Warner Brothers News
Feb 19
Warner Bros. Pictures and 4Kids Entertainment Kick Off a Month of Turtle Mania With Promotional Support for the Theatrical Release of TMNT
McDonald's, Airheads, Hot Topic and Other Leading Retailers Join List of Partners for Highly Anticipated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Movie
4Kids on FOX, Home of Animated Turtles TV Series 'Fast Forward', Will Air Special 'Lost' Turtles Episode March 24
-- In anticipation of the March 23 release of the all-new CGI action adventure TMNT, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:KDE) and Warner Bros. Pictures have announced promotional and merchandising partners for the movie, based on the world-renowned Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.
McDonald's, Airheads, Hot Topic and other retailers, including Wal-Mart, Kmart and Toys "R" Us will put promotional muscle behind the new movie starring the heroes in a half shell.
"The impressive lineup of promotional partners supporting TMNT reflects the quality of the movie," said Alfred R. Kahn, chairman and CEO of 4Kids Entertainment, which is the licensing agent for the Turtles franchise. "This is a movie for everybody -- from today's kids to adults who were fans of the original television series almost 20 years ago."
Support for the movie runs throughout March, including the following promotions:
-- McDonald's -- Kids can collect one of eight TMNT premiums with the purchase of a Happy Meal. The promotion is supported by television, radio and digital advertising. -- Airheads -- For a limited time, a special lime green-flavored Airhead will be inserted into 12 million packs of the candy. Each package will also include a TMNT "tongue-tickling" tattoo. The promotion is supported by TV advertising. -- Time Warner Cable (TWC) will air TV spots across TWC stations promoting a TMNT sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to Warner Bros. Studios and secondary prizes. TMNT clips and footage will also be available On Demand to TWC subscribers. Additionally, TWC will hold advanced screening programs in three markets, as well as mall events in Dallas and Los Angeles, all of which will include TMNT Ubisoft video games and Time Warner Cable prize giveaways. -- Cool Cuts 4 Kids -- The salon chain for kids will offer TMNT coloring books, card games and other fun items to customers, who will also have a chance to enter in a sweepstakes where the winning Cool Cuts family will be treated to a private screening of TMNT. They will also distribute advanced TMNT screening passes to customers in the Dallas market. -- Kmart -- Customers who make a $10 minimum purchase of TMNT movie toys from Playmates, including action figures and role play items, will receive an exclusive pack of four collectible TMNT Movie Trading Cards while supplies last. -- Hot Topic -- Home of a national TMNT sweepstakes where the Grand Prize is a VIP Fly-Away trip for two to Hollywood that includes a tour of Warner Bros. Studios and a TMNT movie screening. -- Wal-Mart -- 1,000 top Wal-Mart stores will give away movie posters while supplies last to every customer making a TMNT movie toy purchase. -- Toys "R" Us -- With a $20 minimum purchase of Playmates TMNT movie toys, including action figures and role play items, customers will receive a $5 TMNT movie-branded Toys "R" Us gift card while supplies last. A special TMNT movie feature shop will be erected in the Times Square store in New York City.
4Kids has also signed on 35 licensees to support TMNT, with products ranging from action playsets and vehicles (Playmates) to videogames (Ubisoft) to an exclusive line of retro and movie apparel at Hot Topic.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were created in 1984 by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman, and made their television debut in 1987. The latest incarnation of the TV series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fast Forward, is a top-rated show on 4Kids TV on FOX on Saturday mornings. Set in the year 2105, Fast Forward takes the Turtles on futuristic adventures filled with comedy, action ... and aliens.
Starting March 3, 4Kids TV on FOX will host weekly promotions including the First Annual NinjAcademy Awards where kids can vote for the Best Turtle, Best Villain, Best Invention, Best Monster, and more, online. As voting results come in, episodes that feature each winner will air. In addition, a special "lost episode" will air on March 24 as well as new episodes of Fast Forward throughout the month. TMNT videogame partner Ubisoft will also sponsor weekly videogame tips.
About TMNT
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles return to the big screen as never before in an all-new CGI action adventure, written and directed by Kevin Munroe.
