Entertainment,Arts,Fashion & Technology
May 14
Capitol/EMI Confirms the Release of the Entire Paul McCartney Solo Catalog Digitally for the First Time Ever
-- EMI Music has retained Paul McCartney's solo catalog and is preparing a comprehensive re-launch, including new digital campaigns as well as physical re-releases. For the very first time, McCartney and Wings albums will be made available across all digital platforms. In the U.S., Capitol/EMI Music Catalog Marketing will oversee the physical and digital catalog initiatives.
McCartney's EMI catalog stretches from his first solo album "McCartney" through his releases with Wings to his latest critically-acclaimed studio album "Chaos And Creation In The Backyard." Within these albums lies a breathtaking list of singles including 'Band On The Run,' 'My Love,' 'Let 'Em In,' and 'Jet.'
Tony Wadsworth, chairman & CEO, EMI Music UK said, "Paul McCartney's post-Beatles catalog, spanning four decades, is one of the great treasures of popular music. EMI is proud to be introducing Paul's music to the digital marketplace."
Paul McCartney recently received the Album of the Year award at the Classical Brit Awards for his classical album 'Ecce Cor Meum.'
Paul McCartney releases his next studio album "Memory Almost Full" on June 4, 2007.
Los Angeles Indie Label Baby Ree Records Shaking Up Industry With Aim of Becoming 'West Coast Motown'
-- Multi-Platinum producer/artist Damion "Damizza" Young (Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Korn) is giving the record industry a wakeup call. The 32-year-old Baby Ree Records CEO -- described by the LA Times as "One of the most powerful executives in the music business" -- has a landmark independent distribution deal through Universal/Fontana and is evolving his label into what he describes as the "West-Coast Motown."
He's releasing a remarkable album by some of the greatest blues players in the world, the L.A. Blues Alliance CD "What A Life." This super-group of musicians was hand picked by Grammy and Emmy-winning producer/composer Mike Post (Law & Order, Hill Street Blues, etc.) and consists of highly sought-after musicians Keb' Mo, W.G. Snuffy Walden (Emmy winner) Sunny Landreth, J.R. Robinson (Grammy winner), Mike Finnigan, Amy Keys, David Morgan, Bob Glaub and Stanley Behrens. The group's debut took place at a House of Blues performance April 18 hosted by actor Joe Pesci and featured an audience filled with familiar faces such as Ben Harper, Butch Cassidy, Bishop Lamont (signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath label), Vanessa Marquez and other entertainment industry movers and shakers.
Young's new single with Butch Cassidy, "Cruzin'," from their acclaimed album "Back B4 You're Lonely," is topping countdowns with spins on radio from L.A. to New York.
Next, he's taking Baby Ree on an unprecedented leap, spanning multiple genres. Young has started work with English rocker Terry Reid on the kind of groundbreaking material that hasn't been heard since Aerosmith teamed up with Run DMC. He's going to rap, he's going to rock, and he's going to roll out some serious political commentary.
It's the first step, Young says, in his quest to make Baby Ree the West Coast Motown. "The bottom line is we're striving to put out great music," Young says. "And that means great hip-hop ... great blues ... great rock and, obviously, a quality mix of any music that's innovative and fun. From all my years in the business, I've learned that hype can drive a song only so far -- if the quality's not there it's fool's gold; Baby Ree Records is real gold."
Following the release of the L.A. Blues Alliance CD "What A Life" will be a solo album from Butch Cassidy this summer.
Paul Stanley - The Legendary KISS Front Man Presents His Collection of Paintings and Limited Editions at Wentworth Gallery
Wentworth Gallery is pleased to present an art exhibition by artist, rock icon, legendary front man and lead singer of KISS Paul Stanley. He will make a special appearance at the Wentworth Gallery on Sunday, July 22, 2007.
Paul Stanley's Schaumburg Wentworth Gallery Appearance
Sunday - July 22, 2007 3-6 PM
Wentworth Gallery - Woodfield Shopping Center
ABOUT PAUL STANLEY
For more than thirty years, Paul Stanley has reigned supreme as one of the single-most recognizable frontmen in the history of rock and roll. He's the principal songwriter, driving force and unwavering voice of KISS. A VISIONARY AND TREND SETTER SINCE THE EARLY 1970's, Paul Stanley's passion for both the musical and visual arts has perhaps been the key to the astonishing ongoing world phenomenon known as KISS. His artistic and visual input has been seen in his designs of KISS album covers, stages and apparel. As an art major and graduate of the prestigious high school of Music and Art in NYC, Paul has returned to his passion for painting, to share with you the deep emotions his art conveys. Paul Stanley creates portraits and abstracts that are emotionally charged compositions. He aims to maximize the direct, physical impact of his paintings through scale, texture, color and simplicity of images
ABOUT WENTWORTH GALLERY
As the leading fine art retailer in the United States, Wentworth Gallery features a wide selection of originals, limited editions and sculptures from the world's most acclaimed artists. We define selection not only by bringing you some of the most collected and heralded artists worldwide, but by traveling to the far reaches of the globe in order to introduce you to new artists whose works are sold exclusively through Wentworth Gallery. Stop by any one of Wentworth Gallery's 20 retail locations or visit http://www.wentworthgallery.com/ for information on featured artists, upcoming exhibits, online orders and directions to a Wentworth Gallery near you.
Source: Wentworth Gallery
Web site: http://www.wentworthgallery.com/
NIELSEN INTRODUCES FIRST SUITE OF NIELSENCONNECT SERVICES
New “Start With the Consumer” Initiatives Integrate Information across the Company
May 14, 2007, New York City
-- The Nielsen Company today introduced the first suite of innovative, company-wide services from NielsenConnect, the company’s cross-discipline initiative that brings together Nielsen’s unparalleled intelligence-gathering, information and insight capabilities to help clients better understand consumers and anticipate trends.
Nielsen’s information assets represent the premiere collection of media and marketing information, which includes consumer purchase information, store data, online measurement, modeling assets, geo-demographic data, television ratings, outdoor ratings, as well as movie, book, video and radio data. NielsenConnect, under the leadership of industry veteran Jon Mandel, integrates this information from dozens of services that collect, analyze and report on consumer patterns and usage around the world. NielsenConnect’s initial services include:
· NielsenCombine
· NielsenConnections
· NielsenHealth
· NielsenTrend
· NielsenLinx
· Nielsen In-Store
“As a company, Nielsen knows more about consumer behavior than anyone else,” said Jon Mandel, chief executive officer of NielsenConnect. “NielsenConnect is bringing together a remarkable assortment of research services, consumer-behavior databases and insights to help clients look forward and understand the trends that will affect their business. By connecting this information, we’re able to offer marketers powerful tools and insights that are unique to the marketplace and will help them grow their businesses.”
Six New Services Deliver Clear, Actionable Insights
NielsenConnect’s six services include:NielsenCombine
NielsenCombine is a consumer insight service that integrates data sets to create a deeper understanding of consumer behavior. This service connects information from multiple sources – including Nielsen data as well as external research – to capture the complex dynamics underlying people’s consumption patterns and attitudes. For example, NielsenCombine can integrate a client’s database with Nielsen’s National People Meter data to shed light on the relationship between purchasing decisions and television viewing.
NielsenCombine is a highly flexible service. Any number or type of data sets can be integrated using a variety of methodologies, including direct matching of respondents, segmentation matching, data fusion and probability models.
NielsenCombine will be managed by Pete Doe, Vice President, Analytics and Modeling. Doe is a leading authority on audience measurement, with twenty years experience in statistical modeling and data integration techniques, particularly data fusion, and has published papers and lectured on the subject.
NielsenConnections
The primary goal of NielsenConnections is to evaluate the consumer’s activity across media by product usage.
The service starts with a core of the National People Meter sample which will be used to inform data integration across multiple databases. These databases are from the vast array of Nielsen panels and extend to external research including, most importantly, client proprietary research. In this way, NielsenConnections will harness the power of Nielsen to drive individual client success.
For example, fusing the hub survey with magazine and newspaper readership data and financial services market research would help a financial institution decide how best to allocate its marketing dollars among various media to reach target customers most effectively.
Nielsen Connections is led by Howard Shimmel and Brian Fuhrer. Shimmel was previously SVP, Client Insights, at Nielsen Media Research, and is a 28-year media and marketing research veteran, with client-side experience at MTV Networks and AOL. Brian Fuhrer is VP, Program Manager at Nielsen Media Research. Fuhrer has more than 20 years of experience in media research and product development at the company.
NielsenHealth
NielsenHealth brings Nielsen’s broad portfolio of data, analytics and expertise to bear on the dynamic needs facing the health care industry. With health care becoming increasingly consumer driven, it is important for those in the industry to view patients and physicians as consumers in the marketplace. NielsenHealth will provide clients with “consumer centric” analytical tools to more effectively understand and address the attitudes and behaviors of these key healthcare constituents.
By utilizing multiple data sources and advanced analytic applications within the Nielsen portfolio, NielsenHealth will help a variety of clients – including OTC and Rx pharmaceutical companies, medical device and food manufacturers, retailers as well as healthcare care providers – in gaining deeper insight into the healthcare value chain while driving greater efficiency and effectiveness with their marketing related activities.
This service is truly breakthrough, because Nielsen has combined over thirteen of its solutions in a seamlessly integrated client service and product development strategy to maximize client return on investment. Some of the assets involved in this integrated healthcare platform include Nielsen Media Research, ACNielsen, BASES, Homescan/Spectra, Claritas, TDLinx, Nielsen BuzzMetrics, Nielsen//NetRatings, ACNielsen Analytic Consulting, The Modeling Group, Nielsen HCI, PERQ/HCI and Nielsen Custom Research. NielsenHealth has already begun providing clients with valuable insights for patients and physicians and will continue to do so as it introduces innovative new tools to the healthcare marketplace.
NielsenHealth is led by Matthew Dumas, formerly the Health and Beauty Care leader for ACNielsen business development, where he was responsible for developing integrated solutions for Fortune 500 companies. Prior to joining ACNielsen in 2005, Dumas had spent nine years at Procter & Gamble in Marketing Innovation and Brand Management both in the United States and Europe .
NielsenTrend
NielsenTrend is a thought leadership consultancy that will help clients understand and interpret consumer insights affecting their future and their financial performance. NielsenTrend will deliver a cross-functional approach to data integration through an authoritative intelligence network on global trends, consumer attitudes and behavior backed by Nielsen’s extensive information assets. It will interpret data from across Nielsen services to provide up-to-the minute analysis of the complex dynamics between demographics, ethnographic trends and attitudinal shifts. Currently under development, NielsenTrend will be launched in 2008.
NielsenTrend products will include frequent, targeted trend reports, custom research and conferences featuring industry leaders. In the future, NielsenTrend will launch additional services that distill and synthesize multiple data sources to deliver accurate, forward-thinking analysis of the trends that will affect consumers’ buying habits and behaviors in fundamental ways.
Karen Benezra, most recently editor of Brandweek, will lead NielsenTrend as executive director. A keen observer of marketing and consumer behavior, she was previously national news editor at Adweek and a business reporter for Gannett Newspapers. Benezra has a deep understanding of the forces shaping the marketing and media business today and frequently comments on advertising, brand identity, pop culture and media topics.
NielsenLinx
NielsenLinx will help marketers, retailers, media and advertising agencies organize and manage their data on brands, locations and media more effectively.
NielsenLinx is a Master Data Management (MDM) solution that will provide a source of clean and coded reference content for critical transaction and reporting systems that drive the business. NielsenLinx will expand its coverage to media, brand and global applications based on the success of TDLinx, the industry-accepted standard for location information management. It will be sourced world-wide from existing repositories across the Nielsen enterprise.
As a metadata infrastructure solution, NielsenLinx will provide a syndicated framework for database maintenance, aggregated reporting, data integration and electronic communication. The initial value of this service will enable information technology departments to simplify data models, clean up naming conventions, update hierarchical relationships, apply consistent classifications and integrate disparate sources of internal and external data.
NielsenLinx will help solve common data integrity issues. For example, a client with multiple business units could use NielsenLinx to ensure that all of its media planning activity is organized and aligned consistently. NielsenLinx, deployed as a common language for marketing, will enable clients to share data more efficiently with their trading partners.
NielsenLinx is being developed by Scott Taylor, formerly General Manager of TDLinx, where he successfully led that brand’s expansion from its inception. Taylor has more than twenty years of experience providing information and trade solutions to the consumer packaged goods world.
Nielsen In-Store
This global measurement service is designed to help marketing professionals better understand how to reach and influence consumers in retail environments. In-Store measures consumer exposure to a fast-growing and powerful array of in-store marketing vehicles, including television and radio, at-shelf ads, digital signage and other point-of-purchase displays. Collectively, these in-store marketing approaches stand as the sixth largest advertising vehicle in the U.S. , with $18.6 billion in spending in 2005, according to a study by Veronis Suhler Stevenson Partners. Developed in partnership with the In-Store Marketing Institute, this innovative service allows clients to measure the impact of in-store marketing and assess its value in comparison with other media and marketing options.
The new service builds on a groundbreaking development effort called P.R.I.S.M. (Pioneering Research for an In-Store Metric) conducted in early 2006 by a consortium of retailers, manufacturers and the In-Store Marketing Institute. The P.R.I.S.M. Project created a new approach to in-store research that provides the retail industry with a common language to measure in-store consumer reach. Nielsen responded quickly; In-Store began in-store measurement 112 days after the initial P.R.I.S.M. consortium gave its official approval. In-Store will begin its global expansion this summer.
George Wishart is the Global Managing Director of Nielsen In-Store. Wishart joined The Nielsen Company in 1999 to lead its retail geo-demographic business. He has extensive marketing and advertising experience, including 11 years with Kraft Foods, a number of years with various leading advertising agencies and most recently, President of Nielsen’s IMS business.
About The Nielsen Company
The Nielsen Company is a global information and media company with leading market positions and recognized brands in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), business publications (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Adweek), trade shows and the newspaper sector (Scarborough Research). The privately held company has more than 41,000 employees and is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem , the Netherlands , and New York , USA .
The Zomba Label Group is the First Label Ever to Control the Top Three Spots on the Billboard Hot Ringmasters Chart:
# 1 T-PAIN 'BUY U A DRANK (SHAWTY SNAPPIN')'
# 2 HUEY 'POP, LOCK & DROP IT'
# 3 R. KELLY 'I'M A FLIRT REMIX'
-- The Zomba Label Group takes over the Billboard Hot RingMasters Chart. T-Pain for the fifth consecutive week reigns at #1, Huey jumps up to #2 from the #3 spot and R. Kelly takes the #3 slot moving up from #5. Combined the Zomba Label Group has held three of the top five spots for close to two months.
For a record-breaking fifth week, T-Pain tops the chart at #1 with "Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin')," and in less than four weeks has surpassed the million mark in ringtone sales. The highly-captivating song is simultaneously club-centric and romantic; the smash single is from his upcoming sophomore album Epiphany, in stores June 5th. Newcomer and St. Louis native Huey moves up to #2 with his break-out single "Pop, Lock & Drop It." Huey has taken the video and radio charts by storm with the addictive dance and chorus from "Pop, Lock & Drop It" and interest is rapidly building for his upcoming debut album Notebook Paper due out June 19th. Rounding out the hit-making trio at # 3 is R&B legend R. Kelly with his latest single "I'm a Flirt Remix." The smash single adds to his prodigious hit-making legacy and is from his upcoming and highly-anticipated album Double Up, dropping May 29th.
Zomba's chart success with these ringtones demonstrates the adaptability of the Zomba Label Group to an ever-changing music market and its proactive approach to the rapidly increasing importance of mobile sales and marketing. Taking advantage of mobile fan clubs, text messaging, and sales opportunities with major mobile carriers, the Zomba Label Group is a leader in this ever expanding market. The sale of ringtones and other mobile content in each of these instances have in turn proven to be an effective tool in securing radio and video airplay, as well as in breaking new artists such as Huey.
