jeffrey katzenberg – We Are Movie Geeks

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 Stops Traffic On The Croisette At The 2014 Cannes Film Festival

On Thursday, Toothless and the cast of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 stopped traffic at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

The film’s stars, Jay Baruchel, Djimon Honsou and America Ferrera, as well as DreamWorks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, posed for the paparazzi on the Croisette, while Toothless roamed around through the crowd.

Check out the photos and watch the latest featurette from the film.

From DreamWorks Animation, the studio that brought you “Shrek,” “Kung Fu Panda” and “The Croods,” comes the highly anticipated sequel to the Academy Award-nominated HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, based on the children’s book series by Cressida Cowell.

In the thrilling second chapter of the epic trilogy, five years have passed since the heroic young Viking Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) befriended an injured dragon and forever changed the way the residents of Berk interact with the fire-breathers. Now, Vikings and dragons live side-by-side in peace on the fantastical isle that has been transformed into a dragon’s paradise.

But when grown-up responsibilities loom on the horizon, Hiccup and his faithful dragon Toothless take to the skies in search of answers. It’s much more than he bargained for, though, when Hiccup discovers that a mysterious dragon rider is really his long-lost mother Valka (Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett) and that the peace between dragons and Vikings is threatened by the power-hungry Drago (Academy Award-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou) with help from the dragon trapper Eret, son of Eret (“Game of Thrones” actor Kit Harington).

As Astrid (America Ferrera), Gobber (Craig Ferguson) and Viking friends Snotlout (Jonah Hill), Fishlegs (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and twins Ruffnut (Kristen Wiig) and Tuffnut (T.J. Miller), lend their support, Hiccup, his mother and tribal chief father Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), must work together to protect the dragons they have grown to love. In the process, Hiccup finds the answers he has been looking for in ways he could never have imagined.

DreamWorks Animation SKG proudly presents HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2, featuring the voices of Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller, Kristen Wiig, Djimon Hounsou and Kit Harington.

The film is written and directed by Dean DeBlois (“How to Train Your Dragon,” “Lilo & Stitch”). It is produced by Bonnie Arnold (“How to Train Your Dragon,” “Over the Hedge,” “Tarzan”). The executive producers are Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders (“The Croods,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Lilo & Stitch”). The music is by John Powell.

This film is rated PG for adventure action and some mild rude humor.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 opens in theaters on June 13, in 3D.

http://www.howtotrainyourdragon.com

https://www.facebook.com/HowToTrainYourDragon

https://twitter.com/DWAnimation #HTTYD2

https://plus.google.com/+HowToTrainYourDragon/

http://instagram.com/dreamworksanimation

Steven Spielberg And Jeffrey Katzenberg Donate $10 Million Each To the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Todd Wawrychuk / ©A.M.P.A.S.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences received separate $10 million gifts from Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. In recognition of these gifts, the two main galleries on the lobby floor of the Academy Museum will be named for Katzenberg and Spielberg – The Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery and The Spielberg Family Gallery.

“Steven and Jeffrey share a passion for moviemaking and philanthropy,” said Academy Museum Campaign Chair Bob Iger. “With these incredibly generous gifts, they are combining the two, moving us closer to our goal of building a museum to preserve the history of motion pictures and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.” The Academy launched the Museum’s $300 million capital campaign in 2012 and has already secured more than half of the campaign’s goal in commitments. The campaign is co-chaired by Annette Bening and Tom Hanks.

“I am so pleased to join with Jeffrey to help build this museum to celebrate, educate, and preserve the arts and sciences of motion pictures,” said Spielberg. “Having our family name on the lobby floor is a deeply personal way to say how much motion pictures and the Academy have meant to all our lives.”

“Both Steven and I recognize that film’s global impact deserves a museum that reflects its unequaled heritage and serves as a beacon for the future of what we love,” added Katzenberg. “Marilyn and I appreciate this opportunity to be part of such a significant project.”

Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs commented, “Steven and Jeffrey have elevated the art of filmmaking to new heights and have created some of the most beloved films of all time. They continue to be champions of our industry. Having them join us as we build the Academy Museum is an incredible honor. We are so grateful for their support and partnership.”

The lobby of the Academy Museum will be a lively open space that will invite the public to engage in the life of the Museum. The Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery and The Spielberg Family Gallery will be the only gallery spaces on the lobby level and will showcase exhibitions that will explore the past, present, and future of moviemaking.

