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Nope, I have lost my hope in Messalas, but not my Christmas spirit. GLTA
Unfortunately, the lawyers will make out on this, as this costly game of tug of war will ensue for many years to come between both parties, imho.
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISMES(SALAS)
by Fredman
'Twas the night before ChrisMes(salas), when all through the CTNO forum
Not an Ihubber was stirring, not even the mod;
The stickies were hung by the assistants with care,
In hopes that some volume soon would be there;
The investors were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of reverse mergers danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's recession,
When out on the forums there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the computer I flew like a flash,
turned on the power and threw up the google.
The moon on the desktop of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to icons below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature Shelby Super Car, and eight tiny ihubbers,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Chris.
More rapid than deflation his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Billiam_2! now, Colts3838! now, Bowman88 and Mastaflash!
On, Wallwizz! on Cable Dawg Crew! on, Garrett800ca and Fredman!
To the top of the posts! to the top of the boards!
Now type away! type away! type away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet at the Olive Garden for the buffett, so they can eat to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the Shelby Super Car full of shares, and St. Messalas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my mouse, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Chris came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of shares he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a trader just opening his sack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a Theramax he held tight in his teeth,
And the mist it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a boxfull of Ckrush dvd's.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his Shelby Super Car, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,
"Happy ChrisMes(salas) to all, and to all a good-night."
Over the past few weeks I have also had several small orders filled without them being posted. My guess is these low volume, non-posting trades have something to do with either MM or Short Interest.
I have been averaging down also and have owned shares for well over a year now. When it is all said and done, I expect a good return on my investment (and patience) GLTY!
When did you buy the shares @ $1.76, and how many shares did you purchase? According to otcbb.com I do not see any recent trades @ 1.76. TIA
Iron Man: Armored Adventures Vol. 2 serves as a warm-up for the live-action Iron Man 2.
Prepare to blast off with boy-genius Tony Stark when "Iron Man: Armored Adventures" Volume 2 flies onto DVD January 5 from Marvel Animation, Method Films, Genius Products and Vivendi Entertainment.
It's jam-packed with six high-octane episodes. Join the adventures of Tony Stark and his friends as they risk it all facing bigger challenges, more secrets, more showdowns and two new chaotic villains: Living Laser and Madam Masque.
Using the latest technology and a little teamwork, it's up to the teenage prodigy and his ever-evolving, adaptable armor--including the unveiling of two brand-new suits--to save the world from evil whenever duty calls. Based on the hugely popular and successful Iron Man franchise from Marvel Entertainment,"Iron Man: Armored Adventures" Volume 2 contains the latest episodes of the hit television series.
Synopsis
Tony Stark is not your typical teenager. He's a billionaire, brilliant inventor ... and Iron Man! "Iron Man: Armored Adventures" follows Tony Stark, 16-year-old genius and heir to the billion-dollar corporation Stark International, as he battles the enemies of world peace with his revolutionary power-armor technology. Growing up, Tony had always lived a life of luxury, but everything went horribly wrong when a tragic plane accident robbed him of his father and nearly cost him his own life. Eager to honor the memory of his dad, Tony now uses his suit of invincible armor and technical know-how to protect those who would also fall prey to tragedy, corruption and conspiracy. With help from his friends Jim Rhodes and Pepper Potts, Tony's activities as Iron Man usually result in high-speed flight, high-tech battles and high-octane quests for justice.
"Iron Man: Armored Adventures, Vol. 2" features the episodes "Meltdown," "Field Trip," "Ancient History 101," "Ready, A.I.M., Fire," "Seeing Red," and "Masquerade." Run time is 132 minutes, and it streets on January 5, 2010 in widescreen at a suggested retail price of $16.95.
Source: http://www.dvdtown.com/news/iron-man-armored-adventures-vol-2-serves-as-a-warm-up-for-the-live-action-iron-man-2/7190
GE, Vivendi in tentative deal for NBC
General Electric Co. has reached an agreement to buy the 20 percent stake in NBC Universal held by French media conglomerate Vivendi SA, The Associated Press has learned.
An understanding between GE and Vivendi has been reached but has yet to be formalized, according to a person with knowledge of the talks who requested anonymity because the negotiations were private.
The agreement would pave the way for GE to sell a 51 percent stake in the TV and movie company to Comcast Corp., the largest U.S. cable TV provider. That deal, which would make Philadelphia-based Comcast one of the nation's largest entertainment companies, is valued at about $30 billion.
An agreement was supposed to have been announced weeks ago, but GE's talks with Vivendi have been taking longer than expected.
Vivendi knew it had a strong hand — GE wants to sell part of NBC Universal to raise money after suffering losses in its GE Capital unit. Meanwhile, Comcast wants to beef up its programming assets with a marquee name at a price it could handle — around $5 to $7 billion cash plus contribution of its cable networks to a joint venture that would house the new NBC Universal.
Vivendi also could use the money. Two weeks ago, it invested $4.2 billion to take control of Brazilian telecom operator GVT. However, a Vivendi executive had said the company might decide not to exercise its annual window — which ends this year on Dec. 10 — to sell its stake in NBC Universal.
Vivendi hoped to get more than $6 billion for its NBC Universal holdings but $6 billion was GE's ceiling, the person said. The Wall Street Journal has reported that GE would pay $5.8 billion for the stake.
A GE spokeswoman declined to comment late Monday.
Comcast's agreement with GE is set and won't be affected by whatever price GE ends up paying Vivendi.
NBC Universal was formed in 2004, after Vivendi agreed to merge its Vivendi Universal Entertainment business with GE's NBC in a move to sell off some of its businesses after running up billions of dollars in debt in a buyout binge. Comcast wants NBC Universal largely for its lucrative cable channels, such as Bravo and CNBC. NBC Universal also spans the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, the Universal Pictures movie studio and Universal theme parks.
Comcast would contribute cable networks such as E! and Style to a new NBC Universal joint venture with Fairfield, Conn.-based GE. That company would own a 49 percent stake in the new NBC Universal but is expected to completely divest its holdings after several years.
Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hsGhQoA29-xTPULQi4U7xGbx-8jwD9CA8CGG1
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ Preview
In an age where plastic game-controller instruments far outnumber the real ones, the majority of gamers use games to sate their melodious appetites. The recently-released DJ Hero covers the urban and dance genres, while Rock Band and Guitar Hero (and their genre-blind DLC) cover most, if not all other forms of popular music this side of symphony. However, since variety is what makes the world and the industry so great, it was inevitable that DJ Hero would have some stiff competition. And if newly-appointed developers Bedlam Games have their way, gamers will be saying, "DJ Hero who?"
First things first. Bedlam's Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is not a DJ Hero rip-off. Quite the contrary, in fact. Scratch was formally announced and even had playable code and a tentative release date back when DJ Hero was nothing more than a glint in Activision's eye. Truth be told, Scratch's development history has had just as many battles and twists as the history of the hip-hop music it hopes to represent.
Let’s start at the beginning. Back in October of 2008, Genius Products and Genco Media partnered up to create a new music game experience with Scratch: The Ultimate DJ. Teaming up with turntable crafters Numark and music legend Quincy Jones III (QD3), Genius and Genco recruited then-independent developer 7 Studios to create the finished product. With a distinctly urban sound (read: NO Gwen Stefani) and a unique spin on the crowded music genre, Scratch immediately gained attention from critics, would-be fans, and main market-share rival, Activision.
