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Entertainment, Arts, Fashion and Technology II

 

Animation Collective's "Kappa Mikey" and "Thumb Wrestling Federation: TWF" Hit the Road With Nicktoons Network Mobile Tour This Summer

Five-City National Tour to Visit New York, Boston, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles

 Animation Collective, the largest animation studio in New York, with more original series in production than any other studio, is going on the road with Nicktoons Network this summer. Animation Collective's hit series "Kappa Mikey" and "Thumb Wrestling Federation" are key features of the Nicktoons Network Mobile Tour, a five-city event that takes kids and fans behind the scenes of how animation is made and lets them interact with their favorite shows. The tour will also kick off the third annual Nicktoons Network Animation Festival (NNAF) at the final tour stop in Los Angeles.

Fans can interact with the Animation Collective shows in several different areas of the tour:

--  Creator Meet & Greet with Larry Schwarz -- Fans can meet and have     autographs signed by Larry Schwarz, creator of "Kappa Mikey" and "Thumb     Wrestling Federation." --  Thumb Wrestling Competition -- Fans can compete in live thumb     wrestling matches disguised as their favorite "Thumb Wrestling Federation"     characters.  Matches are recorded so participants may download their     personalized video, which automatically enters them into the TWF     Sweepstakes for a chance to win a guest 'thumb' spot on Nicktoons Network. --  Tips and Tricks -- Fans can learn about storyboard design from an     actual "Kappa Mikey" storyboard and will receive free flip books featuring     "Kappa Mikey" animation.     

Having kicked off on Saturday, July 15th in New York, the five-city tour will drive cross-country in its branded Nicktoons Network Tour Truck stopping in, Boston, Detroit, Houston and Los Angeles (Burbank) for five consecutive weekends in a row.

Following are tour dates and cities:

--  Boston              Saturday, July 22 - Sunday, July 23 --  Detroit             Saturday, July 29 - Sunday, July 30 --  Houston             Friday, August 4 - Sunday, August 6 --  Los Angeles/Burbank Saturday, August 12 - Sunday, August 13     

Animation Collective is the largest animation studio in New York with more original series in production than any other animation studio in the world. The company is a leader in creating children's programming for television, the Internet, home video and other platforms. Larry Schwarz is the creator and executive producer of all of Animation Collective's original television series including "Kappa Mikey" -- Nickelodeon's first ever global acquisition, recently picked up for a second season -- "Thumb Wrestling Federation: TWF," "Leader Dog," and "Tortellini Western" for Nicktoons Network and "Ellen's Acres" and "HTDT" for Cartoon Network. In addition, Schwarz served as producer of "Wulin Warriors" for Cartoon Network and the first season of "The Incredible Crash Dummies" for 4KidsTV. Animation Collective is the largest provider of original content for KOL, America Online's kids channel and Red, its teen channel.

Nicktoons Network is the fastest growing kids' network* and offers a 24-hour schedule featuring programming such as "Kappa Mikey," "Corneil and Bernie" and "Martin Mystery," as well as a roster of hits that have defined kids' and animation lovers' TV, including "The Angry Beavers," "Yakkity Yak," "Invader Zim," "Spongebob Squarepants," "The Fairly OddParents" and "Jimmy Neutron." Nicktoons Network is a part of the MTV Networks expanded suite of channels available for digital distribution. The new channels include MTV Hits, MTV Jams, Nicktoons Network and VH1 Mega Hits, expanding and strengthening MTV Networks' digital offerings to thirteen services.

Nicktoons Network currently reaches 39 million homes via cable, digital cable and satellite, and can be seen on Cablevision, Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, Cox Communications, DirecTV, DISH Network and Time Warner Cable. Nicktoons, and all related titles and logos are property of Viacom, Inc.

*Source: NMR *8/29/05-5/7/06 vs. 8/30/04-5/08/05 (LSD) AA(000), K6-11 & K9-14 Nick & Toon Tot Prg Day, NKTNS M-F 2-11p;S/S 9a-11p, DSNY, FAM, TDSNY (M-Su 6a-11p) CBS, WB, FOX, NBC based on Kids Type Codes, Tribune; DIC Kids ** % Index growth UE vs. P9-14 AA(000).

 

 


Artist Peter Max to Host First Virtual Exhibition at The Art of Peter Max Gallery - Forum Shops

The Art of Peter Max Gallery, one of two galleries in the world exclusively selling Peter Max paintings, has announced a first-ever Virtual Exhibition, Saturday, September 2 at 1 p.m. Live via high-speed Internet connection, artist Peter Max will communicate virtually through plasma screens at the gallery, taking guests in Las Vegas on a personal tour of his renowned studio in New York. Max will interact with guests present in the Las Vegas gallery, sharing his world with collectors and fans. Additionally, Max will draw an original dedication virtually for any guest who purchases a painting during the week of the event.