“We are building the world’s premier movie museum, and I cannot imagine doing this without the support of two of our industry’s most inspiring leaders,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “Their gifts will create the first galleries our visitors experience when entering the Museum.”

Designed by architects Renzo Piano and Zoltan Pali, the Academy Museum will be located next to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the historic Wilshire May Company building. Slated to open in early 2017, the Academy Museum will contain nearly 300,000 square feet of state-of-the-art galleries, exhibition spaces, theaters, screening rooms, education centers, and special event spaces.

FOLLOW THE ACADEMY
www.oscars.org
www.facebook.com/TheAcademy
www.youtube.com/Oscars
www.twitter.com/TheAcademy

The Academy Salutes Honorees At The 2012 Governors Awards – Photos And Video Highlights

Iconic filmmakers and A-list stars attended the 2012 Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, CA, Saturday, December 1. The biggest names in Hollywood gathered to celebrate the indelible contributions of honorees D.A. Pennebaker, George Stevens Jr., Hal Needham, and Jeffrey Katzenberg to filmmaking and the world. The guest list included Seth MacFarlane, host of the upcoming 85th Academy Awards ceremony, as well as the show’s producers, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Also on hand were Richard Gere, Amy Adams, Helen Hunt, Bradley Cooper, Will Smith, Ewan McGregor, David O. Russell, Kathryn Bigelow, John Lasseter, Robert Zemeckis, Judd Apatow, Leslie Mann, Kristen Stewart, Christopher Nolan and many more.

Writer/director/producer George Lucas (left), Oscar-winning director/producer Steven Spielberg (center) and Oscar-winning director/writer/producer Robert Zemeckis.

LINCOLN filmmakers – Oscar®-nominated writer Tony Kushner, Oscar®-winning director/producer Steven Spielberg and Oscar winning cinematographer Junusz Kaminski.

A video clip kicked off the evening saluting the history of the Academy’s Honorary Award, which was begun in 1948 to honor achievements outside the categories of the existing Oscars. This year, three honorees received Honorary Awards for their work, which ranged from Needham’s death-defying stunts to Pennebaker’s groundbreaking documentaries and Stevens’ landmark film preservation, while Katzenberg was recognized for his trailblazing philanthropic efforts.

The Academy blogged the ceremony live and concluded with, “As the night’s four honorees reunited for a group photo on the stage at the close of the evening, each man’s words continued to resound and providing an inspiring example to future generations of filmmakers and benefactors to come.”

Here’s a glimpse of the awards presentations in these various videos below.

The Governors Awards ceremony was produced by Don Mischer, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Charlie Haykel, and Julianne Hare, and highlights from the evening will also be presented when the recipients appear as part of the 85th Academy Awards on February 24, 2013.

Actress Kristen Stewart and Actress Quvenzhane Wallis.

Oscar®-nominated director/writer/producer David O. Russell (left), Oscar-winning actor Warren Beatty (center) and journalist Tom Brokaw.

Actor Dwight Henry (left), Governors Awards producer Cheryl Boone Isaacs (center) and actress Quvenzhane Wallis.

Oscar®-winning director/producer Steven Spielberg (left) and Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper.

Actress Leslie Mann (left), Oscar®-nominated writer Tony Kushner (center) and producer/writer/director Judd Apatow.

Oscar®-winning director/producer Steven Spielberg (left), Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper (left center), actor Badley Cooper (right center) and Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen (center).

Oscar®-winning actor Kirk Douglas (left) with wife Anne (right) and Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks.

Oscar®-winning actress Annette Bening (left), Honorary Award recipient George Stevens Jr. (center) and actor Richard Gere.

Oscar®-nominated composer Alexandre Desplat (left), Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow (left center), actor
Édgar Ramírez (right center) and Oscar-winning writer/producer Mark Boal.

Oscar®-nominated actress Amy Adams.

Oscar®-winner Helen Hunt.

Oscar®-nominated actress Jackie Weaver (left), Oscar-nominated director/writer/producer David O. Russell (center) and actor Bradley Cooper.

Actress Emayatzi Corinealdi (left) and actor David Oyelowo.

Oscar®-nominated actress Virginia Madsen.

Actor Ewan McGregor.

85th Academy Awards host Seth MacFarlane.

Oscar®-winning writer/director Quentin Tarantino.

Oscar®-winning actor Tom Hanks, Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award recipient Jeffrey Katzenberg and Oscar®-nominated actor Will Smith.

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award recipient Jeffrey Katzenberg and Oscar®-nominated actor Will Smith.