The Zomba Label Group consists of record labels Jive, LaFace, Volcano, Verity, GospoCentric and Fo Yo Soul. These labels represent a varied group of artists including R. Kelly, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Ciara, Chris Brown, Pink, Tool, Britney Spears, OutKast, Kirk Franklin, Three Days Grace, 311, Nick Lachey, T-Pain, Byron Cage, Buddy Guy, Living Things, YoungBloodZ, Anthony Hamilton, Donnie McClurkin, and Backstreet Boys.
Source: The Zomba Label Group
Web site: http://www.jiverecords.com/
This Memorial Day Weekend, Ditch the Sunshine and Escape to the Couch for 'Virtual Vacation' and 'Fantastic Monday' With Four Full Days of Comedy Central's(R) Best Programming Beginning Friday, May 25 at 9:00 A.M.*
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'Fantastic Monday' Will Be Hosted By Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, Chris Evans And Ioan Gruffudd From The Upcoming Feature Film 'Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer'
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Who says taking a vacation requires leaving the house? This Memorial Day Weekend, say "bon voyage" to annoying tour guides and "aloha" to COMEDY CENTRAL's "Virtual Vacation" and "Fantastic Monday." Don't miss three days of hilarious stand-up and movie programming with "Virtual Vacation," Friday, May 25 to Sunday, May 27, beginning at 9:00 a.m. each day. On May 28, enjoy a day off from work with more laugh-packed programming. Spend Memorial Day with COMEDY CENTRAL's "Fantastic Monday," hosted by the cast of "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
On Friday, May 25, catch the Network Television Premiere of the stand-up special "Bonnie MacFarlane" and stay tuned for Lewis Black hosting an all-new episode of "Live At Gotham" at midnight. On Saturday, May 26, catch laugh- out-loud movies such as "Keeping the Faith" at 9:00 a.m., "Orange County" at 2:00 p.m., "Office Space" at 4:00 p.m. and back-to-back episodes of "Scrubs" beginning at 6:00 p.m. On Sunday, May 27, be sure to watch "Office Space" at noon, "Friday" at 8:00 p.m. and "Jackass: The Movie" at 10:00 p.m.
On "Fantastic Monday," get ready to kick back and relax even more! Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, Chris Evans and Ioan Gruffudd from the upcoming feature film sequel "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" will be hosting a day of fantastically funny movies from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Start off with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in "Dogma" at 8:00 a.m., Jamie Kennedy in "Malibu's Most Wanted" at 10:30 a.m. and a riotous group of off-beat officers in "Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol" at 12:30 p.m. Need one more great laugh to go with a Memorial Day BBQ dinner? Catch Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson as competitive male models in "Zoolander" at 5:00 p.m.
"Virtual Vacation" will be sponsored by Sonic and CA Tourism.
COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 91 million homes nationwide. COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of VIACOM Inc.'s (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks. COMEDY CENTRAL's Internet address is http://www.comedycentral.com/.
Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/
Seth Rogan and Paul Rudd Sow Their Wild Oats in 'Reel Comedy: Knocked Up' Premiering Monday, May 28 at Midnight* on Comedy Central(R)
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Seth Rogan, Paul Rudd, Jason Segal and Jonah Hill Star In 'Knocked Up' Which Opens In Theaters Nationwide June 1
-------- -- COMEDY CENTRAL loves 'em and leaves 'em in "Reel Comedy: Knocked Up." This half-hour special premieres on Monday, May 28 at Midnight.
-- COMEDY CENTRAL loves 'em and leaves 'em in "Reel Comedy: Knocked Up." This half-hour special premieres on Monday, May 28 at Midnight.COMEDY CENTRAL's "Reel Comedy: Knocked Up" is hosted by comedian Lisa Arch, who visits the set to get some behind-the-scenes scoop on the film. Arch talks to the film's stars Seth Rogan, Paul Rudd, Jason Segal, Jonah Hill, Martin Starr and Jay Baruchel, who give her the male perspective on pregnancy and marriage. The stars also guide Arch through important moments from the film, hit on key topics such as good pick-up lines and bad baby names and help her to understand the elusive male psyche. Universal's "Knocked Up" opens in theaters on June 1.
Encore presentations air Tuesday, May 29 at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 30 at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, May 31 at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. and Friday, June 1 at 4:30 p.m.
"Reel Comedy" is COMEDY CENTRAL's series of specials that provide a unique, in-depth look at the hottest new comedic films. Each half-hour special contains COMEDY CENTRAL's own original concept and story, interviews with the stars and clips from the featured film. Past specials have included the casts of "Wedding Crashers," "Bewitched," "The 40 Year-Old Virgin" and "Dukes of Hazzard."
*All Times ET/PT
Source: COMEDY CENTRAL
Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/
EMI America Records to Release Steve Irwin's Final Documentary, Ocean's Deadliest, on DVD
Hosted by 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin and Philippe Cousteau
-- On June 19, EMI America Records will release the late "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin's final documentary, Ocean's Deadliest, on DVD. Steve Irwin is joined by explorer and adventurer Philippe Cousteau, grandson of the famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, as they explore the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the northern Cape York Peninsular, and the Southern Ocean off South Australia. Cousteau, who was aboard Croc One with Irwin's crew when Irwin was killed by a stingray during an underwater shoot on September 6, 2006, narrates the 66-minute documentary.
For thousands of years, venomous snakes, saltwater crocodiles and giant sharks have patrolled the waters off of Australia. In Ocean's Deadliest, Irwin and Cousteau join many scientific experts who study these creatures as part of their vocation, learning the reason they have evolved with such dangerous defenses and how they fill an important role in the overall ecosystem that is vital to the ocean's survival.
Last September, the international community mourned the loss of animal expert and conservationist Steve Irwin. The world was stunned and the outpouring of condolences was immeasurable. Irwin's impact on conservation efforts worldwide will resonate for years to come.
Wildlife Warriors Worldwide (www.wildlifewarriors.org) was established by Steve and Terri Irwin in 2002. The nonprofit organization is involved with a number of vital conservation programs, including wildlife research, the Koala and Wildlife Hospital, community education, wildlife rescue, crocodile conservation, cheetah conservation, tiger conservation and elephant conservation.
www.myspace.com/crocodilehunter
Playing Dirty Isn't Just for the Boys Bonnie McFarlane Gets Lewd and Crude in the Network Television Premiere of Her Stand Up Special 'Bonnie McFarlane' Debuting Friday, May 25 at 10:00 P.M.*
-- Bonnie McFarlane provides provocative insight and lots of laughs in her new stand up special. Catch the Network Television Premiere of "Bonnie McFarlane," debuting on COMEDY CENTRAL Friday, May 25 at 10:00 p.m.
Bonnie McFarlane's delivery may be understated, but her bold humor speaks for itself. No topic is too unseemly for McFarlane to make light of. Obesity, drugs, bestiality, prostitution and cotton candy are just some of the outrageous themes running throughout her new special. You won't want to miss her hysterical commentary on these raw issues, if only to learn why it is safer to run naked at night!
Ever since winning "The Search for Canada's Funniest New Comic," McFarlane has taken the comedy scene by storm. She stood out among performs in the second season of NBC's "Last Comic Standing," earning her a regular spot on "The Late Show with David Letterman" and an appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." McFarlane also starred in the UPN sitcom "Social Science," was a regular on "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn," has appeared on "The Late, Late Show with Craig Kilborn" and COMEDY CENTRAL's "Premium Blend." However, McFarlane's talents are not limited to performing as she is a columnist for SKETCHYMagazine.com and has written for various television shows including "The Man Show," "Spy TV" and "Trigger Happy TV."
*All Times ET/PT
Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/
Tune In To Comedy Central(R) and Git-R-Done! The World Television Premiere of 'Larry the Cable Guy: Morning Constitutions' Debuts Sunday, June 3 at 8:00 P.M. *
-- Camouflage hat-wearin', blue collar cool dude Larry the Cable Guy is back on COMEDY CENTRAL and, boy, he's telling it like it is! Catch the World Television Premiere of the all-new stand-up special "Larry the Cable Guy: Morning Constitutions," debuting Sunday, June 3 at 8:00 p.m.
The early bird might be out catching the worm, but this plaid clad morning riser has got only one place to be. As king of his blue collar castle, comedian Larry the Cable Guy needs a throne where he can spout off his home- cooked stories in that signature Southern twang of his and COMEDY CENTRAL is giving it to him. Tune in June 3 at 8:00 p.m. for all-new, hilarious jokes viewers better be darn sure they don't miss!
With his cry of "Git-R-Done!" and "Lord, I apologize," Larry the Cable Guy is selling out theatres and arenas across the United States. His new comedy CD and DVD "Morning Constitutions" is set for release in June 2007. Larry's CD "The Right To Bare Arms" (Jack Records/Warner Bros. Records) debuted at #1 on the Soundscan Comedy Chart, #1 on the Country Chart and #7 on the Top 200 Chart. In addition, Larry the Cable Guy's first feature film, "Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector," was released March 24, 2006, starring Joe Pantoliano, Joanna Cassidy and Tony Hale. He is also starring in the new feature film "Delta Farce" with Bill Engvall and D.J. Qualls, which debuted May 11. The movie, distributed by Lionsgate, is a laugh-out-loud new comedy about three blue collar heroes on the military's front line.
*All Times ET/PT
Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/
MPH(TM) In-Band Mobile DTV Creates Major Market Opportunites for Broadcasters and Manufacturers: Analyst Reports
-- The MPH(TM) in-band mobile digital television (DTV) system is the most viable portable DTV solution and creates major market opportunities for broadcasters and manufacturers, according to a leading broadcast industry analyst and technology consulting firm.
Following an analysis of the mobile DTV market and the MPH system launched last month, the Envisioneering Group concluded: "While other mobile modulation and encoding solutions have been proposed to deliver digital TV services to individuals and vehicles, the MPH in-band mobile DTV system seems to provide the best solution to drive portable digital TV to volumes, services and robustness above and beyond consumers' existing portable (analog) TV expectations."
Envisioneering's industry and consumer research showed that "local television broadcaster-delivered Mobile-Services DTV (MSDTV) offers a larger audience base -- and consequently larger advertising and services revenues -- than the existing, diverse, multi-vendor cellular mobile TV efforts. Further, Envisioneering Delphi group research concludes that MSDTV services are highly complimentary when optimized for mobile cellular subscribers' expectations."
The Envisioneering report (http://www.consumerdtv.com/) highlights three key advantages of the MPH system, which was developed by LG Electronics and Harris Corporation:
1) Single antenna reception robustness (eliminating dual-antenna cost
and clutter).
2) Versatile bandwidth and data economy, enabling single and multi-
channel delivery.
3) Compatible integration and migration into the existing ATSC DTV
broadcast infrastructure.
This will facilitate easy rollout for expanded trials.
"The successful broadcast trial announcement of MPH (Mobile-Pedestrian- Handheld) in-band mobile DTV by Harris, LG Electronics and Zenith marks one of the most significant multi-vendor advances in recent years to address the mobile television wish-lists of a broad audience of consumers," according to Envisioneering Research Director and CEO Richard Doherty.
The report goes on to say that MPH is not just a potential replacement for more than 100 million analog battery TV sets in monthly use (168 million in seasonal use), but also is "poised to expand broadcasters' digital services offerings, and therefore boost the value and appeal of mobile DTV to tens of millions more viewers outside the reach of primetime TV -- and boost viewership ratings in the process.
"Various business scenarios Envisioneering has reviewed indicate a clear Win-Win-Win combination for broadcasters, channel services operators and handset manufacturers," Doherty said. In addition to estimating significant consumer demand for mobile DTV programming, Envisioneering predicts a large market for receiving devices. Excerpts from the report:
"MPH handheld DTV set replacements for 168 million battery-hungry analog TVs is obvious. New robust designs (for camping and emergencies) will attract new buyers. Cellular handsets featuring MPH tuners (whether they also accept cellular video or not) will offer combinational value. LCD and OLED screens will enable pocket and purse sized MPH DTVs with much-larger daylight and desk viewable screens; appealing to commuting and backyard patio use alike ... "
"MPH vehicular receivers for automobile headliners and headrests will inform auto, limo, van, taxi and bus passengers while family car MPH designs will deliver more value than satellite alternatives for keeping back-seat peace. PCs, notebook PCs and PDAs may be MPH enabled with both integrated and add-on tuner sticks. Pocket Media Players (such as iPod or Zen) may feature integrated or add-on MPH capability, perhaps adding PVR like local program storage capabilities. What's more, portable DVD players will likely embed MPH tuners as a new value proposition ...
"Envisioneering sees a potential standalone MPH receiver market matching or exceeding the 168 million analog battery TVs now in use within a decade. Beyond handheld designs, MPH receivers will also be delivered as paperback book sized and larger portable TVs for home and away. Also, new demand for DTV emergency TVs, tuners for notebook PCs, media players, handheld games and vehicles could well push total receiver demand to over 200 million units by 2017 for the United States and Canada alone."
MPH in-band mobile DTV is a multiple-stream approach, with the main service stream for existing DTV and HDTV services, and the MPH stream for one or more mobile, pedestrian and/or handheld services. MPH has the additional advantage for broadcasters of involving neither outside service providers nor spectrum-pooling arrangements. Key attributes of the MPH system include:
-- Backward compatibility with the existing ATSC 8-VSB transmission and
receiving equipment;
-- Capability to receive broadcast signals at high (mobile) speed with a
single antenna;
-- Use of practical, small handheld receivers without the need for
multiple antennas;
-- Power savings in handheld receivers;
-- Flexibility in both data rates and robustness;
-- Data-rate efficiency, and;
-- Use of advanced video and audio coding in the MPH stream.
The MPH system is capable of providing robust DTV signals to mobile, pedestrian and handheld devices. For broadcasters, this new technology promises to create new and potentially lucrative revenue streams. For consumers, MPH enables users to view their favorite programs from local broadcasters, watch movies and sports, and access local news and weather information -- even when traveling in fast-moving vehicles or using handheld video devices away from home.
Envisioneering, based in Seaford, N.Y., has been keenly involved with the ATSC digital broadcasting and data standards process for a decade. Envisioneering technologists have participated in the evolution of ATSC standards to include multi-channel capabilities, data services, improved quality of service through advances in decoding circuitry and enhancements such as E-VSB. Envisioneering's market researcher access and dialogues with key New York and Hollywood executives who drive entertainment, sports and news related consumer revenue models -- across broadcast, cellular, cable, telco and physical media channels -- is both broad and robust.
Harris Corporation is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Fla., the company has annual revenue of about $4 billion and more than 14,000 employees -- including more than 6,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications(TM) products, systems, and services for global markets, including government communications, RF communications, broadcast communications, and wireless transmission network solutions. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at http://www.harris.com/.
LG Electronics USA, Inc. is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $48.5-billion global force in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a wide range of digital display and digital media products, digital appliances and mobile phones under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. LG's U.S. R&D subsidiary Zenith in Lincolnshire, Ill., is a long-time leader in consumer electronics technologies and a pioneer in digital HDTV, having developed the "VSB" digital transmission system at the heart of the ATSC DTV Standard. Zenith merged with LG Electronics in 1999. For additional information, please visit http://www.lgusa.com/.
