Entertainment,Arts,Fashion & Technology
April 19
TNT & TBS Renew Contract for Screen Actors Guild Awards®
14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® to be Simulcast on TNT & TBS on Sun., Jan. 27, 2008
TNT, television’s top-rated destination for drama, and, TBS, the top-rated comedy network, have renewed their agreement with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) to continue carrying the Screen Actors Guild Awards®, according to an announcement today from Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks, and Doug Allen, SAG’s national executive director.
TNT has been home to the SAG Awards™ since 1998. TBS began its simulcast of the prestigious awards show in 2006. The Sunday, Jan. 28, simulcast of this year’s 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® ranks as the most-watched telecast of the awards ceremony since it came to cable in 1998. Its audience of more than 5.8 million viewers topped the previous year’s record-setting performance.
The 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® will be simulcast live on TNT and TBS from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008, at 8 pm ET/PT, 7 pm CT and 6 pm MT.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards® commend the year’s finest achievements in acting in five film categories and eight television categories, including the distinctive ensemble awards, which honor the collaborative performance by a cast in a motion picture and by the ensemble casts of both comedy and dramatic television series.
“Since the SAG Awards honors both dramatic and comedic performances, TNT, television’s first network for drama, and TBS, television’s premier network for comedy, have proven to be ideal companions to present this exciting annual event,” said Koonin. “The appeal of the Screen Actors Guild Awards to both drama fans and comedy lovers is reflected in the SAG Awards’ steady ratings growth and has allowed to us to utilize the brands of both networks to market the presentation in ways that speak to both audiences. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Screen Actors Guild.”
Screen Actors Guild National Executive Director Doug Allen agreed that the partnership has been positive and has delivered significant benefits. “We are pleased to once again partner with Turner Broadcasting System on the telecast of the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Turner’s efforts over the last 10 years have contributed to the tremendous popularity of our celebration of acting excellence.” Allen said. “Turner’s recognition of the SAG Awards’ unique place in the industry and its wide appeal to the global home audience has helped make the SAG Awards one of the most important events of the awards season.” he added.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards, which began in 1995, was the first televised awards show to acknowledge the work of union members. Of the top industry honors presented to performers, it is the only one selected exclusively by actors’ peers. The ceremony is one of the awards season’s premiere events and is closely watched by the industry as a precursor to possible Oscar® and Emmy® recognition and by viewers as a memorable night of live television.
Each year, SAG also presents a Life Achievement Award to an actor who fosters the “finest ideals of the acting profession.” Screen Actors Guild’s 44th Life Achievement Award recipient will be announced in the fall of 2007. The honoree will receive the Life Achievement Award during the 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® simulcast.
Screen Actors Guild is the nation’s largest labor union representing working actors. Established in 1933, SAG has a rich history in the American labor movement, from standing up to studios to break long-term engagement contracts in the 1940s to fighting for artists’ rights amid the digital revolution sweeping the entertainment industry in the 21st century. With 20 branches nationwide, SAG represents nearly 120,000 actors who work in film, television, industrials, commercials, video games, music videos and other new media. The Guild exists to enhance actors’ working conditions, compensation and benefits and to be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists’ rights. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SAG is a proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO. More information is available online at www.sag.org.
Turner Network Television (TNT), television’s destination for drama and one of cable’s top-rated networks, offers original movies and series, including the acclaimed detective drama The Closer, starring Golden Globeâ winner and Emmy® and Screen Actors Guild Awardsâ nominee Kyra Sedgwick; Saving Grace, a bold new drama starring Oscar® winner Holly Hunter; Heartland, a powerful medical drama with Treat Williams and Kari Matchett; and this summer’s eagerly anticipated television event The Company, executive-produced by Ridley Scott and starring Chris O’Donnell, Michael Keaton and Alfred Molina. TNT is also home to powerful one-hour dramas, such as Without a Trace, Law & Order, Las Vegas, Cold Case, ER, Charmed and Judging Amy; broadcast premiere movies; compelling prime-time specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR and the NBA. TNT is also available in high-definition.
TBS, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., is television’s top-rated comedy network. It serves as home to such hot contemporary comedies as Sex and the City, Everybody Loves Raymond, the King of Queens, Family Guy, Seinfeld and Friends; original comedy series like My Boys, The Bill Engvall Show, 10 Items or Less and The Frank Show; first-run comedies, such as Tyler Perry’s House of Payne; specials and special events, like Funniest Commercials of the Year and The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas; blockbuster movies; and hosted movie showcases.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a TimeWarner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and a leading provider of programming for the television industry.
Starz Cinema Announces New Lineup for Monthly 'Musaic' Series
Exclusive Independent Music Series With Films Featuring U.K. Rock Band Stereophonics, Toronto Group Metric, Singer/Songwriter Paul Weller and Underground Band Rise Against
Starz Cinema today announced the upcoming lineup of exclusive films for its popular monthly independent music series, "Musaic." The series will continue this month with the U.S. television premiere of Stereophonics: Language. Sex. Violence. Other? airing on Starz Cinema Monday, April 30 at 10 p.m. (ET/PT). This exclusive documentary and live concert experience chronicles the U.K.'s Stereophonics throughout the making of their fifth studio album "Language. Sex. Violence. Other?"
The "Musaic" series airs the last Monday of each month at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) and will feature all U.S. television premiere films with the exception of Metric: Live At The Metropolis. Upcoming films that will air on Starz Cinema as part of the series include:
* Metric: Live At The Metropolis (airs May 28): Concert film featuring
indie-rock band Metric with Emily Haines (vocals/synths), Jimmy Shaw
(guitar), Josh Weinstead (bass) and Joules Scott-Key (drums).
* Paul Weller: As Is Now (airs June 25): Paul Weller, former lead singer
of The Jam, performs classic hits and new selections.
"'Musaic' has been a popular series for Starz Cinema," said Jonathan Shair, vice president of programming and scheduling for Starz Entertainment. "The series gives viewers a chance to connect with some of the finest in independent music with exclusive interviews and performances."
Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie service provider operating in the United States. It offers 16 movie channels including the flagship Starz(R) and Encore(R) brands with approximately 15.5 million and 27.3 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment airs more than 1,000 movies per month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced services including Starz HD, Starz On Demand and Vongo(SM). Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation that is attributed to Liberty Capital Group.
Source: Starz Entertainment, LLC
Tony Bennett's Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland Appearance Rescheduled for October 19
Tony Bennett's Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland appearance, which was scheduled for Friday, April 20th, at Playhouse Square's Allen Theatre, has been rescheduled for Friday, October 19, 2007.
Bennett postponed his concert appearance as a result of continuing flu symptoms including congestion. The 15-time Grammy winner was advised by his doctor to restrict plane travel and to rest for the next five days.
Bennett is expected to return to his full concert schedule, which includes a concert tour of the UK and US, in May.
Tickets sold for the concert will be honored on the new date. Tony Bennett's performance in Cleveland is part of his AARP Presents "Tony Bennett The Best Is Yet to Come" tour for 2007.
Source: Cuyahoga Community College
Web site: http://www.tri-c.edu/
mtvU & ROO Partner to Bring On-Demand Video to Network of Over 500 Online College Newspapers
Online Video Application and Customizable Video Channels Now Available to Nation's Largest Network of Online Campus Publications
NEW YORK, April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- mtvU, MTV's 24-hour college network and a division of Viacom Inc.'s (NYSE: VIA; VIA.B) MTV Networks, and Internet video specialist ROO (BULLETIN BOARD: RGRP) , today announced a partnership to offer a best-in-breed video player and customizable video channels to the more than 500 online college newspapers in mtvU's College Publisher network.
Each of the network's student-run publications will now have free access to a customizable, private-label video player and a wide variety of on-demand content channels -- including news, sports and entertainment from leading providers such as The Associated Press, Reuters and many other leading brands. The ROO content team will work closely with mtvU to develop and secure new original video exclusively for this growing network. The ROO player will also enable the online student papers to distribute their own video content, or to partner with a university's TV station to make its programming available worldwide.
The video players will be individually branded to reflect the look and feel of each college newspaper site, integrate seamlessly with a paper's online edition and be powered by the ROO Video Exchange (VX) platform. Publications that install the plug-and-play applications will also be able to capitalize on a new video advertising revenue stream. With the addition of online video, and several other recently introduced multi-media features, today mtvU also announces the re-naming of College Publisher to the College Media Network.
"Partnering with ROO reflects our commitment to empower student publications with cutting-edge digital tools that benefit their readers, business and staff," said Stephen Friedman, GM, mtvU. "This video platform unlocks new creative possibilities and sources of revenue for our affiliates and will enable them to continue inventing the newsroom of tomorrow - with the College Media Network as their laboratory."
"College students are probably the most discriminating, demanding and sophisticated consumers of video in the market today," said Robert Petty, CEO of ROO. "They watch online video more than any other group and their expectations for content and technical quality are extraordinarily high. Our vast, ever expanding content library and our unique technology platform ensure that the College Media Network will be able to offer up video channels of the most dynamic content that will draw even more students around the country to the newspaper sites."
While the name of mtvU's online college newspaper network will be new, the content management solution used by campus publications nationwide will keep the College Publisher title. The College Publisher platform is the only online publishing system designed specifically for college newspapers. The Web-based suite of tools allows multiple users to control all facets of digital publishing, including content management, multimedia administration and online advertising.
In August 2006, mtvU acquired Y2M: Youth Media & Marketing Networks, the parent company of College Publisher. Since the acquisition, the network has grown from 450 campus publications to 510, and now serves institutions with a combined enrollment of over 5.5 million students, reaching an average of 5 million unique users each month.
About ROO
ROO Group Inc. (OTCBB: RGRP) through its 100% subsidiary ROO Media Corporation, is the online video solutions company focused on meeting the specific needs of large enterprise companies globally. The company's proprietary platform, the ROO Video Exchange, simultaneously services multiple video channels, audience segments and advertisers and, as such, has become a leading platform in content aggregation, distribution and targeted advertising. ROO's unique ability to offer a "many-to-many" service has helped secure its position as the Internet broadcast company of choice for companies seeking effective strategies for monetizing online video.
About mtvU
Broadcasting to 750 colleges across the country, with a combined enrollment of over 7.2 million, mtvU is the largest, most comprehensive television network just for college students. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, mtvU can be seen in the dining areas, fitness centers, student lounges and dorm rooms of campuses throughout the U.S. mtvU is dedicated to every aspect of college life, reaching students everywhere they are, through a three pronged approach - on-air, online and on campus. mtvU focuses on content including music videos from emerging artists which can't be seen anywhere else, news, student life features, events and pro-social initiatives. mtvU is always on campus, with more than 500 events per year, including exclusive concerts, giveaways, shooting mtvU series and more. For more information about mtvU, and for a complete programming schedule, visit www.mtvU.com.
In September 2005, mtvU became the first MTV Networks channel to also be distributed in its entirety online. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, mtvU is simulcast and available on demand at mtvU.com, featuring all of network's on-air content plus exclusive new music, original series and student-produced programming for college students and music fans everywhere.
mtvU also owns and operates the College Media Network, the largest interactive network of online college newspapers in the US, and RateMyProfessors.com, the Internet's largest listing of collegiate professor ratings. The College Media Network comprises over 510 campus publications that serve institutions including Brown University, the University of Illinois, the University of Southern California, the University of Texas at Austin and Duke University, with a combined enrollment of over 5.5 million students, reaching an average of 5 million unique users each month. RateMyProfessors.com reaches approximately 10 million college students each year, via the site's more than 6.6 million student-generated ratings of over 1,000,000 college professors.
About MTV Networks
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 135 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
FCMN Contact: erossi@kwitco.com
Source: mtvU
CONTACT: Jason Rzepka of mtvU, +1-212-654-7198,
jason.rzepka@mtvstaff.com; David French of MTV, +1-212-846-6406,
david.french@mtvstaff.com; Ellie Jones Rossi, +1-646-747-7151,
erossi@kwitco.com, for ROO
Web site: http://www.mtvu.com/
http://www.roo.com/
Sony Computer Entertainment America Announces Extensive Second-Quarter Line-up for PLAYSTATION(R)3, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) and PlayStation(R)2
More Than 100 First- and Third-Party Games to Launch in Spring 2007
FOSTER CITY, Calif., April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced its 2007 second-quarter software line-up for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)), PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable), and PlayStation(R)2 (PS2) computer entertainment systems.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO )
More than 100 first- and third-party PS3, PSP and PlayStation 2 titles will launch during the next few months of 2007, bringing to consumers an impressively robust software line-up. The catalog encompasses the most popular game genres, featuring industry leading franchises as well as new intellectual properties that will appeal to game enthusiasts of any level.
"Our second-quarter line-up of PS3, PSP and PlayStation 2 software titles demonstrates a continued commitment from both SCEA and third-party developers to the PlayStation family of products," said Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing, SCEA. "We are excited by the content being developed by our partners, but are also looking forward to launching PlayStation-branded exclusive games created by our own worldwide studios this quarter and throughout the rest of 2007."
In addition to disc-based games available at retailers nationwide, SCEA ushered in a new way for consumers to get games with the launch of PS3 last fall. PLAYSTATION(R)Store, accessible through the PLAYSTATION(R)Network, allows for the downloading of a wide variety of games, from new original intellectual property playable only on PS3, such as Calling All Cars(TM), to old-school classic PlayStation games for PSP. Here is a rundown of what will be available at retail and on the PLAYSTATION Store this quarter:
PS3
Key Titles
Available Through Retail Channels
F.E.A.R.(TM) Vivendi
Spider-Man 3 Activision
Ninja Gaiden(R) Sigma Tecmo
MLB 07 The Show(TM) Sony Computer Entertainment
America
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Disney Interactive Studios
The Darkness(R) 2K Games
The Bigs 2K Sports
TRANSFORMERS: The Game Activision
Available Through the PLAYSTATION Store
Calling All Cars(TM) Sony Computer Entertainment
America
Championship Sprint(TM) Sony Online Entertainment
Gauntlet II(TM) Sony Online Entertainment
Joust(R) Sony Online Entertainment
Mortal Kombat II(R) Sony Online Entertainment
Rampage(TM) World Tour Sony Online Entertainment
Super Puzzle Fighter(TM) II HD Remix Capcom
Rampart(R) Sony Online Entertainment
PSP
Key Titles
Alien Syndrome(TM) Sega
Crazy Taxi(TM): Fare Wars Sega
CRUSH(TM) Sega
Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground XSEED JKS
FINAL FANTASY(R) Square Enix
FINAL FANTASY II(R) Square Enix
Harvest Moon(R) Boy & Girl Natsume
Ridge Racer 2 Namco
Test Drive(R) Unlimited Atari
Tom Clancy's Ranbow Six(R) Vegas Ubisoft
Valhalla Knights XSEED JKS
PlayStation 2
Key Titles
DAWN of MANA(TM) Square Enix
Fantastic Four(TM)
Rise of the Silver Surfer 2K Games
.hack(R)//G.U. (TM) Vol. 2: Reminisce(TM) Namco
Harry Potter
AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX(TM) Electronic Arts, Inc.