Not wanting to spoil the chances of their own newly-confirmed DJ Hero, Activision sought to buy the rights and technology behind Scratch but Genco and Genius refused. They believed that what they had created with 7 Studios was good enough to topple any plans the Guitar Hero giant could muster. In a contest resembling a classic rap battle, Activision then responded by buying out Scratch developers 7 Studios, which effectively put the brakes on the entire Scratch project.
What Activision didn't see coming was that the buyout breached the original project's confidentiality agreement. Scratch creators Numark and Genius responded by filing a lawsuit against the megapublisher, claiming that they'd conspired to stop Scratch's release in order to further their own DJ game's sales. Activision may have seen its actions as just good business, but failed to grasp the seriousness of violating confidentiality and licensing law. The court ruled against Activision and the company was ordered to return all "pre-existing developer software tools and technology" to its original owners. 7 Studios was also disallowed from discussing code or trade secrets with its new parent company. When the dust finally settled, Scratch had found itself a new development home at Bedlam Games.
While that battle may have ended legally as a victory for the little guy, it's looked for some time like Activision won the war. DJ Hero was released last month with many Scratch similarities, while Scratch remains in development. Upon closer analysis though, the seeming "Scratch Curse" may have reaped a few unforeseen benefits for the title. The extra development time has allowed Scratch to grow beyond its initial scope, adding a host of new gameplay elements and songs. Players can utilize samples and freestyling in-game without penalty, which goes far beyond DJ Hero's four or five repetitive samples. And rumors still abound that players will be able to plug a USB microphone into the Scratch deck peripheral to create their own unique samples (though Bedlam hasn't mentioned this feature in some time).
Then there's the Scratch controller, called the Scratch Deck, which is another advantage the game has on DJ Hero. Looking more like the decks used by actual DJ's, the controller has a touch-sensitive scratch record that can be attached to either side of the unit, allowing either-handedness of gameplay. The body of the unit also has five color-coded, touch-sensitive buttons comprising its main interface, and a cross-fader that works similarly to that of DJ Hero, though a little more fast-paced. Needless to say, these differences probably preclude the interchange of peripherals.
Upon its release, Scratch will feel both familiar and new to fans of music-based rhythm games. Basic gameplay is similar to what you’d expect in a rhythm game, with stylized notes scrolling along a track that players must time their button presses against. However, Scratch is all about expression and customization. You won't be penalized for trying out alternative notes or simply not pressing certain ones, and experimentation may actually earn you more points. The story mode starts you off as a local house party DJ and follows you as you climb the ranks, eventually becoming a world-renowned star. The music track list includes 60 songs from both well-known and underground rap musicians so if you’re not rap-savvy, you may not know who NAS or Whodini are. Online gameplay is still being worked out, though the developers have stated in previous interviews that it's something they plan to incorporate.
According to its official Facebook page, Scratch is scheduled for a Spring 2010 release on Xbox 360 and PS3. Things are looking good for the game with new developer Bedlam Games obviously committed to the project and critics already calling it more in tune with rap culture than DJ Hero, albeit with a slightly higher difficulty curve. Scratch: The Ultimate DJ has had more than a few bad cuts on its development spin, but come next year, it looks to bring the noise.
Source: http://gamesabyss.com/articles/1075-scratch-the-ultimate-dj-preview
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: PT 2 OF OUR QD3 INTERVIEW ABOUT SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ
We dropped Part 1 of the interview not too long ago now here is the second and final part as QD3 gives us a closer look at the scratching and mixing elements of the game including the interface with the Numark turntable and fader.
Video: http://woooha.com/2009/11/exclusive-video-pt-2-of-our-qd3-interview-about-scratch-the-ultimate-dj/
When they combine both classes, I would think the change in the share structure would be done along with a Reverse Split in order to keep above the minimum stock price listing requirement. Combining both classes would also make it easier to wipe out equity holders in a pre-planned bankruptcy / reorganization, imho.
Mix Master Mike Gives DJBooth an Inside Look at “Scratch: The Ultimate DJ” [Exclusive Video]
Game developer Commotion Interactive, DJ equipment manufacturer Numark, and home video company Genius Products have joined forces to create Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, an exciting new music/rhythm title for Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii. Coming in 2010, the game will offer armchair turntablists the opportunity to create their own scratches and beats on over 60 licensed hip-hop and R&B tracks, keeping club crowds moving as they rise through the ranks to become ruler of the DJ universe.
In the Booth-exclusive video, Mix Master Mike of Beastie Boys fame gives readers the inside scoop on the game, describing his role in selecting the tracklist and taking us on a guided tour of Numark's authentic, wireless “scratch deck” controller.
Video: http://www.djbooth.net/index/news/entry/scratch-ultimate-dj-1118091/#ixzz0XExRAHbH
Ok, but if you do, you gotta call it a Fredman deal. ;oD
Fredman Deals, I should make a wiki page of that garrett lol
Shares are tight. I suspect we will see $30+ real soon, as Scratch is right around the corner.
I use Ameritrade and if I really wanted to I could bid at .0001 but I seriously doubt I would get filled lol
VIDEO: QUINCY JONES III (QD3) GIVES WOOOHA EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ
Quincy Jones III AKA QD3 gives us this exclusive deeper look into the upcoming video game Scratch: The Ultimate DJ. While Mix Master Mike previously showed the world a hands on tutorial of how the game works, QD3 demonstrates plain and clear the design of the Numark console and how it replicates real life beat making and scratching techniques. Look for part 2 of the video to come soon.
Video: http://woooha.com/2009/11/video-quincy-jones-iii-qd3-gives-woooha-exclusive-look-at-scratch-the-ultimate-dj/
Bankruptcy path is clear, commons will be wiped out, imho.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Creditors withdraw motion in FairPoint bankruptcy
Bondholders who are owed more than $550 million by FairPoint Communications Inc. have withdrawn a motion asking a bankruptcy judge to appoint an examiner to investigate factors leading to FairPoint's Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month.
A creditor committee claimed on Oct. 30 that FairPoint misrepresented its recovery prospects and that top managers sought to profit from the bankruptcy reorganization. It also questioned FairPoint's $23 million dividend payouts and the hiring of a new CEO without telecommunications experience.
On Tuesday, lawyers for the creditors withdrew the motion.
North Carolina-based FairPoint, which last year bought Verizon's land line and Internet assets in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, filed for bankruptcy on Oct. 26.
Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iOYssd7zMLYYcuKmcOYjt-BX-0fgD9BTIVG01
I expect PCS to trade lower in the upcoming months due to increased competition in the industry segment, 2.06 Billion market cap seems up there, imho.
Genius, Alliance take North American rights to Tell-Tale
In separate deals, Genius Products and Alliance Films have acquired US and Canadian rights to the thriller Tell-Tale starring Josh Lucas and produced by Ridley and Tony Scott.
Michael Cuesta’s updated tale is based on Edgar Allan Poe’s short story The Tell-Tale Heart and centres on a widower who receives a transplanted heart from a murdered donor. Lena Headey and Brian Cox also star.
Susan Jackson of Turtles Crossing and WME Global handled domestic rights for the film-makers. The film premiered at Tribeca.
