Entertainment,Arts,Fashion & Technology
June 12
AT&T blue room Expands Music Content Through New Online Elements, Adds Access Via TV Screen
AT&T blue room music Will Give Fans Dedicated, 24-Hour Online Radio Stations; Web-Archived Coachella Performances Now Available Via AT&T TV Services
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has announced plans for an upcoming multipronged, cross-platform effort to give consumers greater access to exclusive music content from AT&T blue room (http://www.attblueroom.com/), including the launch of a 24-hour streaming radio "Festival channel." Also included, for the first time, is the on-demand availability of archived music performances from Coachella and other festivals across AT&T TV services.
"We continue to look for ways to build on the past success of AT&T blue room music by delivering more and more ways for fans to connect with and immerse themselves in the music they love," said Mikal Harn, vice president, AT&T Consumer Marketing. "Starting with the webcasts, which continue to be huge, and now with the addition of features such as the streaming blue room radio, we are giving people what they want while highlighting the benefits of a great broadband experience -- it's a win-win for everyone."
Dedicated Online Radio Channel
Since fall of last year, AT&T blue room music has offered fans the opportunity to expand the live webcast experience through the 24-hour streaming blue room radio Festival channel. Beginning this week, AT&T will expand blue room radio to include four additional channels, which will provide a unique parallel to current blue room music content.
Through a unique programming relationship with CBS RADIO, 24 hours of original programming each day will be delivered in five "station" formats: Top 40 Hits, Rock, Pop, Country and the Festival channel. The stations will also air special features that direct blue room visitors to specific artist sections in the blue room for additional artist content and promotions.
From the PC to the TV
For the first time this year, AT&T will also make exclusive blue room festival performances available for viewing as on-demand, archived video on the TV screen as part of AT&T U-verse(SM) TV and AT&T Homezone(SM) services.
Beginning on June 13, U-verse and Homezone customers will have on-demand access to performances from the recent Coachella celebration.
"We've worked hard to secure some of the best live music performances around the country for AT&T blue room visitors over the past few years, and now we're in prime position to extend that experience across screens to our video customers as well," said Dan York, head of content and programming, AT&T Entertainment Services. "We're showing consumers that AT&T is not only a trusted communications provider but also a provider of unique and quality entertainment as well."
A Tradition of Providing Music Festival Content
AT&T has served as the exclusive online destination for live Bonnaroo webcasts for two consecutive years.
Throughout the summer and into fall, blue room music will continue to deliver some of the biggest live festival performances from shows, including:
-- Lollapalooza (Chicago) -- Aug. 3 - 5, 2007
-- Austin City Limits Music Festival (Austin, Texas) -- Sept. 14 - 16,
2007
-- Vegoose (Las Vegas) -- Oct. 27 - 28, 2007
Festival lineups and specific details will be announced closer to each event.
AT&T blue room music is part of the blue room experience (http://www.attblueroom.com/), which brings together gaming enthusiasts, music fans, tailgaters and the Hollywood-minded through a single online portal that houses AT&T's unique sports, music, gaming and entertainment content. Launched in October 2006, blue room gives fans access to live entertainment, candid interviews, celebrity-athletes and spirited commentary on everything from music to politics to celebrities as part of a strategic initiative to link the AT&T brand to premier communications and entertainment experiences.
AT&T blue room features several groundbreaking online portals that, when put together, offer a wide range of content, such as live performances and candid interviews. The blue room and its online channels have helped to drive the promotion and sales of the company's core offerings -- high speed Internet, wireless, voice and video -- while building affinity for the AT&T brand in the entertainment space. For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit http://www.att.com/.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.
(C) 2007 AT&T Knowledge Ventures. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Knowledge Ventures. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.
Source: AT&T Inc.
Web site: http://www.attblueroom.com/
http://www.att.com/
ANIME EXPO® 2007 ANNOUNCES: AVAILABLE NOW! PREMIER TICKETS FOR J-ROCK CONCERT OF THE CENTURY Nation¹s Largest Convention Announces the Availability of Premier Tickets for S.K.I.N. Anaheim, California (June 12, 2007) ‹ Premier tickets for super group S.K.I.N. (group composed of: Yoshiki, Gackt, Sugizo and Miyavi), the J-Rock concert of the century, is now available online for online purchases along with other amazing concerts (i.e. ORESKABAND, SOS Brigade, Halko Momoi, Anna Tsuchiya and Chiaki Ishikawa) to take part at the highly anticipated 2007 convention June 29-July 2 at the Long Beach Convention Center. More information can be found on the website www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> . The concert will occur on June 29, 2007 at the Long Beach Sports Arena as a Main Event during Anime Expo® 2007. Premier tickets for the S.K.I.N. concert will be sold at $50.00 U.S./each (All 2007 registered attendees with a valid confirmation number can purchase a Premier ticket regardless if it is for a one-day admission into the convention or four). Premier tickets allow attendees to sit in the ³Premier² area, which is floor seating, close to the stage. In addition, attendees with Premier tickets do not need to wait in any extended lines to obtain their tickets or to gain entrance into the arena. Only 1 (one) ticket per registered attendee will be provided, no exceptions. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. No group orders. Premier tickets can be ordered online after noon PST on June 12, 2007 at: https://secure.rhq.com/anime/anime2007/concertreg/index.cgi <file://localhost/anime/anime2007/concertreg/index.cgi> Attendees will need to provide the pre-registration confirmation number for Anime Expo® 2007. Individuals that do not purchase Premier seats can access the ³General Seating² tickets (over 6,000 seats), which are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. The Anime Expo® 2007 Ticketing Office will be distributing tickets during the convention during the following times: Thursday, June 28: 4PM - 8PM Friday, June 29: 8AM - 4PM Saturday, June 30: 8AM - 4PM Sunday, July 1: 8AM - 4PM Monday, July 2: 8AM - 11AM More information on ticketing can be found at: http://www.anime-expo.org/?q=programming/main_events/ticketing_policy About Anime Expo® Located in Long Beach, California - Anime Expo®, the nation¹s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2007 will be held June 29 July 2, 2007 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California. SPONSORS: ADV Films, Bandai Entertainment, Copic Markers, Digital Manga, Gaia Online, Go! Media, Infinity Studios, ImaginAsian TV (IaTV) and the Los Angeles Times. More information can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org). About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property Anime Expo®. More information can be found at its website (www.spja.org). The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Anime Expo®/SPJA¹s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events
June 11
FOX News Partners With RadioShack to Offer One-Month Free Trial of #FOXN Mobile Audio Service
Exclusive Promotion Provides Live Audio Feed of FOX News Channel Through Cellular Phones
-- RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:RSH) announced it is offering a one-month free trial of #FOXN, a new mobile product providing a live audio feed of the FOX News Channel.
Bob Kilinski, vice president of brand development and communications for RadioShack, said, "Helping people get more out of their technology is a hallmark of RadioShack stores in every neighborhood in America. It's about helping customers discover all the great things their electronic products can do for them. This is a perfect example of how customers can use their mobile handsets to stay abreast of FOX News anywhere, anytime."
Jeremy Steinberg, vice president of digital media sales and business development for FOX News, added, "This exclusive offer allows RadioShack to be on the cutting edge of our new emerging audio news and information technology. We're excited they've joined forces with us to offer this free 30-day trial to FOX fans."
The #FOXN service, proprietary technology developed by Single Touch Interactive, connects viewers to the FOX News Channel through a variety of services. In addition to offering a live audio feed of the news channel, the product also provides the latest on-demand news, business and weather headlines, ring tones and voice tones, as well as a call-back service where users are phoned when their favorite program is about to begin. The service is powered by Single Touch and is currently available on Cingular Wireless/AT&T handsets. The monthly cost is $2.99 outside of the special 30-day RadioShack promotion.
FOX News worked with RadioShack's digital agency Carat Fusion to develop the partnership. "We're working to create innovative, never-been-done-before mobile programs that help support RadioShack's leadership in the very competitive wireless retail space," said Sean Corcoran, account director at Carat Fusion. "The FOX News program is a key component of our plan because it offers a lot of benefits to the target audience beyond your typical advertising campaign."
The audio FOX News service is available to RadioShack customers with Cingular Wireless/AT&T handsets and service. The offer extends only to new #FOXN accounts and not existing subscribers.
About FOX News Channel
FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour general news service covering breaking news as well as political, entertainment and business news. For more than five years, FNC has been the most watched cable news channel in the nation and currently presents 13 out of the top 15 programs in cable news. Owned by News Corp., FNC is available in more than 85 million homes.
About RadioShack Corporation
RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:RSH) is one of the nation's most experienced and trusted consumer electronics specialty retailers. The company has a presence through more than 6,000 company-operated stores and dealer outlets in the United States, over 100 RadioShack locations in Mexico and nearly 800 wireless phone kiosks. RadioShack's dedicated force of knowledgeable and helpful sales associates has been consistently recognized by several independent groups as providing the best customer service in the consumer electronics and wireless industries. Operating from convenient and comfortable neighborhood and mall locations, RadioShack stores deliver personalized product and service solutions within minutes of where most Americans either live or work.
Web site: http://www.radioshackcorporation.com/
ANIME EXPO® 2007 ANNOUNCES DOLLS & MODELS Nation¹s Largest Convention Provides Ani-Matsuri Activities, Plushies and Contests Anaheim, California (June 11, 2007) ‹Care for some FREE Pocky? Free plushies? Enter the Anime Expo® Model contest? These are some of the activities that are available at the highly anticipated 2007 convention June 29-July 2 at the Long Beach Convention Center. More information can be found on the website www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> . Anime Expo® 2007 will be a place of fun, frolic and giving as the American Red Cross will be accepting blood donations at the Summer Festival area starting at 3:00 pm through 9:00 pm. Blood donors will receive a free box of Pocky (limited quantities) in addition to having the satisfaction that they may have helped to save a life. The AniMatsuri (Summer Festival) is back again and Anime Expo®¹s Summer Festival will also be providing a 4-6² free plushie to all children attendees (ages 12 and under), a valid Anime Expo® child¹s pass must be presented. Attendees who attend the Summer Festival will see the new additions of craft booths and a ³Lucky Lottery² game! Attendees will be able to paint their own Japanese Fan/Lantern, make their own Washi egg and decorate their own Kokeshi doll. There is also a new chopsticks skills game called ³A Few Loose Marbles² that will test the hands of the most avid ³Mr. Miyagi² impersonators. Summer Festival hours are 5:00 pm through 11:00 pm (Friday-Sunday; June 29-July 1). The Anime Expo® Model Contest is a tradition running back well over ten years. The Model Contest provides model builders a place to gather and compete with one another on any anime based model subject which includes but is not limited to GUNDAM, MACROSS, EVANGELION, GHOST IN THE SHELL, anime figurines, etc. Contestants will compete against each other in various categories for prizes and the ever prestigious Anime Expo® Model Contest Trophies: Anime Expo® 2007 Modeling Competition Categories include: · Best Mechanical Kit · Best Mechanical Custom · Best Character Kit · Best Character Custom · Best of Show Additional rules and information can be found on the Anime Expo® Model Contest website link at: http://www.anime-expo.org/?q=professional/artist/model_contest About Anime Expo® Located in Long Beach, California - Anime Expo®, the nation¹s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2007 will be held June 29 July 2, 2007 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California. SPONSORS: ADV Films, Bandai Entertainment, Copic Markers, Digital Manga, Gaia Online, Go! Media, Infinity Studios, ImaginAsian TV (IaTV) and the Los Angeles Times. More information can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org). About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property Anime Expo®. More information can be found at its website (www.spja.org). The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Anime Expo®/SPJA¹s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Apple Unveils Near Final Mac OS X Leopard
WWDC 2007 -- Apple(R) today unveiled a near final version of Mac OS(R) X Leopard, the sixth major release of the world's most advanced operating system. Scheduled to ship in October, Leopard introduces over 300 new features, including a new Desktop and Dock with Stacks, an intuitive new way to organize files; an updated Finder featuring Cover Flow(TM) and a new way to easily browse and share files between multiple Macs; Quick Look, a new way to rapidly preview most files without opening an application; Time Machine, a new way to easily and automatically back up and restore lost files or a complete Mac(R); Spaces, a powerful new feature to create groups of applications and instantly switch between them; and enhanced iChat and Mail applications, which easily allow users to communicate even more creatively.
"Leopard is the best release of Mac OS X to date, surpassing even Tiger, and will further extend Mac OS X's leadership as the most advanced and innovative operating system in the world," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We think current and prospective customers are going to love Leopard, and that it will help make the Mac even more popular."
Leopard includes a completely new Dock featuring Stacks, which can help manage a user's desktop clutter caused by browser and email downloads. With the click of a mouse, users can instantly fan out the contents of a stack to easily see each item. Leopard's Finder has been completely redesigned, adding Cover Flow as an innovative way to quickly browse and locate files and applications. Finder's new Sidebar simplifies the organization of files on a Mac, and adds easy access to shared Macs and PCs on a home network. Subscribers to .Mac can also use the new "Back to my Mac" feature to browse and access files on their remote Macs over the Internet. Also new in Leopard is Quick Look, an innovative new way for users to instantly preview almost any file, and even play media files, without opening an application.
With its unique ability to let users travel back in time to find deleted files, applications, photos and other digital media, Time Machine is a revolutionary way to protect your digital life. With just a one-click setup, Time Machine automatically keeps an up-to-date copy of everything on the Mac. In the event a file is lost, users can use Mac OS X's Spotlight(TM) to search back through time to find and then instantly restore the file. Time Machine can automatically back up a Mac to an external hard drive connected with a FireWire(R) or USB cable, to a server, or wirelessly to an AirPort Extreme(R) base station with an attached hard drive.
Leopard also includes three new technologies that take full advantage of the latest developments in processor hardware: full native 64-bit support to enable applications to take complete advantage of 64-bit processing while still running side by side with existing 32-bit Mac OS X applications and drivers; easy multi-core optimization and scheduling to take advantage of the latest Intel hardware; and Core Animation, helping developers easily create animated user experiences as amazing as Leopard's Spaces and Time Machine in their own applications.
Other new features in Leopard include:
-- Leopard Mail, offering more ways to customize and add personal style to
email than ever before, with more than 30 beautiful stationery designs
and layouts that look great on a Mac or Windows PC; Notes, making it as
easy to take and organize notes as it is to compose and read emails;
To Dos, for creating lists viewed directly in Mail and automatically
sync them with iCal(R); and data detectors that automatically sense
phone numbers, addresses and events so they can be easily added to
Address Book or iCal;
-- Leopard iChat with iChat Theater, letting users present photos,
presentations, videos and files in a video conference; Photo Booth
effects, enabling users to transform their iChat video in real time
with fun distortion and color effects; and video backdrops that allow
users to choose any photo or video that makes them appear to be
anywhere in the world, or out of it;
-- Leopard iCal, introducing powerful group calendaring features based on
the open CalDAV standard that make it easy to organize and coordinate
schedules with other people;
-- Spaces, giving users a powerful new, clutter-free way to create
customized spaces on the desktop with only the applications or files
needed for each project, and the ability to quickly switch between them
with one click of a mouse or keystroke;
-- Web Clip, bringing anything that a user wants from a web page to
Dashboard as a live widget;
-- Boot Camp, making it possible to run Windows natively on Intel-based
Macs*; and
-- new development tools, including Xcode(R) 3 with a next generation
editor; an all new Interface Builder for easier integration of advanced
animation effects into an application; simpler debugging; and support
for Objective-C 2.0; DashCode, a better way to create new Dashboard
widgets without writing a line of code; and Xray, a new application for
optimizing application performance.
Pricing & Availability
Mac OS X version 10.5 Leopard is scheduled to ship in October and will be available through the Apple Store(R) (http://www.apple.com/), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $129 (US) for a single user license. The Mac OS X Leopard Family Pack is a single-residence, five-user license that will be available for a suggested retail price of $199 (US). Volume and maintenance pricing is available from Apple.
*Copy of Windows XP or Vista required.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and will enter the mobile phone market this year with its revolutionary iPhone.
(C) 2007 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, Cover Flow, Spotlight, FireWire, AirPort Extreme, iCal, Xcode and Apple Store are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Source: Apple
Web site: http://www.apple.com/
Start 'Er Up! 'American Body Shop' Debuts on COMEDY CENTRAL(R) on Sunday, July 8 at 10:30 p.m.*
Sneak Peek of the Debut Episode of 'American Body Shop' Will Be Available on July 1 for Free Download on iTunes and xBox
Gas prices too high? Put on the brakes and settle in to COMEDY CENTRAL's new series, "American Body Shop," a half- hour narrative that explores the completely dented world of car maintenance, body work and the people who toil in it. "American Body Shop" premieres on Sunday, July 8 at 10:30 p.m.
"American Body Shop" presents a view into the inner-workings of an auto body shop and the accompanying, often eccentric, characters who work there. The desert outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona play home to Desert Body and Custom, a genuine, certified auto body and detailing shop run by a genuinely certifiable staff. Sam (played by Peter Hulne) owns the shop, but his real full-time job is wrangling his unruly employees. Equally unruly is the shop's sense of business ethics -- or, more specifically, lack thereof. Always looking to snare a few new customers, Sam and his team employ all sorts of shady methods to keep the cars rolling in.
The body shop's stable of mechanics and auto workers includes: Rob (Nick Offerman), a savant-like technician whose solutions are usually far more complex than the problem; Johnny (John DiResta); a displaced Brooklynite who also happens to be a complete pervert; Tim (Tim Nichols), an undersexed prankster whose jokes come at inappropriate moments; Luis (Frank Merino), a Peruvian immigrant who hides a complex and mysterious persona behind a presumed lack of English; and Denise (Jill Bartlett), Desert's put-upon receptionist who makes no effort to conceal her disdain for her male co- workers.
In the pilot episode, Sam must scramble to get the shop up-to-code when an insurance rep threatens to revoke their policy. Unfortunately, he finds that his stubborn employees are firmly set in their rule-breaking ways. As Sam struggles with the shop, Denise hunts down car wrecks so she can plant sales materials on injured passengers and Luis plots revenge against Johnny for his racist remarks. Future episodes include Rob's attempt to build a custom van for a quadriplegic customer and Luis, who is only attracted to extremely tall women, falling in love with the local women's basketball star.
On July 1, the premiere episode of "American Body Shop" will be available for free download from both iTunes and xBox a full week before its on-air debut. The episode will remain free on both services until July 16. Future episodes will be available for purchase and download the day after they premiere.
comedycentral.com launches the "American Body Shop" website on June 11, introducing users to the ensemble cast of characters with exclusive video clips and character bios, including scenes from a Desert Body and Custom mock infomercial. Leading up to the July 8 premiere and continuing throughout the season, the site will add preview clips from each new episode, in-character video interviews with all six actors, weekly "how to" videos from each character and video tours of the shop's work stations. In addition, the site will include an interactive area that encourages visitors to upload images of their favorite pimped out/custom cars and junk cars or trucks which will be displayed in a user-generated photo gallery.
The debut episode of "American Body Shop" is sponsored by Coca Cola (Vault).
Based on an idea by Sam Greene, "American Body Shop" is executive produced by Greene and Jim Jones ("The Ben Stiller Show," "Austin Stories"), who also directed the pilot. Daniel Powell and Zoe Friedman serve as the executives 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.
* All Times ET/PT
Source: COMEDY CENTRAL
Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/
TV Icons Are Put to Work in TV Land's Back to the Grind Premiering Wednesday, July 18
Original Series Features Loni Anderson, Erik Estrada, Marla Gibbs, Sherman Hemsley, Betty White, Mark Curry, Jimmie Walker, Harry Anderson, Bea Arthur and Ed Begley Jr. Performing the Jobs Their Characters Held
What happens when Sherman Hemsley spends the day sweating it out at a real dry cleaning establishment? Can Loni Anderson really hack it as a receptionist at a top radio station? And does the courtroom listen when Harry Anderson starts hitting the gavel? Viewers will find out when TV Land airs Back to the Grind, a new original series premiering Wednesday, July 18 at 10:30 p.m. This half-hour series challenges iconic TV performers to actually work in the jobs their TV characters held on shows like The Jeffersons, Night Court and WKRP in Cincinnati. Other performers featured in the series include Erik Estrada, Marla Gibbs, Betty White, Mark Curry, Bea Arthur, Ed Begley Jr. and Jimmie Walker. The series is executive produced by Michael Levitt and Eugene Pack.
"Back to the Grind blends popular TV personalities with fun, real life situations inspired by the plotlines of some of the best loved TV shows ever made," states Sal Maniaci, Senior Vice President of Development and Production, TV Land. "This is a light-hearted, entertaining look at performers that our audience knows and loves."
The series gives celebrated actors a fresh opportunity to reminisce, while taking on some real "work" challenges. From Betty White reliving her "Sue Ann Nivens" character's job as a cooking show host on The Mary Tyler Moore Show to Erik Estrada trying to fight crime with the real CHIPS Academy and more, the stars interact with the "real people" who do their TV jobs for a living.
The episode rollout is as follows (all times are ET/PT):
LONI ANDERSON AND ERIK ESTRADA
July 18, 2007, 10:30 p.m.
In the premiere episode of Back to the Grind, Loni Anderson (WKRP In Cincinnati) spends a day and a night working in live radio. She starts as a receptionist at a top radio station, then tries her hand at being a traffic reporter, a "hip hop" DJ, and she finally ends her day by screening calls at "Loveline," where she ends up on air with sex/love expert Dr. Drew Pinsky. Also in this episode, Erik Estrada (CHIPS) attempts to work the streets with the actual California Highway Patrol, but first, he has to get his motorcycle license -- and attend the CHIPS Academy which proves not to be an easy task for the star.
MARLA GIBBS & SHERMAN HEMSLEY
July 25, 2007, 10:30 p.m.
In this "Jefferson" themed episode, two stars from that classic sitcom attempt to do the jobs they did on the show for real -- Marla Gibbs finds herself working with the Merry Maids and eventually tries her hand as housekeeping supervisor at one of LA's swankiest boutique hotel. Meanwhile, Sherman Hemsley spends a day sweating it out at a real dry cleaners -- taking orders, ironing, pressing and eventually delivering the clothes in the company van.
BETTY WHITE & MARK CURRY
August 1, 2007, 10:30 p.m.
Betty White attempts to host her very own cooking show for real -- like she did in her Emmy-Award winning role as "Sue Ann Nivens" on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The only problem is that she hates spending time in the kitchen. Plus, Hanging With Mr. Cooper star Mark Curry is given the challenge of coaching an actual high school basketball team to a game day victory or defeat.
JIMMIE WALKER & HARRY ANDERSON
August 8, 2007, 10:30 p.m.
Like his character "JJ" on Good Times, Jimmie Walker tries his hand as a painter and takes real art classes -- painting nude models -- eventually displaying his self-portrait at an art gallery showing. He's in for a surprise when a special guest star shows up to buy his "artwork." Then, Night Court's Harry Anderson punches in at a New Orleans courthouse for a day -- attempting to learn what it takes to really be a judge. Only Harry Anderson would somehow manage to officiate a real life wedding during his tenure as a judge.
BEA ARTHUR & ED BEGLEY, JR.
August 15, 2007, 10:30 p.m.
She played a tutor on the Golden Girls, but now Bea Arthur takes on one of the greatest roles of her illustrious career -- teaching and tutoring college SAT prep classes to a group of feisty teenagers! Then, St. Elsewhere's Ed Begley, Jr. recreates his TV job by working at St. Joseph's hospital for a day -- with tasks ranging from manning the information booth to serving lunches to patients and even conquers his biggest fear -- taking blood.
Beginning July 5, TVLand.com will feature sneak peeks of the series and classic scenes from Good Times and The Jeffersons. When the show premieres on July 18, fans can log on to watch interviews with TV icons Erik Estrada, Betty White and more, exclusive footage from the series and full episodes.
