guillermo del toro – Page 5 – We Are Movie Geeks

Peter Jackson Revamps 3rd HOBBIT Movie Title – THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES

Warner Bros. Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and New Line Cinema jointly announced on Friday that the much-anticipated final film in Peter Jackson’s trilogy adaptation of the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, has now been titled THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES.

The film, previously titled “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” will be released worldwide December 17, 2014, with select international territories releasing on December 10, 2014.

Peter Jackson stated, “Our journey to make ‘The Hobbit’ Trilogy has been in some ways like Bilbo’s own, with hidden paths revealing their secrets to us as we’ve gone along. ‘There and Back Again’ felt like the right name for the second of a two-film telling of the quest to reclaim Erebor, when Bilbo’s arrival there, and departure, were both contained within the second film. But with three movies, it suddenly felt misplaced — after all, Bilbo has already arrived ‘there’ in the ‘The Desolation of Smaug.’

When we did the premiere trip late last year, I had a quiet conversation with the studio about the idea of revisiting the title. We decided to keep an open mind until a cut of the film was ready to look at. We reached that point last week, and after viewing the movie, we all agreed there is now one title that feels completely appropriate. And so: ‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ it is.”

Read it on Jackson’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PeterJacksonNZ

“The Hobbit” Trilogy tells a continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before “The Lord of the Rings,” which Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson and his team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING.

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. The international ensemble cast is led by Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Stephen Fry, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Ken Stott, James Nesbitt, and Orlando Bloom.

The film also stars, in alphabetical order, John Bell, Manu Bennett, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Billy Connolly, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Lawrence Makoare, Sylvester McCoy, Graham McTavish, Dean O’Gorman, Mikael Persbrandt, and Aidan Turner.

The screenplay for THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Jackson also produced the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Philippa Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.

The creative behind-the-scenes team is led by director of photography Andrew Lesnie, production designer Dan Hennah, editor Jabez Olssen and composer Howard Shore. The costumes are designed by Richard Taylor, Bob Buck and Ann Maskrey. Taylor is also overseeing the design and production of armour, weapons, creatures and special makeup, which are once again being made by the award-winning Weta Workshop. Oscar-winning visual effects studio Weta Digital is again handling the visual effects for the film, led by senior visual effects supervisor Joe Letteri. The hair and makeup designer is Peter Swords King. The conceptual designers are John Howe and Alan Lee. Eric Saindon is the visual effects supervisor, with David Clayton serving as animation supervisor.

Under Jackson’s direction, THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES was shot in 3D 48 frames-per-second and will be released in High Frame Rate 3D (HFR 3D) in select theaters, other 2D and 3D formats, and IMAX®. Production took place at Jackson’s own facilities in Miramar, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand. Post production took place at Park Road Post Production in Wellington.

New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Present a Wingnut Films Production, THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES.

As with the first two films in the Trilogy, THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY and THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG, the final film is a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television distribution being handled by MGM.

http://www.thehobbit.com/

Channing Tatum, Zoë Saldana, Ron Perlman Join Voice Cast Of Guillermo del Toro’s THE BOOK OF LIFE

20thCentury Fox Animation and Reel FX Animation Studios have announced casting for the companies’ animated comedy THE BOOK OF LIFE, which 20th Century Fox releases in theaters everywhere one year from today – October 17, 2014.

Channing Tatum, Zoë Saldana, Diego Luna, Christina Applegate, Ice Cube, Kate del Castillo and Ron Perlman star in the film produced by acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and directed by Jorge Gutierrez. Gutierrez also wrote the screenplay with Doug Langdale.

Also joining the cast are Cheech Marin, Hector Elizondo and legendary tenor Placido Domingo, plus Ana de la Reguera (Nacho Libre, Eastbound and Down), Eugenio Derbez (Instructions Not Included), comedian Gabriel Iglesias (Stand-up Revolution), radio personality Ricardo (“El Mandril”) Sanchez, and Danny Trejo (Machete).

An animated comedy with a unique visual style, THE BOOK OF LIFE is the journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. Rich with a fresh take on pop music favorites, THE BOOK OF LIFE encourages us to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future.