Yarek Danielak and Matthew Chausse of Mirabelle Pictures International / Arsenal Pictures are selling international rights here at AFM.
“We think this film is one of the rare gems of the marketplace which has flown under most people’s radar’s until now” said Danielak, who recently announced the formation of the specialty sales outfit Mirabelle. “We expect to close a number of deals at the market now that North American distribution is in place.”
Source: http://www.screendaily.com/festivals/afm/genius-alliance-take-north-american-rights-to-tell-tale/5007876.article
NUMARK AND GENIUS PRODUCTS RELEASE VIDEO FOR SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ VIDEOGAME CONTROLLER
Scratch DJ, LLC today released a new video showcasing various features of the Scratch Deck by Numark for the highly anticipated music rhythm game, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ. The video compares various similarities between the Scratch Deck, and two pieces of real DJ equipment, the Numark NS7 and the Akai Pro MPC. Also weighing in on the Scratch Deck, legendary Scratch DJ Mix Master Mike talks about his time with the deck and its degree of authenticity.
Featuring top hip-hop and R&B songs from mainstream and underground artists, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ will combine real DJ turntable tricks with great rhythm game play, distinctive urban environments and an array of customizable DJ characters.
New Scratch Deck trailer and additional assets can be downloaded here:
http://bhimpact.gamespress.com/client_page.asp?i=164
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ will be available on the Xbox 360® video game system and PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system in early 2010. For the latest news and updates please visit the official game website at: http://www.scratchvideogame.com/
Source: http://bhimpact.gamespress.com/release.asp?i=425
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ - Inside the Lab
Check out this exclusive look at the Scratch control deck, as Mixmaster Mike discusses the unique features coming to Scratch: The Ultimate DJ!!!
Looking for a sub penny bottom, imho.
I would think 30 million at the very least, more once scratch is released and with information of future developments / projects imo.
Mass layoffs take place at Activision
Developer and publisher Activision has announced significant reductions to its workforce, Joystiq reports.
The Vivendi-owned firm has shut down Spider-Man: Web Of Shadows studio Shaba Games, laying off 61 employees, and halved the workforce at 7 Studios.
"Activision continually evaluates the resources at our studio properties to ensure that they are properly matched to our product slate and overall strategic goals," read a company statement.
"As part of this process, we recently made the difficult but necessary decision to close Shaba Studios. We are grateful for the studio's contributions and wish this talented team success in their future endeavours."
Shaba has previously developed Tony Hawk and the official Shrek tie-in game.
Source: http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a181501/mass-layoffs-take-place-at-activision.html
I would also like to see demos of Scratch: The Ultimate DJ featured at select events, concerts, theaters etc... Another great way to promote scratch is featuring playable demos at retailers, such as Walmart, Best Buy, Target, Blockbuster, GameStop, EB Games, Toys R Us, Fye, Tower, Guitar Gallery, Sam Ash, Borders, Music and musical equipment retailers, malls / shopping centers and the like.
Layoff reports reopen Activision-Scratch fiasco
Around thirty jobs axed at the former developer of Scratch: The Ultimate DJ
Activision could be facing new allegations of misconduct for the purchase of Los Angeles-based developer 7 Studios, with new reports indicating that the publisher has now axed half the studio’s workforce.
Anonymous sources, said to be close to the matter, have revealed to Kotaku that as many as 30 jobs at 7 Studios have been made redundant.
7 Studios was the initial developer of Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, before the group was acquired by Activision back in April.
The buyout quickly sparked lawsuit proceedings, with Activision accused of buying the team solely to disrupt the development of Scratch, a game in direct competition with Activision’s own DJ Hero.
Activision rubbished the allegations, claiming back in April that it purchased 7 Studios to “bolster its development capabilities”, and “provided the fledgling developer with much needed financing during these difficult economic times”.
The 30 alleged layoffs are believed to be the equivalent to half of 7 Studio’s entire workforce.
“Since the completion of its acquisition by Activision, 7 Studios has realigned its business to focus its development resources on the music genre,” said Activision in a prepared statement.
“As a part of this realignment, the studio is reducing its workforce to better reflect Activision's upcoming slate of music-based games."
Source: http://www.develop-online.net/news/33007/Layoff-claims-reopen-Activision-Scratch-fiasco
Activision Subtracts From 7 Studios, Hits Ex-Scratch Dev With Layoffs
In April, publisher Activision purchased 7 Studios, then the developer of DJ Hero competitor Scratch the Ultimate DJ. Today, Kotaku has been told by sources close to the studio, it laid off an estimated 30 people from 7 Studios.
The Los Angeles based 7 Studios was at the heart of an ensuing lawsuit filed by Scratch publisher Genius Products and turntable controller maker Numark Industries. That suit alleged that Activision and 7 Studios conspired to withhold Scratch the Ultimate DJ “in an effort to delay the development and release of Scratch and to gain access to proprietary technology.”
Activision denied any wrongdoing in its purchase of 7 Studios, saying the buy out was made to “bolster its development capabilities,” that it “provided the fledgling developer with much needed financing during these difficult economic times.”
Scratch the Ultimate DJ ultimately found a new developer in Commotion Interactive.
Activision reps provided the following statement to Kotaku.
“Since the completion of its acquisition by Activision, 7 Studios has realigned its business to focus its development resources on the music genre. As a part of this realignment, the studio is reducing its workforce to better reflect Activision’s upcoming slate of music-based games.”
The 30 or so employees let go today represented approximately half of the entirety of 7 Studios, according to our source. We’re attempting to get confirmation from Activision on the accuracy of that figure.
Source: http://www.kotaku.com.au/2009/10/activision-subtracts-from-7-studios-hits-ex-scratch-dev-with-layoffs/
Kanye West Among Scratch Artists
Scratch the Ultimate DJ is shaping up to be the best urban rhythm game of all time! Genius Products have signed that other musical 'genius' Kanye West to feature in their upcoming DJ spinning console title. The developers are going to need as much help as they can get, because their game is up against another monolithic franchise with exactly the same concept. But, with a little bit of pluck, courage and good old fashioned street smarts, Scratch could emerge as the fan favorite when it ships in 'early 2010'. We already think that Scratch is going to be superior to DJ Hero, and you can read our reasons why in this post. Below you can find all of the latest news on the game, including the names of some of the lesser artists whose work will serve as filler in between Kanye West cuts.
Product Overview
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is one of the first Hip Hop music/rhythm games to bring DJing out of the club scene and straight into your living room. With an innovative control system, Scratch expands the boundaries of current music/rhythm games by stepping away from the rock 'n' roll scene and jumping into the thriving hip-hop and R&B culture.
You will be able to battle for DJ supremacy by showcasing your scratching skills on a sleek turntable controller called The Scratch Deck. Be the DJ you've always wanted to be by adding your own style to a wide variety of customizable DJ characters. Enjoy some of the hottest Hip Hop songs from music's top performing artists as you entertain the crowd and cement your place as a legendary DJ. Armed with a high-tech authentic turntable controller produced by Numark, Hip Hop style and an arsenal of heavy-hitting songs, becoming the "ultimate DJ" is entirely up to your skill on the decks.
