which first launched in the wake of Hurricane Katrina last year to provide clean clothes to help reestablish a sense of hope for affected families. And to help underscore this ongoing commitment, Tide has also established the CleanStart Fund, a special fund within ASH that helps bring hope to people in times of need.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/tide/25300
Working together with ASH, Tide CleanStart will travel to disaster areas where there is a critical need for basic essentials such as clean clothing, and will provide free laundry service for those in need. Families affected will be able to drop off their laundry to be washed, dried and folded by the Tide CleanStart team, free of charge. The Tide CleanStart mobile laundry facility is capable of operating 24 hours per day and can complete approximately 10,000 loads of laundry over a four week period. This translates to approximately 4500 lbs. of laundry a day, which is equivalent to at least 300 wash and dry cycles -- one year of laundry loads for the average American family.
"We saw firsthand when Tide CleanStart visited New Orleans last year how much clean clothing meant to the families who had been affected and displaced. With Tide's heritage in providing powerful cleaning for fabrics and clothing, we feel this is an area Tide can be of service going forward," says Suzanne Watson, Tide U.S. Brand Manager. "Tide will continue to work to help renew a sense of hope for those people affected by disasters."
As part of the New Orleans rebuilding efforts, Tide launched Tide CleanStart last year, in partnership with America's Second Harvest, to fulfill the essential need of clean clothing for families in the area affected by Hurricane Katrina. The Tide CleanStart mobile laundry facility operated for nearly eight weeks, completing approximately 10,000 loads of laundry, free of charge. Many community members voiced their appreciation for the Tide CleanStart program as it helped restore a sense of comfort and gave them one less worry as they embarked upon the rebuilding process.
Hurricanes remain a major threat to many areas of the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) predicts an active 2006 hurricane season, with 13 to 16 named tropical storms, and four to six of those possibly developing into hurricanes. As seen by Hurricane Katrina, these disasters often carry detrimental effects including the destruction of homes and businesses. For many, the devastation goes even further as they are stripped of basic necessities -- including clean clothing.
"Food and clean clothing are among the most basic essentials people need in times of disaster," says Vicki Escarra, president and CEO for America's Second Harvest. "More than 38 million Americans are living on the brink of an everyday disaster called hunger, and when natural disasters strike these numbers soar. We are always on the frontlines of disaster relief efforts, and Tide CleanStart lends a much needed complementary resource that many of us take for granted on a daily basis."
For more information on Tide CleanStart or if you'd like to see how you can help, please visit http://www.tidecleanstart.com
About Tide (NYSE: PG)
For almost 60 years, Tide has been caring for the clothes of American families and helping to provide the everyday miracle of clean clothing. You may visit http://www.tide.com for helpful product information, practical tips on laundry care, special offers and promotions, updated fabric care articles, and an interactive Stain Detective, which provides official Tide stain removal solutions.
About America's Second Harvest -- The Nation's Food Bank Network
America's Second Harvest -- The Nation's Food Bank Network is the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the country serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Since 1989, the America's Second Harvest Network has taken an active role in recovery efforts following major disasters and is a member of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). The Network of more than 200 Member food banks and food- rescue organizations provides relief supplies to emergency feeding centers serving disaster victims. In 2005, the America's Second Harvest Network secured more than 80 million pounds of emergency food and grocery supplies and delivered it to affected areas, providing approximately 65 million meals to hurricane victims. For more information on the America's Second Harvest Network's disaster relief efforts, please visit http://www.secondharvest.org.
SOURCE Procter & Gamble
Oral-B Powers Up Brushing Routines With New Line of Affordable Power Toothbrushes
At Under $20, New Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean Reduces Up to 2x More Plaque Than a Regular Manual Toothbrush
P&G (NYSE: PG) today announced the introduction of Oral-B Vitality, a new line of affordable power toothbrushes now available in stores. The introduction of Vitality marks the first time that a line up of effective power toothbrushes will be available for an affordable price of less than $20, including a brush with Sonic technology. The new Oral-B toothbrush can help the more than 80% of Americans who still use a regular manual brush step-up their brushing routine and improve their oral health; Vitality Precision Clean reduces up to 2x more plaque than a regular manual brush.
Oral health remains a widespread health problem across the country. Fifty-four percent of adults have some form of gingivitis and 78 percent have one or more cavities or fillings. Oral health issues impact productivity as well, with employed adults losing more than 164 million hours of work each year due to dental disease or dental visits. Despite these realities, fewer than 2 in 10 Americans take advantage of power toothbrushes to improve their oral health.
"Many consumers aren't aware that an oscillating-rotating rechargeable toothbrush removes more plaque than a manual toothbrush and can help prevent oral health problems," said Dr. Paul Warren, Vice President, Global Professional and Scientific Relations, Oral Care, P&G. "Toothbrushes that rotate and oscillate are more effective than other types of toothbrushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis. New Oral-B Vitality is making the experience and effectiveness of this technology affordable."
Oral-B Vitality is the most recent example of the 'mass luxury' trend in which high quality innovations have become more affordable and attainable for the majority of Americans from computers, digital cameras and cell phones to at-home teeth whitening kits and other personal care items.
"When affordable innovations go mainstream, such as with power toothbrushes, millions of Americans are empowered to have an improved lifestyle," said Marian Salzman, futurist and trend spotter.
In North America, Oral-B Vitality will be offered in three types: Precision Clean, Dual Clean and Sonic:
Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean
* Reduces up to 2x more plaque than a regular manual brush
* Provides a deep, more thorough cleaning with bristles that surround each
tooth to clean the entire tooth surface
* Features Oral-B's signature oscillating-rotating brush head, which moves
at 7,600 times a minute compared to 260 times with manual brushing
Oral-B Vitality Dual Clean
* Designed with a DualAction brush head for twice the cleaning action
* Features Oral-B's signature oscillating-rotating brush head, which moves
at 7,600 times a minute compared to 260 times with manual brushing
Oral-B Vitality Sonic
* Features Oral-B's patented Criss-Cross bristles that vibrate side to
side with nearly 20,000 movements per minute to gently break up and
sweep away plaque, while massaging gums
* Uses advanced sonic technology to effectively remove plaque and stains
ORAL-B VITALITY: AVAILABLE IN AUGUST 2006
New Oral-B Vitality will be available nationwide to consumers at drug, grocery and mass stores beginning in August 2006. It will be offered at a suggested retail price of $19.99. For more information, please log onto www.oralb.com.
ABOUT ORAL-B
The Oral-B brand is a worldwide leader in the $5 billion oral care market. Part of the Procter and Gamble Company, the brand includes manual and power toothbrushes for children and adults, oral irrigators and oral care centers and interdental products, such as dental floss. Oral-B manual toothbrushes are used by more dentists than any other brand in the U.S.
ABOUT PROCTER & GAMBLE (NYSE: PG)
Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R), Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Mach3(R). Bounty(R), Dawn(R), Pringles(R), Folgers(R), Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R), Oral-B(R), Actonel(R), Duracell(R), Olay(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Wella, Gillette(R), and Braun. The P&G community consists of almost 140,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.
SOURCE Procter & Gamble
Hollywood Studios International Forms Alliance With Great Road Capital
-- (PINKSHEETS: HYWS) -- Hollywood Studios International CEO Steven Saxton announced today that the Company has added Great Road Capital to the strategic business planning team. Great Road Capital CEO Chuck Bush will work with Saxton to develop the Company's relationships with institutional financing throughout the Gulf Coast Countries.
About Chuck Bush
Chuck Bush is Founder and CEO of Great Road Capital, Inc. (GRC), a Los Angeles-based financial and strategic advisory firm specializing in media, entertainment, and technology companies. Through GRC, Mr. Bush advises clients on strategy, finance, capital raising, corporate structuring, and film distribution. Prior to forming GRC, Mr. Bush was Senior Vice President of Finance and Business Development at Union Patriot Capital, Inc. and Patriot Pictures, LLC, a group of film financing and production companies. At Patriot, he helped raise capital from private investors and closed bank financing and distribution deals for individual films.
Before joining Patriot, Mr. Bush was an Assistant Vice President in JPMorgan's Entertainment Industries Group in Los Angeles. While at JPMorgan, Mr. Bush helped finance some of the most influential companies in the entertainment business including major studios and emerging production companies. Mr. Bush has extensive experience working on a wide array of corporate finance deals, including structured finance, IPO, M&A, and high yield transactions. Mr. Bush began his career as a consultant at Monitor Company, where he worked with Fortune 100 clients to identify strategic partners, launch new products, value potential M&A targets, and execute LBO transactions.
Mr. Bush received an AB in Economics from Harvard University and an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
About Hollywood Studios International
Hollywood Studios International (PINKSHEETS: HYWS) (www.hsifilms.com / www.artistint.com), a publicly traded entertainment holding company, exists to create award-winning entertainment which succeeds both artistically and commercially through the inherent synergies of combining elements of a traditional studio system with the structure of artist management. Current subsidiaries and divisions include Artist International Management, Doc Hollywood Kidz, Doc Hollywood Records, and Bop City Records. The Company recently signed a letter of intent to acquire controlling interest in a feature film production/international distribution company currently with $100 million in annual productions. Due to a non-disclosure agreement, the Company cannot publicly disclose any further information regarding this transaction.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Although Hollywood Studios International believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any assumption could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the objective and plans of the Company will be achieved.