 

"Nothing has ever been done like this before. Being able to interact with the artist virtually is something new and exciting that Peter has wanted to do for our art collectors since we opened the gallery," said David Hakan, Founder and CEO of the Art of Peter Max Gallery. "Peter has some ideas that will surely surprise everyone. Move over David Copperfield!"

With paintings on exhibition in more than seventy museums worldwide, Peter Max and his vibrant colors have become part of the fabric of contemporary culture. Appropriately referred to as a modern pop icon, Max achieved his place in history having painted for various Heads of State, including six U.S. Presidents. From art that appeared on the first U.S. 10-cent stamp bearing the title "Preserve the Environment," to 235 U.S. Border murals greeting millions of travelers entering America each year, Peter Max seeks to capture themes of America at its finest in his art.

Peter Max art has appeared on everything from a Boeing 777 Continental jumbo jet, to the 1999 Woodstock stage, to a giant mural at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Max has been designated as the Official Artist of five Super Bowls, five Grammy Awards, World Cup USA, The World Series, and the United Nations Earth Summit, among many other designations.

The Art of Peter Max Gallery, located at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in the new expansion Terrace Level, is one of only two galleries in the world exclusively selling the artwork of Peter Max. The Las Vegas gallery holds the largest collection of original paintings for sale by Max, offering a wide assortment of paintings to the great cross-section of art collectors and enthusiasts who visit and reside in Las Vegas. For more information, please call (702) 644-7070 or email pmgalleryvegas@aol.com.

This inaugural Virtual Exhibition hosted by Peter Max is open to the public Saturday, September 2, 2006 at 1 p.m. at The Art of Peter Max Gallery in The Forum Shops.

 

 

New Oyaka.com Finds Hot Ticket Deals to Concerts, Sports
Events, Movies, Theater and More


Visitors Build Online Event-Going Community, Take Advantage
of Unique Site Features Such as Oyaka Mobile and Oyaka Blog

 For anyone who has ever searched
in vain for event tickets, watched ticket prices skyrocket
or just didn't hear about an event until it was too late,
help has arrived. Oyaka.com (http://www.oyaka.com), a new
meta-search engine, is now available to ensure that visitors
never miss another concert, sporting event, play, movie and
more.

Instead of poring over local independent newspapers or
standing in line at the box office or ticket counter for the
latest must-see event, fun-seekers can use the Oyaka search
engine technology quickly and easily to find lists of events
and ticket providers, compare prices and make a purchase.

"We wanted to provide an alternative to ticket outlets such
as Ticketmaster that monopolize the ticketing industry and
limit consumer options. Experience has shown that when a
top-tier outlet runs out of tickets, many consumers
mistakenly believe that an event is sold out," said Brad
Kozlicki, a member of the team of software developers who
created the site. "Now we're putting all of consumers'
options together in one event ticketing directory."

To this end, Oyaka has secured strategic partnerships with a
host of major ticket merchants and event-ticketing Web
sites. "Our directory is on track to be one of the most
comprehensive and reliable online ticket channels
available," stated Kozlicki. "Our beta version is as safe
and dependable as Web sites that have been online for years.
Our business relies on the support and goodwill of our
clients, so their security is always our topmost priority."

Oyaka enhances the online experience with Oyaka Mobile,
which delivers event, price and provider information to
mobile phones, allowing users to check out what's hot
anytime, anywhere and be ready to make their purchase once
they go online. Oyaka Blog enables site users to build their
own communities of fellow entertainment or sports lovers.
Bloggers can upload images, upload links, and change color
schemes and formats while sharing their experiences finding
ticket deals or attending events.

The Oyaka team is constantly adding providers and eventually
the site will have 50 different ticket vendors integrated
into its platform. "We plan to add services to complement
our present search abilities on a continuing basis," said
Kozlicki. "We are determined to create the most
user-friendly ticket-shopping and event community on the
Web." For example, the focus of the site is national, but
Oyaka.com will soon add a local search event dimension to
the site so that users will be able to sign in and find not
just ticketed shows but also free or low-cost local
community events.

  

KOCH Records to Release Debut Album by Prolific Artist Black Ice, "The Death of Willie Lynch," on September 5th, 2006

Black Ice Confirmed for Mary J. Blige Tour

 KOCH Records is thrilled to announce the release of "The Death of Willie Lynch," the debut album by renowned poet Black Ice. The album hits streets on September 5th, 2006 and features artists Musiq Soulchild, Natalie Stewart of Floetry, Vee and Chyna Black.

