Category: Studios

DreamWorks Animation Looks East To Establish Leading China-Focused Family Entertainment Company

DreamWorks Animation today announced that it has agreed to form a joint venture with China Media Capital, with plans to include Shanghai Media Group and Shanghai Alliance Investment, Ltd., to establish the leading China-focused family entertainment company.

Oriental DreamWorks will engage in the development and production of high-quality original Chinese animated and live action content for distribution both within China and to other territories around the globe. In addition to content creation, the joint venture will pursue business opportunities in the areas of live entertainment, theme parks, mobile, online, interactive games and consumer products.

“We are incredibly proud to establish Oriental DreamWorks alongside CMC, SMG and SAIL in this groundbreaking and historic alliance to create the leading Chinese-branded family entertainment company,” said DreamWorks Animation’s Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Katzenberg. “Together with our partners in China, we look forward to building a first-of-its-kind enterprise to locally conceive, produce and distribute high-quality creative content and family entertainment experiences – not only for the people of China but also for related export markets.”

“We share the same vision with DreamWorks Animation to build a world-class family entertainment company,” commented Ruigang Li, Chairman of China Media Capital. “By combining the expertise of CMC in investment and operation, SMG in media and entertainment management, SAIL in high-tech R&D, as well as DreamWorks Animation in creative processes, innovative technology and global network capabilities, Oriental DreamWorks will be in a unique position to create high-quality content and interactive entertainment products for China and international markets.”

The Chinese companies will hold a majority stake of approximately 55% in Oriental DreamWorks and DreamWorks Animation will hold approximately 45%. The enterprise will initially be capitalized with cash and intellectual property valued at $330 million. The joint venture plans to launch business operations in Shanghai later this year.

DreamWorks Animation has enjoyed a great track record of success at the box office in China, led by its blockbuster Kung Fu Panda franchise. Kung Fu Panda was the #1 animated film upon its release into China in 2008 and last year, Kung Fu Panda 2 became the highest-grossing animated film of all time in the region, grossing approximately $100 million.

About DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series, live entertainment properties and online virtual worlds, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE® Magazine for four consecutive years. In 2012, DreamWorks Animation ranks #14 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation’s feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 23 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar , Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon.

About China Media Capital

China Media Capital (CMC) is China’s first media sector focused fund dedicated to media and entertainment investments in China and internationally. Approved by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) for an initial fund size of RMB 5 billion, CMC’s prominent founding partners include China Development Bank (CDB), one of China’s largest financial institutions with registered capital of over RMB 300 billion and total assets of over RMB 5 trillion. CMC’s investment portfolio includes a controlling stake in News Corporation’s China assets, including TV channels – Star (Xing Kong), Star (Xing Kong) International and Channel V (China) – as well as the Fortune Star movie library, which is the largest movie library across Asia.

About Shanghai Media Group

The second largest media conglomerate in China, Shanghai Media Group (SMG) has the country’s most comprehensive portfolio of media-related businesses, including television (14 analog channels, 15 digital channels), radio (11 frequencies), print media (9 newspapers and magazines), new media (IPTV, mobile TV and Internet TV), home shopping, content distribution, performing arts, education and talent management. In addition to being China’s leader in delivering content and services in the traditional media sector, SMG has the country’s largest TV shopping outlet and dominant IPTV operation.

About Shanghai Alliance Investment, Ltd.

As an investment arm of the Shanghai municipal government, Shanghai Alliance Investment, Ltd. (SAIL), founded in 1994, has established itself as a leader in China’s high-tech and financial sector investment. The mission of SAIL is to deliver value for its shareholders as well as make contributions to China’s development by providing resources to innovative technology companies. SAIL’s target industries include financial service, TMT, life science, health care, and emerging low-carbon sectors such as clean energy, new material and eco-environment protection. Capitalizing on its distinctive local experience, extensive government networking, industry expertise and strategic insights, SAIL is recognized as a preferred Chinese partner for leading international corporations.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES Celebrates 100 Years Of Movie Memories; 13 Films Restored

100th Anniversary Activities Include Major Film Restoration, New Logo Unveiling,
Home Entertainment Offerings, Theme Park Celebrations,
Signature Events and Sweeping Social Media Campaign

Universal will mark its 100th anniversary in 2012, and will commemorate its centennial with a yearlong celebration honoring the studio’s rich film history and cultural legacy. The campaign draws its inspiration from Universal’s extraordinary and diverse library of films, many of which will be highlighted throughout the year, and is designed to engage fans of all ages in the art of moviemaking.

A significant element of the centennial includes the extensive restoration of 13 of the studio’s most beloved titles such as To Kill a Mockingbird, All Quiet on the Western Front, Jaws, The Sting, Out of Africa, Frankenstein and Schindler’s List.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment will kick off the celebration in January with a special 50th anniversary release of To Kill a Mockingbird, debuting on Blu-rayTM for the first time ever. Throughout the year, Universal will pay tribute to other influential films in the Universal library with special events and Blu-rayTM releases of such iconic classics as Jaws and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, which celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Universal will reveal an updated animated logo tied to the centennial. The animated logo will make its first appearance in front of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax at its premiere in February, and for that film’s U.S. theatrical release on March 2nd. (The new static version of this logo is unveiled today and is featured at the top of this release.) Other activities surrounding the studio’s 100th anniversary include a vibrant social media campaign, special events, theme park activities, promotions and many surprises to engage fans throughout the yearlong celebration.

“This is a proud moment for all of us who’ve had the privilege of working at Universal Pictures,” said Ron Meyer, Universal Studios President and COO. “Our centennial is designed to bring special memories back to longtime movie lovers and fans, and to engage new audiences with our extraordinary library of films for the first time. Our goal, 100 years later, is to preserve, restore and continue the iconic legacy of this studio for generations to come.”

Fans and film enthusiasts can start celebrating online today at the official Universal Centennial website, http://Universal100th.com, a one-stop destination dedicated to Universal’s 100 years. The site, as well as a number of social media platforms, will bring the centennial to life online. Universal will be sharing archival content on its brand new Tumblr (http://universal100.tumblr.com/); fans of Universal classics on Facebook will find exclusives and special opportunities across their favorite pages; followers of @UniversalPics on Twitter can find the activities using the hashtag #Universal100; Foursquare users who check in at iconic Universal locations such as the studio and theme parks will be able to unlock special behind-the-scenes tips and content; and for those who are followers of fashion, Universal’s Pinterest account (www.pinterest.com/universal) will be drawing inspiration from favorite films for everyone’s Pinboards, starting with 10 inaugural titles of pop-culture classics such as The Breakfast Club, Scarface, Sixteen Candles, Bridget Jones’s Diary and Bridesmaids. These online initiatives will roll out throughout various times of the year and will tie back to the Universal Centennial official site.

In the spring, select fans will have the opportunity to attend a special gala anniversary celebration on the lot featuring many of the filmmakers and artists who shaped the studios history. In addition, the studio will spotlight the 100th Anniversary throughout various worldwide film festivals and other featured events, panels and activities.

On April 30, 1912, Universal Film Manufacturing Company filed its certificate of incorporation with the state ofNew York. In 1915, Carl Laemmle officially openedUniversalCity, the largest film production facility in the world. Throughout Universal’s 100 years, the studio has served as a home for many of the most talented filmmakers of all time (such as Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Peter Jackson, Spike Lee, John Hughes and Judd Apatow)  and created films that have touched the hearts of millions and fueled culture’s fascination with cinema. To share the profound legacy of its artists, the studio will highlight their careers with touching personal stories from filmmakers, talent, crews, employees and fans.

Universal’s key centennial activities included throughout the anniversary year are as follows:

  • Major Film Restoration Commitment

Universal will restore 13 films over the course of the centennial year. The restoration effort includes the following films: All Quiet on the Western Front, The Birds, Buck Privates, Dracula (1931), Dracula Spanish (1931), Frankenstein, Jaws, Schindler’s List, Out of Africa, Pillow Talk, Bride of Frankenstein, The Sting andTo Kill a Mockingbird.

  • Unveiling of New Logo

Universal will reveal an updated animated logo at the February premiere of the upcoming feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and at that film’sU.S. theatrical debut on March 2, 2012.  The updated logo will be used on all Universal Pictures films going forward, and will be integrated into all aspects of the company’s business as well.

 

  • Home Entertainment

Universal Home Entertainment will be introducing a limited edition 100th Anniversary Collector’s Series featuring some of the aforementioned film restorations on Blu-rayTM in collectible, book-style packaging showcasing rare movie memorabilia and brand new 10-minute video featurettes. In addition, special collections will be released throughout the year, culminating in the highly anticipated Blu-rayTM releases of Universal’s Classic Monster and Alfred Hitchcock series. A selection of movies that have shaped Universal’s legacy will also be released in commemorative packaging, many of them on Blu-rayTM for the first time ever.