YouTube Unveils New Advertising Concepts
New Concepts Encourage Dialogue Between Community and Marketers
Warner Bros. Records, Weinstein Company, Fox Broadcasting Company Sign-on First to Promote New Album, Movies and TV Show
YouTube, a consumer media company for people to watch and share original videos through a Web experience, today announced new advertising concepts -- Participatory Video Ads (PVA) and Brand Channels -- the first step toward defining a new advertising model for video entertainment on the Internet. These new strategies complement YouTube's current offerings which include banner ads, promotions and sponsorships. With this, the community and marketer can now participate in the advertising experience in a mutually beneficial way.
YouTube's first Brand Channel partner is Warner Bros. Records for Paris Hilton around her debut album, "Paris," released globally today. The Paris Hilton Channel is sponsored by Fox Broadcasting Company's "Prison Break," the second season of which premiered Monday, August 21 (8:00 - 9:00 PM ET/PT). The pop singer has created an original broadcast for the YouTube community taking advantage of the new PVA offering on the YouTube homepage. Weinstein Company, in a campaign created by interactive agency Deep Focus, experienced great success with the first-ever PVA promotion on YouTube for the current feature film "PULSE." Fox Broadcasting Company, working with digital communications agency Organic, Inc., also utilized the new PVA in conjunction with the Paris Hilton sponsorship to promote the Fall Season launch of the hit show "Prison Break."
"Our vision is to build a new advertising platform that both the community and advertisers will embrace. Our announcement today is just the beginning of the many new ad concepts we will be rolling out over the coming year," said Chad Hurley, CEO and Co-Founder of YouTube. "This new medium requires finding a balance between traditional online advertising and new creative approaches that engage consumers in an active way. Advertisers now have a highly targeted opportunity for aligning their brands alongside the entertainment experience people are enjoying on YouTube."
"Paris Hilton and YouTube are both pop culture phenomena. So, it makes sense that Paris is part of this exciting initiative, and be first," said Robin Bechtel, Head of New Media, Warner Bros. Records.
Participatory Video Ads: Encouraging Engagement and Participation
The new Participatory Video Ad is a user-initiated video advertisement with all of the YouTube community features enabled. Consumers can rate, share, comment, embed, and favorite advertising content that they find interesting, informative and entertaining. Rather than interrupt a consumer's experience, we have created a model which encourages engagement and participation.
The YouTube community has been highly receptive of this new advertising experience and has propelled PVA videos to the top of the Most Viewed, Most Discussed and Top Favorite video rankings. Advertisers have the opportunity to participate and moderate discussions around their creative.
Brand Channels: Integrating Brands into the YouTube Community
To help marketers create deeper, more brand-centric video experiences on YouTube, we have created an enhanced environment called a Brand Channel. Brand Channels provide advertisers a place to showcase video content on YouTube with a look and feel that is consistent with their brand imagery. This new concept helps brands connect and engage with their consumers around great video content.
Brand Channels include all standard community functionality helping brands become an organic part of the fabric of YouTube. Key aspects include:
-- Marketers can customize the appearance of their channels through a
self-service tool. Access to the exclusive enhanced design and channel
functionality is free-of charge to advertisers who meet predetermined
spending levels.
-- Included in Brand Channel partnerships are special promotional and
media opportunities crafted to help engage users with the marketer's
channels and video content.
-- YouTube "Subscriptions" provide brands a persistent way to stay
connected with consumers who are engaged with their content. Whenever a
brand adds new videos to their channel, subscribers are notified, helping
the brand build an audience.
-- Brand Channels include an auto-play video on the main channel page.
This video allows marketers to provide users with video content immediately
upon visiting the channel.
-- Contest functionality can be added to Brand Channels to allow
marketers to host contests and encourage users to submit their own user-
generated. content
"Consumers are increasingly programming their own entertainment and content experiences," added Hurley. "We believe it is important to embrace this change and have developed new advertising strategies that will help marketers more effectively connect with consumers."
For inquiries regarding the new Brand Channels and Participatory Video Ads, please email advertising@youtube.com or visit us at http://www.youtube.com/advertise.
About YouTube
Founded in February 2005, YouTube is a consumer media company for people to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience. YouTube allows people to easily upload and share video clips on www.YouTube.com and across the Internet through websites, blogs, and e-mail. The company currently delivers more than 100 million video views every day with 65,000 new videos uploaded daily. With investment support from Sequoia Capital, YouTube has quickly become the leading destination on the Internet for video entertainment.
Repeat - New Line Cinema's "Snakes on a Plane" Is #1 Film in America With $15.2 Million Opening Weekend Gross
"The Best Time You Will Have at the Movies All Summer, If Not All Year" -- Associated Press
New Line Cinema's "Snakes on a Plane" was the top grossing film in the country this past weekend, with a $15.2 million gross in its debut.
"This is a strong opening for 'Snakes on a Plane' and consistent with our tracking estimates. The film is a fun, communal experience that satisfies both genre fans and mainstream moviegoers," says Rolf Mittweg, New Line's President and COO of Worldwide Distribution and Marketing. "With a modest $30 million budget, 'Snakes' will be profitable. We have strong exit polls and positive word of mouth, so we anticipate that the film will have legs."
The film, which was released in 3,555 theaters, attracted a broad audience that was balanced evenly across genders (51% male, 49% female) and ages (53% over 25 years old). Exit polls indicated that moviegoers enjoyed the film, scoring it well above norms in both ratings and recommendations with 67% of those polled grading the film as "better than expected."
The film has also received strong critical reviews including:
-- "This is an event. And it's the best time you'll have at the movies all summer, if not all year." - Christy Lemire, Associated Press
-- "See it in a theater, the more crowded the better...with a pumped-up audience, it's a party." - Ty Burr, Boston Globe
-- "So extreme it's good, so shrewd it's good, so funny it's good, so good it's good." - Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
"Snakes on a Plane" stars Samuel L. Jackson as an FBI agent assigned to escort a government witness on a flight to Los Angeles. But when a crimelord sets loose hundreds of deadly snakes during the flight, the agent must band together with the pilot, crew and passengers in a desperate attempt to survive and protect his witness. In addition to Jackson, "Snakes on a Plane" features an ensemble cast that includes Julianna Margulies ("ER," "The Sopranos"), Kenan Thompson ("Saturday Night Live") and David Koechner ("Anchorman," "The Office"). "Snakes on a Plane" is directed by David Ellis ("Final Destination 2," "Cellular").
About New Line Cinema Corporation:
Founded almost 40 years ago, New Line Cinema is the most successful independent film company in the world. Its mission is to produce innovative, popular and profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. In addition to the production, marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, the fully-integrated studio has divisions devoted to home entertainment, television, music, theater, merchandising and an international unit. In 2005, New Line partnered with HBO to form Picturehouse, a new theatrical distribution company to release independent films. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line's Oscar-winning "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy is one of the most successful film franchises in history. New Line is a division of Time Warner, Inc. (TWX).
Sony's PSP, Nintendo DS, Gameboy, iPod and Portable Media Players Inspire Fashionable Sling Lifestyle Bags by Everki
New Duel, Combat, and Force Combine Style, Portability, Ruggedness, and Ingenuity to Take Gaming, Movies and Audio Wherever, Whenever
Everki, makers of mobile lifestyle products designed to carry and protect the digital equipment we use everyday, today announced its new line of mobile gaming and multimedia digital lifestyle sling bags.
As PSPs, Nintendo DS', iPods and portable media players (PMPs) permeate our digital lifestyle, legions of users are searching for dedicated, mobile, stylish, and compact bags to easily, and efficiently, take everything on the road. The new Everki sling Duel, Combat, and Force feature durable Nylon shells, sling strap, small, innovative designs.
The Duel is a small, unique satchel that can carry small multimedia and mobile gaming devices. It features a cushioned nest, inner compartment accessory space, mobile phone cache, plus a media player pocket. MSRP is $24.99 and it's available at Fry's Electronics as well as through distributors worldwide.
When gamers are playing more than breathing or music enthusiasts listen to their earphones more than the outside world, the Force carries everything they need to get their game on and their music/video on while on the road. The Force features a cushioned inner PSP and media player compartment, rear sunglass case, key slot, power adapter compartment with plenty of media storage space, plus a zippered front change pocket and easy access stash slot. MSRP is $29.99.
The Combat carries everything gamers and multimedia enthusiasts need to take their gizmos anywhere, quickly. The smallest of the lineup, Combat features a smooth and contoured design with a nest, inner media storage slot, mobile phone cache, and a media player section -- ready for access anytime, anywhere. MSRP is $19.99.
About Everki
Everki, www.everki.com, manufactures movement-focused lifestyle products designed to carry and protect the digital equipment we use everyday. Everki bags combine comfort, convenience, durability and style. The stylish and innovative bags offer smooth zipper lines, stash pockets, top load design cuts and quick snap buckles, which provide easy access to files and accessories. They are constructed with tough, reliable materials, robust padding inside walls, computer nests, and sturdy zippers with smooth lines, classic colors, and unique features to blend distinctive function with impeccable looks.
Jerry Douglas Receives 6 Nominations for the International Bluegrass Music Awards (IBMA)
-- KOCH Records recording artist Jerry Douglas has received 6 nominations for the 2006 IBMA Awards in the categories of Instrumental Album (2 separate nominations), Recorded Event, and Instrumental Performer (Dobro). Jerry also received nominations in the Vocal Group and Instrumental Group categories as a member of Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas. The 2006 IBMA Awards will be held on September 28 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN and will be hosted by Marty Stuart.