Michael Levitt is a veteran television producer whose recent projects include network specials reuniting the casts of three long running series: Knots Landing Reunion: Together Again (CBS), The Happy Days' 30th Anniversary Reunion (ABC) and Dallas Reunion: The Return To Southfork (CBS). Among his other projects, in 2003, Levitt co-created and served as executive producer for The TV Land Awards: A Celebration of Classic TV. Now in its fifth installment, Levitt presides as executive producer over the show. Over the past ten years,
Levitt has also served as Executive Producer on the Billboard Music Awards as well as producer of the Teen Choice Awards (Fox) and Scream Awards (SpikeTV). Most recently, Levitt Executive Produced Simon Cowell's Celebrity Duets for Fox and Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants for CW.
Eugene Pack is the executive producer and creator of Bravo's critically acclaimed comedy special Celebrity Autobiography: In Their Own Words based on his long-running comedy stage hit and the executive producer of the CMT series Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making The Team, now in its second season. He is an Emmy-Award nominated writer (America: A Tribute to Heroes) for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Program. In addition, he is the writer and performer of the one man comedy show Undisputed: My Night With the Queen of Soul. Producing credits include Countdown to the Emmys (NBC), The Food Network Awards, and the VH1 comedy pilot Signs of Life. His other recent writing credits include A Home For The Holidays (CBS), Fashion Rocks (CBS), Academy of Country Music Awards (CBS) and The NFL Opening Kickoff (ABC).
About TV Land
Now seen in over 90 million U.S. homes, TV Land is dedicated to building the ultimate Baby Boomer entertainment brand on all platforms. Armed with a slate of new original programming, newly acquired Classic TV and movies, multiplatform content and Cause Change, a new pro-social initiative, the network is uniquely positioned to cater to America's 78 million Baby Boomers, the first generation of Americans who grew alongside television. TV Land's program mix features hit originals, popular dramas, sitcoms, westerns and Retromercials. TV Land's roster includes hits like All in the Family, M*A*S*H, The Andy Griffith Show and several others. Furthering the network's commitment to develop original programming that complements its roster of acquisitions, the network regularly showcases original series and specials like I Pity The Fool, Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg, TV Land Myths and Legends, Generation Boom, TV Land Confidential and the upcoming original series High School Reunion.
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 135 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
Source: TV Land
Web site: http://www.tvland.com/
Academy Ventures into “The Big Country”
Beverly Hills, CA — A newly created print from the restoration of the widescreen epic “The Big Country” (1958), starring Gregory Peck as a newly retired sea captain attempting to plant roots in the Wild West, will be premiere at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
Filmed in Technirama by producer-director William Wyler, “The Big Country” stars Peck, who also co-produced the film, as the successful sea captain who retires to the West to marry his fiancée (Carroll Baker), the daughter of a wealthy landowner, only to find himself embroiled in a feud over land and watering rights for cattle. Set against the backdrop of the open range, the film also features memorable performances by Jean Simmons, Charlton Heston, Burl Ives and Chuck Connors.
Ives earned a Supporting Actor Academy Award® his performance as Rufus Hannassey, the poor but tough ranch owner struggling to keep his cattle alive. The film also received a nomination for Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture (Jerome Moross).
The print premiering in this Gold Standard series screening was restored by the Academy Film Archive with support from the Film Foundation.
Tickets to “The Big Country” are $5 for the general public and may be purchased online at www.oscars.org/events. There are no minimum order requirements and no transaction or processing fees. Tickets are available online until noon PST on the day of the event.
Tickets may also be purchased by mail, in person at the Academy during regular business hours, or depending on availability, on the night of the screening when doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Seats are unreserved. Complimentary parking is provided in the garages located at 8920 and 9025 Wilshire Boulevard. For additional information, call (310) 247-3600.
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©A.M.P.A.S.®
2007 Student Academy Award Winners Honored in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CA – Eleven students from six colleges and universities were honored tonight (June 9) as winners in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 34th Annual Student Academy Awards® competition. For several days, they had participated in a slate of industry-related activities and social events culminating in the awards ceremony, which featured actress Zooey Deschanel, director John Landis, and Academy President Sid Ganis as presenters, at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. A student from Germany received this year’s Honorary Foreign Film Award.
The winners are:
Alternative
Gold Medal: “Fission,” Kun-I Chang, School of Visual Arts, New York
* Only the gold medal was awarded in the Alternative category.
Animation
Gold Medal (tie): “Art’s Desire,” Sarah Wickliffe, New York University and “Mirage,” Youngwoong Jang, School of Visual Arts, New York
Bronze Medal: “A Leg Up,” Bevin Carnes, Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, Florida
Documentary
Gold Medal: “Cross Your Eyes Keep Them Wide,” Ben Wu, Stanford University
Silver Medal: “Ladies of the Land,” Megan Thompson, New York University
Bronze Medal: “Lumo,” Bent-Jorgen S. Perlmutt and Nelson Walker III, Columbia University
Narrative
Gold Medal: “Rundown,” Patrick Alexander, Florida State University
Silver Medal: “High Maintenance,” Phillip Van, New York University
Bronze Medal: “Screening,” Anthony Green, New York University
Honorary Foreign Film
“Nevermore,” Toke Constantin Hebbeln, Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
While the U.S. winners knew they would each receive an award, the level of that award – Gold, Silver or Bronze – was not revealed until the ceremony. Besides trophies, Gold Medal recipients received $5,000, Silver Medal recipients were awarded $3,000 and Bronze Medal recipients were awarded $2,000. The Honorary Foreign Film winner received $1,000 in addition to the trophy.
The U.S. students first competed in one of three regional competitions. Each of those regions was permitted to send as many as three finalists in each of the four award categories. Academy members then screened the finalists’ films and voted to select the winners.
“Nevermore,” the Honorary Foreign Film winner, was selected from a record pool of 49 submissions from 33 countries.
The Student Academy Awards were established by the Academy in 1972 to support and encourage excellence in filmmaking at the collegiate level. Among past winners who have gone on to prominent careers as filmmakers are Spike Lee, Robert Zemeckis, John Lasseter and Trey Parker. In 2006 two former Student Academy Award winners received Oscar® nominations: Lasseter received his fifth nomination for the animated feature “Cars,” and James Longley earned his first nomination for the documentary feature “Iraq in Fragments.” Over the years, former Student Academy Award winners have garnered a total of 35 Oscar nominations and have won or shared seven awards.
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June 8
John Tesh Announces 'Dancing With The Tesh' Contest - Three Winners Get Opportunity to Appear in Upcoming PBS Television Special
-- Did you miss the auditions for "So You Think You Can Dance" or you're not famous enough for "Dancing with the Stars"? Not to worry as Emmy winner, Grammy nominee and syndicated radio show host John Tesh has announced the "Dancing With The Tesh" contest. This national contest will be launched through "The John Tesh Radio Show" and three dancers will have the opportunity to appear in his upcoming PBS television special that will be filmed in August 2007.
To enter, all you need is a video camera, talent and some great moves. Create a video of yourself or have someone film your audition of two minutes or less (under 10 megs in size; file formats: .WMV, .AVI, .MOV and .MPG -- 320 x 240 in size). Either E-mail the video or a link to your own YouTube page (with the video posted) to contest@DancingWithTheTesh.com and it will be uploaded to the John Tesh YouTube page for everyone to view. Or, come to an audition city and register in person (for info visit http://www.dancingwiththetesh.com/). Current audition cities include Sacramento, Fresno and Colorado Springs.
Ten finalists (including the three Grand Prize winners) will receive a free trip on the "2008 John Tesh Intelligence For Your Life Cruise" and, everyone who enters will also receive a copy of Tesh's newest CD/DVD, "A Passionate Life."
"Intelligence For Your Life -- The John Tesh Radio Show" is packed with real-life knowledge, random intelligence, and expert advice on the subjects that are important to you and your family - all surrounded by your favorite music. The show has taken radio by storm and has ratcheted up ratings on a multitude of formats, including Adult Contemporary, Hot AC, Smooth Jazz, Oldies, Christian and Country, with over 245 affiliates nationwide. At any hour, of any day, John Tesh is on the air somewhere!
For more information about John Tesh music, concerts, contests and the John Tesh Radio Show, visit Tesh.com.
Source: Tesh Media Group
Web site: http://tesh.com/
SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT and MobiTV Ink Deal
-- SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT and MobiTV, Inc., the leading provider and platform for content delivery over mobile and broadband networks, today announced the addition of more than 2,500 music videos from SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT to the MobiTV(R) service. MobiTV will put the videos into rotation immediately on their existing, branded music channels, giving fans access to a library of 7,000+ music videos through their mobile service.
SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT and MobiTV will also collaborate on the creation of a series of customized channels featuring original video programming. The content will range from long-form concerts to genre and artist-driven shows and series, some of which will be available for an additional fee. In many cases the programming will be conceived and created by the artists themselves.
The first of such initiatives, created in collaboration with RCA Records artist Avril Lavigne, is a mobile site called Avril TV (www.mobitv.com/avril). The site is designed to provide access to all things Avril, including her entire video library and made-for-mobile versions of Avril's Make 5 Wishes comic book released along with her album on April 17th.* Avril TV content is available through participating US carriers via video enabled phones, with a limited content package available to WAP enabled phone users.
Other content related to Avril Lavigne, including her biography, a photo gallery, and links to buy ringtones, ring back tones, screensavers and more are also available. CBS Television Network will be the first to sponsor this fully ad supported site. Avril fans can now get access to Avril TV by simply going to the Avril TV WAP site on their cell phones. The link to the WAP site is available through Avril's website, MySpace page and distributed to her fan-base via SMS and email blast.
"We're delighted to be working with MobiTV as we continue to build our presence in the mobile space," commented Thomas Hesse, President, Global Digital Business & U.S. Sales, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. "We look forward to working closely with them as we explore a wide range of innovative programming concepts."
"MobiTV is the only mobile television service in the industry that has the rights to stream full-length music videos from three major music groups," said Nancy Levin, Executive Producer of Music tTelevision for MobiTV. "MobiTV continues to prove itself as the dominant player in mobile television by opening doors for top labels & artists; giving their content an extended reach across entertainment platforms of the future."
Today, MobiTV's U.S. mobile and broadband subscribers can access music videos from the industry's leading music labels, bundled throughout seven branded channels and categorized by genres including hip-hop, pop, rap, rock, country, Latin and alternative. In contrast to other mobile offerings that require a user to purchase access to each video, MobiTV subscribers have unlimited access to music videos for no extra charge beyond the monthly subscription fee.
About SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
SONY BMG Music Entertainment is a global recorded music joint venture with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars, as well as a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. SONY BMG Music Entertainment is 50% owned by Bertelsmann A.G. and 50% owned by Sony Corporation of America.
About MobiTV
MobiTV, Inc. (www.mobitv.com) is the leading provider and platform for content delivery over mobile and broadband networks. MobiTV offers live television, premium and primetime programming, video-on-demand, satellite and digital music services from the top networks, labels and cable providers to more than two million subscribers worldwide. Founded in 1999, MobiTV is a privately held company headquartered in Emeryville, CA.
MobiTV and the MobiTV logo are trademarks, service marks, and/or registered trademarks of MobiTV, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. All other trademarks, service marks, and product names used herein are the property of their respective owners.
Source: MobiTV, Inc.
Web site: http://www.mobitv.com/
Larry Miller to Share Four of His Favorite Films on Turner Classic Movies' GUEST PROGRAMMER
Accomplished Comedian and Actor to Join TCM Host Robert Osborne on June 14
Turner Classic Movies welcomes Larry Miller as he discusses with TCM host Robert Osborne his passion for classic film and introduces such selections as The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) and The Big Sleep (1946) on GUEST PROGRAMMER Thursday, June 14. Each month on this movie showcase, TCM invites a celebrity to exchange his/her star status for a role as a devoted fan of classic film by picking four favorite movies and sharing with viewers what he/she has come to love about each one.
Miller tells Osborne, "[Cary Grant] has such drama in this - he'll break your heart," in his introduction of Mr. Lucky (1943). He picks Ride the High Country (1962), a Western about the friendship between two aging cowboys, because despite its director's reputation for violence, "No one understands love better than Sam Peckinpah." Miller goes on to say, "If you haven't seen Errol Flynn's The Adventures of Robin Hood, you have no business saying you love movies." And he says he chose The Big Sleep because he admires the sexy camaraderie of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
Miller will join a list of past guest programmers that includes, among others, Mia Farrow, fashion designer Tom Ford, Bill Cosby, Burt Reynolds, Hugh Hefner; fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, Mario Cantone, writer David Mamet, Chevy Chase, Lorraine Bracco and Tom Kenny (the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants). Other personalities scheduled for upcoming installments of GUEST PROGRAMMER include Danny DeVito, Whoopi Goldberg, Martha Stewart, Cybill Shephard and Donald Trump.
Turner Classic Movies, currently seen in more than 75 million homes, is a 24-hour cable network from Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company. TCM presents the greatest motion pictures of all time from the largest film library in the world, the combined Time Warner and Turner film libraries, from the '20s through the '90s, commercial-free and without interruption. The network also offers critically acclaimed original documentaries and specials, including the recent Emmy-winning Stardust: The Bette Davis Story, Brando and Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool. For more information, visit www.tcm.com.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.
Source: Turner Classic Movies
Web site: http://www.turnerclassicmovies.com/
Starz Entertainment's Weekly Hot Items List June 7 - June 13
Friday, June 8
Summer of Stars
The Da Vinci Code - (Tom Hanks, Jean Reno, Audrey Tautou)
9 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz
Saturday, June 9
Starz Saturday Premiere
Invincible - (Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks)
9 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz
Black Music Month
A Night of Ferocious Joy
8 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz InBlack
Captures a concert produced by the Artists Network of Refuse & Resist
at the historic Palace Theater in Hollywood - the first act of
defiance against America's "War on Terrorism." Featured artists
include Saul Williams, Blackalicious, Ozomatli, Dilated Peoples and
Mystic.
Diplomats: The Book of Hip Hop: Chapter One
9:10 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz InBlack
This documentary, hosted by Doug E. Fresh, was shot at a concert in
Harlem. The special features the performances of many hip hop artists
including Cam'ron, Juelz Santana and Jim Jones of the Harlem
Diplomats, plus interview segments with Damon Dash, DJ Clue and Tony
Touch.
Indie Icons
The Spanish Prisoner - (David Mamet)
9 p.m. (ET/PT) on IndiePlex
A business executive who devises a secret high-tech formula is being
set up in a high-level con game by nearly everyone he knows.
Kings of Cool
They Call Me Mister Tibbs! - (Sidney Poitier)
8 p.m. (ET/PT) on RetroPlex
Tough cop Poitier investigates a prostitute's murder. His close
friend, an activist priest, is the primary suspect. A sequel to
Poitier's popular feature, In The Heat Of The Night.
The Defiant Ones - (Sidney Poitier)
9:50 p.m. (ET/PT) on Retroplex
Two men of different races, who hate each other, escape from a chain
gang shackled together.
Sunday, June 10
Indie Icons
The Wedding Banquet - (Ang Lee)
9 p.m. (ET/PT) on IndiePlex
Ang Lee's spirited comedy about a gay Taiwanese-American yuppie who
fakes a marriage to please his conservative parents.
Wednesday, June 13
Starz Comedy Hour including:
"Head Case"
11 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz
Dr. Goode thinks Alanis Morissette is a sex addict and Fred Willard
would prefer a male shrink.
"Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-up"
11:15 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz
Featuring David Arnold, Vanessa Fraction and Alonzo Bodden
"The Bronx Bunny Show"
11:45 p.m. (ET/PT) on Starz
Actress Joely Fisher dishes on her early Hollywood life while Wee Man
from "Jackass" talks about his large sex life.
Source: Starz Entertainment, LLC
Nick Jr. Kicks Off Summer With Four All-New Episodes of the Top-Rated Shows on Preschool TV -- Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, the Backyardigans and the Wonder Pets! -- During 'Nick Jr.'s Beach Party Week' Monday, June 25 - Friday, June 29
Nick Jr. hits the sand and surf with four brand-new episodes of TV's top-rated preschool series' Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, The Backyardigans, and The Wonder Pets! during "Nick Jr.'s Beach Party Week." The sippy-cup set will join their favorite animated characters on a new beach-themed adventure every day beginning Monday, June 25 - Thursday, June 28 (9:00 a.m. ET/PT). The four premiere episodes will encore in a two-hour marathon on Friday, June 29 (9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., ET/PT).
"Nick Jr.'s Beach Party Week" schedule is as follows (all times are ET/PT):
Monday, June 25 (9:00 a.m.) - Dora the Explorer "Baby Crab"
* Dora and Boots are having a blast at the beach when they hear a call for
help. A baby crab is stuck in a net! Dora finds a pair of scissors
inside Backpack and frees the crab, but as he scurries off, he realizes
he forgot which way to go. Dora and Boots take him through the Squishy
Squid's Musical Sand Castle, over a mountain of rhythmically snapping
clams, and across the ocean to his Mami on Crab Island.
Tuesday, June 26 (9:00 a.m.) - Go, Diego, Go! "An Underwater Mystery"
* Diego and Alicia are exploring the ocean in the Rescue Center Submarine
when they hear a cry for help. Using Click, the duo find a mystery fish
named Lucy who has lost her way. In order to bring her back home, Diego
and Alicia must determine what kind of fish Lucy is by finding clues.
They discover Lucy has 3,000 teeth, skin with spots and stripes and a
tail she wiggles from side to side. What could she be?
Wednesday, June 27 (9:00 a.m.) - The Backyardigans "Into the Deep"
* In their incredible submarine, deep-sea explorers Tyrone and Pablo,
plunge to the deepest part of the ocean to discover a rare mermaid.
Meanwhile, mermaids Tasha and Uniqua will do anything to protect their
mermaid garden from intruders. Set to a Bollywood soundtrack, an
exhilarating underwater chase ensues until the mermaids realize that all
the scientists want to do is capture them -- on film!
Thursday, June 28 (9:00 a.m.) - The Wonder Pets! "Save the Goldfish"
* The Wonder Pets fly to a child's bedroom where a pet baby goldfish in an
aquarium is trapped inside a bubbling treasure chest. The trio dive
into the aquarium to search for the goldfish and encounter a toy mermaid
and toy statue of Neptune, King of the Water. They finally reach the
trapped fish and try unsuccessfully to use Neptune's trident to lift
open the treasure chest. The Wonder Pets then find a set of keys
hanging on the toy pirate and use teamwork to unlock the chest and save
the baby goldfish.
Friday, June 29 (9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.): Above four episodes will encore.
Nick Jr. is a specially designed programming block airing on Nickelodeon weekdays from 9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Completely dedicated to preschoolers ages 2-5, Nick Jr.'s Emmy, Peabody and Parents' Choice Award- winning programs are curriculum based, fun and commercial free. At Nick Jr., kids play to learn with innovative, original shows created just for them.
Nickelodeon, in its 28th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 92 million households and has been the number-one- rated basic cable network for almost 12 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) .
Source: Nick Jr.
Web site: http://www.nick.com/
Las Vegas Unveils New Cultural Attraction
Long-Awaited 180-Acre Non-Gaming Attraction to Become City's "Central Park"
June 08, 2007 -- The Springs Preserve (Preserve), a $250 million non-gaming cultural attraction located a few miles off the Las Vegas Strip, opened Friday after nearly a decade of development. With 180 acres of museums, botanical gardens, galleries, trails and entertainment venues, the Preserve will fill a niche in Las Vegas as a new cultural hub for locals as well as for tourists seeking an off-Strip experience.
The new facility is designed to answer the community's call for a cultural and educational gathering place on its most treasured national historic site. Thousands of years ago the Preserve was the site of the first water in the valley and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
"The Springs Preserve represents to Las Vegas what Central Park represents to New York," said Springs Preserve director Francis N. Béland. "Not aesthetically, but in what it means to the community from a historic and cultural perspective."
The two main galleries of the Preserve, the ORIGEN Experience and the Desert Living Center, take visitors on a fascinating journey through Las Vegas history and introduce them to the latest innovative concepts and tools for living a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
An uncommon blend of interactive and educational experiences for all ages are folded into the visitor experience, which includes: an up-close look at a living bat cave, a brush with a live flash flood, a historic trail walk that passes by a Cienega (desert wetland), or an outdoor cooking demonstration in the botanical gardens. Children can climb aboard a 50-foot rattlesnake replica in the children's playground, visit the Preserve's resource library, master one of the many educational video games in the New Frontier Gallery or trade in their own artifacts at the Nature Exchange for other desired items.
Families can cap off their day with a live outdoor concert in the Springs Amphitheater, a light dinner in the Springs Café (operated by Wolfgang Puck) overlooking the Las Vegas Strip, and a casual stroll through the Canary Project photo gallery.
"The Preserve has something fun, intriguing and educational for everyone," said Béland. "And the breadth of offerings simply cannot be experienced in a single visit."
In addition to the fun elements for visitors, the Preserve is setting new standards for green building in the desert southwest by erecting seven new green buildings. These structures are intended to join an elite list of buildings nationwide that already have achieved "Platinum" Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
For the Preserve, this translates into creating some of the most energy efficient commercial buildings in the country and the first ever Platinum certified buildings in a visitor attraction. More specifically, this means incorporating innovative green products such as: carpet made from recycled pop bottles, bio-filtration ponds that reclaim on-site wastewater, certified sustainable lumber, rammed earth walls, straw bale walls, and more.
An array of eclectic entertainment, activities and musical performances are scheduled for the grand opening weekend through June 10. Visitors attending this weekend will receive a free day pass (one per family) for a future return visit to the Preserve.
The Preserve is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. but closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day. There is an admittance charge to enter the galleries; however, many of the areas of the Preserve are free to the public including the gardens, trails, resource library, café, gift shop and children's playground. General adult admission is $18.95 with discounts for Nevada residents, seniors, students and youth. Children under age 5 are free. The address to the Preserve is 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Guests may call (702) 822-8344 for more information or visit www.springspreserve.org.
About the Desert Living Center
The 76,975 square-foot Desert Living Center (DLC) provides a forum where visitors can learn practical means of protecting valuable environmental resources without compromising their quality of life. A complex of five buildings, the DLC consists of the Sustainability Gallery, dialogue center, design lab and technical training center, and general classroom, conference and office space. The DLC will offer exhibits, classroom programming, events, conferences and activities illustrating the benefits of recycling, conservation and alternative energy sources in a fun and interactive environment for adults and children of all ages.
About the ORIGEN Experience
Comprised of two historic museum galleries, an interactive children's gallery and an indoor theater, the 46,610 square-foot ORIGEN Experience is designed to capture the essence of the land and early inhabitants who made the Springs Preserve their home. As the interpretive focal point for history at the Preserve, the ORIGEN Experience galleries convey the natural and cultural history of the Preserve and its common designation as the "birthplace of Las Vegas."
About the Springs Preserve
The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre national historic site commonly known as the "birthplace of Las Vegas." This cultural and historic attraction offers a fun, educational and recreational gathering place to commemorate Las Vegas' dynamic history and provide a vision for a sustainable future. The Preserve features a series of historic museums, galleries, outdoor concerts and events, the future Nevada State Museum, an interpretive trail system, a botanical garden and more. For more information about the Springs Preserve, please visit www.springspreserve.org.
June 5
LIFETIME Television's Original Drama 'Army Wives' Is Most-Watched Series Premiere in Network's 23-Year History
'Army Wives' Averages 3.5 Million Viewers During Sunday, June 3 Premiere
Successfully launching the network's bold new summer programming strategy, Lifetime Television's "Army Wives" was the most-watched series premiere in the network's 23-year history when the drama averaged 3.5 million viewers during its Sunday, June 3 at 10PM (ET/PT) debut.
