Not-So-Daily Link of the Day: Fintecs, a Tokyo-based firm that has been making manuals for other companies since 1987, launched its new manga manual service on September 28. Instead of a traditional manual with text and diagrams, FINTECS offers to draft an "easy-to-understand" manga with its new "Manga de Tsukuru Manual" service. It also offers to turn pamphlets, catalogs, flyers, websites, and sales and promotional materials into either story-telling manga or four-panel manga.
With over 200 contracted manga creators, the company says it can delivery a 24-page monochrome manga in any desired art style in about 30 days. (Color is optional.) The company has a five-step pipeline that begins with hearing the client's goals and creating the story and characters. Then the company takes care of the actual drawing of the manga, coloring or other finishing touches, and delivering the completed work.
On Thursday, a different company called KaBa Net launched its "Manga no Shimbun" website in which it reports on daily news by drawing new pages of manga every day.
2009年10月18日星期日
2009年10月14日星期三
Summer Wars, Life-Size Gundam Statue Win Awards
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-10-14/summer-wars-life-size-gundam-statue-win-awards
Mamoru Hosoda's Summer Wars anime feature has won the highest award within the Anima't section at this year's Sitges film festival, which critics consider to be the most prestigious festival in the world for fantasy cinema. It has been three years since a Japanese work won the Spanish festival's highest animation award; not coincidentally, Hosoda also won the Gertie for The Girl Who Leapt Through Time in 2006. "Le Petit Dragon" by French director Bruno Collet won this year's Gertie in the animated short category, while "Panique au village" by fellow French directors Stéphane Aubier and Vincent Patar won the children's animation category.
The festival also screened the world premiere of Kazuyoshi Katayama's anime film adaptation of Yuji Iwahara's King of Thorn manga. Mizuho Nishikubo's Musashi: The Dream of the Last Samurai and Takashi Miike's live-action Yatterman film competed in the Sitges Film Festival's Official Fantastic Film Competition. Along with Summer Wars, the Official Fantastic Panorama Section featured Miike's live-action Crows Zero II film. Yukihiko Tsutsumi's second and third live-action 20th Century Boys films joined Kazuaki Kiriya's live-action Goemon in the Orient Express-Casa Asia program.
My Neighbor Totoro, Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror, and Yona Yona Penguin were part of the Anima't Nens section. Besides the King of Thorn film, the festival's Anima't program screened Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (Evangelion Shin Gekijōban: Ha), First Squad - The Moment Of Truth, and Genius Party Beyond. The live-action films Tetsuo: The Bulletman, Samurai Princess, Vampire Girl Vs. Frankenstein Girl, and Yamagata Scream completed the lineup of films from Japan.
In a separate development, Green Tokyo Gundam Project's 18-meter-tall (59-feet-tall), "life-size" Gundam statue won one of this year's Best 15 Good Design Awards in Tokyo on October 1. The robot statue stood at Tokyo Bay's artificial Odaiba island this past summer. The judges from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization praised the project for bringing an element from the virtual world of anime into reality and noted that it "moved the hearts of 4.15 million people." Most of the winners are on display at the Good Design Exhibition 2009 in Tokyo — although a 1/30 scale mockup substituted for the already disassembled Gundam statue.
This year's other Good Design Award winners include the Panasonic EP-MS40 massage chair, the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius hybrid cars, Toto's Restroom Item 01 public toilet, and two flat-screen televisions from Samsung and Sony.
Summer Wars and the life-size Gundam statue also won awards this year's Digital Content Awards.
News Corp., Libery Media Show Interest in NBC Universal
www.awn.com
Comcast might have a fight on its hands. News Corp. and Liberty Media are both interested in a deal with NBC Universal even while Comcast tries get its own deal locked down, according to The Hollywood Reporter, citing a report by CNBC.
Comcast is reportedly in talks with General Electric, the parent of NBC Universal, to buy a controlling stake in the broadcast, cable and movie company, but other suitors could stymie those plans.
News Corp. would almost certainly face antitrust concerns since it already owns the Fox TV network and The Wall Street Journal and Liberty Media might be interested in taking a minority stake as it has done with other big media companies of late.
Comcast might have a fight on its hands. News Corp. and Liberty Media are both interested in a deal with NBC Universal even while Comcast tries get its own deal locked down, according to The Hollywood Reporter, citing a report by CNBC.
Comcast is reportedly in talks with General Electric, the parent of NBC Universal, to buy a controlling stake in the broadcast, cable and movie company, but other suitors could stymie those plans.
News Corp. would almost certainly face antitrust concerns since it already owns the Fox TV network and The Wall Street Journal and Liberty Media might be interested in taking a minority stake as it has done with other big media companies of late.
2009年10月10日星期六
Cartoon Network Asia Announces Partnership with Animasia
according to www.awn.com
Press Release from Cartoon Network Asia
HONG KONG (October 8, 2009) Cartoon Network Asia announced a strategic content partnership with Animasia, one of Malaysia’s leading creative studios, to produce a cricket based property about a group of local Indian kids who aspire to play in the biggest inter-school cricket championships. The film is slated to premiere on Cartoon Network in India in the second half of 2010.
At a special ceremony at MIPCOM, Mark Eyers, Vice President, Content, Cartoon Network, and Edmund Chan, Managing Director, Animasia presented the Guest of Honour, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak with a golden cricket bat to symbolize the partnership with Animasia, as well as Cartoon Network’s commitment to nurturing creative talent in Malaysia.
Mark Eyers said, “Just as in cricket, being number one in the kids’ space requires an understanding of the pitch conditions, regular innovations and getting the big hits out there. In this creative venture we are striving for a six and in Animasia, we have found the right partner to take the score to the next level, by producing popular original content.
We are delighted to be supporting not only the creative talent from this dynamic studio but also the Malaysian animation industry as a whole.”
Edmund Chan, Managing Director, Animasia said, “Being able to partner with Cartoon Network to further develop one of Animasia’s original concepts makes me very proud of our Malaysian talents. This collaboration will bring great benefits and confidence to the Malaysian animation industry. Let us bowl for a good start with Cartoon Network and trust that this animated cricket concept will score great success for both Animasia and Cartoon Network.”
About the property
Sachin is a young boy who eats, sleeps and dreams cricket. The only problem is his school doesn't think so. Sachin decides to do it on his own and picks his team of 11 students. Together they work hard towards making enough time and opportunities to convince the school to send them to the biggest cricket championship in the city. But without hard work, no dream can be achieved. And to teach them just that they have a coach who thinks they have it them to make it big. This is the story of a motley bunch of kids with their own aspirations and problems and how they work together to become winners. It's a story filled with hope and it's a journey of the underdog's dream of making it to the top!
About Cartoon Network
Launched in the Asia Pacific in 1994, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s (TBS) Cartoon Network (www.cartoonnetworkasia.com) offers the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library of Warner Bros., MGM and Hanna-Barbera titles, the Network also showcases original series including BEN 10, BEN 10: Alien Force, Chowder, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, The Powerpuff Girls and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Cartoon Network is the number one channel for kids in Asia Pacific and is currently enjoyed by over 91 million viewers in the region. Online, Cartoon Network reaches close to 3 million unique visitors a month in Asia Pacific.
About Animasia Studio Sdn Bhd (ASSB)
Animasia Studio Sdn Bhd (ASSB) (www.animasia-studio.com) is an award-winning content creation studio specializing in animation and multimedia services. A fully certified multimedia company by the Malaysia Government and a studio awarded with FINAS Licenses and Treasury (Kewangan) Licenses, Animasia Studio provides one-stop solutions for the production of digital content for the government and private sectors, both locally and abroad.
Press Release from Cartoon Network Asia
HONG KONG (October 8, 2009) Cartoon Network Asia announced a strategic content partnership with Animasia, one of Malaysia’s leading creative studios, to produce a cricket based property about a group of local Indian kids who aspire to play in the biggest inter-school cricket championships. The film is slated to premiere on Cartoon Network in India in the second half of 2010.
At a special ceremony at MIPCOM, Mark Eyers, Vice President, Content, Cartoon Network, and Edmund Chan, Managing Director, Animasia presented the Guest of Honour, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak with a golden cricket bat to symbolize the partnership with Animasia, as well as Cartoon Network’s commitment to nurturing creative talent in Malaysia.
Mark Eyers said, “Just as in cricket, being number one in the kids’ space requires an understanding of the pitch conditions, regular innovations and getting the big hits out there. In this creative venture we are striving for a six and in Animasia, we have found the right partner to take the score to the next level, by producing popular original content.
We are delighted to be supporting not only the creative talent from this dynamic studio but also the Malaysian animation industry as a whole.”
Edmund Chan, Managing Director, Animasia said, “Being able to partner with Cartoon Network to further develop one of Animasia’s original concepts makes me very proud of our Malaysian talents. This collaboration will bring great benefits and confidence to the Malaysian animation industry. Let us bowl for a good start with Cartoon Network and trust that this animated cricket concept will score great success for both Animasia and Cartoon Network.”
About the property
Sachin is a young boy who eats, sleeps and dreams cricket. The only problem is his school doesn't think so. Sachin decides to do it on his own and picks his team of 11 students. Together they work hard towards making enough time and opportunities to convince the school to send them to the biggest cricket championship in the city. But without hard work, no dream can be achieved. And to teach them just that they have a coach who thinks they have it them to make it big. This is the story of a motley bunch of kids with their own aspirations and problems and how they work together to become winners. It's a story filled with hope and it's a journey of the underdog's dream of making it to the top!
About Cartoon Network
Launched in the Asia Pacific in 1994, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s (TBS) Cartoon Network (www.cartoonnetworkasia.com) offers the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library of Warner Bros., MGM and Hanna-Barbera titles, the Network also showcases original series including BEN 10, BEN 10: Alien Force, Chowder, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, The Powerpuff Girls and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Cartoon Network is the number one channel for kids in Asia Pacific and is currently enjoyed by over 91 million viewers in the region. Online, Cartoon Network reaches close to 3 million unique visitors a month in Asia Pacific.
About Animasia Studio Sdn Bhd (ASSB)
Animasia Studio Sdn Bhd (ASSB) (www.animasia-studio.com) is an award-winning content creation studio specializing in animation and multimedia services. A fully certified multimedia company by the Malaysia Government and a studio awarded with FINAS Licenses and Treasury (Kewangan) Licenses, Animasia Studio provides one-stop solutions for the production of digital content for the government and private sectors, both locally and abroad.
VIZ Media Announces The Captivating Epilogue to Boys Over Flowers
According to www.awn.com
Press Release from VIZ Media
San Francisco, CA, October 8, 2009– VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, delights fans of shojo manga (graphic novels for girls) with the announcement of the upcoming release of BOYS OVER FLOWERS: JEWELRY BOX on October 13th. The new volume is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.
BOYS OVER FLOWERS: JEWELRY BOX is a collection of two new short stories by Yoko Kamio, the creator of the acclaimed BOYS OVER FLOWERS series. The new epilogue takes place one year after the end of the original BOYS OVER FLOWERS story, which concluded with Volume 36. It also contains a section with some of the important events in the series that show the characters maturing, plus a special bonus strip!
“Yoko Kamio, one of the most beloved shojo manga creators of all time, just couldn't stay away from some of her favorite characters and we’re proud to announce the publication of BOYS OVER FLOWERS: JEWELRY BOX,” says Candice Uyloan, Product Marketing Director, VIZ Media “This volume serves as a fitting conclusion to a series that helped to establish the shojo manga genre in the U.S. and fans won’t want to miss this chance to get reacquainted with main character Tsukushi.”
Creator Yoko Kamio made her manga debut in 1986 with WAITING UNTIL 20 and her other notable manga series includes I REALLY REALLY LIKE YOU and MARY’S LAMB. Her seminal title BOYS OVER FLOWERS (published in the US by VIZ Media), followed the romantic and social dramas of a girl in high school, broke sales records selling over 35 million copies and went on to become the best-selling shojo manga in Japan. The series went on to win the 1996 Shogakukan Comic Award in the shojo category. BOYS OVER FLOWERS was also adapted into a successful animated series and live action film.
For more information on this title as well as other shojo titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.viz.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages.
Press Release from VIZ Media
San Francisco, CA, October 8, 2009– VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, delights fans of shojo manga (graphic novels for girls) with the announcement of the upcoming release of BOYS OVER FLOWERS: JEWELRY BOX on October 13th. The new volume is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.
BOYS OVER FLOWERS: JEWELRY BOX is a collection of two new short stories by Yoko Kamio, the creator of the acclaimed BOYS OVER FLOWERS series. The new epilogue takes place one year after the end of the original BOYS OVER FLOWERS story, which concluded with Volume 36. It also contains a section with some of the important events in the series that show the characters maturing, plus a special bonus strip!
“Yoko Kamio, one of the most beloved shojo manga creators of all time, just couldn't stay away from some of her favorite characters and we’re proud to announce the publication of BOYS OVER FLOWERS: JEWELRY BOX,” says Candice Uyloan, Product Marketing Director, VIZ Media “This volume serves as a fitting conclusion to a series that helped to establish the shojo manga genre in the U.S. and fans won’t want to miss this chance to get reacquainted with main character Tsukushi.”