Key Features
• Innovative turntable style controller created by Numark, which contains a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable wheel, cross fader and 5 Akai MPC style buttons that allow you to manipulate sounds and creatively add your own unique style to each track
• Create unique samples by plugging in a compatible USB microphone and record your own sounds
• Gauge your performance in real-time as the crowd reacts to your every move by converging on the dance floor or drifting towards the sidelines when you can't keep the beat
• Featuring multiple modes of play, Career Mode allows you to assume the role of an up and coming DJ building your scratching skills throughout the course of the game in order to defeat DJs of varying ranks
• Scratch along with over 60 licensed and original hip-hop and R&B songs from some of music's top performing artists from today and yesteryear like Kanye West, Gorillaz, Run DMC, Eric B. and Rakim, Deltron 3030 Black Eyed Peas and many more.
• Play in 10 unique venues representing everything from the backyard set-up to some of the hottest clubs and choose from an array of customizable DJ personalities and wardrobes
• Go online to compete against others for DJ supremacy, trade scratch routines and purchase content packs featuring new songs from your favorite artists
Source: http://www.ps3informer.com/playstation-3/games/kanye-west-among-scratch-artists-011839.php
Currently, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is marketed on new media such as Scratchtheultimatedj.com website, Online News Postings, Facebook, Youtube, Myspace, and Twitter.
Targeted marketing on select websites or to consumers based upon search queries would be nice. Selective Magazine, TV, and Radio Station advertising is a great way to link up with the target audience. Also, marketing on XBOX and PS3 platforms would be a great idea!
Scratch has an impressive lineup of music / artists and I would like to see them highlighted in the marketing campaign. Numark / Akai are big names in the music industry, and I am certain they will also be highlighted.
The Activision DJ Wannabe controller is a joke, and Scratch, as the underdog, will undoubtedly win the DJ battle. Apparently the DJ Zero controller cannot be used with other games. With the directional pad and button layout of the Scratch Deck, Scratch should be able to be used with other games, and I would highlight this as well.
About Universal Music Group:
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world’s leading music company and is comprised of two core businesses: recorded music and music publishing.
The company discovers, develops, markets and distributes recorded music through a network of subsidiaries, joint ventures and licensees in 77 countries, representing 98% of the music market. UMG also sells and distributes music video and DVD products, and licenses recordings, encouraging the legal distribution of music online and over cellular, cable and satellite networks. UMG includes Universal Music Latin Entertainment, the world’s leading Latin music company. UMG's music publishing company, Universal Music Publishing Group, is the world's leading publishing business; it owns and acquires rights to musical compositions and licenses them for use in recordings and related uses, such as films and advertisements. UMG also includes Bravado, its merchandising company, and Twenty-First Artists, its full service management division; and Helter Skelter, its live music agency.
Universal Music Group International is the division that manages UMG's businesses in countries outside of North America.
Record Labels
UMG’s strength and legacy of music flows from a diverse family of record labels which include: A&M/Octone, Barclay, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Disa, ECM, Emarcy, Fonovisa, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, Machete Music, Mercury Records, Polydor Records, Universal Motown Republic Group, Universal Music Latino, Universal Music Group Nashville (which includes Lost Highway, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville), Universal Records South, and Verve Music Group.
Artist Roster
UMG’s roster is comprised of artists covering the full spectrum of music around the world, making UMG the leader in both international and local repertoire. Artists signed to UMG throughout the world include:
North America: Akon, All American Rejects, Beck, Black Eyed Peas, Mary J. Blige, Bon Jovi, Busta Rhymes, Colbie Caillat, Mariah Carey, Keyshia Cole, Sheryl Crow, Daddy Yankee, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Melissa Etheridge, Eve, Fall Out Boy, Fergie, 50 Cent, Nelly Furtado, The Game, Vince Gill, Godsmack, Keri Hilson, Hinder, India.Arie, Jack Johnson, The Killers, Diana Krall, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Maroon 5, M.I.A., Nelly, Ne-Yo, OneRepublic, Pussycat Dolls, Lionel Richie, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, George Strait, Sugarland, Robin Thicke, Timbaland, Shania Twain, Josh Turner, Stevie Wonder, Sting, 3 Doors Down, and Kanye West. Through an arrangement with Hollywood Records, UMG also distributes the Jonas Brothers and Myley Cyrus, and through an arrangement with Big Machine, Taylor Swift.
Europe: Bryan Adams, Bjork (outside North America), Marco Borsato, Calogero, Sergio Dalma, Duffy, Mylene Farmer, Feist, Gianna Nannini, Girls Aloud, Elton John, Jovanotti, Juli, Kaiser Chiefs, Keane, Ronan Keating, Amy Macdonald, Michael McDonald, Metallica (outside North America), Mika, Noir Désir, Orson, Florent Pagny, Paco de Lucia, Rammstein, Rolling Stones, Rosenstolz, Andre Rieu, Michel Sardou, Scissor Sisters, Snow Patrol, Sugababes, Take That, Tamara, Tokio Hotel, U2, Vitaa, Amy Winehouse, Zazie, and Zucchero.
Latin America: Axel, Babasonicos, Belanova, Bersuit, David Bisbal, Bersuit, Café Tacuba, Antonio Carmona, Christian Castro, Coti, Don Omar, Pedro Fernandez, Luis Fonsi, Enrique Iglesias, Juanes, Looney Tunes, Molotov, Zeca Pagodinho, Paulina Rubio, Sandy & Junior, Ivete Sangalo, Marco Antonio Solis, Los Tigres del Norte, Caetano Veloso (outside North America), Alicia Villarreal, and Wisin y Yandel.
Asia Pacific: AI, Vanessa Amorosi, Thelma Aoyama, Avalanches, Kate Ceberano, Sarah Blasko, Chage & Aska, Eason Chan, Jacky Cheung, Kelly Chen, Cut Copy, Sa Dingding, Dreams Come True, Energy, Bernard Fanning, Masaharu Fukuyama, the Grates, GreeeeN, Dao Lang, Hacken Lee, Naotaro Moriyama, Wilbur Pan, Powderfinger, SamSonS, Kou Shibasaki, Spitz, Alan Tam, Utada, WaT, Wolfmother, Masayoshi Yamazaki, and mihimaru GT.
Classical & Jazz Repertoire, Broadway and Film Scores
UMG is the market leader in today’s highly competitive classical music market.
Universal Music’s classical labels includes the world’s longest-standing recording company and market leader, Deutsche Grammophon; the legendary Decca Records, which owns and controls the greatest opera catalog in the world; and the Philips, Emarcy, and ECM labels.
Among the distinguished artists represented on these labels are Claudio Abbado, Cecilia Bartoli, Leonard Bernstein, Andrea Bocelli, Pierre Boulez, Alfred Brendel, Elvis Costello, Renée Fleming, Juan Diego Florez, Valery Gergiev, Hélène Grimaud, Hilary Hahn, Lang Lang, James Levine, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Anna Netrebko, Jessye Norman, Luciano Pavarotti, Maria João Pires, André Previn, Sir Georg Solti, Bryn Terfel, Herbert von Karajan, Rolando Villazon, Russell Watson, Hayley Westenra, and Krystian Zimerman.