Black Ice earned his respect as one of the premiere wordsmiths on Russell Simmons' "Def Poetry Jam." Known across the nation as one of the most gifted poets of his generation, Ice has moved crowds to the depths of their deepest emotion with his special brand of spoken word. This fall, KOCH Records and world famous DJ Jazzy Jeff are proud to present Black Ice in a light you have never seen him in before. "The Death of Willie Lynch" showcases his skills with wordplay over 12 tracks. In an unusual move in today's multi-producer projects, Black Ice opted to create "The Death Of Willie Lynch" with one producer, Eric Greene Jr., a phenomenal young producer who has been blazing a trail of his own. A drummer at heart, Eric has kept a steady tempo of rising notoriety, touring with multi-platinum recording artists Jill Scott, Floetry, and Pharrell. In a very organic manner, Black Ice and Eric have combined to revive the notion of the Hip-Hop concept album. "The Death of Willie Lynch" is as thoroughly entertaining as it is socially relevant.

At the personal request of superstar singer Mary J. Blige, Black Ice joins her for The Breakthrough Tour scheduled for more than 30 venues nationwide this summer.

Black Ice has lent his genius to the Live 8 concert in Philadelphia, and has made feature TV appearances on BET ("Live 8 Concert Special," "Rap City The Basement" and "106th & Park") and NBC ("Showtime at the Apollo"), in addition to starring in five consecutive seasons of HBO's "Def Poetry Jam." The New York Post has rated his live performance "diamond brilliant". He was cast as a lead member in Def Poetry on Broadway, which went on to win the 2003 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event. Black Ice's talents are also showcased on releases by Pete Rock, Method Man and Fabolous.

In addition to releasing his album, "The Death of Willie Lynch," Black Ice has just completed the "Hoodwatch Movement Mixtape Volume I." He also plans on releasing a book of his prayers, entitled "Me & God," a five year chronicle of Black Ice's journal writings.

 

The tracklisting for "The Death of Willie Lynch" is:  1.  The Path                    7.  Nice2MeetU feat. Vee 2.  The Ugly Show               8.  Hoodwatch!! 3.  A Dream Transferred         9.  Front Page 4.  Find My Way Home           10.  Rain, Hail, Sleet or Snow feat. H. Hill 5.  Lone Soldier               11.  The Real      feat. Chyna Black         12.  SHINE feat. Natalie Stewart of Floetry 6.  takeyatime feat. Musiq 

About KOCH Records

KOCH Records is a division of KOCH Entertainment, the fastest-growing music company and the market leader among independents in North America. The KOCH Entertainment corporate umbrella encompasses the KOCH Records label, KOCH Vision home video, KOCH Music Publishing and KOCH Entertainment Distribution with operations in both the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Records proudly claims the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents for each of the last five years (2001-2005). For additional info on the KOCH Records label and its roster of artists, please visit www.kochrecords.com

  

Ashley Tisdale Signs With Warner Bros. Records

"High School Musical" Star Currently Co-Writing and Recording Debut Album

 Warner Bros. Records is pleased to announce that it has signed singer-actress Ashley Tisdale, the effervescent star of the top-rated TV movie "High School Musical," to an exclusive long-term recording contract. She is currently co-writing and recording her debut album for the label with a stable of world-class writers and producers.

Recently named one of Teen People's "25 Hottest Stars Under 25," Tisdale is best known for her role as Maddie, a hotel candy counter clerk and babysitter of devious twin boys on the Disney Channel series "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody." She has also earned enormous popularity through her role in "High School Musical," which premiered in January 2006 and was the highest rated telecast in Disney Channel history.

"Ashley is that unique young woman whose determination, talent, drive, and great sense of style have made her an icon to young people all over the world," says Warner Bros. Records' Senior V.P. of Marketing Lori Feldman. "Add to that a point-of-view and a spectacular voice, and she has the makings of a superstar. We are thrilled that she has chosen Warner Bros. Records as the home for her career as a musical artist."

In addition to the acting credits mentioned above, Tisdale had a featured role in the cult classic film "Donnie Darko" with Jake Gyllenhall, as well as recurring roles on "The George Lopez Show," "Still Standing," and "The Hughleys." She was discovered at the age of three in a mall in her hometown of Monmouth County, NJ, and went on to star in more than 100 national network commercials. Tisdale made her acting debut in a leading role in the national tour of the Broadway musical "Les Misérables" at age eight.