Creator Yoko Kamio made her manga debut in 1986 with WAITING UNTIL 20 and her other notable manga series includes I REALLY REALLY LIKE YOU and MARY’S LAMB. Her seminal title BOYS OVER FLOWERS (published in the US by VIZ Media), followed the romantic and social dramas of a girl in high school, broke sales records selling over 35 million copies and went on to become the best-selling shojo manga in Japan. The series went on to win the 1996 Shogakukan Comic Award in the shojo category. BOYS OVER FLOWERS was also adapted into a successful animated series and live action film.
For more information on this title as well as other shojo titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.viz.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages.
2009年10月7日星期三
The Simpsons Sequel Will Have to Wait
According to http://www.awn.com/
THE SIMPSONS creators have ruled out making a sequel for the big screen, at least until the TV series ends, Variety reports.
Matt Groening and showrunner Al Jean were being interviewed at MIPCOM when they said a sequel would be unlikely since it was so exhausting making the series while producing the first film.
"It took 18 years to get around to doing the movie," Groening said. "We got very frustrated. We thought it would take two years but it ended up taking four. Some day maybe we'll do another one -- but don't hold your breath."
The pair made no prediction as to when the cartoon, which is now in its 21st season, might come to an end.
"We cannot predict the end because we can't believe we are still here today," Groening said.
Jean added, "We are contracted to do two more seasons following this one. I gave up predicting the end a long time ago."
THE SIMPSONS creators have ruled out making a sequel for the big screen, at least until the TV series ends, Variety reports.
Matt Groening and showrunner Al Jean were being interviewed at MIPCOM when they said a sequel would be unlikely since it was so exhausting making the series while producing the first film.
"It took 18 years to get around to doing the movie," Groening said. "We got very frustrated. We thought it would take two years but it ended up taking four. Some day maybe we'll do another one -- but don't hold your breath."
The pair made no prediction as to when the cartoon, which is now in its 21st season, might come to an end.
"We cannot predict the end because we can't believe we are still here today," Groening said.
Jean added, "We are contracted to do two more seasons following this one. I gave up predicting the end a long time ago."
Revolving Door For Many Studio Executives in Hollywood
According to http://www.awn.com/
The Los Angeles Times has a long feature about the recent trend of studio executives getting sacked wherein it compares the turmoil in Hollywood to that of a slasher flick.
"Hollywood is in a state of panic-producing turmoil," the LA Times writes, adding that studio executive turnover has reached an "epidemic level."
Dick Cook was recently fired as studio chief at Disney and Universal Pictures dismissed chairmen Marc Shmuger and David Linde on Monday.
Popular opinion blames plummeting DVD sales for the dry spell that's making most media companies crack under the pressure. DVD sales have dropped by as much as 25 percent at some studios, which wouldn't be so bad if outside financing was more readily available.
The article's three writers make strong predictions as to where the new studio executives will look for solutions: "Expect an even greater emphasis on so-called "branded entertainment": sequels and movies based on toys, old television shows and other familiar themes. Movies already in development include one based on the View-Master children's toy and an adaptation of the board game BATTLESHIP, scheduled for release July 2011, the same month as a third TRANSFORMERS film. There also will likely be far fewer adult dramas and less reliance on movie stars -- many of whom can no longer draw ticket buyers, and are seeing their guaranteed salaries slashed."
The LA Times also notes that just half of Hollywood's major studios -- Warner Bros., Sony and 20th Century Fox -- have not suffered any significant leadership shake-ups this year.
"There's been more change in the last 18 months than in the preceding 18 years," Mark Gill, CEO of the Film Department, an independent film finance company, told the LA Times.
The Los Angeles Times has a long feature about the recent trend of studio executives getting sacked wherein it compares the turmoil in Hollywood to that of a slasher flick.
"Hollywood is in a state of panic-producing turmoil," the LA Times writes, adding that studio executive turnover has reached an "epidemic level."
Dick Cook was recently fired as studio chief at Disney and Universal Pictures dismissed chairmen Marc Shmuger and David Linde on Monday.
Popular opinion blames plummeting DVD sales for the dry spell that's making most media companies crack under the pressure. DVD sales have dropped by as much as 25 percent at some studios, which wouldn't be so bad if outside financing was more readily available.
The article's three writers make strong predictions as to where the new studio executives will look for solutions: "Expect an even greater emphasis on so-called "branded entertainment": sequels and movies based on toys, old television shows and other familiar themes. Movies already in development include one based on the View-Master children's toy and an adaptation of the board game BATTLESHIP, scheduled for release July 2011, the same month as a third TRANSFORMERS film. There also will likely be far fewer adult dramas and less reliance on movie stars -- many of whom can no longer draw ticket buyers, and are seeing their guaranteed salaries slashed."
The LA Times also notes that just half of Hollywood's major studios -- Warner Bros., Sony and 20th Century Fox -- have not suffered any significant leadership shake-ups this year.
"There's been more change in the last 18 months than in the preceding 18 years," Mark Gill, CEO of the Film Department, an independent film finance company, told the LA Times.
2009年10月6日星期二
Rich Ross Named Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios
Press Release from Walt Disney Studios
BURBANK, Calif., October 5, 2009 -- Rich Ross, President of Disney Channels Worldwide, has been named Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, it was announced today by Disney President and CEO Robert A. Iger.
Ross will oversee worldwide production, distribution and marketing for the company’s range of live-action and feature animated film labels, including Walt Disney, Touchstone, Miramax and Disney/Pixar. In his new role, which he assumes immediately, he will also head Disney’s theatrical and music groups.
In his thirteen years at Disney, Ross has consistently created hit original programming, effectively expanded a worldwide creative and distribution organization, skillfully built the Disney brand with global franchises that work across borders and technology platforms and put in place a strong management team.
“Rich has an outstanding record of creating high-quality family entertainment that delights audiences around the world,” said Iger. “With his success in building the Disney brand across many of our businesses, his astute marketing sensibility, his proven ability in working effectively with talent and his skill at navigating complex global markets, I’m confident he’s the perfect leader for our studio group.”
“I am very excited to play a key role in continuing the storytelling legacy of The Walt Disney Studios. There has never been a better time to entertain our global audiences with high- quality and compelling content and introduce new characters that will become family favorites. I look forward to working with Bob, the team at the studios and all of our Disney family towards that goal,” said Ross.
Under Ross’s leadership, the performance of Disney Channels Worldwide has been consistently strong in both creative and competitive terms, in the U.S. and globally. The group now includes a total of 94 channels and channel feeds available in 163 countries in 32 languages and features such brands as the flagship Disney Channel, the boy-focused Disney XD and Playhouse Disney for younger kids.
Ross has also overseen the growth of Radio Disney and of the group’s multiplatform offerings, which includes subscription video-on-demand and content-rich broadband websites DisneyXD.com and DisneyChannel.com, the number one kid’s entertainment website among Kids 6-14.
In the U.S., Disney Channel has been the #1 TV network among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 for the last seven and nine years respectively, buoyed by such breakout series as Lizzie McGuire, That’s So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place and Sonny With A Chance. Stars of Disney Channel programs, including Raven-Symone, Selena Gomez, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus, have become household names.
Disney Channel’s record with original movies is equally impressive. With recent blockbusters like High School Musical 2, Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie and Camp Rock, Disney Channel can claim cable’s top two movies of all time and three of the top five.
Disney Channel programming has also helped build other Disney businesses, including the quadruple-Platinum-selling Hannah Montana soundtrack and the number one US album in 2006, High School Musical soundtrack. Books, stage shows, feature films, video games and merchandise featuring original Disney Channel characters have become a critical part of The Walt Disney Company’s success in recent years.
Ross joined Disney in 1996 as Disney Channel’s Senior Vice President, Programming and Production and was promoted to positions of increasing responsibility before being named Disney Channel president in April 2004. Prior to his tenure at Disney, he was a member of the executive team that launched FX Networks. Ross also held several senior positions at Nickelodeon from 1986 to 1993 where he oversaw talent booking, casting and program development and was involved in the launch of the channel’s first successful syndicated show and its first international network.
Ross is a member of the Board of Directors for Hollywood Radio Television Society and Cable in the Classroom – an organization that represents the cable telecommunication industry’s commitment to education. A native of New York and a 1983 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International and English, Ross received his J.D. degree from New York’s Fordham University in 1986.
BURBANK, Calif., October 5, 2009 -- Rich Ross, President of Disney Channels Worldwide, has been named Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, it was announced today by Disney President and CEO Robert A. Iger.
Ross will oversee worldwide production, distribution and marketing for the company’s range of live-action and feature animated film labels, including Walt Disney, Touchstone, Miramax and Disney/Pixar. In his new role, which he assumes immediately, he will also head Disney’s theatrical and music groups.
In his thirteen years at Disney, Ross has consistently created hit original programming, effectively expanded a worldwide creative and distribution organization, skillfully built the Disney brand with global franchises that work across borders and technology platforms and put in place a strong management team.
“Rich has an outstanding record of creating high-quality family entertainment that delights audiences around the world,” said Iger. “With his success in building the Disney brand across many of our businesses, his astute marketing sensibility, his proven ability in working effectively with talent and his skill at navigating complex global markets, I’m confident he’s the perfect leader for our studio group.”
“I am very excited to play a key role in continuing the storytelling legacy of The Walt Disney Studios. There has never been a better time to entertain our global audiences with high- quality and compelling content and introduce new characters that will become family favorites. I look forward to working with Bob, the team at the studios and all of our Disney family towards that goal,” said Ross.
Under Ross’s leadership, the performance of Disney Channels Worldwide has been consistently strong in both creative and competitive terms, in the U.S. and globally. The group now includes a total of 94 channels and channel feeds available in 163 countries in 32 languages and features such brands as the flagship Disney Channel, the boy-focused Disney XD and Playhouse Disney for younger kids.
Ross has also overseen the growth of Radio Disney and of the group’s multiplatform offerings, which includes subscription video-on-demand and content-rich broadband websites DisneyXD.com and DisneyChannel.com, the number one kid’s entertainment website among Kids 6-14.
In the U.S., Disney Channel has been the #1 TV network among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 for the last seven and nine years respectively, buoyed by such breakout series as Lizzie McGuire, That’s So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place and Sonny With A Chance. Stars of Disney Channel programs, including Raven-Symone, Selena Gomez, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus, have become household names.
Disney Channel’s record with original movies is equally impressive. With recent blockbusters like High School Musical 2, Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie and Camp Rock, Disney Channel can claim cable’s top two movies of all time and three of the top five.
Disney Channel programming has also helped build other Disney businesses, including the quadruple-Platinum-selling Hannah Montana soundtrack and the number one US album in 2006, High School Musical soundtrack. Books, stage shows, feature films, video games and merchandise featuring original Disney Channel characters have become a critical part of The Walt Disney Company’s success in recent years.
Ross joined Disney in 1996 as Disney Channel’s Senior Vice President, Programming and Production and was promoted to positions of increasing responsibility before being named Disney Channel president in April 2004. Prior to his tenure at Disney, he was a member of the executive team that launched FX Networks. Ross also held several senior positions at Nickelodeon from 1986 to 1993 where he oversaw talent booking, casting and program development and was involved in the launch of the channel’s first successful syndicated show and its first international network.
Ross is a member of the Board of Directors for Hollywood Radio Television Society and Cable in the Classroom – an organization that represents the cable telecommunication industry’s commitment to education. A native of New York and a 1983 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International and English, Ross received his J.D. degree from New York’s Fordham University in 1986.
Pixar Releases RenderMan Pro Server 15.0
Press Release from Pixar Animation Studios
EMERYVILLE, CA – (September 30th, 2009) Pixar Animation Studios today released version 15.0 of its Academy Award® winning RenderMan Pro Server software. This landmark release introduces many powerful innovations, including unlimited threading per machine, volume primitives, important additions to the RenderMan Shading Language (RSL), support for Disney's forthcoming open-source Ptex per-face painted textures, imager shaders, an API for subdivision surfaces, and more. RenderMan Pro Server 15.0 also delivers major performance increases for production scene rendering in the areas of ray tracing, ambient occlusion, improved thread scalability, and optimized memory management.
The introduction of unlimited threading enables studios and artists to maximize the full power of their rendering hardware, allowing each license of RenderMan to utilize any number of threads on the latest multi-core platforms. RenderMan Pro Server 15.0 is the first product to introduce unlimited threading, and will be followed by the next versions of RenderMan Studio and RenderMan for Maya.
"RenderMan Pro Server 15.0 packs an impressive number of great new features that we were able to deploy extremely quickly in our pipeline," said Philippe Leprince, CG Pipeline Supervisor at Double Negative, London. "Refinements to the RenderMan Shading Language, texture mapping and threading, allowed us to make our shading pipeline more efficient while increasing overall quality. Ptex by itself is a revolution and we are reeling from the consequences as we integrate it into our upcoming shows."
"With RenderMan Pro Server 15.0's impressive new features and handsome performance improvements, Pixar shows once again that it is not content to rest on its laurels. The perpetual cycle of improvements makes the tools a joy to use and a sound investment too," said Chris Bone, Head of Research and Development at Animal Logic, Sydney.
Availability
RenderMan Pro Server 15.0 is compatible with Mac OS X, Linux 32-bit and 64-bit, Windows XP 32-bit, Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit, and Windows Vista 64-bit HPC Server. Separate upgrade pricing from RenderMan Pro Server 14.0 to 15.0 is also available. Evaluation copies of RenderMan Pro Server 15.0 are available upon request. In addition, Pixar's maintenance program benefits customers with access to ongoing support and free upgrades for an annual price. For more information please visit www.pixar.com or contact rendermansales@pixar.com.