 

  • Theme Park Celebrations

Universal’s Parks and Resorts will help highlight the campaign with centennial specific content and merchandise throughout both theOrlandoandHollywoodlocations. TheOrlandoresort will soon announce a specially themed entertainment experience that will celebrate Universal’s heritage. At the iconicHollywoodpark, the world-famous Studio Tour features expert guides that will take guests on a tour through 100 years of moviemaking history on the Universal Studios production backlot. Tours are conducted daily, visiting TV and movie sets ranging from the early Universal Studios monster film classics to current productions.

  • Website and Social Media Campaign

Universal will be engaging fans across multiple social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Tumblr (http://universal100.tumblr.com/) and Pinterest. At the center of all online initiatives lies a rich, robust website dedicated to all things related to the yearlong celebration of Universal’s 100th Anniversary. For more information, please visit http://Universal100th.com.

Become a fan of Universal Pictures on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/UniversalPictures

Follow Universal on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/universalpics

Grinchmas 2010 At Universal Studios Hollywood

In honor of the holiday movie season, Universal Studios Hollywood’s GRINCHMAS is celebrating Christmas beginning today, December 18th through January 2, 2011.

Grinchmas will be filled with the Grinch, his faithful dog Max, tons of fresh snow and a “Whoville Whobilation” at the original movie sets where the classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was filmed.

Nightly tree-lighting ceremonies, celebrity readings of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and encounters with a “Who’s Who” of Whoville characters will be part of the celebration, which expands this year to 18 days, beginning on December 11 and 12 and continuing daily from December 18 through January 2, 2011. “Grinchmas” is included in the price of theme park admission. More information, including holiday promotional offers and information regarding celebrity readings of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” will be available at:  www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com and on Facebook HERE.

Stephen Moyer, Jeffrey Tambor, Brandy, Bob Newhart, Jon Lovitz, Fred Willard and Joey Lawrence are among the celebrity stars to read “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” at Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Grinchmas” Celebration Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Universal Studios Hollywood Tour Guide, Molly Orr sat-down with Grinchmas star Max the Dog to get the update!

Larry Kurzweil, President, Universal Studios Hollywood, said: “’Grinchmas’ has become a true holiday tradition, an event where families can enjoy a slightly irreverent approach to the season while still being thoroughly immersed in holiday spirit. Because we expect very strong attendance during Christmas week, we’re adding five dates to this year’s ‘Grinchmas’ schedule in response to the event’s growing popularity.”

Guests will find an immersive holiday atmosphere. A whimsical, curving “Grinchmas” tree will tower 60 feet above the center of a snow-covered “Grinchmas” winter wonderland and will be lit in a nightly ceremony that will feature a colorfully costumed “Whoville” choir caroling and spreading holiday cheer. The Grinch and his faithful dog Max will be on hand to meet fans and take memorable holiday photos. Families will also be able to enjoy traditional winter fun, romping together in a playground of snow and building their own snowmen.

“Grinchmas” will also provide fans of the blockbuster movie a close-up view of the original “Whoville” film sets, featured in the classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour. As the tram rolls to a stop amid the fanciful “Whoville” buildings, guests will experience a one-of-a-kind performance by “Whoville’s” residents re-enacting favorite scenes and songs from the film.

Guests who attend Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Grinchmas” celebration will be able to purchase the “Buy a Day, Get 2011 Free” annual pass, a tremendous value allowing them to visit Universal Studios Hollywood throughout the coming year.

So bring your friends and share the true meaning of Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Grinchmas!

Studios Have A Say In THE HOBBIT Dispute

First the actors guild warned their members on Friday to stay clear of the upcoming Peter Jackson helmed HOBBIT films. Then on Sunday morning Jackson responded in kind with his own statement. Now it’s the studios turn.

New Line, Warner Bros. Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures are concerned by the recent allegations of unfair treatment of actors in New Zealand and instructions from the performers’ guilds to their membership to withhold services from the producers of THE HOBBIT in New Zealand.

We are proud to have good relations with all of those performers’ guilds and value their contribution to the motion pictures produced in their respective jurisdictions throughout the world. But we believe that in this case the allegations are baseless and unfair to Peter Jackson and his team in Wellington who have been tireless supporters of the New Zealand motion picture community.

To classify the production as “non-union” is inaccurate. The cast and crew are being engaged under collective bargaining agreements where applicable and we are mindful of the rights of those individuals pursuant to those agreements. And while we have previously worked with MEAA, an Australian union now seeking to represent actors in New Zealand, the fact remains that there cannot be any collective bargaining with MEAA on this New Zealand production, for to do so would expose the production to liability and sanctions under New Zealand law. This legal prohibition has been explained to MEAA. We are disappointed that MEAA has nonetheless continued to pursue this course of action.