Universal Music includes the world’s leading Broadway catalog and contemporary recordings under the Decca Broadway label with such titles as Wicked, Mamma Mia!, Spring Awakening, The Boy From Oz, Cats, Evita, Les Miserables, Man From La Mancha, Phantom of the Opera, Spamalot, and Sunset Boulevard. Universal Music is also responsible for the success of numerous original Soundtracks including The Aviator, Gladiator, Pulp Fiction, and Mamma Mia! as well as such Oscar-winning scores as Elliot Goldenthal’s Frida, John Williams’ Schindler’s List, James Horner’s Braveheart., Gustavo Santaolalla’s Brokeback Mountain, and A.R. Rahman’s Slumdog Millionaire.
UMG owns the world's largest jazz recording company. The Verve Music Group includes the premier jazz label Verve focusing on traditional jazz; adult music label Verve Forecast; contemporary jazz label GRP; and Impulse!, which focuses on reissues of its famed catalog. The group’s unparalleled roster of current and catalog artists include Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Brazilian Girls, Michael Brecker, John Coltrane, Jamie Cullum, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Haden, Herbie Hancock, Billie Holiday, Diana Krall, Queen Latifah, Ledisi, Loreena McKennitt, Wayne Shorter, Nina Simone, Susan Tedeschi, and Lizz Wright.
UMG has also entered the burgeoning business of classical artist management and production with Universal Music Classical Management and Productions (UMCMP). The company develops careers, creates distinctive live events and builds long-lasting brands within the classical music field.
Music Catalog
Representing some of the most influential and legendary recording artists of the last 100 years, UMG has the most extensive catalog of music in the industry including: ABBA, Louis Armstrong, Chuck Berry, James Brown, The Carpenters, Eric Clapton, Patsy Cline, John Coltrane, The Commodores, Count Basie, Bing Crosby, Bo Diddley, Bill Evans, Ella Fitzgerald, The Four Tops, Judy Garland, Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix, Bill Haley and the Comets, Billie Holiday, Buddy Holly, The Jackson Five, Jay-Z, Loretta Lynn, The Mamas & The Papas, Bob Marley, Nirvana, The Police, Smokey Robinson, Cat Stevens, Rod Stewart, Sublime, The Supremes, The Temptations, Conway Twitty, Muddy Waters, Hank Williams, and The Who.
Music Catalog Management
Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) is the centralized U.S. catalog and special markets entity for UMG. Working in concert with all of the company’s record labels, UMe provides a frontline approach to catalog management, a concentration of resources, a greater emphasis on strategic marketing initiatives and opportunities in new technologies. UMe is comprised of several business units and record labels: Universal Chronicles, the unit that manages and markets UMG’s extensive catalog through retail channels; UTV Records, the television marketing unit; Hip-O Records, its independent label that releases CDs and DVDs from outside sources; New Door Records, a label dedicated to producing new music from historically significant recording artists whose catalog is controlled by UMG labels; UMe Digital, the first all digital label from a major music company; Universal Music Media, a company that produces infomercials and long form music programming; Universal Music Special Markets; and Universal Film & Television Music. UMe’s Strategic Marketing unit supports all five areas and is designed to aggressively develop a cohesive and strategic approach to maximizing catalog repertoire by initiating and implementing integrated marketing campaigns, direct to consumer programs, brand management initiatives and strategic partnerships.
Outside North America, the Universal Strategic Marketing division of Universal Music Group International works to maximize the profile and value of UMG’s catalogue in international markets. It acts as a service centre adding value through marketing initiatives and coordination of commercial issues through local and international markets.
Music Publishing
With 47 offices in 41 countries, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is the industry's largest global music publishing operation. UMPG represents music in every genre from some of the world’s hottest songwriters and catalogs including Abba, Adele, Christina Aguilera, Anastacia, Beach Boys, Beastie Boys, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Ciara, Coldplay, Gloria and Emilio Estefan (outside North America), 50 Cent, Godsmack, Dave Grohl, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, Bernie Taupin, R. Kelly, Diana Krall, Avril Lavigne, Linkin Park, Henry Mancini, Maroon 5, Nelly, Prince, Otis Redding, Jill Scott, Paul Simon, Britney Spears, 3 Doors Down, Justin Timberlake, T-Pain, U2, and Robbie Williams, among many others. UMPG is also a global leader in the areas of Production Music, Christian and Classical Music. For more information please visit www.umusicpub.com.
New Technologies and Distribution Platforms
eLabs, a division of UMG, is responsible for handling the company’s electronic commerce initiatives, Internet exploitation, and new technology business opportunities worldwide. eLabs’ business development and business affairs staff supports all of UMG’s e-business initiatives, including digital download, subscription, webcasting, interactive radio and pay-per-play through all digital channels of purchase. eLabs works closely with and supports all UMG’s record labels and other businesses to enhance opportunities for music driven by new technologies, while protecting the value of recorded music.
Bravado
Bravado, the only global, 360° full service merchandise company, develops and markets high-quality licensed merchandise to a worldwide audience. The company works closely with new & established entertainment clients, creating innovative products carefully tailored to each artist or brand. Product is sold on live tours, via selected retail outlets and through web-based stores. Bravado also licenses rights to an extensive network of third party licensees around the world. The company maintains offices in London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Stockholm, and partners with companies in Berlin, Paris, Japan, Australia and South America. Now under the Universal Music Group umbrella, Bravado is able to leverage a global sales and distribution network from the world's largest record company, as well as the group's significant marketing strength. Bravado artists include Kanye West, Gwen Stefani, Beyonce, Elton John, Guns 'N Roses, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Tina Turner, Iron Maiden, Alicia Keys, New Kids on the Block, Nine Inch Nails, Dolly Parton and The Killers, among many others.
Artist Services
Universal Music Group also includes some of the world’s leading full-service artist management businesses, including Twenty-First Artists (Elton John and James Blunt), Trinifold (Robert Plant and the Who), and Helter Skelter (Pet Shop Boys and Amy Winehouse).
Distribution
In the U.S., Universal Music Group Distribution has been the industry market share leader for the past ten years and consists of four major divisions: Universal Music Distribution (UMD), Fontana, Vivendi Entertainment (VE), and UMGD Digital. UMD handles distribution and sales for UMG’s diverse roster of labels as well as a wide variety of associated labels. Fontana is the company’s independent sales, marketing and distribution arm, VE is its theatrical and home entertainment distribution division, and UMGD Digital manages and distributes all of Universal Music Group’s digital assets including mobile.
In some markets outside the U.S., UMG companies handle their own distribution and sales. In other markets UMG companies have sub-contracted services to third parties or entered into distribution join ventures with other record companies.
For further information on Universal Music Group please visit www.umusic.com.
Source: http://new.umusic.com/overview.aspx
About Vivendi:
A world leader in communications and entertainment, Vivendi controls Activision Blizzard (#1 in video games worldwide), Universal Music Group (#1 in music worldwide), SFR (#2 in mobile and fixed telecom in France), Maroc Telecom (#1 in mobile and fixed telecom in Morocco), Canal+ (#1 in pay-TV in France and Poland) and owns 20% of NBCU (leading U.S. media and entertainment group).
In 2007, Vivendi achieved revenues of 21.7 billion euros and adjusted net income of 2.8 billion euros. With operations in 77 countries, the Group has about 43,000 employees.www.vivendi.com
Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090928-703039.html
QD3 Mixtape w/ New Songs For Scratch: The Ultimate DJ!!!
http://hiphopwired.com/category/wired-mixtape/
Check Out the QD3 interview AND the list of new songs in the game!!!