In addition to his nominations, Jerry will give the Keynote Address at the IBMA World of Bluegrass Conference in Nashville, TN on September 25, 2006.
The recipients of the 2006 International Bluegrass Music Awards will be broadcast live on XM Satellite Radio and around the world to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks, thanks to the sponsorship of Martha White, MerleFest, Great American Country, GHS Strings and Deering Banjos. The awards are voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), which serves as the trade association for the bluegrass music industry. The Award Show is the centerpiece of IBMA's week-long Business Conference and Bluegrass Fan Fest, slated for September 25 - October 1, in Nashville, TN. . Tickets are available at the Grand Ole Opry House and all Ticketmaster outlets.
Douglas' latest release, "The Best Kept Secret," is receiving rave reviews. Douglas also just completed a successful tour opening for Paul Simon.
About KOCH Records
KOCH Records is a division of KOCH Entertainment, the fastest-growing music company and the market leader among independents in North America. The KOCH Entertainment corporate umbrella encompasses the KOCH Records label, KOCH Vision home video, KOCH Music Publishing and KOCH Entertainment Distribution with operations in both the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Records proudly claims the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents for each of the last five years (2001-2005). For additional info on the KOCH Records label and its roster of artists, please visit
SOURCE: KOCH Records
Used Car Dealers Suffer from Web Offerings
According to the just published World Association of Newspaper's third annual Digital Classified Survey, newspapers in developed countries increased overall revenues by 4.2 percent in 2005 from a year earlier. Revenues from print classified advertising increased by more than 5 percent during the period, a major improvement compared to the decline of 12 percent reported the previous year, when overall revenues grew by more than 4 percent.
"The overall figures mask a major contrast between the growth in recruitment and property advertising on the one hand, and the collapsing categories of automotive, travel and private party advertising on the other," says the report. Market share of automotive classified advertising, however, was down 12 percent from the previous year, by far the biggest loss across all categories.
The Survey report notes that automotive advertising has been hard hit because auto dealers are finding themselves "disintermediated" -- classified sites and direct sales channels are cutting out the need for dealers from the sale of used cars. This poses a dilemma for newspapers: if they embrace the change and offer platforms like direct sales, they are likely to alienate their most important advertisers.
The Digital Trends Survey also found:
The internet accounted for 7.6 percent of recruitment revenues at newspapers that participated in the study, up from 2.7 percent in 2004 and 1.5 percent in 2003.
White collar jobs tend to be the first recruitment category to migrate to the internet and is the category were newspapers have lost the most in the last few years: 21 percent of their market share has moved online.
Newspapers have managed to hold on to about one quarter of the revenues lost from print in their own online operations. Another quarter of the revenues have migrated to "pure play" internet companies, while the remaining revenues have been cost savings to advertisers due to lower rates and fiercer competition online than in print. A further problem for newspapers is their inability to charge anything close to print rates for ads placed online.
For regional newspapers, property advertising has emerged as the least vulnerable category because this is the most "local" area of advertising.
"The central message of this year's study of classified migration is that complacency is still the largest enemy of the newspaper industry," says the report. "While many newspapers have a dominant market position online, the majority still do not have a realistic strategy to face the inevitable migration process: they have so far failed to adjust their business models and mindset to the new market place."
More information about the SFN project, and the World Association of Newspapers, can be found here.
August 21, 2006
Stargate SG-1 Canceled
STARGATE SG-1 CANCELED
21, 2006
The SciFi channel confirmed today that it has canceled Stargate SG-1. In a statement that came just as the milestone 200th episode of the series aired, SciFi announced, "SCI FI Channel is proud to be the network that brought Stargate SG-1 to its record-breaking 10th season. Ten seasons and 215 episodes is an astounding, Guinness World Record-setting accomplishment. Stargate is a worldwide phenomenon. Having achieved so much over the course of the past 10 years, SCI FI believes that the time is right to make this season their last on the channel. SCI FI is honored to have been part of the Stargate legacy for five years, and we look forward to continuing to explore the Stargate universe with our partners at MGM through a new season of Stargate Atlantis." Stargate SG-1 has now become the longest running science fiction television series produced in North America, but its ratings have slipped significantly in this, its tenth season. The future of the franchise is as yet unclear, but new details may be available within the week. Stargate Atlantis will continue for a fourth season, and there has been talk about the possible development of additional spin-offs, television or DVD movies, or of bringing Stargate SG-1 to the big screen as a feature film, a project that has been in the works and put on hold for at least five years as the series continued to be renewed. For the moment, the cancellation decision is not expected to affect the broadcast schedule of season 10, which is currently in production and which is expected to air through September before breaking for a hiatus and resuming in March.
| Directed by | |||
| Peter DeLuise | |||
| Andy Mikita | |||
| William Waring | |||
| Martin Wood | |||
| Writing credits | ||
| Dean Devlin | (original screenplay) uncredited & | |
| Roland Emmerich | (original screenplay) uncredited | |
| Brad Wright | (developer) & | |
| Jonathan Glassner | (developer) | |
| Heather E. Ash | staff writer (1999-2001) | |
| Martin Gero | staff writer (2005) | |
| Damian Kindler | staff writer (2002-) | |
| Jeff King | staff writer (1997-1998) | |
| Joseph Mallozzi | staff writer (2000-) | |
| Alan McCullough | staff writer (2005-) | |
| Paul Mullie | staff writer (2000-) | |
| Richard Dean Anderson | .... | Colonel/Brigadier General/Major General Jack O'Neill (1997-2005) | |
| Michael Shanks | .... | Dr. Daniel Jackson (1997-2002, 2003-) | |
| Ben Browder | .... | Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell (2005-) | |
| Amanda Tapping | .... | Captain/Major/Lt. Col. Samantha Carter | |
| Christopher Judge | .... | Teal'c | |
| Beau Bridges | .... | Major General Hank Landry (2005-) | |
| Claudia Black | .... | Vala Mal Doran | |
| Don S. Davis | .... | Major General/Lieutenant General George Hammond (1997-2004) | |
| Corin Nemec | .... | Jonas Quinn (2002-2003) | |
| Produced by | |||
| Richard Dean Anderson | .... | executive producer | |
| Robert C. Cooper | .... | co-producer | |
| Peter DeLuise | .... | co-producer | |
| Peter DeLuise | .... | producer (2003-2004) | |
| Peter DeLuise | .... | supervising producer (2004-2005) | |
| Ron French | .... | producer | |
| Martin Gero | .... | co-producer (2006) | |
| Michael Greenburg | .... | co-executive producer | |
| Michael Greenburg | .... | executive producer (2003-) | |
| Damian Kindler | .... | co-executive producer (2005) | |
| Damian Kindler | .... | supervising producer (2003-2005) | |
| Jeff King | .... | supervising producer (1997-1998) | |
| John G. Lenic | .... | producer | |
| N. John Smith | .... | producer | |
| Martin Wood | .... | co-producer (2003-) | |
| Brad Wright | .... | consulting producer (2003-2004) | |
| Brad Wright | .... | executive producer (1997-2003, 2004-) | |
| Original Music by | |||
| Neal Acree | |||
| David Arnold | (original "Stargate" themes) | ||
| Richard Band | |||
| Peter Bernstein | |||
| Joel Goldsmith | |||
| Ken Harrison | |||
| Kevin Kiner | |||
| Dennis McCarthy | |||
| Tim Truman | |||
| Cinematography by | |||
| Peter F. Woeste | (as Peter Woeste) | ||
| James Alfred Menard | (uncredited) | ||
| Film Editing by | |||
| Richard Benwick | (as Rick Benwick) | ||
| Daria Ellerman | |||
| Eric Hill | |||
| James Ilecic | |||
| Allan Lee | (pilot and seasons 1, 3, 4 and 5) | ||
| Stein Myhrstad | |||
| Brad Rines | (36 episodes seasons 1 and 3-7 1997-2003) | ||
| Charles Robichaud | |||
| Kevin Willis | (2000-2001) | ||
| Casting by | |||
| Stuart Aikins | (2006) | ||
| Sean Cossey | |||
| Carol Kelsay | |||
| Robin Nassif | |||
| Mary Jo Slater | |||
| Paul Weber | |||
| Art Direction by | |||
| Peter Bodnarus | (seasons 7-9) | ||
| Brentan Harron | |||
| Bridget McGuire | (as Bridgit McGuire) | ||
| James Robbins | |||
| Ricardo Spinacé | |||
| Barbara Wilson | |||
| Set Decoration by | |||
| Mark Davidson | |||
| Robert Davidson | |||
| Costume Design by | |||
| Christina McQuarrie | |||
| Makeup Department | |||
| Adam Behr | .... | special makeup effects artist | |
| Ken Culver | .... | prosthetic technician | |
| Mike Fields | .... | special makeup effects artist (multiple episodes) | |
| Rachel Griffin | .... | assistant makeup artist | |
| Rachel Griffin | .... | special makeup effects artist | |
| Lee Joyner | .... | makeup effects crew | |
| Shauna Magrath | .... | assistant makeup (multiple episodes) | |
| Julie McHaffie | .... | hair stylist | |
| Jan Newman | .... | key makeup artist | |
| Jan Newman | .... | makeup artist | |
| Ryan Nicholson | .... | prosthetic effects designer (season 3) | |
| Patrick O'Brien | .... | hair stylist | |
| Christopher Mark Pinhey | .... | assistant makeup artist | |
| Geoff Redknap | .... | special makeup effects artist (multiple episodes) | |
| Sean Sansom | .... | special makeup effects artist | |
| Christ Stanley | .... | assistant alien production: airbrushing | |
| Production Management | |||
| Ron French | .... | production manager (season 1) | |
| John G. Lenic | .... | unit production manager | |
| Michael S. McLean | .... | post-production supervisor | |
| Andy Mikita | .... | production manager | |
| N. John Smith | .... | production manager | |
| Second Unit Director or Assistant Director | |||
| Paul Birkett | .... | second unit director | |
| Matthew Blecha | .... | second assistant director (as Matthew J. Blecha) | |
| Trevor Brokop | .... | third assistant director | |
| Peter Dashkewytch | .... | first assistant director | |
| Janice Genn | .... | second assistant director (2001, 2002, 2003) | |
| Janice Genn | .... | third assistant director (2000, 2001) | |
| Kathy Houghton | .... | second assistant director | |
| Allan Lee | .... | second unit director | |
| Gordon MacDonald | .... | first assistant director (seasons 9-10) | |
| Andy Mikita | .... | second unit director | |
| Douglas Mitchell | .... | additional second assistant director | |
| Bill Mizel | .... | first assistant director | |
| Ted Rae | .... | second unit director (two episodes) | |
| Greg Rousseaux | .... | third assistant director | |
| Gisela Schulte | .... | third assistant director | |
| James Tichenor | .... | second unit director | |
| Art Department | |||
| Douglas W. Beard | .... | model maker | |
| Dallas Bittner | .... | model maker | |
| Peter Bodnarus | .... | set designer (season 6) | |
| Lubor Cencak | .... | scenic artist | |
| Steve Craine | .... | paint coordinator | |
| Richard Cummins | .... | props | |
| Tim Dagley | .... | on-set dresser | |
| Dean Goodine | .... | property master | |
| Salmon Harris | .... | storyboard artist | |
| G. Andrew Hussey | .... | set dresser | |
| John B. Keys | .... | scenic artist | |
| Barry Kootchin | .... | head scenic artist | |
| Malcolm MacLean | .... | head painter | |
| Colin Matthews | .... | assistant property master | |
| Tiara Motem | .... | property buyer | |
| Ken Rabhel | .... | illustrator | |
| Jim Ramsay | .... | assistant art director (season 6) | |
| Francisco Rosa | .... | painter | |
| Rodrigo Segovia | .... | set designer | |
| Dan Sissons | .... | property master | |
| Ross Walshe | .... | scenic carpenter | |
| Terry Weaver | .... | props | |
| Ken Wells | .... | chief painter | |
| Thom Wells | .... | construction coordinator | |
| David Paul Hewitt White | .... | on-set dresser | |
| Kerry Gammill | .... | conceptual artist (uncredited) | |
| Sound Department | |||
| Kevin Belen | .... | sound re-recording mixer | |
| Adam Boyd | .... | sound effects editor | |
| Tim Boyle | .... | score mixer | |
| Kris Casavant | .... | sound editor | |
| Kelly Cole | .... | sound re-recording mixer | |
| David M. Cyr | .... | sound mixer (as David Cyr) | |
| Lisa Doyle | .... | sound editor | |
| Chris Duesterdiek | .... | sound mixer: second unit | |
| Kris Fenske | .... | sound effects editor | |
| Wayne Finucan | .... | sound mixer | |
| James Fonnyadt | .... | sound superviser | |
| Kelly Frey | .... | sound editor | |
| Adam Gejdos | .... | sound effects editor | |
| James Genn | .... | sound editor | |
| Dean Giammarco | .... | sound re-recording mixer | |
| Talvinder Gill | .... | assistant sound editor | |
| Chris Glyn-Jones | .... | alternate boom operator (1999-2000) | |
| Jeff Hamon | .... | adr mixer | |
| Dave Hibbert | .... | sound re-recording mixer | |
| Gord Hillier | .... | sound re-recording mixer | |
| Brad Hillman | .... | sound re-recording mixer | |
| Graeme Hughes | .... | sound re-recording mixer | |
| Philip Hunter | .... | dialogue editor | |
| Kirby Jinnah | .... | adr & dialogue editor | |
| Kevin Konarzewski | .... | adr mixer | |
| Jim Lacamel | .... | boom operator | |
| Bill Mellow | .... | sound re-recording mixer | |
| Michael Miller | .... | adr mixer | |
| Rory O'Neill | .... | boom operator: second unit | |
| Rory O'Neill | .... | sound assistant: day call | |
| Sina Oroomchi | .... | sound re-recording mixer | |
| Iain Pattison | .... | sound re-recording mixer | |
| Marc S. Perlman | .... | music editor | |
| Shawn Pierce | .... | music editor | |
| Jean Raymond | .... | foley mixer | |
| Adam Sharpe | .... | sound re-recording mixer | |
| Paul A. Sharpe | .... | sound re-recording mixer (as Paul Sharpe) | |
| Steve Smith | .... | sound supervisor | |
| James Wallace | .... | sound effects editor | |
| Kris Casavant | .... | assistant sound editor (uncredited) | |
| Dario DiSanto | .... | sound editor (uncredited) | |
| Megan Goudsward | .... | assistant dialogue editor (uncredited) | |
| Special Effects by | |||
| Claude Bouchard | .... | special effects rigger | |
| Pierre-Paul Charbonneau | .... | special effects coordinator (as Pierre Paul Charbonneau) | |
| Wray J. Douglas | .... | effects coordinator (as Wray Douglas) | |
| Steve Fink | .... | technician: Steve Johnson's XFX | |
| Matthew Jorgensen | .... | special effects makeup artist: Todd Masters FX | |
| Michael O'Brien | .... | mold department: Masters FX Inc. (2003) | |
| Ted Rae | .... | miniature photography (2 episodes) | |
| Don Rutherford | .... | special effects painter | |
| Visual Effects by | |||
| Simon Ager | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Philip Edward Alexy | .... | 3D lead digital artist: GVFX | |
| Tom Archer | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Dave Axford | .... | model shop supervisor | |
| Stephen Bahr | .... | visual effects coordinator | |
| Louise Barkholt | .... | visual effects producer: GVFX (season 6) | |
| Greg Behrens | .... | visual effects coordinator | |
| Mark Benard | .... | digital effects artist | |
| Barb Benoit | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Nadine Blackler | .... | digital compositor | |
| Rod Bland | .... | 3D animator | |
| Neill Blomkamp | .... | 3D animator | |
| Kathryn Bolt | .... | digital compositing artist (seasons 3-6) | |
| Landon Bootsma | .... | digital effects artist | |
| Nicholas Boughen | .... | 3D animator | |
| Mark Breakspear | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Tom Brydon | .... | 3D animator | |
| Doug Campbell | .... | lead digital compositing artist | |
| Trevor Cawood | .... | 3D animator | |
| Eric Chauvin | .... | digital matte painter (multiple episodes) (1997) | |
| Billy D. Choi | .... | visual effects supervisor (1999) | |
| Ashley Clark | .... | digital effects coordinator | |
| Dug Claxton | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Michelle Comens | .... | visual effects coordinator | |
| Michelle Comens | .... | visual effects producer | |
| Michelle Comens | .... | visual effects supervisor | |
| Tara Conley | .... | digital effects coordinator | |
| Richard J. Cook | .... | digital effects producer: VisonArt | |
| John D.B. Cox | .... | motion control operator | |
| Jayne Craig | .... | visual effects coordinator | |
| Ryan Cronin | .... | 3D animator | |
| Kristin Dearholt | .... | rotoscope artist | |
| Adam de Bosch Kemper | .... | lead visual effects animator | |
| Theo Diamantis | .... | visual effects | |
| Jean-Luc Dinsdale | .... | visual effects coordinator | |
| Jean-Luc Dinsdale | .... | visual effects supervisor | |
| Chris Doll | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Keegan Douglas | .... | digital effects artist | |
| Debora Dunphy | .... | digital compositing artist (seasons 2-5) | |
| Leif Einarsson | .... | computer graphics lead animator: Digital Magic | |
| Joe Farrell | .... | digital compositing artist (2000) | |
| Ted Fay | .... | director of technology: VisionArt | |
| Haskell Friedman | .... | technical director (1998-1999) | |
| Haskell Friedman | .... | visual effects digital artist (1998-1999) | |
| Paul Furminger | .... | visual effects editor | |
| John Gajdecki | .... | visual effects supervisor | |
| Kevin Genzel | .... | digital compositor | |
| Shannon Gurney | .... | visual effects coordinator | |
| Robert Habros | .... | visual effects executive | |
| Robin Hackl | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Martin Halle | .... | digital effects artist | |
| James Halverson | .... | lead matte artist | |
| Hamish Hamilton | .... | digital artist: rotoscope artist | |
| Hamish Hamilton | .... | visual effects assistant | |
| Greg Hansen | .... | lead CGI animator | |
| Brian Harder | .... | lead CGI animator | |
| Ivan Hayden | .... | visual effects assistant | |
| James G. Hebb | .... | 3D animator | |
| Gudrun Heinze | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Allan Henderson | .... | 3D artist | |
| Sonia Henkel | .... | visual effects assistant | |
| Sonia Henkel | .... | visual effects coordinator | |
| Shawn Hillier | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Jeremy Hoey | .... | digital matte painter | |
| Sylvain Huard | .... | 3D animator | |
| Aruna Inversin | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Ryan Jensen | .... | digital artist | |
| Jody Jessop | .... | visual effects assistant coordinator | |
| Patrick Kalyn | .... | lead CGI animator | |
| Andrew Karr | .... | digital artist | |
| Jeremy Kehler | .... | digital compositor | |
| John Kennedy | .... | digital artist | |
| Brett Keyes | .... | digital artist | |
| Jaye Krebs | .... | digital compositor | |
| Mathew Krentz | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Simon Lacey | .... | visual effects coordinator: season 2 | |
| Simon Lacey | .... | visual effects supervisor (episode (episode "Holiday") (episode (episode "Touchstone") | |
| James Lau | .... | digital artist | |
| Tony Lawrence | .... | digital effects artist | |
| Rosano Lepri | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| May Leung | .... | 3D animator | |
| Todd Liddiard | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Colin Liggett | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Kimberley Liptrap | .... | 3D animator | |
| Kevin Little | .... | CGI supervisor | |
| Tannis Mathers | .... | digital effects artist: Rainmaker | |
| Kent Matheson | .... | matte painter (1998-2000) | |
| Dan Mayer | .... | 3D animator | |
| Alec McClymont | .... | 3D artist: GVFX / Atmosphere VFX | |
| Jennifer McEachern | .... | visual effects assistant | |
| Krista McLean | .... | lead cgi artist | |
| Vinay Mehta | .... | digital artist | |
| Brian Moylan | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Brian Moylan | .... | matte painter | |
| Marianne O'Reilly | .... | visual effects producer: Rainmaker (2000-2003) | |
| Scott Paquin | .... | key animator | |
| Stephen Pepper | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Eric Petey | .... | digital artist: Lost Boys Studios | |
| Christine Petrov | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Lee Pierce | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Carmen Pollard | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Gary Poole | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Ted Rae | .... | visual effects supervisor (2 episodes) | |
| Michael Ranalletta | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Madhava Reddy | .... | rotoscope artist | |
| Mark T. Reid | .... | digital compositor | |
| James Rorick | .... | visual effects coordinator | |
| Marc Roth | .... | 3D animator | |
| Wes Sargent | .... | lead 3D animator | |
| Mark Savela | .... | visual effects producer | |
| Judy D. Shane | .... | digital compositing artist (as Judy Shane) | |
| Betty Shaw | .... | systems administrator: GVFX (1998-2001) | |
| Rik Shorten | .... | visual effects coordinator: GVFX | |
| Elaine Sipos | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Jessica Sjoblom | .... | rotoscope artist | |
| Joel Skeete | .... | senior digital compositing artist | |
| Jason Snea | .... | compositor (season 1) | |
| Christopher Stewart | .... | 3D animator | |
| Naomi Stopa | .... | visual effects coordinator | |
| Trevor Strand | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Matthew Talbot-Kelly | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Matthew Talbot-Kelly | .... | digital matte painter | |
| James Tichenor | .... | visual effects producer | |
| James Tichenor | .... | visual effects supervisor | |
| Linda Tremblay | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Bruce Turner | .... | visual effects supervisor | |
| Simon van de Lagemaat | .... | 3D animator | |
| Craig Van Den Biggelaar | .... | 3D animator | |
| Craig Van Den Biggelaar | .... | digital effects supervisor | |
| Adrian Van Der Park | .... | 3D animator | |
| Chris Van Dyck | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Cory Virs | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Anand Vishal | .... | visual effects | |
| Shawn Walsh | .... | digital effects supervisor: Image Engine Design Inc. | |
| Steven Wendland | .... | visual effects coordinator | |
| Wendy Whaley | .... | digital compositing artist | |
| Bruce Woloshyn | .... | digital effects supervisor | |
| Bruce Woloshyn | .... | senior digital compositing artist | |
| Kyle Yoneda | .... | lead cgi artist | |
| Arnold Yuki | .... | rotoscope artist | |
| Charlene Eberle | .... | visual effects assistant (uncredited) | |
| Daniel Osaki | .... | visual effects (uncredited) | |
| Paolo G. Venturi | .... | digital artist: Gekko/double secret productions animated logos (uncredited) | |
| Stunts | |||
| Fraser Aitcheson | .... | stunt performer | |
| Ed Anders | .... | stunts | |
| Scott J. Ateah | .... | stunt coordinator (as Scott Ateah) | |
| James Bamford | .... | assistant stunt coordinator | |
| James Bamford | .... | fight choreographer | |
| James Bamford | .... | stunt double | |
| Chad Bellamy | .... | stunts | |
| Simon Burnett | .... | stunts | |
| Kirk Caouette | .... | stunt double | |
| Kirk Caouette | .... | utility stunts | |
| Clint Carleton | .... | stunt double: Michael Shanks | |
| Mike Carpenter | .... | utility stunts | |
| Kimberly Chiang | .... | stunt double | |
| Janina Dall | .... | stunt double | |
| Mike Desabrais | .... | stunts | |
| Mike Dopud | .... | stunts | |
| Joe Doserro | .... | stunts | |
| Bill Edwards | .... | stunts | |
| Gaston Howard | .... | stunts | |
| Trevor Jones | .... | stunt double: Dion Johnstone | |
| Jon Kralt | .... | stunts | |
| Dave Lane | .... | stunt rigger | |
| John MacDonald | .... | stunt double: Jaffa | |
| John MacDonald | .... | stunt performer | |
| Kit Mallet | .... | stunts | |
| Leslie McMichael | .... | stunt double | |
| Steven McMichael | .... | utility stunts | |
| Phillip Mitchell | .... | stunts | |
| Rick Moore | .... | stunt double | |
| Kirby Morrow | .... | stunt double: T'arac | |
| Jovan Nenadic | .... | stunt double | |
| Scott Nicholson | .... | stunts (various seasons) | |
| Shawn C. Orr | .... | stunts | |
| Darryl Quon | .... | stunts | |
| Dan Rizzuto | .... | stunt double | |
| Jeffrey C. Robinson | .... | utility stunts | |
| John Sampson | .... | stunt double (episode #22F) | |
| John Sampson | .... | stunt rebel jaffa (episode # 809) | |
| Christopher Sayor | .... | stunts | |
| Dan Shea | .... | stunt coordinator | |
| Dan Shea | .... | stunt double: Richard Dean Anderson | |
| Sharon Simms | .... | stunt double | |
| Lori Stewart | .... | stunt double | |
| Sylvesta Stuart | .... | stunt performer (multiple episodes) | |
| Clay Virtue | .... | stunts | |
| Marshall Virtue | .... | stunts | |
| Rob Wilton | .... | stunts | |
| Other crew | |||
| Krista Abraham | .... | intern (2002-2003) | |
| Amanda Alexander | .... | script supervisor | |
| Cath-Anne Ambrose | .... | production associate (2001-2003) | |
| Cath-Anne Ambrose | .... | script coordinator (1998-2001) | |
| Gillian Andrew | .... | first assistant accountant | |
| Carole Appleby | .... | promotions coordinator | |
| Kandis Armstrong | .... | assistant to producer | |
| Gregory Astop | .... | assistant location manager (2004) | |
| Tim Atkins | .... | chief lighting technician | |
| Geoff Baker | .... | grip (1997) | |
| Adam Behr | .... | lead puppeteer | |
| Adam Behr | .... | puppeteer: "Asgard" | |
| Heenan Blaikie | .... | legal consultant | |
| Ron Blecker | .... | technical advisor | |
| Andrea Boorman | .... | assistant production coordinator | |
| John Carron | .... | playback operator | |
| Morris Chapdelaine | .... | puppeteer | |
| Chris J. Clayton | .... | driver | |
| Kieran Cuddihy | .... | production assistant | |
| H. Michael Dale | .... | fabricator | |
| Peter DeLuise | .... | creative consultant | |
| Chris Derochie | .... | texture artist (one episode) | |
| Kim Douglas | .... | media coordinator (seasons 1-2) | |
| Kim Douglas | .... | unit publicist (seasons 3-5) | |
| Michael Eliot | .... | post-production consultant (as R. Michael Eliot) | |
| Candice Field | .... | script supervisor | |
| Nicole Forest | .... | production accountant | |
| Martin Gero | .... | creative consultant (season 9) | |
| Darren Giblin | .... | office production assistant | |
| Darren Giblin | .... | production assistant | |
| Ryan Gillard | .... | first assistant camera (1999-2001) | |
| Marion Gonneville | .... | production coordinator | |
| David Gray | .... | still photographer | |
| Aaron Haesler | .... | camera trainee (season 9) | |
| Oliver Hajdu | .... | rigging best boy | |
| Denise Henry | .... | first assistant editor | |
| Carol Horn | .... | legal counsel | |
| Mark Hornish | .... | editor: main titles | |