The film’s original score and songs are by two-time Academy Award®-winner Gustavo Santaolalla (Brokeback Mountain, Babel). Santaolalla is also a Grammy® winner and a noted music producer. He is currently touring with the popular Argentine band Bajofondo, which was just nominated for a Latin Grammy.

THE BOOK OF LIFE is being overseen by Oscar®-winner Aron Warner (Shrek), who now serves as President of Animation for Reel FX, and producer Brad Booker. Vanessa Morrison, President of 20th Century Animation, and Elizabeth Reddy, Vice President of Production at 20th Century Fox Animation, are supervising for the studio. Aaron Berger and Carina Schulze are also producing.

Guillermo Del Toro Fans – Watch The Trailer For His New Book CABINET OF CURIOSITIES: My Notebooks, Collections, and Other Obsessions

For more than two decades, writer-director Guillermo del Toro has mapped out a territory in the popular imagination that is uniquely his own. From his first feature-length film, the modern classic Cronos, to his best-selling novels, to his latest movie Pacific Rim, del Toro has proven himself to be a one-of-a-kind creative visionary able to bring his singular sensibility equally to Hollywood blockbusters such as Hellboy and to more personal projects such as the Oscar–winning Pan’s Labyrinth.

Now comes a gift and gorgeous keepsake for his legions of fans: GUILLERMO DEL TORO CABINET OF CURIOSITIES: My Notebooks, Collections, and Other Obsessions (Harper Design; On Sale October 29, 2013: $60.00, 256 pages; ISBN: 978-0-06-208284-8), a lavishly illustrated book that is an intimate look into one of the most imaginative minds of this century.

GUILLERMO DEL TORO CABINET OF CURIOSITIES—written with New York Times best-selling author and filmmaker Marc Scott Zicree—contains notes, drawings, and untold creatures from Guillermo del Toro’s private journals and filmmaking diaries, with never-before-seen characters, art, and ideas of things to come. The book is a captivating, intimate glimpse into the life and mind of one of the world’s most creative visionaries.

GUILLERMO DEL TORO CABINET OF CURIOSITIES begins with a foreword by James Cameron, who writes that del Toro’s art, “fearlessly confronts life in all its beauty and horror. He sees with the wonder and stark terror of a child. His notebooks are a map of the subconscious, and his films doorways into the dungeons of our dreams, allowing us to confront our own individual hearts of darkness, to do battle and emerge victorious.”

The next section of the book, entitled “Collections,” takes readers on a tour of Bleak House, del Toro’s “second home and working office, his artistic masterpiece, his cluttered attic, his pride and joy. It’s where he goes to draw and write, to recharge his batteries, to explore unfettered his creative whims.” From there, del Toro, in a series of one-on-one interviews with Zicree that are woven throughout the book, discusses his graphic inspirations, film analysis, storytelling, his “mainstays of horror,” his idea incubators, and so much more, all alongside vibrant full-color images of the things that have inspired his unique art.

The next half of the book contains faithful reproductions of del Toro’s most elaborate illustrated notebooks. Accompanying this rich mixture of imagery, narrative explorations, and notes are further one-on-one discussions with Zicree about each of del Toro’s films, translations of del Toro’s personal blend of Spanish and English, as well as additional annotations which further elucidate the ideas and contexts that gave rise to them.

Offering a privileged reproduction of Guillermo del Toro’s private reveries, GUILLERMO DEL TORO CABINET OF CURIOSITIES presents his vision in its proper context, offering a first-hand record of a truly arresting imagination.

In addition to the foreword by James Cameron, the book includes an afterword by Tom Cruise and contributions from other luminaries, including Neil Gaiman, John Landis, Alfonso Cuaron, and many others.

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Guillermo del Toro began his career working as a special effects makeup artist. He has since gone on to become one of the most creative and visionary artists of his generation. His filmmaking credits include the following titles, many of which he also wrote and produced: Cronos, Mimic, The Devil’s Backbone, Blade II, Hellboy, Hellboy II, Pan’s Labyrinth and Pacific Rim. Currently, del Toro is in production on The Strain for FX and next will write, direct and produce the feature film Crimson Peak.

Marc Scott Zicree has created classic episodes of Star Trek-The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, “Babylon Five, Sliders and many more. He has appeared as a media expert on hundreds of radio and TV shows and is the author of the bestselling Twilight Zone Companion. He lives in West Hollywood with his wonderful wife, vile little dog, and affable big dog.

It’s Robot VS Kaiju In New PACIFIC RIM Trailer – Guillermo del Toro Talks Of Dream Of Being Jaeger Pilot

Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro presented never-before-seen footage and the new trailer from his highly anticipated sci-fi adventure “Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures PACIFIC RIM” today at NCM Media Networks’ “The Bigger Picture” Cinema Upfront Event at New York City’s AMC Loews Lincoln Square movie theater.

As a special guest of the country’s top national cinema network, he previewed a new trailer of the film and then spoke to a standing-room only crowd of over 700 advertising and media industry professionals, highlighting why the movie theater experience is so important for audiences and blockbuster films like PACIFIC RIM.

Below are highlights from his remarks:

“I think that it is very important for us to remember why we go to the theater – what makes the experience memorable. I think that one of the reasons why we all are still making movies and showing movies is because we expect new generations of filmgoers to truly experience films. Not only in the scope and the size we create, but also in the community experience – the fact that you go to a theater.

When I first went to a theater as a kid, I went with my mother. And I came to the realization that there were two worlds – one world was outside the doors, and the other was inside the theater. I was so little that when I went to see that first movie, I fell asleep! I woke up, fell asleep again, and the movie kept going – I was like four years old – and it was a double feature so I was having a sandwich and some popcorn with my mother. When we came out, I wanted to go right around the block and go right back in again!

I was completely transfixed. It was not TV and it was not us sitting on the sofa at home. It was going to a place that was very much a temple of images. A temple where you can find an experience that you didn’t have in any other medium.

When we go to films, I think it is to find either one of two things, in every genre of every movie ever made – we either look for intimacy, or spectacle. I think this second category is where we crafted “Pacific Rim.” We made “Pacific Rim” thinking about skill, about how to best deliver a spectacle that was not only about showing things, but about making an audience become involved in that adventure — become involved in a world of that dimension.

In this movie, we figured out every single detail. We stared the adventure about three and a half years ago, and we started designing everything that you will see on the screen. From the tiniest detail in a small plate in the robot, to the markings on the machines, the diagrams, the IDs, the pamphlets – everything. Then to the big, big scale – things like Kaiju, which are the monsters, and Jaegers, which are the robots.

When I was a kid, for me a Kaiju – a great Kaiju film – was a unique experience. I was born in 1964 and I was able to see some of the great giant monster movies back when they were released. Some people smile when you say kittens or puppies. When you say giant monsters or giant robots, I smile! That’s really what makes my day. And I believe that there is something in every kid, or at least in every male kid, that makes them smile the same way.

When you think about these things going at each other in the middle of a city, destroying airplanes, destroying towns, it is OK because there is no relation to real-world violence. There is just the beauty, the graphic majestic spectacle, of two forces of nature clashing with each other. I think that is awe inspiring. And there is something of an element of redemption, in the sense that as a kid you finally feel that the world realizes what it is to live in a place where gigantic things make no sense!

And I think that when you live in a world like that, when you are like a kid and fulfill the fantasy of seeing these creatures, you can also then access a world of adventure. We wanted to create an aspirational world of adventure with “Pacific Rim” where you could dream of something. We didn’t want to make a war movie that requires you to only endorse one single country, or ideology, or point of view. We wanted to make an adventure for the entire world. An adventure where a kid could dream of being a Jaeger pilot, the way our generation dreamt of being a cowboy or an astronaut.

And to deliver this, we need the big screen. We need the bigger picture, we need the theater. We need the communal experience of seeing it like that, and the fact that we are sharing it with other people and validating our experience with a group of other moviegoers that love the experience.

Today, I wanted you to get a sense of scale with the Jaegers, get a sense of how it feels to have something that is 25 stories high walking towards you. With “Pacific Rim,” we went for incredibly beautiful, rich color – a saturated pallet that brings this sort of pop culture, comic book feel to the film. It’s really romantic and operatic; at least it is for giant monster and giant robot lovers!”

He then rolled several minutes of exclusive, never-before-seen footage from the film that truly showed the power of the big screen.

When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju.

On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes – a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) – who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

Oscar® nominee Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”) is directing the epic sci-fi action adventure from a script by Travis Beacham (“Clash of the Titans”). Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Mary Parent are producing, with Callum Greene serving as executive producer.

The film stars Charlie Hunnam (TV’s “Sons of Anarchy”), Idris Elba (“Thor”), Rinko Kikuchi (“The Brothers Bloom”), Charlie Day (“Horrible Bosses”), and Ron Perlman (the “Hellboy” films). The ensemble cast also includes Max Martini, Robert Kazinsky, Clifton Collins, Jr., Burn Gorman, Larry Joe Campbell, Diego Klattenhoff, and Brad William Henke.

PACIFIC RIM will be released in the US and UK on July 12, 2013.

Official site: http://pacificrimmovie.warnerbros.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pacificrimmovie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PacificRim

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures PACIFIC RIM Trailer Comes Online

IDRIS ELBA, ROB KAZINSKY and director GUILLERMO DEL TORO on the set of Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ sci-fi action adventure “PACIFIC RIM,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Kerry Hayes

Ready for fighting aliens, monsters and robots on a colossal scale? Human pilots Idris Elba and Charlie Hunnam rise to the challenge to save humanity in this first trailer for director Guillermo del Toro’s sci-fi action adventure PACIFIC RIM.

What a cool trailer and I’m glad to see Elba headlining another big summer film after he starred in Ridley Scott’s PROMETHEUS. He won the Golden Globe award for best actor in a miniseries at the 2012 ceremony for his role as Detective Chief Inspector John Luther in BBC’s fantastic “Luther”. Next up for the actor is another turn – and much larger role – as the Asgardian sentry “Heimdall” in THOR: THE DARK WORLD (November 8, 2013).

When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume Earth’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes – a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) – who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

With a screenplay by Travis Beacham (CLASH OF THE TITANS – 2010) and Guillermo del Toro from a story by Travis Beacham, the cast also includes Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Robert Kazinsky, Max Martini, Clifton Collins, Jr., Burn Gorman, Larry Joe Campbell, Brad William Henke, Diego Klattenhoff and Ron Perlman. PACIFIC RIM will be in 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX on July 12.

http://pacificrimmovie.warnerbros.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pacificrimmovie and https://www.facebook.com/PacificRimMovieUK

https://twitter.com/@PacificRimUK

Guillermo Del Toro To Host “Universal’s Legacy of Horror” Series Opening At The Academy – Oct. 2

Pictured: Bela Lugosi, DRACULA, 1931. Courtesy of AMPAS

Looking for a good scare next month? Before you head out trick-or-treating on the 31st, and you’re in the Southern California area, you need to head over to the Academy in Beverly Hills. Our friends at AMPAS are hosting an October-long celebration of classic horror films in honor of “Universal’s Legacy of Horror”– part of the studio’s year-long 100th anniversary celebration. Writer & director Guillermo del Toro, a true aficionado of the horror-genre, will host the kick-off screening celebrating the studio that defined “horror films. ” The Academy will screen newly restored prints from Universal.

For those not wanting bad dreams the Academy will also present “Universal’s Legacy of Horror: A Centennial Exhibition,” which includes rare posters, stills and other artifacts celebrating Universal’s distinctive contributions to the classic horror genre and the studio’s founding 100 years ago. The exhibition will run in the Academy Grand Lobby throughout October. Admission to see the exhibit is free.

Series passes for “Universal’s Legacy of Horror” (excluding the Saturday double features) are $20 for the general public and $15 for Academy members and students with valid ID. Tickets for individual screenings 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. Ticketed seating is unreserved. For more information call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org.

