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SDCC 09: A Prime Cut of Top Cow: Comics & Movies Galore
The Top Cow Multimedia panel at Comic-Con International: San Diego was moderated by Top Cow president Matt Hawkins, and attended by artist and Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri, publisher Filip Sablik, Darkness writer Phil Hester, and Witchblade writer Ron Marz.
The panel began with the announcement of a feature film to come, based on Top Cow’s The Magdalena. Ryuhei Kitamura, most recently of the Clive Barker-adapted film Midnight Meat Train, was announced as director, and showcased a rousing reel of his work which showed a penchant for finely choreographed, highly stylized action.
Holly Brix was then introduced as the screenwriter of the Magdalena film. She shared her love for the source material, and promised that the story would be about the transference of power from one Magdalena to another. Kitamura spoke of how he saw the book as its own kind of action film. It’s not just action, he said, it’s kick ass action. And the film will be more about a girl who is fighting her hardest against destiny.
After his first Hollywood film, Kitamura was eager to sink his teeth into something meaty. He expressed his frustration at Hollywood execs who say female action films don’t work, but pointed to the lackluster quality of their efforts as the real cause of the failures. This is Kitamura’s dream project, and he thanked Hawkins and the producers, for making him feel as though he’s in safe hands. This is rarity in Hollywood, he assured the audience, because usually producers are the enemy. And he’s never minded a fight.
Brix dove into the story, sharing that the idea behind the second coming of Christ was what would make the project unique and new. Ricks cited a line that alluded to the fact that whoever could produce Christ could control religion, and therefore the world. A poster was shown featuring actress Jenna Dewan as Patience, and Luke Goss as Kristof.
The panel also announced that there would be a new Ron Marz- penned The Magdalena book, with Ryan Sook on covers, and an interior artist to be announced.
Marz said this was the first thing he wanted to do, when he came to Top Cow, was The Magdalena, but that the editors gave him Witchblade, and now he’s finally getting his chance. He called the character “the best... in the Top Cow stable.” He’s long wanted to “get [his] hands on her,” he joked.
Ryan Sook was mentioned as a vital part of team, so much so that the book was delayed to accommodate his schedule. The first 6 issues will make for ground-floor reading, where people can jump on, but should also satisfy long term fans.
Marz also shared that he has some knowledge of what is to come in the film, and that thus far he was impressed.
Aphrodite IX, a 12 year old project, was then brought to the forefront. Despite the title’s short run, the character is still consistently one of the company’s bestselling statues. Threshold Entertainment’s Larry Kasanoff, the producer of Mortal Kombat, is attached to develop the feature film, with an unnamed actress already attached. Hawkins warned that more formal announcements were to come in August. He couldn’t say much, but he did say that said actress is “hot.” He also assured the audience that the character’s hair will stay green.
The Darkness was next up on the break-neck paced panel. The character, who was co-created by Marc Silvestri, and currently being written by Phil Hester, is at the center of a variety of projects to come. First a sequel to the video game was announced as in development, to be penned by Paul Jenkins. A trailer was shown, from the previous installment by 2K Games. Hawkins also boasted that The Darkness game has gone platinum on both X-Box 360 and PS3, and will therefore soon be available for $29.99.
Also announced was a live action feature film of The Darkness to come. There were no specifics involved, beyond that Scott Stuber Productions was attached, but Hawkins promised further announcements to come in 6-8 weeks, with talent to be named.
From here Phil Hester got into his run on The Darkness. Jackie Estacado always goes through a lot, Hester warned, but if you screw with him, he screws back. He’s been screwed a lot in the last year’s worth of stories, and readers should expect him to screw back. His power is only limited by his imagination, and so there is a lot yet to come. He’s screwing back on his earthly enemies, and then even getting into it with the Darkness itself.
The panel also stressed their excitement that they’ve managed to maintain their $2.99 price point.
The next announcement was of a crossover of The Darkness and Darkchylde, with an image by Randy Queen. It will be released in December, with extra pages of content in oversized books.
The panel then showed a trailer of the Wanted film, now out on Blu-ray and HD DVD, and followed with a trailer for the Wanted: Weapons of Fate Video Game now in stores. There was also talk of the Wanted sequel now in development.
The next optioned property was the Pilot Season book Alibi, by Josh Fialkov and Jeremy Haun. A motion picture is in the works from Mandeville Films, the studio behind the upcoming Surrogates picture, based on the Top Shelf book. The Surrogates trailer was shown as an example of Mandeville’s capability.
Mandeville Films is excited for a Alibi live-action film, because the idea of twins serving as alter egos, and the benefit of a vehicle for actor to play both roles; the Bruce Wayne and a Jason Bourne types.
The next announcement was of the new comic, Tracker, from Heroes and Villains Entertainment, written by Jonathan Lincoln, and drawn by Francis Tsai. The series seeks to reinvent the werewolf mythology, getting away from old tropes, and trying new stuff. Hawkins said that the creators’ story bible was uncommonly detailed. The book will be out in November.
Also to come from Heroes and Villains and Top Cow is the comic series Epoch, from William Harms, the writer of Impaler. It was described as a definitive answer on which supernatural, paranormal species really is most dominant. Hawkins called it “like a supernatural fight club.”
Then announced was that Tom Judge’s Universe is now being developed for live action TV by Starz media. For those unfamiliar with the property, Universe, is a dark book about the discovery of an artifact connected to the Biblical rapture.
The panel then moved on to discus Ron Marz’ run on Witchblade, which is about to wrap up its biggest story to date; War of the Witchblades. He is moving onto the 2010 event comic Artifacts. There are 13 powerful artifacts of note in the universe of Top Cow, with most having been revealed, and two yet to come. Marz teased that the upcoming crossover will actually as big and consequential as other publishers often promise, but fail to deliver on. This story will really change the Top Cow universe forever. He promised that of all his wild aspects he pitched, a lot got through, and he’s looking to get a lot of cool stuff done. All thirteen artifacts will be put together, and “ bad stuff will happens.” Very literally, they promised, nothing will be the same afterwards.
Here centerpiece of the Berserker property, Milo Ventimiglia and his producing partner Russ Cundiff took the stage to much excitement, and began flinging Berserker t-shirts into the crowd. They showed the Berserker trailer that had been making the internet rounds, and got into discussing who and what the Berserkers are. Ventimiglia discussed their lineage, dating back to Norse myths, and reveled in unbridled rage in strength and madness of “a feel good kill.”
Ventimiglia also announced that his book Rest would be coming to Top Cow. “Life’s better at Top Cow,” he said. He said that he already had a great relationship with Top Cow, truly enjoyed it there, and realized that making Top Cow the home of Rest was the right play.
Hawkins pointed to Seth Green and Milo Ventimiglia as the few Hollywood types Top Cow chose to work with, as they are “real people who enjoy comics.” He added that Ventimiglia is actually interested in making good comics, not just creating a star vehicle.
Ventimiglia and Cundiff then tried their best to begin a grassroots effort for fans to push for Shana Bass as the director of the Berserker project. Having directed the low-budget, high-quality film, Gabriel, they promoted her as someone with great capabilities as a director, and asked fans to hit the message boards and start the movement.
Here they continued more comics announcements, a rapid-fire blur of comics coming from down the pipeline.
First was a new Cyberforce Hunter/ Killer #1, by Mark Waid, Kenneth Rocafort. Creator Marc Silvestri joked “it’s the time to do it right.” He called Waid a “writer’s writer,” and professed his love of the work of Rocafort. He called it the perfect choice for a series very close to his heart.
And after that, Top Cow will relaunch the Cyberforce, with Rocafort on art, and a writer to be announced.
With precious little time left in the panel, Hawkins began firing off creators, and titles in Top Cow’s pipeline:
First, from Jason Rueben, the creator of Crash Bandicoot, will be Mysterious Ways.
They talked again about an all-Robert Kirkman penned Pilot Season, based off concepts he and Marc Silvestri create. Kirkman will be doing all five original properties, with Silvestri on designs, and once again, it will be up to a fan vote to see what book gets the go-ahead.
Adam Freeman, Marc Bernardin will soon be working together on Genius, the last Pilot Season winner. Without much time, Bernardin called the opportunity to continue “awesome,” and thanked fans for voting. They also announced a new project, Cell Division.
Christos Gage will be working on a book called Sunset.
A triumvirate of Silvestri designed works were announced; Jack the Giant Killer, Warrior and Midway Earth.
Finally, Hawkins told the audience to expect Top Cow to be affiliated with Jeff Katz’ upcoming American Original titles.
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/070925-sdcc-TopCowPanel.html
SDCC 2009: EXCL VIDEO: Dead of Night with Brandon Routh, Sam Huntington, Anita Briem and Gilbert Adler!
http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEs7ctvyoZJdvz
SDCC 09: Dead of Night Preview
Brandon Routh and the filmmakers behind the Dylan Dog movie.
by Jim Vejvoda
July 23, 2009 - IGN Movies was on-hand today for the "Masters of the Web" panel at San Diego Comic-Con, where the stars and filmmakers of the forthcoming comic book adaptation Dead of Night provided fans with a first look at the movie.
The horror action-comedy is based on the beloved Italian comic book Dylan Dog. The film is directed by TMNT's Kevin Munroe and the cast includes Superman Returns co-stars Brandon Routh and Sam Huntington, Anita Briem (Journey to the Center of the Earth), Peter Stormare, Taye Diggs, and TNA wrestling star Kurt Angle. Routh, Huntington, Briem, Munroe, and production companies Hyde Park and Platinum Studios presented a promo reel of footage to the fans.