Starring Kim Delaney and Catherine Bell, "Army Wives", an ensemble drama series about the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women -- and one man -- living with their spouses and families on an active army post, also scored:
On-Air
-- A 2.9 household rating, Lifetime's highest rating in the Sunday 10PM
(ET/PT) time period since December '06;
-- #1 in W18-49 rating versus all ad-supported cable networks in the
Sunday 10PM(ET/PT) time period, marking Lifetime's highest time period
rating since January '04;
-- Lifetime's highest W18-34 rating in the Sunday 10PM (ET/PT) time period
since May '02;
-- Largest P2+ delivery in the Sunday 10PM (ET/PT) time period since
December '06;
-- #1 in W25-54 rating versus all ad-supported cable networks in the
Sunday 10PM (ET/PT) time period.
Online
-- Video streams of "Army Wives" on LifetimeTV.com rose 94% from Sunday to
Monday (first time Lifetime ever streamed an entire episode online);
-- "Army Wives" programming section on LifetimeTV.com had the most traffic
of any network program since the August '06 Lifetime Original Movie
"The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Is Not a Fairy Tale," Lifetime's
second most-watched movie ever;
-- The series generated the highest traffic to the LifetimeTV.com home
page since February '07;
-- Yahoo's "Buzz" index reported the search term "Army Wives" increased
444% from Sunday to Monday, trailing only "Meet the Press" and
"Entourage," and ahead of "The Sopranos," and also ranked fifth in
Google's Hot Trends on Sunday.
"It's rare to hit the television trifecta, combining outstanding production values, rave reviews from national press and a viewer response that sends the ratings through the roof. But that's what we've accomplished with 'Army Wives.' Here's to our stellar ensemble cast, our executive producers Mark Gordon, Deb Spera, Katherine Fugate, Jeff Melvoin and everyone at ABC Studios, and a terrific team of producers, writers and directors who made this a hit right out of the box," said Susanne Daniels, President, Entertainment, Lifetime Networks.
Continued Daniels, "I'm looking forward to our three-hour Sunday night original drama lineup beginning July 15th, when 'Army Wives' is joined by 'Side Order of Life' and 'State of Mind', all three series which, through their exploration of contemporary women's journeys, exemplify our new programming direction."
Marking the first time a basic cable network has ever premiered three dramas for the same night in the same season, Lifetime premieres "Side Order of Life" on Sunday, July 15 at 8PM (ET/PT). From Academy Award-winning producers Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen ("American Beauty") and creator Margaret Nagle (HBO's "Warm Springs"), the series centers on a young magazine photographer who suddenly re-evaluates her life and impending nuptials after receiving a "wake-up call from the universe." The drama stars Marisa Coughlan ("Boston Legal") and Jason Priestley ("Beverly Hills, 90210").
Following at 9PM (ET/PT) is "State of Mind." From Warner Horizon Television and the executive producing team behind the hit cable series "Nip/Tuck" and "The Closer," Greer Shephard and Michael Robin, the series, created by practicing psychotherapist, author, professor and mother, Amy Bloom, stars Lili Taylor ("Six Feet Under") as a brilliant family therapist whose personal problems rival those of her offbeat patients.
Previously, the most-watched series premieres on Lifetime were the popular dramas "Missing," which starred Vivica A. Fox as an FBI agent and premiered with 3.3 million viewers in 2003, while "The Division", which starred Nancy McKeon and Bonnie Bedelia as San Francisco police officers, premiered in 2001 with 3.2 million viewers.
Filmed on location in Charleston, South Carolina, "Army Wives" stars Emmy(R) Award winner Kim Delaney ("NYPD Blue"), Sally Pressman ("Shark"), Brigid Brannagh ("Over There"), Brian McNamara ("The O.C."), Sterling K. Brown ("Starved"), Wendy Davis ("Commander in Chief"), Drew Fuller ("Charmed") and Catherine Bell ("JAG"). Mark Gordon ("Grey's Anatomy," "Criminal Minds") and The Mark Gordon Company's President of Production, Deborah Spera ("Criminal Minds") serve as executive producers. Jeff Melvoin ("Alias") serves as executive producer and show runner. Katherine Fugate ("The Prince & Me") created the series and also serves as executive producer and writer. The series is based on the book Under the Sabers: The Unwritten Code of Army Wives by Tanya Biank, who serves as a consultant. "Army Wives" is produced by ABC Studios.
Premiering before "Army Wives" from 8-10PM (ET/PT), the Lifetime Original Movie "Write & Wrong," which starred Kirstie Alley, averaged 2.6 million viewers and a 2.2 household rating.
LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, LMN, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (including LifetimeTV.com) are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.
Source: LIFETIME Television
Web site: http://www.lifetimetv.com/
Dennis Miller to Host 'GRAND SLAM' for GSN
New Prime Time Event Features America's Top Game Show Contestants in a Head-to-Head Competition To Determine Who's the Best
Field of 16 Contestants Includes Former 'Jeopardy' Champions Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter Plus 'Millionaire Winners' Dr. Kevin Olmstead and John Carpenter
Amanda Byram ('The Swan') Named as Co-Host
Dennis Miller, best known for his long stint on "Saturday Night Live," and currently host of the nationally syndicated Westwood One Radio talk show "The Dennis Miller Show," has been named as host of GSN's new original prime time series GRAND SLAM. GRAND SLAM is an eight episode head-to-head single elimination tournament featuring America's top 16 game show contestants competing to determine who is the best.
The series, executive produced by Michael Davies for Embassy Row and Sony Pictures Television, will premiere Tuesday, August 7 at 8 PM ET on GSN. Production begins on GRAND SLAM Wednesday, June 6 in New York City. Amanda Byram ("The Swan," "Paradise Hotel") serves as co-host on the series.
Miller will be making his debut as a game show host on GRAND SLAM. He is one of the premiere comedy talents in America, a five-time Emmy award winner for his talk show on HBO, a popular former "Weekend Update" correspondent on "Saturday Night Live," an analyst on "Monday Night Football" for two seasons as well as a best selling author.
In making the announcement, Jamie Roberts, GSN's Senior Vice President of Programming said, "Getting Dennis Miller to be our host on GRAND SLAM is the game show equivalent of landing the #1 draft pick. He is the perfect talent for this ultimate challenge that will determine who is the greatest game show contestant of all-time."
On hosting Dennis Miller said, "Michael Davies sent me a tape of GRAND SLAM and not only did I love the show but I lost when I played along. You know that 'hard to get thing' always keeps you coming back for more, so count me in."
"GRAND SLAM is the best game show format I've seen come out of the UK since 'Millionaire,' and Dennis Miller is someone I've wanted to work with my entire career," added Davies. "Moreover, I just can't wait to see who wins."
GRAND SLAM will feature elite contestants who will play the fastest and most intense game show ever created. Not only will their general knowledge be put to the test, but their math and logic skills, their ways with words and letters, and their grasp of pop culture and current events will also be challenged. No game has tested the breadth and depth of intelligence like GRAND SLAM will, and no players are better suited for the task. The rapid- fire series will determine the best contestant of all-time and the winner will walk away with a $100,000 grand prize.
The field of 16 will be the most competitive ever in the game show world, including winners from different shows including "Jeopardy," "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" "Wheel of Fortune," "Tic Tac Dough" "Lingo" and "The Weakest Link." Those who have signed on to date include Brad Rutter, whose career winnings are $3.2 million on "Jeopardy" and who was the "Jeopardy" 2001 Tournament of Champions winner; Ken Jennings, who won over $3 million on "Jeopardy;" Dr. Kevin Olmstead, whose career total is over $2 million and was the biggest single show prize winner ever on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and John Carpenter, who has won $1.25 million and was the first million dollar winner on "Millionaire." Additional players will be announced at a later date.
The program will consist of a tournament-style single elimination format with two players going head-to-head each match. Matches will feature four rounds. Each round will include different sets of questions including; general knowledge, numbers and logic, words and letters. The winner moves on to the next match and the loser is eliminated.
GRAND SLAM is the second game show produced by Michael Davies' New York based company Embassy Row and Sony Pictures Television for GSN. His first and current prime time game show for GSN is CHAIN REACTION. Davies remains executive producer of prime time network hit "Wife Swap" and "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," now entering its sixth year of first run syndication. Davies' New York-based company, Embassy Row, continues to grow and has significantly increased its production of entertainment shows, comedy, factual, documentary films, sports and web content for partners ABC, CBS, VH1, ESPN, Comedy Central, A&E, Food Network and Yahoo!.
Sony Pictures Television has the international distribution rights to GRAND SLAM and CHAIN REACTION.
About GSN
GSN is the entertainment industry leader in multi-platform interactive game programs. As the premier television network for games, GSN features challenging word games, high intensity casino programs, live participation shows, reality series and documentaries. Now reaching more than 63 million homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.
-GSN '07 -
Source: GSN
Web site: http://www.gsn.com/
SIDEWINDER(TM) gets 'Supporting' Role in Discovery Channel Production
- Airtrax Omni-Directional Technology featured in new television show Prototype This -
-- Airtrax, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: AITX) , a developer of patented Omni-Directional Technology with military and commercial applications, today announced that it has entered into two Trade Out Agreements with Beyond Productions Pty Ltd., an Australian company that is co-producing a new TV series with the Discovery Channel entitled Prototype This. The thirteen part series is scheduled to air on the Discovery Channel beginning in August 2007.
The first agreement calls for the SIDEWINDER(TM) to be used on camera for the construction of the various prototypes featured in the series. The SIDEWINDER will be organically included into the filming of as many of the thirteen episodes as the show's producers deem logical to do so. Additionally, Airtrax will be recognized with 'Special Thanks' in the program credits. According to the terms of the second agreement, Airtrax will provide its Omni-Directional Technology for use in an imaginative prototype that will be the featured build in one of the episodes. The Company will also provide a guest build team to work on set together with the show's hosts to complete the project.
Every hour long episode of Prototype This will chronicle a team of inventors and engineers as they attempt to create a futuristic device using today's technology. Each week, the builders will attempt to incorporate two current technologies into an invention that may solve an everyday problem or fulfill an unmet need. The inventions may not necessarily represent something a corporation would want to manufacture for the marketplace; the goal is to achieve a proof of concept. Prototype This stars Andrew "Zoz" Brooks, Joe Grand, Kevin Binkert, Michael "North" Northen, and Terry Sandin.
Nicholas Fenelli, Airtrax's chief operating officer, stated, "This is an incredible opportunity for Airtrax. I had been searching for a product placement opportunity for the SIDEWINDER to put our Omni-Directional Technology and its potential uses in front of millions of people. When this venue was presented to me it seemed a perfect fit. Not to just appear in a broadcast, but to have our technology featured, was more than I had hoped for."
Mr. Fenelli continued, "While the show's hosts have definitely brought 'thinking outside of the box' to a whole new level with their audacious build concept, I must admit, it was great fun working with them as a member of the guest build team during the filming of the episode involving Airtrax. The premise of the episode dovetails perfectly with our mission to bring about the adoption of Omni-Directional Technology."
About Beyond Entertainment Pty. Ltd.:
Beyond Entertainment Pty. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Beyond International Limited , one of Australia's leading television program production and distribution companies, has concluded agreements with Discovery Communications Inc. to co-produce two new science based television series, PROTOTYPE THIS and COOL STUFF, along with the fifth season of their highly successful science entertainment program - MYTHBUSTERS.
About Discovery Channel:
Reaching 431 million homes in 170 countries and territories, the Discovery Channel provides viewers with engaging stories and extraordinary experiences that share knowledge, satisfy curiosity and inspire the very joy of discovery. The network offers a wide representation of programming genres, including science, natural history, anthropology, survival, geography, forensics and current events.
About Airtrax, Inc.:
A U.S.-based developer of Omni-Directional technology, Airtrax designs and manufactures Omni-Directional vehicles. The Airtrax patented wheel was designed and developed by Airtrax after receiving a technology transfer from the US Navy in the form of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA).
The SIDEWINDER(TM) Lift Truck, MP2 Equipment Handlers, and the KING COBRA(TM) 3368 Omni-Directional Aerial Work Platform (AWPs) are the first Omni-Directional vehicles using Omni-Directional technology and the patented Airtrax wheel to be commercially produced. The nearly maintenance-free drive system design reduces maintenance costs, delivering cost efficiencies to companies both large and small. The Airtrax patented Omni-Directional wheel is manufactured exclusively for Airtrax vehicles.
Airtrax has developed business partnerships, received orders, and shipped SIDEWINDER trucks to California, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Ohio, New Jersey, Kentucky, Florida, and Pennsylvania in the United States, and internationally to the United Kingdom, Japan, Spain, Panama, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa.
For more information and to view a must-see product demonstration, visit http://www.airtrax.com/ or http://www.equityperformancegroup.com/clients_airtrax.php .
http://www.equityperformancegroup.com/
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "Safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain of the statements contained herein, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements with respect to events, the occurrence of which involved risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements may be impacted, either positively or negatively, by various factors. Information concerning potential factors that could affect the company is detailed from time to time in the company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Source: Airtrax, Inc.
.
Web site: http://www.airtrax.com/
http://www.equityperformancegroup.com/clients_airtrax.php
Gary Puckett and Juice Newton Star in Spotlight 29 Casino's Summer of Fun
Spotlight 29 Casino's summer of fun concert series continues to bring top headliner entertainment to the Coachella Valley, and now, two of pop music's biggest voices are coming together for an incredible night of music. Gary Puckett and Juice Newton will appear in the Spotlight Showroom on July 7.
Puckett's unmistakable signature voice garnered him and The Union Gap six consecutive gold records and top ten Billboard hits with "Young Girl," "Woman Woman," "Lady Willpower," "Over You," "This Girl Is A Woman Now," "Keep The Customer Satisfied," "Don't Give In To Him" and "Home."
In 1968, Puckett and The Union Gap sold more records than any other recording act, including the Beatles, and they have played a command performance at the White House for Prince Charles and Princess Anne by special invitation of the President.
Grammy winner and successful cross-over artist Newton has scored 15 top 10 singles on the pop and country charts and has sold more than 10 million records worldwide. She has been nominated for a Grammy four times and has been named Grammy's "Best Pop Female Vocalist." She has also been named the CMA's "New Female Vocalist of the Year" and is a two-time Billboard "Album Artist of the Year."
Newton left her mark on both the pop and country charts with her hits "Angel of the Morning," "Queen of Hearts" "The Sweetest Thing," "Break It To Me Gently," "Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me," and "A Little Love." A string of top 10 country hits followed with the songs "You Want To Make You Mine," "Hurt," "Old Flame," "Cheap Love," "Both To Each Other," "Tell Me True," and "What Can I Do With My Heart?"
Show time is 8 p.m. Tickets are $40, $35, $30 and $25 and are available now at StarTicketsPlus.com or by calling (800) 585-3737. Tickets are also available at Spotlight29.com and at the Spotlight 29 Casino Gift Shop. Tickets may also be available at the Spotlight Showroom Box Office on the day of the show.
Put the spotlight on headliner entertainment at Spotlight 29 Casino, the Coachella Valley's most exciting place to play. Spotlight 29 Casino is a business venture of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. Turn it on at http://www.spotlight29.com/.
Source: Spotlight 29 Casino
Web site: http://www.spotlight29.com/
TV Land's Summer Sizzles With New Originals, Hit Movies, Month-Long Tribute to Elvis, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and More Beginning in June
TV Land Confidential, Back to the Grind and TV Land Myths and Legends: Elvis Among Originals Set to Premiere
TV Land kicks off the summer armed with a slate of new original programming, a month-long tribute to Elvis Presley, the addition of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to its line-up, blockbuster movies and a programming marathon featuring the network's roster of hit shows -- all of which cater to Baby Boomers, America's "TV generation." New original programming premiering throughout the summer includes brand new episodes of the series TV Land Confidential, the premiere of the new series Back to the Grind and an original special airing as part of "Elvis Month" entitled TV Land Myths and Legends: Elvis. TV Land also continues to air pop culture movie favorites viewers know and love like Parenthood, Arthur, Dragnet, Top Gun, Honeymoon in Vegas and more during its Friday night movie block. Finally, "TV Land's Cocktail Party" -- airing weekdays -- showcases some of the network's most beloved shows such as The Andy Griffith Show, M*A*S*H, Three's Company, Good Times and more.
Below is a detailed look at TV Land's Summer Programming line-up:
ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING
TV Land Confidential (returning series)
Wednesday, July 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Back by popular demand, this returning six-part series tells the untold stories behind viewers' favorite TV shows, movies and musical performers. Why did a reluctant Ray Romano need to be dragged off to Italy for Everybody Loves Raymond? What made the dance scenes in Saturday Night Fever so hot? What did Michael Jackson confess to Donny Osmond? This season takes a look at "Locations," "Oddballs and Original Characters," "Guest Stars," "Finales," "Movies" and "Music."
Back to the Grind (new series)
Wednesday, July 18 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT
This half-hour series takes iconic TV performers -- from Loni Anderson to Harry Anderson and other actors not named "Anderson" -- and has them perform the real-life version of the jobs their characters held on Classic TV shows like WKRP in Cincinnati and Night Court. Other performers featured include Erik Estrada, Marla Gibbs, Sherman Hemsley, Betty White, Mark Curry, Bea Arthur, Ed Begley Jr. and Jimmie "J.J." Walker.
TV Land Myths and Legends: Elvis (special)
Thursday, August 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Based on the popularity of season one of TV Land Myths & Legends, this half-hour special coincides with TV Land's month-long salute to Elvis Presley. Thirty years after his death, TV Land takes an in-depth look at some of the most popularly held mysteries about the "King of Rock and Roll" and dissects them to separate fact from fiction.
MOVIE LAND
Friday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT
TV Land continues to air its signature movie block on Friday nights at 10 p.m. of some of the most beloved, enduring and iconic movies that Boomers fell in love with at the multiplex or first experienced through television. Among the films to be shown are Parenthood, Arthur, The Negotiator, Dragnet, Top Gun, Honeymoon in Vegas, The Longest Yard and Major League.
ELVIS MONTH
August 1-August 31, 2007
It was thirty years ago this August that the world said goodbye to one of the greatest entertainers and cultural icons of all time -- Elvis Presley. In a monumental tribute, TV Land will showcase a number of Presley's treasured work by airing films, concerts, documentaries and interstitial programming starring and about the "King of Rock 'n' Roll" every day throughout the month.
TV Land will air the following:
-- Concert Weekends -- Performance specials such as Elvis: '68 Comeback
Special, Aloha From Hawaii, Elvis: the Great Performances and Ed
Sullivan's Rock 'N' Roll Classics: Elvis Presley.
-- Documentaries and Made-for-TV Movies -- Elvis By the Presleys, Elvis
and Me, Elvis On Tour and Elvis: His Best Friend Remembers.
-- Feature Movies -- Love Me Tender; Wild in the Country; Easy Come, Easy
Go; Fun in Acapulco; Paradise Hawaiian Style; Roustabout; Girl Happy;
Live a Little, Love a Little and Speedway.
-- A TV Land Original Special -- Myths and Legends: Elvis - show
description above.
ACQUISITIONS
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
August 7, 11 p.m. ET/PT, every Tuesday
This Emmy Award-winning reality series -- which premiered in 2003 -- follows a team of designers, workmen, neighbors and friends as they race against time to completely renovate an entire house for a deserving family who has faced hardship in just seven days. Every single room, as well as the exterior and landscaping, is overhauled and customized for all family members.
SUMMER MARATHONS
"TV Land's Cocktail Party"
Begins Monday June 4 and airs Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ET/PT throughout summer
Tune in as the network showcases its most popular shows including The Andy Griffith Show, M*A*S*H, The Cosby Show, Three's Company, Good Times, Sanford & Son, The Jeffersons, Leave It To Beaver, I Love Lucy and Star Trek.
About TV Land
Now seen in over 90 million U.S. homes, TV Land is dedicated to building the ultimate Baby Boomer entertainment brand on all platforms. Armed with a slate of new original programming, newly acquired Classic TV and movies, multiplatform content and Cause Change, a new pro-social initiative, the network is uniquely positioned to cater to America's 78 million Baby Boomers, the first generation of Americans who grew alongside television. TV Land's program mix features hit originals, popular dramas, sitcoms, westerns and Retromercials. TV Land's roster includes hits like All in the Family, M*A*S*H, The Andy Griffith Show and several others. Furthering the network's commitment to develop original programming that complements its roster of acquisitions, the network regularly showcases original series and specials like I Pity The Fool, Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg, TV Land Myths and Legends, Generation Boom, TV Land Confidential and the upcoming original series High School Reunion.
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 135 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
Source: TV Land
Web site: http://www.nick-at-nite.com/
Korn's New Album 'Untitled' Set for July 31 Release
On July 31st, Virgin Records will release the eighth studio album from the multi-platinum, award-winning hard rock band KORN. The untitled album was produced by Korn's See You On The Other Side producer Atticus Ross (Ross is also known for his revolutionary work with NIN). In releasing an album with no title singer Jonathan Davis commented, "We didn't want to label this album. It has no boundaries; it has no limits and why not just let our fans call it whatever they wanna call it?"
This is the 4th album (the second studio) to be released through the ground-breaking partnership among Korn and Virgin Records established in 2005 by EMI, and the Firm to create a diversified business relationship operating Korn's recording, publishing, touring, sponsorship and merchandising businesses. In 2006, tour promotion giant Live Nation, which promotes the Family Values tour, became an investor in the partnership.
Los Angeles modern rock radio station KROQ recently gave "Evolution," the album's first single, its world premiere and the band gave its 550,000+ friends on myspace the opportunity to hear it for themselves (www.myspace.com/korn). The "Evolution" LIVE debut took place at this year's KROQ Weenie Roast -y- Fiesta (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcDrU2BYKlA ). On the topic of the new single, Jonathan Davis said, "Evolution is about us as a human race. We have not evolved since monkeys. Animals and humans are pretty much the same." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTTr1vbs5jU ) "Look at this war we're fighting; we're the bullies -- same sh*t in the monkey world." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXJTC3iZDrM&mode=related&search= ). To hear and see the behind the scenes making of "Evolution", fans can log onto www.korn.com .
This album follows the band's ground breaking MTV Unplugged: KORN release, which debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 in March 2007. The band appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and brought more musicians than the show had ever seen on their stage; 25 to be exact which included a taiko drum troupe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTND9ODe1h0 ).
KORN will return to the States in time for this year's FAMILY VALUES TOUR, which launches on July 20th in St. Louis, MO. (KORN, along with management company The Firm created and headlined THE FAMILY VALUES TOUR in 1998 and last year's triumphant return outing was an extraordinary success, setting attendance records at numerous venues and selling over 400,000 tickets total. KORN and EVANESCENCE will co-headline this year's festival, which also features Atreyu, Flyleaf, HELL YEAH (featuring members of Pantera and Mudvayne), and Trivium on the main stage. Tickets for most dates are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com and dates are listed at www.korn.com. With David Silveria on hiatus, Slipknot's Joey Jordison will be playing drums for KORN on the tour; Terry Bozzio played drums on Untitled.
The full track listing for Korn's new album will be announced at a later date.
Source: Capitol Music Group
CONTACT: Angelica Cob-Baehler, Senior VP, Publicity of Capitol Music
Group, +1-323-871-5552, Angelica.Cob@capitolmusic.com
Spike TV's 'GUYS CHOICE' Tapes on Saturday, June 9
WHO: Host:
TRACY MORGAN
Live Musical Performers:
STYX
ZZ TOP featuring CARMEN ELECTRA and the BOMBSHELLS
Presenters/Attendees:
ANDY SAMBERG ARTIE LANGE BRITTANY SNOW
CHRISTINE DOLCE CHUCK LIDDELL CHRIS CORNELL
DISTURBED DONNIE WAHLBERG ELISHA CUTHBERT
JAMES GANDOLFINI JOANNA KRUPA JOE ROGAN
JON FAVREAU KELLY CARLSON KEVIN JAMES
MANDY MOORE MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD
MASI OKA MINKA KELLY "RAMPAGE" JACKSON
ROB CORDDRY ROSE MCGOWAN SETH ROGEN
SOFIA VERGARA STEVE-O TRICIA HELFER
VINCE VAUGHN WILL FERRELL WILL FORTE
-More names to come/Names subject to change-
WHAT: SPIKE TV's "GUYS CHOICE"
Spike TV is giving the biggest shout-outs in television history to the
things guys love most with the first annual "GUYS CHOICE." This star-
studded event will feature everything guys want including comedy, the
hottest women in the world, the best in music, sports and so much more.
In addition to honoring the coolest guys and the most awe-inspiring women
from the past year, GUYS CHOICE will also feature unforgettable tributes
to legendary entertainers, rockers and most viral videos, as well as edgy
stand-up comedy and house-shaking musical performances. Spike TV's "GUYS
CHOICE" premieres Wednesday, June 13 at 10:00 PM, ET/PT.
WHEN: SATURDAY, JUNE 9
Press Arrivals: 4:30 PM Red Carpet Arrivals: 6:00 PM
WHERE: RADFORD STUDIOS
4024 Radford Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Web site: http://www.spiketv.com/
Adam Sandler to Receive Special Honor at Spike TV's First-Ever 'Guys Choice'
'Swingers' Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau Will Receive the First-Ever 'Guy Movie Hall of Fame Award'
Two-Hour Event Hosted By Tracy Morgan Premieres Wednesday, June 13th at 10 PM, ET/PT
Presenters, Appearances and Honorees Include Chuck Liddell, Kevin James, Elisha Cuthbert, Mandy Moore, Masi Oka, Andy Samberg, Artie Lange, Brittany Snow, Chris Cornell, Disturbed, Donnie Wahlberg, James Gandolfini, Joe Rogan, Kelly Carlson, Rob Corddry, Seth Rogen, Sofia Vergara, Steve-O, Tricia Helfer, Will Ferrell, Will Forte and Many More
-- As chosen by voters at http://www.spiketv.com/, Adam Sandler has been deemed as the ultimate "Guy's Guy" and will be honored as such at Spike TV's first annual "GUYS CHOICE." Expect to see Sandler toasted and roasted at the show by friends including Kevin James and his favorite band of all time STYX. In addition, Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn will be in attendance to accept the first-ever "Guy Movie Hall Of Fame Award" for their movie, "Swingers." This star-studded event is scheduled to tape on June 9 at Radford Studios in Los Angeles. Spike TV's "GUYS CHOICE" premieres Wednesday, June 13 at 10:00 PM, ET/PT, will feature everything guys want including comedy, the hottest women in the world, the best in music, sports the most viral videos and so much more.
Hosted by comedian/actor Tracy Morgan, Spike TV is giving the biggest shout-outs in television history to the things guys love most and is relying on its millions of viewers to decide who to bow down to from the worlds of sports, music, film, television and the internet. This preeminent night of the year for men will also feature unforgettable tributes to legendary entertainers, rockers and most viral videos, as well as edgy stand-up comedy and house-shaking musical performances. To view all categories and nominees log-on to http://www.spiketv.com/.
Spike TV's GUYS CHOICE will also feature performances, presenters and honorees including: Chuck Liddell, Kevin James, Elisha Cuthbert, Mandy Moore, Andy Samberg, Artie Lange, Brittany Snow, Chris Cornell, Disturbed, Donnie Wahlberg, James Gandolfini, Joe Rogan, Jon Favreau, Kelly Carlson, Masi Oka, Rob Corddry, Seth Rogen, Sofia Vergara, Steve-O, Tricia Helfer, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell, Will Forte a tribute to Adam Sandler, performed by his favorite band of all-time: STYX, and a special performance by ZZ Top featuring Carmen Electra and the Bombshells.
After becoming one of the most popular cast members in the history of "Saturday Night Live," Adam Sandler took his talents to Hollywood, where he has gone on to star in comedic classics such as "Billy Madison," "Happy Gilmore," "The Waterboy," and "The Wedding Singer," among others. Sandler is also one of the most successful comedic recording artists of all time, as his blend of comedy and music has resulted in platinum sales for every album he has released.
The official sponsors of Spike TV's "GUYS CHOICE" are Cingular, now the new AT&T, Corona, Jeep(R) Patriot, Pizza Hut, SNICKERS(R)Brand, Southern Comfort(R) and U.S. Army.
Emmy Award-winning producer Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions and Casey Patterson, Senior Vice President, Event Production & Talent Development for Spike TV will serve as executive producers. Alicia Portugal is the executive in charge of production for Spike TV.
Spike TV is available in 91.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of VIACOM (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.
Source: Spike TV
Web site: http://www.spiketv.com/
Hollywood Video Announces Sponsorship of 'David Sheehan's Summer Movie Magic'
National Video Chain Sponsors "Summertime DVDs" Segment
-- Hollywood Video, a division of Movie Gallery, Inc. (NASDAQ:MOVI) is sponsoring the "Summertime DVDs" segment of entertainment reviewer David Sheehan's Summer Movie Magic syndicated TV special, which will air nationwide June 1 through July 8.
The segment, taped at the Hollywood Video store in Burbank, Calif., will feature David Sheehan's five favorite "Summertime DVDs" and will include interviews with major film stars including George Clooney, who stars in The Good German and Ocean's 13, and Clint Eastwood, director of Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima. The show will also feature Sheehan's interviews with other big stars of the summer season including Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Tobey Maguire, Kevin Costner, Nicole Kidman, John Travolta, Bruce Willis, Robin Williams, and Brad Pitt.
Hollywood Video's National Accounts Manager, Shelley Cooper, said "Our mission at Hollywood Video is to offer a great experience at our stores and to help our guests find the perfect movie to fit their mood. Hollywood Video's sponsorship of this segment will help publicize some of the terrific movies available for rent this summer."
Sheehan said, "Hollywood Video has always been my favorite place for DVDs, long before the idea of sponsorship ever occurred to anybody. Since I've been covering movies for 30 years, I love the way the friendly folks at a Hollywood Video store take the time to help me find a film or two I may have missed, or hadn't thought of. When they say, 'We'll help you find the one you love,' they mean it!"
Summer Movie Magic will air on 248 stations across the U.S. this summer. Prime air dates include June 9 at 6:00 pm on KTLA in Los Angeles, June 17 at 4:00 pm on WCBS in New York, June 9 at 6:00 pm on KBWB in San Francisco, June 9 at 2:00 pm on WCVB in Boston, June 16 at 3:00 pm on WJLA in Washington D.C. and June 17 at 11:00 am on WCIU in Chicago.
About Hollywood Video
Hollywood Video(R) (www.hollywoodvideo.com) is a division of Movie Gallery, Inc. and operates over 2,000 home entertainment stores across the United States. Movie Gallery, Inc., is the second largest North American home entertainment specialty retailer in the United States with more than 4,560 stores located in all 50 U.S. states and Canada.
About Hollywood Close-Ups, Inc.
David Sheehan's Hollywood Close-Ups is one of Hollywood's premier production and syndication companies, producing and distributing 3-4 national television specials every year (Academy Awards Movie Magic, Summer Movie Magic, Holiday Movie Magic, and Hollywood Icons), broadcast to over 90% of the U.S., plus Canada and selected European territories. The shows spotlight the movies and the movie stars making movie magic in Hollywood. David Sheehan is Hollywood's pre-eminent movie reviewer and movie star interviewer, the first entertainment reporter on a newscast in the history of television on KCBS-TV and later KNBC-TV, both in Los Angeles. His Academy Awards Movie Magic 2007 is the most widely circulated syndicated special ever, airing on 259 stations.
For more information, go to www.DavidSheehanMovieMagic.com as of June 1, 2007, and www.hollywoodcloseups.com prior to that date. The DavidSheehanMovieMagic.com website will be offering Sheehan's longtime fans and followers special 'gift' DVDs of his "over the years" interviews with Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford, Barbra Streisand, and Marlon Brando -- and his history making video production of Bob Fosse's 5 Tony Award winning "Pippin", the first Broadway musical ever captured by cameras during live stage performance -- all for nothing more than the cost of shipping and duplication.
Contact: Shelley Cooper, National Accounts Manager, Hollywood Video, 503-570-5624
Contact: Stacia Brigham-Caggiano, Director of Publicity, Hollywood Close- Ups, Inc, 505-286-6483
Source: Hollywood Video
Web site: http://www.moviegallery.com/
http://www.hollywoodvideo.com/
http://www.davidsheehanmoviemagic.com/
http://www.hollywoodcloseups.com/
Kids Rock On With Nat And Alex Wolff As Nickelodeon Presents 'The Naked Brothers' Greatest Hits Marathon' And The Premiere Of The All-New Episode 'The Song' On Friday, June 22
Hit Series Continues To Break Barriers Across All Nick Digital Platforms As The #1 Message Board With 5.3 Million Page Views, 53 Million Online Turbonick.com Streams, and 13.5 Million Game Plays For The Naked Brothers Band Broadband Media Player Games, "Ready to Rock" and "Rock N Road Tour"
-- Kids around the country are getting ready to ready to rock 'n' roll as Nickelodeon presents a special The Naked Brothers Band television event, "The Naked Brothers' Greatest Hits Marathon," premiering Friday, June 22 from 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, featuring and an all-new episode of the network's hit tween "mockumentary" comedy.
Hosted by series stars Nat and Alex Wolff, "The Naked Brothers' Greatest Hits Marathon," will highlight the brothers' favorite moments from various episodes of the show. The marathon will include the premiere of the never- before-seen episode, "The Song" at 8:00 p.m., followed by a telecast of The Naked Brothers Band - The Movie at 8:30 p.m., featuring a special karaoke version in which the lyrics will be displayed on the bottom of the screen during songs.
In addition, Nickelodeon will invite viewers to submit song material including, ideas for lyrics, song titles, or a new song subject for Nat and Alex to perform throughout the marathon. Kids can log on to http://www.nick.com/shows/specials/nbb_lyrics/index.jhtml to submit their ideas.
In the new episode "The Song," Alex asks Nat to write a song for his new friend Juanita to perform at the upcoming music video wrap party. The next morning, Nat and Alex wake up with a perfect song in their head which they each secretly compose without telling the other. When Nat and Alex each play their new song for the rest of the band, they realize that they have written the exact same song! Meanwhile, the boys are horrified when Dad announces his intention to deepen his commitment to Betty.
In first quarter of 2007, The Naked Brothers Band was the number one program on ad supported basic cable with Kids 6-11. The hit Nickelodeon series continues to break barriers across a variety of platforms including its broadband media player interactive game and downloadable podcasts on nick.com and iTunes. The Naked Brothers Band has generated 53 million streams since launch on nick.com and the series continues to be the number-one message board with 5.3 million page views. In addition, its broadband media player games, "Ready to Rock" and "Rock and Road Tour" has totaled 13.5 million game plays to date.
The Naked Brothers Band recently made its international debut, premiering on Nick UK in May and will continue to roll out across Nickelodeon's 28 channels across Europe, Asia and Latin America throughout June and July.
The rundown of the marathon is as follows (All Times ET/PT):
4:00 p.m. The Naked Brothers Band - The Movie introduces viewers to Nat
and Alex Wolff, real-life brothers who must deal with fame,
fortune, friends and adolescence. Inspired by the siblings'
real-life, preschool-born band, the "mockumentary" film
follows the world-famous rock group The Naked Brothers Band
featuring music composed and performed by musicians, Nat and
Alex. Rounding out the cast in The Naked Brothers Band: The
Movie is an all-star line-up of cameo appearances including
Uma Thurman, Oscar nominated actress Julianne Moore, Arsenio
Hall, Cyndi Lauper, Tony Shaloub, Ann Curry and the entire
cast of thirtysomething.
5:30 p.m. "VMA's" -- When the band is nominated for its first video
music award, MTV's VMA's, the kids rely on their horoscopes to
determine the outcome and face the added pressure of TV
host/VJ Matt Pinfield's pessimistic take on their fate.
6:00 p.m. "Nat Is a Stand-Up Guy" -- Nat sets out to prove he has a
sense of humor by trying his hand at stand-up comedy after the
band's video director misinterprets one of his songs. When
his jokes fall flat, guest star George Lopez helps him realize
that the best material is right in his own home.
6:30 p.m. "Alex's Clothing Line" -- Alex is thrilled when he gets his
own "I Love Milk" clothing line until he sees everyone from
his kid fans to the local cops wearing his look. Meanwhile,
Jesse has two days to get the band up to speed on their school
work before Principal Schmoke's visit.
7:00 p.m. "Puberty" -- When a set visit from former boy band The
Adorable Timmerman Brothers coincides with a case of
laryngitis for Nat, he's convinced that he's going through
puberty and his career is over. Meanwhile, Alex does
everything he can to convince Jesse he's old enough to date
her, including drawing on underarm hair, wearing lifts in his
shoes and pretending to read thick volumes of obscure books.
7:30 p.m. "First Kiss" -- When Nat and Rosalina hear they have to kiss
in their new music video, both are nervous for different
reasons. Being a teenager after all, Rosalina begs the
director to recast her part. When he does, setting up a
contest for a lucky girl to be the first ever to kiss Nat, the
11-year-old band leader's feelings are hurt and his friendship
with Rosalina is strained. But a pretty contest winner helps
heal the pain.
8:00 p.m. PREMIERE OF "The Song"
8:30 p.m. The Naked Brothers Band- The Movie Karaoke Version
Inspired by the Wolff siblings' real-life, preschool-born band, The Naked Brothers Band follows a world-famous rock group, chronicling their fame, friendship, temporary break-up and adolescent experiences. The cameras track the charismatic, rock stars - led by dreamy, sensitive singer-songwriter Nat, 12, and energetic, unabashedly adorable drummer Alex, 9 -- on and off stage, focusing, too, on their celebrity lifestyle with all of its perks and problems. Making it a true "family affair," the boys' mother, Polly Draper (thirtysomething) doubles as their off-camera mom and series creator/executive producer/writer/director, while their dad, celebrated jazz musician/composer Michael Wolff co-stars in the series but plays against type as the boys' musically inept father and serves as the series' music supervisor/co-producer. Featured as well are the Wolff boys' real-life friends and band mates from pre-school days: cellist Thomas (Thomas Batuello) and keyboard player David (David Levi), along with guitarist Qaasim (Qaasim Middleton) and bassist -- Nat's crush -- Rosalina (Allie DiMeco). Cooper (Cooper Pillot), the band's pint-sized manager, completes the tween troop, and Jesse (Jesse Draper) is Nat and Alex's ditzy tutor/babysitter and real-life cousin.
Nickelodeon, in its 28th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 92 million households and has been the number-one- rated basic cable network for almost 12 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) .
Source: Nickelodeon
Web site: http://www.nick.com/
Calling All Fans, Calling All Fans, Be On The Lookout For 'RENO 911! The Complete Fourth Season Uncensored' DVD Hitting Stores On Tuesday, June 26
The officers of the Reno, Nevada Sheriff's department are back with a fourth season that's full of murder, intrigue and a disturbingly/mysteriously pregnant Officer Wiegel. From constituting election fraud to donning pink uniforms and blowing up various large items, the officers give it their all in episode after gloriously inept episode. Released via COMEDY CENTRAL Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment, "RENO 911! The Complete Fourth Season Uncensored" DVD arrives in stores nationwide on Tuesday, June 26 and will also be available at http://shop.comedycentral.com/.
"RENO 911! The Complete Fourth Season Uncensored" DVD is a two-disc set featuring all fourteen episodes completely uncensored. Bonus materials include "Profiles in Valor" (character bios of the deputies), an extended scene of Lt. Dangle explaining the new Reno911!.com crime reporting system and cast audio commentary.
"RENO 911!" gives viewers the chance to witness the men and women of the Reno Sheriff's Department at work and at play, offering a hilarious and unexpected spoof of the traditional cop reality program. With an ensemble cast that features "Viva Variety" and "The State" alumni Robert Ben Garant, Kerri Kenney-Silver and Thomas Lennon, "RENO 911!" is a narrative comedy about the adventures and relationships of a local Reno, Nevada precinct. Joining Garant, Kenney-Silver and Lennon on the "RENO 911!" beat are Carlos Alazraqui, Mary Birdsong, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Niecy Nash and Cedric Yarbrough.
Source: COMEDY CENTRAL
Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/
Spike TV Television Highlights - July 2007
-- ORIGINAL SERIES PREMIERES
-- THE KILL POINT - SERIES PREMIERE
Premieres Sunday, July 22 (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); Encores Sunday,
July 22 (11:00 PM - 1:00 AM, ET/PT) & Wednesday, July 25 (10:00 PM -
Midnight, ET/PT).
Emmy(R)Award-winning actor and Golden Globe nominee John Leguizamo and
Donnie Wahlberg star in Spike TV's new original scripted series, THE
KILL POINT, an eight-hour event focusing on two men as they square off
during a bank heist gone horribly wrong and the hostage negotiations
that ensue.
John Leguizamo is "Mr. Wolf," the leader of a small group of military
veterans who set out to rob a major bank in Pittsburgh. When things
go awry, they're forced to take more than a dozen hostages from all
walks of life, including a wealthy and powerful businessman's
daughter. Suddenly, "Mr. Wolf" finds himself battling the police, the
hostages and members of his own team while at the same time, fighting
his own personal demons from the Iraq war and from his own war at
home. Will he be sharp enough to hold it all together or lose control
of the situation? And will he find redemption before it's too late --
and does he even care to? On the opposite side of the perimeter is
"Horst Cali," the Pittsburgh Police Department Hostage Negotiator,
played by Donnie Wahlberg, who must go toe-to-toe with "Mr. Wolf."
"Cali" must use his wit and negotiating skills, while managing his own
personal issues, to manipulate the situation and convince Wolf to free
the hostages before the FBI takes control, or worse.
With time of the essence and the uncertainty of the unfolding events,
both men need to remain resourceful and collected or risk losing
lives. THE KILL POINT reveals how the hostage takers leverage their
situation and how the negotiator tries to unravel their plans. Which
man will blink? Who will outsmart the other? Who will survive? It's a
dangerous game of chess played out with human lives at stake.
-- MURDER - SERIES PREMIERE
Premieres Tuesday, July 31 (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); Encore Tuesday,
July 31 (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).
Following in the dramatic tradition of "CSI" and "Law and Order,"
"Murder" is an unscripted series in which amateur sleuths try to
correctly solve a real homicide pulled directly from police files.
Each episode of "Murder" begins with series host, 20-year Arlington,
TX law enforcement veteran with multiple capital murder convictions,
Detective Tommy Le Noir escorting two groups of civilians into an
exact replica crime scene pulled from the files of an existing
homicide case. The original crime scenes are re-created down to the
very last detail, so that teams experience exactly what the original
detectives encountered when they first entered the crime scene and
began their investigation. Every pertinent detail available to the
original detectives has been recreated and is available to the teams,
who have the opportunity to assess the crime scene and collect
evidence. Our real-life homicide detective also reveals a list of
potential suspects, along with their backgrounds and alibis. The teams
also meet with a coroner who reviews the findings of the original
autopsy report.
The contestants are given 48 hours to complete their investigation,
collect and catalogue their evidence and use their own smarts and
instincts to find the murderer. Each group makes a dynamic visual
presentation with its findings to Detective Le Noir. After the
presentations, Detective Le Noir presents what actually happened at
the crime scene and reveals which group came to the correct case
conclusion. Each week, the group that made the correct, or more
compelling case, will have a donation made in their names to a
selected victim's charity.
SPECIAL EVENTS / MARATHONS
-- KUNG FU FIGHTING WEEK
Join Spike TV for an entire week of the best Kung Fu movies beginning
Monday, July 2 and continuing through Sunday, July 8. Pre-empted on
Wednesday, July 4 Independence Day.
The schedule is as follows:
Monday, July 2 (9:00 AM - 7:30 PM, 9:30 - 11:30 PM & 2:00 - 4:00 AM,
ET/PT)
-- GAME OF DEATH (1978, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Monday, July 2 (9:00 - 11:00 AM, ET/PT).
A martial arts movie star must fake his death to find the people
who are trying to kill him. Starring Bruce Lee, Colleen Camp and
Dean Jagger.
-- THE ENFORCER (1995, Action)
Telecasts Monday, July 2 (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, ET/PT).
Leaving his sick wife in the care of his young son, officer Wei
Kung takes an undercover assignment to use small-time criminal G-
Dog to get close to Po Kwong and bring down his gang. Starring Jet
Li, Anita Mui and Rongguang Yu.
-- FIST OF FURY (1972, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Monday, July 2 (1:00 - 3:00 PM, ET/PT).
A young man seeks vengeance for the death of his teacher. Starring
Bruce Lee, Nora Miao and James Tien.
-- HERO (2002, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Monday, July 2 (3:00 - 5:00 PM, ET/PT); Encores Monday,
July 2 (9:30 - 11:30 PM, ET/PT) & Monday, July 2 (2:00 - 4:00 AM,
ET/PT).
A series of Rashomon-like flashback accounts shape the story of how
one man defeated three assassins who sought to murder the most
powerful warlord in pre-unified China. Starring Jet Li, Tony Leung
Chiu Wai and Maggie Cheung.
-- ENTER THE DRAGON (1973, Action/Thriller)
Telecasts Monday, July 2 (5:00 - 7:30 PM, ET/PT).
A martial artist agrees to spy on a reclusive crime lord using his
invitation to a tournament there as cover. Starring Bruce Lee, John
Saxon and Kien Shih.
Tuesday, July 3 (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, 9:00 PM - 4:00 AM, ET/PT)
-- YOUNGBLOOD (1986, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Tuesday, July 3 (9:00 - 11:00 AM, ET/PT).
A skilled young hockey prospect hoping to attract the attention of
professional scouts is pressured to show that he can fight if
challenged during his stay in a Canadian minor hockey town.
Starring Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze and Cynthia Gibb.
-- OUT OF REACH (2004, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Tuesday, July 3 (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, ET/PT).
Billy Ray Lancing, a former covert agent turned survivalist,
discovers that the foster program he is using to help a young girl
is actually a human trafficking network. Lancing heads overseas to
find the girl and shut down the operation. Starring Steven Seagal,
Ida Nowakowska and Matt Schulze.
-- ROAD HOUSE (1989, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Tuesday, July 3 (1:00 - 3:00 PM, ET/PT); Encores Tuesday,
July 3 (5:00 - 7:00 PM, ET/PT).
A tough bouncer is hired to tame a dirty bar. Starring Patrick
Swayze, Kelly Lynch and Sam Elliott.
-- TODAY YOU DIE (2005, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Tuesday, July 3 (3:00 - 5:00 PM, ET/PT).
A former thief who is trying to go straight seeks vengeance on those
who framed him. Starring Steven Seagal, Anthony Criss and Sarah
Buxton.
-- THE HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS (2004, Action/Drama
Telecasts Tuesday, July 3 (9:00 - 11:30 PM, ET/PT); Encores Tuesday,
July 3 (1:30 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT).
A romantic warrior breaks a beautiful member of a rebel army out of
prison to help her rejoin her fellows, but things are not what they
seem. Starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau and Ziyi Zhang.
-- THE BLIND SWORDSMAN: ZATOICHI (2003, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Tuesday, July 3 (11:30 PM - 1:30 AM, ET/PT).
The blind masseur/swordsman comes to a town in control of warring
gangs, and while bunking with a farming family, he meets two women
with their own agenda. Starring Takeshi Kitano, Tadanobu Asano and
Michiyo Ookusu.
Thursday, July 5 (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, 2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT)
-- THE MEDALLION (2003, Action/Comedy)
Telecasts Thursday, July 5 (9:00 - 11:00 AM, ET/PT).
A Hong Kong detective suffers a fatal accident involving a
mysterious medallion and is transformed into an immortal warrior
with superhuman powers. Starring Jackie Chan, Lee Evans and Claire
Forlani.
-- LEGEND OF DRUNKEN MASTER (1994, Action/Comedy)
Telecasts Thursday, July 5 (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, ET/PT).