"I am so honored and happy to be a Warner Bros. Recording artist. They have become my second family. They encourage me to be creative, and to be instrumental in the decision making process. My team at Warner Bros. which includes Lori Feldman, Luke Burland, Liz Rosenberg and Wendy Griffiths, have been so warm and wonderful. From the first meeting I knew this was where I was meant to be.

"When I met Tom Whalley, I was completely in awe of him. I was very impressed with how intelligent and worldly he is, and I knew he was the person I wanted to make my first CD with.

"Warner Bros. has hooked me up with the greatest producers in the business and I love my A&R guy, Tommy Page. Tommy was an artist himself and he just gets me.

"I'm ecstatic to be part of the Warner Bros. family. I couldn't imagine a better place to be making my debut CD."

  

  

YesVideo and Fujifilm Portugal, LDA Announce Partnership for Video to DVD Transfer Service

YesVideo Enters the Portuguese Film Transfer Market as Fujifilm Begins to Offer YesDVD Transfer Service: Videotape to DVD Conversion

YesVideo, Inc. (www.yesvideo.com) and Fujifilm Portugal, LDA today announced a partnership to provide YesVideo's affordable, professional video to DVD transfer services through Fujifilm labs in Portugal. YesVideo's patented YesDVD™ digital transfer technology provides an enhanced consumer viewing experience and ensures the preservation of cherished home video footage.

"YesVideo technology is a key component of Fujifilm's digital media strategy," said João Cesar Machado, President of Fujifilm Portugal, LDA. "Fujifilm is looking forward to working with YesVideo to provide video to DVD conversion services, in addition to Fujifilm's existing range of photography products and growing line of digital products."

 

The YesDVD case provides an index of chapter thumbnails as a preview of the DVD footage.
(Click here for details)
The YesDVD case provides an index of chapter
thumbnails as a preview of the DVD footage.

 

"Our partnership with Fujifilm Portugal is an opportunity to work with a strong, proven distributor as YesVideo expands our presence into the Portuguese market," said Sai-Wai Fu, chief executive officer, YesVideo. "This move is another important step in our global distribution strategy of aligning with the strongest distributor in each market," he continued. "We look forward to working with Fujifilm Portugal to deliver the most advanced digital transfer services available today."

YesVideo's YesDVD service offers an affordable method of preserving home video memories. Unlike VHS videotapes that can easily deteriorate and fade completely in as little as 10 years, DVDs store images in a digital format, with quality that will not degrade with time or with future duplication.

From virtually any home video footage, YesVideo's proprietary YesDVD technology intelligently and automatically indexes 54 chapters so that consumers can easily direct themselves to the scenes they want to view. A finished YesVideo DVD arrives in customized packaging, with a cover that features a visual index of the 54 onscreen chapters, for easy chapter selection.

Pricing and Availability

Portuguese consumers may order video to DVD conversion services at Fujifilm partners labs: Fnac, Auchan, Worten and at Fujifilm main lab, either locally or through internet. YesVideo services through Fujifilm are available now throughout Portugal. For additional information, please visit www.fujinet.pt.

About FujiFilm Portugal, LDA

Fujifilm Portugal, LDA, established in 1920, has been the exclusive Fujifilm distributor for Portugal since 1967. The company distributes photographic products, photofinishing services, medical imaging systems, graphic arts systems and broadcast and computer media. Fujifilm Portugal, LDA's headquarters are located in Porto and the company has a sales office in Lisbon. For more information, please visit www.fujifilm.pt.

About YesVideo

YesVideo, Inc. is dedicated to providing its customers with easy and affordable solutions to preserve and enjoy their video and photographic memories. As the leader in automated digital media authoring, YesVideo develops and utilizes best-in-class video engineering and state-of-the-art software technology to enable top-quality, on-demand DVD and CD video publishing.

Founded in 1999 by Sai-Wai Fu, a pioneer in digital video compression technology, YesVideo is a privately held company, with headquarters in Santa Clara, California, and offices in Tokyo and Shanghai. For more information, visit www.yesvideo.com

 

 

Tatum O'Neal to Star In MyNetworkTV's Upcoming Primetime Drama ``Art of Betrayal''

 Actress Tatum O'Neal has been cast in the lead role of Blythe in MyNetworkTV's upcoming primetime drama "Art of Betrayal," it was announced today by Paul Buccieri, president of programming of Twentieth Television.

"We are thrilled to have Tatum attached to 'Art of Betrayal,'" said Buccieri. "Similar to her character Maggie in FX's 'Rescue Me,' Blythe, an abandoned mother, is a wonderful character that embodies an intensity very seldom seen in primetime television. Tatum is an extraordinary talent and her portrayal of Blythe is something we're very excited about bringing to MyNetworkTV."