“The Bride of Frankenstein ” (1935) and “Dracula ” (1931)
Tuesday, October 2, at 7:30 p.m.
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills

“The Man Who Laughs ” (1928)
Monday, October 8, at 7:30 p.m.
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills

Special guests scheduled include producer Chris Weitz, grandson of producer, Paul Kohner. This rarely screened silent horror feature stars Conrad Veidt and Mary Philbin.

“The Wolf Man ” (1941) and “An American Werewolf in London ” (1981)
Tuesday, October 9, at 7:30 p.m.
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills

Special guests scheduled include director John Landis, Oscar-winning makeup artist Rick Baker, producer George Folsey, Jr. and actor David Naughton from “An American Werewolf in London. “

“Creature from the Black Lagoon ” (1954, in 3D) and “The Invisible Man ” (1933)
Tuesday, October 16, at 7:30 p.m.
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills

Special guests scheduled include actress Julie Adams, who played Kay Lawrence in “Creature from the Black Lagoon. “

“The Birds ” (1963)
Tuesday, October 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills

Special guests scheduled include actresses Tippi Hedren, who played Melanie Daniels, and Veronica Cartwright, who played Cathy Brenner, in the film.

“Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein ” (1948) and “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken “(1966)
Saturday, October 27, at 2 p.m.
Linwood Dunn Theater
1313 Vine Street, Hollywood

Special guests scheduled include actress Joan Staley, who played Alma Parker, in “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. “

“The Incredible Shrinking Man ” (1957) and “Tarantula “ (1955)
Saturday, October 27, at 2 p.m.
Oscars Outdoors
1341 Vine Street, Hollywood

“The Phantom of the Opera ” (1925)
Tuesday, October 30, at 7:30 p.m.
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills

Warner Bros. Pictures Showcases THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, MAN OF STEEL, PACIFIC RIM And Stars At Comic Con

Warner Bros. Pictures will once again have a major presence at this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego, including appearances by fan-favorite stars and filmmakers from some of the Studio’s most anticipated films. Comic-Con attendees will also be treated to never-before-seen footage, including some that will be shown nowhere else. Talent from the films will also be on hand to answer questions, sign autographs, and more.

On Saturday, July 14^th, in Hall H, beginning at 2:30 p.m., Warner Bros. Pictures will showcase a number of the releases upcoming from the Studio and its partners at Legendary Pictures, New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The special star-studded presentation also holds some surprises for the 6,500-plus fans in the convention’s largest presentation space.

The program highlights include a film that has already generated huge buzz: “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” directed by Peter Jackson, the Oscar^®-winning filmmaker of the blockbuster “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Jackson, who just wrapped production in New Zealand, is embarking on his own journey halfway around the world to greet fans, who are already counting down to the December 14^th opening of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.”

Joining Jackson on the stage will be Oscar^®-winning screenwriter Philippa Boyens, along with several of the film’s stars, including Martin Freeman, who portrays the title character, Bilbo Baggins; Richard Armitage, who plays the fierce leader of the Dwarves, Thorin Oakenshield; the legendary Sir Ian McKellen, who returns as Gandalf; and fan favorite Andy Serkis, the extraordinary talent who is truly behind the character of Gollum. Attendees will also be invited to ask questions about the making of this epic adventure.

The presentation also includes the DC Comics superhero who, inarguably, started it all. Superman will be back on the big screen next Summer in the much-anticipated action adventure “Man of Steel.” Filmmaker Zack Snyder, the director behind “300” and “Watchmen,” will be at Comic-Con and will take questions from the audience about the making of “Man of Steel,” which opens on June 14, 2013.

Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed writer/director of such films as “Pan’s Labyrinth” and the “Hellboy” films, will also be on hand with a preview of his science fiction action adventure, “Pacific Rim,” opening on July 12, 2013. The film’s stars Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day and Ron Perlman will join the director on stage for the presentation, which includes never-before-seen footage cut together exclusively for Comic-Con. Fans will also have an opportunity to engage in a Q & A with del Toro and his cast.

On the main convention floor, the Studio has created a must-see, 3,600-plus square-foot booth that demands repeated visits to capture it all. Located at Space #4545, the Warner Bros. booth is the place to be for autograph signings, photo ops and more, with stars and creators from some of the Studio’s upcoming feature films, as well as hit TV shows, interactive titles, award-winning animated properties and new Blu-ray™ & DVD releases.