Dead of Night, scripted by Conan the Barbarian writers Joshua Oppenheimer and Thomas Dean Donnelly, takes place in a world where vampires, werewolves and zombies hide in plain sight among us. These nocturnal beings try not to draw attention to themselves from humans, working third-shift jobs and avoiding the daylight. But occasionally things don't go according to plan.
Enter Dylan (Routh), a paranormal investigator all too familiar with the supernatural who is trying to put his past behind him when the story opens. But when Dylan is hired by Elizabeth (Briem) to track down a missing artifact, he -- along with amiable sidekick Marcus (Huntington), a replacement for the comic's Groucho character -- finds himself reluctantly pulled back into the realm of the undead.
Updating the story from London to the European-flavored New Orleans, the filmmakers are striving to make a movie in the vein of such comedic genre classics as Big Trouble in Little China, Ghostbusters, and Men in Black.
The promo reel showed both behind-the-scenes footage as well as scenes from the movie. The reel opened with a man holding a gun to Dylan's head, accusing the private eye of ruining people's lives. Dylan tells the man he cocked the gun too soon. We see Dylan blowing away men at a card table, Stormare confronting Dylan, a funny scene where Sam's character Marcus learns from Dylan that he's become a zombie, and a lot of footage of Dylan battling a giant, muscle-bound demon (played by Brian Steele) as well as Dylan getting roughed up by Angle.
There are also glimpses at the relationship between Routh and Briem's characters, beginning with her hiring of Dylan and his explaining to her that New Orleans is where you go if you're a creature of the night who wants to hide in plain sight.
http://movies.ign.com/articles/100/1006547p1.html
Website just kicked on:
http://www.deadofnight-themovie.com/
Here is the free poster from Comic Con. Sounds like there is multiple videos showing. There is a website located at the bottom of the poster, but it is not up yet.
The 14 Must See Movie Events of Comic-Con 2009
As you may know, The 40th Annual Comic-Con International is upon us. And as we, the staff of Film School Rejects, depart on our epic cross-country trip to bring you the best coverage from around the web, we are ready to take a moment to bring you a list — we do these sometimes. Just as it’s been in years past, Hollywood is descending upon San Diego and the legions of geeks with a marketing blitz of epic proportions, showing off the shiniest and snazziest of their upcoming toys to their “target demo.”
In order to help you keep all of the movie-related stuff straight — as opposed to making you sift through the gigantic programming schedule — we’ve put together a list of the 13 must see movie-related events of Comic-Con 2009. So get out your pencil and your day calendar (the one with the kittens on it) and write down the following events:
14. Kevin Smith
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Even though he’s currently shooting his next film, the buddy cop comedy A Couple of Dicks in New York City, Comic-Con’s favorite son is returning once again this year to host his own panel in Hall H. There’s a promise here that the guy who directed Clerks will show footage of Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan in his next film, however, I need not remind the masses that this man is funny on his own. There’s no reason why you should miss this panel on Saturday night. Saturday, July 25 @ 5:15p (Hall H)
13. The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day
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Allegedly director Troy Duffy has been shooting this long-awaited sequel to his underground cult hit — but we don’t believe it. We saw that documentary, Overnight, which showed that Duffy has zero friends left in the Hollywood Hills. So we’re headed to this panel just to see if it’s all a hoax or not. Saturday, July 25 @ 3:30p (Room 6DE)
12. Entertainment Weekly: The Visionaries
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Last year one of the most unsung panels was EW’s Visionaries panel, which included intimate moments with the likes of Zack Snyder, Frank Miller and Judd Apatow. This year the volume is being cranked up to 11, with the duo of James Cameron and Peter Jackson talking about the film narrative and how technology and global culture will alter the art of on-screen storytelling in the next 20 years. If these two guys can’t get you into a room, I don’t know what will. Friday, July 24 @ 6:30p (Hall H)
11. Terry Gilliam: Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus
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Another slightly overlooked panel, but one that should be on the radar of any true film fan. Legendary animator and director Terry Gilliam will not only be on hand to show off scenes from his latest film The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, which includes the final appearance of Heath Ledger, he will also be dedicating time to celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Monty Python. And if it’s Python, we’re there. You should be, too. Thursday, July 23 @ 4:30p (Hall H)
10. Black Dynamite
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On a personal note, I must draw your attention to one of my favorite little films of the year — which also happens to be at Comic Con. When “the man” starts flooding his local orphanages with smack and his streets with crime, one man must strike back in the most badass of ways. Michael Jai White (The Dark Knight) kicks some serious ass in a movie that was clearly a lot of fun to make. And that usually leads to a fun panel, in my opinion. Saturday, July 25 @ 6:30p (Room 5AB)
9. Kick-Ass
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Nicolas Cage is your big daddy, Matthew Vaughn is your master of ceremonies and the kids are taking over the badassery business. This is your chance to see the world premiere of footage from Vaughn’s upcoming kid-hero adventure, complete with Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad’s McLovin) beating down a few bad guys. Also in attendance, the always colorful Mark Millar. Thursday, July 23 @ 5:30p (Hall H)
8. Masters of the Web Panel
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Some of our friends and neighbors from around the movie blogosphere — including our great friend Vic Holterman from Screen Rant (a true gentleman and a scholar) — will be talking about what it’s like to run a major movie website these days. We’re not sure about all that, but we do know this: the participants will be amped up, contentious and they will have some new footage from Kevin Munroe’s (TMNT) new film Dead of Night, which is based on the Dylan Dog comics. Stars Brandon Routh and Sam Huntington will also be in attendance. I say come for the footage, stay for the witty, sexually repressed movie geek banter. Thursday, July 23 @ 10:00a (Room 32AB)
7. Mystery Team
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By my estimation, Ballroom 20 on Sunday is actually a pretty lucky spot. Last year, Friday the 13th wowed remaining fans with early footage. This year our friends from Derrick Comedy are going to be Sunday’s main event, showing off footage from their awesomely dark, twisted comedy Mystery Team to whomever is still hanging around on the Con’s final day. If you’re still in San Diego, this is one panel you won’t want to miss. Sunday, July 26 @ 1:00p (Ballroom 20)
6. Warner Bros. Presents Where the Wild Things Are and More
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The folks at Warner Bros. seem to be keeping a low profile this year, but word on the street is that there will be plenty of cast in attendance when they present footage from Sherlock Holmes, Where the Wild Things Are, A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Box and Jonah Hex. Look for Robert Downey Jr. to be British, Spike Jonze to bring the awesome and Megan Fox in slutty gear — also, they may show footage from Jonah Hex. Not to mention: doesn’t anyone else want to see the first shots of Jackie Earle Haley as Freddy Krueger? Friday, July 24 @ 10:00a (Hall H)
5. Focus Features: 9
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Small, but highly buzzed about movie, big lineup of panelists. Producers Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov will be on hand with stars Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly as director Shane Acker shows off extended footage of his upcoming debut 9. You’re likely to convert to a life filled with steampunk-styled clothing, but it will be worth it. Trust us. Friday, July 24 @ 2:30p (Hall H)
4. Disney: 3D Panel (Tron, Christmas Carol and Alice in Wonderland) / Disney/Pixar Animation Panel: Toy Story 3
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Last year director Joseph Kosinski surprised audiences with a test reel from his upcoming Tron sequel, using the footage he made to sell himself to Disney to sell his vision to fans, as well. This year he’s bringing actual footage from his currently-in-production Tron sequel. He will be joined in the Disney slot by Tim Burton, who will present what we can only assume will be startling footage from Alice in Wonderland; and Robert Zemekis, who will give audiences a first look at his upcoming CG-animated tale, A Christmas Carol. All in all, Disney should give Hall H a good run, in 3D. On Friday night, Patton Oswalt will be moderating a Disney Animation and Pixar Panel that will include a look at Toy Story 3. Disney 3D Panel: Thursday, July 23 @ 11:00a (Hall H), Disney Animation Panel: Friday, July 24 @ 12:45p (Hall H)
3. Sony Pictures Entertainment: District 9
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As I mentioned above when I listed EW’s Visionaries panel, Peter Jackson is in the house this year for the Con. He’s there because he’s producing Neill Blomkamp’s District 9, a film that will look familiar to Con attendees (last year, all of the restrooms at the convention center had “Humans Only” signs, the film’s first marketing effort). It tells the story of aliens who are relegated to second class citizenship in South Africa after accidentally landing on Earth. It is a story of civil rights, and awesome robotic alien suits. Be there, seriously. Friday, July 24 @ 3:45p (Hall H)
2. 20th Century Fox Presents James Cameron’s Avatar
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Here she is, Comic-Con 2009’s supposed main event. Director James Cameron brings his long-gestating project Avatar to San Diego having shown little to no footage ever before on this planet (we’re not sure about that Convention on the Moon he attended last month). Needless to say, everyone’s going to be hustling into Hall H on Thursday, beating off Twilight fans with their swag bags and donning their 3D glasses in anticipation of the awesome. And for my money, I hope the awesome is afoot. However, the unknown is what keeps this at number two… I may have to go with a sure thing for number one. Thursday, July 23 @ 3:00p (Hall H)
1. Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment: Iron Man 2
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Even though the shadows of James Cameron and Peter Jackson loom large over San Diego this year, the real star is a showman by the name of Jon Favreau. Constant Con attendees will note that even in a year when The Dark Knight was spreading like a virus, Favreau stole the entire Con two years ago. Everyone was talking about Iron Man, Iron Man, Iron Man… And I have a feeling that Favs, alongside stars Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson and Mickey Rourke, is primed and ready for a repeat performance with Iron Man 2. Saturday, July 25 @ 4:00p (Hall H)
For more from San Diego, keep an eye on our Comic-Con 2009 Homepage.
http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#1zbzMn/www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/the-14-must-see-movie-events-of-comic-con-2009.php/
Helmer, scribe follow 'Magdalena'
Ryuhei Kitamura, Holly Brix on board for Top Cow project
By Gregg Kilday
July 21, 2009, 07:45 PM ET
Related
THR's Comic-Con blog
Director Ryuhei Kitamura and writer Holly Brix are attached tol "Magdalena," a film developed around the Top Cow Prods.' comics character.
Magdalena, a descendant of Mary Magdalene, is a protector of the Catholic Church.
Valhalla Motion Pictures' Gale Anne Hurd and Platinum Studios' Scott Mitchell Rosenberg are set to produce. Top Cow's Marc Silvestri will exec produce with Randy Greenberg of the Greenberg Group.
Kitamura, repped by CAA, directed "Midnight Meat Train" for Lionsgate and Lakeshore. Brix, repped by ICM and BenderSpink, wrote "The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations" for Lionsgate and After Dark Films.
Jenna Dewan ("Step Up") and Luke Goss ("Hellboy II: The Golden Army") are attached to star.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i00860fac3d23b30e9741dd0f23ac4954
OT:Comic confab spurs deals
Lloyd Levin hears an 'Echo'
By MICHAEL FLEMING
Levin
It's Comic-Con week, which means that Hollywood is ready to unleash a slew of comicbook adaptation deals.
"Watchmen" producer Lloyd Levin has acquired screen rights to "Echo," a comicbook series by Terry Moore. Deal was six figures.
"Echo" tells the story of a photographer who is preoccupied with her personal problems until she gets doused by liquid metal from a military experiment gone awry. She discovers she can now harness the power of a nuclear bomb, and soon the military wants its walking weapon.
Levin also produced the "Hellboy" films, both with Larry Gordon. Levin is also a producer on the upcoming Paul Greengrass-directed Universal drama "Green Zone."
Moore's comicbook credits include the "Strangers in Paradise" series.
Comicbooks have never been hotter in Hollywood, especially after "The Dark Knight" dominated last year's box office and Marvel has successfully set up its film division to launch its superheroes on the bigscreen, such as "Iron Man."
But studios aren't just interested in caped crusaders.
"Echo," well, echoes more recent deals where studios are becoming more interested in non-superhero fare.
Chalk that up to successful graphic-novel adaptations like "A History of Violence," "Road to Perdition" and more recent hits like last year's actioner "Wanted."
Dark Horse Comics has especially prided itself on setting up its non-superhero properties at Universal Pictures in an overall production deal (Daily Variety, March 14, 2008).
* Platinum has ALOT of Non-Superhero fare. IMO.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006257.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1
Update from Top Cow. They took the Darkness movie news off this article and added Magdalena. I Wonder if it was a open mouth, insert foot moment or a typo. IMO
Top Cow Announces Comic-Con International Plans
July 20, 2009 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News, Top Stories
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TOP COW AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 2009
HUGE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND THE PREMIERE OF NEW TOP COW BOOKS
LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 20th, 2009 - Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today its plans for this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, the world’s biggest and most exciting popular culture convention brought together in the San Diego Convention Center in California from July 23rd-26th.
Top Cow will set up in booth #2629 and barrels into the convention with exclusives, preview books and free goodies to augment their headlining announcements, including free copies of Berserker #0, the Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer First Look, tons of Top Cow bookmarks, and lots more (while supplies last).
Fans are invited to join Marc Silvestri (Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia), Matt Hawkins (President of Top Cow) and Filip Sablik (Publisher of Top Cow) as they hit you with a hurricane of exciting news and announcements from comics, film, television, anime, and much more! Joining them will be Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes, Berserker), Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible), along with a multitude of media and comic special guests! Don’t miss major announcements regarding the Witchblade feature film, The Magdalena feature film, and The Darkness video game! The panel will be featured in room 7AB from 4:30pm-5:30pm under the title, Top Cow: Comics & Multi-Media, on Saturday, July 25th. Fans wanting to get in on the Berserker signing with Milo Ventimiglia, Russ Cundiff, and Rick Loverd will need to attend the Top Cow panel in order to secure a free ticket. The signing will take place at the Top Cow booth immediately following the panel.
Top Cow has an exciting and varied list of creators signing which include fan favorites like Marc Silvestri, Ron Marz (Witchblade), Phil Hester (The Darkness), Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade), Michael Broussard (The Darkness), and Eric Basaldua (Witchblade Annual). Making his first Comic-Con appearance will be Kenneth Rocafort (Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer). Top Cow will also host a special signing with wrestling legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who will be on hand Friday from 1:00pm-2:00pm to promote and sign free posters promoting his new film, Damage. Fans will need to obtain a free ticket for the Austin signing, which will be available at the Top Cow booth on Wednesday night, throughout the day Thursday, and Friday morning (while supplies last). A complete signing schedule follows (please check the booth daily for updates as the schedule is subject to change without notice):
Wednesday
6PM-7PM Witchblade
Eric Basaldua
Stjepan Sejic
7PM-8PM Top Cow All Stars
Michael Broussard
Joshua Hale Fialkov
Nelson Blake II
Thursday
9:45-10:45 Zero G
Alex Zamm
Jason Badower
11:00-12:00 Witchblade
Stjepan Sejic
Rick Basaldua
12:00-1:00 Pilot Season
Joshua Hale Fialkov
Marc Bernardin
Adam Freeman
1:00-2:00 Darkness
Michael Broussard
Phil Hester
Rob Levin
2:00-3:00 Darkness / Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer
Nelson Blake II
Kenneth Rocafort
Mark Waid (at the Boom! Studios booth)
Troy Peteri
3:00-5:00 Witchblade
Stjepan Sejic
Ron Marz
Eric Basaldua
5:00-6:00 Top Cow In-House Artists
Nelson Blake II
Rick Basaldua
Sheldon Mitchell
Friday
9:45-10:45 Big Trouble in Little China
Jason Badower
Evan Bleiweiss
11:00-12:00 Darkness
Phil Hester
Michael Broussard
Frazer Irving
12:00-1:00 Cyberforce/ Hunter Killer
Kenneth Rocafort
Mark Waid (at 12:30 PM; at the Boom! Studios booth)
Marc Silvestri
1:00-2:00 Stone Cold Steve Austin “Damage” signing (ticket required)
2:00-3:00 Pilot Season
Joshua Hale Fialkov
Marc Bernardin
Adam Freeman
3:00-4:00 Witchblade
Ron Marz
Stjepan Sejic
Eric Basaldua
Troy Peteri
4:00-5:00 Tracker/Berserker
Jonathan Lincoln
Francis Tsai
Rick Loverd
5:00-6:00 Witchblade
Nelson Blake II
Paul Jenkins
Rick Basaldua
Saturday
10:00-11:30 Image United (at the Image Booth)
Marc Silvestri
10:00-11:00 Beneath the Darkness
Paul Jenkins
Sheldon Mitchell
11:00-12:00 Pilot Season
Joshua Hale Fialkov
Marc Bernardin
Adam Freeman
12:00-1:00 Top Cow In-House Artists
Eric Basaldua
Neslon Blake II
Sheldon Mitchell
1:00-2:00 Witchblade
Ron Marz
Stjepan Sejic
Marc Silvestri
1:00-2:00 Photoshoot with Witchblade Through the Ages
2:00-3:00 Darkness
Marc Silvestri
Phil Hester
Michael Broussard
3:00-4:00 Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer
Kenneth Rocafort
Mark Waid (signing at Boom! Studios)
Eric Basaldua
4:00-5:00 Tracker
Jonathan Lincoln
Francis Tsai
Troy Peteri
5:00-5:40 Witchblade
Eric Basaldua
Rick Basaldua
5:45-7:00 Berserker (ticket required)
Milo Ventimiglia
Russ Cundliff
Rick Loverd
Sunday
11:00-12:00 Darkness
Michael Broussard
Nelson Blake II
Rob Levin
12:00-1:00 Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer/Witchblade
Stjepan Sejic
Kenneth Rocafort
Troy Peteri
1:00-2:00 Top Cow In-House Artists
Eric Basaldua
Rick Basaldua
Shedon Mitchell
Also at the Top Cow booth, the publisher will offer several items exclusive to San-Diego Comic-Con. This includes a San Diego Comic-Con exclusive cover to Witchblade #128 featuring the artwork of Stjepan Sejic and an exclusive variant cover homage to Frank Frazetta by Kenneth Rocafort to Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1. Alongside these comic variant covers, the Top Cow Booth (#2629) will be selling Comic-Con exclusives of The Top Cow Bible softcover and The Art of Top Cow hard cover (books premiering at the San Diego Comic-Con Top Cow Booth). Top Cow will also debut a special First Look issue for a new series entitled Tracker, produced in conjunction with Heroes and Villains Entertainment.
Fans should note that because of anticipated crowding issues; artists appearing at the Top Cow booth will only be able to do a limited amount of free sketches per sitting. Sketch tickets will be available at the beginning of each day of the show. Sketch tickets are limited one per fan per day. Fans must be present at the appointed signing time to redeem their sketch ticket. Not all artists appearing at the Top Cow booth will offer free sketches and fans should inquire at the booth on the morning they plan to get a sketch for availability.
*SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
About Top Cow Productions, Inc.
Top Cow Productions, Inc. (www.topcow.com), a Los Angeles-based entertainment company, was founded in December of 1992 by artist Marc Silvestri, who also co-founded Image Comics earlier that same year. Top Cow currently publishes its line of comic books in 21 languages in over 55 different countries. The company has launched 20 franchises (18 original and two licensed) in the industry’s Top 10, seven at #1, a feat accomplished by no other publisher in the last two decades. Its flagship franchise, WITCHBLADE, was TNT’s #1 original film of 2000 and the subsequent TV series was released on DVD on July 29, 2008. A feature film, co-produced by Platinum Studios, Inc. and Arclight Films, is slated to begin production in Australia with director Michael Rymer. WITCHBLADE is also the first American property to be fully adapted in Japan as an original anime and manga by Studio GONZO in 2006. Top Cow’s other flagship property, THE DARKNESS, was developed into a major next-generation video game release by Starbreeze and 2K Games and achieved platinum sales status. WANTED, an Eisner-nominated miniseries published by Top Cow from 2003-2005, is now a major motion picture from Universal Pictures starring Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman. Virtually all of Top Cow’s other properties are in development as feature films, live-action television, animation or video games. Top Cow has also successfully licensed and merchandised its franchises into toys, statues, clothing, lithographs, puppets, posters, magnets, shot glasses, lighters, lunch pails, wall scrolls, mouse pads, die-cast cars, calendars, Christmas ornaments, Halloween masks, trading cards, standees, video games and roleplaying games.
http://www.conventionscene.com/2009/07/20/top-cow-announces-comic-con-international-plans/
OT: Even though this is not Platinum Related, this is actually a good article. RDJ is now free. Grab him while you can for C&A. If you snoose, you lose. ")
IMO
http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/07/20/iron-man-2-filming-completed-jon-favreau-parties-like-its-2009/
OT: DC Comics storms the film world
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i7c23ccda60974aa212e4b64a53d2e876
We at McTee's Champions LLC have received so much praise for The Swing Revealed Interactive Software that is part of the package for the 'Ben Hogan Collection' 3 DVD set (plus software CD) that we wanted to share some information about it. The software has been called 'brilliant' and 'magnificant' by a consumers that purchased the product.
Often, the purchaser has watched the 'Legacy DVD' and the two instructional DVD's (Swing Revealed 1 & 2) and installed the software on their Windows based computers much later. To their suprise they really enjoyed using the software as it allows them select any of the 4 swings demonstrated by Ben Hogan and choose either: 1) slow motion 2) continuous repetition 3) frame by frame 4) full screen - with a right click on the screen. They can even back up frame by frame and then go forward again. The four swings include a face on view of a 3 wood from 1949 when Hogan was at his absolute best, a down the line view of a mid iron, a right hip pocket back view of a short iron, and face on view that is slightly angled back from the target (the last 3 swings are from the 1967 Masters practice area).
The continuous replay mode is simply mesmerizing. The slow motion and frame by frame advance views really gives the viewer a good look at what Ben Hogan did with his golf swing. There are some differences between the swing in 1949 and 1967 due to his age and long term effects of the accident he had in 1949.
In our next production the Five Lessons DVD we will expand on the software component. This project is still in pre-production and in discussion with potential sponsors for funding and applications.
*this is a reference to the Platinum-Mctee version IMO*
http://benhogancollection.blogspot.com/
As always, keep them in the fairway.
No, not yet, but Im sure we will find out by Comic Con. You would think they would put it on the movie poster. Im still waiting on the "official movie website". It will be interesting to see the clips once they get posted to youtube or comic sites.
IMO
Yep, looks like I may have called it. Just up on the Vanguard website. New poster logo "chupacabras" not Illegal aliens. IMO
http://vanguardanimation.com/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hyde Park Entertainment Group, Platinum Studios and Omnilab Media Group bring a Sneak Peek of “Dead of Night” to the San Diego International Comic-Con
Brandon Routh, Sam Huntington, Anita Briem and director Kevin Munroe to participate
LOS ANGELES, CA – July 16, 2009 – Ashok Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment Group, Platinum Studios Inc. (OTCBB: PDOS) and Omnilab Media Group have announced that they will bring a sneak peek of their new action thriller comedy, “Dead of Night” to San Diego Comic Con International on Thursday, July 23 at 10:00am during the “Masters of the Web” Panel. This panel combines the most popular genre and movie websites to discuss how new media have affected movie making, what it takes to run a popular site, and much more in a panel discussion and Q&A session.
“Dead of Night” stars Brandon Routh (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and “Superman Returns”), Sam Huntington (“Fanboys” and “Superman Returns”) and Anita Briem (“Journey to the Center of the Earth”) will participate in a discussion on the making of “Dead of Night” and present an exclusive sneak peek of their new film “Dead of Night”, based on the Dylan Dog comic books.
“Dead of Night” director Kevin Munroe (“TMNT”) will moderate this third annual IESB.net panel with participants that include Robert Sanchez (IESB.net), Ryan Rotten (Shocktilyoudrop.com), Mike Sampson (Joblo.com), Jeremy Smith (Aintitcoolnews.com), Brad Miska(Bloody-Disgusting.com), Drew McWeeny (Hitfix.com), Devin Faraci (CHUD.com), Paul Christensen (Movieweb.com), Wilson Morales (Blackfilm.com/AOL Black Voices), Vic Holtreman (Screenrant.com) and George Roush (Latinoreview.com).
The panel takes place in Room 32AB on Thursday, July 23rd at 10am.
An autograph signing session for “DEAD OF NIGHT” will follow the panel at 12Noon and will include Routh, Huntington, Briem and Munroe in the San Diego Comic Con International Autograph Alley where an exclusive “DEAD OF NIGHT” poster will be given away.
Platinum Studios chairman and CEO Scott Mitchell Rosenberg and Hyde Parks’ Amritraj are producing with Gilbert Adler (“Valkyrie”, “Superman Returns” and “Constantine”). Executive Producers include Omnilab Media’s Christopher Mapp, Matthew Street and David Whealy, Cinemarket’s Peter Graves, The Greenberg Group’s Randy Greenberg, who brought all of the parties together, Hyde Park’s Patrick Aiello, Kevin Munroe, Lars Sylvest and Film Production Capital LLC’s Will French and Stephen Roberts. Platinum Studios’ Brian Altounian and Rich Marincic are co-producing along with Hyde Park’s Manu Gargi.
Hyde Park and Platinum Studios completed the financing for the picture with Omnilab Media, and Hong Kong-based Standard Chartered Bank. Omnilab Media will play a key role in securing and/or overseeing North American distribution for the picture as it recently has for “The Bank Job,” “W,” and “The Messenger”
Contact:
Media Requests for Platinum Studios and “DEAD OF NIGHT”:
Randy Greenberg
The Greenberg Group for Platinum Studios, Inc.
310-807-8140
info@platinumstudios.com
Media Request for Hyde Park:
Mike Dougherty
Hyde Park Entertainment
818-670-7100
Mike@hydeparkentertainment.com
Platinum Investor Requests:
Thomas Becker
Platinum Studios, Inc.
702-478-7363
investors@platinumstudios.com
About Hyde Park Entertainment Group
Ashok Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment Group has produced several box office hits such as BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE, starring Steve Martin and Academy Award-nominee Queen Latifah, PREMONITION, starring Sandra Bullock and Julian McMahon, DREAMER, starring Kurt Russell and Dakota Fanning through DreamWorks SKG, SHOPGIRL starring Steve Martin and Claire Danes through The Walt Disney Company, which opened to rave reviews, and TRAITOR, starring Don Cheadle and Guy Pearce. Additionally, Hyde Park Entertainment enjoyed a successful box office with the Kate Hudson feature RAISING HELEN, which was directed by Hollywood legend Garry Marshall, the critically acclaimed drama/romance MOONLIGHT MILE, directed by Brad Silberling, starring Academy Award winners Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon and Holly Hunter and the Golden Globe nominated BANDITS, directed by Barry Levinson starring Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton and Cate Blanchett. Hyde Park Entertainment Group has grown into a cutting-edge option to the traditional Hollywood studio system for filmmakers by making it one of the few progressive global independent companies that encompasses most elements of a full-fledged studio. The Company, which includes live-action, animation and cross-cultural cinema, is capable of developing, producing and financing projects as well as handling their international sales and marketing through the mini-major’s foreign arm, Hyde Park International. Amritraj’s Hyde Park has produced or executive-produced over 100 films around the world and has recently engineered a strategic production financing deal with Abu Dhabi’s ImageNation for $250 million over seven years.
About Platinum Studios, Inc.
Platinum Studios (OTCBB: PDOS) is an entertainment company that controls an international library of over 5,000 U.S. and international comic book characters, which it adapts, produces and licenses for all forms of media including print, film, online, mobile / wireless, gaming, and merchandising. Platinum Studios’ film and TV division is developing “Cowboys & Aliens” with producers Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard and Brian Grazer and DreamWorks, Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Kurtzman/Orci (the writing team behind the “Transformers” franchise and the resurrected “Star Trek” franchise) . In addition, Platinum is developing with “Harry Potter” producer David Heyman, “Unique” at Walt Disney Pictures, “The Witchblade” with “Wanted” executive producer Marc Silvestri, Top Cow Productions, Inc. and Arclight Films, “Atlantis Rising” with DreamWorks, Kurtzman/Orci and director Len Wiseman (“Underworld” and “Live Free and Die Hard”) , and an untitled project at Sony Pictures Animation.
Platinum Studios – Comics Fueling Media EVERYWHERE!
To learn more about the company and to sign up for our newsletter, please visit our website at http://www.platinumstudios.com/news/index.php
About Omnilab Media www.omnilab.com
Omnilab Media is an Australian and New Zealand based globally focused vertically integrated entertainment company involved in the production, visual effects, post production and financing of a diverse range of film and television properties. Amongst the funding deals recently concluded by Omnilab Media are Oliver Stone’s W, and The Bank Job, and The Messenger.
Omnilab Media has also created a new digital film company with Kennedy Miller Mitchell (Dr.D Studios) to use groundbreaking digital storytelling, animation and visual effects. The first production will be HAPPY FEET 2, with a range of other blue-chip properties in development. Christopher Mapp is Managing Director, Matthew Street is Executive Director and David Whealy is Executive Producer of Omnilab Media.
Platinum Studios Safe Harbor Statement
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “may,” “intend,” “expect” and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Although expected, actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of Platinum Studios and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting Platinum Studios and its operations; its markets, products, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently, and other factors detailed in reports filed by Platinum Studios with the SEC
http://deadofnightmovie.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/the-official-release/
The thing I like about this article is they say that filming will start sometime this year and Cowboys and Aliens was the first movie listed on their list of 5-6 movies. Heres hoping for the best. The bad thing on this is Motorcade is listed to be started maybe this year so Len Wiseman may not get to Atlantis Rising until next year. But who knows how it flows. Just my 2 cents. IMO
OT: DreamWorks secures $825 mil financing
New studio no longer a dream as partners finalize terms
July 16, 2009
By Nyay Bhushan
Getty
MUMBAI -- DreamWorks Studios has at last secured the financing it needs to get its production slate up and running.
Partners in the new venture, Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider and Indian billionaire Anil Ambani announced Wednesday night that the studio will have $825 million of initial funding.
DreamWorks will have a four-person board consisting of Spielberg, Snider, Reliance's Amitabh Jhunjhunwala and Alan Levine, entertainment adviser to JPMorgan and former CEO of Sony Pictures.
While the new company has been quietly functional since November last year it can only now move some of its properties off the development drawing board and into production. "This venture with Reliance opens a new door to our future," said Spielberg.
"With this financing, DreamWorks will eventually make 5-6 films per year," the partners said in a statement issued after a meeting in New York. "DreamWorks anticipates starting its first film for the new studio later this year. They have been actively acquiring properties and developing projects for release in 2010."
As has been previously anticipated, the initial phase of funding will include an equity investment from Ambani's Reliance ADA Group, debt financing from a syndication of banks, as well as funding from Disney.
According to Indian sources the final permutation sees Reliance ADAG provide $325 million, while the Disney component is worth $150 million.
Under the terms of a deal signed earlier this year with The Walt Disney Company, Disney will handle marketing and distribution of the studio’s films around the world, except for India where Reliance subsidiary Reliance BIG Entertainment will retain distribution rights.
"We are delighted to partner with such uniquely talented individuals as Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider. Ever since we looked at their business plan, I have never doubted that we would succeed in providing them with the financial muscle required to realize their dreams," said Ambani.
DreamWorks has developed some properties on its own and acquired others from Paramount, but the fledgling studio is currently unable to say which picture will get the first green-light.
Current projects include sci-fi comic book adaptation "Cowboys And Aliens" co-financed with Universal, "Dinner With Schmucks," director Jay Roach's remake of French film "The Dinner Game" and action caper “Motorcade” by director Len Wiseman and supernatural drama “Hereafter” from screenwriter Peter Morgan.
Reliance BIG Entertainment last year announced a string of 'development silos' with A-list Hollywood talent including Nicolas Cage's Saturn Productions, Jim Carrey's JC 23 Entertainment, George Clooney's Smokehouse Productions, Chris Columbus' 1492 Pictures, Tom Hank's Playtone Productions, Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment, Jay Roach's Everyman Pictures Brett Ratner's Rat Entertainment and Julia Roberts' Red Om Films.
Asked whether DreamWorks will take over these production deals, Ambani was quoted as saying "these decisions depend on whether DreamWorks finds any merit in them."
Spielberg's Indian connections began in 1977 when he shot some scenes of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" near Mumbai. He returned for a personal visit in 1978 and said that he is "looking forward to coming to India later this year. I will urge Anil Ambani to introduce me to the writers and directors of the Indian film industry. For our projects, I will not exclude or preclude any story idea either set in India or otherwise. The stories should have the potential for a global audience."
Patrick Frater in Hong Kong contributed to this report.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/asia/india/e3i73ce69e9b334a24deac524190d40a0dd
Comic-Con Clarification
Posted in Uncategorized with tags Brandon Routh, Comic-Con, Comicon, Dead of Night, Dylan Dog, Kevin Munroe on July 15, 2009 by deadofnightmovie
Just to make it clear to everyone planning to come (and I hope there are thousands of you!):
The panel starts at 10am on Thursday July 23rd in Room 32AB.
The autograph session with Kevin, Brandon and some surprise others starts at 12 noon in the autograph hall.
There are no tickets for the autographs, but there is a full hour between the panel and the signing session, so there should be plenty of time to get upstairs and get a good place in line. Knowing the guys that are signing, they’ll probably stay as long as the Con lets them, as they love fans. So there shouldn’t be any trouble everyone getting an autograph that wants one.
I’ll be there in the audience and will provide a full report here after it happens. I’ll try to make it that night, in fact, but I’m not promising anything. I just got to see the footage they’ll be showing today and it’s pretty freakin’ cool!!!
-Dan Forcey
Development Exec/Former Stunt Guy/NCRR (Newly Commissioned Roving Reporter)
Altounian On Bibliotech
Thursday, July 09, 2009
http://kleefeldoncomics.blogspot.com/2009/07/altounian-on-bibliotech.html
http://kleefeldoncomics.blogspot.com/2009/07/wowio-30.html
also at comic con.
4:30-5:30 Vanguard Films: Emo Boy— Vanguard Films will announce its slate of new projects including Emo Boy, the big screen adaptation of Stephen Emond's SLG graphic novel, with a special Q&A with the movie's director, Kyle Newman (Fanboys). Other projects to be announced include Illegal Aliens, a new graphic novel/movie franchise being produced by Vanguard and Platinum Comics, and Alien Band, an animated feature set to go into production in the fall of 2009. A preview will also be shown from Vanguard's upcoming film Space Chimps 3D. Room 10
Categories: Animation | Comic Books | Movies
Its a long list:
http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci09_prog_sat.php
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Comic-Con Announces Saturday Programming
4:30-5:30
Top Cow: Comics & Multimedia� Marc Silvestri (Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia), Matt Hawkins (president of Top Cow), and Filip Sablik (publisher of Top Cow) hit you with a hurricane of exciting news and announcements from comics, film, television, anime, and much more! Joining them will be Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes, Berserker) and Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead)! Don't miss major announcements regarding the Witchblade feature film, Witchblade anime, and Darkness video game! Plus a major casting announcement for The Darkness film and a special surprise guest or two! Room 7AB
Categories: Animation | Anime & Manga | Comic Books | Games | Movies | Superheroes | Television
http://topcowblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/comic-con-announces-saturday.html
yea, its pretty sad to be this low with a potential blockbuster on the horizon. On the bright side, if it is one, all my other stocks are tanking too. And the fun never ends.
moneytv this week
http://www.emergingcompany.com/volume13week26f.htm
Hyde Park Entertainment Group and Platinum Studios' "DEAD OF NIGHT," helmed by Kevin Munroe, Wraps Principal Photography in New Orleans
Ashok Amritraj's Hyde Park Entertainment Group and Platinum Studios Inc. (OTC.BB:PDOS - News) have announced that principal photography has wrapped in New Orleans, Louisiana, on their gothic thriller, "DEAD OF NIGHT." The film, which is also a presentation of the Omnilab Media Group, is based on the world's best-selling horror comic series, 'Dylan Dog,' created by Tiziano Sclavi and published by Italy's Sergio Bonelli Editore. The comic book series has sold over 56 million units in 17 languages since its debut in 1986.
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{"s" : "pdos.ob","k" : "c10,l10,p20,t10","o" : "","j" : ""} Brandon Routh ("Superman Returns") stars as reluctant paranormal investigator Dylan Dog, who finds himself in a "turf war" between and among the undead, and Sam Huntington who co-stars as Marcus, Dylan's wise-cracking trusted assistant. Also co-starring are Taye Diggs (TV's "Private Practice") as Vargas, head of the Vampire family, Anita Briem ("Journey to the Center of the Earth") as Elizabeth, another potential in the long line of Dylan conquests and Peter Stormare ("Constantine"), as Wolfgang, the head of the werewolf family.
The film is directed by Kevin Munroe, whose 2007 re-imagining of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" resurrected the billion dollar franchise and is written by Joshua Oppenheimer and Thomas Dean Donnelly ("Sahara" and "Conan The Barbarian").
"Dylan Dog is a character that brilliantly mixes charisma, affability, and hard-driven principles," said Munroe. "I couldn't be happier with Brandon's portrayal -- he meshed all of those aspects into a charming action hero, funny as he was ass-kicking. I can't wait to share his work with the world."