Produced by Twentieth Television, principal photography on "Art of Betrayal" will commence later this month. The program will premiere at 8 p.m. (Eastern/Pacific)/7 p.m. (Central) in December and air 65 episodes Monday through Friday for 13-weeks. Hour long recap episodes will air every Saturday.

O'Neal, who most recently has been receiving critical accolades for her role as Maggie Gavin in Denis Leary's heralded FX drama "Rescue Me," will star in "Art of Betrayal" as Blythe, a woman scorned when her husband Theodore leaves her and their two sons Josh and Aaron to marry another woman for money. Twenty years later, Blythe devises a plan to destroy Theodore's successful business and blissful life by grooming Josh and Aaron to marry his two daughters. Intent on ruining his life and gaining the satisfaction of doing so after two decades, not everything goes according to Blythe's plan. "Art of Betrayal" will also star David Smith and Jack Krizmanich as Josh and Aaron, respectively, and Jessica Ward as Emma, one of Theodore's daughters. Additional cast members will be announced in the coming weeks.

In 1974, O'Neal made history by winning an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance as Addie Loggins in director Peter Bogdanovich's feature film "Paper Moon." O'Neal was only ten years old at the time, making her the youngest person ever to win an Academy Award -- an honor that stands to this day. She also won a Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer -- Female for "Paper Moon." O'Neal soon thereafter starred opposite Walter Matthau in the classic hit comedy feature "The Bad News Bears." Her other major feature film credits include "Basquiat," starring with Jeffrey Wright, Benicio Del Toro, David Bowie and Dennis Hopper; "Little Darlings," with Matt Dillon; "International Velvet," featuring Anthony Hopkins and Christopher Plummer; and Bogdanovich's "Nickelodeon."

In addition to "Rescue Me," O'Neal's television resume includes guest starring roles in Dick Wolf's NBC drama "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," HBO's "Sex and the City," the ABC sitcom "8 Simple Rules...For Dating My Teenage Daughter" and ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." She has also guest hosted "Entertainment Tonight." In 2004, O'Neal published her best-selling autobiography, "A Paper Life."

Targeted to Adults 18-49 and broadcast television's only all Hi-Definition network, MyNetworkTV will launch on Tuesday, September 5th, 2006, with its two dramas "Desire," scheduled to air 8 p.m. (Eastern/Pacific)/7 p.m. (Central), immediately followed by "Fashion House," starring Bo Derek and Morgan Fairchild, at 9 p.m. (Eastern/Pacific)/8 p.m. (Central).

A leader in the U.S. program production and distribution arena, Twentieth Television is a unit of Fox Television and headed by Fox Television Stations' chairman Roger Ailes, while CEO Jack Abernethy oversees day-to-day operations. Twentieth Television provides a wide array of first-run and off-network programming, as well as feature film packages, to the syndication and cable marketplaces. First-run programs distributed by Twentieth Television include "Geraldo at Large," the news strip hosted by Geraldo Rivera, and the popular court shows "Divorce Court" and "Judge Alex," the number one new first-run program of the 2005-06 season. Furthermore, the company is set to launch the new first-run syndicated court show "Cristina's Court," hosted by Cristina Perez, in fall 2006. Twentieth Television also oversees the domestic sales of one of the most extensive libraries of off-net programming in the entertainment industry. Last fall, the company launched the groundbreaking drama "24," starring Kiefer Sutherland, and The Peabody Award-winning sitcom "The Bernie Mac Show" in off-net syndication. Twentieth Television sells national advertising units retained by the company in off-network, theatrical and first-run programming, as well as oversees advertising sales for DIRECTV.

 

Premiere of ``The Ant Bully,'' Sunday, July 23

 