About Pixar
Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award®-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative and production capabilities in the art of computer animation. Creator of some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, WALL•E and most recently, Up. The Northern California studio has won 21 Academy Awards® and its ten films have grossed more than $5 billion at the worldwide box office to date. The next film release from DisneyoPixar is Toy Story 3 (June 18, 2010).
EMERYVILLE, CA – (September 30th, 2009) Pixar Animation Studios today released version 15.0 of its Academy Award® winning RenderMan Pro Server software. This landmark release introduces many powerful innovations, including unlimited threading per machine, volume primitives, important additions to the RenderMan Shading Language (RSL), support for Disney's forthcoming open-source Ptex per-face painted textures, imager shaders, an API for subdivision surfaces, and more. RenderMan Pro Server 15.0 also delivers major performance increases for production scene rendering in the areas of ray tracing, ambient occlusion, improved thread scalability, and optimized memory management.
The introduction of unlimited threading enables studios and artists to maximize the full power of their rendering hardware, allowing each license of RenderMan to utilize any number of threads on the latest multi-core platforms. RenderMan Pro Server 15.0 is the first product to introduce unlimited threading, and will be followed by the next versions of RenderMan Studio and RenderMan for Maya.
"RenderMan Pro Server 15.0 packs an impressive number of great new features that we were able to deploy extremely quickly in our pipeline," said Philippe Leprince, CG Pipeline Supervisor at Double Negative, London. "Refinements to the RenderMan Shading Language, texture mapping and threading, allowed us to make our shading pipeline more efficient while increasing overall quality. Ptex by itself is a revolution and we are reeling from the consequences as we integrate it into our upcoming shows."
"With RenderMan Pro Server 15.0's impressive new features and handsome performance improvements, Pixar shows once again that it is not content to rest on its laurels. The perpetual cycle of improvements makes the tools a joy to use and a sound investment too," said Chris Bone, Head of Research and Development at Animal Logic, Sydney.
Availability
RenderMan Pro Server 15.0 is compatible with Mac OS X, Linux 32-bit and 64-bit, Windows XP 32-bit, Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit, and Windows Vista 64-bit HPC Server. Separate upgrade pricing from RenderMan Pro Server 14.0 to 15.0 is also available. Evaluation copies of RenderMan Pro Server 15.0 are available upon request. In addition, Pixar's maintenance program benefits customers with access to ongoing support and free upgrades for an annual price. For more information please visit www.pixar.com or contact rendermansales@pixar.com.
About Pixar
Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award®-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative and production capabilities in the art of computer animation. Creator of some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, WALL•E and most recently, Up. The Northern California studio has won 21 Academy Awards® and its ten films have grossed more than $5 billion at the worldwide box office to date. The next film release from DisneyoPixar is Toy Story 3 (June 18, 2010).
2009年10月1日星期四
Chinese 3D animation production - King of Elaphurus davidianus will be finished in 6 year 国产三维动画巨制《麋鹿王》6年内将成就“麋鹿三步曲”
www.hltm.net
29日晚，国产三维动画巨制《麋鹿王》在此间首映。制作方称，作为新中国60华诞献礼影片之一，该片将于国庆间登映全国各大院线，并将在未来6年内再推两部系列片成就“麋鹿三步曲”。
据了解，《麋鹿王》耗资3500万元人民币，是一部集动作、喜剧、冒险于一体的动画影片。该片取材自中国古代神话传说，讲述了人类、怪兽、麋鹿三大族群，围绕“麋王宝图”展开的一段奇妙的历险。影片在本土化的剧情中，融入了老庄思想中“阴阳协调”、“天人合一”的世界观。
2009年，《麋鹿王》在第62届戛纳国际电影节中，以短短一分钟的片花而俘获欧洲市场并顺利签下其版权合同，还荣获中国华表奖优秀动画片奖及第27届金鸡奖最佳美术片评委会提名。
第27届金鸡奖评委、全国政协委员、原中国文联副主席仲呈祥评价说，该片的开发者自觉地从中华民族的文化中吸取资源，没有“闭关锁国”，而是充分借鉴了其他国家有益的经验，是一部扎根在扎实土壤中又富有强烈时代感的作品。
影片出品人、保定中科帷幄数码科技有限公司总裁汪帆称，该片在创作间曾六易剧本，始终强调“原创”、“内容为王”。作为业务重点，公司在未来6年内将再推出两部“麋鹿系列”，与目前的《麋鹿王》组成三部曲。
据悉，河北保定是中国文化体制改革综合试点市，动漫业的产、学、研企业和相关单位已发展到100多家，涵盖漫画、插图、动画制作、网络游戏等生产流通的各个领域。
29日晚，国产三维动画巨制《麋鹿王》在此间首映。制作方称，作为新中国60华诞献礼影片之一，该片将于国庆间登映全国各大院线，并将在未来6年内再推两部系列片成就“麋鹿三步曲”。
据了解，《麋鹿王》耗资3500万元人民币，是一部集动作、喜剧、冒险于一体的动画影片。该片取材自中国古代神话传说，讲述了人类、怪兽、麋鹿三大族群，围绕“麋王宝图”展开的一段奇妙的历险。影片在本土化的剧情中，融入了老庄思想中“阴阳协调”、“天人合一”的世界观。
2009年，《麋鹿王》在第62届戛纳国际电影节中，以短短一分钟的片花而俘获欧洲市场并顺利签下其版权合同，还荣获中国华表奖优秀动画片奖及第27届金鸡奖最佳美术片评委会提名。
第27届金鸡奖评委、全国政协委员、原中国文联副主席仲呈祥评价说，该片的开发者自觉地从中华民族的文化中吸取资源，没有“闭关锁国”，而是充分借鉴了其他国家有益的经验，是一部扎根在扎实土壤中又富有强烈时代感的作品。
影片出品人、保定中科帷幄数码科技有限公司总裁汪帆称，该片在创作间曾六易剧本，始终强调“原创”、“内容为王”。作为业务重点，公司在未来6年内将再推出两部“麋鹿系列”，与目前的《麋鹿王》组成三部曲。
据悉，河北保定是中国文化体制改革综合试点市，动漫业的产、学、研企业和相关单位已发展到100多家，涵盖漫画、插图、动画制作、网络游戏等生产流通的各个领域。
Classic Cartoon Character Astro Boy enter Hongkong Madame Tussaudg 经典动画形象阿童木登陆香港杜莎夫人蜡像馆
according to www.hltm.net
This is the first time that a cartoon character moves into Madame Tussaudg.
经典动画形象阿童木登陆香港杜莎夫人蜡像馆，它是杜莎夫人馆中的首位“动漫角色”。
This is the first time that a cartoon character moves into Madame Tussaudg.
经典动画形象阿童木登陆香港杜莎夫人蜡像馆，它是杜莎夫人馆中的首位“动漫角色”。
Janpanese BreadSuperman join in Guinnese Record 面包超人入围吉尼斯
According to www.hltm.net
日本人气动画《面包超人》是以童话作家YANASETAKASHI 在1968年发表的作品为原型，于1973年推出豆沙包脸型的玩偶小人儿书。1988年电视动画片播出后，深受日本孩子们的欢迎。从2002年到2006年，连续五年蝉联“最喜欢的卡通人物”综合第一位。今年9月，动画片因登场卡通人物已达到1700多个而入围了吉尼斯纪录。
趁《面包超人》即将播至一千集，原作者柳濑嵩接受访问时感慨：“当初只是想画个1年的，没想到不知不觉间，就画了20年了。本来现在这个时候我应该已经隐退了，在海外旅游呢。虽然这20年来，即将90岁样子变了不小，但我对面包超人的热爱是一点没变。能够创造出面包超人这个角色，对我来说，真的是上天给我的一份宝贵的礼物。”
去年，在日本横滨港未来21地区“面包超人儿童博物馆”也正式开业了。该博物馆，面积为约6800平方米，内设有剧场的3层的博物馆，还有饮食、售货等22店铺的大型购物中心。在那里可以购买到“面包超人”“咖喱面包人”和“菠萝面包人”脸型面包，可以购买到《面包超人》里登场人物布娃娃，还能购到所有与《面包超人》相关的杂货、书籍、DVD、服装、包包，妇女装饰品以及手工艺用品等。当然，最最吸引孩子们的，是一楼的“淘气街”、二楼的“邂逅街”和三楼的“好友街”所构成的“博物馆”。一楼有可以享受动画片和舞台表演的剧场；二楼准备了乳幼儿用的画画儿和唱歌的空间，孩子们在这里准会快乐得忘记了时间。据统计今年，接待了将近20万人。
日本人气动画《面包超人》是以童话作家YANASETAKASHI 在1968年发表的作品为原型，于1973年推出豆沙包脸型的玩偶小人儿书。1988年电视动画片播出后，深受日本孩子们的欢迎。从2002年到2006年，连续五年蝉联“最喜欢的卡通人物”综合第一位。今年9月，动画片因登场卡通人物已达到1700多个而入围了吉尼斯纪录。
趁《面包超人》即将播至一千集，原作者柳濑嵩接受访问时感慨：“当初只是想画个1年的，没想到不知不觉间，就画了20年了。本来现在这个时候我应该已经隐退了，在海外旅游呢。虽然这20年来，即将90岁样子变了不小，但我对面包超人的热爱是一点没变。能够创造出面包超人这个角色，对我来说，真的是上天给我的一份宝贵的礼物。”
去年，在日本横滨港未来21地区“面包超人儿童博物馆”也正式开业了。该博物馆，面积为约6800平方米，内设有剧场的3层的博物馆，还有饮食、售货等22店铺的大型购物中心。在那里可以购买到“面包超人”“咖喱面包人”和“菠萝面包人”脸型面包，可以购买到《面包超人》里登场人物布娃娃，还能购到所有与《面包超人》相关的杂货、书籍、DVD、服装、包包，妇女装饰品以及手工艺用品等。当然，最最吸引孩子们的，是一楼的“淘气街”、二楼的“邂逅街”和三楼的“好友街”所构成的“博物馆”。一楼有可以享受动画片和舞台表演的剧场；二楼准备了乳幼儿用的画画儿和唱歌的空间，孩子们在这里准会快乐得忘记了时间。据统计今年，接待了将近20万人。
2009年9月29日星期二
Chinese animation Award"Golden Dragon" 金龙奖名单
金龙奖获奖名单
漫画部分
最佳少年漫画：4.9x4.9番外-叶楠的故事
最佳少女漫画：一夕一夏
最佳儿童漫画：卡酷天使历险记
最佳成人漫画：默言修行
最佳幽默漫画：花样梁祝-心愿
最佳四格漫画：李小猫传奇
最佳绘本漫画：云上的村庄
最佳插画：当男孩遇上女孩
最佳故事脚本：恋慕耐受不良
动画部分
最佳动画短片：国家的孩子
最佳系列动画：奇幻龙宝
最佳新媒体动画：炮炮兵之激情六十年
最佳动画长片：喜羊羊与灰太狼之虎胆羊威
单项奖-最佳漫画编剧：不全少女
单项奖-最佳漫画画技：蛙之歌
单项奖-最佳漫画造型：Ongogo总动员
单项奖-最佳动画编剧：水脑袋
单项奖-最佳动画造型：行走的风景
单项奖-最佳动画导演：谢立文
组委会特别奖-最佳体育动漫：麻辣运动王
组委会特别奖-最佳推荐动漫：炭烧老广 神兵小将电影版
组委会特别奖-最佳海外动漫：魔法少女莉欧
漫画部分
最佳少年漫画：4.9x4.9番外-叶楠的故事
最佳少女漫画：一夕一夏
最佳儿童漫画：卡酷天使历险记
最佳成人漫画：默言修行
最佳幽默漫画：花样梁祝-心愿
最佳四格漫画：李小猫传奇
最佳绘本漫画：云上的村庄
最佳插画：当男孩遇上女孩
最佳故事脚本：恋慕耐受不良
动画部分
最佳动画短片：国家的孩子
最佳系列动画：奇幻龙宝
最佳新媒体动画：炮炮兵之激情六十年
最佳动画长片：喜羊羊与灰太狼之虎胆羊威
单项奖-最佳漫画编剧：不全少女
单项奖-最佳漫画画技：蛙之歌
单项奖-最佳漫画造型：Ongogo总动员
单项奖-最佳动画编剧：水脑袋
单项奖-最佳动画造型：行走的风景
单项奖-最佳动画导演：谢立文
组委会特别奖-最佳体育动漫：麻辣运动王
组委会特别奖-最佳推荐动漫：炭烧老广 神兵小将电影版
组委会特别奖-最佳海外动漫：魔法少女莉欧
2009年9月28日星期一
Kadokawa Pictures USA Licensing Unit Shuts Down
www.animenewsnetwork.com
The Kadokawa Pictures production company confirmed on its website that its Kadokawa Pictures USA subsidiary has closed down as of August 31. Kadokawa Pictures USA licensed several anime titles with the intent of having other companies handle their release and distribution outside Japan. Those titles include the following:
Canvas2 ~Niji-iro no Sketch~
Demonbane
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid (TV)
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid (OAV)
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Goshūshō-sama Ninomiya-kun (My Heartfelt Sympathy, Ninomiya-kun)
H2O ~Footprints in the Sand~
Junjō Romantica
Lucky Star
Mamoru-kun ni Megami no Shukufuku wo!