Returning home with his father after a shopping expedition, Wong
Fei-Hong is unwittingly caught up in the battle between foreigners
who wish to export ancient Chinese artifacts and loyalists who don't
want the pieces to leave the country. Starring Jackie Chan, Lung Ti
and Anita Mui.
-- TWIN WARRIORS (1993, Action/Comedy)
Telecasts Thursday, July 5 (1:00 - 3:00 PM, ET/PT).
Tianbao, hungry for power and wealth, sets-up and betrays his
lifelong friend, Junbao (Jet Li), in an ambush to attain the rank of
general. Starring Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh and Siu-hou Chin.
-- THE LEGEND (1993, Action/Comedy)
Telecasts Thursday, July 5 (3:00 - 5:00 PM, ET/PT).
This Hong Kong martial-arts extravaganza tells of evil emperors and
true love as the secret Red Lotus Flower Society is committed to the
overthrow of the evil Manchu Emperor and his minions. Starring Jet
Li, Lung Chan and Adam Cheng.
-- MELTDOWN (1995, Action)
Telecasts Thursday, July 5 (5:00 - 7:00 PM, ET/PT).
After failing to save his wife from 'The Doctor,' Kit Li is working
as a bodyguard and secret stunt double for the cowardly martial arts
film star Frankie Lane. Frankie attends an exhibition of the crown
jewels of Russia at a Hong Kong hotel, and when the Doctor's gang
take over the building in attempt to steal them, Kit is the only
thing standing in their way. Starring Jet Li, Jackie Cheung and
Chingmy Yau.
-- IRON MONKEY (1993, Action)
Telecasts Thursday, July 5 (2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT).
A doctor fights the corrupt authorities as a masked Robin Hood hero,
even while another martial artist/doctor is forced to hunt for him.
Starring Rongguang Yu, Donnie Yen and Jean Wang.
Friday, July 6 (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, 10:00 - Midnight, 2:00 - 4:00 AM,
ET/PT)
-- CHINA STRIKE FORCE (2000, Action)
Telecasts Friday, July 6 (9:00 - 11:00 AM, ET/PT).
A young Chinese Security Officer, Darren, is called for Team 808,
which fights against the smuggling of drugs and corruption.
Starring Aaron Kwok, Norika Fujiwara and Coolio.
-- THE DEFENDER (1994, Action)
Telecasts Friday, July 6 (11:00 - 1:00 PM, ET/PT).
A corrupt businessman commits a murder and the only witness is the
girlfriend of another businessman with close connections to the
Chinese government. Starring Jet Li, Christy Chung and Kent Cheng.
-- DRAGONS FOREVER (1998, Action/Comedy)
Telecasts Friday, July 6 (1:00 - 3:00 PM, ET/PT).
Jackie Chan stars as a hot-shot lawyer hired by a Hong Kong chemical
plant to dispose of opposition to their polluting ways. Starring
Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung Kam-Bo and Biao Yuen.
-- LEGEND OF THE SWORDSMAN (1991, Action/Fantasy)
Telecasts Friday, July 6 (3:00 - 5:00 PM, ET/PT).
Blademaster and his martial arts school decide to retire to a
distant mountain. Starring Jet Li, Brigitte Lin and Michelle Reis.
-- SO CLOSE (2002, Action/Adventure)
Telecasts Friday, July 6 (5:00 - 7:00 PM, ET/PT).
A conflict of interest between two high-kicking assassin sisters is
complicated as they're pursued by the criminals who hired them and
an equally high-kicking female cop. Starring Qi Shu, Zhao Wei and
Karen Mok.
-- SHAOLIN SOCCER (2001, Action/Comedy)
Telecasts Friday, July 6 (10:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT); Encores
Friday, July 6 (2:00 - 4:00 AM, ET/PT).
A young Shaolin follower reunites with his discouraged brothers to
form a soccer team using their martial art skills to their
advantage. Starring Stephen Chow, Man Tat Ng and Zhao Wei.
Saturday, July 7 (10:00 AM - Noon, 2:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT)
-- THE BLIND SWORDSMAN: ZATOICHI (2003, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Saturday, July 7 (10:00 AM - Noon, ET/PT).
The blind masseur/swordsman comes to an town in control of warring
gangs, and while bunking with a farming family, he meets two women
with their own agenda. Starring Takeshi Kitano, Tadanobu Asano and
Michiyo Ookusu.
-- THE HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS (2004, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Saturday, July 7 (2:00 - 4:30 PM, ET/PT).
A romantic warrior breaks a beautiful member of a rebel army out of
prison to help her rejoin her fellows, but things are not what they
seem. Starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau and Ziyi Zhang.
-- GAME OF DEATH (1978, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Saturday, July 7 (4:30 - 6:30 PM, ET/PT).
A martial arts movie star must fake his death to find the people who
are trying to kill him. Starring Bruce Lee, Colleen Camp and Dean
Jagger.
-- FIST OF FURY (1972, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Saturday, July 7 (6:30 - 8:30 PM, ET/PT); Encores
Saturday, July 7 (Midnight - 2:00 AM, ET/PT).
A young man seeks vengeance for the death of his teacher. Starring
Bruce Lee, Nora Miao and James Tien.
-- ENTER THE DRAGON (1973, Action/Thriller)
Telecasts Saturday, July 7 (8:30 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).
A martial artist agrees to spy on a reclusive crime lord using his
invitation to a tournament there as cover. Starring Bruce Lee, John
Saxon and Kien Shih.
Sunday, July 8 (1:00 - 11:00 PM, 1:00 - 3:00 AM, ET/PT)
-- SAMOURAIS (2002, Action)
Telecasts Sunday, July 8 (1:00 - 3:00 PM, ET/PT).
Half a century ago, a Japanese family summoned a demon known as
Kodeni to dispose of its adversaries. Now, Tokyo Police Inspector
Fujiwara must travel to Paris and kill this unborn child who is the
reincarnation of Kodeni and who threatens to destroy the world.
Starring Cyril Mourali, Mai Anh Le and Yasuaki Kurata.
-- IRON MONKEY (1993, Action)
Telecasts Sunday, July 8 (3:00 - 5:00 PM, ET/PT).
A doctor fights the corrupt authorities as a masked Robin Hood hero,
even while another martial artist/doctor is forced to hunt for him.
Starring Rongguang Yu, Donnie Yen and Jean Wang.
-- SHAOLIN SOCCER (2001, Action/Comedy)
Telecasts Sunday, July 8 (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, ET/PT).
A young Shaolin follower reunites with his discouraged brothers to
form a soccer team using their martial art skills to their
advantage. Starring Stephen Chow, Man Tat Ng and Zhao Wei.
-- HERO (2002, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Sunday, July 8 (7:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT).
A series of Rashomon-like flashback accounts shape the story of how
one man defeated three assassins who sought to murder the most
powerful warlord in pre-unified China. Starring Jet Li, Tony Leung
Chiu Wai and Maggie Cheung.
-- KUNG FU HUSTLE (2004, Action/Comedy)
Broadcast Premiere Sunday, July 8 (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); Encores
Sunday, July 8 (1:00 - 3:00 AM, ET/PT).
In Shanghai, China in the 1940s, a wannabe gangster aspires to join
the notorious "Axe Gang" while residents of a housing complex
exhibit extraordinary powers in defending their turf. Starring
Stephen Chow, Xiaogang Feng and Wah Yuen.
-- ROCKY BALBOA MARATHON
Spike TV celebrates the fourth of July with one of America's most
beloved underdogs, Rocky Balboa.
-- ROCKY (1976, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Wednesday, July 4 (9:00 - 11:30 AM, ET/PT).
A small time boxer gets a once in a lifetime chance to fight the
heavyweight champ in a bout in which he strives to go the distance
for his self-respect. Starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire and
Burt Young.
-- ROCKY II (1979, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Wednesday, July 4 (11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, ET/PT).
Rocky struggles in family life after his bout with Apollo Creed,
while the embarrassed champ insistently goads him to accept a
challenge for a rematch. Starring Sylvester Stallone, Carl Weathers
and Talia Shire.
-- ROCKY III (1982, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Wednesday, July 4 (2:00 - 4:00 PM, ET/PT).
When Rocky is defeated by a brutal challenger, Apollo Creed offers
to retrain him in order to regain his fighting spirit. Starring
Sylvester Stallone, Carl Weathers and Mr. T.
-- ROCKY IV (1985, Action/Drama)
Telecasts Wednesday, July 4 (4:00 - 6:00 PM, ET/PT).
When Apollo Creed is killed in a match against a powerful Soviet
boxer, Rocky decides to challenge him himself. Starring Sylvester
Stallone, Carl Weathers and Dolph Lundgren.
-- BREAKFAST WITH BOND
Telecasts Monday through Friday (9:00 AM, ET/PT) beginning July 30 and
ending August 31.
Rise and shine with 007 as Spike TV telecasts one movie a day in the
chronological order in which they were released in theaters. In the
final week, it's the best 5 Bond movies, as voted online by Spike TV
viewers.
-- DR. NO (1962, Action/Adventure)
Telecasts Monday, July 30 (9:00 - 11:30 AM, ET/PT).
James Bond's investigation of a missing colleague in Jamaica leads
him to the island of the mysterious Dr. No and a scheme to end the
US space program. Starring Sean Connery, Ursula Andress and Joseph
Wiseman.
-- FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (1963, Action/Adventure)
Telecasts Tuesday, July 31 (9:00 - 11:30 AM, ET/PT).
James Bond willingly falls into an assassination ploy involving a
naive Russian beauty in order to retrieve a Soviet encryption device
that was stolen by SPECTRE. Starring Sean Connery, Tatiana Romanova
and Ali Kerim Bay.
ORIGINALS
-- TNA WRESTLING: iMPACT! - NEW EPISODES
New episodes premiere Thursdays (9:00 - 10:00 PM, ET/PT); Encores
Saturdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT), Pre-empted on Friday, July
20, will encore at 11:30 PM, ET/PT, instead.
Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling's "iMPACT!" features stars such
as Kurt Angle, Sting, Christian Cage, AJ Styles, Abyss, Team 3D, The
Latin American Xchange and the Knockout babes battling it out for
supremacy inside the ring. Watch what millions of fans are now
calling "The New Face Of Professional Wrestling." TNA also features
the high-flying, no-limits stars of the "X Division" as well as
signature, innovative matches like "The Ultimate X Match" and "Six
Sides Of Steel."
-- UFC UNLEASHED
Telecasts Thursdays (10:00 - 11:00 PM & 11:00 - Midnight, ET/PT).
This one-hour series features the greatest moments from the UFC(R)'s
vast library of fight footage. The show includes classic bouts never
before seen on television except on pay-per-view.
-- MXC
Telecasts Fridays (Midnight - 12:30 AM & 12:30 - 1:00 AM, ET/PT).
Spike TV's acclaimed original comedic series, is described as a
wacky combination of "Fear Factor," "Jackass," "Iron Chef," with a
touch of "Mystery Science Theater 3000." Using the actual footage
from one of the most popular primetime Japanese reality game shows,
Takeshi's Castle, MXC is re-written to create an entirely new
comedic storyline. The series is not dubbed and there is not a
single trace of literal translation from the original show.
-- GAME HEAD
New episodes premiere Fridays (1:00 - 1:30 AM, ET/PT).
Spike TV presents a weekly showcase on the world of video games.
From the latest reviews, cheat codes, the hottest game of week and
more, GAME HEAD offers viewers an uncompromised look at the hardcore
culture of videogames.
-- RAISING THE ROOFS
Telecasts Thursdays (1:00 - 1:30 AM, ET/PT).
RAISING THE ROOFS is an unscripted comedy series that stars working
actor Michael Roof, Jr., and his prank-pulling, beer-swilling, over
the-top, back-country family. Michael Jr. was born and raised in a
small town of Dunnellon, Florida, with a population of 2,000, where
his extended family still resides. In search of fame and fortune,
he moved to Hollywood and has landed a number of supporting roles in
films such as The Dukes of Hazzard and Black Hawk Down. RAISING THE
ROOFS explores what happens when his family -- his father, Michael
Sr. and Uncle Stevie -- pack their bags and their pet pig, and take
on the bright lights and big city of Los Angeles for an open ended
visit.
-- THE DUDESONS
Telecasts Thursdays (1:30 - 2:00 AM, ET/PT).
Spike TV introduces America to the international sensation, THE
DUDESONS, a huge hit for the past four years on Finnish TV. This
extreme stunt comedy features the wild antics of four loveable, yet
lunatic childhood best friends who live life to the fullest in the
desolate Arctic Circle. Despite broken bones, countless trips to
the hospital and near death experiences, THE DUDESONS continue to
perform the craziest and most dangerous stunts imaginable. From
perilous car and motorcycle jumps to indoor bonfires to being a
human dartboard, life holds no limits and there are no rules in
these inventive comedic skits.
MOVIE PREMIERES
-- KUNG FU HUSTLE (2004, Action/Comedy)
Broadcast Premiere Sunday, July 8 (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT); Encores
Sunday, July 8 (1:00 - 1:30 AM, ET/PT).
In Shanghai, China in the 1940s, a wannabe gangster wants to join a
notorious gang while residents of a housing complex show their
extraordinary powers in defending their turf. Starring Stephen Chow
and Wah Yuen.
-- MIND HUNTERS (2004, Action/Drama)
Broadcast Premiere Tuesday, July 10 (9:00 - 11:30 PM, ET/PT).
Trainees in the FBI's psychological profiling program must put their
training into practice when they discover a killer in their midst.
Starring Val Kilmer and Christian Slater.
-- THE SIEGE (1998, Action/Drama)
Premieres Wednesday, July 18 (9:00 - 11:30 PM, ET/PT).
Glossy drama/thriller about government agents torn between stopping
terrorists in New York City and protecting Arab-Americans from a
fascistic U.S. military that recently abducted a Muslim leader. The
shadowy leadership of the operation, a joint FBI/NYPD and CIA junta,
declares Martial Law in its hunger to exert control. Starring Denzel
Washington and Annette Bening.
-- SIN CITY (2005, Action/Drama)
Broadcast Premiere Friday, July 20 (9:00 - 11:30 PM, ET/PT) with
Limited Commercial Interruption; Encores Saturday, July 21 (9:00 -
11:30 PM, ET/PT) & Monday, July 23 (9:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).
An adaptation of Frank Miller's stories based in the fictional town
of Sin City. Chief amongst the town's residents is Marv, who trawls
the darkest areas of town looking for the person who killed his one
true love, Goldie. Starring Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba and Benicio
Del Toro.
ACQUIRED SERIES
-- STAR TREK: VOYAGER
Telecasts Monday - Thursday (4:00 - 6:00 PM, ET/PT) & telecasts
Fridays (5:00 - 6:00 PM, ET/PT) except week of July 2.
The 3rd installment of the Star Trek television franchise examines
the USS Voyager and her crew, who have become stranded in the Delt
Quadrant, seventy thousand light-years from Earth. Unless they can
find some kind of shortcut, it will take them seventy-five years to
return to the space of the United Federation of Planets. Starring
Kirk Mulligan.
-- CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (TV-PG)
Telecasts Monday - Friday (6:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT) except week of
July 2.
CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION revolves around a team of forensic
Crime Scene Investigators in the Las Vegas police department's
Criminalistics Bureau. By relentlessly analyzing every detail at
the scene of a crime, no matter how seemingly irrelevant or
grotesque in nature, the team has science and experience on their
side to solve the case. The series stars William Petersen, Marg
Helgenberger, Gary Dourdan, George Eads, Jorja Fox and Paul
Guilfoyle.
-- CSI: NY
Telecasts Wednesdays (11:00 PM - Midnight, ET/PT).
The third edition of the "CSI" franchise sets up shop in the Big
Apple, where taciturn Detective Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise) and his
partner, Detective Stella Bonasera (Melina Kanakaredes), lead a
crime-solving team. Like his counterparts in Las Vegas and Miami,
Taylor knows that people may lie, but the evidence rarely does.
WEEKEND PROGRAMMING
-- WEEKEND POWERBLOCK
Spike TV puts sexy car enthusiast Courtney Hansen in the driver's
seat as host of the network's "Power Block" lineup, a weekend
(Saturdays Noon - 2:00 PM, ET/PT and Sundays 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM,
ET/PT) two-hour block of auto related programming.
Saturdays:
Noon - 12:30 PM, ET/PT
HORSEPOWER TV
Host Joe Elmore and tech expert Mike Galley work out of their to-
die-for performance garage sharing speed secrets on how to transform
everyday cars into road burners and how to get the most out of them
on the street and at the strip. This series captures the performance
lifestyle taking viewers to America's best events, rallies and
races.
12:30 - 1:00 PM, ET/PT
MUSCLE CAR
Celebrating America's love affair with these fabled '60's and 70's
era muscle cars, the series focuses on finding, restoring and
modifying iconic Detroit iron like the Pontiac GTO, the Hemi Cuba,
the Boss Mustang and the Chevelle SS.
1:00 - 1:30 PM, ET/PT
XTREME 4X4
Hosted by Ian Johnson and Jessi Combs, this series features hardcore
4x4 build-ups and off-road truck projects, plus extreme action
events -- rock crawling, desert racing, sand drags, mud racing, and
trail riding adventure.
1:30 - 2:00 PM, ET/PT
TRUCKS!
This how-to/new vehicle series addresses the light truck market with
special emphasis on pickups and sport utility vehicles. From the
wildest jet drag trucks and monster trucks to the world's most
radical 4x4 rock crawlers and customs, each episode takes viewers
step-by-step modifying, customizing, restoring and testing classic
and sport trucks, off-roaders and race trucks.
Sundays:
11:00 - 11:30 AM, ET/PT
HORSEPOWER TV
11:30 AM - Noon, ET/PT
MUSCLE CAR
Noon - 12:30 PM, ET/PT
XTREME 4X4
12:30 - 1:00 PM, ET/PT
TRUCKS!
Source: Spike TV
Web site: http://www.spiketv.com/
Movies Invade the Mind at
Academy Multimedia Exhibition
Beverly Hills, CA — A psychiatrist’s couch, a primitive metal sanitarium bed and dozens of film clips will be among the attractions in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ new interactive multimedia exhibition, “Movies on the Mind: Psychology and Film since Sigmund Freud,” opening on Friday, June 15, in the Academy’s Fourth Floor Gallery in Beverly Hills. Admission is free.
Making its only American stop on a multicity international tour, “Movies on the Mind” will explore the interconnections between film and psychology, as well as survey the history of motion pictures from a psychological perspective. The exhibition will also delve into on-screen depictions of such subjects as psychoanalysis, mental illness, psychopathic behavior, dreams and their interpretation, repression and memory, narcissism and identity, and the expression of emotional extremes.
Organized in celebration of Freud’s 150th birthday (2006), the exhibition uses posters, photographs, staged environments and numerous film clips to illustrate its points. Sequences are drawn from films ranging from Jean Cocteau’s “Orphée” and Ingmar Bergman’s “Persona” to several works by Alfred Hitchcock (“Psycho,” “Marnie,” “Spellbound”) and Woody Allen (“Annie Hall,” the “Oedipus Wrecks” episode from “New York Stories”). The exhibition examines pathologies represented in such horror films as “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (1931) and “The Silence of the Lambs,” and it showcases more recent psychologically oriented films, including “Being John Malkovich” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”
“Movies on the Mind” was organized by the Deutsche Kinemathek and sponsored by the Kulturstiftung des Bundes. The presentation at the Academy was made possible through the support of the Goethe Institut-Los Angeles.
“Movies on the Mind” will be on display through Sunday, September 16. The Academy’s galleries, located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, are open Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends, noon to 6 p.m. The Academy will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 (Independence Day) as well as during the Labor Day holiday weekend – Saturday, September 1 through Monday, September 3. For more information call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org/events.
# # #
©A.M.P.A.S.®
"Great To Be Nominated"Has "The Right Stuff"
Beverly Hills, CA — The 1983 Best Picture nominee “The Right Stuff” will be screened as the next feature in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Great To Be Nominated” series. The story of the lives of America’s first astronauts will screen on Monday, June 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Cast members Kathy Baker, Veronica Cartwright and Mary Jo Deschanel, along with Irwin Winkler, who earned an Academy Award® nomination as one of the film’s producers, will participate in a panel discussion. Several others from the film’s production team will also participate in the discussion, including Oscar® winners Mark Berger, Jay Boekelheide, Glenn Farr, Lisa Fruchtman and David MacMillan, as well as nominee W. Stewart Campbell.
“The Right Stuff,” based on Tom Wolfe’s account of NASA’s first attempt to develop a space program, earned a total of eight Academy Award nominations. It won the Oscars® for Film Editing (Farr, Fruchtman, Stephen A. Rotter, Douglas Stewart, Tom Rolf); Music – Original Score (Bill Conti); Sound (Berger, Tom Scott, Randy Thom, MacMillan) and Sound Effects Editing (Boekelheide). The film also received nominations for Best Picture (Winkler and Robert Chartoff, producers); Actor in a Supporting Role (Sam Shepard); Art Direction (Geoffrey Kirkland, Richard J. Lawrence, Campbell, Peter Romero; Set Decoration: Pat Pending, George R. Nelson); and Cinematography (Caleb Deschanel).
The Oscar-nominated live action short “Overnight Sensation” 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.
Tickets may also now be purchased online at www.oscars.org/events. There are no minimum order requirements and no transaction or processing fees. Tickets may be purchased online until noon PST on the day of the event.
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.
# # #
©A.M.P.A.S.®
TOP PORN STAR SUPPORTS GIULIANI
VIVID GIRL AND ADULT SUPERSTAR SAVANNA SAMSON TELLS PAPERMAG.COM THAT SHE 'FELL IN LOVE WITH GIULIANI YEARS AGO'NEW YORK, N.Y., – (June 5, 2007) – Vivid Girl and adult superstar Savanna Samson was interviewed recently at her Murray Hill, New York City apartment by Paper magazine's managing editor Rebecca Carroll for her new blog, "Becky and the Pussycats."
(June 5, 2007) and adult superstar was interviewed recently at her Murray Hill, New York City apartment by Paper magazine's managing editor for her new blog, "Becky and the Pussycats."The far ranging interview has been posted on www.papermag.com and covers Savanna's career in porn and how it reconciles with her Catholic upbringing; how she acts in movies knowing her husband will be watching; her new and successful wine business and...her support of Rudolph Giuliani for President.
She said "...I fell in love with Giuliani years ago—before and during 9/11...I like how he cleaned up the city...I think porn should be in the privacy of your own home...I feel like he could do what he did with NYC all across America ...I think he would confront the country's fear of terrorism. I think if any one can do it, he can. At the time of 9/11 my child had just been born and it was all so devastating, but every time he spoke, I found calm. I listened to him. I felt safe knowing he was around."
When asked if she felt comfortable telling Giuliani about her support of his run for President, Savanna said, "I don't think he would turn down my vote because I'm a porn star!"
Carroll asked Savanna about her new movie "Savanna's Been Blackmaled," and Savanna said "So many girls (in the adult industry) said, 'Oh you can't be with a black man, it's gonna ruin your career.' I think that's insane, I love black men, so I was really insistent about being on camera in an interracial (situation) because I didn't want to be part of that mentality."
Savanna is recognized as a superstar in the adult entertainment business. She won AVN's Best Actress award for her portrayal of "Miss Jones" in Vivid's blockbuster movie "The New Devil in Miss Jones" as well as numerous other awards. She was co-author of the HarperCollins book "How to Have a XXX Sex Life," she has written a sex advice column for Men's Fitness magazine and is currently the sex advice columnist for AdultFriendFinder.com, the leading social networking web site for people seeking intimate relationships.
About Vivid:
The Vivid Entertainment Group is the world's leading adult film company. Founded in 1984, Vivid pioneered the "Vivid Girl" concept, under which top adult film stars are signed to exclusive agreements that are styled on the old Hollywood contract star system. Vivid has always placed heavy emphasis on high quality erotic film entertainment for the couples market. It has created wide brand-name awareness through its films and through a licensing and marketing program that extends to advertising, apparel, book publishing, virility supplements, condoms, snowboards, calendars and comic books. The company is known for its innovative technological advances such as full function DVDs, a fast growing wireless program that is already active in 20 countries, its Burn-to-DVD technology and its popular website www.vivid.com. Vivid is the first adult company to release a movie on both HD DVD and Blu-ray with "Debbie Does Dallas …Again." A reality series about the making of the "Debbie" movie has become a popular Showtime TV series. Vivid is a major supplier of content for pay-per-view networks in North America and internationally. The best selling hardcover book How to Have a XXX Sex Life: The Ultimate Vivid Guide, was co-authored by the Vivid Girls and published by HarperCollins.
The company's Vivid-Alt imprint is headed by Eon McKai, alt-porn's dominant icon. McKai has been widely credited as the founder of this new and edgy film genre. He has been profiled in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Village Voice. Visit Vivid-Alt's popular website www.vividalt.com. Tristan Taormino, popular columnist with The Village Voice and an award winning director has also launched a Vivid-Ed imprint for the company. Visit www.vivid-ed.com.
For more information contact rm@vivid.com.
Viacom Sells MTV, VH1 Russia For $360M
June 04, 2007 - Global
By Lars Brandle, London
MTV's Russia business has changed hands for $360 million.
Wayfarer Media Limited, the holding company of the MTV Russia and VH1 Russia TV networks, has been acquired by Estermina Ltd, a company acting on behalf of Russian diversified media company Prof-Media.
Wayfarer had been 53% owned by Viacom's MTV Networks International, 42% owned by private equity firm Russia Partners, with the remaining 5% owned by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
MTVNI says it will continue to grant an exclusive license to Wayfarer Media Limited for its MTV and VH1 programming in Russia, and their respective online presences.
MTV Networks' London-based vice chairman Bill Roedy tells Billboard.biz that the deal made sense both financially and strategically.
"We're happy with that (price)," Roedy comments. "It's a good return on investment. A very healthy return for us."
He describes Prof-Media as MTV's "ideal partner" for that market. "As Russia has become incredibly more sophisticated, and mature and even complicated, it really helps to have a strategic partner," says Roedy.
"They're a real solid media player in Russia. And we have found, particularly with complicated markets around the world, that it really helps to be tied up with a strong media player."
In a joint statement issued today, Prof-Media's CEO Rafael Akopov explained that the purchase was "very complementary to our existing operations" and that the acquisition "exposes us to a new segment of the young and proactive audience" in a market which is seeing huge growth rates from TV advertising.
Prof-Media operates a nationwide chain of multiplexes, has a broad portfolio of TV and Internet interests and is a leading player in Russian radio.
"We are optimistic about MTV Russia's future audience and market share growth," Akopov added.
MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath commented, "MTV Networks has a long-term commitment to building our brands in the Russian market, and we look forward to continuing to advance the creative and business success of MTV Russia through our new partnership with Prof-Media."
Russia Partners launched MTV Russia launched in September 1998 through a license agreement with MTVNI. The following year, MTVNI bought a major stake in MTV Russia. VH1 launched through the joint venture in 2005.
The music TV broadcaster's feed is beamed into the homes of an estimated 94 million viewers in more than 650 cities in the Russian Federation and the other Former Soviet
June 1
ANIME EXPO® 2007 ANNOUNCES CHIAKI AS OFFICIAL GUEST OF HONOR
Nation¹s Largest Convention Welcomes Singer/Song-writer From Victor Entertainment, Inc. Anaheim, California (June 1, 2007) ‹ Singer and songstress Chiaki Ishikawa is newest addition to the hottest line up of Anime Expo® 2007 Guests of Honors for the highly anticipated 2007 convention June 29-July 2 at the Long Beach Convention Center. More information can be found on the website www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> . Ms. Ishikawa started singing from a young age as a member of a choir. Later she joined her elder sister¹s band as a singer and started singing at venues in and around Tokyo. In 1993 she formed ³See-Saw² together with composer, Yuki Kajiura. They released their first single ³Swimmer² and released six singles and two albums over the next three years. At the same time Chiaki wrote songs for other artists as well. After three years, See-Saw took a break and Chiaki started her career as a solo singer, called herself ³Somali², and released the album ³Magnolia² in 1999. In 2001, See-Saw started their activities again, this time the soundtrack to the TV animation, ŒNoir¹. In 2002 they released a couple of singles and the ending theme to the anime ŒMobile Suit Gundam SEED¹, titled ³Annani Issho Dattanoni², which saw them make it to the Oricon charts for the first time, at number 5. In 2003 See-Saw released their third album ³Dream Field² and Chiaki released her first solo album, ³Inner Garden². In 2004 she released a solo single ³Ame no Hi ni Koi wo Shita / Haru². In 2005 See-Saw released the single ³Kimi wa Boku ni Niteiru² which was the ending theme of ŒMobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny¹ (Oricon Chart no. 4). In 2006 Chiaki released ³Utsukushikereba Sore de Ii², the opening theme song to the TV anime ŒSimoun¹. In July, she performed at Animelo Summer Live 2006 at Nippon Budokan. She sung Utsukushikereba Sore de Ii and Annani Issho Dattanoni in front of 10,000 fans. This year in June, she will release the single, ³Uninstall² which is the opening theme of TV anime ŒBokurano¹, and is currently recording an original solo album to be released in August. Victor Entertainment, Inc. will also be presenting savage genius at Anime Expo® 2007 as their official industry guest. savage genius has performed songs for anime titles such as ŒUta-Kata¹, ŒElemental Gelade¹ and the PS2 game ŒGundam True Odyssey-Ushinawareshi G no Densetsu¹. savage genius has been constantly recording and releasing new songs. In April 2006 another single was released ³Inori no Uta², the ending theme to the TV anime ŒSimoun¹ and July saw the release of their first album ³Kaze no Kessho² and their participation in the Animelo Summer Live 2006 at Nippon Budokan. On December 20th 2006, they released ³Aizome Futakomori², a self cover version of the ending theme to the TV anime ŒJigoku Shojo-Futakomori¹. In May 2007 they have just released the opening theme of ŒEL CAZADOR De La Bruja¹, titled ³Hikari no Yukue². Ms. Ishikawa will be performing a full one hour live concert at Anime Expo® on Sunday; July 1, 2007 at the Anime Expo® Main Events Hall (Long Beach Arena). Chiaki Ishikawa joins Tetsuro Araki, Minori Chihara, Yuko Goto, Aya Hirano, Eisaku Inoue, Masaru Kitao, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Halko Momoi and ORESKABAND as Anime Expo® 2007 Official Guests of Honor. Attendees interested in booking flights, car rentals and/or other hotels for Anime Expo® 2007 can do so via the AX Travel Store located at www.AXTravelStore.com <http://www.AXTravelStore.com> . About Anime Expo® Located in Long Beach, California - Anime Expo®, the nation¹s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2007 will be held June 29 July 2, 2007 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California. SPONSORS: ADV Films, Bandai Entertainment, Copic Markers, Digital Manga, Gaia Online, Go! Media, Infinity Studios, Imaginasian TV (IaTV) and the Los Angeles Times. More information can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org). About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property Anime Expo®. More information can be found at its website (www.spja.org). The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Anime Expo®/SPJA¹s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
ROLAND RELEASES NEW MV-8800 SYNTH PATCHES Production Powerhouse Packs New Punch is proud to announce the release of a new set of synth patches for the popular MV-8800 Production Studio. Available for a limited time only, this new set of over 50 synth patches for the onboard MFX Analog Modeling Bass Synth includes ambient textures, leads, and deep synth basses for anyone wishing to add low end punch to their tracks without the need to load any sample-based instruments. Roland Product Manager Vince LaDuca states, Since 2003, Roland has been carving its own niche in the music production world with our successful MV Production Studio line. The original MV-8000 earned us respect in the community and proved to the world that we have what it takes to compete in this competitive arena. This year, we stepped up our game with the MV-8800 and added many software and hardware enhancements to the mix in response to industry and studio demands. This new bass synth offering is one of many sound sets that well be releasing to the MV community. The MV-8800 will continue to evolve with the industry. The bass synth patch collection can be downloaded from a link on Rolands MV-8800 product page at http://www.rolandus.com/mv8800. In addition to the new bass synth patch set, Roland also offers a complete series of 16 free MV-8800 online workshop documents at www.rolandus.com/mv8800. For more information, visit www.rolandus.com. # # # # # Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia products, and music accessories. For more information, please visit us online at http://www.Roland.com/products/en/ or website of Roland nearest to you.
Keith Murray to Release New Album, "Rap-Murr-Phobia (Fear of Real Hip Hop)," on KOCH Records on July 31, 2007
New Album Executive Produced by Erick Sermon of Def Squad and EPMD and Features Redman, Tyrese, Method Man and More
-- KOCH Records is set to release the highly-anticipated new album by acclaimed hip hop artist Keith Murray. Following his successful career as both a solo artist and a member of famed hip hop group Def Squad, Murray returns to put New York back on the map with "Rap-Murr-Phobia (Fear of Real Hip Hop)." The album will be released on July 31st, 2007.
"Rapp-Murr-Phobia (Fear of Real Hip Hop)" features multi-platinum R&B recording artist Tyrese, Method Man and Murray's Def Squad bandmates, Redman and Erick Sermon. Sermon also executive produced the album. The first single off of the album, the summer anthem "Nobody Do It Better," featuring Tyrese and Junior, is already impacting major radio markets and will go for adds shortly. The video for the single will be shot in Los Angeles in early June.
In 1995, Murray's debut album, "The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World" took the hip hop world by storm when it went gold and spawned the hit title track which became an all-time hip hop anthem. Murray released three more solo records: "Enigma," featuring the hit track "The Rhyme," "It's a Beautiful Thing" and "He's Keith Murray." Murray is also a member of legendary hip hop super group Def Squad. Along with members Redman and Erick Sermon, the group released the album "El Nino," which went Gold and included the hit singles, "Full Cooperation," and "Rappers Delight."
Look for Keith Murray to tour in all major markets this summer!
For more information, go to www.myspace.com/keithmurray or www.kochrecords.com.
About KOCH Entertainment
KOCH Entertainment, founded in 1987 and now in its twentieth year, is the leading and fastest-growing independent music company in the U.S. KOCH's operations encompass record and video labels as well as distribution companies in the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Entertainment is the market leader among independent labels and distributors in both the U.S. and Canada and its record label KOCH Records had the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents for six years in a row (2001 - 2006). KOCH Entertainment is owned by Entertainment One Ltd. which has been recently listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market (ticker symbol "ETO").
Shirley Jones Celebrated
Last night Arnie Morton's Steak House on La Cienega in LA co-hosted a sit down no-holds dinner feast for 10 with Beverly Hills publicist Edward Lozzi, in honor of Oscar winning actress Shirley Jones (Elmer Gantry) www.shirleyjones.com. She had an excellent year including this year's Emmy and Screen Actor's Guild nominations (Hidden Places- Hallmark). Also joining Lozzi included actor/author Jeff Conaway, (Taxi) agent/producer Norby Walters, former Playmate of the Year/Realtor Fawna McClaren, actor Patrick Kilpatrick (Last Man Standing), actor comedian & Shirley's husband. Marty Ingels.
CHYRON DELIVERS FIRST WEB-BASED
CONTENT DISTRIBUTION SERVICE FOR
ITS ChyTV DIGITAL SIGNAGE PLAYERS
Chyron Corporation (OTC BB: CYRO), the leading provider of broadcast graphics software for the world's television broadcasters, today announces the release of ChyTV.net web-based content distribution services for Dynamic Digital Signage Networks. The new service works exclusively with Chyron’s ChyTV Dynamic Digital Signage Player product line.
According to John Remmler, Chyron’s VP for ChyTV, this technology represents “A major shift in paradigm for Digital Signage Networks,” in that “for the first time an enterprise deployment of digital signage can be achieved with a minimum of technical hurdles.”
Minuk Choi, Principal Developer of the ChyTV.net service, points out that “setup of a player unit on the web-based service is automatic and takes less than 2 minutes. ChyTV Player Devices ‘pull’ content from the web-based server, thus eliminating firewall issues and maximizing security.” He further explains that “Content is sent to the web-based server from any computer on the Internet and ChyTV players poll the server for changes to the content and remain synchronized. The service can even back-haul as-played log data for verification purposes.”
This simplified architecture requires no dedicated Network Operations Center (NOC) to create a large enterprise signage deployment. In addition, ChyTV.net integrates third-party data services offering access to news, sports, weather and other on-line feeds. “Digital Signage Network Operators have been awaiting a simple-to-use solution and this technology should have a major impact on the number and quality of networks deployed,” explains Michael Wellesley-Wesley, Chyron President and CEO.
About Chyron
With unwavering clarity of vision Chyron continues to define and dominate the world of broadcast graphics. Winner of numerous awards, including two Emmys, Chyron has proven itself as the undisputed leader in the industry. The ChyTV product line leverages Chyron’s broadcast expertise with video graphics devices for dynamic digital signage networks. Chyron holds a patent on technology that enablers the integration of live television graphics data with a broad range of interactive media platforms and consumer electronics devices. Chyron has a unique, forty-year history of service and support for its products that far exceeds that of most manufacturers. For more information about Chyron products and services, please visit the company website at www.chyron.com and www.chytv.com.
ChyTV Contact:
Billy Bob Thornton's Fourth Solo Album, BEAUTIFUL DOOR, Released On New Door Records
Billy Bob Thornton's solo album BEAUTIFUL DOOR (New Door Records/UMe, set to be released July 24, 2007), proves to be his most introspective and prolific to date. A collection of twelve tracks, BEAUTIFUL DOOR is a lyrical, sonic story about life and death, beginnings and ends.
From "It's Just Me," told from the perspective of someone who committed suicide, to "Restin' Your Soul," told from the perspective of the person left behind; from the hopeful "Hearts Like Mine" to the biographical "Always Countin'" about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; from the loss of young men in war in "Hope For Glory," to "The Boy Is Gone," about the loss of a child; to the title track "Beautiful Door," Thornton's commentary about war, politics, religion and the life & death of innocent people, BEAUTIFUL DOOR features an equally diverse blend of roots rock, country, and folk -- the genres Billy Bob Thornton has always loved most. Joining the singer-songwriter-drummer, who also produced the album, are co-writer and guitarist Brad Davis, bassist Leland Sklar and keyboardist Teddy Andreadis. Additionally, Graham Nash adds his signature background vocals on three tracks.
Prior to the album's release, Thornton will be heard on ANCHORED IN LOVE: A TRIBUTE TO JUNE CARTER CASH, featuring Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello and others. He has previously guested on the Tim McGraw tribute WHERE THE BLUEGRASS GROWS (2006); ENJOY EVERY SANDWICH: THE SONGS OF WARREN ZEVON (2004), singing "The Wind," which he performed with Zevon on the latter's 2003 GRAMMY(R)-winning album of the same name; EARL SCRUGGS AND FRIENDS (2001); THE BASTARD SONS OF JOHNNY CASH'S DISTANCE BETWEEN (2002); and CYCLORAMA (2004) from Styx.
Thornton traces his music career back to learning drums at the tender age of nine years old, followed later in life by leading various groups throughout the '70s, most notably a ZZ Top tribute band, Tres Hombres, which opened for Humble Pie, the MC5, Hank Williams, Jr., Ted Nugent, the Earl Scruggs Review, and others. (At the "VH1 Rock Honors" broadcast May 24, 2007, Thornton presented an award to ZZ Top.) In 1981, he moved to California to pursue acting. But his passion for music remained. While shooting "Sling Blade," Thornton jammed with former bandmates eventually leading him to Nashville and its recording studios. Back in L.A., he began writing the songs that would make up his debut album, 2001's PRIVATE RADIO, co-written and co-produced by Marty Stuart. 2003's THE EDGE OF THE WORLD, sparked a headlining gig at SXSW for the following year. In 2005, he released HOBO.
Source: Universal Music Enterprises
Michael Eisner's Vuguru Studio Receives Two Emmy Nominations for Broadband Drama
Vuguru's First Original Series 'Prom Queen' Receives Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Broadband Drama Program
Michael Eisner's independent new media studio Vuguru (http://www.vuguru.com/) has garnered two Emmy nominations for the broadband series Prom Queen and Sam Has 7 Friends.
Prom Queen, which has emerged as a fan favorite with upwards of 10 million views, and Sam Has 7 Friends, which is considered a pioneer in the realm of scripted online entertainment, were produced in partnership with the production company Big Fantastic.
"We are honored to receive recognition from the Academy of Film and Television for these two programs" said Michael Eisner. We are proud to be bringing this type of story driven, network caliber content into the new and continuously evolving media landscape."
"Michael Eisner's support and belief in us, mixed with his legendary business savvy and smarts, helped to create the recipe for success that we have been working towards for the past 10 years," states Chris McCaleb on behalf of Big Fantastic."
Set against the final two months of the school year, Prom Queen's short form 80 episode run culminates on June 20th.
ABOUT VUGURU
Vuguru is a new media studio for Michael Eisner's The Tornante Company. The studio produces and distributes innovative story-driven content for current new media and emerging platforms. Vuguru's production of Prom Queen is the first of many shows developed and produced by the studio. Privately held, The Tornante Company makes investments in and incubates companies and opportunities in the media and entertainment space. Tornante holds ownership stakes in Veoh Networks and Team Baby Entertainment.
ABOUT BIG FANTASTIC LLC
Big Fantastic is comprised of a handful of artists who aspire to a fresh and immersive way of storytelling on the Internet. Unified from backgrounds at Washington State University, Michael Mann's features, and a palette of short films, they collaborated and focused their talents into producing the first daily, scripted and dramatic web-series "Sam Has 7 Friends" in 2006. Big Fantastic is comprised of Douglas Cheney, Chris Hampel, Chris McCaleb and Ryan Wise.
Source: Vuguru
Web site: http://www.vuguru.com/
TIME INC.’S SOUTHERN PROGRESS CORPORATION LAUNCHES MAJOR FOOD PORTAL --- MYRECIPES.COM DEBUTS WITH MORE THAN 25,000 PROFESSIONALLY, KITCHEN-TESTED RECIPES __ Complete Food and Recipe Hub Offers New, Daily Content from Established Brands: Cooking Light, Southern Living and Sunset Magazines --- Blue-Chip Advertisers Hewlett Packard, Weber Grill and GlaxoSmithKline Supporting the Launch May 21, 2007 (Birmingham, AL) – Time Inc.’s home and lifestyle subsidiary, Southern Progress Corporation, launches an extensive food portal, MyRecipes.com, with more than 25,000 professionally, kitchen-tested recipes. From the company that publishes Cooking Light, Southern Living, Sunset, Cottage Living and Coastal Living magazines, MyRecipes.com is the one-stop source for finding recipes, step-by-step instructions, how-to videos, healthy cuisine, and entertaining tips. (Logo attached) Southern Progress, publisher of nationally recognized brands that reach more than 35 million people each month, also announces today the formation of a new digital division, SPC Digital, to bring its powerful brands together in new online venues. MyRecipes.com is the first portal from SPC Digital. “MyRecipes.com is home to Southern Progress Corporation’s vast array of high-quality food and entertaining content, featuring thousands of healthy, quick and delicious solutions. It will also enable our established audiences to interact and share,” says Michael Gutkowski, senior vice president of SPC Digital. A powerful recipe finder is at the heart of MyRecipes.com, featuring more than 25,000 professionally, kitchen-tested recipes, with hundreds more added each month. Unlike most food sites, all the recipes on MyRecipes.com are tested by food professionals. The company’s test kitchens are designed to replicate home kitchens, and the recipes feature ingredients available at local markets. In addition to showcasing the high-quality content and photography developed throughout Southern Progress, MyRecipes.com will feature extensive daily programming, including “Dinner Tonight,” “Quick & Easy” and “Healthy Diet.” Daily features will include seasonal menus and how-to videos. Users will also be able to save their favorite recipes, build and e-mail shopping lists, create and share menus for upcoming get-togethers, rate recipes and discover must-try dishes. Later this summer, the site will offer new and original video content that will be produced in its digital studios in the company’s Birmingham, Alabama, headquarters. MyRecipes.com provides a host of integrated advertising solutions, including integrated placements, pre-roll video, display and rich media. Initial advertisers on MyRecipes.com include Weber Grill, GlaxoSmithKline and Hewlett Packard. # # # About SPC Digital: SPC Digital creates powerful new branded Web sites, building on the existing content of the Southern Progress magazines and books as well as adding original interactive content, dynamic functionality, video and tools to attract and engage food and home enthusiasts. About Southern Progress Corporation: A leader in lifestyle information, Birmingham, Ala.-based Southern Progress Corporation (www.southernprogress.com) publishes Southern Living, Cooking Light, Health, Coastal Living, Southern Accents, Cottage Living, and Sunset magazines, and books through Oxmoor House. It also operates a direct-selling division, Southern Living At HOME. Southern Progress is a subsidiary of Time Inc. About Time Inc.: Time Inc., a Time Warner company, is one of the largest content companies in the world. With approximately 130 magazines, it is the largest magazine publisher in the U.S. and U.K. Each month, one out of every two American adults reads a Time Inc. magazine, and one out of every 10, who are online, visits a company web site (more than 19 million unique visitors). Time Inc.’s popular brands and successful franchises extend to online, television, cable VOD, satellite radio, mobile devices, events and branded products.
FERDINAND METZ FOODSERVICE FORUM TO BE FEATURED AT UPCOMING
REED EXHIBITIONS RESTAURANT SHOWS
Master Chef to Develop Educational Program for Regional Foodservice Events
in California and Florida
– Reed Exhibitions is pleased to announce that the Ferdinand Metz Foodservice Forum will be featured in 2007 at the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo in Los Angeles in August and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show in Orlando in September. Ferdinand Metz is a Certified Master Chef, President Emeritus of The Culinary Institute of America and is the current President of the World Association of Chefs Societies.
“We are thrilled to partner with the leader of the Culinary Institute of America for 22 years to offer the restaurateurs and foodservice professionals who attend our foodservice events a comprehensive learning opportunity that will be the "gold standard" for education in the industry,” said Ron Mathews, event director for Reed Exhibitions Foodservice Events. “According to our research, there was an overwhelming consensus within the industry, that attendees would benefit from a high level conference where they can learn from leaders on how to operate their businesses more successfully. And that is exactly what the Ferdinand Metz Foodservice Forum will provide.”
Ferdinand Metz was selected to lead the Forum because of his breadth and depth of experience, which includes his influence on the American foodservice industry as past President of The Culinary Institute of America (1980-2001) and was acknowledged with the James Beard and American Academy of Chefs Lifetime Achievement Awards. As the former Manager of the Culinary Team USA, Chef Metz led the team to three consecutive world championships and was author of four editions of The Culinary Olympics Cookbook. His foodservice experiences include two apprenticeships in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts, 15 years as Senior R & D Manager of Heinz, as well as positions as Banquet Chef at New York’s prestigious Plaza Hotel and Tournant at the renowned Le Pavilion restaurant in New York City. Chef Metz also founded Ferdinand Metz Culinary Innovations, LLC, a food service consulting firm as well as Masterchefs-LLC.
“I have been a supporter of the state associations and of Reed Exhibitions foodservice shows for many years and the forum is a great opportunity to develop quality educational sessions that will truly inspire and educate the restaurant owners and operators who attend these very successful events,” said Ferdinand E. Metz, Certified Master Chef and managing partner of ChefMaster LLC. “It is my feeling that there are many chefs and foodservice professionals around the country who would benefit by learning from successful restaurant industry executives and bring solid and effective management tools back to their businesses.”