Oscar®-nominated actor John Hawkes.

Oscar®-nominated Director Michael Mann and Oscar®-nominated writer/director/producer Christopher Nolan.

Oscar®-winning director/producer John Lasseter (right) and wife Nancy.

85th Academy Awards producers Neil Meron (left) and Craig Zadan.

Photos: Matt Petit and Richard Harbaugh / ©A.M.P.A.S.

Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson, Tracy Morgan Among All-Star Lineup For Eddie Murphy Special On SPIKE TV Nov 14

Some of Hollywood’s biggest names will turn out to toast their friend for “Eddie Murphy: One Night Only,” the first-ever televised tribute to the comedic superstar. The celebrity lineup features many of Murphy’s peers and co-stars including: Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson, Tracy Morgan, Arsenio Hall, Brett Ratner, Charlie Murphy, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Martin Lawrence. “Eddie Murphy: One Night Only” will tape on Saturday, November 3 at the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles and will air on Wednesday, November 14.

The exclusive Spike TV event, produced in conjunction with Don Mischer Productions, will include short films, musical performances, sketch comedy and will culminate in an appearance by Murphy. “There is no better time than the present to honor a man who has for three decades touched the hearts of millions through laughter,” says Murphy’s brother and Executive Producer Vernon Lynch.

“Eddie Murphy: One Night Only” will pay homage to Murphy’s journey from a 15-year-old aspiring comedian, to the record-breaking “Raw,” which remains the highest grossing stand-up film of all time, to his indelible characters and impressions from “Saturday Night Live” including Buckwheat, Gumby, Mr. Robinson and James Brown.

For more information on the Eddie Murphy event, visit eddie.spike.com

Follow on Twitter: @SpikeTV

Jeffrey Katzenberg, Hal Needham, D.A. Pennebaker, George Stevens, Jr. To Receive The Academy’s Governors Awards

The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted tonight to present Honorary Awards to stunt performer Hal Needham, documentarian D. A. Pennebaker and arts advocate George Stevens, Jr., and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to philanthropist Jeffrey Katzenberg. All four awards will be presented at the Academy’s 4th Annual Governors Awards dinner on Saturday, December 1, at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

Hal Needham is a legendary stunt performer and coordinator who has worked on more than 300 feature films including “The Spirit of St. Louis,” “How the West Was Won,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Little Big Man” and “Chinatown.” A pioneer in improving stunt technology and safety procedures, Needham also co-founded Stunts Unlimited, and is known for mentoring young stunt performers. In 1986, the Academy presented Needham with a Scientific and Engineering Award for the design and development of the Shotmaker Elite camera car and crane, which allows filmmakers greater versatility in shooting action sequences. Needham made his directorial debut with “Smokey and the Bandit.“ He went on to direct such features as “Hooper” and the “Cannonball Run” films.

D. A. Pennebaker, a pioneer of modern nonfiction film, has directed more than 20 feature-length documentaries, including “Don’t Look Back,” “Monterey Pop,” “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,” “Moon over Broadway,” “Kings of Pastry” and “The War Room,” for which he received an Oscar® nomination. During his career of more than six decades, Pennebaker has inspired generations of filmmakers with his “you are here” style. He is considered one of the founders of the cinéma vérité movement, beginning with his collaboration on the seminal 1960 film “Primary.”

George Stevens, Jr. has spent a lifetime celebrating and preserving the heritage of motion pictures. After several years at the United States Information Agency, where he championed the work of young documentary filmmakers and was Oscar-nominated for producing the documentary short subject “The Five Cities of June,” Stevens went on to become the founding director of the American Film Institute. Under his leadership, the AFI established the Center for Advanced Film Studies, created the AFI Life Achievement Award and embarked on a host of educational initiatives. In 1977, Stevens co-founded the Kennedy Center Honors, which he has produced for the past 34 years.

A studio executive, film producer and philanthropist, Jeffrey Katzenberg has been instrumental in raising money for education, art and health-related causes, particularly those benefiting the motion picture industry. During more than two decades as chairman of the board for the Motion Picture and Television Fund, he helped to raise $200 million for the organization, created “The Night Before” event and worked to expand the MPTF campus. He also serves on the boards of such organizations as the California Institute of the Arts, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Geffen Playhouse, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Katzenberg currently serves as CEO of DreamWorks Animation.

The Honorary Award, an Oscar statuette, is given to an individual for “extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an Oscar statuette, is given to an individual in the motion picture industry whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry.