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Mushi-Uta
Rental Magica
Shuffle! Memories
Spice and Wolf
The Third: The Girl with the Blue Eye
Wagaya no Oinarisama.
Chinese Animation Oscar "Gold Dragon" Award 华语动漫奥斯卡“金龙奖”
大洋新闻:
有华语动漫奥斯卡之称的第6届金龙奖颁奖典礼，将于后天晚上举行。整场晚会围绕第6届金龙奖征稿 “温暖”主题，以潮流元素融合漫画家关注公益事业的真实故事，重现经济危机下动漫为社会大众所带来的“暖流”。
红地毯上星光熠熠
本届金龙奖颁奖典礼将延续为在幕后的动漫创作人铺设红地毯的娱乐化的风格，从目前公布出席的嘉宾名单来看，阵容比去年更为鼎盛，韩国漫画大师李喜宰，中国香港漫画大师黄玉郎、马荣成，中国台湾漫画大师敖幼祥等将接受动漫Fans的欢呼。
动漫舞台剧成颁奖礼新鲜元素
晚会节目中，除了知名乐队“与非门”将登台演出外，广大青少年喜爱的喜羊羊与灰太狼也将为动漫Fans奉上全新动漫舞台剧。此外，大众熟悉的成龙大哥的动漫形象将首度“亮相”，因为以其为人物原型的动画《奇幻龙宝》获得了金龙奖“系列动画”奖项的提名。
奖项争夺白热化
在激动人心的奖项争夺中，票房近亿的《喜羊羊与灰太狼》新篇《虎胆羊威》、香港温情动画大作《麦兜响当当》与由漫画大师黄玉郎名作改编而成的动画片《神兵小将大电影》分庭抗礼，到底谁能最终问鼎本届桂冠？
漫画家大会接踵而至
颁奖典礼结束次日，国内首个全国性的漫画家行业峰会第三届中国漫画家大会亦将盛大举行。在以“漫画拉动内需”为主题的本届大会上，多位长期在幕后为漫画产业出谋划策的“漫画BOSS”们将走到台前展开一场精彩绝伦的唇枪舌剑。
才女漫画家丁冰学成归来
此外，作为首个中国国际漫画产业平台受惠者——才女漫画家丁冰，在日本进行为期半年的研修创作之后学成归来，将在漫画家大会上接受“毕业证书”。
有华语动漫奥斯卡之称的第6届金龙奖颁奖典礼，将于后天晚上举行。整场晚会围绕第6届金龙奖征稿 “温暖”主题，以潮流元素融合漫画家关注公益事业的真实故事，重现经济危机下动漫为社会大众所带来的“暖流”。
红地毯上星光熠熠
本届金龙奖颁奖典礼将延续为在幕后的动漫创作人铺设红地毯的娱乐化的风格，从目前公布出席的嘉宾名单来看，阵容比去年更为鼎盛，韩国漫画大师李喜宰，中国香港漫画大师黄玉郎、马荣成，中国台湾漫画大师敖幼祥等将接受动漫Fans的欢呼。
动漫舞台剧成颁奖礼新鲜元素
晚会节目中，除了知名乐队“与非门”将登台演出外，广大青少年喜爱的喜羊羊与灰太狼也将为动漫Fans奉上全新动漫舞台剧。此外，大众熟悉的成龙大哥的动漫形象将首度“亮相”，因为以其为人物原型的动画《奇幻龙宝》获得了金龙奖“系列动画”奖项的提名。
奖项争夺白热化
在激动人心的奖项争夺中，票房近亿的《喜羊羊与灰太狼》新篇《虎胆羊威》、香港温情动画大作《麦兜响当当》与由漫画大师黄玉郎名作改编而成的动画片《神兵小将大电影》分庭抗礼，到底谁能最终问鼎本届桂冠？
漫画家大会接踵而至
颁奖典礼结束次日，国内首个全国性的漫画家行业峰会第三届中国漫画家大会亦将盛大举行。在以“漫画拉动内需”为主题的本届大会上，多位长期在幕后为漫画产业出谋划策的“漫画BOSS”们将走到台前展开一场精彩绝伦的唇枪舌剑。
才女漫画家丁冰学成归来
此外，作为首个中国国际漫画产业平台受惠者——才女漫画家丁冰，在日本进行为期半年的研修创作之后学成归来，将在漫画家大会上接受“毕业证书”。
2009年9月26日星期六
BRB Presents First Stereoscopic Animated TV Series
Press Release from BRB Internacional
“Does it have a beak of a thousand colors? Are its ears enormous? Does it only eat rinds? What creature is hiding in the box? Guess and say ZOO-KA-BOO!” That is the narrative essence of the new series being prepared by BRB Internacional, set to become the first series to use 3D Stereoscopic technology -- visual effects through special glasses – for broadcast on TV, Low-Demand Internet Video and BluRay. This is an original European co-production from the Catalonian company Screen 21 in coorperation with the prestigious French design studio Image In which, with a pre-school target audience, combines real images and 3D Hi-Def animation in an entertaining guessing game format. Zookaboo will be available for broadcast at the end of next year.
Zookaboo (104 x 2’) is an original hinting game about a different animal each 2-minute episode: 104 guesses about 104 different characters… hiding in a box! In the series, which carries a dynamic narrative plot in which the 3D possibilities are exploited to the max, the voice-overs of children interact with the voice-over of the starring animal until it is discovered who is hiding in the box, after a series of questions and corresponding answers, both graphic and audible.
The innovative technique used to produce the special effects – 3D Stereoscopic -- will permit the television series to be viewed with special glasses that enhance the 3D perspective without having to leave home. On your own TV, home video or computer. Zookaboo is a television series that is different, modern, fun and stimulating, conceived specially for today’s children who want to enjoy 3D entertainment, but not just in movie theatres.
BRB Internacional, which manages all the rights for Zookaboo on a global level (except in France and the Middle East), will present a pilot episode at MIPCOM JR and MIPCOM – from the 3rd to the 9th of October in Cannes.
MGM Close to Bankruptcy, Might Lose Hobbit, Bond
By Rick DeMott | Friday, September 25, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Posted In | News Categories: Business, Films, Visual Effects | Geographic Region: All | Main Categories: Business, Films, Visual Effects
Deadline Hollywood has an extensive report on MGM's current financial woes. Their lenders are furious apparently and are on the verge of letting the company go into bankruptcy. If this happens, MGM would get the restructuring that it needs, but will most likely lose the rights to its top franchise such as THE HOBBIT and James Bond. The company says it needs $20 in short-term cash to fund its overhead and $150 million to stay afloat in 2009 while getting productions like THE HOBBIT into production. The bondholders are ready to let the company file for Chapter 11, because they know they'll be the first to get paid. This outcome would be disastrous for the future of the company and its creditors.
Posted In | News Categories: Business, Films, Visual Effects | Geographic Region: All | Main Categories: Business, Films, Visual Effects
Deadline Hollywood has an extensive report on MGM's current financial woes. Their lenders are furious apparently and are on the verge of letting the company go into bankruptcy. If this happens, MGM would get the restructuring that it needs, but will most likely lose the rights to its top franchise such as THE HOBBIT and James Bond. The company says it needs $20 in short-term cash to fund its overhead and $150 million to stay afloat in 2009 while getting productions like THE HOBBIT into production. The bondholders are ready to let the company file for Chapter 11, because they know they'll be the first to get paid. This outcome would be disastrous for the future of the company and its creditors.
Bandai Entertainment-New York Anime Festival 2009
According to www.animenewsnetwork.com
President and CEO of Bandai Entertainment, Ken Iyadomi, started this year's panel by saying that they would not be announcing any new licenses, due in part to the economic recession. However, starting in 2010, the company will be placing more emphasis on Blu-ray releases.
Although he couldn't announce which titles were slated for a Blu-ray release, as no contract has been signed yet, Iyadomi revealed that they would be releasing a TV series, and an OVA series. Bandai is still deciding the best pricing and release structure for a 26-episode series, debating whether to split the series into 2, 3, or 6 volumes. Part of the issue lies in the fact that some of the Japanese licensors are not happy about the lower MSRP of BDs in North America, as all countries share the same region code.
Afterwards, Loy Fruel talked a bit about Lantis, Bandai-NAMCO's music subsidiary. The label currently has a small selection of anime and Jpop on US iTunes, including artists like JAM Project, Aya Hirano, CooRei, yozuca*, and Minori Chihara.
The panelists then showed trailers for recent and upcoming titles, like Kannagi, Kurokami, Code Geass, and Gundam 00, all of which can be streamed for free on Bandai's Youtube channel. Kannagi can also be viewed on Anime News Network, and the second volume was released on DVD this past Thursday.
Bandai Entertainment recently screened Eureka Seven ~Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers~ around the country in conjunction with Fathom Events. The movie will be available on DVD (MSRP $24.98) and BD (MSRP $39.98) on January 26, 2010.
Other featured releases include the Lucky Star OAV, Gurren Lagaan the Movie: Childhood's End, Hayate the Combat Butler, true tears, sola, and .hack//GU. They are also re-releasing Ghost in the Shell: Innocence on DVD and BD, which will include a new US dub, in conjunction with the original UK dub. Also, the Escaflowne movie will be released next year on Blu-ray.
Bandai then talked about their manga releases, starting with Code Geass, the first five volumes of which are currently available, as well as the Code Geass light novel series. The first two volumes of Code Geass: Suzaku of the Counterattack are also available, as well as the first two volumes of Code Geass: Nightmare of Nunnally.
Other manga series and manga adaptations from Bandai include Gundam 00 and Gundam 00F, A Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Lucky Star, and Gurren Lagaan. Eureka Seven and Witchblade Takeru will be released in oversize prints. Although Witchblade Takeru was previously released in color by Top Cow, the Bandai printing is the B&W version.
President and CEO of Bandai Entertainment, Ken Iyadomi, started this year's panel by saying that they would not be announcing any new licenses, due in part to the economic recession. However, starting in 2010, the company will be placing more emphasis on Blu-ray releases.
Although he couldn't announce which titles were slated for a Blu-ray release, as no contract has been signed yet, Iyadomi revealed that they would be releasing a TV series, and an OVA series. Bandai is still deciding the best pricing and release structure for a 26-episode series, debating whether to split the series into 2, 3, or 6 volumes. Part of the issue lies in the fact that some of the Japanese licensors are not happy about the lower MSRP of BDs in North America, as all countries share the same region code.
Afterwards, Loy Fruel talked a bit about Lantis, Bandai-NAMCO's music subsidiary. The label currently has a small selection of anime and Jpop on US iTunes, including artists like JAM Project, Aya Hirano, CooRei, yozuca*, and Minori Chihara.
The panelists then showed trailers for recent and upcoming titles, like Kannagi, Kurokami, Code Geass, and Gundam 00, all of which can be streamed for free on Bandai's Youtube channel. Kannagi can also be viewed on Anime News Network, and the second volume was released on DVD this past Thursday.
Bandai Entertainment recently screened Eureka Seven ~Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers~ around the country in conjunction with Fathom Events. The movie will be available on DVD (MSRP $24.98) and BD (MSRP $39.98) on January 26, 2010.
Other featured releases include the Lucky Star OAV, Gurren Lagaan the Movie: Childhood's End, Hayate the Combat Butler, true tears, sola, and .hack//GU. They are also re-releasing Ghost in the Shell: Innocence on DVD and BD, which will include a new US dub, in conjunction with the original UK dub. Also, the Escaflowne movie will be released next year on Blu-ray.
Bandai then talked about their manga releases, starting with Code Geass, the first five volumes of which are currently available, as well as the Code Geass light novel series. The first two volumes of Code Geass: Suzaku of the Counterattack are also available, as well as the first two volumes of Code Geass: Nightmare of Nunnally.
Other manga series and manga adaptations from Bandai include Gundam 00 and Gundam 00F, A Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Lucky Star, and Gurren Lagaan. Eureka Seven and Witchblade Takeru will be released in oversize prints. Although Witchblade Takeru was previously released in color by Top Cow, the Bandai printing is the B&W version.
2009年9月24日星期四
New York Anime Festival Features Top Guests, Screenings, Music and Entertainment
According to animenewsnetwork:
Yoshiyuki Tomino and Yui Makino are Guests of Honor; Pop Music Group AKB48 to Make U.S. Debut; Soul Eater Cast to Introduce English Language Premiere of Series
Norwalk, CT, September 23, 2009: The New York Anime Festival (NYAF), which will take place this weekend, September 25 – 27 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, will attract thousands of devoted fans who will participate in a wide range of high profile events and attractions throughout the course of the three day weekend. Notably, the festival will play host to Guests of Honor Yoshiyuki Tomino, whose genre-breaking series, Mobile Suit Gundam, premiered in 1979 and Yui Makino, the noted voice actress and singer. Mobile Suit Gundam is noted for defining the current realistic portrayal of robots in Japanese animation and, through the past thirty years, the series has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs. Ms. Makino is best known for the role of Princess Sakura in the Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE anime and manga franchise.
Other highlights at NYAF include an appearance by the pop music group AKB48; FUNimation Entertainment's presentation of the English language premiere of the Soul Eater series, along with a cast appearance; premiere screenings of Gurren Lagann: The Movie – Childhood's End, Cencoroll, and 20th Century Boys; the Far East to East Showcase (FETES) which, in association with NYAF, will take place at The Studio at Webster Hall, and will provide a night of innovative music that brings together four of the best musical artists from both the Far East and the East Coast; the World Cyber Games USA National Final, where 200 of the best gamers in America will battle it out on nine different gaming titles for one of the coveted thirteen spots on TEAM USA; and a fashion boutique, where Baby, The Stars Shine Bright – Japan's foremost Lolita fashion brand – will have a presentation in association with Kinokuniya Bookstore.