Platinum Studios chairman and CEO Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, who brought the billion dollar "Men in Black" franchise to Sony, and Hyde Parks' Amritraj are producing with Gilbert Adler ("Valkyrie," "Superman Returns" and "Constantine"). Executive Producers include Omnilab Media's Christopher Mapp, Matthew Street and David Whealy, Cinemarket's Peter Graves, The Greenberg Group's Randy Greenberg, who brought all of the parties together, Hyde Park's Patrick Aiello, Kevin Munroe, Lars Sylvest and Film Production Capital LLC's Will French and Stephen Roberts. Platinum Studios' Brian Altounian and Rich Marincic are co-producing along with Hyde Park's Manu Gargi.
Hyde Park and Platinum Studios completed the financing for the picture with Omnilab Media, and Hong Kong-based Standard Chartered Bank. Omnilab Media will play a key role in securing and/or overseeing North American distribution for the picture as it recently has for "The Bank Job," "W," and "The Messenger."
Platinum Studios' film and TV division is developing "Cowboys & Aliens" with producers Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard and Brian Grazer and DreamWorks, Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Kurtzman/Orci (the writing team behind the "Transformers" franchise and the resurrected "Star Trek" franchise). In addition, Platinum is developing with "Harry Potter" producer David Heyman, "Unique" at Walt Disney Pictures, "The Witchblade" with "Wanted" executive producer Marc Silvestri, Top Cow Productions, Inc. and Arclight Films, "Atlantis Rising" with DreamWorks, Kurtzman/Orci and director Len Wiseman ("Underworld" and "Live Free or Die Hard"), and an untitled project at Sony Pictures Animation.
Locations for "DEAD OF NIGHT" included the Saenger Theatre, Lafayette Cemetery, Canal Street in the French Quarter, the Buckner Mansion and Latter Memorial Library in the Garden District, the Beaux Mart, the Andry Street Wharf, Audubon Park and the Louisiana Film Studios.
The film is currently in post-production in Burbank, California with Academy Award-winning editor Paul Hirsch ("Star Wars," "Footloose," "Mission Impossible" and "Righteous Kill"). Additional behind-the-scenes talent includes Cinematographer Geoff Hall ("Dying Breed" and "Chopper") and three-time Academy Award-winning Makeup Effects House DRAC Studios ("Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Bram Stokers' Dracula" and "Mrs. Doubtfire").
About Hyde Park Entertainment Group
Ashok Amritraj's Hyde Park Entertainment Group includes Hyde Park International, its foreign sales arm, Hyde Park Animation, an Indian-based animation house, and Hyde Park Asia, which produces, finances and distributes Asian feature films throughout the region. Hyde Park has produced or executive-produced over 100 films around the world including "Traitor," "Premonition," "Bringing Down the House," "Raising Helen," "Shopgirl," "Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story" and "Walking Tall." Hyde Park's latest release was "Street Fighter - The Legend of Chun Li" through 20th Century Fox. Company is also ratcheting up its remake of Blake Edwards' iconic film "10."
About Platinum Studios, Inc.
Platinum Studios (OTC.BB:PDOS - News) is an entertainment company that controls an international library of over 5,000 U.S. and international comic book characters, which it adapts, produces and licenses for all forms of media including print, film, online, mobile / wireless, gaming, and merchandising. Platinum Studios' film and TV division is developing "Cowboys & Aliens" with producers Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard and Brian Grazer and DreamWorks, Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Kurtzman/Orci (the writing team behind the "Transformers" franchise and the resurrected "Star Trek" franchise). In addition, Platinum is developing with "Harry Potter" producer David Heyman, "Unique" at Walt Disney Pictures, "The Witchblade" with "Wanted" executive producer Marc Silvestri, Top Cow Productions, Inc. and Arclight Films, "Atlantis Rising" with DreamWorks, Kurtzman/Orci and director Len Wiseman ("Underworld" and "Live Free or Die Hard"), and an untitled project at Sony Pictures Animation.
Platinum Studios -- Comics Fueling Media EVERYWHERE!
To learn more about the company and to sign up for our newsletter, please visit our website at http://www.platinumstudios.com/news/index.php
About Omnilab Media www.omnilab.com
Omnilab Media is an Australian and New Zealand-based, globally focused, vertically integrated entertainment company involved in the production, visual effects, post production and financing of a diverse range of film and television properties. Amongst the funding deals recently concluded by Omnilab Media are Oliver Stone's "W," and "The Bank Job," and "The Messenger."
Omnilab Media has also created a new digital film company with Kennedy Miller Mitchell (Dr.D Studios) to use groundbreaking digital storytelling, animation and visual effects. The first production will be "HAPPY FEET 2," with a range of other blue-chip properties in development. Christopher Mapp is Managing Director, Matthew Street is Executive Director and David Whealy is Executive Producer of Omnilab Media.
Platinum Studios Safe Harbor Statement
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Although expected, actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of Platinum Studios and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting Platinum Studios and its operations; its markets, products, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently, and other factors detailed in reports filed by Platinum Studios with the SEC.
Contact:
Contact:Media Requests:Randy GreenbergThe Greenberg Group for Platinum Studios, Inc.310-807-8140Email ContactMedia Request:Mike DoughertyHyde Park Entertainment818-670-7100Email ContactPlatinum Investor Requests:Thomas BeckerPlatinum Studios, Inc.702-478-7363Email Contact
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hyde-Park-Entertainment-Group-iw-1718542208.html?x=0&.v=1
The Masters of the Web are Coming to Party at Comic Con 2009 Once Again!
Written by Robert Sanchez
Tuesday, 07 July 2009
The Masters of the Web, yes we are callous enough to call ourselves that, will be holding a panel again this year at the largest gathering of geeks anywhere on Earth - San Diego Comic Con International.
The panel will be held on Thursday from 3:00 – 4:00 in Room 32AB. Last year it was standing room only so if you are coming, plan to get there early!
We've got some big surprises with director Kevin Munroe moderating the panel this year as well as stars Brandon Routh, Sam Huntington and Anita Briem in attendance to give us a sneak peek at the big screen adaptation of the Dylan Dog comic books, DEAD OF NIGHT.
Come see your favorite, albeit sweaty and freakishly pale, web guys that have left their homes to attend the biggest gathering of comic book fans anywhere.
Thursday afternoon between 3:00 and 4:00pm you need to be room in 32 AB for the most awesome panel ever...not really but its still pretty cool.
An autograph signing session for DEAD OF NIGHT will immediately follow the panel and will include Brandon Routh, Sam Huntington, Anita Briem and Kevin Munroe over in Autograph Alley. An exclusive First Look DEAD OF NIGHT poster will be given away.
Masters of the Web Panel with an Exclusive Sneak Peek at Dead of Night - For the third year in a row the most popular genre and movie websites are coming together to discuss how new media have affected movie making, what it takes to run a popular site, and much more in a panel discussion and Q&A session. Participants include Robert Sanchez (IESB.net), Ryan Rotten (Shocktilyoudrop.com), Mike Sampson (Joblo.com), Jeremy Smith (Aintitcoolnews.com), Brad Miska(Bloody-Disgusting.com), Drew McWeeny (Hitfix.com), Devin Faraci (CHUD.com), Paul Christensen (Movieweb.com), Wilson Morales (Blackfilm.com/AOL Black Voices), Vic Holtreman (Screenrant.com) and George Roush (Latinoreview.com).
Director Kevin Munroe (TMNT, Dead of Night) will be moderating. Special guests include Brandon Routh, Sam Huntington and Anita Briem who will preview an exclusive sneak peek of their new film Dead of Night based on the Dylan Dog comic books.
See you there!
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, you've been hearing the rumblings about the biggest and best party at Comic Con THE WRATH OF CON which so happens to be IESB's. We will once again be giving out tickets to the party, five to be exact, to the regular joes and their plus ones out there during the Masters of the Web panel. But you are going to have to work for them. Maybe some trivia? We will see. Line up early to get your chance to win a pair!
http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_ezine&task=read&page=2&category=16&article=7112
and
THE WRATH OF CON 2009 is Upon Us!
Written by Robert Sanchez
Tuesday, 07 July 2009
We are just weeks away from San Diego Comic Con. If you don't have your pass and hotel already, well, you're screwed.
For those of you that do, IESB will see you there!
San Diego Comic Con International is one of the most awesome pop culture events on the planet with geeks coming together from around the world to celebrate genre. Movie web site writers, bloggers and contributors come together, no matter how many spats they've had through the year, to celebrate and get drunk. What better way?
IESB is once again hosting our WRATH OF CON party. Those of you that were there last year, and you know who you are, will agree that it was a kick ass event with plenty of booze, boobs and well, more boobs.
The party will take place on Friday night at the Hard Rock Hotel on the rooftop once again and will be loaded with plenty of VIPs, celebrities and online folk. We've got several really great sponsors and partners pulling out all the stops at the party including Poynt, Dead of Night, TNA Wrestling, Capcom vs Marvel 2, FEARnet Horror Channel, 20th Century Fox, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Monster, American Original Entertainment, Poor Boy Productions/Poor Dog Entertainment and many more.
TNA Wrestling is even bringing down a six sided wrestling ring along with some of their hottest names including Kurt Angle, Chris Daniels, Suicide and the Motorcity Machine Guns.
Plus, check out several of the web guys in exhibition wrestling matches that have been touted on Twitter for the past few months. Latino Review's @elguapo1 and Comingsoon's @EdouglasWW know what I am taking about, First Showing's @firstshowing may not, but he will, Chud's @devinf will see to that I am sure.