Motion picture production requires the certainty that a production can reasonably proceed without disruption and it is our general policy to avoid filming in locations where there is potential for work force uncertainty or other forms of instability. As such, we are exploring all alternative options in order to protect our business interests.

Source: Deadline Hollywood

Guillermo Del Toro Names DreamWorks Animation His Home for Feature Animation

The official press release from Dreamworks Animation:

DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) announced today (Sept. 27, 2010) that famed Oscar-nominated director Guillermo del Toro has named the studio his home for animated feature film projects. Del Toro will join Andrew Adamson and Michelle Raimo as Executive Producer on Puss In Boots, which is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2011.

DreamWorks Animation has acquired from del Toro Trollhunters (working title), an original project from which the Company plans to produce a 3D animated feature film, which will be written and directed by del Toro himself. The exciting new story of Trollhunters is being kept entirely under wraps at the studio. Additionally, del Toro will consult on a number of DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming feature film releases.

“Animation is a singularly unique medium in that it allows an artist to envision, articulate and manipulate whole new worlds that spark the imagination in amazing ways,” said Guillermo del Toro. “Nowhere have I found a greater concentration of spirit and creativity than at DreamWorks Animation and I cannot imagine a better place for me to pursue my ambition as a filmmaker: to tell the best possible stories that can reach the biggest number of people around the world.”

“On behalf of the entire studio, I’d like to warmly welcome Guillermo into the DreamWorks family of filmmakers; we are incredibly honored that he has chosen our studio as his home for feature animation,” said Bill Damaschke, Co-President of Production at DreamWorks Animation. “Guillermo brings a unique vision and unmatched level of inventiveness to his storytelling and we cannot wait to see what he can do together with our creative team here at DreamWorks Animation.”

Source: DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.

WAMG Checks Out Universal Studios Hollywood’s “King Kong 360 3-D”

KONG: THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD has returned.

 

My favorite theme park has always been Universal Studios Hollywood. For movie lovers, it’s like being a kid in a candy store. Movie-themed attractions, games, food and rides, not to mention the world famous Tram Tour that takes visitors on a tour of a working Hollywood movie studio back lot.

You get to see where famous movies and TV shows, past and present were filmed and there are surprises around every corner. I go at least 3 times a year, when friends and family visit, or to just check out the latest attractions and rides.

So you can imagine my horror back in June 2008 when a fire broke out and burned down a huge portion of the back lot. Among the casualties was the King Kong attraction that was part of the tram tour. They would drive the tram into a huge soundstage and you were instantly transported to New York City where the famous ape was running amok. The fun special effects included fire, smoke, helicopters, and search lights, all leading to the final climax where Kong himself roars at the guests on the tram, banana breath and all. Needless to say it was cool.

When it was announced that the new King Kong attraction was finally ready to re-open, I knew it was something I had to see. And I must admit I was a bit skeptical. It bragged of CGI and 3-D special effects created by no other than Peter Jackson himself, famed movie director of the 2005 remake of King Kong. The CGI and 3-D technology that has become such a huge part of blockbuster, adventure, and animated movies of late is fun, but some critics and movie fans claim that after awhile, it all starts to look the same, and I have to agree. This was my concern going in.

But I have to admit, the minute that tram entered the soundstage, that was all out the window. This was some serious fun. On either side of the tram are 2 giant screens. As we enter Skull Island , we are instructed to put on our 3-D glasses and we are transported deep into the jungle right in the middle of a fierce battle. As our tram is attacked by some amazingly realistic 3-D dinousaurs, King Kong comes to the rescue and kicks some serious dinosaur butt. It’s so exciting, you have to see it for yourself.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

This is one of those attractions that if it were separate from the tram tour, you would want to do it over and over again. I highly suggest that if you live in SoCal or are planning to visit, take a day to go to Universal Studios Hollywood and experience King Kong 360 3D.

You can find Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook here.

Visit the official site at : http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/

Universal Studios Hollywood Opens “King Kong 360 3-D” To Fanfare

“Ladies and gentlemen, look at Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World.”

-Carl Denham, King Kong (1933)

Just two years after a fire destroyed the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot, the southern California theme park’s most entertaining attraction makes its return in King Kong 360 3-D!

Unveiling today as part of the Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour, visitors will get their first look at the newly designed, high-tech world of the famous ape.

Climb aboard!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO… that’s gonna be AWESOME!!!

Guests on the park-favorite backlot tram tour can expect all the thrills of the original attraction, but with the added bonus of Peter Jackson’s concept and the ever popular 3-D technology.

Universal Studios show producer Valerie Johnson-Redrow said, “the initial thought was, of course, to go back to Peter Jackson’s 2005 film and re-imagine KING KONG in an entirely new way for the studio tour.”