The Governors Awards presentation will be produced for the Academy by marketing executive Cheryl Boone Isaacs with the Don Mischer Production team led by Don Mischer, Charlie Haykel and Juliane Hare.

FOLLOW THE ACADEMY
www.oscars.org
www.facebook.com/TheAcademy
www.youtube.com/Oscars
www.twitter.com/TheAcademy

MEGA NEWS! Megamind Breaks World Record Of Largest Gathering Of Superheroes!

Mega-Victory! Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks Animation invited Superheroes young and old to the kickoff of Megamind/Megamonth and We Are Movie Geeks was there to cover the event. (I even had my nails painted Mega-blue in the spirit of Mega-fun!) It was all in a grand attempt to suit up and break the World Record for the Largest Gathering of Superheroes this Saturday morning at Nokia Plaza.

L.A. Live was transformed into a glorious MEGA epicenter for superheroes! The day started with all participants registering for the record and then everyone was treated to a Mega-Blue Breakfast filled with blueberry muffins, blue tortilla breakfast burritos, & blue cupcakes, cookies and cotton candy.

All participants had to be dressed as an easily recognizable superhero that has appeared in a published book, comic, television programme or film, as stipulated by the record guidelines. Everyone wholeheartedly took on the challenge.

There were Supermen, Batmen, and Wonderwomen of all ages, shapes and sizes. Also among the represented were the Hulk, Wolverine, Power Rangers and The Flash. It was a veritable who’s who from the Hall of Justice.

Click on thumbnail for larger image.

More than 1,501 superheroes gathered for the event – 1,580 to be exact!

Introduced by Dreamworks’ own caped crusader Jeffrey Katzenberg, Megamind, Metro Man and Will Ferrell made a magnificent appearance as the Mega Guinness World Record was announced.

Even Stan Lee was on hand!

The ecstatic crowd went wild!

The feat was witnessed by official Guinness World Records Adjudicator and Spokesperson, Stuart Claxton, who judged and verified that the attempt adhered to the strict guidelines of the record category before making an on-site announcement of the attempt’s success!

The world record marks the kickoff of MEGAMONTH, an official month dedicated to Mega-events across the country in celebration of the upcoming release of MEGAMIND, starting the voices of Will Ferrell and Brad Pitt.

When asked after the event what he thought of working on his first big animated feature, Ferrell said he enjoyed the process and was honored to be around such talents as Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and director Tom McGrath.

McGrath, going from being a Animation Designer, Animator, Layout Artist on 1992’s COOL WORLD, liked reuniting with Brad Pitt. He enjoyed working on this film because he has an special affection for super-villains

MEGAMONTH is DreamWorks Animation’s month of Mega events. Events scheduled across the country, which include Mega regional contests, Mega marathon weekend races and Mega food festivals. These events are Mega-big, Mega-bold and Mega-Mega!

Click on thumbnails for larger image.

And remember, there’s still time to enter this cool Twitter contest for the movie – ”No You Can’t!” Enter HERE for a chance to win a private IMAX 3D screening of DreamWorks Animation’s Megamind!

#NoYouCant! Tweet this message for a chance to win a private @IMAX 3D screening of DreamWorks Animation’s @Megamind.

The sweepstakes ends at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time on October 7, 2010

From DreamWorks Animation and Paramount Pictures, MEGAMIND will be hitting theaters in 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D on November 5, 2010. Like it on Facebook and follow it on Twitter. The superhero movie will never be the same!

Disney and Dreamworks Sign Distribution Deal

Strange days, indeed.Ã‚ The Walt Disney Company has agreed to enter into an exclusive long-term distribution arrangement with filmmaker and DreamWorks Studios co-founder Steven Spielberg, and partner Stacey Snider, chief executive officer of DreamWorks, to distribute all upcoming live-action motion pictures produced by DreamWorks under their partnership with Reliance BIG Entertainment, part of The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, it was announced today by Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. Continue reading Disney and Dreamworks Sign Distribution Deal

‘Kung Fu Panda 2’ On the Horizon

Dreamworks Animation SKG inc Chief Executive Jeffrey Katzenberg announced Wednesday the studio was in talks to make a sequel to their box office hit ‘Kung Fu Panda’.Ã‚ Official word could come in the next few months.

The topic came up as Katzenberg was speaking to reporters at a screening for portions of the company’s upcoming ‘Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’.Ã‚ The original ‘Kung Fu Panda’, released on June 6 has made over $561 million in worldwide ticket sales.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: