ACADEMY INVITES 176 TO MEMBERSHIP

Beverly Hills, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 176 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures. Those who accept the invitation will be the only additions in 2012 to the Academy’s roster of members.

"These film professionals represent some of the most talented, most passionate contributors to our industry,” said Academy President Tom Sherak. “I’m glad to recognize that by calling each of them a fellow Academy member."
Voting membership in the organization has now held steady at just under 6,000 members since 2003.

The 2012 invitees are:

Actors
Simon Baker – “Margin Call,” “L.A. Confidential”
Sean Bean – “Flightplan,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”
Bérénice Bejo – “The Artist,” “OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies”
Tom Berenger – “Inception,” “Platoon”
Demián Bichir – “A Better Life,” “Che”
Jessica Chastain – “The Help,” “The Tree of Life”
Clifton Collins, Jr. – “Star Trek,” “Traffic”
Bryan Cranston – “Contagion,” “Little Miss Sunshine”
Jean Dujardin – “Les infidèls, “The Artist”
Richard E. Grant – “The Iron Lady,” “Withnail & I”
Jonah Hill – “Moneyball,” “Superbad”
Ken Howard – “J. Edgar,” “In Her Shoes”
Diego Luna – “Milk,” “Y Tu Mamá También”
Margo Martindale – “Secretariat,” “Million Dollar Baby”
Melissa McCarthy – “Bridesmaids,” “The Back-Up Plan”
Matthew McConaughey – “The Lincoln Lawyer,” “A Time to Kill”
Janet McTeer – “Albert Nobbs,” “Tumbleweeds”
S. Epatha Merkerson – “Mother and Child,” “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”
Sam Rockwell – “Cowboys & Aliens,” “Noon”
Andy Serkis – “The Prestige,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”
Octavia Spencer – “The Help,” “The Soloist”
Lili Taylor – “Being Flynn,” “High Fidelity”
Nia Vardalos – “For a Good Time, Call…,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”
Kerry Washington – “Django Unchained,” “Ray”
Michelle Yeoh – “The Lady,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”

Designers
Laurence Bennett – “The Artist,” “Crash”
David Brisbin – “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” “Dead Presidents”
Scott Chambliss – “Cowboys & Aliens,” “Mission: Impossible III”
Wendy Chuck – “The Descendants,” “Sideways”
Maria Djurkovic – “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” “The Hours”
Sanja Milkovic Hays – “Battle: Los Angeles,” “Mission to Mars”
Mayes Rubeo – “Avatar,” “Apocalypto”
Anne Seibel – “Midnight in Paris,” “The Devil Wears Prada”
Sharon Seymour – “The Ides of March,” “Friday Night Lights”
Sammy Sheldon – “X-Men: First Class,” “V for Vendetta”

Cinematographers
Florian Ballhaus – “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” “The Devil Wears Prada”
Oliver Bokelberg – “Win Win,” “The Station Agent”
Anna J. Foerster – “Anonymous”
Larry Fong – “Super 8,” “300”
Alwin Kuchler – “Hanna,” “Proof”
Toyomichi Kurita – “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family,” “Waiting to Exhale”
George Mooradian – “Crazy as Hell,” “Nemesis”
Guillaume Schiffman – “The Artist,” “OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies”
Terry Stacey – “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen,” “Friends with Money”

Directors
Joseph Cedar – “Footnote (Hearat Shulayim),” “Beaufort”
Jean-Pierre Dardenne – “The Kid with a Bike (Le gamin au vélo),” “The Child (L’enfant)”
Luc Dardenne – “Lorna’s Silence (Le silence de Lorna),” “The Son (Le fils)”
Philippe Falardeau – “Monsieur Lazhar,” “It’s Not Me, I Swear! (C’est pas moi, je le jure!)”
Asghar Farhadi* – “A Separation (Jodaieye Nadar az Simin),” “About Elly (Darbareye Elly)
(also invited to the Writers Branch)
Rodrigo Garcia – “Albert Nobbs,” “Mother and Child”
Michel Hazanavicius* – “Les infidèles (The Players),” “The Artist” (also invited to the Writers Branch)
Kasi Lemmons – “Talk to Me,” “Eve’s Bayou”
Terrence Malick – “The Tree of Life,” “The Thin Red Line”
Michaël R. Roskam – “Bullhead (Rundskop)”
Wong Kar Wai – “My Blueberry Nights,” “In the Mood for Love”

Documentary
John Battsek – “The Tillman Story,” “One Day in September”
Amy Berg – “Bhutto,” “Deliver Us from Evil”
Simon Chinn – “Project Nim,” “Man on Wire”
Marshall Curry – “If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front,” “Street Fight”
Johanna Demetrakas – “Crazy Wisdom: The Life and Times of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche,” “Bus Riders Union”
Daniel Junge – “Saving Face,” “The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner”
Mary Lampson – “Kimjongilia,” “Harlan County, USA”
Sam Pollard – “Gerrymandering,” “4 Little Girls”
Glenn Silber – “El Salvador: Another Vietnam,” “The War at Home”
Lucy Walker – “The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom,” “Waste Land”