Source: LG Electronics USA, Inc.; Harris Corporation
Web site: http://www.lgusa.com/
http://www.harris.com/
http://www.consumerdtv.com/
They're on the Home Stretch - The 'Halfway Home' Season Finale Airs Wednesday, May 16 at 10:30 P.M.*
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Cast Features Oscar Nunez, Kevin Ruf, Jordan Black, Regan Burns, Jessica Makinson And Octavia Spencer
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-- There's still a lot of rehab to do! A whole season and the parolees of "Halfway Home" are not even halfway there. The season finale of "Halfway Home" debuts Wednesday, May 16 at 10:30 p.m.
"Halfway Home" is an improvised half-hour show featuring the daily exploits of five ex-cons living together in a residential rehab facility. In the season finale, ex-con male prostitute Eulogio (Oscar Nunez) prepares to meet one of his former "johns" who hasn't quite recovered from their sexual encounter. Oscar dreams of romance but his former lover arrives with a surprise guest. Meanwhile, the wife of parolee Alan, the arsonist, hires a high-powered attorney to exonerate her husband. Not wanting to return to his annoying wife, Alan decides to fire things up and goes to great lengths to assure he is not set free.
"Halfway Home" welcomes viewers to Crenshaw House, where the L.A. Bureau of Prisons houses some of its most notorious parolees. Living together under one roof, "Halfway Home's" residents must learn to come to terms with each other and live on the straight-and-narrow under the semi-watchful eye of their county-approved supervisor. The cast features Kevin Ruf ("Fun with Dick and Jane," Groundlings member), the house supervisor who attempts to rehabilitate the misfit parolees including Oscar Nunez ("The Office," "Reno 911!"), a male prostitute who uses sex to get what he desires; Jordan Black ("Punk'd," "Mad TV"), a wanna-be terrorist who is really just a rich kid from California; Regan Burns ("Oblivious," "The Movie Club") the house narc who has an uncontrollable obsession with fire; Jessica Makinson ("Joe Schmo 2," "Trigger Happy TV"), a drug trafficker who can't give up her old habits and Octavia Spencer ("Coach Carter," "Spiderman"), an armed robbery convict.
"Halfway Home" is executive produced by Damon Jones, Oscar Nunez, Kevin Ruf and Jay Martel and co-executive produced by Bruce Smith and Matt Sloan. Margy Yuspa serves as executive in charge of production for COMEDY CENTRAL.
COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 91 million homes nationwide. COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of VIACOM Inc.'s (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks. COMEDY CENTRAL's Internet address is http://www.comedycentral.com/.
Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/
http://www.comedycentral.com/press
Academy Announces Finalists
for 2007 Student Academy Awards®
Beverly Hills, CA – Thirty-three students from 16 colleges and universities have been selected as finalists in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 34th Annual Student Academy Awards® competition. Their films will now be screened for and judged by Academy members, who will vote to select the winners. Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal awards, along with accompanying cash prizes of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000, may be presented in each of four categories. Winning filmmakers will participate in a week of industry-related and social activities, culminating in the awards ceremony on June 9.
The finalists are (listed alphabetically by film title within category):
Alternative
“Bottleneck,” Andrew Shipsides, Savannah College of Art & Design, Georgia
“Death, Destruction & the Weather,” Emery C. Martin, California Institute of the Arts, Valencia
“Fission,” Kun-I Chang, School of Visual Arts, New York City, New York
“Moon Cake,” Martin Stano, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Animation
“Africa Parting,” Robyn Yannoukos and Brian LoSchiavo, University of California, Los Angeles
“Art’s Desire,” Sarah Wickliffe, New York University, New York City
“Doppelganger,” Ki-Peum Lee, California Institute of the Arts, Valencia
“End,” Joe Sun, Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, Florida
“Icarus and the Tree Herder,” Ian Worrel, California Institute of the Arts
“A Leg Up,” Bevin Carnes, Ringling College of Art and Design
“Mirage,” Youngwoong Jang, School of Visual Arts, New York City
“Respire, Mon Ami,” Chris Nabholz, Ringling College of Art and Design
“Travel Diary,” Keng-Ming Liu, School of Visual Arts, New York City
Documentary
“Cross Your Eyes Keep Them Wide,” Ben Wu, Stanford University, California
“Gimme Green,” Isaac Brown and Eric Flagg, University of Florida, Gainesville
“In the Wake of Catastrophe,” Trevor Hall, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
“Ladies of the Land,” Megan Thompson, New York University
“Left in Baghdad,” Peter Jordan and John Kane, Stanford University
“Long Haul,” Erin Hudson, Stanford University
“Lumo,” Bent-Jorgen S. Perlmutt and Nelson Walker, III, Columbia University
“Silences,” Octavio Warnock-Graham, City College of New York
Narrative
“Deacon’s Mondays,” Destin Cretton and Lowell Frank, San Diego State University, California
“The Drill,” Joel Davenport, University of North Carolina, Wilmington
“High Maintenance,” Phillip Van, New York University
“House of the Olive Trees,” Thouly Dosios, University of California, Los Angeles
“Rundown,” Patrick Alexander, Florida State University, Tallahassee
“Screening,” Anthony Green, New York University
“The Second Coming,” Ya’ Ke Smith, University of Texas at Austin
“The Second Line,” John Magary, Columbia University
Hudson and Wu (in the Documentary category) were Silver Medal winners in 2005 with their documentary “Unhitched.” Hudson was also a finalist in 2006 with her documentary “Afloat.”
To reach this stage, students competed in one of three regional competitions. Each of those regions is permitted to send to the Academy up to three finalist films in each of the four categories. A foreign student also will be honored by the Academy in the Honorary Foreign Film category. Five students have been named as finalists: three from Germany and one each from the Netherlands and Serbia.
The Student Academy Awards were established by the Academy in 1972 to support and encourage excellence in filmmaking at the collegiate level.
Tickets for the 34th Student Academy Awards presentation ceremony, at which the Gold Medal-winning films will be screened in their entirety along with the Honorary Foreign Film, are free and available now. To request a maximum of four tickets, call the Academy’s box office at (310) 247-3000, ext. 130. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 9, at 6 p.m. at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
# # #
©A.M.P.A.S.®
NEXT NEW NETWORKS PARTNERS WITH VEOH NETWORKS TO LAUNCH SEVEN INTERNET TV CHANNELS ON VEOH.COM
New Channels on Veoh.com to Feature Episodes from Next New Networks’ Most Popular Shows, Including the Exclusive Premiere of “BackYard FX” on the new Indy Mogul ChannelVeoh Premiere: May 14, 2007
SAN DIEGO, CA (May 14, 2007) - Next New Networks, the new media company creating branded micro-networks on the Internet has teamed up with Veoh Networks, the leading pioneer in Internet television, to launch seven new channels on Veoh.com, including Channel Federator, Fast Lane Daily, PulpSecret, ThreadBanger, Veracifier, VOD Cars and the new Indy Mogul Channel with the exclusive premiere of the new show “Backyard FX.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Veoh and offer its viewers the opportunity to see exciting and interesting content from our networks,” said Herb Scannell, CEO of Next New Networks. “With the premiere of our latest network, Indy Mogul, we are expanding our ever-growing group of networks.”
“We are excited to offer Next New Networks’ original and entertaining programming to our viewers,” said John MacDonald, President of Veoh Networks. “Combined with Veoh’s peer-to-peer technology and easy-to-use Veoh Player, fans of these shows can now view this popular video content both on- and offline.”
The Next New Networks channels on Veoh.com will be available to view with Veoh’s innovative web applications, offering a downloadable, broadcast quality picture over the Web and include:
• Indy Mogul (NEW!) is the network dedicated to DIY filmmakers and film lovers alike. Veoh offers the exclusive premiere of new show “Backyard FX,” a creative and funny ‘how-to’ guide for making film effects on the cheap. New episodes every Monday.
is the network dedicated to DIY filmmakers and film lovers alike. Veoh offers the exclusive premiere of new show “Backyard FX,” a creative and funny ‘how-to’ guide for making film effects on the cheap. New episodes every Monday.• Channel Frederator is the world's original cartoon podcast and serves the coolest and funniest cartoons sent in by you, the viewers each week.
is the world's original cartoon podcast and serves the coolest and funniest cartoons sent in by you, the viewers each week.• Fast Lane Daily is the car news network you've been waiting for. Don't have time to check every car news source? Want a full briefing in under 5 minutes? Fast and fresh. Every day.
is the car news network you've been waiting for. Don't have time to check every car news source? Want a full briefing in under 5 minutes? Fast and fresh. Every day.• Pulp Secret is the world's first network dedicated to comic book news and culture and includes the latest comic book news, interviews, reviews, and more.
is the world's first network dedicated to comic book news and culture and includes the latest comic book news, interviews, reviews, and more.• ThreadBanger is the first network for people who make their own fashion and includes DIY tips and how-to’s so that you too can create your own style
is the first network for people who make their own fashion and includes DIY tips and how-to’s so that you too can create your own style• Veracifier is an alternative channel dedicated to original ideas, reporting and commentary on news of the day.
is an alternative channel dedicated to original ideas, reporting and commentary on news of the day.• VOD Cars is the #1 Broadband Car Network that features clips of driving, racing, showing, drifting, posing and more from viewers.
Cars is the #1 Broadband Car Network that features clips of driving, racing, showing, drifting, posing and more from viewers.All show clips will be archived on the Next New Networks channels at Veoh.com, but fans will want to get the Veoh Player and Home Delivery System to automatically download full-screen, DVD-quality versions of episodes as they become available.
“We are excited to offer Next New Networks original and entertaining programming to our viewers,” said John MacDonald, President of Veoh Networks. “Combined with Veoh’s peer-to-peer technology, the easy-to-use Veoh Player, fans of these shows can now view video content both on- and offline.”
The Veoh Player is a free, quick-to-download desktop application that can turn any fan’s hard drive into a virtual DVR. This application allows users to download and save episodes of their favorite Billboard shows to watch at a later date, with or without an Internet connection. Its unique technology also allows users to subscribe to the series and have new episodes sent directly to their Player as soon as they are posted.
The Next New Networks channels on Veoh.com officially launches on May 14, 2007.
About Next New Networks
Next New Networks is a media company that is creating micro television networks over the internet for targeted communities, bringing together elements of traditional TV networks with Internet functionality that invites viewers to contribute, share and distribute content. The company is headquartered in New York City and is privately held. For more information, please visit www.NextNewNetworks.com
About Veoh Networks, Inc.
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. Veoh Networks is a 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 has offices in Los Angeles and San Diego, California.
iXoundwear(TM) (Formerly Known as iSoundCap) Has Been Named the ION(R) Headwear Product of the Year
-- iXoundWear(TM) Sport Cap has been named the "ION(R) Headwear Product of the Year" and a finalist for the "2007 ION(R) Sports Product of the Year," which honors the best new product innovations in sports.
iXoundWear(TM) is among 36 finalists for the ION(R) Sports Product of the Year chosen by an independent panel from hundreds of product submissions.
A high quality brushed cotton twill hat, the iXoundWear(TM) Sport Cap features a revolutionary way to listen to your iPod(R) Nano.
With a water resistant coated fabric player pocket and bendable polyurethane spools to wrap the wires, the iXoundWear(TM) Sport Cap holds the iPod(R) Nano and its cords securely, while also protecting it from damage.
"iXoundWear(TM) Sport Cap stood out from the dozens of other entries and we have high regard for the design and technology behind the product," said Positive Ions CEO and Founder Dave Behar.
"We're very pleased to know our products have done this well," says Karl Foust, President of iXoundWear Inc, "I'm looking forward to launching other wearable items that will fit the iPod(R) and other MP3 players."
The ION(R) Sports Product of the Year Awards highlight the industry's success in developing new and innovative products while engaging retailers, sports purists, parents, and kids alike. As an annual, globally marketed program, the ION(R) Awards play a highly effective role in helping introduce, launch and place products at retail for emerging and mature companies, while engaging the active, decision making consumer. Product submissions are judged on innovation, activation, and contribution to the Sports market.
The ION(R) Sports Product of the Year Winner receives a $10,000.00 marketing package in the ION(R) Network and ION(R) Fest event sponsorship, while categorical Winners receive $5,000.00 marketing value from ION(R).
For more information on the ION(R) Awards, please visit www.ionAwards.com.
About iXoundWear(TM):
Formerly iSoundCap, iXoundWear(TM) is the leader in functional headwear for MP3 players (currently for iPod(R) Nano & Shuffle(TM), soon available for other brands/models). Located in Delray Beach (FL), iXoundWear Inc designs, manufactures and distributes hats, caps and visors for active people who want to enjoy the use of their digital music player without the hassle of dangling wires. For more information contact iXoundWear Inc at 1-866-399-9CAP or visit www.ixoundwear.com
About the ION(R) Network and Positive Ions, Inc.
The ION(R) Network features a unique broadcast and social media network with 1,000+ "vertical" ionChannels(SM) The ION(R) Network provides users with user submitted video, TV shows, video, events, information, goods and services all tailored to their interests and locale, with an emphasis on sports, kids, and family-related activities. The Network also includes original programming via the ION(R) Sports Channels, the ION(R) Cities Station Group (ionCities.com), ION(R) Kids Network, (ionkids.com), ionTelevision.com, ionMusic.com, ionFamily.com, ionHealth.com, ionLife.com and ionEvents.com, along with the ION(R) Awards.
Source: iXoundWear
Web site: http://www.ixoundwear.com/
http://www.ionawards.com/
The N Struts Its Stuff on the Fashion Runway With the Premiere of Star Stylist, A New Multiplatform, Interactive Reality Series Premiering June 15
South of Nowhere's Valery Ortiz Hosts Series To Run On-Air and Online; Contestant Casting Begins Monday, May 14
Winner To Become A Real-Life Star Stylist, Receive A Shopping Spree In NYC, And Win An Elite Spot To Attend Teen Vogue's Fashion U
-- Were you the first to rock leggings with flats? Is your new micro-mini the talk of the town? Are fashion faux pas something other people commit? Find out as The N, the nighttime network for teens, kicks off Star Stylist, a new interactive, multiplatform reality series, hosted by South of Nowhere's Valery Ortiz. The new series will feature eight fashion-forward young thinkers as they vie for the chance to be named Star Stylist. The interactive series premieres on The N and online at The-N.com on Friday, June 15.
From Monday, May 14 through Thursday, May 31, aspiring stylists who are 13 years of age and older can go online at http://www.the-n.com/ and upload a video of what they think is the perfect post-prom look. Then from Friday, June 1 through Thursday, June 14th, Star Stylist will put fans in the driver's seat as The N's online viewers will vote and decide who will be the final eighth contestant who gets the chance to compete for the title of Star Stylist.
The winner of Star Stylist will receive a shopping spree at an elite boutique in New York City, a top spot to attend Teen Vogue's Fashion U and the chance to become a real-life stylist on an upcoming series on The N this Fall.
"Star Stylist provides us with an exciting opportunity to communicate with our teen audience week after week via online," said Sarah Tomassi Lindman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, The N. "Teens are all about personal style and expression and this series successfully blends individual creativity with sharp competition."
On Friday, June 15, The N will announce the eight contestants for the series on-air and online. The eight contestants will then compete in six styling challenges presented over six consecutive weeks including: "All About Astrology," "Schizolebrity," "Accessories Gone Bad," "Something For Nothing," "Blast From the Past" and "Heaven vs. Hell."
Each week beginning June 15, the gritty competition plays out in contestant blogs, on-air shorts and online videos that will recap how each contestant is holding up against the competition. On Friday, July 27 The N will reveal the final three contestants as they continue on to the final round of competition in New York City.
Three top stylists will serve as "fashion gurus" to the eight contestants throughout the rigorous style competition. Teen Vogue's Creative Services Director will be on hand as a "special guru" for one week serving as an additional style expert to the contestants. Joining the series is star stylist Mark Jacobs, Louis Johnson and Jamie Rosenthal.
* Mark Jacobs -- Based in New York, Jacobs is a fashion editor and writer.