“Anime culture is enormously popular and we want our show to reflect the full range and diversity of anime talent and creativity at work today,” notes Lance Fensterman, Show Manager for NYAF. “We are very pleased to be able to provide such quality programming for the thousands of fans who attend our event.”
As noted, the New York Anime Festival will take place this weekend, September 25 – 27 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. For more information about NYAF and for a full schedule of events and programming details at this year's event, visit the official website at (www.newyorkanimefestvial.com) and blog (www.mediumatlarge.net). Advance tickets for NYAF are still available for purchase at the website and tickets will also be available for purchase on site at the Javits Center.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL:
The New York Anime Festival showcases the best of anime pop culture, including the latest anime, manga, Japanese cinema, music, and games, and anime-influenced comics, animation, and films from around the world. The festival features exclusive and extensive screenings, a gala cosplay masquerade, sessions with the some of the biggest names in anime from Japan, Asia, and America, and explores the Japanese cultural experience with displays of both traditional and cutting-edge Japanese life. The New York Anime Festival takes place September 25-27, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan and is organized by Reed Exhibitions, the creators of New York Comic Con.
ABOUT REED EXHIBITIONS POP CULTURE GROUP:
The Pop Culture Group at Reed Exhibitions owns and operates the New York Comic Con (NYCC), the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), and the New York Anime Festival (NYAF). New York Comic Con was launched in 2006 and quickly became a dominant presence in the pop culture world of public events. In 2009, 452 companies exhibited at NYCC for a total of 84,000 square feet of paid exhibit space, and it has been ranked by Crain's New York Business as the second-largest annual event in NYC. C2E2, which will debut April 16 – 18 at Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center, is modeled after NYCC and will provide fans the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite writers, creators, and artists, as well as to see, hear and learn about the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. The Pop Culture Group also operates the recently-launched UFC Fan Expo in partnership with the UFC – the world's leading professional mixed martial arts organization – and it formed a strategic partnership with Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) in 2008 and will work closely with PAX on the launch of PAX East in Boston in 2010.
Yoshiyuki Tomino and Yui Makino are Guests of Honor; Pop Music Group AKB48 to Make U.S. Debut; Soul Eater Cast to Introduce English Language Premiere of Series
Norwalk, CT, September 23, 2009: The New York Anime Festival (NYAF), which will take place this weekend, September 25 – 27 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, will attract thousands of devoted fans who will participate in a wide range of high profile events and attractions throughout the course of the three day weekend. Notably, the festival will play host to Guests of Honor Yoshiyuki Tomino, whose genre-breaking series, Mobile Suit Gundam, premiered in 1979 and Yui Makino, the noted voice actress and singer. Mobile Suit Gundam is noted for defining the current realistic portrayal of robots in Japanese animation and, through the past thirty years, the series has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs. Ms. Makino is best known for the role of Princess Sakura in the Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE anime and manga franchise.
Other highlights at NYAF include an appearance by the pop music group AKB48; FUNimation Entertainment's presentation of the English language premiere of the Soul Eater series, along with a cast appearance; premiere screenings of Gurren Lagann: The Movie – Childhood's End, Cencoroll, and 20th Century Boys; the Far East to East Showcase (FETES) which, in association with NYAF, will take place at The Studio at Webster Hall, and will provide a night of innovative music that brings together four of the best musical artists from both the Far East and the East Coast; the World Cyber Games USA National Final, where 200 of the best gamers in America will battle it out on nine different gaming titles for one of the coveted thirteen spots on TEAM USA; and a fashion boutique, where Baby, The Stars Shine Bright – Japan's foremost Lolita fashion brand – will have a presentation in association with Kinokuniya Bookstore.
“Anime culture is enormously popular and we want our show to reflect the full range and diversity of anime talent and creativity at work today,” notes Lance Fensterman, Show Manager for NYAF. “We are very pleased to be able to provide such quality programming for the thousands of fans who attend our event.”
As noted, the New York Anime Festival will take place this weekend, September 25 – 27 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. For more information about NYAF and for a full schedule of events and programming details at this year's event, visit the official website at (www.newyorkanimefestvial.com) and blog (www.mediumatlarge.net). Advance tickets for NYAF are still available for purchase at the website and tickets will also be available for purchase on site at the Javits Center.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL:
The New York Anime Festival showcases the best of anime pop culture, including the latest anime, manga, Japanese cinema, music, and games, and anime-influenced comics, animation, and films from around the world. The festival features exclusive and extensive screenings, a gala cosplay masquerade, sessions with the some of the biggest names in anime from Japan, Asia, and America, and explores the Japanese cultural experience with displays of both traditional and cutting-edge Japanese life. The New York Anime Festival takes place September 25-27, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan and is organized by Reed Exhibitions, the creators of New York Comic Con.
ABOUT REED EXHIBITIONS POP CULTURE GROUP:
The Pop Culture Group at Reed Exhibitions owns and operates the New York Comic Con (NYCC), the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), and the New York Anime Festival (NYAF). New York Comic Con was launched in 2006 and quickly became a dominant presence in the pop culture world of public events. In 2009, 452 companies exhibited at NYCC for a total of 84,000 square feet of paid exhibit space, and it has been ranked by Crain's New York Business as the second-largest annual event in NYC. C2E2, which will debut April 16 – 18 at Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center, is modeled after NYCC and will provide fans the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite writers, creators, and artists, as well as to see, hear and learn about the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. The Pop Culture Group also operates the recently-launched UFC Fan Expo in partnership with the UFC – the world's leading professional mixed martial arts organization – and it formed a strategic partnership with Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) in 2008 and will work closely with PAX on the launch of PAX East in Boston in 2010.
Barbie's a living doll at Universal
According to Variety.com
Universal Pictures has added Barbie to its star stable, while He-Man and the Masters of the Universe has found a new home at Sony.
U has made a deal with Mattel to build a live-action film around its signature Barbie toy line. With studios racing to build films around well-known concepts, Universal brass feels it has landed the queen of globally branded toy figures.
According to Mattel, the 50-year-old Barbie has 99% worldwide brand awareness, and it's the No. 1 girls property in the toy industry, the top doll property in the U.S., and the No. 1 worldwide property in the traditional toy industry.
"Barbie is the most famous doll in history, a unique cultural icon in the world of brands," said Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger. "So many representations of Barbie frequent pop culture. We're grateful to Mattel for entrusting us with this extraordinary opportunity."
Mark said the next step will be to canvass writers and decide on a creative take for a family-friendly movie. Mark, who just produced "Julie and Julia" and is in production on the untitled James L. Brooks-directed comedy that stars Reese Witherspoon and Jack Nicholson, was one of several A-list producers who met with Mattel and U execs. "Barbie may be the most popular girl in the world, and has always been a wonderfully aspirational figure, so we must do her proud," Mark said, noting that there's no shortage of plot possibilities since Barbie has held more than 120 jobs over the years.
The executive producers are Barbie general manager and Mattel senior veep Richard Dickson and Rob Hudnut, who is VP of entertainment for Barbie. The brand managers will clearly be hands-on in determining how Mattel's star asset translates to the screen.?P>Asked why there had never before been a live-action feature (there have been 16 direct-to-video animated titles, selling 75 million units worldwide, according to Mattel), Dickson called the U deal the logical next step in expanding the brand's reach. In the past several years, Barbie has expanded into fashion shows, merchandise and online ventures that include Twitter, Facebook and even Barbie's own YouTube channel.
"The brand wasn't ready for a movie," Dickson said. "In the last 10 years, Barbie has evolved from a toy into an intellectual property. Barbie has a proven track record in home entertainment, there have been live stage shows, live symphonies and other nontraditional forms of entertainment. There is a flagship store in Shanghai."
While Universal and Mark will want to move ahead aggressively, Dickson said no timetable has been set for Barbie's bigscreen debut.
Universal Pictures has added Barbie to its star stable, while He-Man and the Masters of the Universe has found a new home at Sony.
U has made a deal with Mattel to build a live-action film around its signature Barbie toy line. With studios racing to build films around well-known concepts, Universal brass feels it has landed the queen of globally branded toy figures.
According to Mattel, the 50-year-old Barbie has 99% worldwide brand awareness, and it's the No. 1 girls property in the toy industry, the top doll property in the U.S., and the No. 1 worldwide property in the traditional toy industry.
"Barbie is the most famous doll in history, a unique cultural icon in the world of brands," said Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger. "So many representations of Barbie frequent pop culture. We're grateful to Mattel for entrusting us with this extraordinary opportunity."
Mark said the next step will be to canvass writers and decide on a creative take for a family-friendly movie. Mark, who just produced "Julie and Julia" and is in production on the untitled James L. Brooks-directed comedy that stars Reese Witherspoon and Jack Nicholson, was one of several A-list producers who met with Mattel and U execs. "Barbie may be the most popular girl in the world, and has always been a wonderfully aspirational figure, so we must do her proud," Mark said, noting that there's no shortage of plot possibilities since Barbie has held more than 120 jobs over the years.
The executive producers are Barbie general manager and Mattel senior veep Richard Dickson and Rob Hudnut, who is VP of entertainment for Barbie. The brand managers will clearly be hands-on in determining how Mattel's star asset translates to the screen.?P>Asked why there had never before been a live-action feature (there have been 16 direct-to-video animated titles, selling 75 million units worldwide, according to Mattel), Dickson called the U deal the logical next step in expanding the brand's reach. In the past several years, Barbie has expanded into fashion shows, merchandise and online ventures that include Twitter, Facebook and even Barbie's own YouTube channel.
"The brand wasn't ready for a movie," Dickson said. "In the last 10 years, Barbie has evolved from a toy into an intellectual property. Barbie has a proven track record in home entertainment, there have been live stage shows, live symphonies and other nontraditional forms of entertainment. There is a flagship store in Shanghai."
While Universal and Mark will want to move ahead aggressively, Dickson said no timetable has been set for Barbie's bigscreen debut.
Universal Studios Singapore To Launch World's Only Madagascar Attraction
Press Release from Universal Parks & Resorts
SINGAPORE, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia's largest integrated resort in Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, has created not one, but two world's firsts in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) within its Universal Studios Singapore theme park.
Themed after DreamWorks Animation's blockbuster movie MADAGASCAR, Madagascar: A Crate Adventure will be a mega-attraction at Universal Studios Singapore when it opens in early 2010. Widely successful across audiences of all ages, the hit DreamWorks Animation film will be brought to life with a state-of-the-art indoor boat ride featuring animated figures, digital projection, evocative sound, and special effects that create a one-of-a-kind, funny and fun family ride.
Southeast Asia's first and only Universal Studios theme park will also be home to the world's first Far Far Away Castle, a landmark in the box-office hit Shrek series. King Harold's 40-metre high castle will house attractions such as Shrek 4-D, Donkey Live and Magic Potion Spin.
Madagascar: A Crate Adventure and Far Far Away Castle are part of the world's biggest single collection of DreamWorks Animation theme park attractions making its debut at Universal Studios Singapore. The collection of six attractions, complemented by more than 10 DreamWorks Animation themed dining and shopping outlets, also features rides suitable for the entire family, such as the fairy tale themed junior-coaster Enchanted Airways and King Julien's Beach Party Go-Round.
Mr. Tan Hee Teck, CEO of Resorts World Sentosa, which Universal Studios Singapore is part of, said: "Resorts World Sentosa has a sales network spanning 22 Asian cities. In each of these cities, Shrek and Madagascar are well-known animation films with beloved characters. We are ecstatic to have made these characters residents in Resorts World Sentosa's Universal Studios Singapore.
"We are excited about our relationship with DreamWorks Animation and Universal Studios Parks & Resorts, and I am sure that many Asian visitors will be too, when they see Universal Studios Singapore bring to life two of DreamWorks Animation's most successful box-office franchises."
"We are proud to announce the world-first MADAGASCAR attraction in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation that will debut at Resorts World Sentosa's Universal Studios Singapore," said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts. "These iconic animated characters promise to be another crown jewel in our collection of world-class rides and shows based on blockbuster movies that are loved by the entire family," he added.
Universal Studios Singapore is located within Singapore's massive family destination resort, Resorts World Sentosa. Universal Studios Singapore will feature 24 rides and attractions, 18 of which are either original or adapted for the park. Universal Studios Singapore opens in the first quarter of 2010.
DreamWorks Animation attractions at Universal Studios Singapore:
1. Madagascar: A Crate Adventure: The hit DreamWorks Animation films are brought to life with state-of-the-art animated figures, digital projection, evocative sound, and moving show-action effects that create a one-of-a-kind, immersive ride experience. Cast adrift while being transferred from the New York Zoo, our four heroes - Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria - arrive at the shores of Madagascar. Here, they meet the impulsive leader of the local lemurs, King Julien, who, between bustin' moves on the jungle floor, asks the New Yorkers to help defeat his nemesis - the dreaded Foosa. Aided by the technically-savvy but psychotic penguins, our heroes defeat the Foosa at the rim of a bubbling volcanic cauldron.