Executives
James Amos
Michael Bostick
Richard Brener
Howard Mark Cohen
David C. Glasser
Jeffrey B. Goldstein
Frederick Huntsberry
Jon Jashni
Michael Marshall
Tony Safford
Gregory Silverman
Nigel Sinclair

Film Editors
Kirk Baxter – “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Social Network”
Nicolas De Toth – “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” “The Sum of All Fears”
Scott Hill – “Zookeeper,” “Bruce Almighty”
Dan Lebental – “Iron Man 2,” “Elf”
Glen Scantlebury – “Transformers,” “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”

Makeup Artists and Hairstylists
Mark Coulier – “The Iron Lady,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2”
Linda Flowers – “The Hunger Games,” “The Social Network”
Toni G – “Salt,” “Monster”
Amanda Knight – “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2,” “Mission: Impossible”
Tami Lane – “Superman Returns” “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”

Members-at-Large
Wendy Aylsworth
Kyle Cooper
Patrick Crowley
Bud Davis
Chris deFaria
Sarah Katzman
John Kilkenny
Heidi Levitt
Kerry Lyn McKissick
Elizabeth Sayre
Michael Tadross
Mary Vernieu

Music
Ludovic Bource – “The Artist,” “OSS 117: Lost In Rio”
Alberto Iglesias – “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” “The Constant Gardener”
Conrad Pope – “My Week with Marilyn,” “The Rising Place”
Ryuichi Sakamoto – “Love Is the Devil,” “The Last Emperor”
Theodore Shapiro – “The Big Year,” “I Love You, Man”

Producers
Letty Aronson – “Midnight in Paris,” “Match Point”
Michael Barnathan – “The Help,” “Rent”
Jean Bréhat – “London River,” “Days of Glory (Indigènes)”
Susan Cartsonis – “Beastly,” “What Women Want”
Tracey Edmonds – “Jumping the Broom,” “Soul Food”
Dede Gardner – “The Tree of Life,” “Running with Scissors”
Grant Heslov* – “The Ides of March,” “Good Night, and Good Luck.” (also invited to the Writers Branch)
Thomas Langmann – “The Artist,” “Mesrine: Public Enemy #1”
William Packer – “Think Like a Man,” “This Christmas”
Aaron Ryder – “The Raven,” “The Prestige”
Peter Saraf – “Our Idiot Brother,” “Little Miss Sunshine”
Mary Jane Skalski – “Win Win,” “The Station Agent”

Public Relations
Larry Baldauf
Cindi Berger
Matthew P. Brubaker
Brian Daly
Rebecca Kearey
Adam Keen
Katie Martin Kelley
Eric Kops
Derek McLay
Michelle Sewell
Mark Woollen

Short Films and Feature Animation
Paul Cichocki – “Brave,” “WALL-E”
Eric Daniels – “Tangled,” “Meet the Robinsons”
Amanda Forbis – “Wild Life,” “When the Day Breaks”
Emily Hubley – “The Toe Tactic,” “Pigeon Within”
William Joyce – “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore,” “Meet the Robinsons”
Marv Newland – “CMYK,” “Tête à Tête à Tête”
Floyd Norman – “Waking Sleeping Beauty,” “Mulan”
Jonas Rivera – “Up,” “Cars”
Michelle Steffes – “The Interview,” “Day Labor”
David Verrall – “Dimanche/Sunday,” “Madame Tutli-Putli”
Jennifer Yuh Nelson – “Kung Fu Panda 2,” “Madagascar”

Sound
Erik Aadahl – “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “Monsters vs Aliens”
Deb Adair – “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” “Moneyball”
Stephen M. Bartkowicz – “Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds,” “Red State”
John T. Cucci – “Snow White & the Huntsman,” “Prometheus”
Chuck Garsha – “Misery,” “Die Hard”
Mildred Iatrou – “The Green Hornet,” “The Tree of Life”
Tim LeBlanc – “For Greater Glory,” “Something Borrowed”
Bo Persson – “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “Fanny & Alexander”
Gary L.G. Simpson – “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Bourne Ultimatum”
Philip Stockton – “Hugo,” “Brokeback Mountain”

Visual Effects
Scott Benza – “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “Iron Man”
Greg Butler – “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”
Sheena Duggal – “The Hunger Games,” “Spider-Man 3”
Christopher Evans – “Hugo,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Ben Grossmann – “Hugo,” “The Italian Job”
Dan Lemmon – “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “King Kong”
John Rosengrant – “Real Steel,” “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines”
Eric Saindon – “Avatar,” “X-Men The Last Stand”
R. Christopher White – “The Lovely Bones,” “Jurassic Park III”
Guy Williams – “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Avatar”
Joss Williams – “Hugo,” “Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”

Writers
J.C. Chandor – “Margin Call”
Asghar Farhadi* – “A Separation (Jodaieye Nadar az Simin),” “Beautiful City (Shahr-e ziba)”
(also invited to the Directors Branch)
Michel Hazanavicius* – “The Artist,” “OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies” (also invited to the Directors Branch)
Grant Heslov* – “The Ides of March,” “Good Night, and Good Luck.” (also invited to the Producers Branch)
Stephen King – “Pet Sematary,” “Creepshow”
Oren Moverman – “The Messenger,” “I’m Not There”
Annie Mumolo – “Bridesmaids”
Nicholas Stoller – “The Muppets,” “Get Him to the Greek”
Peter Straughan – “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” “The Men Who Stare at Goats”
Kristen Wiig – “Bridesmaids”

Additionally, the Academy invited Fritz Gabriel Bauer, Lee S. Berger, Ronald Bernstein, Ariel Emanuel, Jean-Marie Lavalou, Bryan Lourd, Dale Oliver, Jeremy Plager, John B. Quinn and Steve Weinstein to Associate membership. Associate members are not represented on the Board and do not have Academy Awards® voting privileges.

Three individuals (noted above by an asterisk) have been invited to join the Academy by multiple branches. These individuals must select one branch upon accepting membership.

New members will be welcomed into the Academy at an invitation-only reception in September.

The Academy’s Board of Governors also approved a recommendation from the Art Directors Branch; moving forward, the branch will be known as the Designers Branch. The branch includes production designers, art directors, set decorators and costume designers.

SOURCE The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

ANIME EXPO 2012 PRESENTS THE PREMIERE OF THE “MUVLUV” SERIES FIRST TV ANIME

LOS ANGELES (June 30, 2012) Anime Expo 2012 (AX) -- North America’s largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture celebration -- will present the highly-anticipated premiere of "Total Eclipse” on July 1 -- the same day the anime debuts on TV in Japan. Kouki Yoshimune, the anime’s executive producer will appear in a special panel discussion in conjunction with the screening. In addition vocalists featured on the show, Minami Kuribayashi and ayami, will perform in live concert at Anime Expo when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

"The stars were truly in alignment to allow Anime Expo to give our attendees the chance to see the first episode of “MuvLuv” on the very same day fans in Japan will view it,” said Marc Perez, CEO of the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the non-profit that produces Anime Expo.

“Total Eclipse” will be produced by Kouki Yoshimune whose previous productions include “MuvLuv” Series. Based on the popular “MuvLuv” PC Game and visual novel, the anime’s main story takes place in Alaska and its main character, Yuuya Bridges, is Japanese-American. The simultaneous Japanese and American debuts echo the global essence of the anime’s narrative.

Minami Kuribayashi has performed songs for many anime series, including “Carnival Phantasm,” “Infinite Stratos,” “Katanagatari,” “Medaka Box,” “Mobile Suit Gundam AGE,” and “Rumbling Hearts.”

The singer ayami performed on the opening theme song “Freedom” for “Battle Spirits: Heroes” as a vocalist with the musical group RAMM.

The “Total Eclipse” production team joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; Fate/Zero” creative team Hikaru Konda, Ei Aoki and Rikiya Koyama; Madhouse creative team Morio Asaka, Kunihiko Hamada and Takuya Tsunoki;, animation director Tatsuo Sato; voice actors Ryo Horikawa, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial, and Steve Blum; Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki; Tokyo-based Gallery of Fantastic Art and popular cosplayer Jessica Nigri.

About Anime Expo
Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America's largest celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga, musical, game and fashion artists from Japan. AX 2012 will feature an exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists' panels; live concerts; cosplay, dance parties, karaoke and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 300 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29 – July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org. Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is 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®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

RULES APPROVED FOR 85TH ACADEMY AWARDS

Beverly Hills, CA – The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences approved rules for the 85th Academy Awards. The most significant changes affect the Music, Foreign Language Film, Makeup and Visual Effects categories.

In the Music (Original Song) category, the Executive Committee may recommend that a fourth songwriter for an individual song be considered in rare and extraordinary circumstances. This amends the rule that has been in effect since 2005, whereby up to two songwriters could be eligible per song, although a third songwriter could be added if he or she were found to be an essentially equal contributor.

In the Foreign Language Film category, films must be submitted to the Academy in 35mm or DCP, but are no longer required to be exhibited in those formats in their countries of origin.

The award given in the Makeup category will now be known as the Makeup and Hairstyling Award. Additionally, during the nominations process, all branch members who have seen the seven shortlisted titles will receive ballots to list their top three choices.

In the Visual Effects category, nominees will be selected from a pool of ten films chosen by the Branch Executive Committee by secret ballot. Previously, the committee could put forward as many as ten productions or as few as seven.

Other adjustments to the rules include standard date changes and other "housekeeping" adjustments.

Rules are reviewed annually by individual branch and category committees. The Awards Rules Committee then reviews all proposed changes before presenting its recommendations to the Academy's Board of Governors for approval.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar® presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.

SOURCE The Board of Governors of The Academy

"It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" at the Academy

Beverly Hills, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present the 1963 ensemble comedy "It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" as the inaugural film in its series "The Last 70mm Film Festival" on Monday, July 9, at 7 p.m. at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.


Directed by nine-time Oscar® nominee Stanley Kramer, "It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" earned six Academy Award® nominations, including Cinematography (Ernest Laszlo), Film Editing (Frederic Knudtson, Robert C. Jones, Gene Fowler, Jr.), Music – Music Score, substantially original (Ernest Gold), Music – Song (Gold, Mack David), Sound (Samuel Goldwyn Studio Sound Department, Gordon E. Sawyer, Sound Director), and took home the Oscar for Sound Effects (Walter G. Elliott).

Prior to the screening, there will be a panel discussion with actors Carl Reiner, Mickey Rooney, Jonathan Winters, Marvin Kaplan, Stan Freberg and Barrie Chase, as well as script supervisor Marshall Schlom, casting director Lynn Stalmaster, and Stanley Kramer’s widow, Karen Kramer.

The 70mm short "The Miracle of Todd-AO" (1954) will be screened before the film. This live action short highlights the innovation of the Todd-AO wide-angle lens with an optical journey from the Grand Teton National Park to the streets of San Francisco.

"The Last 70mm Film Festival," a six-film series, will run Mondays through August 13, showcasing 70mm classics from different genres as well as rarely screened 70mm short subjects.

The remaining screenings in the series are:

July 16	"Sleeping Beauty" (1959)
July 23	"Grand Prix" (1966)
July 30	"The Sound of Music" (1965)
August 6	"2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968)
August 13	"Spartacus" (1960)

Series passes for "The Last 70mm Film Festival" are on sale now. Passes are $20 for the general public and $15 for Academy members and students with valid ID. Tickets to individual evenings, if still available, will go on sale Friday, June 29. Tickets are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with valid ID. Passes and tickets may be purchased online at www.oscars.org, 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. The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For the latest pre-show details call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org.

SOURCE The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

ACADEMY OF COUTURE ART presents “Le Reve”

The Academy of Couture Art presents Le Reve Fashion Gala!

Saturday, June 23, 2012, at the Sofitel Beverly Hills.

A Celebration of the achievements of the graduates of the Academy of Couture Art.

The Academy of Couture Art follows, conveys, and promotes the essence, principles, and concept of Haute Couture translated by the research of Beauty, Harmony, Elegance, Perfection, and Uniqueness.

Graduates are skilled in the highest of fashion technique, haute couture revised and modernized for U.S. and Int'l production, to enrich all levels of the fashion industry: one-of-a-kind clientele to broader mass markets.

Ranked #23 in Top 50 Fashion Schools and Programs Across the Globe, Academy of Couture Art has been listed in the pool with OTIS College of Art and Design, the Savannah College of Art and Design, and the Rhode Island School of Design.

ACA is the premiere U.S. fashion college educating in French haute couture tradition for the American fashion system and offering the first U.S. degree in Pattern Design/Pattern Making.

ACA teaches designers the highest craft of fashion and couture so that designers can adapt to all markets. Their mission is to bring the fit, elegance, and creativity of couture fashion to fashion industry production.

LA Opening Day Announcement:

PRESENTS

THE IMPOSTER

OPENS AUGUST 3RD IN LOS ANGELES AT

LANDMARK NUART THEATRE

A FILM BY BART LAYTON

THEATRICAL RELEASE

New York, NY: Landmark Sunshine Cinema, July 13^th

Los Angeles, CA: Landmark Nuart Theatre, August 3^rd

San Francisco, CA: Landmark Theater, August 3^rd

Berkeley, CA: Landmark Theater, August 3^rd

Seattle, WA: Seattle International Film Festival, August 10^th

Portland, OR: Cinema 21, August 10^th

Minneapolis, MN: Landmark Theater, August 10^th

Denver, CO: Landmark Chez Artiste, August 10^th

Dallas, TX: Angelika Film Center, August 17^th

San Antonio, TX: Santikos Bijou, August 17th

Houston, TX: Sundance Cinema, August 17th

Boston, MA: Kendall Square, August 17^th

Philadelphia, PA: Landmark's Ritz at the Bourse, August 17^th

Sacramento, CA: The Crest Theatre, August 24th

"A mesmerizing psychological thriller bulging with twists, turns, nasty insinuations and shocking revelations"    - David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter

"An engrossing, on the edge of your seat thriller with unbelievable twists and turns"    - Peter Sciretta, SlashFilm.com 

ABOUT THE FILM

THE IMPOSTER is a chilling factual thriller that chronicles the story of a 13-year-old boy who disappears without a trace from San Antonio, Texas in 1994.

Three and a half years later he is found alive, thousands of miles away in a village in southern Spain with a story of kidnapping and torture. His family is overjoyed to bring him home. But all is not quite as it seems.

The boy bears many of the same distinguishing marks he always had, but why does he now have a strange accent? Why does he look so different? Any why doesn't the family seem to notice these glaring inconsistencies?

It's only when an investigator starts asking questions that this strange tale takes an even stranger turn.

The stranger than fiction mystery, which features many twists and turns, is told in a cinematic language that combines documentary and stylized visualizations. Perception is challenged at every turn, and just as the truth begins to dawn on you, another truth merges leaving you even more on edge.

Release Date: August 3^rd, 2012 in Los Angeles

Director: Bart Layton

Featuring: Frédéric Bourdin, Carey Gibson, Beverly Dollarhide, Charlie Parker, Nancy Fisher, Bryan Gibson, Codey Gibson, Bruce Perry, Philip French

Produced By: Dimitri Doganis

Run Time: 95 minutes

Rating: R for language

Distributor: Indomina Releasing

Focus Features and Laika’s PARANORMAN will give a panel presentation at San Diego Comic Con 2012 - Friday, July 13th!

Who:         The expected talent is Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, directors Chris Butler & Sam Fell and LAIKA CEO Travis Knight. It will be moderated by Entertainment Weekly’s Dave Karger.

What:        PARANORMAN Comic-Con Panel with cast & crew interviews and a sneak peak at footage!

Where:      San Diego Comic Con in Hall H

When:        Friday, July 13th

The film is produced by Laika Entertainment, the same company behind CORALINE, and uses the same stop-motion animation. Department Heads Georgina Hayns (head of model making), Deborah Cook (head of costume), Brian McLean (head of RP) and Production Designer Nelson Lowry will be on hand for interviews.

For those not attending the show, a PARANORMAN ice cream truck will be cruising the streets of the Gaslamp district offering free ice cream and giveaways to the public (Three Zombies and ParaNorman himself will be roaming the area as well)!

SYNOPSIS: PARANORMAN is set in the town of Blithe Hollow, whose locals profit from mining the town’s history as the site, 300 years ago, of a famous witch hunt. 11-year-old Norman Babcock (voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee) spends much of his days appreciating the finer points of scary movies and studying ghost lore. In fact, Norman is gifted with the ability to see and speak with the dead, such as his beloved grandmother (Elaine Stritch). Most days, he prefers their company to that of his flustered father (Jeff Garlin), spacey mother (Leslie Mann), and deeply superficial older sister Courtney (Anna Kendrick). At middle school, Norman dodges bullying Alvin (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), confides in the impressionable Neil (Tucker Albrizzi), and tries to tune out his blowhard teacher Mrs. Henscher (Alex Borstein).

Norman is unexpectedly contacted by his odd uncle Prenderghast (John Goodman), who floors him with the revelation that a centuries-old witch’s curse is real and is about to come true, and that only Norman will be able to stop it from going into overdrive and harming the townspeople. Norman bravely summons up all that makes a hero – courage and compassion – as he finds his paranormal activities pushed to their otherworldly limits.

CHECK OUT THE TRAILER:

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/focus_features/paranorman/

CONNECT:

www.Paranorman.com

www.Facebook.com/Paranorman

www.YouTube.com/Paranorman

www.Twitter.com/Paranorman

Twitter_Hashtag: #ParaNorman

Company Launches Energy Drink Alternative

Marysville, Washington USA – June 20, 2012 – Company creates energized snack waffle as alternative to energy drinks and shots.


Wired Waffles in announcing the official launch of their energized snack waffle. Based on an authentic Liege style recipe, these waffles are perfect for a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack. They are ready to eat out of the package, require no syrup and come in Original, Chocolate Chip and Cinnamon flavors.

Roger Sullivan, Wired Waffle creator, claims that each Wired Waffle is equivalent to 2 ½ servings of the leading energy drink or an energy shot.  “We have taken the ingredients most commonly found in energy drinks and shots, and infused them  into one of the world’s favorite comfort foods, a waffle.”, stated Mr. Sullivan.

The energy beverage industry is a multi-billion dollar market that is dominated by a few key players. Mr. Sullivan says, “We wanted to give people an alternative. I think people are suffering through some pretty bad tasting stuff just to get a pick up. These waffles are not only functional, but they also taste awesome!”

Roger Sullivan is the creator and CEO of Wired Waffles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kokopelli Holdings, LLC. The Seattle- area based company is aggressively seeking qualified representation and distributors in key geographic locations.

Contact:
Wired Waffles
wyatt@wiredwaffles.com
8511 66th Pl Northeast
Marysville, Washington 98270
425-343-3192

Online:              www.wiredwaffles.com
On Twitter:       https://twitter.com/#!/WiredWaffles
On Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/WiredWaffles
Online Store:    http://www.wiredwaffles.com/#!__wired-store

Spy vs Spy...what does it mean?

We've just received this rather mysterious message from decidedly vague and shady sources! Whatever could that message mean? Is something being teased here? At least it's not ticking this time, right? (Can you figure it out?)

To see the picture bigger, click here.

SOURCE: theGameist

The Academy and NASA Venture to the Final Frontier

Beverly Hills, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and NASA will explore cutting-edge film techniques and virtual voyages using animation on Tuesday, July 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. Hosted by five-time Oscar®-nominated producer Frank Marshall, "Capturing the Final Frontier" will feature film clips and conversations with such filmmakers as Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Scott Farrar and leading NASA animators and scientists (see complete list on www.oscars.org).


Presented by the Academy’s Science and Technology Council, the event will take a journey through the space program’s breakthroughs in animation with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Eric De Jong, who began his career creating Voyager animations. The evening features a look at Mars rover Curiosity graphics in anticipation of its landing on the Red Planet in August 2012.

NASA animators and image specialists regularly take these visual concepts a step further by joining forces with Hollywood filmmakers to create new wonders for the big screen. "Capturing the Final Frontier" will examine some of these collaborations, exploring the documentary films "Hubble 3D" (2010) and "Roving Mars" (2006) along with feature films "Mission to Mars" (2000) and the Oscar-nominated "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" (2011).

Tickets for "Capturing the Final Frontier" are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID, and may be purchased online at www.oscars.org, in person at the Academy box office, or by mail.

The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ticketed seating is unreserved. For more information, call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org.

SOURCE The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

WORLD PREMIERE AT THE 2012 LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL

PINCUS

A FILM BY DAVID FENSTER

STARRING DAVID NORDSTROM AND PAUL FENSTER

Doug Harvey of Artillery Magazine:
"Beautifully shot by Fenster, and minimally but exquisitely scored by John Wood, the deadpan episodic storyline thrums with a formalist glow that imbues Pincus' low-key existential bewilderment with a sense of impending revelation-a promise fulfilled by one of the most satisfyingly anti-climactic denouements ever filmed, which manages to veer Fenster's improvisational autobiographical naturalism toward a magic realism worthy of Vittorio de Sica's 'Miracle in Milan'."

Narrative Competition - David Fenster's PINCUS
Pincus Finster is in way over his head: trying to find a way to stall his father's Parkinson's, halfheartedly taking up yoga to meet girls, and letting his only friend Dietmar, an aging German illegal alien, get drunk and sleep in the homes they're supposed to be remodeling. Pincus spends his time stoned and fumbling for some sort of spiritual truth. Drawing from his own life, director and writer David Fenster has cast his family and friends (including his father, Paul Fenster, who has been living with Parkinson's for 13 years) and woven documentary footage shot in and around his hometown of Miami, Florida into the story. Seamlessly combining naturalistic storytelling with documentary elements and hints of metaphysic mystery, PINCUS is a soulfully handcrafted film that explores the gulf between cynicism and wonder with quiet revelation.

PINCUS
A film by David Fenster. Starring David Nordstrom, Paul Fenster, Christi Idavoy, and Dietmar Franosch. Directed and Written by David Fenster. Executive Producer Phil Lord. Director of Photography David Fenster. Edited by David Fenster. Music by John Wood. Total running time: 78 mins.

Trailer:





Los Angeles Film Festival Screenings:
Saturday, June 16th at 8:10pm - Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE - Premiere
Thursday, June 21st at 7:40pm - Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE - Public Screening

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pincusmovie .

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/pincusmovie .

Website:  http://www.pincus-movie.com/ .

On TRONA, David Fenster's previous film:
VARIETY Robert Koehler
"Defiantly minimalist, David Fenster's TRONA marks a striking feature debut by a filmmaker with a taste for moribund humor and the ironies of the American Dream."

CINEMATICAL Karina Longworth
"...expansive in scale and complex in content, it's an almost-silent film full of gorgeous, tightly composed set pieces, and buttered with an seemingly endless supply of great visual jokes."

LA WEEKLY Scott Foundas
"...an evocation of the desolate road poetry remembered from the best films of Wim Wenders and Jim Jarmusch. Fenster seems to say that you can feel as alone in the city as you can in the desert, and he has a pretty original way of saying it."

AM2 STORMS INTO THE ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER TODAY

This Summer's Most Anticipated Animation, Music and Manga Convention in Southern California Launches for 2012

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 15, 2012) ­ Attendees galore storm into the halls of the Anaheim Convention Center today with high anticipation for the hottest summer ticket Š AM2. More info and convention registration can be found at www.am2con.org .


With a schedule chock-filled with activities including Guest of Honor Activities, Autographs, Panels & Workshops, Film Premieres, Concerts and Fashion Shows this year's AM2 is well positioned to be something that fans shouldn't miss out on!

"With all these amazing fan-driven events and our amazing Exhibit Hall, Summer Festival, Artist Alley, Maid Café, Host Club, Concert line-ups, AM2 is definitely not an event to be missed this Summer," states convention representative Chase Wang, "We hope you all will join us! It's not too late! Get a Passport and enjoy not only what the event can provide but also all the discounts throughout Southern California!"


3-Day Passport Holders that also stay within the official hotel room block will be treated to a "private" panel/meet-and-greet with Guests of Honor during the convention whose official hotel is the Anaheim Hilton Hotel.


Please note that ALL Guest of Honor activities (i.e. panels, autographs, appearances, etc.) are ALL Passport preferred activities. There will also be a private Meet & Greet event for each Guest of Honor EXCLUSIVELY for Attendees that are 3 Day Passport Holders and Anaheim Hilton Room Block Attendees (room key proof is required).


Please note that ALL film premiere events (i.e. ACE ATTORNEY, KAIBUTSU-KUN, KAIJI 2, etc.) will consist of an initial First screening (Passport ONLY &
Hotel Priority) and a 2nd Screening (Passport Preferred & General Audience). All screenings are based upon seat availability.


AM2 Official Guests of Honor includes Hiroshi Nagahama, Tara Strong. Putumayo, Andrea Libman, Quinton Flynn, Sixh. and Toshihiro Kawamoto. Current Main Events include Masquerade and Sixh's Fashion Rock Opera Concert.


Attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as well as major discounts with theme parks (including Disneyland and the grand opening of Cars Land, Knott's Berry Farm, etc.), retailers and local restaurants. Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!


AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV's, Arcade, Summer Festival, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!


Summer Festival performers Yukie Dong, Brathzo, Icarus Kid, Kazha, Lucid, Momotoma, and Ant1Nett AM2 Premieres, screenings and exclusive screenings include ACE ATTORNEY, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE STAR OF MILOS, KAIBUTSU-KUN THE MOVIE, KAIJI 2 and more!


Current Major Sponsors Include: Anime News Network and Snakebyte USA.


Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con .
Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con .


About AM2
Located in Anaheim, California ­ AM2, established in 2010, is a multi-day (3 days) 24 hour event with no general attendance/badge purchase requirement and is aspiring to be a key meeting place for fans that share a common interest in Asian music, Animation/Anime, and Comics/Manga. Nominal fees are charged for certain activities that attendees choose to participate in.


AM2 will be held on June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California. More information can be found at www.am2con.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 this event's 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.

KÀ BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AND MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT BRING EPIC STORY FROM STAGE TO PAGE WITH ALL-NEW COMIC BOOK

KÀ #1 Released to Fans at Comic-Con International in San Diego 2012

LAS VEGAS — KÀ by Cirque du Soleil, the spectacular production at MGM Grand Las Vegas, and Marvel Custom Solutions team up to tell the story of this acclaimed live production through an all-new, collectible comic book. KÀ #1 will debut at the Marvel booth (#2329) during Comic Con International in San Diego, July 12 – 15, 2012.

“To see our live KÀ performances transform from the theatre to ink on pages in a comic book is an incredible opportunity for our entire team,” said Marie-Hélène Gagnon, Artistic Director of KÀ. “By aligning ourselves with the premier brand of comic book creators, we have produced an illustration of KÀ that depicts the story very vividly and stays true to the plot. Marvel and its team of creators have been great to collaborate with and have embraced the story of KÀ and the expectations of Cirque du Soleil.”

“Marvel’s proud to bring the exciting, out of this world action and adventure of KÀ to life in this all new comic book,” said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Worldwide, Inc. “This is a great comic for fans of all ages, whether they’re long-time fans of Marvel, KÀ or new to both exciting brands of storytelling.”

KÀ fans attending Comic Con International can take home the heroic journey of Imperial Twins separated by war who encounter adventure and peril at every turn on their quest to reunite their kingdom.

“What’s more jaw-dropping, the majesty of the Imperial Court…the dynamic dance of their martial arts display…the overwhelming might of the invading archer army…the desperate fight for survival in the storm-tossed seas…or the tantalizing glimpses at the future threats that await the Twins?” said Marvel Editor Bill Rosemann. “Readers can decide for themselves when they feast their eyes on the all-out spectacle that writer Bryan J.L. Glass, artist Wellinton Alves and cover artist Michael Del Mundo have crafted in this world premiere debut issue.”

KÀ #1 will be distributed at Comic Con International in San Diego at the Marvel booth in July. A limited amount of books also will be available at comic book stores in select markets. In addition to the print copy of the comic book, fans will be able to access the KÀ customized comic book by utilizing Marvel’s cutting-edge digital comics reader.

Fans can get an inside look at the making of the comic book by visiting www.kacomicbook.com. Featuring sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes information, including line art, storyboards and more, this site will serve as a hub for details on the collaboration. Fans will be able to receive information on how to get their own copy of the comic book. On Twitter, fans can tweet about the collaboration to @Cirque and @Marvel using the #KAComicBook hashtag.

About KÀ:

KÀ by Cirque du Soleil is a heroic journey of love and conflict set within ever-changing theatrical landscapes that conjure an entire empire on stage. Presented exclusively at MGM Grand Las Vegas, KÀ unfolds on a colossal, 360-degree rotating stage which forms the backdrop for this cinematic journey of aerial adventure and perpendicular acrobatics. For more information visit www.ka.com. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KA and Tweet us: @Cirque #KA.

About Marvel Entertainment: Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit www.marvel.com.

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook.

Anime Expo 2012 Kicks Off With Star-Studded Red Carpet And Opening Ceremony

LOS ANGELES (June 13, 2012) – Anime Expo® -- North America’s largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture celebration -- officially kicks off Thursday, June 28 with a star-studded Red Carpet and Opening Ceremony at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Anime Expo Official Guests of Honor will greet fans on the red carpet at 6 p.m. with the Opening Ceremony to follow at 7 p.m.

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo 2012 (AX) will present some of today’s most exciting anime, manga, musical, game and fashion artists from Japan and the U.S.; main event concerts and contests such as the crowd favorite Masquerade; new and exciting interactive offerings and even Lounge 21, where over-21 attendees can enjoy wine, beer and cocktails.

Announced Guests of Honors include composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; Fate/Zero” creative team Hikaru Konda, Ei Aoki and Rikiya Koyama; Madhouse creative team Asaka Morio, Kunihiko Hamada and Takuya Tsunoki; animation director Tatsuo Sato; voice actors Ryo Horikawa, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial, Steve Blum, Joel McDonald and Ian Sinclair; Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki; Tokyo-based Gallery of Fantastic Art and popular cosplayer Jessica Nigri.

The following are highlights of the AX Main Events, all to be held in Hall G of LACC:

Day Zero: June 28, 2012
6:00 – 6:40 p.m.                      Red Carpet
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.              Opening Ceremonies

Day One: June 29, 2012
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.                      ANIMETAL USA Concert
9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.            Anime Music Video (AMV) Contest

Day Two: June 30, 2012
7:00 – 8 p.m.                           Yuki Kajiura/”Fiction/Junction” Concert

Day Three: July 1, 2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.                       LiSA Concert
3:00 – 4:00 pm.                        Japan Fashion Mix at AX 2012: Fashion Show
                                               hosted by Misako Aoki and Danny Choo with
                                               up-and-coming J-pop singer Kyoka
8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.             Masquerade

Day Four: July 2, 2012
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.                     Art Auction
1:00 – 6:00 p.m.                       SPJA Charity Auction
6:00 p.m.                                 Closing Ceremonies

About Anime Expo
Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America’s largest celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. AX 2012 will feature and exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists’ panels; live concerts; cosplay; dance parties, karaoke, and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 3,000 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29-July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit http://www.anime-expo.org/. Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the America 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®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

DON'T MISS OUT ON ONE OF AMC'S TOP-RATED SERIES! HELL ON WHEELS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON - AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NOW!

“Unforgiven meets Glory in this grimy post-Civil War Western series.”

-- In Touch Magazine

 

AMC rolls out another winner with ‘Hell on Wheels’.”

-- New York Daily News

 

“Railroads may not seem sexy, but this series brings a There Will Be Blood aesthetic to episodic TV.”

-- Wall Street Journal

BLOOD WILL BE SPILLED.  LIVES WILL BE LOST.

FORTUNES WILL BE MADE.  MEN WILL BE RUINED.

THIS MAY, THE LATEST ACCLAIMED TV SERIES FROM AMC MAKES ITS EPIC DEBUT ON DVD & BLU-RAY™!

HELL ON WHEELS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

Street Date: May 15, 2012
Blu-Ray/DVD srp: $44.98/$39.98

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Credited for “helping to modernize the Western genre when it premiered in 2011, Hell on Wheels centers on former Confederate soldier Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount), whose quest for vengeance has led him to the Union Pacific Railroad's westward construction of the first transcontinental railroad.  Currently reigning as the #2 rated show on AMC (with a series premiere that was the second highest rated AMC debut of all time), it is episodic TV at its very best.  And before Season Two rolls into town this fall, home viewers can catch up on all the frontier drama in this star-studded smash with HELL ON WHEELS: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON, arriving on DVD and blu-ray this May, only from Entertainment One.

“Hell on Wheels” tells the epic story of post-Civil War America, focusing on a soldier who sets out to exact revenge on the Union soldiers who have killed his wife.  His journey takes him west to Hell on Wheels, a dangerous, raucous, lawless melting pot of a town that travels with and services the construction of the railroad, an engineering feat unprecedented for its time. The lavishly-produced series documents the railroad’s engineering and construction, as well as institutionalized greed and corruption, the immigrant experience and the plight of newly emancipated African-Americans during Reconstruction.  Chronicling this potent turning point in our nation’s history, this fan favorite series shows just how uncivilized the business of civilization can be across 10 absorbing episodes.

Developed by Endemol USA and produced by Entertainment One and Nomadic Pictures, Hell on Wheels is created, written, and executive-produced by Joe and Tony Gayton (Faster, Uncommon Valor, The Salton Sea, Bulletproof).

CAST

·         Anson Mount (City by the Sea, Cook County, "Line of Fire")
·         Common (Just Wright, Date Night)
·         Colm Meaney (The Conspirator, Get Him to the Greek)
·         Dominique McElligott (Moon, The Philanthropist)
·         Ben Esler (The Pacific)
·         Tom Noonan (“Damages”, The House of the Devil,
·         Phil Burke (Mercy)
·         Eddie Spears (Into the West)
·         Wes Studi (“Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee”, Heat)

BONUS PROGRAMMING

·         “Recreating the Past: The Making of Hell on Wheels”
·         “Crashing a Train: From Concept to Camera”
·         Seven “Making-of” Featurettes
·         Ten “Inside the Episode” Featurettes
·         Seven Character Featurettes
·         Behind-the-Scenes Footage

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Type: BD/DVD (3 Discs)
Catalog #:  (BD) EOE-BD-7217 / (DVD) EOE-DV-7128
Running Time: 450 minutes + extras
Genre:  Western/TV
Rated:  N/A
Aspect Ratio: (BD) 1080p High Definition/(DVD) 16x9 (1.78:1)
Audio: (BD) DTS-HD Master Audio/(DVD) 5.1 Surround Sound
Language: English w/SDH Subtitles

For the latest breaking news on HELL ON WHEELS other releases, follow Entertainment One on Twitter: http://twitter.com/eOneHomeVideo .

SOURCE Foundry Communications