After the defeat of their old arch nemesis, The Shredder, the Turtles have grown apart as a family. Struggling to keep them together, their rat sensei, Master Splinter (Mako), becomes worried when strange things begin to brew in New York City. Tech-industrialist Max Winters (Patrick Stewart) is raising up an army of ancient monsters, and only one super-ninja fighting team can stop them -- those heroes in a half shell-Leonardo (James Arnold Taylor), Michelangelo (Mikey Kelley), Donatello (Mitchell Whitfield) and Raphael (Nolan North)! With the help of old allies April O'Neil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Casey Jones (Chris Evans), the Turtles are in for the fight of their lives as they once again must face the mysterious Foot Clan, who have put their own ninja skills behind Winters' endeavors.
Making this new incarnation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles truly cutting-edge, the film was created entirely with state-of-the-art CG animation, giving them a completely new look for the 21st century.
Warner Bros. Pictures and The Weinstein Company present an Imagi Animation Studios Production, TMNT, featuring the voices of Chris Evans, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mako, Kevin Smith, Patrick Stewart, Ziyi Zhang, and narrated by Laurence Fishburne. The film is produced by Thomas K. Gray, Galen Walker and Paul Wang. The executive producers are Francis Kao, Peter Laird, Gary Richardson and Frederick U. Fierst, with Felix Ip serving as co-producer. The music is by Klaus Badelt.
TMNT opens nationwide on March 23. 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; and Web site development. For further information, please visit the Company's Web sites at http://www.4kidsentertainment.com/ and http://www.4kids.tv/.
Source: 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.
Web site: http://www.4kids.tv/
Feb 9
LOT 29 AND WARNER BROS. TEAM UP TO INTRODUCE A COLLECTION OF NOVELTY APPAREL TO DEBUT FALL 2007
Fort Lee, NJ, February 9, 2007—WHAM!¦KAPOW!...Get ready for a new force in streetwear. The multi-million dollar Wicked Fashions, Inc. announces a licensing arrangement between its LOT 29 division and Warner Bros. owned, DC Comics. The partnership rolls out with a unique line of sportswear for young men and juniors, featuring the Batman villain, Penguin.
Retro meets urban as LOT 29s adaptation of the character comes to life in bold color, while leaving the good guys behind in a sea of black. Korean lettering spells out Kapow! and adds a punch while juxtaposed next to the Penguin caricature throughout the collection. Adding a funky approach to this cutting-edge clothing line, Penguin represents the new wave of fashion in urban sportswear.
"DC Comics, by L29, will target the more advanced streetwear customer and retailer, appealing to their 'cool factor.The styling and design is plugged into what is happening with the young men's and juniors market, said Burt Damsky, V.P. of Sales for LOT 29. This product will be about individuality and exclusivity for the customer.
LOT 29s urban attitude has transformed into a nostalgic play on the irreverent villain, the Penguin, inspiring a new trend in streetwear. David Strumeier, V.P. of Marketing, Licensing and New Product Development at Southpole notes, The partnership between DC Comics and LOT 29 will create a unique offering for selective retailers and trend conscious consumers.
Just as Penguins persona, LOT 29 will takeover MAGIC and steal the show next week, showcasing at booth number 30057 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Be sure to stop by as the mayhem and madness of the Penguin party begins.
Feb 6
Ashley Tisdale Releases Debut Album, "Headstrong," February 6, 2007, on Warner Bros. Records
"High School Musical" Star Teams Up With Hit-Makers J.R. Rotem, The Matrix, and Kara DioGuardi to Deliver Upbeat Urban-Flavored Pop; First Single -- "He Said, She Said" -- Hits Top 40 Radio This MonthSinger-actress Ashley Tisdale, star of the top-rated TV movie "High School Musical," will release her debut album, "Headstrong," on Warner Bros. Records today, February 6, 2007. An album which Entertainment Weekly calls "fierce and radio-ready," the 14-track CD showcases this multi-talented artist's independent streak, and will entertain her legions of loyal fans with its upbeat pop/rhythmic groove sound.
Tisdale is celebrating the release of her album with a performance on "Good Morning America" today, February 6th, along with a performance tomorrow on "Live With Regis and Kelly" and an appearance on "TRL," February 7th.