2. Shrek 4-D: Join Princess Fiona, Shrek and Donkey on a honeymoon adventure that picks up where the Oscar-winning movie "Shrek" left off, through an original 3-D film, complete with jumps, bumps, bounces, air blasts and water spray that bring the action to life for each guest - with an extra dimension of special effects through the miracle of Ogre Vision.
3. Donkey Live: Shrek's fairy tale sidekick Donkey will bring the crowd to its feet in this all-new, one-of-a-kind, interactive live show experience, where guests sing along and even talk with Donkey in an intimate theatre setting. Situated along Far Far Away's glamorous Romeo Drive, Hook's Knight Club is the hottest nightspot in town.
4. King Julien's Beach Party-Go-Round: King Julien, the self-appointed king of the lemurs, knows how to move it, move it, and now he spins guests round and round to the beat of high-energy dance music in this crazy carousel, sure to be a family favorite. At this festive beach scene, King Julien and the Lemurs are throwing a party for their favorite freaks from New York: Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and Melman the Giraffe.
5. Enchanted Airways: Guests of all ages climb aboard Donkey's beloved Dragon for a flight over Far Far Away and beyond. At Enchanted Airways, a merry cast of fairy tale creatures - from the Three Pigs to the Big Bad Wolf, from Gingerbread Man to Pinocchio - forms part of a magical airline in the form of a junior coaster that serves destinations throughout the World of Shrek!
6. Magic Potion Spin: As guests make their way past the bubbling vats of Fairy Godmother's Potion Shop, they'll encounter the fantastical heart of the factory, the Magic Potion Spin. This miniature Ferris wheel drives a clinking, clanking potion assembly line that circles the room, bottling magical elixirs from a giant wooden vat.
About Resorts World Sentosa
Slated to be one of the world's most exciting family destinations, Resorts World Sentosa is a collection of resorts and attractions with fun-filled offerings for the entire family.
Taking pride of place on Singapore's resort island of Sentosa and spanning 49 hectares of lush greenery, this S$6.59 billion (US$4.2 billion) destination will be home to Southeast Asia's first and only Universal Studios theme park, the world's largest Marine Life Park, and a destination spa - ESPA.
Besides attractions, Resorts World Sentosa offers six hotels and full conference and meeting amenities. Entertainment performances include the Crane Dance - the world's largest animatronic performance - set out at the Resort waterfront. Guests to the Resort can also choose from dozens of shopping and dining options at the Resort's bustling Strip, FestiveWalk.
Resorts World at Sentosa will have its soft opening in early 2010.
About Universal Parks & Resorts
Universal Parks & Resorts (UPR), a unit of General Electric's (NYSE: GE) NBC Universal, features some of the world's most popular entertainment destinations. Each year, millions of guests visit Universal's theme parks in Florida, California, and Japan to experience thrilling, world-famous attractions that combine interactive groundbreaking ride and show technology with the world's most recognized characters in movies and pop culture. New theme parks are planned for Dubai as well as Singapore.
SINGAPORE, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia's largest integrated resort in Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, has created not one, but two world's firsts in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) within its Universal Studios Singapore theme park.
Themed after DreamWorks Animation's blockbuster movie MADAGASCAR, Madagascar: A Crate Adventure will be a mega-attraction at Universal Studios Singapore when it opens in early 2010. Widely successful across audiences of all ages, the hit DreamWorks Animation film will be brought to life with a state-of-the-art indoor boat ride featuring animated figures, digital projection, evocative sound, and special effects that create a one-of-a-kind, funny and fun family ride.
Southeast Asia's first and only Universal Studios theme park will also be home to the world's first Far Far Away Castle, a landmark in the box-office hit Shrek series. King Harold's 40-metre high castle will house attractions such as Shrek 4-D, Donkey Live and Magic Potion Spin.
Madagascar: A Crate Adventure and Far Far Away Castle are part of the world's biggest single collection of DreamWorks Animation theme park attractions making its debut at Universal Studios Singapore. The collection of six attractions, complemented by more than 10 DreamWorks Animation themed dining and shopping outlets, also features rides suitable for the entire family, such as the fairy tale themed junior-coaster Enchanted Airways and King Julien's Beach Party Go-Round.
Mr. Tan Hee Teck, CEO of Resorts World Sentosa, which Universal Studios Singapore is part of, said: "Resorts World Sentosa has a sales network spanning 22 Asian cities. In each of these cities, Shrek and Madagascar are well-known animation films with beloved characters. We are ecstatic to have made these characters residents in Resorts World Sentosa's Universal Studios Singapore.
"We are excited about our relationship with DreamWorks Animation and Universal Studios Parks & Resorts, and I am sure that many Asian visitors will be too, when they see Universal Studios Singapore bring to life two of DreamWorks Animation's most successful box-office franchises."
"We are proud to announce the world-first MADAGASCAR attraction in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation that will debut at Resorts World Sentosa's Universal Studios Singapore," said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts. "These iconic animated characters promise to be another crown jewel in our collection of world-class rides and shows based on blockbuster movies that are loved by the entire family," he added.
Universal Studios Singapore is located within Singapore's massive family destination resort, Resorts World Sentosa. Universal Studios Singapore will feature 24 rides and attractions, 18 of which are either original or adapted for the park. Universal Studios Singapore opens in the first quarter of 2010.
DreamWorks Animation attractions at Universal Studios Singapore:
1. Madagascar: A Crate Adventure: The hit DreamWorks Animation films are brought to life with state-of-the-art animated figures, digital projection, evocative sound, and moving show-action effects that create a one-of-a-kind, immersive ride experience. Cast adrift while being transferred from the New York Zoo, our four heroes - Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria - arrive at the shores of Madagascar. Here, they meet the impulsive leader of the local lemurs, King Julien, who, between bustin' moves on the jungle floor, asks the New Yorkers to help defeat his nemesis - the dreaded Foosa. Aided by the technically-savvy but psychotic penguins, our heroes defeat the Foosa at the rim of a bubbling volcanic cauldron.
2. Shrek 4-D: Join Princess Fiona, Shrek and Donkey on a honeymoon adventure that picks up where the Oscar-winning movie "Shrek" left off, through an original 3-D film, complete with jumps, bumps, bounces, air blasts and water spray that bring the action to life for each guest - with an extra dimension of special effects through the miracle of Ogre Vision.
3. Donkey Live: Shrek's fairy tale sidekick Donkey will bring the crowd to its feet in this all-new, one-of-a-kind, interactive live show experience, where guests sing along and even talk with Donkey in an intimate theatre setting. Situated along Far Far Away's glamorous Romeo Drive, Hook's Knight Club is the hottest nightspot in town.
4. King Julien's Beach Party-Go-Round: King Julien, the self-appointed king of the lemurs, knows how to move it, move it, and now he spins guests round and round to the beat of high-energy dance music in this crazy carousel, sure to be a family favorite. At this festive beach scene, King Julien and the Lemurs are throwing a party for their favorite freaks from New York: Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and Melman the Giraffe.
5. Enchanted Airways: Guests of all ages climb aboard Donkey's beloved Dragon for a flight over Far Far Away and beyond. At Enchanted Airways, a merry cast of fairy tale creatures - from the Three Pigs to the Big Bad Wolf, from Gingerbread Man to Pinocchio - forms part of a magical airline in the form of a junior coaster that serves destinations throughout the World of Shrek!
6. Magic Potion Spin: As guests make their way past the bubbling vats of Fairy Godmother's Potion Shop, they'll encounter the fantastical heart of the factory, the Magic Potion Spin. This miniature Ferris wheel drives a clinking, clanking potion assembly line that circles the room, bottling magical elixirs from a giant wooden vat.
About Resorts World Sentosa
Slated to be one of the world's most exciting family destinations, Resorts World Sentosa is a collection of resorts and attractions with fun-filled offerings for the entire family.
Taking pride of place on Singapore's resort island of Sentosa and spanning 49 hectares of lush greenery, this S$6.59 billion (US$4.2 billion) destination will be home to Southeast Asia's first and only Universal Studios theme park, the world's largest Marine Life Park, and a destination spa - ESPA.
Besides attractions, Resorts World Sentosa offers six hotels and full conference and meeting amenities. Entertainment performances include the Crane Dance - the world's largest animatronic performance - set out at the Resort waterfront. Guests to the Resort can also choose from dozens of shopping and dining options at the Resort's bustling Strip, FestiveWalk.
Resorts World at Sentosa will have its soft opening in early 2010.
About Universal Parks & Resorts
Universal Parks & Resorts (UPR), a unit of General Electric's (NYSE: GE) NBC Universal, features some of the world's most popular entertainment destinations. Each year, millions of guests visit Universal's theme parks in Florida, California, and Japan to experience thrilling, world-famous attractions that combine interactive groundbreaking ride and show technology with the world's most recognized characters in movies and pop culture. New theme parks are planned for Dubai as well as Singapore.
2009年9月23日星期三
3D animation movie- Atom
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
The first 3D animation movie of Atom is playing now.
The first 3D animation movie of Atom is playing now.
2009年9月21日星期一
"Wall-E" screenwriters receive Humanitas Award
According to AWN--
Imagi International Holdings announced Sunday that it has finalized the Astro Boy premiere dates for Tokyo, Hong Kong and the United States.
Los Angeles will host its premiere October 19. Astro Boy voice talents including Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell and Nicolas Cage are expected to attend the L.A. premiere.
Imagi announced that Japan, where Tezuka Osamu created the legendary Astro Boy character in the 1950s, will be the host of the world premiere of Astro Boy on October 5. Hundreds of fans, along with director David Bowers and producer Maryann Garger, plus Japanese voice talents including Aya Ueto and Koji Yakusho, are expected to attend the world premiere.
The film's production base, Hong Kong, will host its own premiere October 17, with Astro Boy's Cantonese voice talents, including Aaron Kwok and Goum Ian Iskandar, expected to attend.
The premiere dates were carefully selected in each market to maximize the impact of the movie and attract large-scale public interest.
Astro Boy will be the first Hong Kong-produced movie to be released across four continents and 20 markets in the same month. Imagi recently announced that it had secured financing for prints and advertising expenses associated with
Astro Boy. Marketing and advertising, including billboards and TV advertisements, will ramp up in late September.
"All the financing and funding to ensure a successful release for Astro Boy is now in place. Now we wait for film audiences around the world sitting on the edge of their seats, to judge the film with their dollars as we had investors in Imagi over the past few months so judge," said CK Phoon, executive deputy chairman at Imagi.
"Imagi is a unique studio: our roots are in Asia, but we are able to create films for global audiences. Audiences from Tokyo to Los Angeles, from Beijing to Sydney, will all be able to see Astro Boy fly in October together with all of us here in Hong Kong."
Imagi International Holdings announced Sunday that it has finalized the Astro Boy premiere dates for Tokyo, Hong Kong and the United States.
Los Angeles will host its premiere October 19. Astro Boy voice talents including Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell and Nicolas Cage are expected to attend the L.A. premiere.
Imagi announced that Japan, where Tezuka Osamu created the legendary Astro Boy character in the 1950s, will be the host of the world premiere of Astro Boy on October 5. Hundreds of fans, along with director David Bowers and producer Maryann Garger, plus Japanese voice talents including Aya Ueto and Koji Yakusho, are expected to attend the world premiere.
The film's production base, Hong Kong, will host its own premiere October 17, with Astro Boy's Cantonese voice talents, including Aaron Kwok and Goum Ian Iskandar, expected to attend.
The premiere dates were carefully selected in each market to maximize the impact of the movie and attract large-scale public interest.
Astro Boy will be the first Hong Kong-produced movie to be released across four continents and 20 markets in the same month. Imagi recently announced that it had secured financing for prints and advertising expenses associated with
Astro Boy. Marketing and advertising, including billboards and TV advertisements, will ramp up in late September.
"All the financing and funding to ensure a successful release for Astro Boy is now in place. Now we wait for film audiences around the world sitting on the edge of their seats, to judge the film with their dollars as we had investors in Imagi over the past few months so judge," said CK Phoon, executive deputy chairman at Imagi.
"Imagi is a unique studio: our roots are in Asia, but we are able to create films for global audiences. Audiences from Tokyo to Los Angeles, from Beijing to Sydney, will all be able to see Astro Boy fly in October together with all of us here in Hong Kong."
Body Identified as Crayon Shin-chan's Yoshito Usui
On Sunday, authorities have identified the body discovered at Arafune mountain as that of missing Crayon Shin-chan manga creator Yoshito Usui through dental records and other means.
The body was discovered 120 meters below the mountain's Tomoiwa cliff and reported at about 10:25 a.m. on Saturday by a male climber. Usui's backpack, camera, and other items had fallen about 50 meters away. Inside Usui's backpack was his mobile phone, wallet, and clothes. A police helicopter from Gunma Prefecture airlifted the body on Sunday afternoon. Police from the nearby town of Shimonita concluded that the 51-year-old creator died from collapsed lungs and other injuries sustained across his entire body sometime in the afternoon of September 11.
South Park Wins Emmy
According to AWN--On Sunday, Sept. 20th, the Primetime Emmy Awards were handed out. The "Margaritaville" episode of SOUTH PARK took home the Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program (for programming less than one hour). The fellow nominees were ROBOT CHICKEN, THE SIMPSONS and AMERICAN DAD. FOSTER'S HOMES FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS' "Destination Imagination" won the Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program (for programming one hour or more). FOSTER'S beat out AFRO SAMURAI: RESURRECTION.