He has written features for The New York Times Magazine, i-D Magazine
and V Magazine. His editorial features have included interviews with
everyone from Juicy Couture creators to Rapper, Eve on her first visit
to Barneys New York. He has also been featured on Entertainment Tonight
discussing high fashion with host Mary Hart.
* Louis Johnson -- Known amongst the fashion community and the hip-hop
elite as the "Accessory King," Johnson is currently resident fashion
editor at XII Magazine and is also the contributing fashion editor to
Uptown Magazine and Vibe Magazine. Johnson has helped cultivate looks
for Tommy Hilfiger commercials featuring Farnsworth Bentley, Andre
Harrell, Christina Milian, Fefe Dobson and Thicke. He is also the
stylist of choice for top celebrities including: P. Diddy, Usher, Lil
Kim, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Fat Joe and Foxy Brown.
* Jamie Rosenthal -- A graduate of the prestigious Parsons School of
Design, Rosenthal is an accomplished fashion journalist as well as
stylist and designer. She has apprenticed under many top fashion
designers including Donna Karen and Anna Sui. Currently she is the
Design Director at FORM, a boutique design house based in New York.
Amp'd Mobile, the pioneer of integrated mobile entertainment is the official mobile provider for Star Stylist. All the stylists will be using Amp'd Mobile phones throughout the competition to stay connected with the gurus on ideas and concepts. Amp'd Mobile subscribers will have the special opportunity to stay connected to the series and its competitors with five exclusive webisodes rolling out one each week leading up to the final airing on The N with a special 30-minute finale airing Friday, August 31 on The N.
Amp'd Mobile is the first integrated mobile entertainment company for youth, young professionals and early adopters, and the only 3G carrier in the US specifically targeting that demographic. By leveraging the power of broadband wireless (EVDO), Amp'd Mobile offers traditional services such as voice and text within a completely fresh user interface designed specifically for the "mobile graduate" and third-generation (3G) technology. With a myriad of customizable options to meet each person's individual needs, as well as strategic alliances with top entertainment properties, such as MTVN and Universal Music Group, Amp'd Mobile brings a more relevant, personal experience to the wireless lifestyle with unique music, video, community, entertainment, sports and gaming offerings divided into various channels for quick and easy access. Amp'd Mobile is offered nationwide and more information can be found at http://www.ampd.com/
The N, the nighttime network for teens, is a programming arm of MTV Networks and is currently available in 57 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite television. The N's mission is to be the authentic voice for teens and help them figure out their lives with relevant, topical programming on-air and online at the network's Emmy Award-winning web site http://www.the-n.com/. The N airs everyday from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (ET). The N and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.
Source: The N
Mountain Dew(R) Teams up with DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures' 'TRANSFORMERS' for 'Transform Your Summer' Promotion
Thousands of Prizes to be Awarded Daily Totaling More Than $7 Million
Mountain Dew today announced that it's partnering with DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures for a unique promotion in conjunction with the July 4 release of the highly-anticipated live-action film "TRANSFORMERS." The "Transform Your Summer" online promotion will award more than 150,000 prizes, which have a total value of more than $7 million, over a 12-week period.
"Transform Your Summer"
Beginning May 14, consumers will be able to enter the "Transform Your Summer" sweepstakes online at http://www.transformyoursummer.com/. Thousands of prizes will be given away each day and consumers will be able to choose the prize they would like the chance to win by entering the daily drawing of their choice. There will be several daily drawings each offering a different prize. The "Transform Your Summer" prizes include the Ultimate Gaming Package (Xbox 360, Panasonic 42" Plasma HDTV, games and accessories), trips to major sporting events, vacation packages and many other items. In addition, a limited-edition Pepsi(TM) Optimus Prime(R) collectible truck figure will be available as part of the promotion.
Here's how the "Transform Your Summer" sweepstakes works:
1. Look for codes under the caps of specially-marked 20-ounce and 1-liter
bottles of Mountain Dew, Pepsi and Sierra Mist
2. Register at http://www.transformyoursummer.com/
3. Enter your code during the daily drawing featuring the prize you would
like the chance to win.
New Mountain Dew Commercial
A new "Transform Your Summer" Mountain Dew commercial will debut in early June. The spot is set in an apartment kitchen where a young man tries to get the last Mountain Dew away from a toaster that "transforms" into a toaster- bot. The commercial was created by BBDO New York.
"'TRANSFORMERS' promises to be a huge blockbuster film that we know our Mountain Dew consumers are anxious to see," said Mike Dillon, VP of marketplace initiative development, Pepsi-Cola North America. "To match the excitement surrounding the movie, we're offering a robust line-up of cool prizes and will give away thousands of them each day of the 'Transform Your Summer' promotion."
On July 4, 2007 prepare for the ultimate battle between good and evil, when aliens make Earth their final battleground in DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures' "TRANSFORMERS." The alien Autobots(R) join forces with a small band of humans to fight the sinister Decepticons(R) who are seeking the key to ultimate power.
DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures Present, in Association with Hasbro, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy Production of a Michael Bay Film, "TRANSFORMERS," starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Anderson, Megan Fox, Rachael Taylor with John Turturro and Jon Voight. Directed by Michael Bay from a story by John Rogers and Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman and a screenplay by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman, the film is based on Hasbro's TRANSFORMERS(TM) Action Figures. Producers are Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, and Ian Bryce and Executive Producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. This film is not yet rated.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, DreamWorks, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studios, and Worldwide Television Distribution.
About DreamWorks Pictures
DreamWorks Studios was formed in 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen. The company won three consecutive Best Picture Academy Awards with "American Beauty," "Gladiator" and "A Beautiful Mind" (both co-produced with Universal.) Among the company's other successes have been such films as "Saving Private Ryan," "War of the Worlds," "Dreamgirls" (all co-produced with Paramount), and "Blades of Glory." Among its upcoming productions are "Transformers" (co-produced with Paramount), "Things We Lost in the Fire," "The Kite Runner (co-produced with Paramount Vantage), and "Sweeney Todd" (co-produced with Warner Bros.).
About Pepsi
Purchase, N.Y.-based Pepsi-Cola North America (http://www.pepsi.com/) is the $4 billion refreshment beverage unit of PepsiCo Inc. in the United States and Canada. Its U.S. brands include Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Edge, Pepsi ONE, Wild Cherry Pepsi, Pepsi Twist, Pepsi Vanilla, Mountain Dew, Diet Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Code Red, Mountain Dew LiveWire, Sierra Mist, Sierra Mist Free, Mug, Slice, Aquafina, Dole single-serve juices, Tropicana Juice Drinks and SoBe. The company also makes and markets North America's best-selling ready-to-drink iced teas and coffees, respectively, via joint ventures with Lipton and Starbucks.
Source: Pepsi-Cola Company
CONTACT: Nicole Bradley, Pepsi-Cola North America,
Phone: +1-914-253-2964, Email: nicole.bradley@pepsi.com; or David Waldman,
Senior Vice President, National Publicity, Paramount, Phone: +1-323-956-5503,
Email: David_Waldman@paramount.com
Web site: http://www.pepsi.com/
http://www.transformyoursummer.com/
MTV's Breakout Hit 'Rob & Big' Returns Across All MTV Screens With Season 2 Premiere Tuesday, May 22nd at 10:30pm ET/PT
'Rob & Big' Returns After Becoming One of MTV's Fastest and Best Selling Shows on iTunes, And Earning MTV2 Its Highest Rated Day in Channel History
Fans Can Download Season 2 Premiere on iTunes Tuesday, May 15th
SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV's favorite modern-day odd couple is back as the network announced it will premiere season 2 of "Rob & Big" on multiple screens including MTV, MTV2, MTV.com and iTunes. Fans can catch even more offbeat adventures of professional DC Shoes skateboarder, Rob Dyrdek, his best friend and bodyguard, Christopher "Big Black" Boykin and their trusty bulldog Meaty in eight new episodes. To kick off the new season, the guys welcome an addition to the family ... a miniature horse. Other season highlights include a trip to Mississippi for Big Black's family reunion, a time travel adventure that leads them to Montreal and Rob's high- stakes bet with fellow skateboarding legend, Steve Berra at the Tampa Pro 2007 Skateboard Competition. Giving fans more ways to watch their favorite shows, the new season will premiere on MTV and MTV2 on Tuesday, May 22nd at 10:30pm ET/PT and be available to download on iTunes.
After last season's successful free premiere download on iTunes, "Rob & Big" quickly established a digital fanbase, becoming one of MTV's fastest and best selling shows on the service. Season one is currently the second most downloaded MTV series on iTunes behind "The Hills." Back by popular demand, fans will once again be able to download the first episode of season two on iTunes on Tuesday, May 15th, a full week before its on-air debut. Each subsequent episode of the new season will be available to download on the Wednesday following its on-air debut. On MTV.com, viewers can watch each episode, experience exclusive footage, photos and more.
Their story is simple: After years of being hassled by cops for street skateboarding, Rob hired Big Black as his own personal bodyguard with one goal in mind -- to ride whenever and wherever he wanted. From that point on, this unexpected twosome became instant buddies who were always by each other's side. The first season featured Rob and Big as they adopted their lovable bulldog Meaty, threw their first house party, attempted to get in shape and even joined a dating service together. "Rob & Big" was created by Jeff Tremaine, one of the creators of MTV's "Jackass" and "Wildboyz" series, as well as both "Jackass" movies.
Born in Kettering, Ohio, Rob is a rare and talented breed in pro skateboarding. At 12, Rob bought his first skateboard and by 16, he had already turned pro. Shortly after he became the first street skateboarder for the DC Shoes Team. His charisma and drive are as well-known as his abilities on a board. From designing innovative shoes for DC to building skateboarding plazas around the world through his foundation, Rob continues to shape the modern skateboarding world and give back to the sport that made him a star.
At 6'6" and 416 pounds, Christopher Boykin is known as "Big Black" -- "to state the obvious," he says. Born in Chicago, IL, Big Black has over 10 years of Executive Protection experience and has been embraced by the skateboarding community since teaming up with Rob and DC Shoes. Much like Rob, Big Black also has an entrepreneurial spirit, creating his own clothing line and currently working on a rap album.
The first full season of "Rob & Big" reached over 70 million total viewers (P2+) and ranked #1 in its time period (Thu 10:30-11p) among P12-34 versus cable competition. Additionally, it ranked #1 in its time period among Teens across all of television as well as generated nearly 5.5 million streams of "Rob & Big" content on MTV.com since its premiere. On MTV2, "Rob & Big" has reached 27.7 million viewers (P2+) to date. Three of the airings of "Rob & Big" from Monday, January 15th, were the top-ranked telecasts for the day, garnering its highest P12-34 ratings ever on the channel and helping MTV2 achieve its highest rated day in channel history.
For more information about "Rob & Big" visit http://www.robandbig.mtv.com/.
"Rob & Big Black" is created by Jeff Tremaine, Ruben Fleischer, Rob Dyrdek and Christopher "Big Black" Boykin. Jeff Tremaine is executive producer. Ruben Fleischer is producer. Development executives for MTV are Lauren Dolgen and Heather Olander.
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 more than 130 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, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of which are 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. The network also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
Source: MTV
CONTACT: Emily Yeomans of MTV, +1-310-752-8074,
Emily.Yeomans@mtvstaff.com
Web site: http://www.robandbig.mtv.com/
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO
DIMEBAG DARRELL’S GUITAR CENTER ROCKWALK INDUCTION
&
DIMEBAG’S BLACK TOOTH BASH CONCERT
THURSDAY- MAY 17TH, 2007
HOLLYWOOD ( May 12, 2007 ) – May 17th, 2007 marks the day of Dimebag Darrell Abbott’s induction to Guitar Center Hollywood RockWalk. Many of rock’s top players will be in attendance to honor our lost and beloved brother.
At the induction guitar virtuoso Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy) will perform live on Sunset Blvd. in tribute to his friend and brother. Wylde will play “In This River” - a song forever dedicated to Dimebag Darrell – According to Wylde, the song will never leave the set list for Black Label Society.
GUITAR CENTER HOLLYWOOD
7425 SUNSET BLVD.
HOLLYWOOD, CA 90046
INDUCTION 12:00 – 1:30PM
Come join us at the House of Blues Hollywood to honor Dimebag Darrell Abbott where The Six String Masterpiece Auction will be held to benefit The Little Kids Rock Foundation. Dimebag’s Black Tooth Bash will immediately follow the auction with special performances comprised with some of Darrell’s closest friends and influences.
HOUSE OF BLUES® SUNSET STRIP
8430 SUNSET BLVD.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
DOORS 5:30 PM
AUCTION 6:00 – 8:00PM
CONCERT DOORS 8:00PM
BLACK TOOTH BASH 8:30 TO CLOSE
TICKETS $33.00 General Admission
BLACK TOOTH BASH confirmed list of players are as follows:
confirmed list of players are as follows:The Little Kids Rock Band Opens
Vinnie Paul, Jamey Jasta, Scott Ian, Pearl Aday, Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, William Duvall & Sean Kinney (Alice in Chains), Paul Grey & Joey Jordison (Slipknot), Ripper Owens, Ace Frehley, Nick Bowcot, John 5, David Draiman (Disturbed), Bob Zilla (Damageplan), Aaron Lewis (Staind), Brent Smith and Jasin Todd (Shinedown), Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins, Matt Byrne (Hatebreed), Chester Bennington (Linkin Park).
SIX-STRING MASTERPIECES: THE DIMEBAG DARRELL ART TRIBUTE created by the following artists:
created by the following artists:Zakk Wylde, Ace Frehley, Rob Zombie, Otep, Shinedown, Jerry Cantrell, Bob Zilla, Kelly Clarkson, Steve Stevens, Tommy Lee, Filip Leu (Leu Family Iron), Marilyn Manson, Ryan McGinness, Moby, Gill Montie, Tom Morello, Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo, Mutato Muzako), Munky (Korn)
Dave Navarro, Ted Nugent, Jim Root, Jack Rudy, Joe Satriani, Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park),
David Stoupakis (Sum 41), Mick Thompson (Slipknot), Greg Tribbett (Mudvayne), Hank Williams III plus many more – for a comprehensive list of all SIX STRING MASTERPIECES go to www.actionartsagency.com/sixstring1.html.
For more information on the induction, our charity and the Six String Masterpiece auction go to www.rockwalk.com www.littlekidsrock.org, www.actionartsagency.com, www.myspace.com/sixstringmasterpieces
“Great To Be Nominated” Tackles Revolution and Romance in “Reds”
Beverly Hills, CA — The 1981 Best Picture nominee “Reds” will be screened as the next feature of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Great To Be Nominated” series. The film based on the life of Communist journalist and Russian Revolution historian John Reed will screen on Monday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Actor Nicolas Coster, film editor Dede Allen, and casting directors Nancy Foy and Jane Jenkins will participate in a post-screening discussion.
“Reds” centers on the turbulent love affair between Reed and feminist Louise Bryant amid political unrest during the Russian Revolution. The film took home Oscars® for Actress in a Supporting Role (Maureen Stapleton), Cinematography (Vittorio Storaro) and Directing (Warren Beatty). “Reds” received nine additional nominations, for Best Picture (Beatty, producer), Actor in a Leading Role (Beatty), Actor in a Supporting Role (Jack Nicholson), Actress in a Leading Role (Diane Keaton), Art Direction (Richard Sylbert; Set Decoration: Michael Seirton), Costume Design (Shirley Russell), Film Editing (Dede Allen, Craig McKay), Sound (Dick Vorisek, Tom Fleischman, Simon Kaye), and Writing – Screenplay written directly for the screen (Beatty, Trevor Griffiths).
The Oscar®-nominated animated short “The Tender Tale of Cinderella Penguin” will be screened prior to the feature.