Lara Croft Tomb Raider(R): Anniversary Eidos
Manhunt 2 Rockstar
NCAA(R) Football 08 Electronic Arts, Inc.
NARUTO(TM): Ultimate Ninja(TM) 2 Namco
Odin Sphere(R) Atlus
Ratatouille THQ
Shrek The Third(TM) Activision
Spider-man 3 Activision
Tony Hawk's(TM) Downhill Jam Activision
About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Visit us on the Web at www.playstation.com.
*All game titles are trademarked by their respective owners. HDMI cable not included. Additional equipment may be required to use the HDMI connector. Video output in HD requires cables and an HD-compatible display, both sold separately. Use of the PLAYSTATION(R) Network is subject to terms of use: www.us.playstation.com/termsofuse, and applicable privacy policy. Children under 18 will require parental consent. Broadband internet service is required (sold separately). Some broadband services may not work with the PLAYSTATION(R) Network and performance may vary. PLAYSTATION(R) Network may not be available in all regions and certain content or services may not be available to children under 13. Features and offerings of the PLAYSTATION(R) Network may change without notice. For more information, please visit www.us.playstation.com/termsofuse .
NOTE: "PLAYSTATION", "PlayStation", "PSP" and "PS one" are registered trademarks and "PS2" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
CONTACT: Jennifer Clark, +1-650-655-5994,
Jennifer_clark@playstation.sony.com, or Sheila Bryson, +1-650-655-6093,
Sheila_bryson@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Web site: http://www.playstation.com/
Warner Bros. Pictures' Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to feature IMAX(R) 3D finale
IMAX's Proprietary 2D to 3D Conversion Technology Creates New Dimension for Harry Potter Fans
LOS ANGELES, April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that select scenes of the IMAX DMR(R) version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be digitally converted into An IMAX 3D Experience(R). IMAX Corporation plans to use its proprietary 2D to 3D conversion technology to transform approximately 20 minutes at the end of the film - which is being digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) using IMAX DMR (Digital Re-Mastering) technology - into IMAX(R) 3D. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be released in IMAX(R) theatres and conventional theatres on July 13, 2007, and Warner Bros. Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the film to IMAX theatres worldwide.
The film is based on the best-selling J.K. Rowling book and is the fifth installment of the widely successful Harry Potter film series. The previous installment of the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire which opened on November 18, 2005, shattered numerous IMAX 2D box office records at the time and has grossed more than $20 million in IMAX theatres worldwide.
"We are so pleased to be bringing audiences yet another outstanding Harry Potter film to the big screen in both 35mm and IMAX theaters," said Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "This is the Studio's biggest franchise to date, and we expect this highly-anticipated fifth film to play phenomenally well in all theaters throughout the summer."
"The Harry Potter films are an enormous draw all over the world, and this film should prove to be no different," added Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures International. "The last 20 minutes in IMAX 3D will add a new element of excitement to the Harry Potter experience, making this a must-see for fans of all ages. We're looking forward to a long and very successful run."
"We couldn't be happier to help bring this Harry Potter film to life in a new way," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "IMAX theatres are the only place to experience this year's most anticipated movies in the world's most immersive format, and we anticipate that moviegoers will want to enjoy Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix featuring scenes in IMAX 3D more than once."
"We are delighted to once again work with David Heyman and the Harry Potter team, and Warner Bros. Pictures on another memorable Harry Potter movie," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "We know that through the magic of IMAX, fans will already feel as is if they are right next to Harry, Ron and Hermione in IMAX's larger-than-life 2D format, and we are thrilled to treat them to an even more immersive experience with the finale of the film brought to you in IMAX 3D."
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in digital and film-based motion picture technologies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX theatres delivering the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX(R) 3D, and IMAX DMR(R) technology. IMAX DMR is the Company's groundbreaking digital remastering technology that allows it to digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R). IMAX's renowned projectors display crystal-clear images on the world's biggest screens, and the IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of September 30, 2006, there were 280 IMAX theatres operating in 40 countries.
IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX DMR(R) , IMAX MPX(R) and The IMAX Experience(R)
are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can
be found at www.imax.com.
This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on management assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Important factors that could affect these statements include the timing of theatre system deliveries, the mix of theatre systems shipped, the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses on film production and distribution agreements, the performance of films, the viability of new businesses and products, the outcome of the Company's current accounting review, risks arising from potential material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, the ability to satisfy the reporting covenant by the amended filing deadlines, the extent and impact of the restatement of our financial statements, the outcome of the appeal of the NASDAQ Staff Determination letter and fluctuations in foreign currency and in the large format and general commercial exhibition market. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Source: IMAX Corporation
CONTACT: Media: IMAX Corporation, New York, Sarah Gormley, (212)
821-0155, sgormley@imax.com; Entertainment Media: Newman & Company, Los
Angeles, Al Newman, (310) 278-1560, asn@newman-co.com; Warner Bros. Pictures,
Los Angeles, Andrea Marozas, (818) 954-4849, andrea.marozas@warnerbros.com;
Investors: Integrated Corporate Relations, Amanda Mullin, (203) 682-8243;
Business Media: Sloane & Company, New York, Whit Clay, (212) 446-1864,
wclay@sloanepr.com
DMGI Announces New Music Acquisitions
Company Adds Music and Video From Todd Rundgren, The Alarm, Dwight Twilley, Richard Clayderman, and Wayne Newton to Growing Music Catalog
-- Digital Music Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:DMGI) , a content owner and global leader in the digital distribution of independently owned music and video catalogs, today announced the acquisition of both music and video content through digital distribution, master purchase, and digital rights purchase agreements with artists including Todd Rundgren, The Alarm, Dwight Twilley, Richard Clayderman, and Wayne Newton. The total number of music tracks included under these agreements is approximately 3,000.
"DMGI continues to build its catalog with high quality content from legendary artists, including unreleased, rare, and never-before-heard tracks," said Mitchell Koulouris, Chief Executive Officer of DMGI. "Today's announcement of previously unreleased work by these artists underscores our commitment to acquiring and making available great music to fans and music enthusiasts around the world."
The agreements announced today include:
* Todd Rundgren/Utopia: The Todd Rundgren and Utopia archive features
approximately 2,000 never-before-released live recordings, demos,
out-takes, and alternate versions from 1977 to 2000. It also includes a
significant array of never-before seen video footage as well. Rundgren,
both an accomplished songwriter and producer whose hits "I Saw the
Light," "Can We Still Be Friends," "Hello, It's Me," and "Bang the Drum"
vaulted him from a cult following to stardom, formed Utopia in the
mid-1970s. The archive includes never before seen or heard rare audio
and video performances from both Rundgren as a solo artist and Utopia.
The first of these previously unreleased audio and video performances
will be released in the summer of 2007.
* The Alarm: One of the true powerhouses of the 1980s, The Alarm recorded
some of the most important rock records of the decade including
"Declaration" and "Strength." This video catalog features some of the
great performances of the band including music videos and never before
seen live performances. The catalog also features the VH1 special
"Bands Reunited."
* Dwight Twilley: This power pop icon scored two top-twenty hits with "I'm
on Fire" in 1975 and "Girls" (featuring Tom Petty on background vocals)
in 1984. This archive features never-before released masters from the
power pop legend including demo recordings of "10,000 American Scuba
Divers Dancing," "Wild Dogs," as well as other rare and
previously-unreleased tracks. Also included are cover versions of The
Beatles' "Come Together," Badfinger's "I Can't Take It," Marvin Gaye's
"I'll Be Doggone," and Sam Cooke's "Twistin' the Night Away." These
previously unreleased tracks will be issued in a series of five
compilations starting in the summer of 2007. In addition, the
compilation "The Best of the Rest of Dwight Twilley" will also be
released in the summer of 2007 as well as an extended and remastered
version of Twilley's classic Christmas album, "Have a Twilley
Christmas."
* Richard Clayderman: International pop instrumentalist Richard Clayderman
is referred to in the Guinness Book of World Records as "the most
successful pianist in the world." With a broad international following,
Clayderman routinely sells out concerts and sells millions of records.
His first album sold more than 20 million copies and a live concert
broadcast on Chinese television in 1987 attracted more than 800 million
viewers. This catalog features Clayderman at his best including nearly
1,000 never-before released romantic standards, ballads, and hits of the
world.
* Wayne Newton: Music legend Wayne Newton is best known for his phenomenal
success as a performer in Las Vegas. As a recording artist in the 1960s
and 1970s, Newton scored a number of memorable hits including "Danke
Schoen," "Red Roses for A Blue Lady," and "Daddy Don't You Walk So
Fast." This catalog features tracks from this music legend that have
never been previously available in digital channels.
About DMGI
Founded in 2005, Digital Music Group Inc. (NASDAQ:DMGI) is a content owner and global leader in the digital distribution of independently owned music and video content. DMGI acquires the digital rights to media catalogs and digitally encodes them into multiple formats for distribution to digital entertainment services operating over the Internet and wireless, cable and mobile networks. Our digital entertainment service partners include: the iTunes Store, Google Video, YouTube, AOL/In2TV, RealNetworks, Napster, Wal-Mart Music, MusicNet, Verizon, Sprint, InfoSpace, Moderati, Zingy, 9 Squared, and many others. For more information, please visit www.dmgi.com.
Digital Music Group is a trademark of Digital Music Group, Inc. Other names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements (including, without limitation, information regarding Digital Music Group's distribution of the Todd Rundgren, The Alarm, Dwight Twilley, Richard Clayderman, and Wayne Newton music and video catalogs and making these catalogs available through current and future digital entertainment services) that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the results of Digital Music Group to differ materially from management's current expectations. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors including, among others: unforeseen difficulties assembling and processing the music and video content; the market demand for digital music and video recordings and potential changes in consumers' tastes and preferences in music and video; and our dependence on digital entertainment services for the distribution and sale of our music and video content. The matters discussed in this press release also involve risks and uncertainties described in Digital Music Group's most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Digital Music Group assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this release.
Source: Digital Music Group, Inc.
Web site: http://www.digitalmusicgroupinc.com/
Munchkin(R) Ready to 'Rock' Baby Products Industry at JPMA 2007
Award-winning Munchkin Finalist for JPMA Innovation Award for the Seventh Time
-- Munchkin(R) -- maker of multiple award-winning baby and toddler products -- is heading to this year's Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association Show (JPMA) with an impressive line-up of new products including CRIB ROCKERS(TM), a 2007 nominee for the coveted JPMA Innovation Award. Known for developing creative products that exemplify how "it's the little things" that often make the biggest difference, Munchkin has won the honor several times prior and is a strong contender for this year's show being held at the County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. on April 23-25.
CRIB ROCKERS (TM) is a clever innovation that easily transforms an ordinary crib into a rocking bed for baby, sure to promote restful sleep and put smiles on both mom and child. Because it operates all on its own, there are no worries of a battery dying out suddenly and ruining precious naptime. This easy-to-use and helpful product is expected to top mom's registry wish list in 2007 and is a wonderful example of Munchkin's creativity and insights into what "little things" parents need the most. Since its inception in 1991, Munchkin has won six JPMA Innovation Awards for their trend-setting products.
"Munchkin is honored to be a finalist again for the JPMA Innovation Award," said Doug Gillespie, Vice President, Marketing at Munchkin." CRIB ROCKERS(TM) is a great example of how we make life easier for parents with clever, uncomplicated products."
Also being unveiled at JPMA will be the following new products that solve a wide variety of issues for today's parents.
* Feeding Friend Portable Hook-on Chair (SRP $42.99) -- For busy moms,
this delightful hook-on chair makes sure there is always a safe and fun
place for baby at the table, at home or on-the-go. It is available in
fun animal characters and adjusts to various table sizes. When not in
use, it folds up for easy storage.
* Peek-A-Boo Bear (SRP $24.99) -- This soft plush bear for baby says over
ten unique phrases, including "Peek-A-Boo, I love you!" Moms will love
that this cuddly cub promotes early speech development and lots of
interactive play, as baby discovers the joys of cause and effect.
* Elite Cruiser (Baby Carrier) (SRP $49.99) -- What do you get when you
combine form, function and fashion? A beautifully designed, easy-to-use
baby carrier. With a fashion forward design, an easy 3-buckle system
and multi-point padded lumbar support that lessens back strain, this
carrier is perfect for today's on-the-go modern mom (or dad).
* Shakey Eggs (TM) ($3.50 for 3pk) -- For babies ages 6 months and up,
this entertaining egg-shaped toy shakes, rattles and rolls. Sure to
bring out the giggles, they are available in bright colors, fun patterns
and multiple characters.
* Nickelodeon(R) Re-usable Straw Cups ($4.99 for 3pk) -- Adding fun to
mealtime whether at the kitchen table or at school, this new collection
of straw cups allows kids to drink with their favorite TV friends.
Available in packs of three, they are durable enough to wash and re-use,
but inexpensive enough to lose. Dishwasher safe.
For more information about the company and its line of smart baby and toddler products, visit www.munchkin.com.
About Munchkin, Inc.
A privately held company headquartered in North Hills, Calif., Munchkin, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets baby products that excite, delight and make life easier for families. Founded in 1991, Munchkin, Inc. has placed great emphasis on anticipating parents' needs and finding clever ways to address them. As a result of this focus on innovation, Munchkin has pioneered numerous concepts in the baby care industry including the Bottle & Nipple Brush (1995), White Hot technology(R) (1996), Teething Blanket (1997), Teether Babies (1998), and the Insulated Spill-Proof Trainer Cup (2004). In addition, Munchkin has been granted more than 50 United States patents and has won over 30 industry awards, including the coveted Target(R) Corporation Partner Award of Excellence in 2005. Endorsed and recommended by lactation consultants, medical professionals, toy specialists and parents, Munchkin products can be found at more than 25,000 retail outlets internationally. For more information, visit www.munchkin.com
Source: Munchkin
Web site: http://www.munchkin.com/
22nd Annual ASCAP Film & Television Music Awards
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Kodak Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
List of Winners
TOP BOX OFFICE FILMS
This Award honors the composers with scores from the top box office films of 2006.