WHAT:   From Academy Award-nominated filmmaker John A. Davis ("Jimmy         Neutron: Boy Genius") and producers Tom Hanks and Gary          Goetzman ("The Polar Express"), the animated family adventure          "The Ant Bully" tells a witty and heartwarming story about a          10-year-old boy who embarks on a remarkable journey. New in          town, friendless and tormented by a neighborhood bully, young         Lucas Nickle has been taking out his frustration on the          innocent ant hill in his yard. But one day the ants retaliate.         Using a magic potion, they shrink Lucas down to ant size         and sentence him to live like an ant in their colony. In this         strange new world Lucas will learn important lessons about          friendship, get a whole new perspective on life and ultimately         find the courage to stand up for himself.          Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary         Pictures, a Playtone Production, in association with DNA          Productions: Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Paul          Giamatti, Regina King, Bruce Campbell and Lily Tomlin star in          "The Ant Bully," written for the screen and directed by John          A. Davis, based on the book by John Nickle. Produced by Tom          Hanks, Gary Goetzman and John A. Davis, the film is executive         produced by Keith Alcorn, Diana Choi Sachs, Steven Shareshian,         Thomas Tull and William Fay, with Alex Johns serving as         co-executive producer. Music is by John Debney.          "The Ant Bully" will simultaneously debut in select IMAX          theaters as "The Ant Bully: An IMAX 3D Experience." Digitally          converting the film's original 3D modeling into IMAX 3D, and          featuring proprietary IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering)          technology, it offers moviegoers an additional and uniquely          immersive perspective on Lucas' adventures into this wondrous         new world.  WHO:    From the film: Producer Tom Hanks, director John A. Davis,         and voice talent Cheri Oteri, Larry Miller and Zach Tyler          Eisen. Celebrity attendance includes Drake Bell, Lauren Holly,         Jamie Lynn Spears, Matthew St. Patrick and many more.  WHEN:   Sunday, July 23, 2006        WHERE: Grauman's Chinese                      6925 Hollywood Blvd.         Celebrity Arrivals: 3:15PM          Hollywood         Screening: 4:00PM              "The Ant Bully" has been rated "PG" by the Motion Picture Association            of America for "some mild rude humor and action."                            http://www.theantbully.com    The Ant Bully will be released nationwide on Friday, July 28, 2006     by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

From Totally Drab To Absolutely Fab In Just An Hour!; Melissa Rivers Transforms Everyday Individuals into Their Favorite Television Stars in TV Guide Channel(R)'s Second Season Series Premiere of TV CANDY

 TV CANDY Premieres Sunday, July 30 on TV Guide Channel

TV Guide Channel(R), a leading entertainment destination channel available in 80 million homes nationwide, will premiere the second season of the popular TV make-over show, TV CANDY on Sunday, July 30 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. Hosted by Hollywood's red carpet fashionista Melissa Rivers, TV CANDY is a one-hour show that features everyday individuals aspiring to capture the style essence and fashion of their favorite TV characters, including Bree Van De Kamp from "Desperate Housewives," Danny from "Las Vegas," Christopher from "The Sopranos" and Addison Sheppard from "Grey's Anatomy."

"Season 2 of 'TV Candy' is better than ever," said Melissa Rivers. "This year's line-up of stylists take the make-over to a new level and give a ton of insider tips to help EVERYONE look AND feel more glamorous everyday. I picked-up a few great ideas along the way and know the audience will too!"

In the premiere episode, Melissa teams-up with fashion guru Sam Saboura and celebrity hair stylist Ken Paves for a "Desperate Housewives" makeover, in which the participants are transformed into the show's popular on-screen characters, Bree Van De Kamp and Edie Britt. The whirlwind makeovers kick-off with Melissa surprising participants as she sends them off to phase one of their journey - the wardrobe. Fashion master Saboura selects the perfect ensemble to channel the essence of each character. As soon as the fashions are selected, participants are whisked off to phase two - the hair. Celebrity stylist Paves dramatically transforms mops of hair into gorgeous replicas of idolized celebrity manes. When the transformation is complete, Melissa returns for the dramatic unveiling and offers her personal take on the makeover.

TV CANDY will premiere one Sunday night per month through the end of 2006. The scheduled premiere time is 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.

About TV Guide Channel

TV Guide Channel reaches nearly 80 million homes and is the premier television entertainment network for viewers seeking the latest information on the best programs, hottest stars and latest trends on television. Headquartered in the heart of Hollywood at its TV Guide Studios, the network combines original programming with comprehensive program listings information - all of which deliver on viewers' need for an entertaining and easy guide to what's on TV. TV Guide Channel is owned and operated by TV Guide Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.

About Gemstar-TV Guide

Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the "Company") (NASDAQ: GMST) is a leading media, entertainment and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at http://www.gemstartvguide.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties related to the transformation of our TV Guide magazine publishing business; timely availability and market acceptance of products and services incorporating the Company's technologies and content; our investment in new and existing businesses, including TV Guide magazine, TV Guide Spot and TV Guide Mobile; the impact of competitive products and pricing; ongoing and potential future litigation; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Note to Editors: GEMSTAR, TV GUIDE, TV GUIDE CHANNEL, TV GUIDE SPOT and TV GUIDE MOBILE are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. The names of other companies and products used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

 

LucasArts and Sony Online Entertainment Unveil Star Wars Galaxies(R): The Complete Online Adventures

 Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided(R), All of the Game's Expansion Packs, and a Special DVD of Bonus Features Combine for the Most Inclusive Star Wars Galaxies Experience Ever Released

LucasArts and Sony Online Entertainment today announced Star Wars Galaxies: The Complete Online Adventures, the most inclusive Star Wars Galaxies experience ever released. The Complete Online Adventures is scheduled to be available at retail stores nationwide November 2006 for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

The Complete Online Adventures features the base game, Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided, along with all three of the game's expansions: Jump to Lightspeed(R), Rage of the Wookiees(TM), and Trials of Obi-Wan(TM). In addition, Star Wars Galaxies subscribers will automatically receive a series of game updates that are scheduled to be released by LucasArts and Sony Online Entertainment throughout 2006, filled with new content, features and gameplay enhancements.