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QD3 Mixes It Up With "Scratch: The Ultimate DJ"
Producer and video director extraordinaire QD3 has partnered with video game developers Genius Products to develop “Scratch: The Ultimate DJ.” Alongside Mixmaster Mike from The Beastie Boys, the veteran West Coast boardsmith will help supply instrumentals and song selections for the new gaming endeavor. QD3 recently checked in with HipHopWired about his latest venture and bringing Hip-Hop's pulse back to the forefront.
HipHopWired: First of all, how did you become involved with the development of “Scratch: The Ultimate DJ?”
QD3: I was working with Genius Products on the home video front. We're doing some films with them and they suggested that I take a meeting with the gaming division. They invited me down, we played one of the rhythm based games that's out on the marketplace right now and they were like we're basically planning on doing an urban version of “Guitar Hero.” They basically told me that the difference between what they were doing and what a lot of other people were doing in the music video game space was that in this game you can actually win the game by adding your own creativity instead of just following exactly what the songs were.
HipHopWired: Sort of like in Hip-Hop, originality stands out.
QD3: Exactly. I thought that was real conducive to how Hip-Hop works which is that everybody wants to show people what they can do their way. I thought that was a really unique approach because in this game you can actually upload your own sounds and add your own flare with the scratches and stuff and get extra points instead of just having to do exactly what the game is telling you to do. I thought that was really cool and immediately became very interested in getting involved.
HipHopWired: You're a consultant on this project but did you produce beats for “Scratch: The Ultimate DJ” as well?
QD3: I'm doing a few beats and it's a couple of songs I did with some artists like Ice Cube and other people are in the game also.
HipHopWired: When is the game expected to be released?
QD3: We're looking at the first of the year between January and February but we'll be announcing a date real soon.
HipHopWired: How will “Scratch: The Ultimate DJ” showcase the once focal point of Hip-Hop?
QD3: I think one thing that people forget is that the DJ was really the first person to bring attention to Hip-Hop. Before the MC, I'm pretty sure even before the break dancers, the DJ was the star. Kool Herc was the big guy and Flash was the guy and then rappers were sort of MCing and doing what they were doing. So I think that's an interesting thing so this list is really a celebration of that time and sort of bringing the love back to the DJ because they actually helped usher all this off from day one.
HipHopWired: Do you think games like this allow novices to believe that they can become a real DJ. In today's times, some think that all you need to do is have MP3s and hook it up to a computer and some speakers and all of a sudden they making the crowd move and forget about the science involved in it. The same theory applies to many of the DJ video game users.
QD3: I think DJing is kind of hard to do no matter what. Even if you got an MP3 Player, it just makes it easier to travel. You don't have to carry your crates. I still think there's a craft involved in it for sure. Like putting the right songs together and scratching is a type of hand movement that you don't just pick up out of nowhere. It takes skill to do it, no matter what. I would say it's definitely easier and it's definitely a little more pre fab but I think to be good, it's hard to do anything good so it'll still require work.
HipHopWired: What will separate “Scratch: The Ultimate DJ” from other DJ video systems?
QD3: The difference between this game and a lot of other games is our controller. Plus we were able to do this game in a really authentic way but we didn't really have a lot of filters. The song selections were all songs that we felt were like the best songs from everything from Whodini to Lil Wayne to Kanye. Run DMC, The Beastie Boys…we were able to really create a song list that I feel is non-filtered. It's commercial but it's still very authentic. In terms of the controller, it's the only game that I'm aware of that actually has two brand names involved. We have Akai who makes the MPC sampling drum machine and they made the drum pads on the controllers. So it's just like an MPC where you're hitting the sample pads.
HipHopWired: What's the other brand name involved?
QD3: On the DJ side, the turntables and the fader are made by Numark so those are the number one companies in each of those categories for drum machine and DJ equipment. When you play this, it's the closest thing you can get to actually using the real equipment and plus having the MPC factor in there where you can trigger actual samples from the songs. So what we did, we basically licensed the multi tracks for this game so that people can manipulate the kick, the snare, vocal samples, the chorus, keyboard parts, and guitar parts. You really have access to all the separate elements to the song for the first time that I'm aware of in any game.
HipHopWired: So you're kind of creating your new competition and inspiring new producers.
QD3: It's really like a mini production studio so if you're an aspiring DJ or an aspiring producer or someone that just loves music, you may get turned on to being a producer through the game. I think this is a cool way for a little bit over $100, you basically have a production suite where you can trigger samples and manipulate original sounds and DJ all in one box. On top of that you can upload your own sounds through a USB port into the game. Basically if you wanted to, you can upload your own vocals saying your DJ name and you can go back into the game and win with your sounds.
HipHopWired: So you can't win if you're biting what everyone else is doing which is sort of like how the actual music is. The video game tip sheet won't work here.
QD3: So to me that's the spirit of Hip-Hop. You can do it your way. That's what's kind of unique about this, you can win the game with your sounds, you don't have to follow any molds. I think a lot of people will have fun just basically remixing songs that they like and two adding their own flavor to those songs. That's a stand lone entertainment value and on top of that you have the game aspect where you can battle each other. I think it combined a lot of different things that people will like that'll enable you to enjoy it for a longer time and in a deeper way than just playing a “Simon Says” game where you hold your hand over what someone else is doing.
HipHopWired: That sounds dope. I can't wait to play it. Before we wrap this up, you also sent in a play list for HipHopWired “Wired Mixtape” to give a feel of what to expect in the game. A lot of the tracks are old school so is that how “Scratch: The Ultimate DJ” is gonna be set up?
QD3: The play list that I sent is basically my favorite DJ-inspired cuts so either they're songs where the DJ is really doing his thing or songs where DJing has been used in creative ways. Some of these songs, like “Nuthin But a g Thang” and a few others are in the game also. But the tracks for “Wired Mixtape” is a mixtape to me that's like the best of the DJ songs where the DJ may not be doing his thing all the way through the song, but the MC might be talking about the DJ in a way that celebrates the DJ and puts the focal point on the DJ.
Source: http://hiphopwired.com/10969/qd3-mixes-it-up-with-scratch-the-ultimate-dj/
Interview: Scratch the Ultimate DJ’s Fred Galpern
The story behind DJ Hero and Scratch the Ultimate DJ can be confusing. Not only do both games center around similar DJ turntable controllers but the games have also been involved in complicated legal entanglements.
Originally, 7 Studios was developing Scratch for its publisher, Genius Products while Activision was developing DJ Hero. After negotiations for Activision to acquire Scratch failed, Activision bought out 7 Studios while the studio was still in the process of making Scratch. This created a contractual conflict which ultimately led to Scratch’s delay. The timing of the acquisition left many wondering whether Activision purposely attempted to delay, if not eliminate, any competition in the DJ space.
At this year’s Austin GDC, I had a chance to sit down with Fred Galpern, the producer for Scratch to talk about the game. With new developer Commotion Interactive, Galpern remains optimistic about Scratch’s chances when it releases in Spring 2010.
It’s easy to mistake DJ Hero and Scratch for direct competitors á la Guitar Hero and Rock Band. After all, like GH and RB, both games feature similar controllers. However, Galpern is quick to point out that the games are targeting completely different genres of music. On the one hand, DJ Hero features electronic-rock-pop mash ups. On the other hand, with a set list featuring artists such as The Beastie Boys, Salt ‘n Pepper, Run DMC, Outkast, and Kanye West, there’s no question that Scratch is pure hip-hop. Mix Master Mike of The Beastie Boys is even consulting for the project.