Before boarding the tram, riders are given 3-D glasses and instructed by Jackson in a video when to don them for the brawl, which at one point cleverly depicts the last car of the tram being ripped off. (AP)

Sound like fun? Check back for my review after I have a one-on-one with old Banana Breath next week.

Visit the official site at : http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/

THE LAST AIRBENDER: New Featurette, Soundtrack, and Game!

Paramount Pictures has put plans into full gear to get the word out for M. Night Shyamalan’s THE LAST AIRBENDER. As you can see below, producer Frank Marshall recently tweeted about a “massive AIRBENDER domestic and international marketing meeting,” along with a picture.

Hat-tip to LastAirbenderFans for this new, behind-the-scenes featurette featuring a guided tour of the film’s sets from the director himself. It’s an interesting sneak peek at the massive undertaking to build these sets on the East Coast of the U.S. As usual, I love to hear from M. Night. He’s always so enthusiastic for every one of his films.

Become the Avatar over at THE LAST AIRBENDER Facebook game! It’s very much like MafiaWars and Farmville. Have a go at it and learn how to bend the four elements. Invite your friends, engage in battles, and restore balance to the world.

After you’ve mastered the game, head over to rejoice in your new power and download NEW wallpapers from the official site of THE LAST AIRBENDER! While there have a look around at the rest of the site and discover your element.

Finally, on June 29th, Lakeshore Records will be releasing the soundtrack to THE LAST AIRBENDER. For now, you can hear 30 second clips from Shyamalan’s long time collaborator James Newton Howard’s score over at MySpace. Once again Howard has composed another beautiful score. You can preorder the cd at Amazon.

Air, Water, Earth, Fire. Aang (Noah Ringer) discovers he is the lone Avatar with the power to manipulate all four elements. Based on the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated TV series, the live-action feature film THE LAST AIRBENDER is the opening chapter in Aang’s struggle to survive.

From Paramount Pictures, THE LAST AIRBENDER will be in theaters in 3-D July 2.

Universal Pictures Pulls CARTEL’s Plug

When it was being reported late last year that JONAH HEX would be going back for re-shoots in mid-January, some were wondering what this would do with the time table for Josh Brolin’s next film, CARTEL.  Evidently, it had been pushed back to May, but, now, Deadline is reporting Universal Pictures has other plans.  The studio has pulled the plug completely on the film, slated to be directed by Asger Leth and starring Brolin as a man who seeks revenge against the Mexican cartel that killed his wife.  Production was set to begin in five weeks.

Mike Fleming of Deadline states concerns over the budget, the film’s screenplay, and with shooting such a drug-heavy film on location in Mexico.  There were some issues early on even in the film’s casting, as Sean Penn was originally set to star.  After he dropped out of film making for personal reasons, Brolin stepped in.

The cancellation on the film came from an official statement from Universal:

Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment ceased pre-production of Cartel today. As much as we had hoped to begin filming this spring in Mexico City, the studio and its producing partners did not feel it was creatively ready to move forward under the timetable and budget we had established. We thank all of the filmmakers, cast and crew for their work during pre-production.

GRAVITY Pulls Jolie Away From a Dying WANTED 2

I never thought one actress’ presence would mean so much to the life of a project, especially an acress whose character died at the end of its predecessor.  Yes, folks, that’s a spoiler for Timur Bekmambetov’s 2008 hit WANTED, and, if you haven’t seen it already, then you probably don’t care that its sequel has hit a brick wall.

Vulture is reporting that Angelina Jolie leaving the project for Alfonso Cuaron’s next film, GRAVITY, is putting Universal in a loop.  Instead of recasting the part, or even writing her out completely (she’s dead, remember?), they are pulling the plug altogether.  This could be an instinctive reaction on Universal’s part, since GRAVITY was, at one time there’s, and they put it in turnaround.

GRAVITY, now under the Warner Brothers umbrella, tells the story of a woman on a space station who is attempting to get back to Earth and her daughter.  The film poses an interesting challenge, as Jolie’s character is, essentially, the only character in the film for large chunks of the film.  With Cuaron on board to, though, I’m sure the film will be breathtaking to say the very least.

As for WANTED 2, die hard fans might not have to cry in their beer just yet.  Universal may revisit the idea of the project down the road a tick, rewriting it around Jolie’s character, casting a new actress in the part, or just waiting for Jolie to come around and take on the role again.  Bad blood at Universal may stop the latter form happening, but you never know.  A burnt bridge today usually ends up flourishing into a Golden Gate somewhere down the line.