In addition to the hundreds of hours of gameplay included in The Complete Online Adventures, the game is also slated to include a bonus DVD filled with premium content including:

-- An exclusive in-game item for use while playing the game - a personal AT-RT vehicle as seen in Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith(TM);

-- A slide show Star Wars Galaxies screenshots and never-before-seen concept art, all set to beautifully orchestrated in-game music;

-- Interviews with Star Wars Galaxies production staff, detailing the incredible art, characters and music of the game;

-- Excerpts from the popular "From Pencil to Pixel" book that chronicles the art of Star Wars Galaxies;

-- In-game movie featurettes produced by Star Wars Galaxies fans;

-- Cinematic trailers and commercial television ads produced for Star Wars Galaxies;

-- A demo of the popular PC strategy game Star Wars: Empire at War(TM).

"For the first time, all of the Star Wars Galaxies gameplay is in one box, giving you, or the Star Wars(R) fan on your holiday gift list, the perfect way to jump right into Star Wars Galaxies, and immediately start having fun," said Nancy MacIntyre, vice-president of global sales and marketing for LucasArts. "LucasArts and Sony Online Entertainment have been working hard over the past year to continue to improve and update the Star Wars Galaxies gameplay, for an experience that is both accessible and immersive, and Star Wars Galaxies: The Complete Online Adventures is the sum total of that effort."

About Star Wars Galaxies

Star Wars Galaxies is one of the longest-running and most popular online experiences, bringing gamers of all ages and skill levels together in the ultimate Star Wars journey. Jump into exciting adventures that lead you to legendary Star Wars locations including Jabba's Palace and the infamous Mos Eisley Cantina. Begin aboard the Millennium Falcon helping Han Solo and Chewbacca fend off the notorious Jabba the Hutt. Along the way, join with Star Wars characters on missions that span across the galaxy. Ally with the Rebels to fight against the Galactic Empire, or join forces with the Dark Side and crush the Rebel scum. Heroic adventurers can seek their fortune in space or on the ground as a Bounty Hunter, Smuggler, Jedi or a host of other unique Star Wars professions.

Throughout 2006 and into 2007 LucasArts and Sony Online Entertainment are scheduled to add a host of new content and features to Star Wars Galaxies through a series of downloadable adventures. Featuring such high-value enhancements as PvP upgrades, a character profession expertise system, new high-level quest series, and epic, server-wide events, these downloadable adventures provide players new content to explore and new ways to influence the entire Galaxy.

For more information on The Complete Online Adventures and the entire Star Wars Galaxies experience, please visit http://www.starwarsgalaxies.com.

About LucasArts

LucasArts, a Lucasfilm Ltd. company, is a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software worldwide for video game console systems, computers and the Internet. Based in San Francisco, Calif., as well as on the Internet at http://www.lucasarts.com, LucasArts was created in 1982 by George Lucas to provide an interactive element to his vision of a state-of-the-art, multifaceted entertainment company.

Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion-picture and television production operations, the company's global activities include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, serving the digital needs of the entertainment industry for visual-effects and audio post-production; and Lucas Licensing, which manages the global merchandising activities for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties. Additionally, Lucas Online creates Internet-based content for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties and businesses. Lucasfilm's motion-picture productions include five of the 20 biggest box-office hits of all time and have received 19 Oscars and 53 Academy Award nominations. Lucasfilm's television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in San Francisco, Calif.

About Sony Online Entertainment

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest(R), EverQuest(R) II, Champions of Norrath(R), Untold Legends(TM), and PlanetSide(R), as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies(TM), SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development. SOE is owned by Sony Pictures Digital and Sony Computer Entertainment America.

 

Louis Leterrier to Direct Marvel Studios' the Incredible Hulk

 

Continuing its strategy to independently develop and produce a new slate of feature films, Marvel Studios - a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL) - has signed top rising director Louis Leterrier to direct a new big screen adaptation of The Incredible Hulk, based on the legendary Marvel Super Hero. The announcement was made today by Michael Helfant, President/COO of Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige, President of Production for Marvel Studios.