Passes for the remaining screenings in part four of “Great To Be Nominated” are $30 for the general public and $25 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. A $5 discount is available for those who wish to renew their passes from parts one, two or three of the series. Individual tickets are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Passes and tickets may be purchased by mail, in person at the Academy during regular business hours or, depending on availability, on the night of the screening when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. Curtain time for all features is 7:30 p.m., and pre-show elements will begin at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call (310) 247-3600.
May 12
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May 10
Paramount Licensing and Daewoo Motor Sales Corporation to Explore Development of Movie Studio Theme Park in South Korea
Paramount Licensing Inc. (PLI), and Daewoo Motor Sales Corporation (DWMS), today announced that they have reached an agreement to explore the development of a Paramount Pictures-based theme park in South Korea. The proposed theme park, which would be located on a DWMS-owned site, would be located in Incheon, a 1-hour drive from Seoul, and feature characters, attractions, and facilities based on Paramount's rich motion picture library.
Under the terms of the agreement, DWMS will be responsible for raising the funding for the eventual development and construction of the project. In the event that PLI enters into a licensing agreement, it will provide access to Paramount's intellectual property library. PLI will not be an investor in the project or fund the development or construction of the project.
"We are thrilled to be involved in the development of South Korea's first international movie studio theme park," said Michael Bartok, Executive Vice President of Paramount Licensing. "This new development will significantly add to South Korea's already growing tourism sector and complement all of the world-class developments in the rapidly growing Incheon region. We have long been interested in this exciting market and look forward to working with our partners on this amazing project."
"The Paramount theme park is a key priority not only for Daewoo Motor Sales but also for the city of Incheon," said Dongho Lee, President & CEO of DWMS. "The park has the potential to become a true catalyst for regional development and we at Daewoo Motor Sales are proud to be spearheading this landmark project together with Paramount."
A feasibility study conducted by Economics Research Associates calls for the $800 million theme park to entertain over five million guests annually. In addition to the theme park, the master plan for the 120-acre resort complex specifies an on-site five-star hotel complete with a luxury spa and world-class amenities. In addition, the plans call for premium shopping and dining as well as an entertainment complex featuring top-tier retailers. Future phases of development will likely include a water park component.
About Daewoo Motor Sales Corp.
Daewoo Motor Sales Corp. (DWMS), formerly the sales organization of Daewoo Motors, was established as a separate company in 1993 as Korea's first specialized automobile sales and service company. The Motor Sales Division is the largest motor sales organization in Korea. In addition to its portfolio of automobiles which includes the GM Daewoo, Daewoo Bus, Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle and GM Korea (Cadillac, Saab) brands, DWMS sells other imported automobiles such as Volkswagen and Audi through its subsidiaries and is also active in the local distribution and export of used cars. The Engineering & Construction Division, which was added in 1997 when the company acquired and later merged with Handok Construction, is one of Korea's major construction companies. Its apartment brands 'Iaan' and 'Exordium' are among the most recognized brands in the housing sector. DWMS is listed on the Korea Stock Exchange (KSE 004550, 004555).
About Paramount Licensing
Paramount Licensing is the licensing division for Paramount Pictures Corporation, handling licensing rights worldwide for films distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films. Paramount Licensing has established robust licensing programs for Paramount's extensive library of films and current releases through merchandise, film clips, stage plays, publishing, and recreation programs.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, DreamWorks Pictures, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studios, and Worldwide Television Distribution.
Source: Paramount Licensing Inc.
ERIC ZARAKOV, VP MARKETING OF FOTONATION
TO SPEAK AT I3A CONFERENCE
Zarakov Discusses Digital Camera and Camera Phone Megapixel Strategy
with Co-Panelists from Kodak, Hewlett-Packard, and CDM Optics
May 11, 2007, Burlingame, CA -- FotoNation (www.fotonation.com), a leading provider of embedded imaging and communications solutions for the digital camera industry, announced today that Eric Zarakov, VP of Marketing, FotoNation, will be speaking on the “Megapixels: Truth and Consequence” Panel at the 61st Annual I3A Conference - Inspiring Imaging Innovation, held in Denver on June 7, 2007.
Moderated by well-known author and photographer, Sally Wiener Grotta from The Well Connected Woman, FotoNation’s Zarakov will discuss digital camera and camera phone megapixel strategy with co-panelists, Don Willimas of Eastman Kodak; Robert Gann, HP; and Ed Dowski of CDM Optics.
Questions delved into during the panel will include:
- Are extra megapixels more of a marketing strategy than a real advantage to consumers?
- Since the majority of digital capture devices sold today are camera phones, do megapixels mean less than ever?
“The industry has been racing along the megapixel highway ever since the first digital camera shipped,” said Sally Wiener Grotta, Moderator. “The important question is, however, whether the consumer is being properly served and informed by the marketing emphasis on the number of megapixels, which doesn’t always relate to real image quality.”
“While industry insiders know the weakness of relying on megapixels as measure of image quality, the number of megapixels is still an important check box item used in marketing digital cameras and camera phones. Mass-market consumer marketing agendas, however, are shifting the focus away from the boring technical specifications of megapixels to new advanced imaging features, such as face detection and face tracking, which are easier to communicate to end users. This will be a fun panel to explore these issues,” said Eric Zarakov, VP Marketing, FotoNation.
About FotoNation
FotoNation is a world-leading independent provider of embedded imaging and communication solutions for the digital camera industry. The company’s extensive portfolio of patented innovations includes in-camera red-eye removal technology, wireless connectivity, and face-recognition software. Over 64 million digital cameras have been shipped with licensed FotoNation Red-Eye detection and correction technology. FotoNation develops innovative solutions, intellectual property, and products to enhance, extend, and simplify the picture taking and sharing experience. Clients include AOL, Canon, Hewlett-Packard, Kodak, Microsoft, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Samsung, Sanyo, and Sony, among others.
FotoNation has won numerous awards, including the DIMA 2006 Innovative Product Award and the prestigious 2006 European IST award for its Red-Eye Detection and Correction Technology. The company makes important industry-wide contributions to the advancement of digital imaging. In 2005, FotoNation authored the industry-adopted PTP-IP Specification, which is the basis of the international camera connectivity CIPA-005/2005 standard.
For more information, see http://www.fotonation.com.
About I3A Conference
The International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) is the leading global association for the imaging industry. The 61st Annual Conference, Inspiring Imaging Innovation, will be held in Denver, June 6-8, 2007. The event will look in depth at the emerging technologies that will fuel success in the constantly evolving imaging industry, while exploring accompanying business challenges and formulating the next steps to turn those challenges into opportunities for all sectors of the imaging industry. The Annual Conference is also the occasion for I3A’s Annual Achievement and Safety Award presentations.
Disney Joins the Musicnotes.com Online Sheet Music Catalog
-- "Ev'ry truly cultured music student knows, you must learn your scales and your arpeggios" -- and with a newly announced licensing distribution agreement between Disney Music Publishing and Musicnotes.com, musicians throughout the world will enjoy learning the scales, arpeggios, lyrics and all the other notation necessary to play and sing all their favorite Disney songs.
Under this newly minted licensing agreement, online sheet music publisher and retailer, Musicnotes.com will sell downloadable digital sheet music from throughout Disney Music Publishing's revered music catalog.
Disney Music Publishing joins an impressive list of music publishers and administrators already offering downloadable sheet music from their catalogs on the Musicnotes.com web site. These publishers include Alfred Music Publishing (encompassing the Warner/Chappell catalog), Sony/ATV, BMG, Zomba, Famous Music, Peermusic and dozens of additional publishers.
"We are excited about the opportunity to offer digital sheet music through Musicnotes.com, and expand the availability of Disney's catalog in this growing format," said Julie Enzer of Disney Music Publishing.
As a result of the agreement the Musicnotes.com web site will offer digital sheet music downloads from Disney Music Publishing's various catalogs including songs from animated feature films (The Lion King, Cinderella, among others), Disney Channel hits (High School Musical, Hannah Montana), live-action feature films (Pirates of the Caribbean -- Curse of the Black Pearl and Dead Man's Chest, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardobe) and many new and classic songs.
Of course, the popular song and musician's warm-up exercise "Scales and Arpeggios" from Disney's The Aristocats (quoted in the opening paragraph) is available for download as well.
About Musicnotes: Musicnotes, Inc. offers an impressive online catalog of nearly 60,000 digital sheet music titles, built on the strength of content agreements with Alfred Publishing, BMG, Sony/ATV Publishing, Disney Music Publishing, Famous Music, Peermusic, Word Music, EMI Christian, Bug Music and others. Musicnotes was also recently selected as one of the Top 500 Online Retailers by Internet Retailer Magazine.
On the web: http://www.musicnotes.com/
About Disney Music Publishing:
Disney Music Publishing acquires, administers and markets musical copyrights, including, but not limited to, those copyrights originating from the various Disney production units. The division also publishes sheet music, and through its Seven Summits Music unit, manages a staff of exclusive songwriters who are responsible for original songs in every style from country, rock and pop, to R&B and gospel.
Disney Music Publishing is part of the Disney Music Group, the recorded music and music publishing arm of The Walt Disney Company.
Source: Musicnotes, Inc.
Web site: http://www.musicnotes.com/
Mariah Carey and Jon Bon Jovi to Participate in the VH1 Save The Music Foundation's 10th Anniversary Celebration
Gala Event to Celebrate Ten Years of Restoring Music Education Programs in more than 1,400 of our Nation's Public Schools
-- Jon Bon Jovi and Mariah Carey will join in celebrating the VH1 Save The Music Foundation's 10th Anniversary Gala on September 20th at Lincoln Center in New York City. Jon Bon Jovi will perform as part of a special tribute to VH1 Save The Music founder John Sykes during a ceremony that will also honor Mariah Carey for her unyielding support of The Foundation's mission.
"I am thrilled to have Jon Bon Jovi and Mariah Carey share in the celebration of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation's 10th anniversary," says Paul Cothran, Executive Director of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. "It would be hard to look back on the past ten years and recount each of our triumphs and successes without recalling individuals such as these two artists that have donated so much of their time and efforts to restoring music education programs across the country,"
During the elaborate 10th anniversary celebration, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation will honor Mariah Carey for her outstanding dedication to the organization over the years. Since 1998, Mariah Carey has been instrumental in helping the VH1 Save The Music Foundation achieve their goals by volunteering her time and efforts in various ways. Mariah has performed at several benefit shows including the very first "VH1 Divas" in 1998 and has been active in raising public awareness about the benefits of music education during events such as NBC's "VH1 Save The Music Today! Week." In 2006, Mariah donated the Escada dress she wore in her Intel Centrino Duo commercial, which later sold at auction to benefit The Foundation.
John Mayer, who can be seen in one of The Foundation's newest public service announcements, will co-headline the event. Tim Gunn of Project Runway will also be on hand to emcee a live auction, which will feature one-of-a-kind items and experiences from VH1 Save The Music partners. Additional honorees, participants and attendees will be announced in the coming months.
About VH1 Save The Music Foundation
Since 1997, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation has successfully restored and sustained instrumental music programs in 1,400 public schools in 80 communities across the country, including Memphis, Houston, Chicago, New York, Denver, Baltimore and Milwaukee. Over the past ten years, various artists and celebrities have shown their devotion to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation by partnering with the organization as they've reached out to struggling school districts across the country. Celebrities including Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Sting, Billy Joel, Kiefer Sutherland, John Legend, Rob Thomas, Alicia Keys, and Jewel have donated their time and efforts to the organization in attempts to raise awareness about the importance of music in a child's education.
To date, The Foundation has provided more than $34 million in new musical instruments, affecting the lives of more than one million children. For more information on the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, please visit http://www.vh1.com/partners/save_the_music/.
Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://www.vh1.com/partners/save_the_music
Hopalong Cassidy's Palm Desert Home Auction June 2; Memorabilia Auction June 4
-- The desert hideaway of one
of America's best loved cowboy-actors, William Boyd aka "Hopalong Cassidy,"
is being auctioned June 2 by Pacific Auction Exchange.
"This is a great opportunity to own a piece of TV western history,"
said Mario Hernandez, a Rancho Mirage contractor and owner of TileCare
Company, who restored Boyd's home to the glamour of yesteryear. "The house
is basically white and black, just like Hoppy's black western garb and his
white horse Topper."
Hernandez now owns the two-bedroom, 1.75-bathroom, 1,892-square-foot
home, which served as winter retreat for Boyd and his wife Grace from 1955
to 1971. Boyd was 77 when he died in 1972. Boyd was honored with a hiking
trail named for him in the foothills of Palm Desert.
Besides the house auction, more than a chuck wagon full of western and
personal memorabilia from Boyd's home will be on the auction block June 4
at Bonham & Butterfields Auctioneers in Los Angeles. To view Hoppy's house
and memorabilia online, click to http://www.hoppyhouse.com
Many of the 35 plus historic items, including authentic saddles that
were mounted atop bar stools William Boyd's home here, will be available
for sale. The saddles honor some of America's cowboy heroes such as Roy
Rogers, John Wayne, Gene Autry, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Calamity
Jane. Other items include bolo ties, a vintage radio and exercise bike,
bass violin, brass horse door knockers, a coffee cup with Hoppy's portrait,
furniture and artwork from the estate home.
"I'm very proud to be able to offer Hoppy's memorabilia to his many
fans around the United States," Hernandez said. "Hoppy was a great role
model for kids and adults when he was making movies. He never swore, didn't
drink, rarely kissed girls," Hernandez said with a laugh. "He had a squeaky
clean image."
Hernandez, whose father Emilio was Boyd's landscaper in 1957-58, said
he was intrigued with Boyd's house as well as Boyd's career as Hoppy.
The auction is expected to attract as many as 400 people, according to
Steve LaRocque, owner of the Pacific Auction Exchange/AlynnRock Group, Inc.
in Pleasanton, Calif.
The house will be sold with no minimum bid and no reserve. It will sell
to the highest bidder regardless of price. Auction previews at the house
will take place on May 19, from 4:07 p.m. to 6:07 p.m., May 26, from 11:07
a.m. to 1:07 p.m. and June 1, from 6:07 p.m. to 7:07 p.m. A Bidder's
Information Seminar will be held at 7:07 p.m. on June 1. The auction will
be held at 12:07 p.m. June 2. The public is welcome at all events.
Prospective buyers must bring a cashier's check for $20,000 which will
serve as a part of the deposit if they are successful in the auction. This
will be an absolute auction, meaning the highest bid will be accepted,
according to La Rocque. The $20,000 cashier's checks will be returned to
unsuccessful bidders. LaRocque can be reached at 877-PAX2BID or
925-600-7766. Go to http://www.paxbayareaauctions.com to request auctioninformation.
Some of the memorabilia will be auctioned off during the house auction,
Hernandez said.
"I plan to make a donation to some charities, specifically the Boys &
Girls Club of the Coachella Valley and the Michael J Fox Foundation for
Parkinson's disease research," Hernandez said. Boyd died from heart failure
brought on from Parkinson's disease.
Hopalong Cassidy was the hero of 28 western novels written by Clarence
Mulford in the 1920s, '30s and '40s.
Boyd, a star of the silent movies under contract to Cecil B. DeMille,
brought Hopalong to the screen in a feature produced by Paramount Pictures.
Paramount made 34 more pictures with Bill Boyd as Hoppy and United Artists produced 31 others, also with Bill Boyd. On June 24, 1949, Hoppy starred inwhat became the first network Western television series, airing on NBC.