In other animation news, FAMILY GUY failed in its bid to win Outstanding Comedy series, losing out to perpetual winner 30 ROCK.
In other animation news, FAMILY GUY failed in its bid to win Outstanding Comedy series, losing out to perpetual winner 30 ROCK.
2009年9月18日星期五
Disney Chairman Cook Steps Down
According to AWN: Dick Cook has stepped down as chairman at the Walt Disney Co. This follows his recent unveiling of Disney upcoming projects at the D23 Conference.
By Rick DeMott | Friday, September 18, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Posted In | News Categories: Business, Cartoons, Films, Home Entertainment, Television, Theme Parks - Installations, Visual Effects | Geographic Region: All | Main Categories: Business, Cartoons, Films, Home Entertainment, People, Television, Theme Parks - Installations, Visual Effects
In a shocking announcement, Dick Cook has stepped down as chairman at the Walt Disney Co. This follows his recent unveiling of Disney upcoming projects at the D23 Conference.
Statement from Dick Cook
I am stepping down from my role as chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, effective immediately.
I have loved every minute of my 38 years that I have worked at Disney... from the beginning as a ride operator on Disneyland's steam train and monorail to my position as chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. To wrap up my Disney experience in a neatly bundled statement is close to impossible. But what I will say is, during my time at the Studio, we have achieved many industry and Company milestones. Our talent roster is simply the best in the business. I believe our slate of upcoming motion pictures is the best in our history. But most of all, I love the people, my colleagues, my teammates, who are the most talented, dedicated and loyal folks in the world. I know that I leave the Studio in their exceptional hands.
I have been contemplating this for some time now and feel it's the right time for me to move on to new adventures... and in the words of one of my baseball heroes, Yogi Berra, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it."
Statement from Disney CEO Bob Iger
Throughout his distinguished 38-year Disney career, Dick Cook's outstanding creative instincts and incomparable showmanship have truly enriched this company and significantly impacted Disney's great legacy. We thank Dick for his tremendous passion for Disney, and his many accomplishments and contributions to The Walt Disney Studios, including a very promising upcoming film slate. On behalf of everyone at Disney, we wish him the best with all the future has to offer.
腾讯财经: 美国传媒业巨头迪士尼制片公司董事长迪克•库克(Dick Cook)本周五宣布，他将从即刻起辞去在迪士尼的职务。库克表示，他将追寻新的冒险。
库克在其声明中表示，在过去的一段时间内，他一直在考虑离开迪士尼的问题，并且认为目前是一个合适的时机。消息人士表示，现年59岁的库克在本周五向其下属员工表示，目前的工作环境让他到过于狭小。
消息人士表示，库克此次的离职，并不是因为他与公司首席执行官鲍勃•伊格(Bob Iger)或者其他管理层人员的矛盾。一位迪士尼公司的新闻发言人表示，公司尚未准备宣布由何人接替库克的职务。
在库克的带领下，迪士尼成为了全球首屈一指的3D电影制作公司，并以《四眼天鸡》等成功影片闻名于世界。但是由于DVD销量逐年下降，而部分影片的票房也不尽如人意，迪士尼的经营也逐步陷入困境。
迪尼斯首席执行官伊格在代表公司的一封声明中表示，他希望库克能够继续获得成功，并且认为库克有着“突出的创造本能”。
咨询公司Media Valuation Partners的一位负责人表示，库克的离职与迪士尼公司上个月的收购活动有关。迪士尼在今年8月份以40亿美元收购了漫画书出版商及电影制片公司Marvel Entertainment Inc。另外，迪士尼在业绩上对于旗下Pixar Animation的过分依赖也使库克感到不满。
这位分析师表示：“也许，迪士尼的未来将在很大程度上取决于Marvel及Pixar的业绩。如果迪士尼不能拍摄一些成功的原创影片，而是依赖于Pixar及Marvel所带来的成功，那么库克的这个职位在未来将变得无足轻重。”
By Rick DeMott | Friday, September 18, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Posted In | News Categories: Business, Cartoons, Films, Home Entertainment, Television, Theme Parks - Installations, Visual Effects | Geographic Region: All | Main Categories: Business, Cartoons, Films, Home Entertainment, People, Television, Theme Parks - Installations, Visual Effects
In a shocking announcement, Dick Cook has stepped down as chairman at the Walt Disney Co. This follows his recent unveiling of Disney upcoming projects at the D23 Conference.
Statement from Dick Cook
I am stepping down from my role as chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, effective immediately.
I have loved every minute of my 38 years that I have worked at Disney... from the beginning as a ride operator on Disneyland's steam train and monorail to my position as chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. To wrap up my Disney experience in a neatly bundled statement is close to impossible. But what I will say is, during my time at the Studio, we have achieved many industry and Company milestones. Our talent roster is simply the best in the business. I believe our slate of upcoming motion pictures is the best in our history. But most of all, I love the people, my colleagues, my teammates, who are the most talented, dedicated and loyal folks in the world. I know that I leave the Studio in their exceptional hands.
I have been contemplating this for some time now and feel it's the right time for me to move on to new adventures... and in the words of one of my baseball heroes, Yogi Berra, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it."
Statement from Disney CEO Bob Iger
Throughout his distinguished 38-year Disney career, Dick Cook's outstanding creative instincts and incomparable showmanship have truly enriched this company and significantly impacted Disney's great legacy. We thank Dick for his tremendous passion for Disney, and his many accomplishments and contributions to The Walt Disney Studios, including a very promising upcoming film slate. On behalf of everyone at Disney, we wish him the best with all the future has to offer.
腾讯财经: 美国传媒业巨头迪士尼制片公司董事长迪克•库克(Dick Cook)本周五宣布，他将从即刻起辞去在迪士尼的职务。库克表示，他将追寻新的冒险。
库克在其声明中表示，在过去的一段时间内，他一直在考虑离开迪士尼的问题，并且认为目前是一个合适的时机。消息人士表示，现年59岁的库克在本周五向其下属员工表示，目前的工作环境让他到过于狭小。
消息人士表示，库克此次的离职，并不是因为他与公司首席执行官鲍勃•伊格(Bob Iger)或者其他管理层人员的矛盾。一位迪士尼公司的新闻发言人表示，公司尚未准备宣布由何人接替库克的职务。
在库克的带领下，迪士尼成为了全球首屈一指的3D电影制作公司，并以《四眼天鸡》等成功影片闻名于世界。但是由于DVD销量逐年下降，而部分影片的票房也不尽如人意，迪士尼的经营也逐步陷入困境。
迪尼斯首席执行官伊格在代表公司的一封声明中表示，他希望库克能够继续获得成功，并且认为库克有着“突出的创造本能”。
咨询公司Media Valuation Partners的一位负责人表示，库克的离职与迪士尼公司上个月的收购活动有关。迪士尼在今年8月份以40亿美元收购了漫画书出版商及电影制片公司Marvel Entertainment Inc。另外，迪士尼在业绩上对于旗下Pixar Animation的过分依赖也使库克感到不满。
这位分析师表示：“也许，迪士尼的未来将在很大程度上取决于Marvel及Pixar的业绩。如果迪士尼不能拍摄一些成功的原创影片，而是依赖于Pixar及Marvel所带来的成功，那么库克的这个职位在未来将变得无足轻重。”
Kewpie will be adaptable to TV animation 丘比娃娃将首度TV动画化
腾讯：世界级的卡通形象即将被首次改编成TV动画，它就是人见人爱的小娃娃丘比（Kewpie）。在昨天于东京举行的发布会上宣布了这一消息，同时登台的还有女优兼模特的杏、以及佐佐木希，她们将作为声优参与动画的制作。
1909年，丘比的形象由美国画家罗丝·奥尼尔发表于妇女杂志《LADY HOME JOURNAL》之上，这名小Baby是作为该杂志一篇名为《丘比的圣诞游乐》的故事的插图而登场的。其实在此之前的1903年，一个以小爱神丘比特为原型的卡通形象已经刊登于杂志《COSMOPOLITAN》之上，不过“丘比”这个名字是1909年才正式被采用，因此将这一年定为丘比的诞生年。那么我们现在能买到的丘比人偶的原初版本是什么时候登场的呢？答案是1913年。随后这名赤裸的小Baby就一直温暖着全世界，他还成了明星，接拍了冰淇淋、果冻、香皂和箭牌口香糖广告，最近日本富士菲林也请他担任代言，果然是全世界最出名的婴儿。
The Chinese Animation Industry will be controlled by The Ministry of Culture 动漫产业年底前将划归文化部主管
上海证券报：中央编办日前下发《关于印发〈中央编办对文化部、广电总局、新闻出版总署“三定”规定中有关动漫、网络游戏和文化市场综合执法的部分条文的解释〉的通知》，通知规定，年底前三部门职责划分必须到位，届时文化部是网络游戏的主管部门，负责动漫和网络游戏相关产业规划、产业基地、项目建设、会展交易和市场监管。
按照通知要求，“划出”、“划入”工作将在今年年底前完成。之后，文化部将成为动漫、网络游戏主管部门，负责动漫和网络游戏相关产业规划、产业基地、项目建设、会展交易和市场监管。国家广播电影电视总局负责对影视动漫和网络视听中的动漫节目进行管理。国家新闻出版总署负责在出版环节对动漫进行管理，对游戏出版物的网上出版发行进行前置审批。
业内人士指出，对于动漫产业来说，此通知是将内容及监管收归文化部，但一旦动漫企业要将创意变成产品实现产业化，则仍然需要与此三部门打交道，但可以肯定的是，有关部门对动漫及相关产业的重视程度越来越高。
蔡武部长在讲话中谈到，近期备受瞩目的中国动漫公司正在积极组建中。文化部推动组建中国动漫公司、中国东方演义集团公司、中国文化传媒集团公司等三大产业集团公司的目的，是为了打造具有国家水准、能够与国际同行竞争的文化国家队。
与此同时，现在文化部门主管的演出、娱乐、艺术品、网络文化、动漫游戏等领域基本实现了对国内非国有资本的全方位、全过程的开放，除少数领域，基本上也都对外资开放。
为推动聚集发展，实现文化产业的高起点、规模化、集约化发展，文化部在2009年下半年将重点推动实施国家动漫产业综合示范园区、中国动漫游戏城、中华文化主题公园等重大文化的项目，致力于完善一批高起点、规模化、代表国家水准和未来产业发展方向的文化产业示范基地和实验示范园区。
按照通知要求，“划出”、“划入”工作将在今年年底前完成。之后，文化部将成为动漫、网络游戏主管部门，负责动漫和网络游戏相关产业规划、产业基地、项目建设、会展交易和市场监管。国家广播电影电视总局负责对影视动漫和网络视听中的动漫节目进行管理。国家新闻出版总署负责在出版环节对动漫进行管理，对游戏出版物的网上出版发行进行前置审批。
业内人士指出，对于动漫产业来说，此通知是将内容及监管收归文化部，但一旦动漫企业要将创意变成产品实现产业化，则仍然需要与此三部门打交道，但可以肯定的是，有关部门对动漫及相关产业的重视程度越来越高。
蔡武部长在讲话中谈到，近期备受瞩目的中国动漫公司正在积极组建中。文化部推动组建中国动漫公司、中国东方演义集团公司、中国文化传媒集团公司等三大产业集团公司的目的，是为了打造具有国家水准、能够与国际同行竞争的文化国家队。
与此同时，现在文化部门主管的演出、娱乐、艺术品、网络文化、动漫游戏等领域基本实现了对国内非国有资本的全方位、全过程的开放，除少数领域，基本上也都对外资开放。
为推动聚集发展，实现文化产业的高起点、规模化、集约化发展，文化部在2009年下半年将重点推动实施国家动漫产业综合示范园区、中国动漫游戏城、中华文化主题公园等重大文化的项目，致力于完善一批高起点、规模化、代表国家水准和未来产业发展方向的文化产业示范基地和实验示范园区。
2009年9月17日星期四
Sony Pictures gets a 'Defendor'
According to THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTERTORONTO, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group is in final negotiations to acquire the Woody Harrelson starrer "Defendor" out of the Toronto International Film Festival.
The company is set to buy all worldwide rights to the film except Canada, where the film is being released by Alliance.
Peter Stebbings' movie stars Harrelson as a man who is under the delusion that he is a superhero and sets out on a series of adventures to protect a crime-beset city. Kat Dennings and Sandra Oh also star.
The company is set to buy all worldwide rights to the film except Canada, where the film is being released by Alliance.
Peter Stebbings' movie stars Harrelson as a man who is under the delusion that he is a superhero and sets out on a series of adventures to protect a crime-beset city. Kat Dennings and Sandra Oh also star.
2009年9月16日星期三
Disney Announces Pixar 3D Movies
Walt Disney has announced that Disney and Pixar will make eight new 3D animated films in the next four years.
The first digital 3D movie to be released is "Bolt" the story of a dog of the same name that believes he has superhero powers. John Travolta is the voice of Bolt and the popular singe/actress Miley Cyrus is the voice of Bolt's owner Penny in the film, which opens on November 26.
"Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" will be re-released in digital 3D on October 2, 2009 and February 12, 2010 respectively, while "Toy Story 3" will be in theaters on June 18, 2010. The original cast from the previous "Toy Story" films, including Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack, are returning for the third film, which begins with Andy grown up and getting ready to go to college.
a list of Disney's upcoming releases:
1. WALL*E - June 2008
2. Bolt - November 2008
3. Up - May 2009
4. The Princess and the Frog - Christmas 2009
5. Toy Story (3D) - October 2009
6. Toy Story 2 (3D) - February 2010
7. Toy Story 3 - June 2010
8. Rapunzel - Christmas 2010
9. Newt - summer 2011
10. The Bear and the Bow - Christmas 2011
11. Cars 2 - summer 2012
12. King of Elves - Christmas 2012.
The first digital 3D movie to be released is "Bolt" the story of a dog of the same name that believes he has superhero powers. John Travolta is the voice of Bolt and the popular singe/actress Miley Cyrus is the voice of Bolt's owner Penny in the film, which opens on November 26.
"Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" will be re-released in digital 3D on October 2, 2009 and February 12, 2010 respectively, while "Toy Story 3" will be in theaters on June 18, 2010. The original cast from the previous "Toy Story" films, including Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack, are returning for the third film, which begins with Andy grown up and getting ready to go to college.
a list of Disney's upcoming releases:
1. WALL*E - June 2008
2. Bolt - November 2008
3. Up - May 2009
4. The Princess and the Frog - Christmas 2009
5. Toy Story (3D) - October 2009
6. Toy Story 2 (3D) - February 2010
7. Toy Story 3 - June 2010
8. Rapunzel - Christmas 2010
9. Newt - summer 2011
10. The Bear and the Bow - Christmas 2011
11. Cars 2 - summer 2012
12. King of Elves - Christmas 2012.
2009年9月15日星期二
Marvel Sued Over Disney Acquisition
September 14, 2009 - Marvel Entertainment has been hit with two class action lawsuits stemming from its recently announced agreement to be acquired by The Walt Disney Company in a stock and cash transaction valued at approximately $4 billion.
The law Offices of Howard G. Smith announced August 31 that it is investigating potential claims against the board of directors of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. related to the proposed acquisition, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including all necessary regulatory and stockholder approvals. According to a press release, "The investigation concerns possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of state law related to approval of the transaction by the Marvel board of directors."
It was announced over the weekend that Levi & Korsinsky had also filed suit in New York state court challenging the Marvel-Disney deal. A press release from the law firm states, "The transaction values Marvel shares at approximately $50 per share, based on the $26.84 closing price of Walt Disney stock the day prior to the announcement. The complaint alleges that the consideration offered is inadequate because it is less than the intrinsic value of the Company."
The law Offices of Howard G. Smith announced August 31 that it is investigating potential claims against the board of directors of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. related to the proposed acquisition, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including all necessary regulatory and stockholder approvals. According to a press release, "The investigation concerns possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of state law related to approval of the transaction by the Marvel board of directors."
It was announced over the weekend that Levi & Korsinsky had also filed suit in New York state court challenging the Marvel-Disney deal. A press release from the law firm states, "The transaction values Marvel shares at approximately $50 per share, based on the $26.84 closing price of Walt Disney stock the day prior to the announcement. The complaint alleges that the consideration offered is inadequate because it is less than the intrinsic value of the Company."
2009年9月14日星期一
The Smurfs
索尼动画公司（Sony Pictures Animation）制作的3D CGI动画片《蓝精灵》（Smurf）的首张官方角色图片日前在网上曝光！ 电影版《蓝精灵》将结合真人演员和电脑动画，在2010年12月17日以普通版和3D立体版上映。
曾执导过真人与动画结合影片《史酷比狗》、《贝弗利吉娃娃》的拉加·高斯内尔（Raja Gosnell）将负责把这群“3个苹果高”的蓝色小人带上大银幕。曾制作《丛林王乔治》（George of the Jungle）和《夏洛的网》（Charlotte's Web）的Jordan Kerner将担任该片制片人，《史瑞克2、3》（Shrek）的编剧J. David Stem、David N. Weiss以及《丛林王乔治》编剧Audrey Wells将负责该片剧本创作。
Chinese First High Defination Animation TV Show--The story of the three kingdoms
52集大型高清动画电视连续剧《三国演义》将于2009年9月15日晚8点在央视少儿频道《银河剧场》栏目开播，每集25分钟。该片场面宏大、情节波澜壮阔，以动画的形式将三国演义这部历史巨著原汁原味儿奉现给广大观众。
这部动画是北京辉煌动画公司重点打造的英雄系列的第一部。该片与日本未来行星株式会社共同创意制作，总时长1144分钟。该片力求最大地保持原著的风格，动画的创作制作汇聚了中日两国动画专家的智慧，是中国动画坚持本土化、产业化发展，走向国际化的创造性实践。
该片是国内第一部高清版成人动画电视剧，在人物造型、情节安排、场景设计、语言对白、音乐效果等方面，不仅适合6至15岁的青少年观众观看，同时也能够吸引30岁的青年以上的成人观众，符合他们的艺术情趣和审美追求，填补了国内成人动画电视剧的空白。
Chinese First 3D Animation Movie -- Prequel of the Monkey King
缘成影视、星美影业、天娱传媒和宏伟兄弟共同出品，中国电影集团数字电影发展有限公司和北京博纳文化交流有限公司联和发行的我国首部3D立体动画电影《齐天大圣前传》在公布了该片的先导款海报。
《齐天大圣前传》是目前为止我国唯一一部3D立体动画电影，该片在极为艰苦的创作条件之下历时3年方才制作完成，该片主要选取了《西游记》中前五回的故事演绎而成，据悉该片将于近期在全国3D影院全面上映。
Chinese first comic stock rises by 81%
奥飞动漫(002292)、开盘大涨83.25%，现涨81%。奥飞动漫的上市标志着A股有了首家动漫类上市公司，但是58.3倍的发行市盈率仅次于光大证券的58.56倍发行市盈率，是IPO重启后发行市盈率第二高的股票。
奥飞动漫集产业运营与动漫内容创作为一体，是国内最大的动漫玩具企业，也是我国玩具行业品牌优势明显、盈利能力突出的龙头企业。公司销售市场以国内为主，海外业务涉及30多个国家或地区。本次发行募集资金将用于投资动漫影视制作及衍生品产业化、动漫衍生品生产基地建设、市场渠道优化升级技术改造三个项目。
中信金通的钱向劲表示，公司作为唯一纯正动漫产业概念的上市公司，近几年发展前景明朗，预计该股上市定位于28-33元。九鼎德盛的朱慧玲则预计，公司首日上市的定位区间为30-32元左右。
奥飞动漫集产业运营与动漫内容创作为一体，是国内最大的动漫玩具企业，也是我国玩具行业品牌优势明显、盈利能力突出的龙头企业。公司销售市场以国内为主，海外业务涉及30多个国家或地区。本次发行募集资金将用于投资动漫影视制作及衍生品产业化、动漫衍生品生产基地建设、市场渠道优化升级技术改造三个项目。
中信金通的钱向劲表示，公司作为唯一纯正动漫产业概念的上市公司，近几年发展前景明朗，预计该股上市定位于28-33元。九鼎德盛的朱慧玲则预计，公司首日上市的定位区间为30-32元左右。
The 2009 Creative Arts Emmy Awards
Comedy Central's South Park defeated The Simpsons, American Dad and Robot Chicken for the Emmy for Animated Program Outstanding Animated Program (for programming less than one hour). The SP episode "Margaritavilla" was singled out for the win.
Not to be outdone, however, Dan Castellaneta (as Homer Simpson) won for Best Voice-Over Performance in connection with his work in the Simpsons episode "Father Knows Worst."
For Outstanding Animated Program (for programming one hour or more), the winner was "Destination Imagination," an episode of Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends.
No winner was announced for Outstanding Special Class - Short-format Animated Programs. The Disney's Phineas And Ferb episode "The Monster Of Phineas-N-Ferbenstein" and the SpongeBob SquarePants episode "Dear Vikings" were the two nominees.
Disney Double Dare You (DDY)
Walt Disney Studios, in collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, The Hobbit), is launching a new production label called Disney Double Dare You (DDY) to create new animated films "full of chills and thrills for audiences of all ages," studio chairman Dick Cook announced Friday at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California.
Said Del Toro, "As a director, I love to take audiences into fantastic new worlds and provide them with some anxious moments in the process. It is part of the Disney canon to create thrilling, unforgettable moments and villains in all their classic films. It is my privilege for DDY to continue in this tradition. To partner up with The Walt Disney Studios, with the support of Dick Cook and John Lasseter, is to belong to a storytelling partnership that I admire deeply. It is a true honor. I look forward to coming up with fresh and original stories that will take Disney films in a whole new direction. The emphasis is on fun, and we have some great ideas already on the storyboards." The first project in development for "Disney Double Dare You" will be "The Trollhunters", an original Del Toro story which he will also produce.
2009年9月11日星期五
VIZ Media's Naruto Shippuden Coming to Disney XD
Press Release from VIZ Media
San Francisco, CA, September 10, 2009 – In a landmark agreement, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced that its animated series NARUTO Shippuden has been acquired by Disney-ABC Cable Networks Group for debut on Disney XD (www.DisneyXD.com) television channel beginning in October.
Disney XD is a new basic cable channel and multi-platform brand that showcases a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. New dubbed episodes of NARUTO Shippuden will premiere on the network.
2009年9月10日星期四
The First Animation Stock in Chinese Stock Market---- GUANGDONG ALPHA ANIMATION ANDCULTURE CO.,LTD.广东奥飞动漫文化股份有限公司
9月10日，广东奥飞动漫文化股份有限公司正式在深交所中小板挂牌上市(上市代码002292)。奥飞动漫本次公开发行4000万股，发行价格22.92元/股。当日高开42元大涨83.25%，收市时价格为40.95元，涨78.66%，涨幅在昨天同时上市的三只新股中排在第一位，显示出市场对于奥飞动漫“动漫”这一目前A股市场独一无二题材的认可程度。
作为国内动漫玩具龙头企业，广东奥飞动漫主营业务为动漫影视片制作、发行、授权以及动漫玩具和非动漫玩具的开发、生产与销售。产品主要分为动漫玩具、非动漫玩具、动漫影视作品和动漫图文作品四类。公司的动漫玩具销售收入由2005年的1708万元增至2009年上半年的2.83亿元，动漫玩具销售收入占公司营收的比重由2005年的8.4%提升到2009年上半年的81.93%。
据介绍，2009~2011年，奥飞公司规划有8部动漫作品同时播映，预计2011年销售收入可达9.76亿元。奥飞公司方面表示，募集资金募投项目主要用于拍摄6部动漫作品，公司玩具产能储备增至476款。
奥飞动漫董事长蔡东青向记者介绍说，奥飞动漫未来将进一步加大动漫产业力度，扩展终端网络销售渠道，此外还将扩大动漫产业基地规模，全方位强化“动漫支撑玩具，玩具反哺动漫”的独特盈利模式。
作为国内动漫玩具龙头企业，广东奥飞动漫主营业务为动漫影视片制作、发行、授权以及动漫玩具和非动漫玩具的开发、生产与销售。产品主要分为动漫玩具、非动漫玩具、动漫影视作品和动漫图文作品四类。公司的动漫玩具销售收入由2005年的1708万元增至2009年上半年的2.83亿元，动漫玩具销售收入占公司营收的比重由2005年的8.4%提升到2009年上半年的81.93%。
据介绍，2009~2011年，奥飞公司规划有8部动漫作品同时播映，预计2011年销售收入可达9.76亿元。奥飞公司方面表示，募集资金募投项目主要用于拍摄6部动漫作品，公司玩具产能储备增至476款。
奥飞动漫董事长蔡东青向记者介绍说，奥飞动漫未来将进一步加大动漫产业力度，扩展终端网络销售渠道，此外还将扩大动漫产业基地规模，全方位强化“动漫支撑玩具，玩具反哺动漫”的独特盈利模式。
2009年8月31日星期一
Disney to Acquire Marvel Entertainment
Worldwide leader in family entertainment agrees to acquire Marvel and its portfolio of over 5,000 characters. Mr. Perlmutter will oversee the Marvel properties, and will work directly with Disney’s global lines of business to build and further integrate Marvel’s properties. Acquisition highlights Disney’s strategic focus on quality branded content, technological innovation and international expansion to build long-term shareholder value. Burbank, CA and New York, NY, August 31, 2009 —Building on its strategy of delivering quality branded content to people around the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) has agreed to acquire Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:MVL) in a stock and cash transaction, the companies announced today. Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney on August 28, 2009, Marvel shareholders would receive a total of $30 per share in cash plus approximately 0.745 Disney shares for each Marvel share they own. At closing, the amount of cash and stock will be adjusted if necessary so that the total value of the Disney stock issued as merger consideration based on its trading value at that time is not less than 40% of the total merger consideration. Based on the closing price of Disney stock on Friday, August 28, the transaction value is $50 per Marvel share or approximately $4 billion.
The Boards of Directors of Disney and Marvel have each approved the transaction, which is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, certain non-United States merger control regulations, effectiveness of a registration statement with respect to Disney shares issued in the transaction and other customary closing conditions. The agreement will require the approval of Marvel shareholders. Marvel was advised on the transaction by BofA Merrill Lynch.
The Boards of Directors of Disney and Marvel have each approved the transaction, which is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, certain non-United States merger control regulations, effectiveness of a registration statement with respect to Disney shares issued in the transaction and other customary closing conditions. The agreement will require the approval of Marvel shareholders. Marvel was advised on the transaction by BofA Merrill Lynch.
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