The Forum is pleased to announce that the former White House Executive Chef, Walter Scheib, and Louisiana Culinary Ambassador to the World, Chef John Folse, will both host educational seminars at the inaugural 2007 events. With his legendary knowledge of Cajun and Creole cuisine, Chef Folse will join the Forum for the Western Foodservice and Hospitality Expo in Los Angeles, California. “American Chef” Walter Scheib will present his presidential foodservice perspective and his new book at the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Show in Orlando, Florida. Complete information including tracks, session names and additional speakers will be available on the event websites in early June.
About MasterChefs, LLC
The Master Chefs Institute's Seal of Excellence has been developed for both the consumer and food service markets. It signifies that food product or equipment has achieved the Master Chef standard of quality. To receive the Master Chefs Institute's Seal of Excellence, products must undergo rigorous testing by a panel of Master Chefs. When the Seal of Excellence is displayed, consumers know that the product has been judged superior in its quality and application. For additional information, visit www.masterchefs-llc.com.
About Reed Exhibitions Restaurant & Foodservice Events:
Reed Exhibitions produces several foodservice events including the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo which will be held August 18-20, 2007 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (www.westernfoodexpo.com); the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show to be held September 7-9, 2007 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando (www.floridarestaurantshow.com); and the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York which will be held Sunday, March 9 – Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, New York (www.internationalrestaurantny.com). For more information on exhibiting or attending future events, call (203) 840-5556 or visit the official Show web-site at www.thefoodshows.com
ATEME Enables Free to Expand IPTV Bandwidth New Kyrion Video Encoders Dramatically Enhance the Compression of 18 Television Channels, Enabling Many New Subscribers to one of the World's Largest IPTV Deployments May 22nd, 2007 – Bièvres, France – ATEME SA, a world leader in video compression solutions supporting HD or standard content deployed across any platform, today announced a major video encoder sale to leading French telco Free, a subsidiary of the Iliad Group (Paris Bourse Ticker:ILD). Free is the number one alternative ADSL operator in France with more than 2,498,000 subscribes as of March 31, 2007. Free is one of the world leaders in IPTV deployments and is capable of leveraging ATEME compression technology throughout its infrastructure. Using the new Kyrion™ MPEG-4 AVC SD video encoder from ATEME, 18 standard definition television channels will go live at the unprecedented bit rate of 1.7 Mbps. With such a significant bandwidth saving, Free will be able to sign up new subscribers who are currently unable to receive IPTV due to their distance from the DSLAM. “Free has been the most aggressive Telco in the world when it comes to deploying IPTV and innovative services,” said Benoit Fouchard, Vice President of Sales, Broadcast and Broadband for ATEME. “We are very proud to continue our strong relationship with them and to be an integral part of growing one of the world’s biggest IPTV subscriber bases.” ATEME (www.ateme.com) is a world-leading provider of MPEG-4 / H.264 video compression solutions. ATEME’s renowned technology supports both standard and HD content, deployed across any platform – from mobile to Ultra HD. ATEME provides broadcasters, telcos and security providers with unmatched compression quality while simultaneously licensing its unique MPEG technology and expertise to select vendors. ATEME. Because Content Deploys Everywhere. ATEME™ and Kyrion are trademarks of ATEME SA. All other trademarks and registered trademarks previously cited are the property of their respective owner(s) and are hereby acknowledged.
Unlimi-Tech Unveils FileCatalyst Web:
Effortless Large File Transfers Plus Acceleration for
Anyone in the Enterprise
See FileCatalyst Web at Interop 2007, booth # 464
Email and FTP are not designed to transfer large files over global networks, and FTP is dramatically affected by packet loss and latency, adding to network inefficiencies. To compensate, network administrators place limitations on the size of email attachments to manage the burden on their network and mail servers.
"As a result," said John Tkaczewski, President of Unlimi-Tech, "today's email and FTP systems place an inordinate burden on end users as well as IT support staff trying to enable large file transfers. FileCatalyst Web offers a three-for-one value proposition – a Web-based software that combines file transfer, email and file acceleration into a single application purpose-built for large file exchanges over global networks."
FileCatalyst Web offers superior reliability for large file transfers even in harsh network conditions. The software can accelerate data transfer speeds 50 or more times faster than systems based on traditional Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). IT benefits from lower bandwidth as well as support costs. Because FileCatalyst Web is software-based, multi-location set-up takes less than an hour from a remote site.
At Cybertoybox.com, a file transfer service bureau and solution provider in Johannesburg, South Africa, Founder and CEO Quintin Els is convinced of FileCatalyst Web's benefits. "Cybertoybox is making this solution available to smaller organizations in Africa and the Middle East that can't afford to implement such technology on their own. These companies can waste an entire day dealing with North America on a dropped file transmission. With added features such as sms confirmation on downloads, we bring our clients a connectivity service with FileCatalyst Web that is second to none."
FileCatalyst Web application features include:
Send files of any size to anywhere using a web browser
Scheduled and automatic transfers via desktop client
Transfer data at maximum bandwidth
Immune to latency and packet loss
Industry standard SSL for control channel, and AES for data encryption
Automatically detect line speed with adaptive rate control
Cross-platform support (Windows, Linux, Solaris, Mac OSX)
About Unlimi-Tech Software Inc.
Founded in 2000, Unlimi-Tech Software Inc. is a privately held, high-growth corporation based in Ottawa, Canada, with more than 600 satisfied customers and a global reseller network. To learn more, please visit www.filecatalyst.com.
Tom Waits Joins Kronos Quartet, Philip Glass and His Holiness the Dalai Lama for 'HEALING THE DIVIDE: A CONCERT FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION'
Live CD Out July 10 on Anti- to Benefit Healing the Divide's Tibetan Health Initiative
-- His Holiness the Dalai Lama, composer Philip Glass, sitarist Anoushka Shankar, the throat-singing Gyoto Tantric Choir, and TOM WAITS -- performing with the Kronos Quartet and Greg Cohen -- are among those featured on "HEALING THE DIVIDE: A CONCERT FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION," out July 10 on Anti-. "HEALING THE DIVIDE" will be available both as a CD and online at the iTunes Store.
Culled from a September 21, 2003 benefit concert at the Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall in New York -- during His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 20-day tour of the U.S. -- "HEALING THE DIVIDE" is a musical meeting of East and West. Transcending cultural boundaries through music, the performances on "HEALING THE DIVIDE" range from meditative to theatrical; guttural to beautiful; and always powerful and purposeful in support of a very human cause.
All of the artists, Anti- Records, and Healing the Divide are donating all their proceeds from sales to Healing the Divide's Tibetan Health Initiative, a program that provides health insurance and medical care to impoverished Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns living in refugee settlements. Each CD purchase provides one year of health insurance.
In this recording of the 2003 event, His Holiness the Dalai Lama affirms, "It brings me great happiness to see artists and musicians gathered together here in support of the people of Tibet and in support of peace and reconciliation. We have to make every effort to promote human affection."
TOM WAITS headlined the evening in a night that featured a rich mix of musical traditions and cultures from Native American flute to West African kora. Four songs from his 50-minute performance are on the CD, most significantly the previously unreleased "Diamond In Your Mind."
For fans of WAITS, it's a pleasure and surprise to hear his voice large and dramatic against the spare, angular and expressive string arrangements that "worked ingenious variations on Mr. Waits's waltzes and hymnlike tunes, skewing the oom-pah-pah to various places around the beat," according to New York Times critic Jon Pareles.
When asked how he found himself sharing the stage in what was primarily an evening of sacred traditions in music, WAITS replied, "I'm no fool. It's a spiritual insurance policy. Hell, at my age, the next group I put together, everyone may be playing a harp. All kidding aside, I owed His Holiness a favor. He did all my papers in school."
Healing the Divide, a nonprofit organization founded by Richard Gere in 2001, is dedicated to collaborative solutions to humanitarian crises. "The release of this CD helps us raise awareness about the worsening condition of Tibetans both inside and out of the region," explains Gere. "The funds raised not only allow us to positively change the lives of the Tibetan people, but will also allow us to promote invaluable Tibetan Buddhist concepts of peace and compassion."
Track listing for the CD is as follows:
ARTIST TITLE
------ -----
His Holiness the Dalai Lama "His Holiness the Dalai Lama"
The Gyoto Tantric Choir "Invocation"
Anoushka Shankar "Nivedan"
Nawang Khechong and R. Carlos Nakai "Peace Chants"
Philip Glass and Foday Musa Suso "The Gambia"
Tom Waits and Kronos Quartet w/Greg Cohen "Way Down in the Hole"
Tom Waits and Kronos Quartet w/Greg Cohen "God's Away on Business"
Tom Waits and Kronos Quartet w/Greg Cohen "Lost in the Harbor"
Tom Waits and Kronos Quartet w/Greg Cohen "Diamond in Your Mind"
May 30
ANIME EXPO® 2007 ANNOUNCES FIRST EVER OTAKU PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE Nations Largest Convention Provides New Programming and Fun for All! Anaheim, California (May 30, 2007) ‹ Ever had a debate with a friend or family member about Anime, Games, or Manga? Have you ever stood in line and encountered someone that was just plain ³wrong² on an Anime topic and just had to interject yourself to point his or her fallacies? Do you think you know everything that there is to know about the Anime and Manga world? Want to prove it to the world itself? Well look no further, Anime Expo® is please to announce the first annual Otaku Parliamentary Debate at this year¹s convention June 29-July 2 at the Long Beach Convention Center. More information can be found on the website www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> . What is Otaku Parliamentary Debate? * Otaku Parliamentary Debate, OPD for short, is the first debate contest at Anime Expo® that will run from Day One (June 29, 2007) to Day Three (July 1, 2007) of the con. > * Day One First Rounds. Eight teams will be randomly chosen to participate > in the OPD, so please put your foot forward. > * Day two Semifinal Rounds. Those who won on the previous day will compete > to go to the next round. > * Day Three - The Finals. The winners of the semifinals will face off to find > out ³whose debate skills reign supreme². * It runs similar to Parliamentary debate, where two teams argue either in favor or oppose on the topic. The only difference is that all the topics will be related to Anime, Manga, and Video Games! Those who are interested in competing please send an email application by June 16, 2007 to: AXOPDebate@gmail.com. Please provide your full names, age, team name (PG appropriate Please), and contact information (email addresses and phone numbers). In addition, please provide a brief background of yourselves along with any information of your debate skills (such as have you done Parliamentary Debate before, etc.). You will shortly be contacted with more information about the tournament. Winners of this year tournament will receive passes to Anime Expo® 2008 to defend their title. The runners up will receive a Japanese snack basket. Secure pre-registration to attend Anime Expo® 2007 can be done via online at https://secure.rhq.com/anime/anime2007/attreg/index.cgi <file://localhost/anime/anime2007/attreg/index.cgi> . Attendees interested in booking flights, car rentals and/or other hotels for Anime Expo® 2007 can do so via the AX Travel Store located at www.AXTravelStore.com <http://www.AXTravelStore.com> . About Anime Expo® Located in Long Beach, California - Anime Expo®, the nation¹s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2007 will be held June 29 July 2, 2007 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California. SPONSORS: ADV Films, Bandai Entertainment, Copic Markers, Digital Manga, Gaia Online, Go! Media, Infinity Studios, Imaginasian TV (IaTV) and the Los Angeles Times. More information can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org). About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property Anime Expo®. More information can be found at its website (www.spja.org). The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Anime Expo®/SPJA¹s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
DMGI Announces New Channel Partnership with Veoh DMGI to distribute TV and video content to leading video site
SACRAMENTO, CA (May 30, 2007) - Digital Music Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: DMGI), a content owner and global leader in the digital distribution of independently owned music, television, film and video catalogs, today announced it will begin offering its television and film content through Veoh, a leading pioneer in Internet television, that operates the Veoh.com video destination on the Internet. “Veoh has emerged as one of the most popular video destinations on the web,” said Mitchell Koulouris, Chief Executive Officer of DMGI. “We believe that Veoh’s youth-oriented demographic is ideal for our DMGI Edge, DMGI Comedy, DMGI Sports and DMGI Music content.” DMGI currently controls the digital distribution rights to more than 4,000 hours of video content, ranging from classic television favorites such as Gumby, I Spy, My Favorite Martian, and The Mr. Bill Show to comedy from Sam Kinison, Andrew Dice Clay, and Jamie Foxx, to contemporary content from superstar illusionist Criss Angel. Veoh has created a virtual community where content owners and producers can find whole new audiences for their shows. Veoh fans can interact with other fans online; share shows with friends; subscribe to their favorite series or channels so they don’t miss any new ones; or even save their favorite episodes to watch them offline. “We are very pleased to make DMGI’s well known video content available to our growing viewer base,” said Dmitry Shapiro, Veoh’s Chief Executive Officer. “We surpassed 10 million viewers last month, and based on their demographic profile and viewing habits, we know the DMGI content will be very popular at Veoh.” For more information on the DMGI video catalog, please visit www.dmgi.com/video/. DMGI plans to begin distributing content through Veoh during the summer of 2007. About DMGI Founded in 2005, Digital Music Group Inc. (NASDAQ: DMGI) is a content owner and global leader in the digital distribution of independently owned music and video content. DMGI acquires the digital rights to media catalogs and digitally encodes them into multiple formats for distribution to digital entertainment services operating over the Internet and wireless, cable and mobile networks. Our digital entertainment service partners include: the iTunes Store, Google Video, YouTube, AOL/In2TV, RealNetworks, Napster, Wal-Mart Music, MusicNet, Verizon, Sprint, InfoSpace, Moderati, Zingy, 9 Squared, and many others. For more information, please visit www.dmgi.com. Digital Music Group is a trademark of Digital Music Group, Inc. Other names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements (including, without limitation, information regarding DMGI’s distribution of videos through digital entertainment services, including Veoh) that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the results of DMGI to differ materially from management’s current expectations. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors including, among others: unforeseen difficulties assembling and processing the video content; the market demand for digital video recordings and potential changes in consumers’ tastes and preferences in video; and our dependence on digital entertainment services for the distribution and sale of our video content. The matters discussed in this press release also involve risks and uncertainties described in DMGI’s most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report for 2006 on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2007 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 14, 2007. Digital Music Group assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this release.
May 29
“2007 MTV MOVIE AWARDS” ANNOUNCES
MOST IMPORTANT NOMINEES…YOU!!
FIVE FINALISTS FOR FIRST-EVER UGC CATEGORY
“BEST MOVIE SPOOF” HAVE BEEN SELECTED
Voting For The Five Finalists Begins Today at mtvmovieawards.yahoo.com
Winner Announced Live at “2007 MTV Movie Awards”
on Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 8PM/7c
From The Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA
May 29, 2007, New York, NY & Santa Monica, CA -- It is all about the fans at the “2007 MTV Movie Awards,” as MTV in conjunction with Yahoo! Movies and Mark Burnett Productions, is one step closer in the quest for the next creative new filmmaker and showcasing new talent. After nearly 400 film spoofs were submitted, the five finalists for the first-ever user generated category, “BEST MOVIE SPOOF” have been chosen. The final five, receiving nearly 500,000 viewers combined, offers unbridled and hilarious talent with high-end quality productions. Viewers will see their peer’s creations which spoof a variety of films from a combo of Casino Royale and Pulp Fiction, to the gory yet funny take on Texas Chainsaw Massacre meets a Broadway musical, to the manic combination of Grindhouse intertwined with Little Miss Sunshine. The undiscovered talent will be revealed to the world during the LIVE broadcast of the “2007 MTV Movie Awards” from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA on Sunday, June 3rd at 8pm/7c. Voting for the five finalists begins today on http://mtvmovieawards.yahoo.com.
“The fans are the most important part of the MTV Movie Awards,” said Christina Norman, President, MTV. “It's their show and not only are we giving them a voice to celebrate their favorite movies, stars and moments, but we are truly making them the stars of the show with the ‘Best Movie Spoof’ category.” “There are no sidelines at this year’s Movie Awards, everyone is in the game!”
The lucky finalists who will have the chance to realize their dreams of standing on stage at the “2007 MTV Movie Awards” to accept the legendary golden bucket of popcorn in front of Hollywood’s movers and shakers are…
o QUENTIN TARANTINO’S LITTLE MISS SQUIRTGUN - Skylar Stone-Clipner, St. Louis, Missouri - Lil’ Miss Sunshine wins tickets to the MTV Movie Awards and goes on a trip to meet Angelina Jolie.
o TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE REHAB - Noah Harald, Mill Meadow, California - You drink – you die! No, no, no - you won’t want to go to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Rehab.
o CASINO ROYALE WITH CHEESE - Bill Caco, Cleveland, Ohio - James Bond gets teamed up with an unlikely partner on his very first mission.
o TEXAS CHAINSAW MUSICAL - Zan Passante, Dumont, New Jersey - Pleatherface discovers a twinkle in his eye for musicals and learns life is more than a massacre.
o UNITED 300 - Andy Signore, Ambler, Pennsylvania - Flight 300 has some unexpected visitors…Shot in 5 hours, for just over $1000 bucks.
“This has been a fantastic opportunity for burgeoning filmmakers to not only create original work but also have a national platform to get it noticed,” said Karin Gilford, Yahoo!’s general manager of Entertainment. “We are incredibly pleased with the results, as we have had hundreds of submissions of truly inspired spoofs. The hard part will be picking the winner out of so many great candidates!”
The excitement of the fans continues to grow and the proof can be seen on MTV.com, where the Movie Awards was up 35% increase from week prior. To-date the movie awards area of the site has received nearly 700K visits and nearly 3.7 million pageviews.
Through “MTV Movie Awards on Yahoo!,” aspiring filmmakers were given the opportunity to showcase their twisted genius and story-telling talent by submitting their own original movie shorts parodying films from the past year. Starting April 23rd, viewers had the opportunity to submit their own original movie shorts parodying films from the past year where visitors were able to rate and discuss the submissions. Fans can vote for “BEST MOVIE SPOOF” by visiting http://mtvmovieawards.yahoo.com beginning today, May 29th through Saturday, June 2nd.
In addition to the movie spoof award, the interactive site encourages viewers to create their own culture of sorts -- whether it's commenting on the user-generated submissions or posting videos. Select content from the site will also take center stage at the awards on a “Video Wall” that will be integrated into the live broadcast, putting the power back in the hands of the fans.
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.
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 Yahoo!
Yahoo! Inc. is a leading global Internet brand and one of the most trafficked Internet destinations worldwide. Yahoo!'s mission is to connect people to their passions, their communities, and the world's knowledge. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.
Yahoo! and the Yahoo! logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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.
ANIME EXPO® 2007 ANNOUNCES SECOND U.S. GUEST OF HONOR Nation¹s Largest Convention Teams Up with Sony Pictures Entertainment Anaheim, California (May 29, 2007) ‹ TEKKONKINKREET director Michael Arias is the latest addition to the hottest line up of Anime Expo® 2007 Guests of Honors for the highly anticipated 2007 convention June 29-July 2 at the Long Beach Convention Center. More information can be found on the website www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> . TEKKONKINKREET is Arias¹ feature film directing debut and will be screened at Anime Expo® 2007 in 35 mm format on [date/time]. TEKKONKINKREET, the first feature-length anime film written and directed by American filmmakers, will release in limited theatres on July 13. In TEKKONKINKREET, Michael Arias smoothly translates the unconventional work of popular "underground" manga artist Taiyo Matsumoto into a dynamic feature-length animated film. In the opening scene, a raven ominously soars across Tokyo's vast skies before diving down to saunter along the streets of a ramshackle old neighborhood. Good and evil play out mesmerizingly to the tune of progress, in the guise of real estate development. Originally published serially in the manga magazine Weekly Big Comic Spirits in 1993, the story revolves around two uncompromising street urchins‹one of whom possesses magical powers and can be found in startling positions (atop telephone poles, for example, looking for lurking adult oppressors). Michael Arias began his filmmaking career more than 20 years ago at Dream Quest Images, where he worked as a motion-control cameraperson on effects-heavy films such as THE ABYSS and TOTAL RECALL. Arias then worked under director Douglas Trumbull as Ride Programmer for Universal Studios¹ BACK TO THE FUTURE, THE RIDE, which to this day remains the gold standard in immersive entertainment. Mr. Arias then moved to Japan, first to post-production monolith Imagica, and then to game giant Sega, where he co-directed the ridefilm MEGALOPOLICE, exhibited as part of the SIGGRAPH 1993 Electronic Theater. In 1992 Mr. Arias co-founded CG animation boutique Syzygy Digital Cinema, where he created sequences for feature films M. BUTTERFLY, THE HUDSUCKER PROXY, PRET-A-PORTER, and the Spike Lee films CROOKLYN and CLOCKERS. At 3D-animation software innovator Softimage Co., Mr. Arias developed and patented the Toon Shaders, software for combining traditional animation and computer graphics. Mr. Arias has worked closely with the animation staff of Dreamworks and Studio Ghibli to add a distinct visual flavor to the films PRINCE OF EGYPT, THE ROAD TO EL DORADO, and Miyazaki¹s masterpieces THE PRINCESS MONONOKE, and SPIRITED AWAY. Most recently, Mr. Arias produced Warner Bros¹ Matrix-inspired animation anthology ANIMATRIX. Michael Arias joins Tetsuro Araki, Minori Chihara, Yuko Goto, Aya Hirano, Eisaku Inoue, Masaru Kitao, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn and ORESKABAND as Anime Expo® 2007 Official Guests of Honor. All registrants who register before the end of March are automatically placed into the drawing. Those who have already pre-registered are also automatically entered into this drawing. Secure pre-registration can be done via online at https://secure.rhq.com/anime/anime2007/attreg/index.cgi <file://localhost/anime/anime2007/attreg/index.cgi> . Attendees interested in booking flights, car rentals and/or other hotels for Anime Expo® 2007 can do so via the AX Travel Store located at www.AXTravelStore.com <http://www.AXTravelStore.com> . About Anime Expo® Located in Long Beach, California - Anime Expo®, the nation¹s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2007 will be held June 29 July 2, 2007 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California. SPONSORS: ADV Films, Bandai Entertainment, Copic Markers, Digital Manga, Gaia Online, Go! Media, Infinity Studios, Informasian TV (IaTV) and the Los Angeles Times. More information can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org). About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property Anime Expo®. More information can be found at its website (www.spja.org). The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Anime Expo®/SPJA¹s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Great To Be Nominated”
Dons Sequins for
“Tootsie”
Beverly Hills, CA — The 1982 Best Picture nominee “Tootsie” will be screened, from a new print, as the next feature in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Great To Be Nominated” series. The comedy about an unemployed actor who goes to surprising lengths – and hemlines – to land a role, will screen on Monday, June 4, at 7:30 p.m. in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Actor Dabney Coleman, Oscar®-nominated cinematographer Owen Roizman, casting director Lynn Stalmaster, and costume supervisor Bernie Pollack will participate in a post-screening discussion.
“Tootsie” stars Dustin Hoffman as Michael Dorsey, an unemployed actor with a reputation for being “difficult,” who disguises himself as a woman to land a role. Jessica Lange, who stars opposite Hoffman, earned her second Academy Award® nomination and took home her first Oscar for her supporting performance as Julie Nichols. The film received nine additional nominations, for Best Picture (Sydney Pollack and Dick Richards, producers); Actor in a Leading Role (Hoffman); Actress in a Supporting Role (Teri Garr); Cinematography (Roizman); Directing (Pollack); Film Editing (Fredric Steinkamp, William Steinkamp); Original Song – “It Might Be You” (Music by Dave Grusin; Lyric by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman); Sound (Arthur Piantadosi, Les Fresholtz, Dick Alexander, Les Lazarowitz); and Writing – Screenplay written directly for the screen (Screenplay by Larry Gelbart, Murray Schisgal; Story by Don McGuire, Gelbart).
The Oscar-nominated animated short “The Great Cognito” will be screened prior to the feature. Filmmaker Will Vinton will be present for a short Q and A before 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.