| Vladimir Horunzhy | .... | composer: additional music | |
| Ivy Isenberg | .... | casting associate (seasons 6 and 7) | |
| Victoria James | .... | production associate | |
| Jacquie Janzen | .... | stand-in (3 seasons) | |
| Lee Jenkinson | .... | accounting clerk (pilot episode) | |
| Bonnie Judd | .... | animal trainer | |
| Ryan Judd | .... | animal trainer | |
| Patrick Kalyn | .... | animator | |
| Richard S. Kaufman | .... | music supervisor | |
| Carol Kelsay | .... | casting: Canada | |
| Dawn Knight | .... | post-production coordinator | |
| Nick Kuchera | .... | key grip | |
| David Kurvers | .... | computer playback operator | |
| David Kurvers | .... | production assistant | |
| Jamie Lake | .... | assistant location manager (1997-2003) | |
| Jamie Lake | .... | location manager (2004) | |
| David Langtry | .... | computer playback operator | |
| John G. Lenic | .... | assistant to co-executive producer | |
| Anthony A. Lewis | .... | production assistant | |
| Nathan Lomax | .... | production assistant | |
| Mark Lunn | .... | assistant camera (season 9) | |
| Lukasz Madziag | .... | production assistant | |
| Pancho Mansfield | .... | network executive | |
| Todd Masters | .... | puppeteer: "Asgard" | |
| Dennis McCarthy | .... | conductor | |
| Jenny McDonnell | .... | gekko assistant | |
| Kerry McDowall | .... | assistant post-production coordinator (season 7) | |
| Kerry McDowall | .... | post-production coordinator (season 8) | |
| Anne Marie McGinn | .... | assistant post-production coordinator (2 seasons) | |
| Chris McMullin | .... | camera operator | |
| W. James Meagher | .... | camera trainee | |
| W. James Meagher | .... | daily second assistant camera | |
| Peter Munro | .... | location scout (season 7) | |
| Keith Murphy | .... | camera operator: "a" camera | |
| Keith Murphy | .... | steadicam operator | |
| Chris Neel | .... | soundtrack album producer | |
| Bill Nikolai | .... | stand-in | |
| Doug Oke | .... | assistant editor | |
| Christina Ollson | .... | production assistant (seasons 8-9) | |
| Raffi Paloulian | .... | script researcher | |
| Diane Panozzo | .... | post-production coordinator | |
| Elva Parsons | .... | payroll accountant | |
| Michelle Parzentny | .... | production coordinator | |
| Brett Peterson | .... | rigging grip | |
| Katharyn Powers | .... | executive story consultant | |
| Brigitte Prochaska | .... | unit publicist | |
| Brad Proctor | .... | puppeteer: "Asgard" | |
| Holly Amber Proulx | .... | post-production assistant coordinator | |
| Holly Amber Proulx | .... | production assistant | |
| George Ramage | .... | rigging best boy | |
| Geoff Redknap | .... | puppeteer: "Asgard" | |
| Dave Rees | .... | assistant editor | |
| Andrew Simpson | .... | animal trainer | |
| Louisa Skinner | .... | post-production coordinator | |
| Mary Jo Slater | .... | casting: USA | |
| Lynn Smith | .... | general manager | |
| Ryan Steacy | .... | armorer | |
| Emily Thierry-Gray | .... | production assistant | |
| Noeleen Tobin | .... | researcher | |
| Chris Turner | .... | stand-in | |
| Jeff Upton | .... | gaffer | |
| Ian 'Moss' Urquhart | .... | transportation coordinator | |
| Tor Alexander Valenza | .... | story editor (1998-2001) | |
| Heather Vedan | .... | assistant location manager (2004) | |
| Bill Vigars | .... | publicist (2003) | |
| Joe Waistell | .... | first assistant camera: second unit | |
| Scott Walden | .... | location manager | |
| William Waring | .... | camera operator | |
| Paul Weber | .... | casting: USA | |
| Sheila White | .... | costumer: special effects costumes | |
| Lisa Wilder | .... | script supervisor | |
| Annie Wilkinson | .... | set tutor | |
| Kevin Willis | .... | assistant editor (1997-2000) | |
| Andrew D. Wilson | .... | camera operator (as Andy Wilson) | |
| Tommy Wilson | .... | assistant location manager | |
| Martin Wood | .... | creative consultant (2002) | |
| Darek Wyszynski | .... | first assistant camera (multiple episodes) | |
| Neil Atkins | .... | title designer (uncredited) | |
| Gerard Bechard | .... | production assistant (uncredited) | |
| Tom Giannazzo | .... | military advisor (uncredited) (Seasons 3-7) | |
| Kye Meechan | .... | second assistant editor (uncredited) | |
| George Sartiano | .... | specialty costumes (uncredited) | |
August 20, 2006
PRIMETIME EMMY WINERS
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) tonight (Saturday, August 19, 2006) awarded the 2005-2006 Creative Arts Primetime Emmys for programs and individual achievements at the 58th Annual Emmy Awards presentation at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Included among the presentations were Emmy Awards for the following previously announced categories: Outstanding Achievement in Animation, Outstanding Voice-Over Performance, Outstanding Costumes for a Variety or Music Program, Outstanding Interactive Television Programming, Outstanding Achievement in Engineering Development. Additionally, the Governors Award was presented to mtvU for its Sudan Campaign. ATAS Chairman & CEO Dick Askin participated in the awards ceremony assisted by a lineup of major television stars as presenters.
The awards, as tabulated by the independent accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP, were distributed as follows:
Programs Individuals Total
HBO 2 15 17
ABC 1 9 10
NBC 1 7 8
CBS -7 7
FOX 1 6 7
PBS 2 5 7
CARTOON NETWORK -4 4
THE HISTORY CHANNEL 2 1 3
DISNEY 1 1 2
TNT -2 2
A&E -1 1
DISCOVERY CHANNEL 1 -1
FX -1 1
NICKELODEON -1 1
SCI FI CHANNEL -1 1
SHOWTIME -1 1
TCM -1 1
WB -1 1
- 1 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
Emmys in 27 other categories will be presented at the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards telecast on Sunday, August 27, 2006, 8:00 p.m. - conclusion, ET/PT over the NBC Television Network at the Shrine Auditorium.
A complete list of all awards presented tonight is attached. The final page of the attached list includes a recap of all programs with multiple awards.
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING CASTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
LINDA LOWY ABC
JOHN BRACE
Grey’s Anatomy
OUTSTANDING CASTING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A SPECIAL
DOREEN JONES, Casting Director HBO
Elizabeth I
OUTSTANDING CASTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
DAVA WAITE PEASLEE, C.S.A., Casting Director NBC
My Name Is Earl
OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
CHRISTIAN CLEMENSON as Jerry “Hands” Espenson ABC
Boston Legal
OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION FOR A VARIETY, MUSIC PROGRAM, OR
SPECIAL (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one or, if none has a majority approval,
no award.)
ROY CHRISTOPHER, Production Designer ABC
GREG RICHMAN, Art Director
78th Annual Academy Awards
- 3 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION FOR A MULTI-CAMERA SERIES
STEPHAN OLSON, Production Designer CBS
RICHARD C. WALKER, SDSA, Set Decorator
How I Met Your Mother
Pilot
OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION FOR A MINISERIES OR MOVIE (Area Award:
Possibility of one, more than one or, if none has a majority approval, no award.)
EVE STEWART, Production Designer HBO
LEON McCARTHY, Art Director
SARAH WHITTLE, Set Decorator
Elizabeth I
OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION FOR A SINGLE-CAMERA SERIES
JOSEPH BENNETT, Production Designer HBO
DOMENICO SICA, Art Director
CRISTINA ONORI, Set Decorator
Rome
Caesarion, Triumph, Kalends Of February
OUTSTANDING MULTI-CAMERA PICTURE EDITING FOR A SERIES
JOE BELLA, Editor CBS
Two And A Half Men
That Special Tug
- 4 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CAMERA PICTURE EDITING FOR A MINISERIES OR A
MOVIE
BEVERLEY MILLS, Editor HBO
Elizabeth I
Part 1
OUTSTANDING MAIN TITLE DESIGN
ALEN PETKOVIC, Producer/Creative Director ABC
JON TESCHNER, Art Director
RENATO GRGIC, Creative Director
KRISTIJAN PETROVIC, Creative Director
78th Annual Academy Awards
OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL MAIN TITLE THEME MUSIC
EDWARD SHEARMUR SHOWTIME
Masters Of Horror
OUTSTANDING SOUND EDITING FOR A SERIES
MICHAEL LAWSHE, Supervising Sound Editor WB
TIMOTHY CLEVELAND, Sound Effects Editor
PAUL DILLER, Sound Effects Editor
STUART CALDERON, Sound Effects Editor
JASON OLIVER, Sound Effects Editor
JESSICA DICKSON, Dialog Editor
DAVID COWAN, ADR Editor
CHRIS McGEARY, Music Editor
CASEY CRABTREE, Foley Artist
MICHAEL CRABTREE, Foley Artist
SMALLVILLE
Arrival
- 5 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING SOUND EDITING FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING (SINGLE
OR MULTI-CAMERA)
LILA YOMTOOB, Sound Editor HBO
Baghdad ER
OUTSTANDING SOUND EDITING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A SPECIAL
HARRY SNODGRASS, Sound Supervisor/Effects Editor A&E
MARK LINDEN, Sound Editor
TARA A. PAUL, Effects Editor
DAVID A. SHARF, Dialog Editor
GEOFF RAFFAN, Dialog Editor
CARLOS RAMIREZ, ADR/Dialog Editor
JOAN ROWE, Foley Artist
CHRIS JULIAN, Foley Artist
Flight 93
OUTSTANDING SOUND MIXING FOR A VARIETY OR MUSIC SERIES OR
SPECIAL OR ANIMATION (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one or, if none has a
majority approval, no award.)