JON BRION
JOHN O’BRIEN (additional music)
(additional music)The Break-Up
ERRAN BARON COHEN (PRS)
(PRS)Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
CHRIS CORNELL (additional music)
(additional music)Casino Royale
RAMIN DJAWADI
PAUL WESTERBERG
Open Season
MICHAEL GIACCHINO
Mission: Impossible III
RUPERT GREGSON-WILLIAMS (PRS)
(PRS)Click
ANDREA GUERRA (SIAE)
(SIAE)The Pursuit of Happyness
MARK ISHAM
Eight Below
HENRY MANCINI
The Pink Panther (original theme)
(original theme)RANDY NEWMAN
Cars
DOUGLAS PIPES
Monster House
JOHN POWELL
Happy Feet
Ice Age: The Meltdown
X-Men: The Last Stand
HOWARD SHORE
The Departed
ALAN SILVESTRI
Night at the Museum
HANS ZIMMER
The Da Vinci Code
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
TOP TELEVISION SERIES
This award honors ASCAP composers who have written the themes and underscore for the highest rated series during the period of January 1 – December 31, 2006.
J.J. ABRAMS
MICHAEL GIACCHINO
Lost (ABC)
(ABC)JOHN ADAIR
PAUL BESSENBACHER
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody (Disney)
(Disney)LEE ARONSOHN
GRANT GEISSMANTwo and a Half Men (CBS)SEAN CALLERY
24 (FOX)
(FOX)Shark (CBS)
(CBS)JEFF CARDONI
CSI: Miami (CBS)
(CBS)ADAM COHEN
STEVE FRANKS
JOHN ROBERT WOOD
Psych (USA)
(USA)LISA COLEMAN
WENDY MELVOIN
Heroes (NBC)
(NBC)CATHERINE DENNIS (PRS)
(PRS)JULIAN GINGELL (PRS)
(PRS)BARRY STONE (PRS)
(PRS)American Idol (FOX)
(FOX)ROB DUNCAN
The Unit (CBS)
(CBS)MARC FANTINI
STEFFAN FANTINI
SCOTT GORDON
Criminal Minds (CBS)
(CBS)ELIZABETH FRASER (PRS)
(PRS)House (FOX)
(FOX)MATTHEW GERRARD
ROBBIE NEVIL
Hannah Montana (Disney)
(Disney)ALEX GREENWALD
JASON SCHWARTZMAN
O.C. (FOX)
(FOX)MATTHEW HAWKINS
MAURICE “m.O” JACKSON
NEIL MARTIN
NCIS (CBS)
REINHOLD HEIL
JOHNNY KLIMEK
Without a Trace (CBS)
(CBS)JOHN KEANE
CSI (CBS)
(CBS)RUSS LANDAU
DAVID VANACORE
Survivor: Cook Islands (CBS)
(CBS)Survivor: Panama – Exile Island (CBS)
(CBS)MICHAEL LEVINE
FRANZ VONLICHTEN
HELMUT VONLICHTEN
Cold Case (CBS)
(CBS)RICHARD MARKMANN
DANIEL PINNELLA
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS)
(CBS)DANIEL MCGRATH (PRS)
(PRS)JOSH PHILLIPS (PRS)
(PRS)Dancing With The Stars (FOX)
(FOX)BLAKE NEELY
Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
(ABC)RANDY NEWMAN
Monk (USA)
(USA)DAVID PORTER
Saved (TNT)
(TNT)MARK T WILLIAMS
Unan1mous (FOX)
(FOX)MOST PERFORMED THEMES
This award honors the ASCAP composers whose works have earned the highest number of performance credits on television in the category of themes for the 2006 survey year.
JOEL BECKERMAN
MICHAEL KARP
RUSS LANDAU
BRANFORD MARSALIS
DAVID VANACOREMOST PERFORMED UNDERSCORE
This award honors the ASCAP composers whose works have earned the highest number of performance credits on television in the category of dramatic underscore for the 2006 survey year.
SEAN CALLERY
RUSS LANDAU
DAVID NICHTERN
MARK SNOW
DAVID VANACORE
STOP THE PRESSES: VIVID’S LATEST BIG BUDGET MOVIE, “LAYOUT,” PARODIES REALITY WITH A STORY ABOUT A ‘PORN RAG’
“Any Resemblance to AVN is Purely Intentional”
LOS ANGELES – (April 19, 2007) – “Layout” is the latest big budget film from Vivid Entertainment starring the wildly popular Vivid Girl Briana Banks. The movie was written and directed by Paul Thomas, the most award winning director in the history of adult film and will be in stores around the country starting April 25.
(additional music) (PRS) (additional music) (PRS) (SIAE) (original theme) (ABC) (Disney) (FOX) (CBS) (CBS) (USA) (NBC) (PRS) (PRS) (PRS) (FOX) (CBS) (CBS) (PRS) (FOX) (Disney) (FOX)(CBS) (CBS) (CBS) (CBS) (CBS) (CBS) (PRS) (PRS) (FOX) (ABC) (USA) (TNT) (FOX) – (April 19, 2007) – “” is the latest big budget film from starring the wildly popular. The movie was written and directed by the most award winning director in the history of adult film and will be in stores around the country starting April 25.“Layout” trails a young reporter as he accepts a position at adult magazine AVG and becomes immersed in the world of pornography. Embroiled in a disastrous libel suit, the magazine struggles to maintain objectivity.
Scandal soon unfolds with the discovery of an underage porn star, awards show tampering, blackmail and fiery hot liaisons. Interoffice politics and relationships take center-stage in this parody of reality.
According to the boxcover copy, “Any resemblance to AVN is purely intentional.”
“Layout” features strong performances and intense sex scenes. The film also stars Penny Flame, Kylie Ireland, Tom Byron and Tyce Bune.
"I can offer a sense of reality, of really being there, but it is impossible without good acting,” says Paul Thomas. “Fans of Briana will not be disappointed and Tom Byron, Tyce Bune, and especially Penny Flame are absolutely, positively wonderful. I guarantee award time for all three actors. If you don't ache to have Penny for your own by the end of the film...I pity the fool."
Briana is a German-born beauty and is known for the best-selling “Briana Loves Jenna” movie and her 36" long legs. The former Penthouse Pet has often declared that when her adult acting career is over, she wants to go behind the scenes to direct her own line of adult movies, work on her website and maybe return to college full-time.
About Vivid:
The Vivid Entertainment Group is the world’s leading adult film company. Founded in 1984, Vivid pioneered the “Vivid Girl” concept, under which top adult film stars are signed to exclusive agreements that are styled on the old Hollywood contract star system. Vivid has always placed heavy emphasis on high quality erotic film entertainment for the couples market. It has created wide brand-name awareness through its films and through a licensing and marketing program that extends to advertising, apparel, book publishing, virility supplements, condoms, snowboards, calendars and comic books. The company is known for its innovative technological advances such as full function DVDs, a fast growing wireless program that is already active in 20 countries, its Burn-to-DVD technology and its popular website www.vivid.com. On April 11th Vivid will be the first adult company to release a movie on both HD DVD and Blu-ray with “Debbie Does Dallas …Again.” Vivid is a major supplier of content for pay-per-view networks in North America and internationally. The best selling hardcover book How to Have a XXX Sex Life: The Ultimate Vivid Guide, was co-authored by the Vivid Girls and published by HarperCollins.
The company started the Vivid-Alt imprint in 2006 which is headed by Eon McKai, alt-porn’s dominant icon. McKai has been widely credited as the founder of this new and edgy film genre. He has been profiled in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Village Voice. Visit Vivid-Alt’s popular website www.vividalt.com. Tristan Taormino, popular columnist with The Village Voice and an award winning director has also launched a Vivid-Ed imprint for the company. Visit www.vivid-ed.com.
For more information contact rm@vivid.com.
April 18
Tony Bennett's Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland Appearance to be Rescheduled
Tony Bennett's Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland appearance, which was scheduled for Friday, April 20th, at Playhouse Square's Allen Theatre, will be rescheduled.
Bennett has postponed his concert appearance as a result of continuing flu symptoms including congestion. The 15-time Grammy winner was advised by his doctor to restrict plane travel and to rest for the next five days.
Bennett is expected to return to his full concert schedule, which includes a concert tour of the UK and US, in May.
A new date for Bennett's concert in Cleveland will be announced as soon as possible. Tickets sold for the concert will be honored on the new date, yet to be announced.
Source: Cuyahoga Community College
Web site: http://www.tri-c.edu/
Fight Melanoma With Joe Pesci and James Woods!
On Monday, May 7th, Joe Pesci, James Woods, Rick Dees as well as many other top celebrities will tee it up at the 4th Annual Hack n' Smack, Kerry Daveline Memorial, Celebrity Golf Classic, held at the prestigious El Caballero country club in Tarzana, CA. This event is presented, in part, by The Actors Network (www.actors-network.com) and 100% of the net proceeds benefit the Melanoma Research Foundation (www.melanoma.org).
Player registration is limited but still available at: www.hacknsmack.org The 12pm, Modified Best Ball shotgun format, features a Hole-in-One from Keyes Mercedes, as well as a Man up and go for it hole sponsored by Top Flite D2 golf balls. The Movin 93.9 street crew will be on the scene, and there will be live music after the tournament from The Beach Toys (The most highly acclaimed Beach Boys tribute band in America). Visit www.thebeachtoys.com.
Join the fight against "The cancer we can see, but no one talks about."
Additional Celebrities scheduled to appear, but not limited to: Josh Duhamel (Las Vegas), Lorenzo Neal (Chargers Pro Bowler), Gregory Itzin (24), Patrick Warburton (Rules of Engagement), Christopher Gorham (Ugly Betty), Michael Chiklis (The Shield), Richard Schiff (West Wing), Scott Foley (The Unit), Justin Hartley (Smallville), Jeffrey Nordling (Dirt), Chris Chandler (St. Louis Rams), Shawn Ryan (ExecProd, The Unit/The Shield), Bill Smitrovich (The Practice), Kate Linder (Young and The Restless), Kevin Weisman (Alias/Clerks II), Chad Brown (NBC Poker Challenge Finalist), Ron Perlman (Hellboy), and Paul Logan (Days of Our Lives).
Source: The Actors Network
Web site: http://www.hacknsmack.org/
Web site: http://www.thebeachtoys.com/
Web site: http://www.melanoma.org/
Web site: http://www.actors-network.com/
In the Lead, Yoda Is!
Voting for Your Favorite Star Wars(TM) Stamp Gets Even Easier
The light side and the dark side are battling for honors in the race to become America's favorite Star Wars stamp.
After two weeks of voting, Yoda is in the lead -- but Darth Vader is menacingly lurking close by. Now, voting is easier than ever! Fans no longer have to wait for a confirmation e-mail, once an e-mail address has been entered the vote is cast. The site has even added an option to receive a reminder to vote the next day.
Voting continues through May 23 on http://www.uspsjedimaster.com/ . The winning stamp will be announced at the first-day-of-issue ceremony of the Star Wars stamp sheet on May 25 during Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles.
The commemorative stamps feature images from all six movies in the Star Wars saga: Luke Skywalker; Han Solo and Chewbacca; Princess Leia Organa with R2-D2; C-3PO; Yoda; Queen Padme Amidala; Obi-Wan Kenobi as seen in Episodes IV through VI; Anakin Skywalker battling Obi-Wan Kenobi; Darth Vader; Emperor Palpatine; Darth Maul; Imperial Stormtroopers; Boba Fett; the Millennium Falcon; and an X-wing fighter. Which one is your favorite?
Of the 15 images on the Star Wars stamp sheet, the Postal Service has invited the public to vote on its favorite. The stamp receiving the most votes will be honored with the issuance of a single stamp, which will be for sale later this summer.
Check http://www.uspsjedimaster.com/ for regular updates on voting -- it's up to America to choose which Star Wars stamp wins the honor of a single-stamp sheet release.
Pre-order the Star Wars stamp sheet
The set of 15 stamps will be released at a first-day-of-issue ceremony on Friday, May 25, at Star Wars Celebration IV, the biggest Star Wars event in the galaxy, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The stamps will be available for purchase on May 25 in post offices, on http://www.usps.com/ and by calling 1-800-STAMP-24.
Customers may pre-order these stamps for $6.15 starting April 25 (30 days in advance of May 25), by going to http://www.usps.com/ or by calling 1-800- STAMP-24. For those outside the U.S., the same options apply. Your postal administration will deliver them as any other delivery from the U.S. All Star Wars stamps preorders will be shipped on May 25.
Stay tuned and visit http://www.uspsjedimaster.com/ for more information and to vote on your favorite stamp!
Pre-order the Star Wars pre-paid Express Mail envelopes
This set includes three pre-paid Express Mail envelopes featuring artwork images of Yoda, Darth Vader and Obi Wan Kenobi as well as the new Marine One Express Mail stamp. The set of three envelopes costs $48.75 and will be available only from May 6 through Sept. 1. Customers may pre-order the envelope set now at http://www.usps.com/ , by telephone at 1-800-STAMP-24 and in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. They are not available in post offices.
Become a Jedi shipping and mailing master to win a trip
Through May 7, customers can enter this sweepstakes by solving six different challenges about Postal Service products and services featuring a Star Wars theme. As each question is answered correctly, customers are automatically moved to the next challenge. At the start of the sweepstakes, customers enter their contact information into a sweepstakes form. There is a limit of one entry per challenge, for a total of six entries.
The Jedi shipping and mailing master challenge is a fun, interactive Web tool that reminds customers of the quick, easy and convenient suite of services available from the Postal Service, including ZIP Code Lookup, International Shipping, Flat-Rate Boxes, Click-N-Ship, Priority Mail and free Package Pickup. The winner of this sweepstakes will receive an all-expenses- paid trip for four to the 30th Anniversary Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles, which runs from May 24 to May 27. (For details, go to http://www.starwars.com/celebration .)
(Note: To obtain a downloadable 300 dpi image of these stamps visit the 2007 Commemorative Stamp Program release link at http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2007stamps/starwars/welcome.htm)
An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits 146 million homes and businesses, six days a week. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to cover its operating expenses. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $73 billion and delivers nearly half the world's mail.
STAR WARS and related character names and properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & (C) Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.
Source: U.S. Postal Service
Web site: http://www.usps.com/
http://www.uspsjedimaster.com/
http://www.starwars.com/celebration
'BROKEN WINDOWS,' a Full Length SAG Independent Feature Film, Produced by Meherio Productions in Conjunction With Sightline Entertainment, Begins Principle Photography
A Compelling Story About the Interwoven Lives of Four Women, Starring Larisa Oleynik, Sarah Thompson, Jennifer Hall and Sara Jane Nash, Begins Filming on Location in Los Angeles and La Jolla, CA.
Meherio Productions and Sightline Entertainment are pleased to announce the commencement of principle photography for the feature film "Broken Windows." Written and directed by Tony Hickman, produced by Thomas J. Rasera and executive produced by Christophe Jouin and Rick Kornfeld.