Beginning June 1st, tickets may also be purchased online at www.oscars.org/events. There are no minimum order requirements and no transaction or processing fees. Tickets may be purchased online until noon PST on the day of the event.
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.
Chart-Topping Multi-Platinum Hip-Hop Heartthrobs Bow Wow & Omarion Join Forces to Create Major Event Collaborative Album
The Top Secret Bow Wow - Omarion Project Slated to Drop Tuesday, November 13
-- The chart-topping multi-platinum hip-hop dynamos Bow Wow and Omarion have joined forces to create a new collaborative collection that promises to become one of the major musical events of 2007. The top secret Bow Wow-Omarion project will be released Tuesday, November 13.
While details of the Bow Wow-Omarion project remain under wraps, the new album marks the culmination of a joint collaborative process dating back to 2005, when Omarion's vocal contributions to "Let Me Hold You," the first single from Bow Wow's fourth album, Wanted, peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Bow Wow his first-ever Top 10 single and Omarion his first Top 10 as a solo artist.
That same year, Bow Wow and Omarion hit the road as co-headliners on the SRO "Scream Tour IV Presents: The Heart Throb Tour."
"Me and O have been trying to put this together for so many years, and now we've got the opportunity to do it," Bow Wow told Billboard.com earlier this month. "We're in the creative process right now, coming up with ideas daily, so the process is real smooth. We're anxious to make this whole thing happen. It's gonna be a special event. It's gonna be crazy, something the people have been waiting on -- the girls have been waiting on -- for years. O's one of my best friends. Anytime you get a chance to work with somebody you're best friends with, it's not even work, it's like working with family."
Omarion shares his best friend's enthusiasm for the as-yet-unnamed project. "This isn't about money, this is about music," says Omarion. "We both started young and have grown up together, working on the same tours, and have developed our identity in the music world. Jay-Z and R Kelly were the first big R&B/Rap combo, and we have great respect for them and have been inspired by them, but we still want to create something we can call our own. We just want to do our own thing. We want to have a great time and make good music for our fans. This is gonna be fun, so 'World, Watch out! We're coming!'"
Currently on the road with his "Price Of Fame Tour," Bow Wow is riding the success of his latest Top 10 album, The Price Of Fame, which reached #6 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The Price Of Fame kicked out a string of hit singles including the #1 Hot Rap Tracks chartbuster "Shortie Like Mine" as well as "I'm A Flirt" and "Outta My System."
Released in December 2006, The Price of Fame is the first new studio album from Bow Wow since July 2005 when his RIAA platinum-certified Wanted debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 and generated the smash singles "Let Me Hold You" (featuring Omarion) (#1 Rap, #2 R&B/Hip-Hop, #4 Hot 100) and "Like You" (featuring Ciara) (#1 Rap, #1 R&B Hip-Hop, #3 Hot 100).
Bow Wow -- whose film credits include "Like Mike" (one of the 50 Top Grossing films of 2002), "All About The Benjamins" (2003), "Johnson Family Vacation" (2004), "Roll Bounce" and "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" (2006). This past year, he also starred in the CW hit television series, "Smallville."
Bow Wow first burst on the scene back in 2000 -- under the wing of super producer Jermaine Dupri -- with his debut album, Beware of Dog, which went on to sell more than three million copies while solidifying his status as an authentic hip-hop heartthrob.
Bow Wow took his brand of rap to the next level with 2001's Doggy Bag, hitting the road in support of his multi-platinum sophomore CD with the sold- out "SCREAM Tour II," wowing fans all over the country with hits like "Take Ya Home" and "Thank You."
With his third album, 2003's Unleashed, Bow Wow became more directly involved with writing and producing his music, creating a collection directly from the heart, conveying a more personal overview of life from Bow Wow's perspective.
He is the youngest musician to open the Grammy Awards, is the first "kid" to be included in Vanity Fair's prestigious annual music issue (October 2001), and entered "The Guinness Book of World Records" as the youngest solo rapper to hit #1 on the U.S. charts.
Bow Wow is launching his own media company, LBW Entertainment, which handles emerging artists including Young Jinsu and Clee-O.
With numerous hit singles, platinum-plus albums, sold-out tours, starring roles in hit films, and a place in "The Guinness Book of World Records" already on his resume, Bow Wow continues to prove that he's the 100% real deal with the indisputable goods: a bona fide superstar blessed with talent, tenacity, and a deep connection to his audience.
R&B superstar Omarion rang in 2007 with 21, the year's first #1 album. The performer's second solo album (and first on Columbia Records) entered the Billboard Top 200 best-selling albums and the R&B sales charts at #1, mirroring the achievement of his debut solo album, O, which entered both those charts at #1 in February 2005. An important new voice in contemporary R&B and hip-hop, Omarion is one of a select group of artists to have achieved back-to- back #1 debuts on both the Hot 100 and the R&B charts with two consecutive albums.
Born and raised in Inglewood, California, Omarion rose to fame while still a teen as a member of the groundbreaking urban "boy band" B2K. His soulful vocals, riveting stage presence, and undeniable charisma helped B2K score a hit with the group's very first single, "Uh Huh," in 2001; achieve gold status with the group's self-titled debut album in 2002; and go RIAA platinum with the group's best-selling sophomore outing, Pandemonium! in 2003.
Omarion's undeniable media-geniality has led to numerous television guest appearances including "Punk'd," "The Sharon Osbourne Show," "Regis & Kelly" and "Soul Train." In addition to his musical performances, Omarion has acted on the big screen with key roles in "You Got Served" and "Fat Albert." Omarion stars in "Somebody Help Me," an innovative horror film directed by Chris Stokes and may be seen in the upcoming films "Reggaeton" and Tyger ("Menace II Society") Williams' "Street Soldier."
Source: Columbia Records
Web site: http://www.columbiarecords.com/
http://www.bowwow87.com/
http://www.myspace.com/bowwow
http://www.omariononline.com/
First Police Tour in 23 Years A Sell-Out! World Tour Opens To Rave Reviews, Thrills Fans
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Reunited Rockers The Police Begin World Tour
Playing loud and loose like they had never been away, The Police kicked off their first world tour in more than 20 years on Monday, delivering a two-hour set for 20,000 fans in Canada.
Reuters - May 29, 2007
Sting, The Police Wow Vancouver at Start of Global Reunion Tour
The audience at General Motors Place -- including the young and old, though mostly fans in their 30s and 40s -- knew the words to every song, making the two-hour concert akin to a soccer-style chorus, beginning with the opener "Message in a Bottle."
Bloomberg - May 29, 2007
Police kick off reunion tour in Vancouver
The Police kicked off their 30th anniversary reunion tour with an arresting Message -- in a Bottle. The sold-out crowd at GM Place in Vancouver, on hand for the tour's official opening Monday night, screamed their appreciation as the legendary eighties trio dove into their hit song from 1979's Regatta de Blanc.
The Globe & Mail - May 29, 2007.
Performing the first of two sold out concerts to a capacity crowd of over 20,000, last night's world tour opener in Vancouver with The Police was a resounding success with fans and critics united in their enthusiastic endorsement of what many believe will definitely be the tour of the year.
From the opening notes of Message In A Bottle through a set list which included Roxanne, Synchronicity, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Every Breath You Take, When The World Is Running Down, Spirits In The Material World to name a few of the mega-hits The Police performed, the energy that Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers exuded on stage was matched only by the exuberant response of the audience.
With over 1,770,000 tickets sold to date and more concerts to be announced, The Police tour is definitely one of the hottest tickets of the year. North American tour highlights include headline performances at this year's Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on June 16th and the Virgin Festival on August 4th as well as additional appearances at Boston's historic Fenway Park, Chicago's Wrigley Field and Churchill Downs -- home of the Kentucky Derby. The Police will also play three Los Angeles area performances at Staples Center, Dodger Stadium and the Honda Center in Anaheim and multiple dates in New York, including Madison Square Garden and Giants Stadium.
Following the North American tour, The Police will kick off Europe on August 29th in Stockholm, Sweden with additional concert dates throughout the UK and Europe including London, Holland, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Austria, Ireland, Belgium and the newly announced Lisbon performance September 25th at National Stadium.
Following the European tour, The Police will return to North America beginning October 31st at New York's Madison Square Garden, followed by Boston's TD Banknorth Garden on November 11th. Tickets for both these performances will go on sale Monday, June 4th. Additional fall dates to be announced will include performances in Mexico and South America followed by 2008 performances in Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Special guest Fiction Plane opened the show and will continue on the entire tour. Known for their high-energy live shows, this dynamic rock trio have just released their second album, "Left Side of the Brain" in May. Fiction Plane are: Joe Sumner (Bass); Seton Daunt (Guitar); and Pete Wilhoit (Drums).
Additional support artists added to some of the stadium shows include: The Fratellis, Foo Fighters, Maroon 5, Maximo Park and Mr. Hudson & The Library.
The band is due to release a Greatest Hits collection, "The Police" (A&M) on June 5(US)/June 11(UK/Europe) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their first single "Fall Out". This consummate collection brings together the biggest hits from the band's five original studio albums and includes their very first single, 1977's "Fall Out."
The North American tour is presented by Best Buy, the leading consumer electronics retailer with nearly 1,000 retail locations in the United States and Canada. For additional information, visit: http://www.bestbuy.com/thepolice.
A portion of the proceeds from this tour will be donated to WaterAid, an international NGO founded in 1981 and dedicated to reducing poverty by improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. For information, visit: http://www.wateraid.org/.
The Police World Tour is produced by The Next Adventure, A Live Nation Company in association with RZO Entertainment, Inc.
For complete tour and ticket information, fan club memberships & more, visit:
http://www.thepolice.com/.
About Live Nation
Live Nation is the world's largest live music company. Our mission is to inspire passion for live music around the world. We are the largest promoter of live concerts in the world, the second-largest entertainment venue management company and have a rapidly growing online presence. We create superior experiences for artists and fans, regularly producing tours for the biggest superstars in the business, including The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, U2 and Coldplay. Globally, we own, operate, have booking rights for and/or have an equity interest in more than 160 venues, including House of Blues(R) and Fillmore(R) music venues and prestigious locations such as Nikon at Jones Beach in New York and London's Wembley Arena. Our websites collectively are the second most popular entertainment/event websites in the United States, according to Nielsen//NetRatings. In addition, we also produce, promote or host theatrical, specialized motor sports and other live entertainment events. In 2006, we connected nearly 60 million fans with their favorite performers at approximately 26,000 events in 18 countries around the world. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV."
Source: Live Nation
Web site: http://www.livenation.com/
http://www.bestbuy.com/thepolice
http://www.wateraid.org/
http://www.thepolice.com/
'Meant to be Seen' (MTBS) CEO Will Be a Keynote for Dimension-3 Expo, Promises To Be a MEDIA EVENT!
President & CEO of 'Meant to be Seen', the World's First & Only Stereoscopic 3D (S-3D) Certification and Advocacy Group, Will Reveal the Innovation That Will Reshape the S-3D Industry As We Know It!
Neil Schneider, President & CEO of "Meant to be Seen" (http://mtbs3d.com/), will be a keynote at Europe's newest stereoscopic 3D conference. Taking place on June 5th, 6th, and 7th at "Espace des Arts", Chalon-sur-Saone, France, Dimension-3 Expo is one of the first conferences of this kind.
"We are excited to have Mr. Schneider as our keynote. He's a builder! MTBS is very popular in Europe and around the world, and having seen a preview of what he will be discussing, this is going to be a major, major media event!
No one is prepared for what he will reveal," said Stephan Faudeux, General Manager of Dimension-3 Expo.
Stereoscopic 3D refers to media that displays images with true volumetric depth through the assistance of special screens, monitors, projectors, and glasses. This technology translates into an exciting thrill in video games, and is quickly representing the equipment of choice for hardcore gamers.
MTBS is the first and only stereoscopic 3D certification and advocacy group. Non-proprietary and independently run, MTBS represents the interests of both stereoscopic 3D technology solutions and consumers with the goal of encouraging programming standards in the game development industry for the best compatibility and ease of use.
"MTBS will have over a thousand registered members soon enough, and I promise, the innovation that will be revealed at Dimension-3 Expo is going to shake up the industry dramatically. Things will never be the same after this presentation. If you work in media, are in the gaming industry, or manufacture S-3D solutions -- book your flight -- you aren't going to want to miss this," exclaimed Neil Schneider, President and CEO of "Meant to be Seen".
S-3D is very popular in Europe, and Dimension-3 Expo will be having special presentations and discussions about S-3D in video games, film, theme parks, and more. All MTBS registered members qualify for a 20% discount on conference attendance, and membership is completely free.
Game developers, video game enthusiasts, and all interested parties are encouraged to register for free at http://www.mtbs3d.com/ and learn more about Dimension-3 Expo at http://www.dimension3-expo.com/.
Source: Meant to be Seen
Web site: http://www.mtbs3d.com/
http://www.dimension3-expo.com/
George Lucas Selects 'Chad Vader' for Top Honors in the 'Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge' from Lucasfilm Ltd. and AtomFilms
Hit Comedy Short Makes Its Television Debut On Spike TV Tonight
Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge Awards Announced During Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles
To View All Fan Movies, Visit the Official Fan Movie Challenge Site: http://starwars.atomfilms.com
-- "Chad Vader: Day Shift Manager" received the coveted George Lucas Selects Award on Sunday night in the "Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge" presented by Lucasfilm Ltd. and AtomFilms(R), a division of MTVN Entertainment Group, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) .
The five-minute comedy short by Aaron Yonda and Matt Sloan, featuring Darth Vader's younger brother as a grocery store clerk, will make its television debut at 11:25 p.m. ET/PT tonight on Spike TV.
"Chad Vader" and other Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge finalists - including seven other award recipients - were honored at the Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge awards at Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles, which marks the 30th anniversary of the original theatrical release of Star Wars. All of the competition's official selections are now available for viewing at the official Fan Movie Challenge site: http://starwars.atomfilms.com/, and at the official Star Wars website: http://www.starwars.com/.
George Lucas said, "We've had a lot of entrants this year. It's been a tough and intense judging process. We have decided that the winner this year is 'Chad Vader: Day Shift Manager,' by Matt Sloan and Aaron Yoda -- oh, that's not right -- Yonda."
"Thanks to the incredible passion and creativity of Star Wars fans, and the support of our partners at Lucasfilm and Spike TV, this year's Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge was another major success," said AtomFilms General Manager Scott Roesch. "We are proud to honor Aaron Yonda, Matt Sloan and our other award recipients, and bring their movies to fans online and on Spike TV."
This year's Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge received a record-breaking number of submissions from five continents between March and May 2007, and 19 movies were designated as official selections by judges at Lucasfilm and AtomFilms. Seven awards of merit were given, with "Forced Alliance" taking double honors, earning both the Audience Choice Award (based on the AtomFilms audience's vote) and the Best Fan Fiction/Drama award.
The 2007 Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge awards are:
-- George Lucas Selects: "Chad Vader: Day Shift Manager," by Aaron Yonda
and Matt Sloan
-- Audience Choice: "Forced Alliance," by Spearshield
-- Best Comedy: "The Eyes of Darth Tater," by Lee Vehe
-- Best Fan Fiction/Drama: "Forced Alliance," by Spearshield
-- Best Action: "Essence of the Force," by Pat Kerby
-- Best Animation: "IG-88: The Dancing Robot," by Anton Bogaty
-- Best Short Subject: "An Incident at Toshi Station," by Mike McMahan
The Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge continues! AtomFilms and Lucasfilm are currently accepting entries for the next phase of the competition, and Spike TV will air new fan movies periodically throughout the year. For more information please visit the official "Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge" website at http://starwars.atomfilms.com/.
About AtomFilms
A 2007 Webby Award finalist, AtomFilms is unique among online video services, licensing and developing original content in partnership with filmmakers and animators. Since pioneering the online video category in 1998, AtomFilms has attracted a loyal audience of millions of users with its consistently outstanding short-form programming. AtomFilms compensates filmmakers and animators based on revenues generated from its advertising and distribution businesses, and its payments to creators have totaled millions of dollars. AtomFilms is a division of MTVN Entertainment Group, a unit of VIACOM (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) .
About Lucasfilm
Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading movie and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion-picture and television production operations, the company's global activities include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound; LucasArts; Lucasfilm Animation; and Lucas Licensing. Additionally, Lucas Online creates Internet-based content for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties and businesses.
About Spike TV
Spike TV is available in 91.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of VIACOM (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.
Source: Spike TV
Web site: http://www.spiketv.com/
http://starwars.atomfilms.com/
http://www.starwars.com/
The World Television Premiere of 'Daniel Tosh: Completely Serious' Debuts Sunday, June 17 at 10:00 p.m.* on COMEDY CENTRAL(R)
TUNE IN AND GET DOWN TO FUNNY BUSINESS!
It's time to get seriously unserious! Comedian Daniel Tosh rocks the mic with all-new hilarious jokes in his latest one-hour stand-up special. The World Television Premiere of "Daniel Tosh: Completely Serious" debuts on COMEDY CENTRAL Sunday, June 17 at 10:00 p.m.
The encore presentation of "Daniel Tosh: Completely Serious" airs Saturday, June 23 at 10:00 p.m.
Taped at the O.C Pavilion in Orange County, California, Tosh's show voices his opinions on everything from sock puppets who like to get fisted, to how he fell asleep watching CMT and woke up a racist. In the all-new special "Daniel Tosh: Completely Serious," Tosh pokes fun at life in land-locked Nebraska compared to his flip-flop days at the beach. Surfer dude Tosh makes big waves with his laugh-out-loud comedy in this all-new World Television Premiere special.
Tosh has toured more than seven hundred college campuses and is currently one of the most requested headliners in the country. He has performed at the most significant comedy festivals around the globe including the acclaimed "Just for Laughs International Comedy Festival" in Montreal as well as the "U.S. Comedy Arts Festival" in Aspen, Colorado. In 2003, he starred in his own half-hour "COMEDY CENTRAL Presents" stand-up special and in 2005, released the debut CD/DVD "True Stories I Made Up" on COMEDY CENTRAL Records. Tosh has also appeared on hit television shows including VH1's "Best Week Ever," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Late Show with David Letterman."
* All Times ET/PT
Source: COMEDY CENTRAL
Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/
Comedy Central(R) Looks Ahead and Continues the Laughs With 2007/2008 Talent and Development Slate
Pilots And Presentations Ordered Include Comedies From Lewis Black, David Alan Grier, Michael Ian Black, T. Sean Shannon and Larry The Cable Guy, Among Others
Coming off the network's highest ratings to date, COMEDY CENTRAL is on a roll and focusing on the future by securing top talent and development deals in the network's 2007 and 2008 development slate, announced today by Lauren Corrao, executive vice president, original programming and development, COMEDY CENTRAL.
Projects in development run the gamut from short-form and sketch/variety to scripted narrative and animation starring a cross-section of top comedic talent such as Lewis Black, David Alan Grier, Michael Ian Black, T. Sean Shannon, Larry the Cable Guy and JoKoy and feature top producers including Jamie Tarses, Robert Morton, Max Brooks, Scott Carter and David Sacks, and Jim Biederman.
"We've secured a strong, versatile slate of new projects that we feel will resonate with our core viewers," said Corrao. "We've been on a great run and are looking to continue our success with more original, creative and provocative programming in the coming year."
Shows that have been greenlit for pilot production include: "Night Writer," a short-form comedy from former "Saturday Night Live" head writer, T. Sean Shannon; "Held Up," a half-hour narrative about a bored bank teller who is held hostage in a double-robbery; "Michael Ian Black Doesn't Understand," a sketch show hosted by Michael Ian Black that examines one 'hot button' topic each week and provides comedic commentary through a combination of field and studio pieces; "Root of All Evil," a pilot that pits two people or topics against each other in a courtroom setting, presided over by Lewis Black; and an untitled animated half-hour comedy starring Larry the Cable Guy as a misguided, but well-intentioned, co-owner of a cable TV station.
Shows that have been given presentation deals include: "David Allen Grier's Chocolate News," a fake magazine show that covers urban pop culture topics; "The Watch List," featuring stand-up comedy and sketches from up-and- coming Middle Eastern-American comedians (already a hit on comedycentral.com) and an untitled project starring JoKoy with a racially diverse ensemble cast which will feature animation, sketch and stand-up.
Descriptions of all pilot pick-ups and presentation deals follow:
PILOTS (all titles listed are working titles)
"Held Up"
"Held Up" is a half-hour narrative in which a bored bank teller's life changes dramatically when two teams of crazy robbers -- disguised as James Bond, Spiderman, Batman and Larry, Curly and Moe -- hold up his branch. The main characters are held hostage for the entire arc of the series and fall victim to the comedic version of The Stockholm Syndrome. "Held Up" is executive produced by Jamie Tarses, Alan Freedland, Alan Cohen and Gene Hong.
"Larry the Cable Guy" Animated Project
Created and written by Larry the Cable Guy, Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow, this animated half-hour stars Larry the Cable Guy as a misguided, but well- intentioned co-owner of a cable TV station. The station's other owner is a woman of class and taste who does not share his vision for programming, preferring instead a more traditional station line-up to Larry's outrageous, half-baked show ideas. They seldom agree on anything, but she is stuck with Larry and his programs. The pilot will be executive produced by Larry the Cable Guy, J.P. Williams, Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow.
"Michael Ian Black Doesn't Understand"
"Michael Ian Black Doesn't Understand" is a sketch show hosted by Black ("The State," "Stella") that examines one "hot button" topic each week and provides comedic commentary on it through a combination of field and studio pieces. The pilot is executive produced by Black and Jim Biederman ("The Kids in the Hall," "The Howard Stern Radio Show"). Michael Showalter ("Stella") will co-executive produce with Ted Schachter, serving as producer.
"Night Writer"
"Night Writer" is a short-form comedy from former "Saturday Night Live" headwriter, T. Sean Shannon. The show includes live action sketches, animation shorts and voice-over stills and centers around a show writer in the midst of writing with the events occurring in real time. His distinct point- of-view sets up the comedy while various characters react to the sketches as they unfold. The comedy is inspired by Shannon's books, "Big Business," "Cough it Up" and "Bum Love."
"Root of All Evil"
"Root of All Evil" is a faux courtroom pilot that pits two people or topics against each other in a courtroom setting presided over by Lewis Black ("The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"), with a rotating group of comedians arguing that their client is the root of all evil. Examples of topics to be litigated are "Paris Hilton vs. Dick Cheney" and "chick flicks vs. video games." "Root of All Evil" is executive produced by Scott Carter ("Politically Incorrect," "Real Time with Bill Maher") and David Sacks ("The Simpsons," "Third Rock from the Sun").
PRESENTATION DEALS
"David Allen Grier's Chocolate News"
A fake magazine show that covers inherently urban pop culture topics. The correspondents will double as sketch players. Hosted by "In Living Color" alum and Tony Award nominee, David Alan Grier and executive produced by Grier ("Little Man"), Robert Morton ("Mind of Mencia") and Generate's Peter Aronson and Jordon Levin.
The JoKoy Project
A show featuring animation, sketch and stand-up which will star JoKoy at the center of a racially diverse ensemble cast. JoKoy will executive produce and Jamie Masada will produce.
"The Watch List"
"The Watch List" is a sketch/variety show that features material from some of the funniest up-and-coming Middle Eastern-American comedians. The show fuses a unique worldview with political satire to create edgy, intelligent, race-based comedy. Stand-up comic Dean Obeidallah (co-founder of the Arab- American Comedy Festival) and Emmy-winning writer Max Brooks ("Saturday Night Live") are the series' creators and producers. Having originally premiered as an original series on comedycentral.com, "The Watch List" is first broadband series that COMEDY CENTRAL has taken to pilot for a potential slot on the network's linear line-up.
COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 91 million homes nationwide. COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of Viacom Inc.'s (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks. COMEDY CENTRAL is a registered trademark of Comedy Partners. COMEDY CENTRAL's Internet address is www.comedycentral.com.
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