So how do you, the average Comic Con attendee, get into the party hottest party in town? It is not open to the public and is invitation only, but 5 Comic Con attendees will have the chance to win a pair of tickets during the Masters of the Web panel on Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 in room 32AB at the convention.
What kind of awesomeness can we expect on the Hard Rock rooftop? Wrestlers, babes, Go-Go dancers, music and hottest stars from Hollywood all in one place, no where else but THE WRATH OF CON!
See you there!
*check out the logo.
http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7113&Itemid=99
'Dead Of Night" Enjoying Omnilab's Riches
Rodney Appleyard of Inside Film had a chance to toss some questions at "Dead of Night" producer Gilbert Adler and Omnilab's The Lab Sydney general manager Lewis Pullen regarding investors, special effects, and filmmakers.
Gil Adler:
On Investors:
“The way movies are pieced together these days, in regards to the financing, is not like the old days when you used to visit four dentists in Michigan or Sydney and ask them to write you a cheque,” he told IF FX from the set in New Orleans last month."
“It's far more sophisticated because of the interest in the picture from around the world. We found out about Omnilab – they loved the script, had the right attitude, were very clued up about making sure the quality would be of a certain standard and have been great partners all the way.”
On The Storyline:
“In our movie, Dylan Dog is retired but decides to come back to work because something bad has happened to a person he cares about a great deal. His friend Marcus works alongside him on the investigations, making it a terrific buddy movie.”
On Special Effects:
“It features plenty of great make-up effects created by DRAC Studios, who won an Oscar for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. They have created some really cool transformations for some of the characters – the likes of which we haven't ever seen in movies before. I always like to do something a bit different on each movie and to push the envelop a little bit because nobody wants to see the same old thing all the time.”
“I don't think any movie can sustain itself just by using one type of effect. We basically look at the character and allow everything to grow from there. For instance, a certain effect will be needed to create an emotional connection with the audience – so we think about how we can accomplish this in the best way.
“But we won't be using any fully CGI creatures because that kind of effect is used too much in the world of commercials and I think it is more than a turn off than an enhancement to the movie. You really have to make sure the quality is there in all areas to make it feel like its real. Once the audience does not feel like it's real, it all over.”
Lewis Pullen:
On Filmmakers:
“We are interested in filmmakers with credibility who have done a good job in securing finance for a movie. One of the ways in which we help local filmmakers get their project off the ground is by cash flowing the Tax Offset.
“I'm also happy to work with local filmmakers in the domestic market on lower level budget movies too. We are definitely planning to lift our involvement in this area too. Supporting filmmakers to get their films up is as good as it gets and we want to continue to work hard in this area.”
On Past & Future Projects:
“Bran Nue Dae is another movie we helped to get off the ground. Without our help it would never have got up and running. It's also great to be working in a joint venture with George Miller on Happy Feet 2 because we do actually see a chance of building a world class film industry here.”
Omnilab Revives 'Dead Of Night'
Omnilab Website
'Dead Of Night' Production Blog
http://thinkmcflythink.squarespace.com/movie-news/2009/7/7/dead-of-night-enjoying-omnilabs-riches.html
and
IF FX Feature: Omnilab resurrects Dead of Night
Omnilab Media is continuing to invest heavily in production, with its latest thriller, Dead of Night, wrapping up its US-based shoot last month.
Producer Gilbert Adler says Dead of Night – which follows a reluctant private investigator drawn into the world of vampires, werewolves, ghouls and the undead – attracted strong interest from investors.
“The way movies are pieced together these days, in regards to the financing, is not like the old days when you used to visit four dentists in Michigan or Sydney and ask them to write you a cheque,” he told IF FX from the set in New Orleans last month.
“It's far more sophisticated because of the interest in the picture from around the world. We found out about Omnilab – they loved the script, had the right attitude, were very clued up about making sure the quality would be of a certain standard and have been great partners all the way.”
The $US20 million film is currently in post-production and also counts Hong Kong-based Standard Chartered Bank as co-financier.
The film is based on the best-selling Italian book series Dylan Dog, written by Tiziano Sclavi, which has sold more than 56 million units worldwide and been translated into 17 different languages.
The story is about the adventures of a supernatural private eye (Dylan Dog - played by Brandon Routh) who seeks out monsters on the streets of the Louisiana bayou in his signature red shirt, black jacket and blue jeans. Originally set in Europe, the filmmakers have instead chosen to set it in New Orleans’ marshy swampland.
“In our movie, Dylan Dog is retired but decides to come back to work because something bad has happened to a person he cares about a great deal. His friend Marcus works alongside him on the investigations, making it a terrific buddy movie,” he says.
“It features plenty of great make-up effects created by DRAC Studios, who won an Oscar for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. They have created some really cool transformations for some of the characters – the likes of which we haven't ever seen in movies before. I always like to do something a bit different on each movie and to push the envelop a little bit because nobody wants to see the same old thing all the time.”
The film is directed by Kevin Munroe, whose 2007 re-imagining of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles resurrected the billion-dollar franchise. Munroe will focus less on the character’s transformation from human to non-human and more on the seamless interaction between the living and the undead.
As well as featuring extensive make-up effects, Adler says the film will include CGI, stop motion animation and time-lapse photography.
“I don't think any movie can sustain itself just by using one type of effect. We basically look at the character and allow everything to grow from there. For instance, a certain effect will be needed to create an emotional connection with the audience – so we think about how we can accomplish this in the best way.
“But we won't be using any fully CGI creatures because that kind of effect is used too much in the world of commercials and I think it is more than a turn off than an enhancement to the movie. You really have to make sure the quality is there in all areas to make it feel like its real. Once the audience does not feel like it's real, it all over.”
The Lab Sydney general manager Lewis Pullen says it has been funding films for a long time. The Lab is one of several companies owned by Omnilab.
“We are interested in filmmakers with credibility who have done a good job in securing finance for a movie. One of the ways in which we help local filmmakers get their project off the ground is by cash flowing the Tax Offset.
“I'm also happy to work with local filmmakers in the domestic market on lower level budget movies too. We are definitely planning to lift our involvement in this area too. Supporting filmmakers to get their films up is as good as it gets and we want to continue to work hard in this area.”
Omnilab also funded other well-known films such as The Bank Job, W and The Messenger.
“Bran Nue Dae is another movie we helped to get off the ground. Without our help it would never have got up and running. It's also great to be working in a joint venture with George Miller on Happy Feet 2 because we do actually see a chance of building a world class film industry here.”
Omnilab will find an Australian distributor for Dead of Night and its post-production company iloura will do the visual effects on the movie.
http://if.com.au/2009/07/07/article/Omnilab-revives-Dead-of-Night/XBNCDOTKEO.html
Brian made his point on the Imaging3 board to all these trashy comments. Its always the same old story brought up by the same basher. He should not have to explain himself over and over. IMO
Masters of Web panel! Jul. 2, 2009
Source: Comic-Con by: Mike Sampson
Last year I had tons of fun sitting in on the "Masters of the Web" panel and talking shop with my colleagues that I don't get to see very often. I was also shocked and the response from the Comic-Con attendees. I walked up to the room and there was a huge line and I thought, "I must be in the wrong place..."
Last year's Masters of the Web panel
The good news is that the panel is returning for its third year at Comic-Con and once again I'll be one of the guests. Joining me will be Robert Sanchez (IESB), Jeremy "Mr. Beaks" Smith (AICN), Drew McWeeny (HitFix), Brad Miska (Bloody-Disgusting), George "El Guapo" Roush (Latino Review), Ryan Rotten (Shock Till You Drop), Paul Christensen (MovieWeb), Devin Faraci (CHUD), Vic Holtreman (ScreenRant) and Wilson Morales (BlackFilm).
Director Kevin Munroe (TMNT) will be moderating the panel and Superman himself, Brandon Routh, will be in attendance to debut some new footage from his upcoming movie DEAD OF NIGHT. All that and there are certainly a lot of hot-button issues that will spark some serious debate (and possible chair-throwing brawl). All you need to do is head to Room 32AB on Thursday at 3pm (though based on last year's interest, I'd suggest showing up a bit early). See you then!
http://joblo.com/index.php?id=27315
Humm, interesting. A conference set up one day before the Comic Con where agents, people meet to do deals and expand ideas. Could be worth checking out. IMO
San Diego Comic-Con International has become the place where the worlds of comics, film, TV and video games all meet. Now there’s a ticketed conference, held in conjunction with Comic-Con, where the business and creative leaders from comics and media can gather to find ways to build stronger, more successful connections.
The ICv2 Comics and Media Conference, held Wednesday afternoon just before Comic-Con Preview Night, is a ticketed half-day event with programming and networking opportunities that will help expand the growing flow of ideas and commerce between comics and film, TV, and video games.
http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/14929.html
You saw the movie? Ill wait for HBO. That bad huh. Still, it made a boatload of money. IMO
Dont believe the rumor:
You know how Internet rumors start these days. One site publishes something, a fan site picks it up. A few more sites attribute it to one of the places from which they heard it and so forth.
The current rumor is that Brandon Routh's upcoming movie, "Dead of Night," is headed straight to DVD.
Not so, says Plantinum Studios Vice President Dan Forcey.
"We're contractually obligated and guaranteed a theatrical release of at least 1,100 screens," Forcey just told me. "We couldn't do direct-to-DVD if we wanted to."
For a refresher on the movie, here is my previous interview with Forcey.