Shot on location in Los Angeles and La Jolla, CA, the film follows the life of four women over three days, with an outstanding ensemble cast that includes Larisa Oleynik ("10 Things I Hate About You," "The Secret World of Alex Mack"), Sarah Thompson ("7th Heaven," "Angel," "Cruel Intentions 2"), Jennifer Hall ("Nip/Tuck"), Sara Jane Nash ("Unspoken"), Corri English ("Bedford Diaries," "CSI: Miami"), Jonathan Murphy ("Mini's First Time," "October Road"), Jason George ("What About Brian?," "Barbershop"), Devon Gummersall ("My So-Called Life," "The L Word"), and Michael Gross ("Family Ties," "Tremors," "ER").
"Broken Windows" is a story that intertwines the uncertainties of life, our ideas and our unfulfilled dreams. It is a journey through emotions and an attempt to reconcile, to go on, to live. It is an insightful and powerful portrayal of how people struggle with problems.
Writer/Director Tony Hickman tells a compelling story with women at the center of the film:
"These are four powerful and interesting women who are being tested and pushed to their limits," said Hickman. "I wrote the script to reflect real women with real lives, like the ones I see around me everyday who love and inspire me."
Principle photography for "Broken Windows" began on April 16th 2007 and will continue through to May 14th 2007.
Source: Meherio Productions
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson to Host 2007 Taurus World Stunt Awards
Show to Air on AMC on Friday, May 25th at 10:30 p.m.
Burt Reynolds, Gerard Butler and Jeanne Epper to Be Honored
The Taurus World Stunt Foundation is pleased to announce that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will host the 2007 Taurus World Stunt Awards taking place on Sunday, May 20th at Paramount Pictures. The show, which will air domestically on Friday, May 25th at 10:30 p.m. EDT/PDT on AMC, is the entertainment industry's only award show that honors and celebrates Hollywood's top stunt professionals who consistently push the limits thrilling movie goers throughout the world. Now in its sixth year, the Taurus World Stunt Awards has solidified its stature as the highest achievement that a stunt person can earn.
Johnson previously hosted the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2005 and will next be seen in Disney's "The Game Plan," due out this Fall. In addition, Johnson is currently shooting "Get Smart" opposite Steve Carrell for Warner Bros.
"I have the utmost respect for the stunt community, which is why I am so happy to be hosting the TWSA for the second time. As actors, we truly appreciate all that they do as they literally put their life on the line for the sake of filmmaking. The stunt community is like family to me and I'm proud to be a part of honoring them."
"AMC is pleased to be broadcasting the Taurus World Stunt Awards and believe it will be a valuable addition to our programming slate," said Rob Sorcher, AMC's Executive Vice President of Programming & Production. "We look forward to honoring the industry's outstanding stunt men and women who contribute a great deal to the world of action feature films, and to providing our viewers with access to one of Hollywood's most exciting events."
This year, the Taurus World Stunt Awards will honor Gerard Butler, star of the blockbuster hit film "300" with The Action Movie Star of the Year Award. In his powerful portrayal of King Leonidas, Butler did many of his own stunts in the film which retells the story of the battle of Thermopylae. In preparation for "300," Butler trained extensively for seven months; including training with stunt men from the film.
Butler said, "It is such a special honor to receive this award from the stunt community. In each action film I'm a part of, I am continually amazed by their remarkable talent. While I am proud to receive this accolade, I am keenly aware of who the real action heroes are."
Burt Reynolds will receive the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award for an Action Star. Throughout his career, Reynolds has been an avid supporter of the stunt industry. He became a fixture behind the wheel during iconic car chase scenes from such hit films as "Cannonball Run" and the "Smokey and the Bandit" franchises. Reynolds joins an exclusive club of actors to be recognized with this honor that includes Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Harrison Ford.
Reynolds said, "I have the highest respect for the stunt professionals who risk their lives every day. I want to thank the Taurus World Stunt Awards for not only bestowing me with this honor, but taking the time to honor these professionals and the amazing work they do."
In addition, the Taurus World Stunt Awards will be honoring movie star and stunt icon Jeanne Epper with the highly coveted Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. Epper becomes the first woman to be recognized by the stunt industry's most prestigious honor for her action-packed career spanning more than 50 years. Epper's work can be seen in more than 200 film and television productions including "Wonder Woman," "Charlie's Angels," "Romancing the Stone," "Fletch," "Armageddon," and "Kill Bill Vol. 2." A pioneer as a woman in the field, Epper's life and career was chronicled in the 2004 award winning documentary, "Double Dare."
Epper said, "It is an amazing gift to be honored by my peers with this award. It is especially gratifying to be the first woman to be honored with the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. I want to thank Red Bull and Dietrich Mateschitz for their continuing support of the stunt industry and bringing this show to life each year."
The Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award is voted on by a Blue Ribbon Committee consisting of nineteen (19) stunt men and women who are leaders within their field. Epper joins an exclusive club of stunt icons who have been paid tribute with this distinction including Ronnie Rondell, Buddy Van Horn, Hal Needham, Terry Leonard and Vic Armstrong.
In addition to airing on AMC, the Taurus World Stunt Awards has become a global fixture and airs in more than 160 countries worldwide, captivating millions of viewers. The Taurus World Stunt Awards is the only show completely devoted to recognizing these behind-the-scenes heroes and their death defying work. Winning the 'Taurus' has proven to be the most prestigious honor a stunt professional can take home.
In the coming weeks, the Taurus World Stunt Awards will be announcing the nominees in nine (9) categories including: Best Fight, Best Fire, Best High Work, Best Work with Vehicle, Best Specialty Stunt, Hardest Hit, Best Overall Stunt by a Stunt Woman, Best Action in a Foreign Film and Best Stunt Coordinator and/or 2nd Unit Director.
The Taurus World Stunt Awards will also announce the Taurus World Stunt Awards Foundation recipient and a star-studded list of presenters in the coming weeks. Past presenters include David Arquette, Michael Bay, Jason Biggs, Vin Diesel, Michael Clarke Duncan, James Gandolfini, Jennifer Garner, Brad Garrett, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kelly Hu, Johnny Knoxville, Kristanna Loken, Matthew McConaughey, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jonathan Mostow, Kevin Nealon, Bill Paxton, Keanu Reeves, Michelle Rodriguez, Seann William Scott, Jason Statham, Quentin Tarantino, Gabrielle Union, Vince Vaughn, and many more.
The show will be executive produced by Michael Dempsey (MTV Movie Awards, VH1 Big in '06, TV Land Awards), as well as Mitch Geller and Andrew Stefan.
About AMC
AMC, a division of Rainbow Media's Entertainment Services, which also includes WE tv and IFC Companies, is a 24-hour, movie-based network, dedicated to the American movie fan. The network, which reaches over 90 million homes, offers a comprehensive library of popular movies and a critically-acclaimed slate of original programming that is a diverse, movie-based mix of original series, documentaries and specials. AMC has garnered many of the industry's highest honors, including 14 Emmy awards. AMC is "TV for movie people."
About The Taurus World Stunt Awards
The Taurus World Stunt Awards benefits the Taurus World Stunt Awards Foundation, which was envisioned by Red Bull(R) Energy Drink CEO Dietrich Mateschitz. The Foundation was established by an endowment from Mateschitz to provide financial assistance to stunt performers who experience a debilitating stunt related injury.
Source: Taurus World Stunt Awards
LAMAR ODOM’S RICH SOIL ENTERTAINMENT SHOWCASE
A Night of Music and Fashion at Air Conditioned Supper Club
(C) MBN 2007 William Hoehne
WHAT: On Wednesday April 11th, LA Lakers starting forward, Lamar Odom hosted a private showcase for his eponymous record label, Rich Soil Entertainment at Air Conditioned Supper Club in Venice. The intimate event featured an exclusive performance by Rich Soil’s leading solo artist, Ali Vegas. 2006 Justos Mixtape Award winner DJ Superstar Jay kept the tunes cranking behind the ones and twos.
NBA players, sports execs, and music and fashion industry heavyweights mixed and mingled in the candle lit bar while enjoying specialty cocktails and delectable appetizers such as Tuna Tartar Sliders, Bite-Size Angus Burgers, Jumbo Grilled Shrimp Skewers and Sweet Potato and Classic French Fries. Partygoers enjoyed the outdoor patio lounge featuring hand-rolled cigars.
Fashionistas previewed Odom’s premiere clothing line, “Son of Man,” which fuses sports, hip-hop and spiritual aesthetics. This active wear collection, consisting of inspirational pieces such as the Angel Hoodie and Honor, Faith, Revelation, Cross, Son of Man and Jesus Tees, was modeled throughout the evening. The items featured at the event will be available for purchase at Up Against The Wall stores (Beverly Center and Fox Hills locations) as well as at www.lamarodom.com.
WHO: Host: Lamar Odom. Marques Houston (Artist), Omarion (Artist), Carson Daly, Marcellus Wiley (Jacksonville Jaguars), Chris Stokes (B2K Music Producer), First Cousins (Artists) and Slim the Mobster (Artist). LA Lakers: Maurice Evans, Jordan Farmar, Smush Parker, Ronny Turiaf and Shammond Williams.
Special Performance by: Ali Vegas (Rich Soil Artist), DJ Superstar Jay
WHERE: Air Conditioned Supper Club
625 Lincoln Blvd.
Venice, California
MORE: The Showcase benefited Odom’s Foundation, Cathy’s Kids, a 501C3 benefiting disadvantaged youth and providing opportunity in the LA and NYC communities.
Listen Up! Academy Series Tunes into Sound Effects
Beverly Hills, CA — On Saturday, April 28, the Academy’s Science and Technology Council will launch its “Sound, Camera, Action!” series at the Linwood Dunn Theater with a screening of “Grand Prix” (1966). The series highlights eight popular films from the past four decades that have earned Academy recognition for sound. While these films have often been singled out for their striking visuals, spectacular sequences or career-making performances, their success owes a considerable debt to the ability of sound to augment and clarify action.
The series also includes a special 20th anniversary screening, featuring a panel hosted by screenwriter Shane Black, of “Lethal Weapon” on Friday, May 4 at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. A rare 70mm archival print from the original release will be screened courtesy of Warner Bros.
The complete list of screenings in the series is:
Saturday, April 28, 7 p.m., Linwood Dunn Theater
“Grand Prix” (1966)
Academy Award® winner for Film Editing, Sound and Sound Effects
Sunday, April 29, 7 p.m., Linwood Dunn Theater
“The French Connection” (1971)
Academy Award winner for Actor, Directing, Film Editing, Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay
Oscar® nominee for Supporting Actor, Cinematography and Sound
“Jaws” (1975)
Academy Award winner for Film Editing, Original Score and Sound
Oscar nominee for Best Picture
Friday, May 4, 8 p.m., Samuel Goldwyn Theater
“Lethal Weapon” (1987)
Oscar nominee for Sound
The evening will feature a panel discussion with producer-director Richard Donner; actor Gary Busey, who played Joshua; and sound rerecording mixers Les Fresholtz and Vern Poore.
Saturday, May 5, 7 p.m., Linwood Dunn Theater
“Top Gun” (1986)
Academy Award winner for Original Song
Oscar nominee for Film Editing, Sound and Sound Effects Editing
“Platoon” (1986)
Academy Award winner for Directing, Film Editing, Best Picture and Sound
Oscar nominee for Supporting Actor (two nominations), Cinematography and Original Screenplay
Sunday, May 6, 7 p.m., Linwood Dunn Theater
“Total Recall” (1990)
Recipient of Academy Special Achievement Award – Visual Effects
Oscar nominee for Sound and Sound Effects Editing
“Speed” (1994)
Academy Award winner for Sound and Sound Effects Editing
Oscar nominee for Film Editing
The “Sound, Camera, Action!” series will culminate on May 17 with “The Sound behind the Image,” a program, hosted by Oscar-winning sound designer Ben Burtt and 19-time Academy Award-nominated sound mixer and Academy governor Kevin O’Connell. “The Sound behind the Image” will explore the extraordinary impact of sound in the history of the action-adventure genre and pay tribute to the sound design of the 1977 Oscar-winning classic “Star Wars.” A panel discussion with key members of the “Star Wars” sound crew will be moderated by O’Connell.
Tickets to each evening of the “Sound, Camera, Action!” series and “The Sound behind the Image” are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased in advance, either by mail or in person at the Academy’s ticket office, located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.
The Linwood Dunn Theater is located at the Academy’s Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study at 1313 Vine Street, Hollywood. Doors open at 6 p.m. All seating is unreserved. Free parking is available behind the building through the entrance on Homewood Avenue.
The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the May 4 screening. For more information, call (310) 247-3600.
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©A.M.P.A.S.®
Academy/UCLA Documentary Series Screening
Gets in Step with the Power of Dance
Beverly Hills, CA — Two documentary features, “Rize” and “Favela Rising,” will be screened on Wednesday, May 9, as the next installment in the 2006–2007 Contemporary Documentaries series, presented by the Academy Foundation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the UCLA Film & Television Archive. The screenings will begin at 7 p.m. at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. Admission is free.
Directed by David LaChapelle, “Rize” explores a dance phenomenon occurring in the streets of South Central Los Angeles known as “krumping.” The film focuses on a sub-community of young performers who, despite being surrounded by drug addiction, gang activity and poverty, remain optimistic and upbeat. The spirit and creativity of these krumpers allow them to rise above their environment and foster a sense of family where none existed before. “Rize” was produced by LaChapelle, Marc Hawker, Ellen Jacobson-Clarke, Richmond Talauega and Tone Talauega. Following the screening, LaChapelle will discuss the making of the film and take questions from the audience.
“Favela Rising” takes viewers to Vigario Geral, one of Rio de Janeiro’s most notorious slums, or favelas – home to teenage drug armies, ferocious violence and countless murders. In the film, one man, Anderson Sa, rallies his community to deploy music and dance as weapons against drug lords, corrupt police and the oppression of their surroundings. But just as the AfroReggae movement is showing signs of success, a tragic accident threatens its future. “Favela Rising” was directed and produced by Jeff Zimbalist and Matt Mochary.
All screenings in the series are free and open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Linwood Dunn Theater is located at the Academy’s Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study, 1313 Vine Street, at the northwest corner of Fountain Avenue and Vine Street in Hollywood. Parking is available behind the building through the entrance on Homewood Avenue, one block north of Fountain. For more information, call (310) 247-3600 or (310) 206-FILM.