Leterrier recently directed Transporter 2, which opened at the top of the box office earlier this year, as well as the critically-acclaimed Unleashed, starring Jet Li, Morgan Freeman and Bob Hoskins.

The Incredible Hulk will return to the roots of the long-running comic series, combining a well-developed character storyline with incredible action and fun. Zak Penn, who previously collaborated with Marvel on X2 and this summer's smash hit X-Men: The Last Stand, is writing the script. The project is being produced by Avi Arad, Kevin Feige and Gale Ann Hurd and will be executive produced by Michael Helfant and Ari Arad. Marvel Studios will begin casting immediately. No release date has been set.

"Leterrier has a tremendous passion for this genre and shares our vision for the new direction of the Incredible Hulk franchise, one of the gems of the Marvel Universe," said Kevin Feige. "We are very excited to be working with such a talented director to bring one of our pre-eminent Super Hero franchises back to the big screen, and we are certain that he will bring the Hulk to life in a way that will appeal to a mass audience as well as the core Super Hero fan base."

Leterrier will be formally introduced during a Marvel Studios panel at San Diego Comic-Con International on Saturday, July 22.

Universal will distribute the Incredible Hulk domestically and in various international territories. This project, the second feature film to be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment, is expected to be financed through Marvel's $525 million revolving film financing facility.

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world.

Except for any historical information that they contain, the statements in this news release regarding Marvel's plans are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including circumstances that may affect Marvel's ability to commence or complete production of its films, and the risk of poor performance of the films in the marketplace. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in Marvel's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Marvel's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Marvel, The Incredible Hulk and all related character names and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. and are used with permission. Copyright (C) 2006 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.marvel.com.

Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.

 

George Clooney and Grant Heslov's Smoke House Signs Three-Year, First-Look Deal with Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Television

George Clooney and Grant Heslov's newly formed production company, Smoke House, has signed a long-term production and development agreement with Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Television, it was announced today by Jeff Robinov, President, Production, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Peter Roth, President, Warner Bros. Television. Smoke House will have first-look agreements with the feature film and television divisions.

Smoke House builds on the successful partnership Clooney and Heslov developed at Section Eight, the Warner Bros.-based production company started by Clooney and Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh. In 2005, Clooney and Heslov co-wrote "Good Night, and Good Luck," which Clooney directed and Heslov produced. The film received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

"George and Grant are both gifted filmmakers in their own right; put them together and they become an incomparable force," said Robinov. "We are proud to support them in this new endeavor and look forward to collaborating with them on many films to come."

"George and Grant are two of the most respected and admired talents in our industry," said Peter Roth, President, Warner Bros. Television. "We are thrilled to continue our relationship with them and look forward to developing many successful television projects with their new company."

Clooney and Soderbergh first formed Section Eight in 2000, signing a first-look deal with Warner Bros. The company went on to produce such films as "Ocean's Eleven" and "Ocean's Twelve" with Jerry Weintraub, "Syriana" and "Good Night, and Good Luck," as well as two television series for HBO, "Unscripted" and "K Street."

Multi-hyphenate Clooney has risen in his career from a lead on the long-running Warner Bros. Television series "ER" to breakout in such films as "Out of Sight" for director Soderbergh, and Joel and Ethan Coen's "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" for which he received a Golden Globe Award. Most recently he appeared in an extraordinary ensemble cast in the critically-acclaimed "Syriana," for which he garnered the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. He has also executive-produced an array of movies from "Insomnia" to "Far From Heaven," among numerous films via Section Eight. Clooney stepped behind the camera for the first time with "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" in 2002 and went on to direct and star in "Good Night, and Good Luck," which he co-wrote with Heslov. The duo earned an Academy Award nomination for their original screenplay.

Heslov joined Section Eight five years ago as a development executive for the film division. He subsequently became president of Section Eight Television, where he served as an executive producer with Clooney and Soderbergh on the Washington lobbyist satire "K Street" and the critical favorite "Unscripted," which followed three struggling actors in Hollywood. Collaborating with Clooney, he co-wrote and produced "Good Night, And Good Luck." The Producer's Guild of America honored Heslov with the Stanley Kramer Award for producing the film, and he and Clooney received the Paul Selvin Award from the Writer's Guild of America for their screenplay. In addition to its Oscar nods, "Good Night, and Good Luck" also earned the Best Film honor from the National Board of Review.

The existing Section Eight film slate will continue to be produced by Soderbergh and Section Eight president Jennifer Fox. The Smoke House deal will extend the relationship between Clooney and Heslov and Warner Bros. through 2009.


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