The booth will showcase static displays of the “Man of Steel” Superman costume, and Batman’s amazing two-wheeled Bat-Pod, which was introduced in the 2008 record-breaking blockbuster “The Dark Knight” and is featured again in this Summer’s most anticipated film, “The Dark Knight Rises.”

The multi-leveled Warner Bros. booth also features a dedicated area for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” featuring column and wall mountings of lenticular imagery from the film, as well as a scroll depicting the story. Images from that film, as well as other upcoming Warner Bros. projects, including “The Dark Knight Rises,” will be displayed on virtually every surface of the booth, drawing the eye from floor to ceiling.

While the Warner Bros. booth will have something to see at every minute of every day of the convention, on Saturday, July 14^th, it will be the place to be to meet and greet some of the stars and filmmakers from several of the Studio’s upcoming features. Some of the autograph signing opportunities include “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” stars Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage and Andy Serkis, from 11:15 a.m. to 12 noon; from “Pacific Rim,” stars Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day and Ron Perlman, and director Guillermo del Toro, from 3:55 to 4:55 p.m.; and “Man of Steel” director Zack Snyder from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. (Please note that times are approximate. Check your schedule and other announcements for updates.)

About “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” – Opening on December 14, 2012:

From Academy Award^®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). The film follows title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know. The screenplay for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro, based on The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood.

https://www.facebook.com/TheHobbitMovie

About “Man of Steel” – Opening on June 14, 2013:

Next summer, “Man of Steel” is coming to the big screen, presented by Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures. Directed by Zack Snyder, the film is produced by Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder, with Thomas Tull, Lloyd Phillips and Jon Peters serving as executive producers. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer from a story by Goyer & Nolan, based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Comics. “Man of Steel” stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni and Russell Crowe.

https://www.facebook.com/manofsteel

About “Pacific Rim” – Opening on July 12, 2013:

From acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ sci-fi action adventure “Pacific Rim.” When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes—a washed up former pilot and an untested trainee who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse. “Pacific Rim” stars Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Idris Elba, Ron Perlman, and Charlie Day. “Pacific Rim” was written by Travis Beacham. Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Mary Parent are producing, with Callum Greene serving as executive producer.

https://www.facebook.com/pacificrimmovie

Guillermo Del Toro And Mark Gustafson Will Co-Direct Stop Motion 3D Feature GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO

Guillermo Del Toro will co-direct “Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio” with Mark Gustafson (Animation Director on THE FANTASTIC MR. FOX). The Jim Henson Company production will be a 3D stop-motion animated version of PINOCCHIO based on the edition of Carlo Collodi’s classic tale illustrated by Gris Grimly. Inferno will represent the property to international buyers at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival.

Del Toro most recently served as executive producer of DreamWorks’ “Puss in Boots,” “Kung Fu Panda2” and the upcoming “Rise of the Guardians” as well as creative consultant on “Megamind.” “Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio” marks his first turn helming an animated feature.

With a story by Del Toro, his frequent collaborator Matthew Robbins, and Gris Grimly, “Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio” is a retelling of one of the world’s best-loved tales. The puppet Pinocchio embarks on a series of extraordinary and thrilling adventures, proving himself to be as indestructible as his love for his father. Robbins wrote the screenplay for the project.

Lisa Henson will produce for The Jim Henson Company with Del Toro and Jason Lust. Grimly and Gary Ungar will serve as executive producers, as will Bill Johnson and Jim Seibel of Inferno. Veteran rock musician and film composer Nick Cave will serve as music consultant for the production.

“Guillermo has been so passionate about this project from its inception and it is an honor to have him bring his unique blend of live action and animation experience to this well-loved story, collaborating with the talented Mark Gustafson,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company.

“We thought the combination of beloved family friendly brands such as Pinocchio and The Jim Henson Company along with the visual and storytelling genius of Guillermo del Toro would have the makings of a film that will have tremendous worldwide box office appeal,” said Inferno’s Co-Chairman Bill Johnson. Added Jim Seibel, Co-Chairman of Inferno, “This is an exciting opportunity for both Inferno and the international distributors to be in business with filmmakers of this pedigree.”

Since his first film, the Spanish language gothic thriller CRONOS, won the Critics’ Prize at the 1993 Cannes International Film Festival, Guillermo del Toro has established himself as one of the leading writer-director-producers working today. Del Toro is currently producing, directing and co-wrote the large scale monster movie PACIFIC RIM for Legendary Films and Warner Brothers. His 2006 film PAN’S LABYRINTH became a surprise worldwide motion picture event. The film went on to take home three Academy Awards, Best Foreign Language Film at the BAFTAs, and landed on dozens of Best Picture of the Year lists. No stranger to the world of animation, Del Toro has a deal with DreamWorks Animation and served as an executive producer on KUNG FU PANDA 2, PUSS IN BOOTS and the upcoming THE RISE OF THE GUARDIANS, and as a creative consultant on MEGAMIND. In addition to his work in film, del Toro is the co-author of the STRAIN TRILOGY novels, each of which has been a New York Times top 10 best seller and has been published in thirty languages worldwide. Over the course of his prolific career, the many films with which Del Toro has been involved have grossed over $3 billion worldwide and have won countless international festival and academy awards. He is represented by Exile Entertainment; WME; and Hirsch, Wallerstein, Hayum, Matloff and Fishman, LLC.

The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 50 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Recent credits include the Emmy® nominated “Sid the Science Kid,” “Dinosaur Train,” “Wilson & Ditch: Digging America” and “Pajanimals.” Features include “The Dark Crystal,” “Labyrinth,” “MirrorMask,” and “Unstable Fables” and television productions include “Fraggle Rock” and the sci-fi cult series “Farscape.”

With additional locations in New York and London, The Jim Henson Company is headquartered in Los Angeles advertising clients, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry’s top recording facilities known for its world-class blend of state-of-the-art and vintage equipment. The Company’s Henson Alternative brand has recently launched the national tour of “Stuffed and Unstrung,” a live puppet improvisational show named one of the top 10 “Best Stage Shows of 2010” by Entertainment Weekly.

Since launching its operation in 2002, Inferno has established itself as a premiere production and film financing company with the capability and autonomy to finance and package a diverse slate of high quality, commercial theatrical films. Inferno’s foreign sales and production operations continue rapid growth through strong distributor relationships and strategic partnerships with both private and public equity funds. Inferno’s upcoming film slate includes: – KILLING THEM SOFTLY, a comedic crime thriller written and directed by Andrew Dominik, starring Brad Pitt. And The HOST, a romantic, action sci-fi, based on Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novel adapted for the screen and directed by Andrew Niccol, starring Saoirse Ronan, and produced by Nick Wechsler, Stephenie Meyer and Chockstone Pictures. The film will be distributed by Open Road Films. Inferno’s previous films include THE GREY starring Liam Neeson, and directed by Joe Carnahan.

Video: DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK Q&A With Guillermo del Toro, Katie Holmes, Bailee Madison & Director Troy Nixey

For you horror fans out there who can’t wait until the August 26th release, watch this conversation with Guillermo del Toro, director Troy Nixey, and stars Katie Holmes and Bailee Madison from FilmDistrict/Miramax’s DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK. Warning: the video below contains MAJOR spoilers.

Produced by Guillermo Del Toro and Mark Johnson, the film stars Katie Holmes, Guy Pearce, Bailee Madison and Jack Thompson and marks the directorial debut of Troy Nixey. DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK is a remake of a 1973 TV movie bearing the same title, considered by Del Toro to be among the scariest ever made. The film was co-written by Del Toro and Matthew Robbins.

DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK follows Sally (Bailee Madison), a young girl who moves to Rhode Island to live with her father (Guy Pearce) and his new girlfriend (Katie Holmes) in the 19th-century mansion they are restoring. Having stumbled upon the mansion’s hidden basement, Sally starts hearing voices calling out from the bolted ash pit, imploring her to open it. Sally obliges and unwittingly unleashes something so terrible, so unthinkable, that everyone’s life – hers most of all – is placed in immediate and grave danger.

Watch the trailer again – – if you dare!

Visit the official site: http://www.dontbeafraidofthedark.com/

“Like the film on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DontBeAfraidoftheDark

Production Begins On THE HOBBIT – Check Out The New Set Photos!

On the set of THE HOBBIT in Wellington, NZ.

Below is the official press release announcing that production has begun on THE HOBBIT along with two set photos of director Peter Jackson in New Zealand. Check out THE HOBBIT’s Facebook page HERE, Peter Jackson’s Facebook page HERE and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Official Facebook Page HERE. Visit the official HOBBIT blog HERE. It does the heart good to see that Middle Earth is ever so close!

THE HOBBIT films are co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production. Warner Bros Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television licensing being handled by MGM. The two films are planned for release in late 2012 and 2013, respectively.

Warner Bros. Pictures Press Release:

PRODUCTION BEGINS IN NEW ZEALAND ON THE HOBBIT, PETER JACKSON’S TWO FILM EPIC ADAPTATION OF J.R.R. TOLKIEN’S TIMELESS CLASSIC

In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit…

Wellington, NZ, March 21, 2011—Production has commenced in Wellington, New Zealand, on “The Hobbit,” filmmaker Peter Jackson’s two film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s widely read masterpiece.

“The Hobbit” is set in Middle-earth 60 years before Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”

The two films, with screenplays by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson, will be shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Filming will take place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.

“The Hobbit” follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities…A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Martin Freeman takes the title role as Bilbo Baggins and Ian McKellen returns in the role of Gandalf the Grey. The Dwarves are played by Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Ken Stott (Balin), Graham McTavish (Dwalin), William Kircher (Bifur) James Nesbitt (Bofur), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Rob Kazinsky (Fili), Aidan Turner (Kili), Peter Hambleton (Gloin), John Callen (Oin), Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Adam Brown (Ori). Reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy are Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Elijah Wood as Frodo. Jeffrey Thomas and Mike Mizrahi also join the cast as Dwarf Kings Thror and Thrain, respectively. Further casting announcements are expected.

“The Hobbit” is produced by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, alongside Carolynne Cunningham. Executive producers are Ken Kamins and Zane Weiner, with Philippa Boyens as co-producer. The Oscar-winning, critically acclaimed “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, also from the production team of Jackson and Walsh, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box office. In 2003, “The Return of the King” swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the 11 categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.

Among the creative behind-the scenes team returning to Jackson’s crew are director of photography Andrew Lesnie, production designer Dan Hennah, conceptual designers Alan Lee and John Howe, composer Howard Shore and make-up and hair designer Peter King. Costumes are designed by Ann Maskrey and Richard Taylor.

Taylor is also overseeing the design and production of weaponry, armour and prosthetics which are once again being made by the award winning Weta Workshop. Weta Digital take on the visual effects for both films, led by the film’s visual effects supervisor, Joe Letteri. Post production will take place at Park Road Post Production in Wellington.

ABOUT NEW LINE CINEMA:

New Line Cinema continues to be one of the most successful independent film companies. For more than 40 years, its mission has been to produce innovative, popular, profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line produced the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which is a landmark in the history of film franchises. New Line Cinema is a division of Warner Bros.

ABOUT PETER JACKSON/WINGNUT FILMS:

Peter Jackson is one of the world’s most successful filmmakers. His monumental achievement co-writing, co-producing and directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy (with fellow Academy Award winners and frequent collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens) earned a total of 30 Academy Award nominations and 17 Academy Awards. Jackson and Walsh received their first Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for their acclaimed film Heavenly Creatures. Jackson, through his New Zealand-based Wingnut Films banner, also was responsible for the globally successful 2005 remake of King Kong which earned over $500 million worldwide and 3 Academy Awards. Jackson most recently directed the Academy Award nominated The Lovely Bones; an adaptation of the acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, which to date has earned nearly $100 million worldwide; and produced the global sensation, District 9, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. He is also developing a trilogy of films with Steven Spielberg based on Tintin, the world renowned comic book series by Herge. In 2010 he received a Knighthood for his services to film.

ABOUT METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS INC.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

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