Tisdale turned to a host of top-notch songwriters and producers to give her natural pop exuberance an urban edge, including Jonathan "J.R." Rotem (Britney Spears, Rihanna) and Evan "Kidd" Bogart (Rihanna), who co-wrote "Headstrong's" first single, the sassy "He Said, She Said." Noted hit-maker trio, The Matrix (Britney Spears, Hilary Duff) co-wrote and produced several songs, including the title track, Tisdale's 'independence anthem' "Headstrong," and the indelible, rhythmic "So Much For You." Other collaborators include Guy Roche and Shelly Peiken (Christina Aguilera) on the buoyant "Positivity" and the orchestrated ballad "Unlove You"; up-and-coming Swedish production team Twin on the playful "Going Crazy" and the dancefloor-friendly "Be Good To Me," which was co-written by Kara DioGuardi (Gwen Stefani, Ashlee Simpson); legendary songwriter Diane Warren on the mid-tempo "Love Me For Me"; and Tisdale's "Kiss the Girl" producer Mark Hammond, who produced the tender love song "We'll Be Together," written by Peiken.
With co-writer credits on three tracks, Tisdale was determined to record songs that touched her personally and that contained lyrics she could identify with. As a result, "Headstrong" is an appealing portrait of a talented, young artist blazing her own trail, and letting her devoted, pre-teen and teenaged fans discover her versatility and multi-faceted personality.
Tisdale recently completed a nationwide 42-city concert tour with her "High School Musical" co-stars in which she performed songs from the movie's triple-platinum-selling soundtrack as well as three tracks from "Headstrong" each night. She has earned enormous popularity from "High School Musical," which premiered in January 2006 and was the highest-rated telecast in Disney Channel history. Tisdale scored a coup when she became the first female artist to ever debut with two songs simultaneously on Billboard's Hot 100 chart
Feb 5
Digital Version of Ashley Tisdale's Debut Album "Headstrong" -- Featuring Instrumental Versions of Two Songs -- Available on iTunes February 6thFans Can Create Unique Video Content to Upload on YouTube and Win a Chance to Meet AshleyBURBANK, CA -- February 05, 2007 -- Warner Bros. Records is excited to announce a ground-breaking agreement with iTunes and YouTube to promote singer-actress Ashley Tisdale's debut album "Headstrong," due in stores on February 6th, 2007.
The same day, the label will release a special edition of the album on iTunes, which will include instrumental versions of two singles -- "He Said, She Said" and "Be Good To Me." Fans will be able to download the tracks and create their own content, such as karaoke videos, and upload it to Ashley's official YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/ashleytisdale). The creator of Ashley's favorite video will win a trip to meet her in person. The winner's video will also be included in Ashley's final iTunes podcast, which will be made available for download from iTunes in the spring.
Warner Bros. Records' release of a digitally interactive version of "Headstrong" is notable because it is the first time the label has tailored a music product specifically to the consumer's already-formed video-sharing habits and launched a digital configuration that, from its outset, encourages that behavior, says Jeremy Welt, Vice President of New Media for Warner Bros. Records.
"Music consumers are coming up with new ways to interact with and enjoy their favorite artists' music every day," Welt says. "The fact that Ashley is embracing their behavior -- by releasing a digital album, encouraging fans to download it from iTunes, engage with the tracks, and put content up on YouTube -- is a breakthrough. Ashley already has a major presence on iTunes and YouTube, so we felt that linking those sites to the digital version of 'Headstrong' from the beginning was a smart way to go."
To direct users to the contest, Warner Bros. Records' New Media department has created a webpage to serve as a link between Ashley's iTunes page and her official YouTube Channel. Please visit www.ashleymusic.com/create for full details about the album and the contest.
Feb 1
"CRYSTAL VISIONS... THE VERY BEST OF STEVIE NICKS" CD/DVD Package Scheduled for March 27
Nicks to Perform at Super Bowl Pre-Game on CBS This Sunday
BURBANK, CA February 01, 2007 -- Stevie Nicks, one of the most successful female artists in rock history and the embodiment of the transcendent power of music, is scheduled to release "REFLECTIONS - THE VERY BEST OF STEVIE NICKS" on March 27th; it was announced today by her label, Reprise Records. "REFLECTIONS" is an extraordinary collection of songs from the multi-platinum, multi-Grammy Award winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee's stunning three decade career as a solo artist and member of the legendary Fleetwood Mac.