Boyd starred in 52 half-hour TV programs and 104 radio shows
May 9
USA Network and Yahoo! Music Enter into New Music Pact for Television
# 1 Cable Network and #1 Online Music Site Create New Marketing Model and Development Hub To Discover and Promote Emerging Artists
USA Network and Yahoo! Music today announced that they have entered into an agreement to discover and promote new music and emerging artists through a non-traditional marketing model. The collaboration, the first of its kind for television, seeks to move beyond the boundaries of traditional marketing by enhancing USA Network's slate of innovative programming and promotional content through relevant and breakthrough music.
"We're thrilled to be involved in this innovative partnership that has the potential to create a new model for the way musical artists are discovered and developed," said Chris McCumber, USA's senior vice president, marketing & brand strategy. "We look forward to combining the resources and creative synergy of USA, Yahoo! Music and media architect Spencer Proffer to carve a unique sonic brand for the network."
"As the music industry continues to evolve, the business of breaking artists depends on creative and integrated deals like this one," said Jay Frank, vice president of programming and label relations, Yahoo! Music. "Yahoo! Music is in a unique position to identify unsigned talent and now has a partner with the reach, content and expertise to help develop the next big recording artist."
Yahoo! Music, the #1 online music destination, is home to LAUNCHcast radio, the Web's top radio service. Yahoo! Music will track consumer feedback and response to independent and unsigned artists on LAUNCHcast and will recommend well-performing artists and music to USA Network based on that research.
Under terms of the venture, USA Network will then sign the mutually agreed-upon performing artists, integrating them into the network for an incubation period. Music industry innovator Spencer Proffer of Meteor 17 will oversee the development and promotion of the artists along with USA Network and Yahoo! Music. USA will utilize the artists' recordings for marketing and programming on the network and will benefit from a flexible source of new music for use on all platforms. Yahoo! Music will employ artists' music for further exposure.
About USA Network
USA NETWORK is cable television's leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, off-net television shows, and blockbuster theatrical films. The #1 basic cable network across the board in 1Q06, USA Network is seen in 90 million U.S. homes. The USA Network Web site is located at http://www.usanetwork.com/. Characters Welcome. USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.
About Yahoo! Music
Yahoo! Music (http://music.yahoo.com/) is the #1 online music destination. Yahoo! Music offers more than 2 million songs for download as well as the tools to manage, explore and share music. Yahoo! Music provides a wide selection of streaming video and audio, the Web's largest collection of music videos, Internet radio, original content, exclusive features, artist information and news covering all genres of music to Yahoo! users.
Yahoo! and the Yahoo! logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Source: USA Network
Web site: http://www.usanetwork.com/
http://music.yahoo.com/
Verizon FiOS TV Viewers Tune to BBC World News
International News and Information Channel Joins FiOS TV Lineup
-- Viewers around the world turn to BBC World News for balanced, in-depth international news and information. Now, Verizon FiOS TV subscribers can enjoy this 24-hour news resource as BBC World News joins the Verizon FiOS TV channel lineup on channel 92.
"BBC World News telecasts to more than 200 countries and territories across the globe, yet few U.S. cable companies offer it," said Terry Denson, Verizon vice president - FiOS TV content and programming. "We're delighted to give our customers another distinctive choice that further serves their diverse interests and isn't found on most competing systems."
Verizon provides FiOS TV over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network, straight to customers' homes. Verizon FiOS TV offers a broad collection of all-digital programming, more than two dozen high-definition channels, 8,600 video-on-demand titles and more. At the end of the first quarter, Verizon FiOS TV had 348,000 subscribers and was available to approximately 3.1 million households in parts of California, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.
BBC World News provides international news, business and sports reports, plus award-winning current affairs series and documentaries, to a weekly global audience of 65 million viewers.
A study by American pollster Frank Luntz, commissioned by BBC World News in September 2006, shows that the channel has "mass potential" and "an eager audience" in the United States. In addition to the programming on the BBC World News channel, U.S. audiences can view BBC World News via 30-minute programs shown daily on 229 PBS stations throughout the United States and on BBC America.
"BBC News already has a strong reputation in the U.S.," said BBC World News' director of distribution and business development, Jeff Hazell. "The BBC World News channel offers audiences a truly international news agenda and a global perspective and is in the enviable position of being able to meet the demands of American viewers for in-depth, balanced international news."
About BBC World News
BBC World News, the BBC's commercially funded international 24-hour news and information channel, is owned and operated by BBC World Ltd, a member of the BBC's commercial group of companies.
BBC World News is available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, and reaches 281 million households (147 million 24-hour homes) and more than 1.3 million hotel rooms. It is also available on 48 cruise ships, 36 airlines and 31 mobile phone platforms. In the United States, BBC World News is now available 24/7 in just under 2.5 million homes.
BBC World News launched in its present format in 1995 and is funded by advertising and subscription.
For further information on how to receive BBC World News, download schedules or find out more about the channel, visit www.bbcworld.com.
About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 60.7 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 238,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.
Source: Verizon
World Premiere of Gretchen Wilson's Newest Release, One of the Boys, May 9 on GRETCHEN 99.9 HD2
- Preview Wilson's Third Album Six Days Before Its Release on HD Radio(TM) station GRETCHEN 99.9 HD2, Sister Station of KISS Country WKIS-FM -
-- WHO:
GRETCHEN 99.9 HD2, multicast through HD Radio technology from sister station KISS Country 99.9 WKIS-FM in Miami, and Gretchen Wilson, award-winning country music performer and SONY/BMG recording artist.
WHAT:
Twenty-four hour round-the-clock, commercial-free world premiere of Gretchen Wilson's One of the Boys, her third album release, which hits stores May 15. First ever HD Radio preview of a release by a major recording artist. The HD2 broadcast is available for free in crystal-clear, CD-quality sound for those with access to an HD Radio receiver. For more information, or to hear the station's online stream through a standard Internet media player, visit www.gretchen999.com.
WHEN:
May 9, from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
WHERE:
GRETCHEN 99.9 HD2, which can be accessed by tuning an HD Radio receiver to 99.9 HD2. For more information, or to hear an online programming stream through a standard Internet media player, visit www.gretchen999.com.
MORE:
Gretchen Wilson is both the inspiration and the official on-air spokesperson for GRETCHEN 99.9 HD2, which debuted in September 2005. The HD Radio station is multicast from 25-year-old heritage country station KISS Country 99.9 WKIS-FM in Miami. The brainchild of WKIS-FM Program Director Bob Barnett, GRETCHEN 99.9 HD2 plays a creative, "outlaw" country format. For more information about HD Radio and links to online retailers, please visit www.hdradio.com. In South Florida, HD Radio receivers can be purchased at Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, Sharper Image, Sound Advice, and Wal-Mart.
Source: iBiquity Digital
Web site: http://www.ibiquity.com/
http://www.gretchen999.com/
McDonald's(R) Brings the Joy of Shrek(R) to Customers Around the World
Worldwide Promotion of DreamWorks Animation's 'Shrek The Third(TM)' Represents
Evolution in McDonald's Offerings for Kids and Families
The Golden Arches(R) are going green for "Shrek The Third" as McDonald's launches one of its largest and most exciting promotions ever. Kids and families around the world will experience Shrek like never before, from high-tech Shrek Happy Meal(R) toys created in eight languages, to an innovative online community dedicated to kids, to the company's single biggest promotion of fruit, vegetables and milk. Shrek will arrive at participating McDonald's restaurants in North America from "Far Far Away" on May 11, the first stop in the company's multi-faceted global promotion designed to reach customers with a focus on wholesome, quality entertainment with a purpose -- the well-being of children and families.
"We're committed to bringing our customers the best and most trusted properties around," said Mary Dillon, global chief marketing officer, McDonald's. "Shrek, one of the most beloved characters in the world, is helping us bring special excitement to our restaurants, everything from food and fun to activities and entertainment."
"Go for Green" in the United States
In the United States, McDonald's is celebrating the arrival of "Shrek the Third" with its "Go for Green" message. The campaign showcases a variety of food choices including Premium Salads, Premium Chicken Sandwiches, fun desserts and a Happy Meal featuring Chicken McNuggets(R) Made with White Meat, Apple Dippers (fresh, peeled apple slices with optional low-fat caramel dipping sauce), and low-fat white or chocolate Milk Jugs served in child-friendly containers with Shrek packaging to encourage consumption.
Beginning May 11, participating McDonald's restaurants in the United States also will offer customers limited-edition Shrek Arch Cards featuring four beloved Shrek characters, as well as four unique collector's glasses. Each 16 oz. collector's glass features a main Shrek character with a scene from "Shrek the Third" and will be available with any food purchase, while supplies last, at the recommended retail price of $1.99.
"The premiere of 'Shrek the Third' at McDonald's is about offering our guests an exceptional experience inside and outside of the restaurant," said Bill Lamar, chief marketing officer, McDonald's USA. "High quality food choices, combined with the magic and adventure of Shrek, provide kids and families with unforgettable fun only available at McDonald's."
McDonald's and DreamWorks
"'Shrek The Third' is the first global promotion resulting from McDonald's partnership with DreamWorks," said Roger Enrico, chairman, DreamWorks Animation SKG(TM). "This is a wonderful example of the power of the partnership to speak to millions of children with positive experiences that make them laugh while also delivering encouragement and inspiration."
The "Shrek Effect" Goes Global
The excitement of Shrek will be brought to life in McDonald's markets in more than 100 countries around the world, including:
-- Canada: Shrek will be featured on Happy Meal packaging with Apple
Dippers and low-fat Milk Jugs. Will also offer four unique
collector's glasses. Each 16 oz. glass features a main Shrek
character with a scene from "Shrek the Third."
-- Australia: Offering a "Far Far Away Pasta Happy Meal" June 13 to July
12, featuring Shrek-shaped pasta. Also giving customers the chance to
win one of five "Family Ogre-Whelming Shrek Adventures" to exciting
destinations including Sea World Resort and Warner Bros. Movie World.
-- Europe: Partnering with Nokia to offer a young adult mobile promotion
in which customers can send an SMS text message to receive Shrek
screenshots, animations and more.
-- Hong Kong, Singapore and Russia: Selling Shrek ears to benefit Ronald
McDonald House Charities(R).
-- Latin America: Will be featuring Fiona Salads. In addition, will
debut a fun, larger-than-life outdoor campaign featuring Shrek-themed
road and public transportation billboards, oversized airport posters,
full-coverage exterior train ads, and a unique escalator teaser.
-- United Kingdom: Featuring Shrek on Happy Meal items including carrot
sticks, organic milk and fruit bags. McDonald's U.K. has also teamed
up with HarperCollins Children's Books and WH Smith to offer vouchers
on Shrek Happy Meal boxes for discounts on exclusive Shrek books.
"I'm impressed with McDonald's worldwide commitment to promote activity, encourage balanced food choices and doing this in a fun and engaging way," noted Dr. Michele Borba, internationally recognized parenting expert, educator, and member of McDonald's Global Moms Advisory Panel. "This is very consistent with the counsel that the Mom's Panel has been giving McDonald's. It's clear they are listening."
McDonald's Online Kids' Platform
The Shrek cast are the first characters to star in McDonald's new online kids program dedicated to kids well-being. The site, which launches with "Shrek's Treketh to Adventure," is designed to stimulate imagination and activity through online games and energetic, offline activities and challenges. As kids complete each activity, they earn points redeemable for digital downloads such as sound mixers, screensavers and IM buddy icons.
This new kids digital community will be available in English on May 11 at http://www.happymeal.com/ and http://www.mcdonalds.com/ and will launch in multiple languages in the coming weeks. McDonald's will expand the site to include new online and offline activities coinciding with future McDonald's initiatives. Upcoming site themes include such entertainment properties as Sony Pictures Entertainment's "Surf's Up(TM)" and DreamWorks Animation's "Bee Movie(TM)." The site will also expand to help kids and families learn more about World Children's Day(TM), an annual fundraiser for kids in need around the world, and experience the fun and excitement of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, of which McDonald's is a TOP Sponsor.
McDonald's and Shrek TV Commercial
As part of McDonald's DreamWorks partnership, the studio has created original animation for McDonald's new global TV spot. The commercial will be customized by countries and will begin airing May 11 in the United States and in select countries around the world throughout the coming months.
About McDonald's
McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 30,000 local restaurants in 118 countries. Approximately 70 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent, local men and women. Please visit http://www.mcdonalds.com/ to learn more about the company.
About DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.
DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSE:DWA) is devoted to producing high-quality family entertainment through the use of computer-generated (CG) animation. Utilizing worldclass creative talent and state-of-the-art technological capabilities, the company is committed to making two computer-animated feature films a year that appeal to a broad movie-going audience.
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LFP Video Group Distributes the First Adult Blu-ray Film
LFP Video Group will partner with New Media Adult Entertainment to distribute the very first adult video to be released on the Blu-ray DVD format. The title will feature adult star Jenna Haze in a film that will be released this summer and be available in stores throughout the country. The movie will also be offered in other formats including HD-DVD and DVD-WMV.
"LFP leads the way in adult entertainment and it is only fitting that we are the first to market with an adult film in this exciting new format," says Michael H. Klein, President, LFP Video Group, LLC. "This release expands the Hustler tradition of breaking new ground with our video titles not only in content, but also by utilizing the latest technology available, so our customers can enjoy superior picture quality."
"New Media Adult Entertainment has always been focused on bringing customers the highest quality adult entertainment possible," says Manny Ulele, Chief Technology Officer. "LFP Video shares our same commitment to customer satisfaction, and we look forward to expanding the adult hi-def marketplace together."
Surfing with the Alien, the 1987 Breakthrough Album by Guitar Virtuoso Joe Satriani, will be Reissued August 7, 2007 in a New 20th Anniversary Edition From Epic/Legacy Recordings
Expanded Two-CD Set Includes the Newly Remastered Album Plus a Bonus DVD Capturing Satriani's Performance at the 1988 Montreux Jazz Festival
'We really thought it would be the last album that anyone would let us make. We were doing something that was just so unpopular. A blend of rock and blues and jazz and techno and film music, played as guitar instrumentals? No one really understood it,' -- Joe Satriani, 2007
-- Surfing with the Alien was the album that ignited Joe Satriani's career as a solo performer. The acclaimed guitarist's second full-length release, Surfing with the Alien was originally issued in October 1987 on Relativity Records. It became a left-field bestseller that reached No. 29 on the Billboard Top 200 and was certified Platinum for US sales of over one million copies. It was the first rock guitar instrumental album to reach Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart. It includes the charting hits "Satch Boogie" and "Surfing With The Alien", plus the Grammy-nominated "Always With Me, Always With You".
Surfing ... launched Satriani on an ever-evolving creative path: eighteen further audio and video releases (nine of them certified gold and/or platinum) totaling over 10 million albums sold worldwide, fourteen Grammy Award nominations, and multiple world tours both as a headliner and as founder of the all-star "G3" guitar extravaganza.
On August 7, 2007, Epic/Legacy Recordings will celebrate the 20th anniversary of this groundbreaking album with the release of a new expanded edition of Surfing with the Alien. This meticulously restored two-disc set includes the newly remastered album and a previously never-before-seen live show filmed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1988. It will also feature new liner notes written by Joe and special deluxe packaging featuring photos, notes and other memorabilia from Joe's personal archive.
Disc One: The Album
This portion of the 20th Anniversary edition of Surfing with the Alien contains the original ten-track album, newly remastered by Joe Satriani and original album co-producer John Cuniberti, at The Plant Studios in Sausalito, California. The ten songs were written and arranged by Joe Satriani, who played guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion, and drum programming on the original sessions.
"From 1979 through 1984," Satriani recounts, "I was in a band called The Squares with John Cuniberti, who was our live engineer and also did our demos, and Jeff Campitelli on drums. I self-released my first EP (Joe Satriani) and then worked with John and Jeff on my first full-length album, Not of This Earth. Relativity released that recording in December 1986 and after I played some new songs at a New York showcase in January '87, the label gave me the go-ahead to make Surfing with the Alien.