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©A.M.P.A.S.®
April 17
THE SEARCH FOR THE NEW MENUDO IS ON
National Casting Comes to NEW YORK on April 28th
Reggaeton Superstar don OMAR AND renowned music manager johnny wright to judge auditions
Want to be part of the legacy that released 32 albums and sold over 20,000,000 records worldwide and sold out Radio City Music Hall for 13 consecutive nights? The search to recreate Menudo, one of the biggest and most successful Latin pop singing groups comes to New York on April 28th. The casting sessions kicked off in Los Angeles and additional castings will take place in Dallas and New York through the end of April.
When: Saturday, April 28
: Saturday, April 2811:00AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Queens Center Mall, 9015 Queens Boulevard, Elmhurst
: Queens Center Mall, 9015 Queens Boulevard, ElmhurstWho: Renowned music manager, Johnny Wright
Recording artist, Don Omar
Additional celebrity judges to be announced
Celebrity judge Don Omar, along with renowned music manager Johnny Wright and others will be on hand to audition teenage boys on their natural singing and dancing abilities, charisma and stage presence. The auditions are open to males who are at least 15 years old and appear to be less than 19 years old. All contestants will be asked to sing a song, in English or Spanish, from a pre-selected song list available on mtvtr3s.com. A legal guardian who can sign a release must accompany contestants under 18. Complete eligibility requirements are available at mtvtr3s.com.
Once selected, Menudo will be part of the Epic Records family. The partnership between Epic and Menudo kicks off with a first single in July and the group's “debut” album in December 2007.
MTV Tr3́s will chronicle the entire journey of thousands from the first audition to the last, culminating with the selection of seven finalists in “Road to Menudo” which debuts on May 12. The road continues on MTV this fall when the band will dwindle down to the five final members of the new Menudo as the channel air the 10-episode reality series (title TBD.) Reveille, producer of the two-time Golden Globe winner and Latin crossover hit “Ugly Betty,” is producing the MTV series in association with Road Games.
MENUDO’S LEGACY
Menudo was the mega group that started the boy group craze. In 1977, Edgardo Diaz formed the first Menudo in Puerto Rico. The original group consisted of two sets of brothers: Carlos, Oscar, and Ricky Melendez and Nefty and Fernando Sallaberry.
The group targeted pre-teens and young teens and had a policy that as any member turned 16 he would be replaced by a new member. More than 30 different boys made up Menudo over its years of existence. This made Menudo the only truly revolving group and gave the brand staying power in its young market.
Menudo released 32 albums and sold over 20,000,000 records worldwide.
Over the years, Menudo toured worldwide and holds numerous attendance records including 13 consecutive sellout performances at Radio City Music Hall, 200,000 fans at the soccer stadium in Rio de Janeiro, and over 500,000 at a Mexico City concert.
RICKY MARTIN REMEMBERS HIS MENUDO DAYS
During a rare break from his Blanco Y Negro tour in Guadalajara, Mexico, Ricky Martin commented about his start with Menudo and what it meant for him: "It's incredible for me - a very important time in my life. It was the beginning of my career, it was my schooling. In Menudo I learned what was discipline. I learned what it was to work in a way so intense in order to achieve something! I wish all who are involved in this project from the technical side to the talent side all the best. To the talent, take risks. Risk it, even if you think it's ridiculous! Just be yourself and don't fear what people will say - I think that's the key to success."
ABOUT DON OMAR
Without a doubt Don Omar has become one of the biggest international stars. During his triumphant musical career, The “King of Reggaeton” has traveled all over the world taking his music everywhere. During his most recent visit to Latin America Don Omar visited Chile and attended the prestigious Vina del Mar festival as the closing performer, he sang at the Estadio Nacional in front of 80,000 people and traveled to Egypt to record and film a duet with famous Egyptian singer Hakim.
Currently Don Omar is working on his English cross over; he recently filmed the video for his first English only song “Calm my Nerves” in New York City and continues working on promoting his highly successful album King of Kings: Armageddon Edition.
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SIRIUS Satellite Radio To Debut Siriusly Sinatra Channel
April 19th NEW YORK, April 17, -- SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) and the family of Frank Sinatra announced today that they will premiere their new, one-of-a-kind radio channel dedicated to the music, time and spirit of Frank Sinatra this Thursday, April 19 at 3 pm ET. The Siriusly Sinatra channel will debut with a special live performance from Frank Sinatra recorded at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas in 1966. Siriusly Sinatra will be the only channel available on radio produced by the Sinatra family and will broadcast recordings spanning Sinatra's entire career- including his extensive catalog of hits, rarities and his wonderful concerts-as well as favorite standard hits performed by other classic artists from our time. Siriusly Sinatra will be heard exclusively on Sirius Satellite Radio on channel 75. In addition to playing Sinatra's music, the Siriusly Sinatra channel will feature The Chairman's Hour, hosted by Frank himself, created by the Sinatra family and SIRIUS using archival material. Nancy Sinatra will also host The Nancy Sinatra Show, a weekly show. The launch dates of these shows will be announced shortly. Nancy Sinatra said, "My father's music finally has a home so every generation can drop by and listen to all of his wonderful music. I'm thrilled that all of dad's songs will be playing on SIRIUS around the clock" "SIRIUS is proud to work with the Sinatra family to create this truly special channel," Scott Greenstein, SIRIUS President, Entertainment and Sports, said. "Over 60 years after his first single, Frank Sinatra still thrills music fans everywhere. The Siriusly Sinatra channel is certain to be one of the jewels in the SIRIUS lineup, and it's an example of the exclusive and outstanding music programming that makes SIRIUS The Best Radio on Radio." A recipient of 13 GRAMMY(R) awards, Frank Sinatra and his recording career is unmatched in American popular music. From a recording catalog ranging from hits like "I'll Never Smile Again," which was #1 for twelve weeks in 1940, to the 1980 classic "Theme from New York, New York," few other recording artists have had the staying power of Sinatra in our shared musical experience. Reprise, the record company founded by Sinatra, recently released Sinatra: Vegas, the critically-acclaimed and best-selling box set of previously- unreleased, legendary Sinatra Las Vegas performances. Sinatra, a multi-media production, concluded a five-month engagement at the Palladium in London last year, and is scheduled to tour Europe and parts of Asia in the coming year. To learn more about SIRIUS, please visit www.sirius.com. About SIRIUS SIRIUS, "The Best Radio on Radio," delivers more than 130 channels of the best programming in all of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free music channels in satellite radio, offering 69 music channels. SIRIUS also delivers 65 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, NASCAR, NBA and NHL, and broadcasts live play-by- play games of the NFL, NBA and NHL, as well as live NASCAR races. All SIRIUS programming is available for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95. SIRIUS Internet Radio (SIR) is a CD-quality, Internet-only version of the SIRIUS radio service, without the use of a radio, for the monthly subscription fee of $12.95. SIR delivers more than 75 channels of talk, entertainment, sports, and 100% commercial free music. SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at shop.sirius.com. SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep(R), Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercury, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Rolls Royce, Scion, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Hertz also offers SIRIUS in its rental cars at major locations around the country. Click on www.sirius.com to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase a SIRIUS radio and subscription. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among the key factors that have a direct bearing on our operational results are: our dependence upon third parties, including manufacturers of SIRIUS radios, retailers, automakers and programming providers, our competitive position and any events which affect the useful life of our satellites.
April 16
HFPA ANNOUNCES TIMETABLE FOR 'THE 65TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS'
Published: April 16, 2007
April 16, 2007 - Philip Berk, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, announced the timetable for "The 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards" to be telecast Sunday, January 13, 2008 from 8-11 PM (EST) live from the Beverly Hilton on NBC.
Key dates are as follows:
October 18, 2007 (Thursday) - Final screening date for Television entries
October 19, 2007 (Friday) - Final date for press conferences for Television entries
November 9, 2007 (Friday) - Deadline for submission of Golden Globe entry forms
November 14, 2007 (Friday) 9 a.m. - Cecil B. DeMille/Miss Golden Globe Announcement
November 30, 2007 (Friday) - Deadline for nomination ballots to be mailed by Ernst & Young to all HFPA members
December 5, 2007 (Wednesday) - Final screening date for Motion Pictures
December 6, 2007 (Thursday) - Final date for Motion Picture press conferences
December 10, 2007 (Monday) - Deadline for receipt by Ernst & Young of nomination ballots
December 13, 2007 (Thursday) - 5:00 a.m. Nomination announcement of the 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards
December 14, 2007 (Friday) - Deadline for receipt of media credential applications
December 26, 2007 (Wednesday) - Final ballots mailed by Ernst & Young to all HFPA members
January 2, 2008 (Wednesday) - Deadline for receipt of publicist credential applications
January 9, 2008 (Wednesday) - Deadline for receipt by Ernst & Young of final ballots
January 13, 2008 (Sunday) - Presentation of "The 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards" Live telecast on NBC Television at 8 p.m. EST
"The 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards" will be seen in more than 150 countries worldwide and is one of the few awards ceremonies that span both television and motion picture achievements. The special will be produced by dick clark productions in association with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
ORESKABAND TO ATTEND ANIME EXPO® 2007 AS OFFICIAL GUESTS OF HONOR Nation¹s Largest Convention Teams Up with Sony Music Anaheim, California (April 13, 2007) ‹ The hottest teen girl sextet from Osaka, ORESKABAND, storms into Anime Expo® with their brand of ³entertainment ska rock² as the 2nd Guest of Honor for the highly anticipated 2007 convention June 29-July 2 at the Long Beach Convention Center. More information can be found on the website www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> . Formed in 2003, ORESKABAND is composed of middle school classmates-TOMI (bass & vocals), TAE-SAN (drums), SAKI (trumpet), MORIKO (tenor sax), LEADER (trombone) and IKASU (guitar & vocals). They began playing at local clubs and quickly built a following with their energetic live shows and colorful personalities. From performing at local venues and appearing in a TV commercial for POCKY, ORESKABAND continues to showcase their unique and fresh ³ska-pop² sound and has performed at the prestigious annual FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL. ORESKABAND kicked off their first tour starting from SXSW music festival from Austin, TX and continues to amaze American audiences throughout the U.S. ORESKABAND will be performing live at Anime Expo® 2007. ORESKABAND¹s song PINOCCHIO is the featured song for the official Anime Expo® 2007 commercial. ORESKABAND joins Mary Elizabeth McGlynn as Anime Expo® 2007 Official Guests of Honor. All registrants who register before the end of March are automatically placed into the drawing. Those who have already pre-registered are also automatically entered into this drawing. Secure pre-registration can be done via online at https://secure.rhq.com/anime/anime2007/attreg/index.cgi <file://localhost/anime/anime2007/attreg/index.cgi> . Attendees interested in booking flights, car rentals and/or other hotels for Anime Expo® 2007 can do so via the AX Travel Store located at www.AXTravelStore.com <http://www.AXTravelStore.com> . About Anime Expo® Located in Long Beach, California - Anime Expo®, the nation¹s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2007 will be held June 29 July 2, 2007 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California. SPONSORS: ADV Films, Bandai Entertainment, Copic Markers, Digital Manga, Gaia Online, Go! Media, Infinity Studios, Informasian TV (IaTV) and the Los Angeles Times. More information can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org). About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property Anime Expo®. More information can be found at its website (www.spja.org). The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Anime Expo®/SPJA¹s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. ORESKABAND official website: www.oreskaband.com
Bonhams & Butterfields Offers
Fine European Furniture and Decorative Arts
in Los Angeles on April 30
April sale brings an eclectic selection of property from around the globe including a prominent Santa Barbara philanthropist's collection
Offering a global array of works for all collecting tastes, the April 30, 2007 Bonhams & Butterfields auction of Fine European Furniture Decorative Arts and Silver in Los Angeles will showcase pieces from the 16th through 20th centuries, with origins from Paris to Russia. The sale is timed to coincide with the 12th annual Los Angeles Antique Show sponsored by the Antique Dealers Association of California, held at the Santa Monica Air Center in the Barker Hangar.
The Spring auction features a wide variety of interesting material for private and institutional collectors, dealers and those with an eye for quality and the whimsical -- from two wonderful imposing Regency mahogany wine coolers to a 19th century bone ship model of a man'o'war. Highlights from the 560-lot sale include furnishing and decorations from the estate of Ernestine Koska Smith of Santa Barbara and other owners with a diverse selection of English, French, Italian, Spanish, KPM German porcelain, clocks, silver by Georg Jensen and other prominent makers, garden furniture, architectural elements, carvings and Continental automotons.
The crown jewel of the English section is a fine George III breakfront bookcase (est. $20/30,000). Highly sought after for residential or corporate interiors, this outstanding breakfront bookcase successfully blends design and handcrafted skill of the highest order with premium grade timbers and embellishments. On the block during the Continental section is a selection of eight KPM Berlin porcelain plaques. Estimates for these colorful and intricately painted panels range from $3,000 to $30,000. Varying in subject matter from beautiful exotic women to Biblical scenes, the 19x16 inch works should peak collector interest.
In the French section of the sale is a rare late 19th century clock of gilt, silvered brass and rouge marble in the shape of an industrial weather station -- said to illustrate Europe's fascination with the life and times of the industrial revolution." With a working automaton steam engine, it is expected to bring $6,000 to $8,000. Also on offer will be a large selection of Louis XV and XVI style decorative works and furnishings including several pieces by Francois Linke, F Barbedienne and G. Durand (estimates range from $3,000 to $80,000) highlighted by a late 19th century French gilt bronze mounted and paint decorated Linke cabinet (est. $60/80,000).
From the Netherlands comes an 18th century inlaid walnut automaton tall case clock by Henricus Van Vlymen Amsteldam (est. $12/15,000). The painted automaton dial depicts a mythological scene of vessels at sea with Perseus riding Pegasus in flight, Cupid in pursuit, the figures of Mercury and Neptune, and a small town in the background. The nine-foot tall clock is expected to garner interest from Antique Show attendees and collectors alike.
The April sale will feature a large collection of property from the Estate of Ernestine Koska Smith, a prominent Santa Barbara resident. Smith was born in 1919 in Zanesville, Ohio. She attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). She and her family went on to live in York, Pennsylvania and Palm Beach, Florida, before settling in Montecito, California in the 1970s. Smith held a seat on the Board of Directors for the St. Francis Hospital in Santa Barbara. As a world traveler and connoisseur of the arts, her Estate's property features a range of offerings including two large Regency carved mahogany wine coolers (est. $8/12,000 and $12/18,000) and a selection of 18th century Sevres porcelain. Considered plain by later tastes, several of the porcelain pieces were repainted a vivid canary yellow in the 19th century (estimates range from $400 to $800).
The sale also features a strong Italian section of furnishings and decorative arts. A magnificent Baroque shell and ivory inlayed walnut secretary bookcase from Milan highlights the offerings. Made in the late 17th century, both the upper and lower cases are decorated with classical figures and fabulous beasts. The piece stands more than eight feet tall and is estimated to bring $60,000 to $80,000 on April 30th.
A selection of carvings from around the globe will be included in the sale. For the garden is a set of four imposing carved marble figures of the Four Seasons (est. $40/60,000). Of interest is a private collection of finely carved French and German ivory figures depicting people in elegant attire and mythological subjects. Also on offer is an unusual polychrome decorated carved wood near life-size automaton chestnut vendor from the second half of the 19th century with moving eyes and head and a working oven (est. $10/15,000). Black Forest furniture includes a late 19th century carved eagle attributed to Swiss artist Alfred Stähli. Standing very patriotic at nearly three-feet tall, each of the eagle's feathers is carved with painstaking detail (est. $4/6,000).
Additional highlights from the sale include: an unusually large and colorful Crown Darby porcelain dessert service with more than 18 plates (est. $4/6,000); four services of stunning Georg Jensen silver (estimates range from $6,000 to $15,000); an 18th century Flemish Baroque garden tapestry (est. $6/8,000); a bone model of a 19th century thirty-four gun war ship more than 4 ft-8inches in length (est. $8/12,000); a George III silver four-arm five basket epergne by Robert Hennell, London, 1781 with armorial (est. $15/20,000); a pair of 19th Venetian polychrome decorated carved pine console tables each supported by a vibrantly painted harlequin and masquerader (est. $20/30,000) along with other Venetian Grotto style furnishings and decorative items.
Previews of the property will open to the pubic April 27-29, or by appointment during the 12th annual Los Angeles Antique Show. For Los Angeles clients and Show attendees, private appointments will be available in addition to the adjusted preview hours -- Friday, April 27, Saturday 28th open 10am-5pm each day- Sunday, April 29, open: 12 noon-5pm. Auction starts 10am Monday 30th April
April 12
OLIVIA MOJICA MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST "AMERICAN IDOL" CONTESTANT TO GO HARDCORE
“Hardcore Idol” to be in Stores on May 3rd – Beautiful brunette singer Olivia Mojica just missed becoming a finalist on “American Idol,” but she will now show she can go all the way in another field – the first contestant on the show to make a hardcore sex video.
A Texas native, the vivacious, green-eyed Mojica is the latest celebrity to see a video she recently made with her boyfriend find its way into the public arena and get broad distribution from Vivid Entertainment, the world's leading adult film company. The DVD will be in stores across the country on May 3rd. Vivid is the same firm that is currently distributing the blockbuster sex video made by sultry socialite Kim Kardashian and R&B artist Ray J.
“We have a great combination here. ‘American Idol’ may be the most popular show in the history of television. Olivia is really cute, the sex is really hot and there is much controversy surrounding the show,” said Steven Hirsch, co-chairman of Vivid. “If she was in the adult business, she would be an instant superstar.”
Mojica was ranked as one of the “best of the rest” in the second season of the wildly popular Fox TV show “American Idol,” when she was just 18. She performed last on March 3, 2003, singing “Because You Loved Me” made popular by Celine Dion, but lost out to a field that included Ruben Studdard, Corey Clark and Clay Aiken. She is currently singing at clubs and other venues across the country as well as working on a full length album which is expected to be in stores nationwide in the first quarter of 2008.
The video, which Mojica made with her boyfriend Adam Roberts a month ago in her New York City apartment, was obtained by Vivid, which is currently trying to contact Mojica to see if she will help promote the video and share in revenue from its sale.
A bit of scandal seems to surround the “American Idol” show each season. This year it to revolves around Sanjaya Malakar who may be getting votes generated by Howard Stern, despite of his lack of singing ability. Olivia Mojica’s role in the show’s history is bound to be noted as well.
About Vivid:
The Vivid Entertainment Group is the world’s leading adult film company. Founded in 1984, Vivid pioneered the “Vivid Girl” concept, under which top adult film stars are signed to exclusive agreements that are styled on the old Hollywood contract star system. Vivid has always placed heavy emphasis on high quality erotic film entertainment for the couples market. It has created wide brand-name awareness through its films and through a licensing and marketing program that extends to advertising, apparel, book publishing, virility supplements, condoms, snowboards, calendars and comic books. The company is known for its innovative technological advances such as full function DVDs, a fast growing wireless program that is already active in 20 countries, its Burn-to-DVD technology and its popular website www.vivid.com. On April 11th Vivid will be the first adult company to release a movie on both HD DVD and Blu-ray with “Debbie Does Dallas …Again.” Vivid is a major supplier of content for pay-per-view networks in North America and internationally. The best selling hardcover book How to Have a XXX Sex Life: The Ultimate Vivid Guide, was co-authored by the Vivid Girls and published by HarperCollins.
The company started the Vivid-Alt imprint in 2006 which is headed by Eon McKai, alt-porn’s dominant icon. McKai has been widely credited as the founder of this new and edgy film genre. He has been profiled in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Village Voice. Visit Vivid-Alt’s popular website www.vividalt.com. Tristan Taormino, popular columnist with The Village Voice and an award-winning director has also launched a Vivid-Ed imprint for the company. Visit www.vivid-ed.com
LAMAR ODOM’S RICH SOIL ENTERTAINMENT SHOWCASE
A Night of Music and Fashion at Air Conditioned Supper Club
WHAT: Last night, Wednesday April 11th, LA Lakers starting forward, Lamar Odom hosted a private showcase for his eponymous record label, Rich Soil Entertainment at Air Conditioned Supper Club in Venice . The intimate event featured an exclusive performance by Rich Soil’s leading solo artist, Ali Vegas. 2006 Justos Mixtape Award winner DJ Superstar Jay kept the tunes cranking behind the ones and twos.
NBA players, sports execs, and music and fashion industry heavyweights mixed and mingled in the candle lit bar while enjoying specialty cocktails and delectable appetizers such as Tuna Tartar Sliders, Bite-Size Angus Burgers, Jumbo Grilled Shrimp Skewers and Sweet Potato and Classic French Fries. Partygoers enjoyed the outdoor patio lounge featuring hand-rolled cigars.
Fashionistas previewed Odom’s premiere clothing line, “Son of Man,” which fuses sports, hip-hop and spiritual aesthetics. This active wear collection, consisting of inspirational pieces such as the Angel Hoodie and Honor, Faith, Revelation, Cross, Son of Man and Jesus Tees, were modeled throughout the evening. The t - shirts modeled at the event will be available for purchase at Up Against The Wall stores ( Beverly Center and Fox Hills locations) as well as at www.lamarodom.com.
WHO: Host: Lamar Odom. Marques Houston (Artist), Omarion (Artist), Carson Daly. Marcellus Wiley ( Jacksonville Jaguars Lineman), Chris Stokes (B2K Music Producer), First Cousins (Artists), Slim the Mobster (Artist), LA Lakers: Maurice Evans, Jordan Farmar, Smush Parker, Ronny Turiaf, and Shammond Williams. More names to come…
Special Performance by: Ali Vegas (Rich Soil Artist), DJ Superstar Jay
WHERE: Air Conditioned Supper Club
625 Lincoln Blvd.
Venice , California
MORE: The Showcase benefited Odom’s Foundation, Kathy’s Kids, a 501C3 benefiting disadvantaged youth and providing opportunity in the LA and NYC communities.
VEOH ANNOUNCES NEW "HOME DELIVERY" SERVICE
New Veoh Feature Allows Remote Download of Online Video LOS ANGELES, CA (April 12, 2007) - Veoh Networks (www.veoh.com), the leading innovator in Internet television, today announced that a new, pioneering feature has been added to their unique Veoh Player - Home Delivery.
Veoh's Home Delivery feature gives users the freedom to browse and select video content at any time, from any place with an Internet connection, and have it waiting on their hard drive's Veoh Player when they are ready to view it. For instance, Veoh users can now browse and select content while still at work, and have it downloaded and ready to watch once they get home. Using Home Delivery to select and send videos to a remote Veoh Player avoids any downloading time, allowing users more time and flexibility to enjoy their videos in full-screen, DVD-quality.
"We believe that Home Delivery represents the next step in the evolution of Internet television: First we rented videos; then we had them delivered by mail; now Veoh users can push videos directly to their hard-drives from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection," said Dmitry Shapiro, CEO of Veoh Networks.
To access Home Delivery, users need simply log on to their Veoh account from any computer and enable the Home Delivery feature. Then, once they have "turned on" Home Delivery at any other computers they use, viewers can automatically send and save videos to them, remotely. Home Delivery is free and requires only that users register on Veoh.com and download the Veoh Player to use it. The Player is a free, quick-to-download desktop application that turns users' hard drives into virtual DVRs, allowing users to download and save videos to a virtual library to watch at their leisure, with or without an Internet connection.
About Veoh Networks
Veoh Networks is a new, innovative Internet television broadcasting system that delivers broadcast-quality entertainment and informational content via the Internet, using unique distribution technologies to allow for unlimited capacity for both long- and short-form programming. Veoh allows content producers from major entertainment studios and television networks to independent video producers and enthusiasts to deliver high-quality, full-screen video directly to consumers without financial, geographical or capacity restrictions found in traditional broadcasting systems. This democratization of video distribution fundamentally changes the dynamics of television, creating unprecedented choice for consumers and a compelling marketplace for content providers and advertisers. Headquartered in San Diego , California with additional offices in Los Angeles , Veoh Networks is privately held company that is backed by leading technology and media investors, including Spark Capital, Michael Eisner's Tornante Company, Time Warner Inc. and Shelter Capital Partners.
Veoh Networks is a new, innovative Internet television broadcasting system that delivers broadcast-quality entertainment and informational content via the Internet, using unique distribution technologies to allow for unlimited capacity for both long- and short-form programming. Veoh allows content producers from major entertainment studios and television networks to independent video producers and enthusiasts to deliver high-quality, full-screen video directly to consumers without financial, geographical or capacity restrictions found in traditional broadcasting systems. This democratization of video distribution fundamentally changes the dynamics of television, creating unprecedented choice for consumers and a compelling marketplace for content providers and advertisers. Headquartered in San Diego , California with additional offices in Los Angeles , Veoh Networks is privately held company that is backed by leading technology and media investors, including Spark Capital, Michael Eisner's Tornante Company, Time Warner Inc. and Shelter Capital Partners.
April 11
Nashville Records(TM) Announces Name & Ticker Symbol Change
Nashville Records, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: NSHV) is proud to announce the official name change and new ticker symbol change. The new ticker symbol is: NSHV.
Nashville Records, Inc. President, Gene Sibbett, says, "We were hoping for a great symbol that would represent Nashville Records and the first thing that came to my mind upon receiving the email from the NASDAQ was 'it can't get much better than this.'"
The Company has held off on some of its news and plans until several items could be established; namely the symbol change and further contracts to completion. Sibbett commented that the changes make the company feel less encumbered and the communication to the Investor Relations will open up more, which in turn will result in better communication to the investors. He did however caution that there are numerous negotiations with artists, production firms, movie companies, joint ventures, and industry executives, and that the company will only release the information as these items come to complete fruition.
Sibbett claims there are literally hundreds of independent labels who know that marketing and distribution is 99% of their challenge yet they rarely crack it. He says these labels would love to get their hands on Nashville Records' distribution and marketing deals. Sibbett says these strategies will never be disclosed and encourages all investors to not recommend nor discuss Nashville Records' plans. "We get emails every day from someone wishing to know our strategy... They AIN'T gettin' it," he says.
Nashville Records, Inc. is a Nashville-based record label located in the heart of Music Row. The key management and advisors were industry-retired individuals that were dissatisfied with the direction in which the music industry was headed. In the past, this combined management team is credited with sales of well into the billions of dollars and has been responsible for hundreds of charted hits.
Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this press release that relate to the Company's expectations with regard to the future impact on the Company's results are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements in this document may also contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Since this information may contain statements that involve risk and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the Company's actual results may differ materially from expected results.
Emmy(R) Award Winner Kirstie Alley ('Cheers') Stars In and Executive Produces the Lifetime Original Movie 'Write & Wrong,' (Formerly 'And She Was') About a Middle-Aged Screenwriter Whose Script-Selling Scheme to Beat Hollywood's Youth Obsession Goes Awry
Kirstie Alley ("Cheers," "Fat Actress") stars in and executive produces the upcoming Lifetime Original Movie "Write & Wrong" (formerly "And She Was"), a satiric comedy about a middle-aged screenwriter who learns she is all washed up in Hollywood because she is considered too old. She enlists the help of her 20-something nephew who passes himself off as the writer of her scripts. But when he falls in love with a studio executive, her plan to reveal that she is, in fact, the talented wordsmith, is jeopardized. "Write & Wrong" will premiere Sunday, June 3 at 8:00 PM (ET/PT) on Lifetime Television. The movie will be followed by the premiere of the new Lifetime series "Army Wives" starring Kim Delaney and Catherine Bell at 10:00 PM (ET/PT).
In "Write & Wrong," Birdie Langdon (Alley) is an Academy Award(R)-winning writer approaching her 50th birthday who gets continually stonewalled finding work in an industry that prizes youth above all else. In desperation, she dreams up a plan to have her attractive car-salesman nephew Neil (Eric Christian Olsen, "The Loop," "Tru Calling") pose as a screenwriter using her scripts. The ruse succeeds perfectly. But just as Birdie begins to feel twinges of conscience, Neil falls for a studio development executive named Andrea. If Birdie decides to expose the deception, it could cost Neil his budding relationship and Andrea her job. While she struggles with her quandary, Birdie discovers for herself, and demonstrates to others, that being a woman of a certain age does not mean life is over, and that there are second chances for everyone.
Kirstie Alley's career has been punctuated by multiple awards and success in top-grossing films and highly acclaimed television programs. Alley most recently appeared in her own Showtime series "Fat Actress" and the television movies "Family Sins" and "While I Was Gone." She is best known for her portrayal of Rebecca Howe on NBC's "Cheers," for which she won Emmy(R), Golden Globe(R), and People's Choice(R) Awards during her six years on the hit comedy. Other television credits include "Veronica's Closet," the CBS movie "David's Mother," for which she won an Emmy(R) and two miniseries "The Last Don" and "Salem Witch Trials." In 2003, Alley portrayed the mentally disabled Donna Lee Shelby Thornton in the CBS film "Profoundly Normal." Alley's film credits include "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," "Look Who's Talking," "Look Who's Talking Too," "Look Who's Talking Now," "Deconstructing Harry," "Drop Dead Gorgeous" and "For Richer or Poorer."
Eric Christian Olsen was most recently seen in the FOX series "The Loop" and had a recurring role on "Tru Calling." He will soon be seen in the feature films "License to Wed" and "The Comebacks." His additional film credits include "The Last Kiss" with Zach Braff, "Beerfest," "Cellular," "Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd," "The Hot Chick," "Local Boys," "Not Another Teen Movie" and "Pearl Harbor."
"Write & Wrong" is produced by Jaffe/Braunstein Films for Lifetime Television. Executive producers are Howard Braunstein, Michael Jaffe (Lifetime's "Not Like Everyone Else" and "Odd Girl Out"), Richard Fischoff (Lifetime's "For One Night") and Kirstie Alley. Graeme Clifford ("Profoundly Normal") directs from a script written by George Beckerman ("Man of the People").
Lifetime is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, Lifetime is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. Lifetime Television, LMN, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment and Lifetime Online (www.lifetimetv.com) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.
Source: Lifetime Television
Web site: http://www.lifetimetv.com/
Independent Music Artists Level the R&B/Hip-Hop/Rap Playing Fields
-- Atlanta is filled with hip-hop heavyweights, but creative R&B/hip-hop singer Ariel Glover (http://www.myspace.com/arielglover) and his brother, the radical rap/hip-hop artist Jonathan " G-Lover" Glover (http://www.myspace.com/atlglover), are standing out from the crowd. The two use the SNOCAP Digital Registry in conjunction with MySpace.com to sell their music and get closer to their fans.
Both of the Atlanta-based music artists have taken advantage of SNOCAP's online distribution deals with online services and retailers to create virtual MySpace music stores. Current and new fans can now go directly to the brothers' MySpace Web pages to sample and buy music as well as share comments and feedback as MySpace friends.
"With the recent decline in traditional CD sales in record stores and the ever-increasing number of music consumers buying on the Internet, independent artists like us are in a better position to manage our success and get our slice of the big money pie," said Ariel Glover. Glover (artist photo: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2007-ArielGlover.jpg) is a professional singer, songwriter, vocal coach and producer. He specializes in R&B, hip-hop, inspirational and soul, and his singing style is described as a blend of Luther Vandross, Brian McKnight and Donny Hathaway.
G-Lover (artist photo: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2007-GLover.jpg) acquired an early exposure and love for music through church involvement at his childhood home in Memphis, Tenn. At the age of 14, he proclaimed that he would pursue a career as a rapper and now melds his lyrical skills with positive messages of social consciousness. "The freedom to communicate directly with my fan base is a dream come true," G-Lover said. "I want my fans to always feel close to my music. As music artists, we spend countless long and hard hours creating songs for our fans. The comfort of knowing I have an avenue to distribute my music around the world is truly a blessing."
Both Glover and G-Lover believe in connecting beat-oriented modern styles with the old-school melodies of their genres. By cultivating and mastering the new and the old school, they have devised innovative styles through which they aspire to create timeless songs that reach across social, ethnic and geographic boundaries.
The two independent music artists are no strangers to entrepreneurial and musical success. Previously, they collaborated with another singer on a CD, which sold a large number of units in the U.S. and overseas markets through their online marketing efforts. "We're forecasting big things with this new SNOCAP online distribution deal," said Ariel Glover. "We are positioning ourselves for superstardom success in the very near future." The SNOCAP registry and distribution channels are also being used by both major and independent record labels.
The MySpace song tracks can be downloaded for $0.99 each, and purchasers can listen to full-length versions of featured songs or excerpts of any song before buying. To learn more or buy music, visit http://www.myspace.com/arielglover and http://www.myspace.com/atlglover.
Contact:
Ariel A. Glover
(770) 896-6521
gloverariel@yahoo.com
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.
Source: Ariel Glover
CONTACT: Ariel A. Glover, +1-770-896-6521, gloverariel@yahoo.com
Web site: http://www.myspace.com/arielglover
http://www.myspace.com/atlglover
Carrie Underwood's 'Wasted' Becomes the Best New Artist GRAMMY Winner's 4th Consecutive #1 Country Single! 'Before He Cheats,' Carrie's Third #1, Now a Hot AC Top 10 and on the Air at MTV!
NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Double-GRAMMY winner and reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Carrie Underwood is atop the country airplay charts once again this week as her fourth single, "Wasted," follows the #1 success of "Jesus, Take the Wheel," "Don't Forget to Remember Me," and "Before He Cheats." With "Wasted," Carrie becomes the first female country artist in the monitored era to achieve four #1 singles from her debut album. She joins superstar labelmates Alan Jackson and Brooks & Dunn as the three most recent artists in country music to enjoy this remarkable feat on their first album.
Even as "Wasted" becomes country radio's most-played song in the nation, Carrie's third smash, "Before He Cheats," is now powering its way up the Hot AC chart, entering the Top 10 this week. This marks the first time a solo country female has hit the Hot AC Top 10 since Faith Hill's "The Way You Love Me" in December of 2000!
MTV wants its Carrie Underwood, too, as the Oklahoma beauty and GRAMMY- winning Best New Artist sees the video for "Before He Cheats" newly added into MTV rotation. Remarkably, Carrie becomes the first country artist to hit MTV since 1999's Shania Twain smash, "Man, I Feel Like a Woman."
The singles are all from Underwood's unstoppable 19 Recordings/Arista debut disc, Some Hearts, now RIAA-certified 5x Platinum.
Fans can also be looking for a cover feature on Carrie in the May issue of Cosmopolitan, on sale now.
Source: Arista Records
Web site: http://www.jrecords.com/
Las Vegas Hilton Signs Diana Krall to Four Exclusive Las Vegas Performances Grammy Winning Artist Performs June 14-17
LAS VEGAS, April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Las Vegas Hilton has signed Grammy winner Diana Krall to her first Las Vegas appearance, with the popular entertainer performing four nights, June 14 -17 in the legendary Hilton Theater -- featuring The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra -- it was announced today by Las Vegas Hilton executives.
"Diana Krall is an incredible talent, and we're delighted that the Las Vegas Hilton will be the site of her Las Vegas debut," said Ken Ciancimino, the resort's executive vice president. "Diana continues the Las Vegas Hilton tradition of bringing great entertainment to the next level." This exclusive engagement also marks the start of her three-month long U.S. tour in support of her latest release, From This Moment On (Verve).
From This Moment On, both in songs, mood and delivery, reflects Krall's personal love for that golden era of song-making, when Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole were in their prime. The Hilton engagement is one of only two exclusive performances featuring Krall with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, which also was featured on the album.
In 1993, Krall released her first album, Stepping Out, which she recorded with John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton. Her third, All for You: A Dedication to the Nat King Cole Trio (1996), was nominated for a Grammy and continued for 70 weeks on the Billboard jazz charts. She has won two Grammys, one for "Best Jazz Vocal Performance" (1999) for When I Look In Your Eyes (the first ever Jazz record nominated for "Best Album") and the other for "Best Jazz Vocal Album" (2002) for Live in Paris.
Krall has transcended the barriers of genre to become a popular artist who has carved herself a permanent position at the top of the jazz charts.
Diana Krall will perform June 14-17 at 8 p.m. in the Hilton Theater. Tickets are Golden Circle $125.00 (plus tax and service charge); Remaining Front Orchestra $115.00 (plus tax and service charge); Rear Orchestra $105.00 (plus tax and service charge); and Balcony $95.00 (plus tax and service charge). Tickets can be purchased at the Las Vegas Hilton box office or by logging onto www.lvhilton.com, www.ticketmaster.com, or www.Vegas.com or by phone at 702-732-5755 or 1-800-222-5361. Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 14 at 10:00 a.m.
Source: Las Vegas Hilton
April 10
HOME MEDIA MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES THE THIRD ANNUAL LATINO DVD AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCES THE THIRD ANNUAL LATINO DVD AWARD WINNERS
West Hollywood, Calif. (April 10, 2007) — One of Xenon Pictures’s most popular telenovelas took top honors at the third annual Latino DVD Awards, presented April 10 in West Hollywood, Calif.
La Madrastra, a Televisa production distributed by Xenon Pictures and Vivendi Visual Entertainment, was named best of show among the seven other Latino DVDs honored during the ceremony, presented by Home Media Magazine to recognize achievements in the rapidly growing Latino DVD market. Vivendi Visual Entertainment won another award in the Best TV DVD category for their Palm Pictures’ production of the gritty Brazilian series City of Men.
, a Televisa production distributed by Xenon Pictures and Vivendi Visual Entertainment, was named best of show among the seven other Latino DVDs honored during the ceremony, presented by to recognize achievements in the rapidly growing Latino DVD market. Vivendi Visual Entertainment won another award in the Best TV DVD category for their Palm Pictures’ production of the gritty Brazilian series .
Laguna Productions walked away with two awards: La Tragedia de Marcario won for Best Nontheatrical and Tizoc, Amor Indio won for Best Classic/Catalog.
Other winners, selected by a panel of entertainment journalists and critics by Home Media Magazine, are:
Best Theatrical — La Mujer de Mi Hermano, Lionsgate
Best Children’s DVD — Dora the Explorer: World Adventure!, Paramount Home Entertainment
Best Music DVD — Alex Lora: Esclavo del Rocanrol, Desert Mountain Media
Best Bonus Materials/Special Features — Solo Con Tú Pareja, Image Entertainment
The winners were chosen from more than 40 entries submitted by suppliers, producers and distributors of Latino-related DVDs. All titles released in calendar 2006 were eligible.
The Latino DVD Awards were part of Latino DVD 4: The Fourth Annual Latino DVD Conference, produced by Home Media Magazine in cooperation with DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group, the Entertainment Merchants Association and The Hollywood Reporter. The conference attracted more than 150 attendees, including top executives with such key studios as HBO Video, Warner Home Video and Laguna Productions, Inc.
Home Media Magazine is the leading business-to-business publication serving the home entertainment market. The weekly tabloid is published by Questex Media Group, Inc.
is the leading business-to-business publication serving the home entertainment market. The weekly tabloid is published by Questex Media Group, Inc.
Viacom and Yahoo! Strike Multi-Year Search Marketing Deal Yahoo! to be Exclusive Provider of Sponsored Search and Contextual Ads Across MTVN and BETN Global Websites
Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) and Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) today announced a multi-year partnership under which Yahoo! will serve as the exclusive provider of sponsored search and contextual ads to all of Viacom's 33 broadband sites, including MTV.com, VH1.com, Nickelodeon.com, comedycentral.com and BET.com, with potential expansion to more than 140 additional Viacom websites across the globe. The ads will be powered by Yahoo!'s newly launched search marketing system, known by its project name "Panama".
Philippe Dauman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viacom, said, "This far reaching partnership brings together world-class content and technology for the benefit of users and advertisers alike. Yahoo! has made impressive strides with its new search marketing system. As a global leader in content for every screen and platform, we couldn't be more pleased to have them as a partner and we look forward to growing our relationship even more over time."
Yahoo! provides search marketing products and services to hundreds of thousands of advertisers in 22 countries worldwide. Currently available in the U.S., Yahoo!'s new search marketing system is designed to deliver even more relevant sponsored search and contextual ad results to users. By encouraging advertisers to focus on the quality of their sponsored search and contextual advertisements, Yahoo!'s new system creates a more valuable marketplace for users, advertisers and publishers.
"Viacom is a global leader in entertainment that shares Yahoo!'s commitment to connecting users to the content, products and services for which they are looking while respecting copyrights and other intellectual property rights at the same time," said Terry Semel, chairman and chief executive officer, Yahoo! Inc. "Aligning Viacom's popular brands, leading content and large audience with Yahoo!'s more targeted, relevant advertising, marks the beginning of a powerful and engaging partnership between our two companies."
"Our strategy is to provide our audiences with the most immersive entertainment experience possible - on every platform, and this deal with Yahoo! increases the monetization of our growing online portfolio," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks.
Viacom is the number-one online entertainment destination and the 11th most-popular overall destination on the Web. In February 2007, more than 90 million unique viewers flocked to Viacom's online properties, which include an array of MTVN and BETN Web sites, as well as its other online properties (according to Internal Web Analytics Tracking and duplication from comScore Media Metrix February 2007). The company's sites continue to hit new highs in traffic and streaming video. MTV.com delivered a record 84 million streams in January, exceeded that mark in February with 85.1 million streams and again in March set a new record with 93.1 million. MTV.com also delivered a record 25.6 million unique visitors in March. Also in March, Nickelodeon's online properties had their strongest monthly performance, with Nick.com pulling in almost 19 million unique users and TurboNick posted more than 80 million streams. comedycentral.com had its best month ever for total traffic in March, with 10.7 million unique visitors.
About Yahoo!
Yahoo! Inc. is a leading global Internet brand and one of the most trafficked Internet destinations worldwide. Yahoo!'s mission is to connect people to their passions, their communities, and the world's knowledge. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.
About Viacom
Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands. Engaging its audiences through television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom seeks to reach its audiences however they consume content. Viacom's leading brands include the multiplatform properties of MTV Networks, including MTV: Music Television, VH1, CMT: Country Music Television, Logo, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, and more than 130 networks around the world, as well as digital assets such as MTV.com, comedycentral.com, VSPOT, TurboNick, Neopets, Xfire and iFilm; BET Networks; Paramount Pictures; DreamWorks; and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com/.
Source: Viacom
Web site: http://www.viacom.com/
Growing Spanish TV Network Takes Another Big Step Towards National Coverage; LAT TV(TM) Expands From Five Stations in Texas and Arizona to 22 Other Cities
-- LatinAmerica Broadcasting Inc. a general entertainment Spanish language broadcaster located in Houston, Texas, announced today it has entered into an affiliate agreement with Equity Media Holdings, Corporation, headquartered in Little Rock, to launch its widely appealing content in 22 additional markets increasing its geographic coverage across the U.S. This move brings LAT TV(TM) closer to its goal of becoming a full broadcast network reaching 70% of the Nielsen DMA coverage within the next two years. Under FCC definitions, LAT TV(TM) is considered a network as it offers an interconnected program service on a regular basis for 15 or more hours per week to at least 25 of its affiliated television licensees in 10 or more States.
LAT TV(TM) debuted on May 19, 2006 in Houston (KCVH-30), Dallas/Fort Worth (KJJM-34), Phoenix (KVPA-42), Austin (KVAT-17) and San Antonio (KISA-40) -- four of which are in the top ten Hispanic designated market areas (DMA) -- serving 5.2 million Hispanics and 17.4 percent of the U.S. Latino population ages 18-49.
On May 30th, LAT TV(TM) launch cities include Atlanta, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Denver, Seattle and Portland as well as certain parts of California and Florida. "Three years ago we set out to build a new Hispanic network knowing that we would need to partner with groups like Equity Media Holdings," says Rocky Springstead CEO and President. "We are pleased to be doing business with a group that will assist us with the growth of our network as we extend our brand across the country."