***
From DON Blog:
But why is this important to a production blog on the upcoming movie “Dead of Night”? Well, somebody this morning, with NO articles, interviews, or facts of any kind to back it up posted that Dead of Night was now going direct to DVD and it has spread around like wildfire.
To put a kibosh on this: Dead of Night WILL be a theatrical release. We are contractually guaranteed and contractually obligated by the parties that put this whole production together to release the movie to a certain minimum of screens. In other words, we couldn’t release this direct to DVD if we wanted to.
http://thinkmcflythink.squarespace.com/movie-news/2009/6/30/tmt-exclusive-dead-of-night-is-not-headed-straight-to-dvd.html
http://deadofnightmovie.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/ah-the-internet/
I think were kind of on hold here for some news. It should be a slow week with the holidays coming. IMO
OT: TV biz tunes in to Comic-Con Networks, studios tubthump more shows
By MARC GRASER, STUART LEVINE
Comic-Con
TV Biz Tunes In to Comic-Con
Networks and studios plan to tubthump more shows than ever at the annual confab set for July 23-26 at the San Diego Convention Center.
Over the years, the event has turned into an invaluable promotional platform through which Hollywood can push its new properties to the 126,000 fans that flock to the Con.
And it’s grown significantly in importance for the TV biz after successfully courting the crowd there to launch new shows such as NBC’s “Heroes” and “Chuck” and Fox’s “Fringe.”
Positive reaction to early footage seen at the confab can generate strong buzz across the Web that can influence a fan base months before a bow. And in the age of Twitter, that buzz can be instantaneous.
“What’s happening at Comic-Con is the fan community gives you an immediate reaction to your project in a big way,” said Lisa Gregorian, exec VP of worldwide marketing for the Warner Bros. TV Group. “It’s live testing.”
This year’s event may play an even bigger role in spreading the word; for the first time, Comic-Con will take place a few days before the Television Critics Assn.’s summer press tour.
“It’s a total game-changer,” said Chris Alexander, 20th Century Fox TV’s senior VP of publicity. “Previously, Comic-Con would be the place where you would just interact. Now, it’s the place to break news.”
Nearly all of the studios and nets traveling south on the 5 Freeway plan to have their cast members and creatives present for panel discussions and will screen pilots at the Convention Center. They’ll build massive booths on the show floor where they’ll host autograph signings and offer giveaways.
Here’s what some studios and nets have in store:
* Warner Bros. is making the trek with 11 shows, the most for the company. Those include news skeins “Eastwick,” “Human Target,” “Past Life,” “V” and “The Vampire Diaries,” as well as returning series “Fringe,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Chuck,” “Smallville,” “Supernatural” and “Batman: The Brave and the Bold.”
* Twentieth Century Fox TV has nine shows going: “24,” “Bones,” “Dollhouse,” “The Simpsons,” “American Dad,” “Futurama,” “Family Guy” and spinoff “The Cleveland Show,” along with other newcomer, “Glee.”
* ABC won’t screen the pilot for “Flash Forward” but will host a panel during which it will screen selected scenes. “Lost,” with its anticipated final season ahead, will have a presence as well.
* Sony will be promoting toon “The Spectacular Spider-Man,” currently airing on boy-friendly Disney XD.
* NBC once again will be at the Con to promote the new season of “Heroes.”
“It’s where ‘Heroes’ got its start,” said John Miller, chief marketing officer at NBC, who is using the confab to promote the show’s new time period. “Bringing it back seems like the right thing to do. We want to re-energize the show.”
Skeins such as “Human Target,” “Smallville” and “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” are based on comicbook properties, while “Vampire Diaries,” “V” and “Fringe” appeal to the sci-fi, horror and fantasy contingent that typically attends.
ABC marketing topper Mike Benson says Comic-Con is the natural place where “Flash Forward” can generate buzz, but the show must reach beyond the halls of the Convention Center to become a hit.
“We need to drive millions of viewers to sample it,” Benson said. “In order to do that, this is a good niche to reach out to. Comic-Con is a small piece of a much bigger marketing strategy.”
He added that the pilot won’t be unspooled in its entirety to avoid giving away a reveal at the end of the episode.
Not all shows may immediately seem like good fits. Last year, NBC sent both “The Office” and “30 Rock,” and there’s some controversy over the fact that Fox is sending musically themed “Glee.”
“We think it’s absolutely a fit,” said Alexander of the inclusion of “Glee.” “The show got an enormous response screening after ‘American Idol,’ and that kind of passion creates a great crossover between the Comic-Con fan, theater fan and music fan who all like this show.”
Last year proved that the geeks don’t necessarily rule the Con anymore.
Organizers have been keen on turning the event into a showcase for all forms of popular culture -- from comicbooks and toys to films and TV shows -- and wowed attendees last year when thousands of teenage girls and even older women stood in line for hours to attend Summit’s panel for “Twilight.”
“Comic-Con was originally genre specific, but has become slightly less focused for the people it was originally intended for,” Miller said.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118005477.html?categoryid=14&cs=1
Just checked out the Vanguard Animation website. Illegal aliens promo poster up under "upcoming projects". Looks like they changed the name to Chupacabras. Makes more sense. Maybe animation? IMO
http://www.vanguardanimation.com/
MoneyTv this week.
http://www.emergingcompany.com/volume13week25qt.mov
EXCLUSIVE: ‘Dead Of Night’ Star Brandon Routh Talks PG-13 Rating And Villains
Published by Brian Warmoth on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 10:39 am.
Actor Brandon Routh will complete a unique comic book movie trifecta when he wraps work on “Dead of Night.” The star of “Superman Returns” already grabbed a top-shelf role in a superhero movie, and soon he’ll appear in theaters in a live-action adaptation of “Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World,” based on the hit indie comic.
The third jewel in his comics-movie crown will be his starring role as Dylan Dog in the upcoming film “Dead of Night,” which will round out his résumé nicely with an Italian comics horror property — one which Routh told MTV News his producers might lighten up a bit from its source material.
“The comic property would probably be rated ‘R,’ we’re going for a PG-13 so more people can enjoy the film,” Routh told MTV News regarding the “Dead of Night” adaptation. “It’s [not just] gore and horror, it’s a lot more straight action, with a bit of comedy.”
The original Dylan Dog comics by Tiziano Sclavi included mature subject matter in their stories of the horror detective’s surreal investigations into the macabre. Routh sounded convinced about the decisions being made to keep things PG-13 in the adaptation, but he also expressed excitement about the elements the film will be plucked directly from the source material, including the story’s villains, which he said would include vampires, werewolves and zombies.
“We have an end villain that’s going to be exciting,” he said. “It’s a bigger, badder-asser version of one of the creatures.”
Routh also added that he’ll be getting far more violent on-screen as Dylan Dog than as Todd Ingram in “Scott Pilgrim.”
“Although I don’t throw punches in ['Scott Pilgim Vs. The World'],” the actor explained. “I throw a lot of punches, and get the crap beat of me in ['Dead of Night'].”
What do you think of the decision to keep “Dead of Night” family-friendly enough for a PG-13 rating? What about Brandon Routh’s recent choices for comic book movie roles? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/06/25/dead-of-night-star-brandon-routh-talks-pg-13-rating-and-villains/
From Dans Blog: collaboration with Bonelli on Dead of Night Comic, bridging the worlds, so to speak.
For our Italian friends…
Posted in Uncategorized with tags adapting, Bonelli, Dead of Night, Dylan Dog on June 24, 2009 by deadofnightmovie
So, I was emailed these by someone, but I think I saw them credited to regular contributor Antoblueberry. If so, thank you, Anto. We’ve been unsuccessful getting our own copies from L’Espresso. Gioy (our resident expert in all things Italian) and the good folks at Bonelli all seem very happy with the way the article turns out. And I think there might be one or two fans of Brandon’s on here that enjoy the article, even without being able to read Italian.
As Anto also said in a previous comment, this article announces officially some news that I had hinted at in a previous post, that Bonelli would be handling the graphic novel extension/adaptation of the Dead of Night tale. I put the “extension/” part of that in there because we’re going to be doing something very, very different to bridge the worlds of the Dylan Dog comics and Dead of Night. We’ve got a really great writer that ALL Dylan Dog fans will know (name to be announced soon…) writing this bridge for us and EVERYBODY concerned is excited about how it is shaping up. Bonelli will be publishing it worldwide and Platinum Studios will be handling it in the US, so save up in the meantime.
BTW, I heard from a retailer that the Dark Horse collection of the Dylan Dog Case Files has completely sold out in the US! So grab your copy soon, as they may not be available very long. It’s a really great read for those that don’t already know Dylan.
Cheers and please let us know what you think of the article!
-Dan Forcey
Development Exec/Former Stunt Guy/LFW (Lover of Fine Wines)
the Dylan Dog article is now online minus the new pictures. I stuck it in Google translater to give us an english version.
http://espresso.repubblica.it/dettaglio//2102613
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fespresso.repubblica.it%2Fdettaglio%2F%2F2102613&sl=it&tl=en&history_state0=
New Dylan Dog pictures and article from Italian Magazine. Sorry it is in Italian but thanks to Antonello Autoblueberry for copying the picture from the magazine.
http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/showthread.php?s=4a5c7d4209884fe299c89828268710bb&t=25481&page=67
Exclusive: Orci & Kurtzman Talk Transformers and More
Source:Edward Douglas June 23, 2009
http://www.superherohype.com/news/transformersnews.php?id=8443