"Through 1987, I was dividing my time between teaching guitar, playing sessions, and working on my own tracks. We were so broke when we recorded Surfing ... that there are no photos from the sessions-we wouldn't spend money on pictures if we could rent a cool piece of gear instead! We really thought it would be the last album that anyone would let us make."
Following the release of Surfing with the Alien in October 1987, Relativity execs urged Satriani to mount a tour as the leader of his own band. Despite his misgivings ("I'd never done that-I'd always been in rock bands with singers"), Joe assembled a trio and did two weeks of dates on the East Coast and around Southern California in January 1988.
Before his own shows had concluded, Joe was recruited for a Mick Jagger solo tour in support of the lone Stone's Primitive Cool album. For the guitarist, it proved a valuable learning experience: "That tour kind of rescued me. I learned how to perform from Mick, when and when not to go over the top." In the summer of 1988, a newly confident Satriani joined forces with bassist Stu Hamm and drummer Jonathan Mover for his maiden voyage to the UK and Europe.
Disc 2: The Live DVD
The second disc of the 20th Anniversary edition of Surfing with the Alien features a never-before-seen live show that captures Joe Satriani performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival on July 14, 1988 during the bombastic Surfing with the Alien tour. Expertly backed by Hamm and Mover, Joe tears through "Ice 9," "Satch Boogie," and "Circles" (among other favorites from Surfing ... ) along with tunes like "Hordes of Locusts" and "Rubina" from Not of This Earth.
"It was my first trip to Europe and the first of our four shows overseas," Satriani recalls. "I was supposed to arrive at Montreux in time for sound check and play at midnight on July 14. We had a direct flight from London to Switzerland.
"Because of something to do with Bastille Day, our flight was grounded in Lyon, France-so my manager and I got off the plane, rented a car, and drove six or seven hours to Montreux. We missed the soundcheck. Fortunately, Carlos Santana and Milton Nascimento preceded our set and they would not get off the stage.
"It was 4:15 a.m. when we finally hit. We led off with 'Ice 9' and after the first eight bars, most people got up and left! I think it was just a little too over the top for that time of the morning, and they made us play a shortened set. When it was over, we went across the street to the hotel, took a shower, and got into the car for an 8:00 a.m. flight back to London to play two gigs.
"This show isn't anything like what you'd see me play today. But it's a personal historical document and I've learned to appreciate the raw energy of it. The set was mixed live-now we've expanded the sonic quality and tried to make the performance come off as powerfully on DVD as it did for us on stage that night."
Surfing With the Alien (20th Anniversary Epic/Legacy Edition)
Originally released October 1987
CD -- Disc 1 (remastered)
01. Surfing with the Alien
02. Ice 9
03. Crushing Day
04. Always With Me, Always With You
05. Satch Boogie
06. Hill of the Skull
07. Circles
08. Lords of Karma
09. Midnight
10. Echo
Original album credits:
Joe Satriani -- guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion, drum programming
Bongo Bob Smith -- drum programming, sound design, percussion
Jeff Campitelli -- drums, percussion
John Cuniberti -- percussion
Jeff Kreeger -- pre-production programming and sound design
All songs written and arranged by Joe Satriani
All songs published by Strange Beautiful Music/ASCAP
DVD -- Disc 2 -- Live at Montreux (previously unreleased)
01. Ice 9
02. Memories
03. Midnight
04. Rubina
05. Circles
06. Lords of Karma
07. S.T.U.
08. Echo
09. Hordes of Locusts
10. Always With Me, Always With You
11. Satch Boogie
Joe Satriani -- guitar
Stu Hamm -- bass
Jonathan Mover -- drums
Recorded July 14, 1988 at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
All songs are previously unreleased.
All songs written and arranged by Joe Satriani except for S.T.U.
Web site: http://www.legacyrecordings.com/
Spider-Man(TM) 3 Makes Motion Picture History With Record-Breaking $382 Million Worldwide
- Opening Weekend Records Shattered in 29 Countries -
-- The world's moviegoers were caught in the web of Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man(TM) 3 at the global box office this weekend as the film grossed $382 million worldwide, the highest opening ever in motion picture history, it was announced today by Jeff Blake, vice chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment. Of that, $231 million was tallied from international ticket sales, with $151 million coming from the film's record-setting debut in North America. Playing in 4,252 domestic locations, the film took in an average of $35,540 per screen. The film also unspooled at more than 8,900 locations abroad.
In addition to being #1 for the weekend in all 107 territories around the world in which it opened, Spider-Man 3 set a new mark for the biggest weekend of all time in 29 countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, China, Italy, Mexico, and Brazil. Among its many accomplishments, the film set new records for the biggest single worldwide day (Saturday, May 5 - $117,631,328), biggest international opening ($231 million), and biggest worldwide opening ($382 M).
Many of the opening frame records were broken by astounding margins. In Korea, Spider-Man 3 did three times the business of the previous record holder (Korean film The Host) and bested the previous-best Hollywood film (The Matrix Reloaded) by more than four times. In Japan, Spider-Man 3 broke the old record opening weekend by 44%; in Brazil, by 48%, in Mexico by 37%; and in Italy, the film beat the previous record holder The DaVinci Code by 24%.
Among the domestic records set by Spider-Man 3 are biggest opening weekend ($151,116,516), biggest single day (Friday, $59,841,919), and biggest per-theater average for a wide release ($35,540). The film also set a new record for the largest domestic gross in IMAX theaters, with $4.8 million.
Commenting on the announcement, Blake said, "This weekend, more than 80% of the moviegoers around the world chose Spider-Man 3 and we couldn't be more overwhelmed or elated by the global reception to this movie. We have always strived to deliver films with great stories that would excite and entertain audiences and credit for that goes first and foremost to our filmmakers and cast: director Sam Raimi, our partners at Marvel, our producers Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Grant Curtis, and our stars Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, and Topher Grace. Spider-Man 3 builds on the first two films and satisfies the extraordinary expectations of fans everywhere. This was truly a massive achievement not only for Sony Pictures, but the film industry as a whole. Summer is finally here and we expect that moviegoers everywhere will find that the 2007 season will be one to remember."
Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man(TM) 3 reunites the cast and filmmakers from the first two blockbuster adventures for a web of excitement that will transport worldwide audiences to thrilling new heights on May 4, 2007.
In Spider-Man(TM) 3, based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. When his Spider-Man suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well. Under the influence of the suit, Peter becomes prideful and overconfident and he begins to neglect the ones he cares about the most. As two of the most-feared villains yet, Sandman and Venom, gather unparalleled power and a thirst for retribution, Peter's greatest battle is the one within himself. Spider-Man will need to rediscover the compassion that makes him who he is: a hero.
Columbia Pictures Presents A Marvel Studios/Laura Ziskin Production Spider-Man(TM) 3 starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, James Cromwell, Rosemary Harris, and J.K. Simmons. The film is directed by Sam Raimi. The screenplay is by Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi and Alvin Sargent and the screen story by Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi and based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The producers are Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Grant Curtis. The executive producers are Stan Lee, Kevin Feige, and Joseph M. Caracciolo.
About Columbia Pictures
Columbia Pictures, part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/.
Web site: http://www.sonypictures.com/
"LA Opera on Air"
New Radio Broadcasts Featuring
LA Opera's 2006/07 Season
Begin Saturday, May 12, 10:30am
on Classical KUSC
WFMT Radio Network also to syndicate "LA Opera on Air" in major
U.S. Markets, July 7 through August 25
Los Angeles, CA (May 9, 2007) - "LA Opera has teamed with Classical KUSC to produce 'LA Opera on Air,' a new radio program that will be broadcast locally on KUSC at 91.5 FM beginning Saturday, May 12 at 10:30am following the conclusion of the Metropolitan Opera's 2006/07 broadcast season," said Plácido Domingo, Eli and Edythe Broad General Director. "I am delighted that Los Angeles Opera will also be able to reach a truly nationwide audience, as 'LA Opera on Air' will also be broadcast on the WFMT Radio Network beginning Saturday, July 7, and syndicated to over 150 radio stations nationally including stations in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston and Washington, DC. Our city's audiences have come to expect dazzlingly creative productions from a wide-ranging repertoire, from the most beloved of all operas to exciting, nontraditional works. Our productions are also brought to life in our theater by some of the greatest singers of our time. I am proud of the work that we are doing here and I hope that opera lovers from all over the United States will greatly enjoy these wonderful performances."
A new initiative to make the LA Opera's critically-acclaimed productions accessible to a new and wide-ranging audience, "LA Opera on Air" is a series of live recordings of the 2006/07 Season's productions, which were presented at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, that interweaves pre-taped interviews and commentaries with select cast members, directors and conductors into the program. Produced by Classical KUSC in association with LA Opera, "LA Opera on Air" begins an 11 episode run locally on KUSC 91.5 FM on Saturday, May 12 and an eight episode run nationally on the WFMT Radio Network, Chicago, on July 7 with La Traviata starring Renée Fleming and Rolando Villazón conducted by LA Opera's Music Director James Conlon. A full schedule of programs appears below and is available online at www.laopera.com/radio.
"LA Opera on Air," hosted by Duff Murphy and produced by Gail Eichenthal, runs May 12 through July 21 on consecutive Saturday mornings at 10:30am on KUSC and will be available online for streaming at www.kusc.org. Eight shows of "LA Opera on Air" will be aired on the WFMT Radio Network as part of the landmark series of 30 broadcast performances recorded live by four major U.S. opera companies - LA Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera and San Francisco Opera. Designed to give public and commercial stations outstanding live performances and to air between the spring and winter Metropolitan Opera broadcasts, WFMT's programs will be heard on consecutive Saturday mornings from May 12 through December 1, 2007. "LA Opera on Air" will be broadcast on WFMT Radio Network from July 7 through August 25 and includes La Traviata, Don Carlo, Luisa Fernanda, Manon, L'incoronazione di Poppea, Porgy and Bess, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny and Tannhäuser. Broadcasts will be heard on WQXR-FM, New York; WFMT-FM, Chicago; KUSF-FM, San Francisco; WUHF-FM, Houston and WETA-FM, Washington, DC among over 150 other radio stations in over 30 U.S. states and Puerto Rico.
Duff Murphy is host of the current Saturday morning Classical KUSC program "Opera Show." He is also regularly speaks about LA Opera's productions at the Company's pre-performance lectures at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Gail Eichenthal is the Director of Arts Programming for KUSC and is the longtime host and producer of LA Philharmonic national radio broadcasts. The producing team also includes audio producer Fred Vogler, associate producer Brian Lauritzen, post-production engineer Mark Hatwan and LA Opera coordinating producer Gary Murphy. "LA Opera on Air" was made possible by generous grants from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, spearheaded by the efforts of Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, and The Seaver Institute.
In just 21 seasons, LA Opera has become, under the leadership of the Eli and Edythe Broad General Director Plácido Domingo, the fourth largest opera company in the United States and touted as "...a newly important force in American Opera" (Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times). Since the inaugural production, the Company has continued to present leading productions in the standard repertory as well as new and rarely-staged operas. The Company brings prominent Los Angeles artists, many of them from the world of Hollywood, together with world-renowned singers, designers, directors and conductors to create productions that attract the attention of international audiences and critics. In 2006, James Conlon, one of the world's preeminent conductors, became Music Director of LA Opera and has conducted five productions during his inaugural season with the Company.
"LA Opera on Air"
Broadcast Schedule on Classical KUSC 91.5 FM and the WFMT Radio Network
*Broadcast dates and times on WFMT Radio Network vary in differing national media markets; check local listings
La Traviata
KUSC: Saturday, May 12, 10:30am
WFMT: Saturday, July 7*
Verdi's beloved La Traviata features a dream cast conducted by LA Opera's new Music Director James Conlon in his Company debut. Renée Fleming stars as Violetta, the beautiful courtesan. Joining her are Rolando Villazón as her young lover Alfredo and Renato Bruson as Giorgio Germont.
Don Carlo
KUSC: Saturday, May 19, 10:30am
WFMT: Saturday, July 14*
One of Verdi's noblest works, Don Carlo is an enthralling tale of morality and mortality in which some of opera's most memorable characters come to life against a spectacular backdrop of social revolution, military conflict and an endless flow of rapturous melodies. LA Opera's Music Director James Conlon conducts a new production, directed by Ian Judge, with a brilliant cast headed by tenor Salvatore Licitra. Also starring Annalisa Raspagliosi, Dolora Zajick, Lado Ataneli, Ferruccio Furlanetto and Eric Halfvarson.
KUSC: Saturday, May 26, 10:30am
WFMT: Saturday, July 28*
Massenet's exquisite score illuminates a decadent, divine and quintessentially French human drama. One of opera's most dynamic onstage couples, Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón, are reunited in a dazzling production conducted by Plácido Domingo and directed by Vincent Paterson. Also starring David Pittsinger, Hyung Yun, Ryland Davies and Dale Travis.
Hansel and Gretel
KUSC: Saturday, June 2, 10:30am
The classic children's fairy tale comes to the operatic stage in a uniquely charming work. Alan Gilbert conducts a new production created by celebrated director, artist and designer Douglas Fitch. The virtuoso character tenor Graham Clark makes his Company debut as the delightfully evil Witch. Also starring Lucy Schaufer, Maria Kanyova, Donnie Ray Albert and Luana DeVol.
L'incoronazione di Poppea
KUSC: Saturday, June 9, 10:30am
WFMT: Saturday, August 4*
Monteverdi's Baroque masterpiece captures the splendor and corruption of ancient Rome in director Pierre Audi's celebrated production from the Netherlands Opera, which is conducted by early music specialist Harry Bicket. Featured in the cast are Susan Graham, Frederica von Stade, Christine Brandes, David Daniels, Kurt Streit and Reinhard Hagen.
Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny
KUSC: Saturday, June 16, 10:30am
WFMT: Saturday, August 18
From composer Kurt Weill and playwright Bertolt Brecht, the creators of The Threepenny Opera, comes a savage and lyrical satire told in a highly entertaining blend of opera and raucous music hall songs, conducted by Music Director James Conlon. The production stars Tony-Award winners Audra McDonald and Patti LuPone with tenor Anthony Dean Griffey, and is directed by Tony Award winning director John Doyle.
Tannhäuser
KUSC: Saturday, June 23, 10:30am
WFMT: Saturday, August 25*
Wagner's romantic masterpiece luxuriates in voluptuous orchestrations and sumptuous melodies, conducted by James Conlon. Starring Peter Seiffert, Petra Maria Schnitzer, Franz-Josef Selig, Martin Gantner and Lioba Braun.
Recovered Voices
KUSC: Saturday, June 30, 10:30am
Music Director James Conlon conducts the inaugural concert of the newly initiated Recovered Voices series, which focuses on the works by composers affected by the Holocaust. The repertory includes selections by Franz Schreker, Walter Braunfels, Ernst Krenek, Viktor Ullmann, Erwin Schulhoff and Erich Korngold, and features a complete performance of Alexander Zemlinsky's Eine florentinische Tragödie (A Florentine Tragedy), a one-act opera based on Oscar Wilde's play of the same name, starring Donnie Ray Albert, Anthony Dean Griffey and Tatiana Pavlovskaya.
The Merry Widow
KUSC: Saturday, July 7, 10:30am
Susan Graham and Rod Gilfry star in one of the most beloved of all operettas. Franz Lehár's ravishing score dances and dazzles its way to a delightfully perfect conclusion. Director Lotfi Mansouri's opulent production revels in romantic intrigue, splashy production numbers and timeless Viennese waltzes.