EDWARD J. GREENE, Audio Director ABC
TOM VICARI, Orchestra Mixer
PATRICK BALTZELL, House P. A.
ROBERT DOUGLASS, Supplemental Audio
JAMIE SANTOS, Post Audio
78th Annual Academy Awards
* * * * *
ELLIOT SCHEINER, Music Recorder and Mixer NBC
SUE PELINO, Post Production Audio Mixer
Eagles Farewell I Tour – Live From Melbourne
- 6 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING SOUND MIXING FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING (SINGLE OR
MULTI-CAMERA)
TOM FLEISCHMAN, Re-Recording Mixer PBS
American Masters
Bob Dylan: No Direction Home
OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one or, if
none has a majority approval, no award.)
KENNY ORTEGA, Choreographer DISNEY
CHARLES KLAPOW, Choreographer
BONNIE STORY, Choreographer
High School Musical
OUTSTANDING MUSIC DIRECTION
PAUL GEMIGNANI, Musical Director and Conductor PBS
South Pacific In Concert From Carnegie Hall (Great Performances)
OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL MUSIC AND LYRICS
GREG O’CONNOR, Music Composer FOX
JIM WISE, Lyricist
MADtv
Episode 1111
Song: A Wonderfully Normal Day
OUTSTANDING MUSIC COMPOSITION FOR A SERIES (ORIGINAL DRAMATIC
SCORE)
SEAN CALLERY, Composer FOX
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
- 7 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING MUSIC COMPOSITION FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A
SPECIAL (ORIGINAL DRAMATIC SCORE)
GEOFF ZANELLI, Composer TNT
Into The West
OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
CLORIS LEACHMAN as Ida FOX
Malcolm In The Middle
OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL DIRECTION, CAMERAWORK, VIDEO FOR A
SERIES
JOHN PRITCHETT, Technical Director ABC
BRIAN REASON, Camera Operator
HECTOR RAMIREZ, Camera Operator
DAVE LEVISOHN, Camera Operator
JOHN REPCZYNSKI, Camera Operator
DANNY BONILLA, Camera Operator
EASTER XUA, Camera Operator
DIANE BIEDERBECK, Camera Operator
SUZANNE EBNER, Camera Operator
JAMES KARIDAS, Camera Operator
CHRIS GRAY, Video Control
Dancing With The Stars
Episode #204
- 8 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL DIRECTION, CAMERAWORK, VIDEO FOR A
MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A SPECIAL
ROBERT LaMACCHIA, Technical Director NBC
CODY ALEXANDER, Camera Operator
DAN BEARD, Camera Operator
JOE DEBONIS, Camera Operator
KENNETH DECKER, Camera Operator
ERIC A. EISENSTEIN, Camera Operator
RICK FOX, JR., Camera Operator
SAL GUARNA, Camera Operator
MIKE HARVATH, Camera Operator
TERRY HESTER, Camera Operator
IGOR KLOBAS, Camera Operator
RICHIE LEIBLE, JR., Camera Operator
TORE LIVIA, Camera Operator
JON MANTAK, Camera Operator
CHRIS MATOTT, Camera Operator
ROBERT MIKKELSON, Camera Operator
BRIAN PHRANER, Camera Operator
JOHN PINTO, Camera Operator
MARC TIPPY, Camera Operator
NICK UTLEY, Camera Operator
JAMES WACHTER, Camera Operator
HARRY WEISMAN, Camera Operator
MIKE WIMBERLEY, Camera Operator
KEN WOO, Camera Operator
JOHN MURPHY, Camera Operator
JERROLD HOCHMAN, Senior Video Control
The XX Olympic Winter Games – Opening Ceremony
ENGINEERING PLAQUE TO QUAD-SPLIT (HARRY D. FLAGLE) (This award was
previously announced.)
ENGINEERING PLAQUE TO VID-WAVE BOXX (BOXX COMMUNICATIONS, LLC.)
(This award was previously announced.)
- 9 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SPECIAL
THE XX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES – OPENING CEREMONY NBC
Dick Ebersol, Executive Producer
David Neal, Producer
Molly Solomon, Producer
OUTSTANDING CHILDREN’S PROGRAM (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one
or, if none has a majority approval, no award.)
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL DISNEY
Bill Borden, Executive Producer
Barry Rosenbush, Executive Producer
Don Schain, Producer
* * *
I HAVE TOURETTE’S BUT TOURETTE’S DOESN’T
HAVE ME HBO
Sheila Nevins, Executive Producer
Dolores Morris, Supervising Producer
Ellen Goosenberg Kent, Producer
GOVERNORS AWARD
Presented to mtvU, MTV’s 24-hour college network, for the outlet’s Sudan Campaign.
OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
LESLIE JORDAN as Beverley Leslie NBC
Will & Grace
- 10 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING COSTUMES FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A SPECIAL
MIKE O’NEILL, Costume Designer HBO
SAMANTHA HORN, Assistant Costume Designer
Elizabeth I
Part 2
OUTSTANDING COSTUMES FOR A SERIES
APRIL FERRY, Costume Designer HBO
AUGUSTO GRASSI, Costume Supervisor
Rome
Triumph
OUTSTANDING COSTUMES FOR A VARIETY OR MUSIC PROGRAM
(Juried award: Possibility of one, more than one or no award). This is a juried award determined
by a panel of judges from the Costumes peer group. Recommendation(s) from the jury are
brought to the Board of Governors for ratification. This award was previously announced.
WENDY BENBROOK, Costume Designer FOX
WANDA LEAVEY, Costume Supervisor
MADtv
Episode #1109
* * * * *
ERIN LAREAU, Costume Designer PBS
Benise: Nights of Fire!
* * * * *
DANA CAMPBELL, Costume Designer ABC
RANDALL CHRISTENSEN, Costume Designer
Dancing With The Stars
Episode 208A
- 11 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CAMERA SOUND MIXING FOR A SERIES
CRAIG HUNTER, Re-Recording Mixer ABC
PETER R. KELSEY, Re-Recording Mixer
CLARK KING, Production Sound Mixer
WILLIAM BUTLER, Production Sound Mixer
Boston Legal
Finding Nimmo
OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CAMERA SOUND MIXING FOR A MINISERIES OR A
MOVIE
GEORGE TARRANT, Sound Mixer TNT
RICK ALEXANDER, Re-Recording Mixer
RICHARD ROGERS, Re-Recording Mixer
Into The West
Dreams And Schemes
OUTSTANDING MULTI-CAMERA SOUND MIXING FOR A SERIES OR SPECIAL
EDWARD J. GREENE, Audio Mixer NBC
ANDREW STRAUBER, EFX Mixer
The West Wing
The Debate
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN INTERACTIVE TELEVISION (These awards were
previously announced.)
Outstanding Achievement for Program Specific Enhanced or Interactive Television:
TiVO for seamlessly connecting consumers to the digital entertainment they want, where and
when they want it.
Outstanding Achievement for Non-Program Specific Enhanced or Interactive Television for a
Channel, Network or Service:
ABC.com’s full-episode streaming player leverages emerging technologies and digital
platforms to allow viewers to screen episodes of ABC series online.
- 12 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING PICTURE EDITING FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING (SMALL
TEAM ENTRIES – PRIMARILY SINGLE-CAMERA PRODUCTIONS)
JENNIFER P. HONN, Editor THE HISTORY CHANNEL
Rome: Engineering An Empire
OUTSTANDING PICTURE EDITING FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING (LARGE
TEAM ENTRIES – PRIMARILY MULTI-CAMERA PRODUCTIONS)
MATT DEITRICH, Supervising Editor CBS
MICHAEL BOLANOWSKI, Editor
EVAN FINN, Editor
ERIC GOLDFARB, Editor
JULIAN GOMEZ, Editor
ANDY KOZAR, Editor
PAUL NIELSEN, Editor
The Amazing Race
Here Comes The Bedouin!
OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CAMERA PICTURE EDITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
LANCE LUCKEY, Editor NBC
My Name Is Earl
Ruined Joy’s Wedding
OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CAMERA PICTURE EDITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
DAVID LATHAM, Editor FOX
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
- 13 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING PICTURE EDITING FOR A SPECIAL (SINGLE OR MULTI
CAMERA)
MIKE POLITO, Editor
JOHN ZIMMER, Editor
CATHY SHIELDS, Editor
ANNY MEZA, Editor
CBS
The Kennedy Center Honors
OUTSTANDING SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS FOR A SERIES
BARRIE HEMSLEY, Visual Effects Producer
JAMES MADIGAN, Visual Effects Supervisor
JOE PAVLO, Visual Effects Supervisor
DUNCAN KINNAIRD, Lead Visual Effects Compositor
DAN PETTIPHER, CGI Supervisor
MICHELE SCIOLETTE, CGI Supervisor
CHARLES DARBY, Lead Matte Artist
CLARE HERBERT, Visual Effects Coordinator
ANNA PANTON, Visual Effects Coordinator
HBO
Rome
The Stolen Eagle
OUTSTANDING SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A
SPECIAL
MARC WEIGERT, Visual Effects Supervisor SCI FI CHANNEL
VOLKER ENGEL, Visual Effects Supervisor
INGO PUTZE, Lead Visual Effects Compositor
ROBIN GRAHAM, Visual Effects Compositing Technical Director
TODD SHERIDAN PERRY, Senior CG Technical Director
CONRAD MURREY, Lead CG Animator
SAM KHORSHID, CG Animator
PAUL GRAFF, Visual Effects Compositor
BEN GROSSMAN, Visual Effects Compositor
The Triangle
Part 1
- 14 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DIRECTION (ELECTRONIC, MULTI-CAMERA) FOR
VMC PROGRAMMING
OLIN YOUNGER, Lighting Designer
HARRY SANGMEISTER, Lighting Director
ABC
2005 American Music Awards
OUTSTANDING STUNT COORDINATION
JIMMY ROMANO, Stunt Coordinator NBC
E-Ring
Snatch and Grab
OUTSTANDING PROSTHETIC MAKEUP FOR A SERIES, MINISERIES, MOVIE OR
A SPECIAL (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one or, if none has a majority approval,
no award.)
MATTHEW W. MUNGLE, Department Head Prosthetic HBO
Design & Application
MICHELLE VITTONE-McNEIL, Prosthetic Makeup Artist
JOHN E. JACKSON, Prosthetic Makeup Artist
CLINTON WAYNE, Prosthetic Makeup Artist
Six Feet Under
Everyone’s Waiting
OUTSTANDING MAKEUP FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A SPECIAL (NONPROSTHETIC)
DANIEL PHILLIPS, Makeup Department Head PBS
Bleak House (Masterpiece Theatre)
- 15 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING MAKEUP FOR A SERIES (NON-PROSTHETIC)
BRIAN SIPE, Makeup Department Head FX
KEITH VANDERLAAN, Key Makeup Artist
WILL HUFF, Key Makeup Artist
Black.White.
Hour One
OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING FOR A SERIES
ALDO SIGNORETTI, Hair Designer HBO
FERDINANDO MEROLLA, Key Hairstylist
STEFANO CECCARELLI, Hairstylist
GAETANO PANICO, Hairstylist
Rome
Stealing From Saturn
OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A SPECIAL
FAE HAMMOND, Hairstyling Designer HBO
SU WESTWOOD, Hairstylist
Elizabeth I
Part 2
OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR A MULTI-CAMERA SERIES
CHRISTIAN LA FOUNTAINE, Director of Photography CBS
How I Met Your Mother
The Limo
- 16 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR A SINGLE-CAMERA SERIES
MICHAEL SLOVIS, Director of Photography CBS
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Gum Drops
OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
KIERAN McGUIGAN, Director of Photography PBS
Bleak House (Masterpiece Theatre)
Episode 1
OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING
SINGLE-CAMERA PRODUCTIONS
JON ALPERT, Director of Photography HBO
MATTHEW O’NEILL, Director of Photography
Baghdad ER
OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING
MULTI-CAMERA PRODUCTIONS
PER A. C. LARSSON, Director of Photography CBS
SYLVESTER CAMPE, Camera
TOM CUNNINGHAM, Camera
CHIP GOEBERT, Camera
URI SHARON, Camera
SCOTT SHELLEY, Camera
The Amazing Race
Here Comes The Bedouin!
- 17 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING
JON ALPERT, Director HBO
MATTHEW O’NEILL, Director
Baghdad ER
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING
PETER JONES, Writer TCM
Stardust: The Bette Davis Story
OUTSTANDING NONFICTION SPECIAL (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one
or, if none has a majority approval, no award.)
ROME: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE THE HISTORY CHANNEL
Dolores Gavin, Executive Producer
Vincent Kralyevich, Executive Producer
Bill Hunt, Executive Producer
Kristine Sabat, Executive Producer
Christopher Cassel, Producer
OUTSTANDING NONFICTION SERIES (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one or,
if none has a majority approval, no award.)
10 DAYS THAT UNEXPECTEDLY CHANGED THE HISTORY CHANNEL
AMERICA
Susan Werbe, Executive Producer
Joe Berlinger, Co-Executive Producer
Sidney Beaumont, Supervising Producer
Greg Schultz, Supervising Producer
- 18 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
EXCEPTIONAL MERIT IN NONFICTION FILMMAKING (Juried award: Possibility of
one, more than one or no award.)
BAGHDAD ER HBO
Jon Alpert, Producer
Matthew O’Neill, Producer
Joseph Feury, Producer
Sheila Nevins, Executive Producer
* * * * *
TWO DAYS IN OCTOBER (AMERICAN EXPERIENCE) PBS
Robert Kenner, Producer
Mark Samels, Executive Producer
Nick Fraser, Executive Producer
Sharon Grimberg, Series Producer
OUTSTANDING ANIMATED PROGRAM (FOR PROGRAMMING ONE HOUR OR
MORE) (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one or, if none has a majority approval, no
award.)
BEFORE THE DINOSAURS DISCOVERY CHANNEL
Adam Kemp, Executive Producer
Tim Haines, Executive Producer
Gaynelle Evans, Executive Producer
Fiona Walkinshaw, Executive Producer of Computer Animation
William Sargent, Executive Producer of Computer Animation
Chloe Leland, Producer/Director
Greg Smith, Producer
Michael Olmert, Writer
Mike Milne, Director of Computer Animation
- 19 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING ANIMATED PROGRAM (FOR PROGRAMMING LESS THAN ONE
HOUR)
THE SIMPSONS FOX
The Seemingly Neverending Story
James L. Brooks, Executive Producer
Matt Groening, Executive Producer
Al Jean, Executive Producer
Matt Selman, Executive Producer
Carolyn Omine, Executive Producer
Tim Long, Executive Producer
John Frink, Co-Executive Producer
Don Payne, Co-Executive Producer
Dana Gould, Co-Executive Producer
Kevin Curran, Co-Executive Producer
J. Stewart Burns, Co-Executive Producer
Michael Price, Co-Executive Producer
Bill Odenkirk, Co-Executive Producer/Writer
Joel H. Cohen, Co-Executive Producer/Writer
Laurie Biernacki, Animation Producer
Rick Polizzi, Animation Producer
Ian Maxtone-Graham, Writer
David Silverman, Supervising Director
Raymond Persi, Director
Shannon O’Connor, Assistant Director
Richard Gasparian, Animation Timer
OUTSTANDING VOICE-OVER PERFORMANCE (Juried award: Possibility of one, more
than one or no award.) This is a juried award determined by a panel of judges from the
Animation and Performer peer groups. Recommendation(s) from the jury are brought to the
Board of Governors for ratification. This award was previously announced.
KELSEY GRAMMER as Sideshow Bob FOX
The Simpsons
The Italian Bob
- 20 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN ANIMATION (Juried award:
Possibility of one, more than one or no award.) This is a juried award determined by a panel of
judges from the Animation peer group. Recommendation(s) from the jury are brought to the
Board of Governors for ratification. This award was previously announced.
JAREK SZYSZKO, Animator HBO
Classical Baby 2
The Hippo Dance
* * * * *
SARAH E. MEYER, Animator CARTOON NETWORK
Robot Chicken
Easter Basket
* * * * *
FREDERICK GARDNER, Background Key Designer CARTOON NETWORK
The Life and Times of Juniper Lee
Adventures in Babysitting
* * * * *
BRYAN ARNETT, Character Designer NICKELODEON
Escape From Cluster Prime
* * * * *
SHANNON TINDLE, Character Designer CARTOON NETWORK
Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends
Go Goo Go
* * * * *
MIKE DIEDERICH, Storyboard Artist CARTOON NETWORK
The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy
- 21 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING COMMERCIAL
STICK - FEDEX
Partizan, Production Company
BBDO New York, Ad Agency
* * * *
REQUIRED READING – HALLMARK
The Institute for the Development of Enhanced Perceptual Awareness, Production Company
Leo Burnett Chicago, Ad Agency
OUTSTANDING SPECIAL CLASS PROGRAM (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than
one or, if none has a majority approval, no award.)
DANCE IN AMERICA: SWAN LAKE WITH PBS
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE (GREAT PERFORMANCES)
Judy Kinberg, Producer
OUTSTANDING REALITY PROGRAM
EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION ABC
Tom Forman, Executive Producer
Denise Cramsey, Co-Executive Producer
Mike Maloy, Co-Executive Producer
Conrad Ricketts, Senior Producer
Andrew Lipson, Producer
Charisse Simonian, Producer
Courtney MacGregor, Producer
Matt Fisher, Producer
Ty Pennington, Host
OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
PATRICIA CLARKSON as Aunt Sarah HBO
Six Feet Under
- 22 -
ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES
58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
PROGRAMS WITH MULTIPLE AWARDS
Elizabeth I 5
Baghdad ER 4
Rome 4
78th Annual Academy Awards 3
24 2
Bleakhouse (Masterpiece Theatre) 2
Boston Legal 2
Dancing With The Stars 2
High School Musical 2
How I Met Your Mother 2
Into The West 2
MADtv 2
My Name Is Earl 2
Rome: Engineering An Empire 2
Six Feet Under 2
The Amazing Race 2
The Simpsons 2
The XX Olympics Winter Games – Opening Ceremony 2
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