“When we handed him the controller, I was terrified,” Galpern remembers. “Oh man, this guy better like it.”
You can’t disappoint “the premiere turntablist on the planet,” as Galpern calls him. Luckily Mike is a hardcore gamer who doesn’t scoff at music games as some musicians have.
“He liked it,” Galpern continues. “He asked, ‘Can it be reversed, can I do my tricks?’ He banged on the thing. ‘Is it sturdy?’ He leaned on the crossfader. ‘Can I play a real hard session and push the shit out of this thing?’”
When the makers of the Rock Band ION Drum Rocker (Numark turntables and Akai Pro MPCs) have teamed up to make the Numark Scratch Deck, is it any surprise that it held up to Mike’s gauntlet? This controller is a beat-making MPC sandwiched between a turntable and crossfader. The turntable is fully rotatable for scratching and uses a a touch-sensitive surface to simulate record stopping. The MPC drum buttons’ spacing and material are taken directly from real MPCs.
Early Scratch Deck models featured a realistic crossfader that slid back and forth freely. Eventually, Numark decided to make it spring loaded. Galpern tells me that during testing, many people, including Mix Master Mike, asked why the crossfader wasn’t a slider. After playing, however, the answer was obvious: a slider doesn’t provide enough feedback for the average player in game.
“In gaming, everything is twitch,” Galpern says. “Even if there was a knotch where it locked in a little, it still wasn’t precise enough. The crossfader is purposely built first and foremost for effective gameplay”
Like the guitar and drum controllers before, Scatch’s turntable has to find the right balance between realism and fun while leaning towards the former.
Gameplay can be described as Beatmania with generous amounts of improvisational freestyling. The emphasis is on emulating the MPC beats as they come down the onscreen lane with occasional scratching and crossfading interludes.
You might say, “Hold on! This sounds like Guitar Hero with a different controller!” But here’s where Scratch aims to innovate on that formula: improvising during songs by throwing in extra on-rhythm scratches and MPC beats will net you more points. Sure, you can play the game like Rock Band, perfectly emulating the onscreen notes…
“But who’s going to do that,” Galpern asks? “Every time someone plays though a song, it sounds different. It’s really fun to watch guys who are good at the game play it. When Mix Master Mike got on, he spends most of his time scratching. He matches notes and then he’s ‘wika-wika’ all the time.”
Galpern emphasizes that Scratch embodies the feeling of being a DJ. He teased that there will be differences between online and local multiplayer that “acknowledges you’re a DJ.”
As for those NPD reports that music game sales were down 46%, Galpern is unconcerned. In fact, he was attending Austin GDC to look into expanding into the Austin staples of MMOs and iPhone games. Simply from hearing about games at the conference, all 11 of his iPhone application pages have now been filled with new games.
But what about those piles of plastic instruments growing in our living rooms? Galpern predicts that the veritable plastic bubble might soon pop. “I only think there are a few [new instruments] left to do and then it’s really going to have a sharp decline. Then you’ll have a slow and steady interest in these games.”
We’ll have to see if Scratch the Ultimate DJ can make its own unique mark on the music game space when it releases next spring. Its emphasis on improvisation and targetting of the untapped Hip-Hop genre will certainly help set it apart.
Source: http://gamesplusblog.com/?p=2190
QUINCY "QD3" JONES III RECRUITS KANYE WEST & LIL WAYNE FOR "SCRATCH" GAME
With the forthcoming release of Scratch: The Ultimate DJ game set to take-on competition from Jay-Z's DJ Hero and Timbaland's Beaterator, SOHH spoke with Quincy "QD3" Jones III about his new venture and snagging along artists like Lil Wayne and Kanye West.
According to QD3, the game will feature a variety of old-school and new records for players to kick back with.
"We've had complete freedom to make this game true to what people would probably want it to be," Jones explained. "We've tried to represent all the different [groups] from old-school hip-hop break beats to some of the newest hits like Kanye West's'Flashing Lights.' Lil Wayne and so on and so on, Tech N9ne. I think we represented all of the different regions of hip-hop. So it's a little something in there for everybody. Little R&B, Salt-N-Pepa, Whodini to Lil Wayne to Kanye West, it's pretty full in that sense."
The game will also feature tracks from various regional artists.
Music includes Gorillaz's "Feel Good Inc," RUN DMC's "Peter Piper," Nelly's "Hot In Herre," Deltron's "Mastermind," Murs' "Looking Fly," Kid Koala's "Skanky Panky," Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's "They Reminisce," The Knux's "Life in a Cage," and more.
Reports of the new project's creation landed online last fall.
7 Studios made a move toward being the first studio to renew the turntable-based rhythm game, announcing partnerships with DJ equipment manufacturer Numark and hip-hop producer Quincy Jones III, along with Genius Products and Genco Interactive.
Dubbed, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, the game will be played using a turntable controller, the "Scratch Deck," designed by Numark, which promises to "allow players to re-imagine songs on the fly and add their own creativity" (no word on an MC counterpart -- or b-boy, for that matter). 7 Studios joins Activision and presumably any other company with half a brain as it vies for precious mindshare of the next potential gaming phenomenon.
The game will face-off against Timbaland's Beaterator and Jay-Z's DJ Hero.
Activision provided details of its controller and bundle for the limited-run version of DJ Hero, now called the Renegade Edition. The special version will have a black turntable with special gold-effect sliders and other trim. A special hard case doubles as a stand for the turntable itself, bringing up the controller to standing height. CDs from Eminem and Jay-Z will also come with the bundle and offer some tracks that haven't been released before.
A confirmed release date has not yet been revealed.
Watch a portion of Quincy "QD3" Jones III's SOHH interview:
http://www.sohh.com/2009/09/sohh_exclusive_quincy_qd3.html
SCRATCH DJ LLC UNVEILS NEW ADDITIONS TO SETLIST FOR SCRATCH: THE ULTIMATE DJ VIDEOGAME
N.A.S.A., Murs, Kid Koala and Whodini Bring Classic and Current Hip-Hop Tracks to Scratch: The Ultimate DJ
Scratch DJ LLC announced today new licensed tracks for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, the upcoming music rhythm videogame. Developed by Commotion Interactive, with creative and technical support from legendary scratch DJ, Mix Master Mike, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ will allow players to put their own“spin” on tracks with an innovative turntable style controller produced by Numark. The game will feature more than 60 licensed and original hip-hop and R&B songs from mainstream and underground artists.
New licensed tracks include:
Gifted– N.A.S.A. Feat Kanye West, Santo Gold, Lykke Li
Looking Fly– Murs
Skanky Panky– Kid Koala
Iced Lightning– RJD2
They Reminisce Over You– Pete Rock&C.L. Smooth
Friends– Whodini
Push It– Salt n Pepa
Life in a Cage– The Knux
Previously announced artists and licensed tracks:
Peter Piper– Run DMC
Feel Good Inc.– Gorillaz
Hot in Herre– Nelly
Mastermind– Deltron 3030
“In the development of Scratch, we have remained committed to creating a setlist that will inspire and impress dedicated fans of hip-hop,” said Quincy Jones III, CEO and chief creative officer of QD3 Entertainment.“As a long time fan and participant of hip-hop culture, I am very excited about the range of artists and various time periods represented in the game from old school hip-hop to today’s hottest new talent. It's been great having so much freedom in picking music that is true to the genre.”