Porgy and Bess
KUSC: Saturday, July 14, 10:30am
WFMT: Saturday, August 11*
George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess is a treasure trove of heartfelt American song. Chronicling the life and struggles of an African-American community in South Carolina, this classic tale of love found and lost has captivated generations of both opera lovers and Broadway fans. Francesca Zambello directs a theatrically vivid production conducted by John DeMain. Starring Kevin Short as Porgy and Morenike Fadayomi as Bess.
Luisa Fernanda
KUSC: Saturday, July 21, 10:30am
WFMT: Saturday, July 21*
Luisa Fernanda is the last of the great romantic zarzuelas. Conductor Miguel Roa captures the authentic spirit of the simple and yet sophisticated masterwork of popular Spanish musical theater, in which a tangled love triangle leads to an unexpectedly heart-tugging conclusion. The son of renowned zarzuela performers, Plácido Domingo stars in a work close to his heart as the goodhearted Vidal Hernando, willing to give up the woman he adores in the cause of true love. Also starring María José Montiel and Antonio Gandia.
Spider-Man(R) 3 shatters IMAX box office records on opening weekend
Picture Posts Largest Opening in IMAX's 40 Year History
Highlights include: ------------------- - Largest worldwide opening at $6.3 million - Largest domestic 3-day total at $4.8 million - Largest single day at $2.2 million
-- IMAX Corporation and Sony Pictures Entertainment today announced that Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man 3 shattered multiple box office records at IMAX(R) theatres through its opening weekend, contributing a record-setting $4.8 million of the $148 million that the film grossed at the domestic box office, from May 4, through Sunday, May 6. The picture also broke the record for IMAX's largest single day worldwide total at $2.2 million and posted a remarkable domestic opening weekend per screen average of $57,147. Spider-Man 3 opened on 84 domestic IMAX screens and 34 international IMAX screens, making it the largest opening in IMAX's 40-year history, with a record-breaking worldwide estimated total of $6.3 million. The film's overall worldwide debut total was an estimated $375 million.
"We are ecstatic about the opening results in both traditional theatres as well as IMAX venues," said Rory Bruer, President, Domestic Distribution, Sony Pictures Releasing. "The IMAX release offers fans of Spider-Man another unique and exciting way to experience the film, and we are encouraged by the contribution it has already made to the film's overall box office performance."
"The weekend results from Spider-Man 3 didn't just break our previous opening record, they blew it away," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "Several IMAX theatres were installed to open in time for Spider-Man 3, and we are delighted to see that these theatres are already translating into new IMAX audiences -- which means greater box office returns for the studio and exhibitors."
"You know you have a hit on your hands when theatre operators are adding extra shows and some of our theatres are even staying open 24 hours to keep up with the high consumer demand," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President, IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia Pictures and the Spider-Man filmmakers have delivered a history-making blockbuster to the IMAX theatre network, and the high advance IMAX tickets sales for next week gives us great confidence that this film is going to continue to be a significant draw at IMAX locations throughout the Spring."
Spider-Man 3 has been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with proprietary IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering) technology, creating a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.
Spider-Man 3 is directed by Sam Raimi, who also directed the first two blockbuster installments of the Marvel Comics superhero, Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2. The picture reunites the cast led by Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and James Franco. To date, the Spider-Man series has surpassed $1.6 billion in worldwide box office receipts.
In Spider-Man 3, based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. As Spider-Man basks in the public's adulation for his accomplishments and he is pursued by Gwen Stacy (Bryce Dallas Howard), who rivals M.J. for his affections, Peter becomes overconfident and starts to neglect the people who care about him most. His newfound self-assuredness is jeopardized when he faces the battle of his life against two of the most feared villains ever (Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace), whose unparalleled power and thirst for retribution threaten Peter and everyone he loves.
Columbia Pictures Presents A Marvel Studios/Laura Ziskin Production Spider-Man(R) 3 starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons and James Cromwell. The film is directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2). The screenplay is by two-time Oscar(R) winner Alvin Sargent (Ordinary People, Spider-Man 2) and the screen story by Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi and based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The producers are Laura Ziskin (Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2), Avi Arad (Spider-Man, X-Men) and Grant Curtis (Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2). The executive producers are Joseph M. Caracciolo (Spider-Man 2 and Charlie's Angels(R)) Kevin Feige (Spider-Man 2, X Men 2) and Stan Lee.
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 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
CELESTRON EXPANDS “OUT OF THIS WORLD” LEARNING WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS ONLINE UNIVERSE, MYSKYSCOUT.COM
In Time For Summer Stargazing Season, Celestron Bolsters A Lifetime Of Learning And Exploration With The Unveiling Of An Online Resource For Astronomy Buffs and SkyScout Enthusiasts
– Celestron, one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes and related accessories, officially announced the launch of an interactive online meeting place for SkyScout and astronomy enthusiasts, MySkyScout.com. In time for the summer outdoor season, Celestron SkyScout’s new web community provides earth-bound space explorers with an interactive online forum for sharing ideas, experiences, tips and tricks with fellow stargazers and SkyScout enthusiasts.
Designed to support the growing interest in astronomy and exploration created by the release of Celestron’s SkyScout Personal Planetarium, a handheld device that identifies stars, planets, and constellations with point and click convenience, MySkyScout.com is a premier online companion to SkyScout owners and astronomy enthusiasts alike.
A fully integrated news and discussion forum for SkyScout owners, astronomy buffs and backyard stargazers to learn, share and discuss their interests and experiences with astronomy-minded peers, mySkyScout.com features real time information on current celestial events and astronomical happenings, updated news and images, links to product support, software updates, product development news in addition to advice from fellow amateur astronomers.
“mySkyScout.com gives astronomy enthusiasts and backyard stargazers of all ages and experience levels a place to share their experiences and learn about all that the night sky has to offer,” said Joseph A. Lupica Jr., president and CEO of Celestron. “SkyScout explorers all have a desire to talk about and share their experiences with each other as their thirst for knowledge is piqued through SkyScout use. The interactive nature of mySkyScout.com makes it a tremendous resource for backyard astronomers’ growing knowledge of the universe and maximizing the SkyScout experience.”
ABOUT SKYSCOUT
About the size of a camcorder and weighing less than 16 ounces, the Celestron SkyScout utilizes a consumer-friendly “point and shoot” GPS technology. In addition to its identify feature, the SkyScout also has a “locate” feature that allows users to select an object they wish to view (i.e. Mars) and the SkyScout, using illuminated arrows in the viewfinder, will point the user to the object. A totally unique, one-of-a-kind product, SkyScout utilizes patented technology that combines data from sensors measuring both the magnetic and gravitational fields of the Earth, along with internal GPS and a substantial celestial database to dramatically improve how people learn about astronomy, making it much easier and more entertaining. Visit http://www.myskyscout.com for more information.
About Celestron
Celestron is a leading designer, manufacturer and importer of high-quality optical products including computerized and non-computerized telescopes and related accessories, binoculars, spotting scopes and microscopes. Since manufacturing its first telescope in 1960, Celestron has grown to become one of the world’s leading telescope makers, and enjoys brand-name recognition among serious amateur astronomers for superior optics, outstanding design, and innovative technology. Celestron’s innovative products continue to receive numerous industry and consumer media accolades, adding to an already impressive list that includes awards for product innovation from Reader’s Digest, Popular Science, PC Magazine, Popular Mechanics, the Consumer Electronics Association and more. Celestron sells and markets its products worldwide through a variety of specialty retail outlets and international distributors. Celestron is a privately held company with corporate offices and manufacturing facilities, in Torrance, CA. For more information about Celestron please visit http://www.celestron.com.
May 8
EMERGING ARTISTS & ESTABLISHED MTV SUPERSTARS
HIT THE STAGE FOR THE LIVE “2007 MTV MOVIE AWARDS”
MTV Powerhouse Rihanna, featuring Jay-Z, To Perform Hit Single “Umbrella”
Rising Star Amy Winehouse Takes Stage For First Live Performance in the U.S.
Jessica Alba, Josh Duhamel, Samuel L. Jackson, Amanda Bynes, Chris Tucker, Katherine Heigl, Seth Rogen, Shia LaBeouf, Michael Chiklis, John Travolta
and Others Set to Present
All At The “2007 MTV Movie Awards” Premiering LIVE
Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 8PM/7c
Santa Monica, CA (May 8, 2007) – MTV: Music Television today revealed performers and presenters of Hollywood’s highly-anticipated, irreverent awards ceremony, the “2007 MTV Movie Awards.” Known for introducing diverse line-up of up-and-coming artists to the masses, this year’s ceremony also promises to be an explosive musical showcase. Taking the stage to debut new music and deliver eagerly awaited live performances are Rihanna featuring Jay-Z and British singer/songwriter, Amy Winehouse. In other news, Jessica Alba, Josh Duhamel, Samuel L. Jackson, Amanda Bynes, Chris Tucker, Katherine Heigl, Seth Rogen, Shia LaBeouf, Michael Chiklis, John Travolta, Zac Efron, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Evans and Ioan Gruffudd are the first to be announced in the growing list of stars presenting at this year’s show. Hosted by Sarah Silverman, the “2007 MTV Movie Awards” airs LIVE on June 3rd at 8:00pm/7c from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA.
Songstress Rihanna is set to perform the hit single “Umbrella” from her new album, Good Girl Gone Bad, to be released June 5. The highly anticipated performance will feature hip-hop legend and fan favorite, Jay-Z. Rihanna enjoyed a tidal wave of industry acclaim in 2006 with her second album A Girl Like Me, and its back-to-back #1 hits, “S.O.S.” and “Unfaithful.”
The “2007 MTV Movie Awards” will mark the first live performance in the U.S. for soulful British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse as she takes the stage to perform her internationally acclaimed hit “Rehab.” Winehouse’s latest album Back to Black has been enthusiastically embraced by music fans on this side of the pond, entering The Billboard Hot 200 chart at an impressive #7 and making her the highest debuting British female artist in the history of the coveted U.S. albums chart. Amy Winehouse is just one of the most recent artists to take to the MTV Movie Awards stage, which has welcomed a variety of established and up-and-coming artists. Last year’s show welcomed Gnarls Barkley, AFI and Christina Aguilera.
Up for the coveted golden popcorn at the “2007 MTV Movie Awards” are “300,” leading the way with 5 nominations, and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” receiving four nominations. Also vying an award are “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Kazakhstan,” “Blades Of Glory,” and “The Devil Wears Prada,” with three nominations each. MTV will also celebrate the first-ever user generated category, “BEST MOVIE SPOOF” where viewers have the opportunity to submit their own original movie shorts parodying films from the past year via Yahoo! Movies (http://mtvmovieawards.yahoo.com) as well as another new category, BEST SUMMER MOVIE YOU HAVEN’T SEEN YET giving a nod to upcoming summer blockbusters.
Fans can vote by visiting movieawards.mtv.com before May 29th. Viewers can also vote from their mobile phones by texting “MOVIES” to 22422. Voting is also available by dialing toll free to 1-877-MTV-VOTE where fans can support their favorite nominees in each category. For the first time ever, the “2007 MTV Movie Awards” will offer live voting during the show. One category will remain open and viewers will be asked to cast their votes via mtv.com and text messaging on their wireless phones.
The “2007 MTV Movie Awards” will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.4 billion people via MTV's global network of 55 channels reaching 492.7 million households around the world as well as through syndication. In addition, its convergent programming & content will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV's more than 200 digital media properties around the world.
Mark Burnett serves as Executive Producer for the “2007 MTV Movie Awards.” Salli Frattini is Executive Producer for MTV. Audrey Morrisey and Ted Smith are Producers, Joe DeMaio is the Director and Kathy Flynn serves as Event Producer.
Official sponsors of “The 2007 MTV MOVIE AWARDS” are General Motors, glacéau vitaminwater, Old Navy, Secret, Sprint, Taco Bell Corp.®, Wrigley’s Orbit®.
About MTV Networks
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 120 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, 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 95 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.
About Mark Burnett Productions
Mark Burnett Productions (MBP) is a leading production company in content for both primetime television and the internet. MBP revolutionized television with hits such as Eco-Challenge, Survivor, The Apprentice, The Contender, Rock Star: INXS, Rock Star: Supernova and its upcoming co-production with Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks Television, On The Lot (FOX). Other upcoming MBP projects include: Pirate Master (CBS) and Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader (FOX). MBP also partnered with AOL on the highly successful adventure Gold Rush, the first-ever unscripted project to be produced exclusively for the internet. MBP also successfully reintroduced product placement as an integral part of each of its shows and has garnered a total of 42 Emmy nominations since 2001.
CONFIRMED PERFORMERS FOR DIMEBAG’S BLACK TOOTH BASH
HOLLYWOOD (May 8, 2007) – Come join us at the House of Blues Hollywood to honor Dimebag Darrell Abbott where The Six String Masterpiece Auction will be held to benefit The Little Kids Rock Foundation. Dimebag’s Black Tooth Bash will immediately follow the auction with special performances comprised with some of Darrell’s closest friends and influences.
BLACK TOOTH BASH INFO:
:HOUSE OF BLUES - W. HOLLYWOOD , CA
DOORS 5:30 PM
AUCTION 6:00 – 8:00PM
BLACK TOOTH BASH 8:00 TO CLOSE
TICKETS $33.00
BLACK TOOTH BASH confirmed list of players are as follows:
confirmed list of players are as follows:The Little Kids Rock Band Opens
Vinnie Paul, Jamey Jasta, Scott Ian, Pearl Aday, Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez, William Duvall & Shaun Kinney (Alice in Chains), Evil D (Morbid Angel), Paul Grey & Joey Jordison (Slipknot), Ripper Owens, Ace Frehley, Nick Bowcot, John 5, David Draiman (Disturbed), Bob Zilla (Damageplan), Aaron Lewis (Staind), Brent Smith and Jasin Todd (Shinedown), Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins, Matt Byrne (Hatebreed), Chester Bennington (Linkin Park).
SIX-STRING MASTERPIECES: THE DIMEBAG DARRELL ART TRIBUTE created by the following artists:
created by the following artists:Zakk Wylde, Ace Frehley, Rob Zombie, Otep, Shinedown, Jerry Cantrell, Bob Zilla, Kelly Clarkson, Steve Stevens, Tommy Lee, Filip Leu (Leu Family Iron), Marilyn Manson, Ryan McGinness, Moby, Gill Montie, Tom Morello, Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo, Mutato Muzako), Munky (Korn)
Dave Navarro, Ted Nugent, Jim Root, Jack Rudy, Joe Satriani, Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park),
David Stoupakis (Sum 41), Mick Thompson (Slipknot), Greg Tribbett (Mudvayne), Hank Williams III plus many more – for a comprehensive list of all SIX STRING MASTERPIECES go to www.actionartsagency.com/sixstring1.html.
The collection comprises of over 60 DEAN ML guitars that have been hand-painted by world-famous Rock Stars and internationally known Tattoo & Visionary Artists in a memorial tribute to one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Dimebag Darrell Abbott. The guitars can be viewed prior to the auction May 4th to May 16th at LaLuz DeJesus Gallery in L.A. ( 4633 Hollywood Ave ).
The Little Kids Rock Foundation (501(C)3) is the charity of choice for Dimebag Darrell – so it’s Dime-Time folks and we are going to rock the house to honor Dimebag and raise money for the kids!
(501(C)3) is the charity of choice for Dimebag Darrell – so it’s Dime-Time folks and we are going to rock the house to honor Dimebag and raise money for the kids!The night’s sponsors are Monster Energy Drink, DR Strings, Dimebag Hardware, Dean Guitars, Dunlop, Musicians Institute, Seymour Duncan, GHS Strings, EMG Pickups, Schecter Guitars with more joining us each day!!
with more joining us each day!!For more information on the charity and the Six String masterpieces go to www.rockwalk.com www.littlekidsrock.org, www.actionartsagency.com, www.myspace.com/sixstringmasterpieces.