LAT TV(TM) provides a compelling addition to the current Hispanic broadcasting landscape and expects to reach 40% Nielsen coverage by early 2008. With the initial five stations, launched in May '06 and the additional 22-market expansion, LAT TV(TM) is positioned to become the 4th largest Hispanic TV broadcasting group in terms of DMA coverage in less than two years.
LAT TV's(TM) rapid growth stems from several key factors: an experienced management team, an emphasis on consistent programming, and a lean and efficient cost structure.
The company has built an infrastructure with a network operations center in Houston that includes state of the art systems to manage traffic and sales across the network. To date, the company has successfully gained cable carriage in three of its markets -- San Antonio and Austin on Grande Communications and in Phoenix on Qwest Communications -- and plans to be on cable in all five of the original markets by summer 2007.
The Company is developing marketing and sales campaigns with cable and satellite operators that build local subscriptions and viewers in the process. "Our business model is built upon increasing viewers' mind share through their association with LAT TV(TM) creating a very pleasant and enjoyable experience," states Springstead.
LAT TV's(TM) infrastructure has been built upon a solid foundation of cooperation and partnership with its content suppliers, advertisers and signal distributors. Larry Morton, Chairman and CEO and President of Equity Media Holdings, Corp., says, "Equity Media Holdings is pleased to have LatinAmerica Broadcasting Inc. LAT TV(TM) join our broadcast family as they bring programming that viewers will want to welcome into their homes."
LAT TV(TM) offers viewers fresh Spanish language programming that addresses the changing and growing Hispanic market of the United States. Springstead emphasizes, "This is a very large market for us to address and serve. LAT TV(TM) offers content that is appealing to all Hispanic/Latinos living in the U.S. We believe that our rapid growth and recent success is a testament to our partnering strategy and our willingness to think outside the box."
LAT TV(TM) currently has 65 employees, with 35 located in sales offices in the 5 markets, and 30 located in the Houston headquarters and network operations center.
Source: LatinAmerica Broadcasting Inc.
The Entertainment Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk For Women Celebrates 14 Years in Los Angeles on May 12 Revlon Spokesperson Sheryl Crow & Michael Chiklis Will Host Annual Fundraising Event Along With Special Guest Mandy Moore
-- Since the inception of the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Revlon Run/Walk For Women in Los Angeles fourteen years ago, cancer research, treatment and prevention has -- like for the thousands of Run/Walk participants -- come a long way.
The 2007 cancer statistics reported the American Cancer Society provides some hopeful news for women. The incidence rates (the rate at which new cancers are diagnosed) have decreased for ovarian, uterine and cervical cancers and have stabilized for breast cancer. Even more promising, death rates for cervical and breast cancer -- the most frequently diagnosed cancers for women -- have been steadily declining since 1990. As ACS reports, "These decreases are due to a combination of early detection and improved treatment."
Thanks to the unwavering support of some 90,000 men, women and children who participate in these New York and Los Angeles annual events, EIF's Revlon Run/Walk for Women grants have helped fund cutting-edge research -- research that contributed to the development of the breakthrough gene treatment Herceptin(R), as well as other targeted therapies, bringing new and innovative treatment approaches to women's cancers worldwide. To date, nearly $45 million has been distributed, in addition to funding life-saving research, grants made also support a number of caring organizations that provide education, advocacy and outreach services to those affected by women's cancers.
This year's Run/Walk, an Entertainment Industry Foundation event in Los Angeles, will take place on Mother's Day Weekend, Saturday, May 12 (the New York fundraiser takes place on Saturday, May 5), beginning and ending at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. With participation expected from more than 50,000 men, women and children, the 2007 Run/Walk in L.A. will be hosted by Revlon spokesperson Sheryl Crow and Michael Chiklis along with special guest Mandy Moore.
The Entertainment Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk For Women was created through the combined efforts of Lilly Tartikoff, Ronald O. Perelman and EIF. They have grown each year to rank among the largest 5K events in the U.S. (the L.A. event is now the biggest fundraiser of its kind for women's cancers in the nation).
"During its fourteen years in L.A., the Run/Walk has seen millions of dollars raised, and put to good use. We're proud of facilitating progress in cancer research and education during this time, and look forward to making even greater strides in the years ahead," stated Ronald O. Perelman, chairman of Revlon, Inc., co-founder of the Run/Walk and co-founder of the Revlon/UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program.
"Every year we see an outpouring of support from our community, support that has made a huge difference in the fight against women's cancers. My heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone who has joined us in the past and to those who will cross the finish line with us this year," says Lilly Tartikoff, co-founder of the event and co-founder of the Revlon/UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program.
"We applaud the entertainment community, all of the employees working at the studios, networks, guilds, union, agencies and other entertainment services, for playing such a lead role in the continued success of Run/Walk, and we are truly overwhelmed by the tremendous support of the hundreds of thousands of people who take part in this empowering event," stated Lisa Paulsen, CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation and co-founder of the event.
This year's 2007 beneficiaries of the L.A. Run/Walk include: the Revlon/UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program; The Actors Fund -- Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative; AltaMed Health Services Corporation; Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research & Training; Cedars-Sinai Gilda Radner Cancer Detection Program; Citrus Valley Medical Center's Cancer Resource Center; John Wayne Cancer Institute; Los Angeles Breast Cancer Alliance; National Women's Cancer Research Alliance; Providence Saint Joseph Foundation; Team Survivor Los Angeles; T.H.E. (To Help Everyone) Clinic, Inc.; UCLA Digital Mammography Program; USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital Women's Cancer Program; The Wellness Community; weSPARK Cancer Support Center; and Women of Color Breast Cancer Survivors' Support Project.
The Entertainment Industry Foundation, as a philanthropic leader of the entertainment industry, has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars and provided countless volunteer hours to raise awareness and funds for critical health, education and social issues. For more information please visit www.eifoundation.org.
Revlon is a worldwide cosmetics, skin care, fragrance, and personal care products company. The Company's vision is to deliver the promise of beauty through creating and developing the most consumer preferred brands. The Company's brands include Revlon(R), Almay(R), Ultima(R), Charlie(R), Flex(R) and Mitchum(R). Revlon has championed women's health by devoting financial and employee resources in support of medical research programs, physician training, clinical care, as well as education and awareness initiatives. Websites featuring current product and promotional information can be reached at www.revlon.com, www.almay.com, and www.mitchumman.com. Corporate and investor relations information can be accessed at www.revloninc.com.
Among those sponsors for the 2007 EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women are: title sponsor, Revlon; double platinum sponsors, Macy's, CVS/pharmacy and Toyota; platinum sponsors, Northrop Grumman, Dasani, McDonald's and ABC7; media sponsors, KBIG 104.3, People, 790 KABC Talk Radio, and Daily News; and gold sponsors, Quaker Rice Snacks, Unified Western Grocers, United States Postal Service, VOLT, The Walking Company and TheZenith.
Registration is $25 before May 2, $30 after the deadline. All participants who register before 1:00 p.m. PT on May 7 will receive their registration packets in the mail. On event day, May 12, press check-in begins at 6:30 a.m.; participant check-in, pledge drop-off and health expo at 7:00 a.m., celebrity opening ceremonies at 8:00 a.m., the Run at 8:45 a.m., and the Walk at 9:00 a.m. For further information or to register, call (310) 322-3344 or visit www.revlonrunwalk.com.
Web site: http://www.revlonrunwalk.com/
NAB/Carmel Group White Paper Fundamentally Misinterprets the Competitive Environment for Satellite Radio, Satellite Consultant Claims
The following is being issued by Telecom, Media and Finance Associates, Inc. (TMF Associates):
Telecom, Media and Finance Associates, Inc. (TMF Associates), the specialist Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) consulting firm, today released a research note on the competitive landscape for satellite radio in light of the proposed XM/Sirius merger.
This research analyzes the positions taken by Carmel Group in its recent white paper on behalf of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and concludes that this white paper ludicrously overstates the case for opposing the merger of XM and Sirius and fundamentally misinterprets the competitive environment for satellite radio.
Tim Farrar, author of the note, commented, "Satellite radio is essentially a car-based audio service at present, so the primary alternative for consumers is free-to-air AM and FM radio, supplemented by the playback of pre-recorded music such as CDs. The competitive position of these subscription-free services vis-a-vis satellite radio has been substantially enhanced by the widespread use of accessory adapters, allowing iPods and other MP3 players to be connected to car stereos, and we estimate that today as many drivers have access to MP3 content in their vehicles as subscribe to satellite radio. Carmel Group's assertion that MP3 players are not even relevant to today's in-car audio market is quite simply bizarre. In our view, increasingly convenient access to pre-recorded content via MP3 players will enable subscription-free services to dominate the in-car audio market for many years to come and therefore even if Sirius and XM were to merge, it would be inappropriate to describe them as having a monopoly of in-car audio services."
The research note forms part of TMF Associates' information service on Mobile Satellite Services and can be downloaded from http://www.tmfassociates.com/articles . It was produced independently, and was not commissioned, funded or instigated by XM, Sirius or any other party. More details about TMF Associates' research publications are available at http://www.tmfassociates.com/reports .
TMF Associates, headquartered in Menlo Park, California, is a leading consulting and research firm providing business and technical analysis in satellite, wireless and broadband telecommunications. The firm specializes in Mobile Satellite Services, including Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) technology, and works with operators, investors and equipment manufacturers to analyze complex market issues. For additional information, please visit http://www.tmfassociates.com/ .
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Tim Farrar http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=60577
Source: TMF Associates
Web site: www.tmfassociates.com
Universal Music Publishing Group Signs Singer/Songwriter/Producer, 10x GRAMMY Winner, Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds to an Exclusive, Worldwide Agreement
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) announced today the signing of legendary singer/songwriter, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, to an exclusive, worldwide agreement.
David Renzer, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group said of the signing, "Babyface has long been one of our industry's leading lights as a writer, artist, producer and entrepreneur. He has written, produced and in many cases performed many of our modern day 'classic' songs. We are sure that the story of hitmaking will continue for him, and are thrilled to welcome him to the UMPG family."
"I am pleased to be working with Universal Music Publishing," said Kenneth Edmonds. "The team has demonstrated their appreciation of my music, and their commitment to my career as an artist, producer and songwriter."
Babyface is currently recording his new album to be released on Def Jam, and he has cuts on Katherine McPhee, Fallout Boy, Nelly, Keisha Cole, KeKe Palmer and Ashanti. He was previously signed to Sony/ATV who retain his back catalogue.
In addition to releasing over ten solo albums, Babyface's hit-making skills have been credited on over 320 albums and he has produced for some of music's biggest legends and top-selling artists, including: Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Madonna, Aretha Franklin, OutKast, Vanessa Williams, New Edition, En Vogue, Usher, Phil Collins, Faith Evans, George Michael, Deele, Eric Clapton, Pink, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Carole King, Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, TLC, Boyz II Men, Bell Biv Devoe, John Mellencamp, Paula Abdul, Heather Headley, and many more.
Babyface has produced a vast number of motion picture original soundtracks including, "The Bodyguard," "Waiting to Exhale," "Boomerang," "Soul Food," and "Josie & The Pussycats." He also has had tracks featured on the following soundtracks "Ghostbusters 2," "Poetic Justice," "Bad Boys," "Home Alone 2," "Mr. 3000," "The Preachers Wife," "Phenomenon," "Simon Birch," "Duets," "The Prince of Egypt" and many more.
Babyface is a 10x GRAMMY award winner, including four wins for Producer of the Year (1992, 1995, 1996, 1997); three wins for Best R&B Song ("End of the Road" "I'll Make Love to You" "Exhale"); Album of the Year (The Bodyguard); Record of the Year ("Change the World"); and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance ("When Can I See You Again").
About Universal Music Publishing Group
With 47 offices in 41 countries worldwide, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is part of the Universal Music Group. Owning or administering more than 1 million copyrights, UMPG's writers and catalogs include: U2, Elton John, 50 Cent, Dave Grohl, Prince, Diana Krall, Ludacris, Godsmack, Ice Cube, Vanessa Carlton, Mary J. Blige, The Corrs, Eve, Musiq, Jill Scott, Brian McKnight, No Doubt, Blink-182, 3 Doors Down, Beastie Boys, Anastacia, Fatboy Slim, DMX, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Paul Simon, the catalog of Henry Mancini, among many others. For more information, visit: www.umusicpub.com.
Source: Universal Music Publishing Group
Web site: http://www.umusicpub.com/
Working Poor and Filthy Rich Spotlighted in Academy/UCLA Documentary Series Screening
Beverly Hills, CA — The documentary feature “Waging a Living” and the Oscar®-nominated documentary feature “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” will be screened on Wednesday, April 25, as the next installment in the 2006–2007 Contemporary Documentaries series, presented by the Academy Foundation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the UCLA Film & Television Archive. The screenings will begin at 7 p.m. at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. Admission is free.
Directed and produced by Roger Weisberg, “Waging a Living” focuses on the day-to-day battles of four low-wage earners who in the film serve to represent the more than 30 million Americans who live at or below the federal poverty level. The film offers a sobering view of the frustrations and accomplishments of a diverse group of people pursuing the American Dream. Weisberg will be present at the screening to discuss the film and take questions from the audience.
“Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” is the inside story of one of the biggest business scandals in recent history. The film shows how top executives at America’s seventh largest corporation reaped over a billion dollars while leaving investors and employees with nothing. Using damning company audio and videotapes to make its point, “Enron” exposes the moral vacuum and excessive avarice that are often disguised as corporate philosophy. The film was directed by Alex Gibney and produced by Gibney, Jason Kliot, Susan Motamed and Alison Ellwood.
All screenings in the series are free and open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Linwood Dunn Theater is located at the Academy’s Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study, 1313 Vine Street, at the northwest corner of Fountain Avenue and Vine Street in Hollywood. Parking is available behind the building through the entrance on Homewood Avenue, one block north of Fountain. For more information, call (310) 247-3600 or (310) 206-FILM.
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Veoh Networks is a new, innovative Internet television broadcasting system that delivers broadcast-quality entertainment and informational content via the Internet, using unique distribution technologies to allow for unlimited capacity for both long- and short-form programming. Veoh allows content producers from major entertainment studios and television networks to independent video producers and enthusiasts to deliver high-quality, full-screen video directly to consumers without financial, geographical or capacity restrictions found in traditional broadcasting systems. This democratization of video distribution fundamentally changes the dynamics of television, creating unprecedented choice for consumers and a compelling marketplace for content providers and advertisers. Headquartered in San Diego , California with additional offices in Los Angeles , Veoh Networks is privately held company that is backed by leading technology and media investors, including Spark Capital, Michael Eisner's Tornante Company, Time Warner Inc. and Shelter Capital Partners.
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