"REFLECTIONS -THE VERY BEST OF STEVIE NICKS" opens with the original mastered studio version of "Edge of Seventeen" and closes with a live performance of the song recorded last summer with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. In between are Nicks' classics including "Stand Back," "Leather and Lace" and "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" with Tom Petty. The CD also has a live version of "Landslide" (also recorded with the Melbourne Symphony), "Rhiannon" and a knock-out version of Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll." Other standouts are a haunting version of "Sorcerer" sung with Sheryl Crow which was originally on Nicks' "TROUBLE IN SHANGRI-LA" CD, the Deep Dish dance remix of "Dreams" and "Silver Springs" from the original master of "RUMOURS" -- a cult favorite which appeared only as a b-side to "Go Your Own Way."
The DVD component of "REFLECTIONS" offers 13 Stevie videos with voice-over commentary by Nicks as well as an audio interview by journalist David Wild. Also included on the DVD is a never before seen Stevie Nicks home video which was filmed during the making of the five-times platinum "BELLA DONNA" album. The accompanying booklet will have original Stevie Nicks art work as well as photographs and personal pictures hand-picked by the artist representing a cross section of iconic pictures spanning her entire career.
Stevie Nicks is scheduled to perform this weekend (Feb. 4) at the Super Bowl pre-show in Miami this Sunday airing on CBS and is headed back to the famous Collosseum at Caesars Palace for a return engagement of her specially conceived critically acclaimed show on March 20, 21, 23 and 24.
This Spring, Nicks will embark on a national concert tour with Chris Isaak. Dates for the tour will be announced shortly.
Jan 30
Singer Michael Bublé Clarifies Grammy Awards Statements
January 30, 2007 -- Canadian singing sensation Michael Bublé was recently quoted in an interview criticizing the upcoming Grammy Awards telecast. The Vancouver native, who has had the No. 1 traditional Jazz album on the Billboard charts for a record-smashing 78 weeks, released the following statement through his recording label Reprise Records:
"I'm extremely honored to have been nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Jazz category. I did indeed make my feelings known that the category should be broadcast live during the award ceremony. This category honors the interpreters of some of the greatest songs ever written. There are millions of people like me who love and respect this music.
I jokingly said that Tony Bennett is going to win anyway so why should I go? This is not sour grapes. I worship, love and respect Tony Bennett. He is my idol. I voted for him and he deserves to win.
I mean no offense to the Grammy Awards, the Grammy nominees or the NARAS organization."
Jan 29
Warner Music Group Completes Acquisition of Roadrunner Music Group
Warner Music Group Corp. (NYSE: WMG) today announced the completion of its acquisition of 73.5 percent of Amsterdam-based Roadrunner Music Group B.V., which includes Roadrunner Records, one of the leading hard rock and heavy metal labels.
The Roadrunner acquisition was originally announced on December 18, 2006. The transaction was subject to regulatory approval in Germany, which has now been obtained.
Roadrunner will operate as a freestanding label group within WMG's Atlantic Records Group. Roadrunner Managing Director, Cees Wessels, continues to run the company he founded.
About Roadrunner Music Group
Initially founded in the Netherlands in 1980, Roadrunner Records has earned its place as one of the most prominent international independent record labels. The Roadrunner catalog boasts early releases from such seminal artists as King Diamond, Type O Negative, Sepultura and Annihilator. More recently, the label has experienced unprecedented success with multi-platinum artists Nickelback and Slipknot, Gold-certified Stone Sour and Killswitch Engage, as well as modern heavy hitters Black Label Society, Trivium and Machine Head. Though primarily known as a metal and hard rock label, Roadrunner's roster also includes acts such as The Dresden Dolls and newcomers Madina Lake. Still headquartered in the Netherlands, Roadrunner occupies offices in New York, now the A&R hub for the label, as well as the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Japan and Australia. For more information about Roadrunner, visit: www.roadrunnerrecords.com
About Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group became the only stand-alone music company to be publicly traded in the United States in May 2005. With its broad roster of new stars and legendary artists, Warner Music Group is home to a collection of the best-known record labels in the music industry including Asylum, Atlantic, Bad Boy, Cordless, East West, Elektra, Lava, Maverick, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Rykodisc, Sire, Warner Bros. and Word. Warner Music International, a leading company in national and international repertoire, operates through numerous international affiliates and licensees in more than 50 countries. Warner Music Group also includes Warner/Chappell Music, one of the world's leading music publishers.
Jan 26
Massive TV Exposure Drives Warner Bros. Records to Release New Robert Randolph & The Family Band Single "Ain't Nothing Wrong With That"
AT&T, NBC and "Stomp the Yard" All Feature New Single
January 26, 2007 -- You may not know it, but you've probably already heard Robert Randolph & The Family Band's new single, "Ain't Nothing Wrong With That." Even before its official release to radio on January 22nd, the joyous funk-stomper was already ubiquitous, having been used for the last 14 weeks in promos for NBC's comedy block of programming, as well as in the closing title credits for the number one box-office movie "Stomp the Yard." And that's not all: The song is also being featured extensively in nationwide ads for Wireless by AT&T (formerly Cingular), which began airing on January 21st during the New Orleans Saints / Chicago Bears NFC Championship Game.
The single, released to radio on January 22nd, is perfectly timed to capitalize on all of the recent television exposure. The track's dynamic performance video was shot mid-January in Los Angeles, CA and was directed by Noble Jones, known for his work with the Goo Goo Dolls and Donell Jones. The new video will hit video channels soon.
Grammy-nominated Randolph, a critically heralded pedal steel guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and The Family Band (cousins Danyel Morgan on bass and Marcus Randolph on drums along with keyboard player Jason Crosby) have been on tour in the U.S. since last summer first with The Black Crowes, then with Dave Matthews Band before launching a headlining tour last fall. Robert Randolph & The Family Band performed this week at the NHL All-Star Game in Dallas, Texas, broadcast on the VS Network. New tour dates run from February through March 2007 (see below).
Thurs, 2/15 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre Fri, 2/16 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory Sat, 2/17 Durham, NC North Carolina Theater Sun, 2/18 Charleston, SC SC Music Farm Mon, 2/19 Mobile, AL Soul Kitchen Wed, 2/21 Starkville, MS Rick's Cafe Thurs, 2/22 Tuscaloosa, AL Jupiter Bar & Grill Fri, 2/23 Birmingham, AL Workplay Sat, 2/24 New Orleans, LA Tipitina's Wed, 2/28 Little Rock, AR The Village Thurs, 3/1 Tulsa, OK Cain's Ballroom Fri, 3/2 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theatre Sat, 3/3 Boulder, CO Fox Theater Sun, 3/4 Boulder, CO Fox Theater Mon, 3/5 Boise, ID The Big Easy Wed, 3/7 Seattle, WA The Moore Theatre Thurs, 3/8 Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom Fri, 3/9 San Francisco, CA Warfield Sat, 3/10 San Diego, CA House of Blues
Jan 24
The Goo Goo Dolls Set to Release CD/DVD Version of "Let Love In"
More Worldwide Touring Ahead
-- One of the great rock & roll bands of our generation, THE GOO GOO DOLLS, return to the road next month in support of their Gold-certified album, LET LOVE IN. The band's eighth studio album, produced by Glen Ballard and the band, has already spawned four hit singles to date, including the current single and title track, "Let Love In." As reported in December, The Goo Goo Dolls now hold the record for "Most Top 10 Hits at Hot AC Radio in History," with twelve consecutive tracks at that format.
Due to demand from fans for more, an expanded edition will be released February 27, 2007. The revised edition will now add a DVD component containing live performances, music videos and a pair of acoustic versions of tracks from LET LOVE IN.
The DVD titled LIVE AND INTIMATE will be comprised of an exclusive live in-studio performance of fourteen songs filmed and recorded March 27, 2006 at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California. The set list includes: "Stay With You," "Let Love In," "Feel The Silence," "Better Days," "Without You Here," "Listen," "Can't Let It Go," "We'll Be Here (When You're Gone)," "Strange Love," "Black Balloon," "Iris," "Become," "Broadway," and "Here Is Gone." Music videos include clips for "Better Days," "Stay With You," and "Let Love In." Two bonus audio tracks recorded specially for this release include acoustic versions of "Better Days," and "We'll Be Here (When You're Gone)."
LET LOVE IN SPECIAL EDITION will also be available as a digital music download at all participating digital retailers as will the deluxe CD + DVD package. Album artwork will be slightly altered as well to reflect the Special Edition. Suggested retail price for the package will be $24.98.
In-between tours, the band has been busy building their own fully functional recording studio in their hometown of Buffalo, New York. Always looking for a way to invest in their local community and remain loyal to their native roots, Goo's singer-songwriter Johnny Rzeznik recently told Billboard Magazine, "It's completely a not-for-profit thing for friends and family and some local talent that we want to help out."
Speaking of helping out, The Goo Goo Dolls will once again bring USA Harvest out on the road to collect and distribute canned food/goods for families in need in each market along the tour. Containers for food collection can be found near the entrance of the venue each night. Confirmed tour dates are listed below. Following the spring U.S. tour, the band will return to the UK for another tour and then follow with yet more American dates through the summer. Augustana will be the supporting act on all dates listed below:
Sat Feb-3 Wilkes Barre, PA Kirby Center for the Performing Arts Mon Feb-5 Washington, DC 9:30 Club Tues Feb-6 Washington, DC 9:30 Club Wed Feb-7 Norfolk, VA Constant Convocation Center Fri Feb-9 Louisville, KY Palace Theatre Sat Feb-10 Chattanooga, TN Memorial Auditorium Sun Feb-11 Little Rock, AR Robinson Center Auditorium Tues Feb-13 San Antonio, TX Majestic Theatre Wed Feb-14 El Paso, TX Plaza Theater Fri Feb-16 Pala, CA Pala Casino - Starlight Theater Mon Feb-19 Colorado Springs, CO Pikes Peak Center Tues Feb-20 Casper, WY Casper Events Center Wed Feb-21 Rapid City, SD Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena Sat Feb-24 Omaha, NE Orpheum Theatre Sun Feb-25 Duluth, MN DECC Auditorium Tues Feb-27 Madison, WI Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Wed Feb-28 Green Bay, WI Shopko Hall Fri March-2 Dekalb, IL Northern Illinois University Sat March-3 Moline, IL The Mark of the Quad Cities Sun March-4 Charleston, IL Eastern Illinois University Tues March-6 Detroit, MI State Theater Wed March-7 Detroit, MI State Theater Fri March-9 Joliet, IL Rialto Square Theatre Sat March-10 South Bend, IN Morris Performing Arts Center Sun March-11 Saginaw, MI Dow Event Center Tues March-13 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre Wed March-14 Fort Wayne, IN Embassy Theatre Fri March-16 Columbus, OH Lifestyle Communities Pavilion Sat March-17 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre Mon March-19 Binghamton, NY Broome County Arena Tues March-20 Olean, NY Reilly Center Arena Fri March-23 Trumbull, CT Pitt Center Sat March-31 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern Sun April-1 Reno, NV The Grand Theatre
Raygun and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Pay Tribute
Raygun Creates a Spellbinding Spot for TCM Remembers 2006
Jan. 24, 2007 Raygun, a creative production studio, produces TCM Remembers 2006, an on-air obituary paying homage to the cinematic greats that passed away in 2006. The four-minute spot began airing nationally on December 18, 2006 and will run through the end of 2007.
The concept is a Dance for the Dead. The piece features the luminous image of a lone woman dancing through an empty mansion. As she explores different rooms, she explores the ritualistic themes of mortality and death like covering mirrors and stopping clocks. Her hypnotic movements subtly transition to film clips featuring the departed. Red roses symbolize the passing of souls - such as Glenn Ford, Jack Palance, Maureen Stapleton and Robert Altman that left us in 2006.
"We wanted a piece that was respectful without being cliche," said TCM Vice President of On-Air Promotion, Chris Merrifield. "I wanted to use the song "Press On" by Robinella and left the rest up to Raygun," said Merrifield. "When I heard the song Chris sent it felt haunting and hopeful. That was my inspiration," said Eric De Fino, owner of Raygun, who directed, filmed, and edited the spot. "The piece was very personal for us," said Tim Reilly, TCM Supervising Producer. "There was a lot of thought put into the clips we chose and how it was edited, and I think that shows."
The one day shoot took place in a 17,500 square foot mansion in Alpharetta, Georgia. Most of the piece was shot by Eric De Fino on DV with a Steadicam. Erin Weller, a local actor, model and dancer plays the ethereal beauty with delicate grace.
Project Credits:
Director, DP, Editor, Steadicam Operator: Eric De Fino, Raygun
Vice President On-Air Promotions: Chris Merrifield, TCM
Supervising Producer: Tim Reilly, TCM
Producer: Christian Hammann, TCM
Second Unit DP: John Malone, TCM
Wardrobe: Patton White
On-Air Talent: Erin Weller, Actor, Dancer
On-Air Talent: Blake Dalton, Actor, Dancer
Technologies used: Panasonic HVX and DVX, Steadicam, Avid Media Composer, After Effects
About Raygun:
Raygun, a creative production studio, fills the need for fresh artistic content by pushing the limits of design, editorial, visual effects, and sound design. Raygun's commitment to high-end, high concept visual media is showcased through the development, production, and delivery of unique material for the entertainment industry. The studio offers creative, design, editorial, cinematography, visual effects, and sound design services, as well as developing original concepts, entertainment brands, and content for ownership and distribution. Raygun has created and produced award-winning content and promotions for international cable networks including Turner Classic Movies (TCM), Home Box Office (HBO), and Discovery Communications. For more information, visit http://www.raygun.com.
About Turner Classic Movies:
Turner Classic Movies, currently seen in more than 75 million homes, is a 24-hour cable network from Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a TimeWarner company. TCM presents the greatest motion pictures of all time from the largest film library in the world, the combined TimeWarner and Turner film libraries, from the '20s through the '90s, commercial-free and without interruption. The network also offers critically acclaimed original documentaries and specials, including the recent Emmy-winning Stardust: The Bette Davis Story and Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool. On the slate for 2007 are such original productions as Private Screenings: Jane Fonda, Brando and Spielberg on Spielberg, among others. Please visit tcm.com for more information.
Jan 21
MUSE Announce Two California Shows for April
Tickets on Sale This Saturday!
-- Universal Superstars MUSE have confirmed a pair of shows in California supporting their new album, "Black Holes And Revelations":
Monday, April 9 Bill Graham Civic Auditorium San Francisco, CA
Tuesday, April 10 The Forum Los Angeles, CA
Tickets will go on sale this Saturday, January 20 at noon PST. Please check local newspapers for details. These will be the band's biggest domestic headline shows to date.
At home MUSE have just sold out Wembley Stadium, London's largest outdoor venue. 75,000 tickets were sold out in less than 35 minutes. Due to overwhelming demand, a second night has been added. Both June 16 and 17, 2007 shows have now completely sold out in record time. MUSE are currently headlining the Big Day Out Festival in Australia and New Zealand. Additional U.S. tour dates to be confirmed and announced shortly.
MUSE:
Matt Bellamy (vocals/guitars)
Chris Wolstenholme (bass)
Dom Howard (drums)
Warner Bros. Records to Release "300" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on March 6thSoundtrack to Epic Film Features Score Composed by Noted Writer/Producer Tyler Bates
The "300" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack -- the innovative score to the upcoming feature film "300" -- will be released by Warner Bros. Records on March 6th, three days before the movie, also distributed by Warner Bros., opens nationwide. The film, which stars Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, and Rodrigo Santoro, is based on the acclaimed graphic novel by beloved comic book writer and artist Frank Miller.
The film's score was written and produced by Tyler Bates, a composer best known for his work on the zombie horror films "The Devil's Rejects" (directed by Rob Zombie) and 2004's "Dawn of the Dead," directed by Zack Snyder, who also wrote and directed "300."
For the film, which recounts the epic Battle of Thermopylae that pitted 300 Greeks against the massive Persian Army in 480 BC, Snyder asked Bates to develop a compelling overall sound that would heighten the audience's emotional reaction to the Spartans' heroism and sacrifice. To do that, Bates created a sweeping orchestral and choral soundscape, recorded at the Beatles' famed Abbey Road Studios, that embraced a tonal palette unusual for studio films. Iranian-born singer Azam Ali -- whose haunting, exotic vocals have also graced various television and film soundtracks, including, most recently, "The Nativity Story" -- supplies the voice of Sparta and the Persian threat.
"My intent was to stay true to the inspiration of the film and that of the Spartans' freedom and will," Bates says. "The greatest challenge was to bead a musical thread throughout the film's ever-changing landscape of visual art, while sustaining its epic and emotional qualities. I had to approach it in a style as inventive as the film itself."
Snyder has nothing but praise for Tyler's score. "It moves the film into mythology," he says, "cauterizing the images as you view them, making them something they could never be alone."
In addition to the 25-track CD, Warner Bros. Records will release a special edition deluxe-version Digipak, which includes a 16-page booklet as well as three two-sided trading cards.