The Scratch development team has worked to secure some of hip-hop’s most prolific artists and a collection of landmark songs. In addition to a heavy-hitting setlist, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ features distinctive urban environments with a unique art style and an array of customizable DJ characters.
Scratch: The Ultimate DJ will be available on the PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game system from Microsoft in early 2010.
About Numark
Numark has produced dozens of products that changed the landscape of the DJ world. Numark's innovations include the world's highest-torque turntable motor, the first 100% digital 10" scratch mixer, and the first CD players that provide simultaneous control of multiple effects. Today, Numark is at the forefront of professional digital tools that leverage the power of Apple's iPod®, with the DJ in mind. Numark continues their tradition of innovation by producing breakthrough video products for the ever-growing number of VJs and digital DJs.
About Genius Products, Inc.
Genius Products, Inc. (Pink Sheets: GNPR) is the owner of Genius Products, LLC, a leading independent home-entertainment content management company focused on producing, licenses and managing intellectual property from multiple third party partners and an internal library of motion pictures, television programming, family, lifestyle and trend entertainment on DVD, TV, film and other emerging platforms through its expansive network of multiple outlets including retailers throughout the U.S.
About Commotion Interactive
Commotion Interactive is the music and party game division of Bedlam Games Inc., an independent venture capital backed developer of next generation console video games located in Toronto, Canada. Formed in 2006 and independent since 2007 the studio has gathered some of the finest industry veterans to come together to develop quality titles for current generation console platforms. For more information, please visit www.commotioninteractive.com
About QD3
Founded in 2002, by Quincy D. Jones III, QD3 (QD3.com) is the leading independent urban multi-platform media and entertainment company. The company produces, aggregates and distributes original urban programming across online, DVD, television, VOD, mobile and theatrical platforms. Through strategic partnerships with, Genius Products, Vh1, BET, Nickelodeon, Helio and several new media syndication outlets, the company is fulfilling its mission to deliver entertaining and thoughtful content documenting urban culture. Notable titles from the QD3 DVD Collection include multi platinum DVD titles such as Tupac Shakur– Thug Angel and the BEEF series featuring T.I., 50 Cent, The Game, LL Cool J, Ice Cube and many others. QD3 has also produced hit singles for Tupac, LL, Ice Cube and others as well as composed scores for projects such as Menace II Society and Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
Source: http://www.mcvuk.com/press-releases/51280/Scratch-The-Ultimate-DJ
Vivendi likely to sell NBC Universal stake: report
Vivendi (VIV.PA) appears likely to sell its 20 percent stake in General Electric's (GE.N) NBC Universal this year, paving the way for a possible initial public offering of the studio in 2010, sources told the New York Times on Friday.
General Electric executives now believe Europe's largest media and entertainment conglomerate will decide to unload its stake in NBC Universal later this year, and are discussing various options including a spinoff, the newspaper cited people briefed on the matter as saying.
Analysts have for years called on GE -- which has repeatedly said it wanted to remain in the entertainment business -- to consider spinning off or selling NBC Universal, which they view as incompatible with its other industrial divisions and a drag on resources and overall performance.
Other analysts say the broadcast and cable operator generates ample amounts of cash and is thus a valuable asset in a weak economy.
If Vivendi decides to sell its stake in NBC Universal, a company valued by Wall Street at up to $35 billion according to the Times, the deal would be this year's biggest media deal.
NBC Universal and General Electric representatives declined to comment on the report.
GE is now discussing its options with the help of investment bankers at JPMorgan Chase (JPM.N), including buying Vivendi's stake, finding a new investor for the stake, or proceeding with an IPO, the Times said.
But the Times cited an anonymous GE executive as saying that bringing in a new investor for the stake, which the executive valued at $7 billion, was unlikely.
Under the terms of a 2004 agreement, Vivendi has the right, from mid-November to early December up till 2016, to sell its stake to GE or sell it as part of an initial public offering.
A decision to sell would trigger a provision allowing GE to buy out Vivendi.
Analysts say media deals are set to accelerate as companies in the industry forge new alliances or seek partners to compete against online media.
In August, the Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) announced plans to buy Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion, and Vivendi itself has been on a shopping spree with a $2.9 billion offer for Brazil's GVT Holdings.
Vivendi Chief Executive Jean-Bernard Levy this week described the company's stake in NBC Universal as "non-core" but said Vivendi has not decided whether to exercise the option, and will not announce its decision until November.
GE Chief Executive Jeffrey Immelt has repeatedly stated the company has no plans to sell its 80 percent stake in NBC Universal.
Source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE58I05620090919?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true
Weinstein Co. loses its Genius
A Genius investment that Harvey Weinstein publicly once valued at more than $400 million is now worth zip.
The Weinstein Co., the film studio founded by Weinstein and his brother Bob, quietly terminated its 70 percent stake in home-video distributor Genius Products yesterday, The Post has learned.
The parting was a result of Genius' decision to exit home-video distribution business. It's selling the rights to distribute home-video releases from World Wrestling Entertainment, Sesame Street, Classic Media and RHI Entertainment to Vivendi Entertainment.
The price was not disclosed.
Genius held distribution rights to Weinstein Co. releases for a few more years, but let the studio out of its contract early as part of the separation settlement, say sources close to the situation. The Weinstein Co., in turn, struck its own deal with Vivendi, which will distribute Weinstein movies on the home-video channel.
While it lost $400 million on paper, a source said The Weinstein Co. is "not out any money."
That's partly because the studio made only a small financial investment in Genius; it got the bulk of the 70 percent stake in exchange for distribution rights to its movies.
Several factors conspired to sour Genius' prospects over the last two years. DVD sales dried up, the retail sector consolidated, costs of managing physical distribution soared and Sarbanes-Oxley accounting requirements took a toll on the tiny company.
Plus, the initial movies made by the four-year-old Weinstein Co. weren't all that good, making for low DVD demand.
Almost from the beginning, critics considered the investment a black eye for the studio, charging that it was a poor use of financial resources. It also gave Harvey-haters ammunition to claim that he was more concerned with empire building than moviemaking.
Source: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/weinstein_co_loses_its_genius_YjUUhUUmV7QHsKcHFGthjL
Vivendi Entertainment (VE) acquires assets of Genius Products
Vivendi Entertainment (VE), a full service independent film distribution company, has acquired the assets of Genius Products, Inc., an independent home-entertainment distribution company. Both the companies are based in the US.
The assets include the exclusive distribution rights to a collection of marquee brands including World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE(R)), Sesame Street, Classic Media and RHI Entertainment.
As part of the transaction, Genius Products will continue operations and has entered into a new multi-year distribution agreement with VE to distribute Genius Product's remaining catalog and future releases.
Deal Type Acquisition
Sub-Category Asset Purchase
Deal Status Completed: 2009-09-14
Deal Participants
Target (Company) Genius Products, Inc. - Assets
Acquirer (Company) Vivendi Entertainment (VE)
Vendor (Company) Genius Products, Inc.
Deal Rationale
The transaction would allow VE to increase its revenues and strengthen its position in the independent home entertainment industry.
Source: http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2528801/