CRUNCHYROLL TO SERVE UP THE PRINCE OF TENNIS II THIS WINTER

CRUNCHYROLL TO SERVE UP THE PRINCE OF TENNIS II THIS WINTER

The leader in streaming anime and Asian content matches up with THE PRINCE OF TENNIS II this season

San Francisco, Calif. (December 30, 2011) – Crunchyroll continues its winter simulcast announcements with the addition of THE PRINCE OF TENNIS II, which will be available every Wednesday starting on January 4, at 10:30 am PST for its members. More information can be found on www.crunchyroll.com/princeoftennis.

THE PRINCE OF TENNIS II will be available in the following territories: North America, South America, Central America, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Portugal, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Turkey

Crunchyroll’s Senior Brand Manager Michelle Hwang said, “With a long running manga series, a myriad of anime and a huge following surrounding one of the most popular worldwide sports, we are more than ecstatic to feature THE PRINCE OF TENNIS II on our site this winter! Match, set and point!”

“Middle school students fought fiercely against one another in a national tournament. Now, 50 chosen representatives return to fight against high schoolers! The stage is the U-17 (Under Seventeen) Japanese Representative Training Camp. Middle school students have been invited for the first time to a camp known to produce the best Japanese tennis players.

National champions from Seigaku, Hyotei, Rikkai, Shitenhoji…With all the rivals from the national tournament attending, everyone eagerly awaits their reunion. At first, the middle schoolers do not expect much from their high school opponents. However, the training camp is not so easy!

Athletes with skills incomparable to those they previously faced and their mysterious coach appear before them. Faced with numerous demanding challenges, can the middle schoolers survive in this meritocratic training camp? The new chapter of “Prince of Tennis” begins here!
The curtain rises on a new stage–”

Episodes can be accessed from Crunchyroll.com, the free iPad and iPhone application, the Android application, Roku, Boxee, Vizio VIA, WD TV Live and additional set-top channels, and affiliate partners.

Crunchyroll premium members will have access to the largest anime and drama selection, same-day access for simulcasted titles, no advertisements and can be viewed in 480p-to-720p quality on selected titles. More information about the Crunchyroll membership plan can be found at: http://www.crunchyroll.com/freetrial/

About Crunchyroll, Inc.

Crunchyroll is a leading global video network and developer of social media applications for Japanese anime and Asian media. Through applications like Crunchyroll for iPhone, iPad, Android, TV set-top boxes, affiliate websites and its own streaming website, Crunchyroll delivers officially-licensed content from leading Asian media producers directly to consumers.

Crunchyroll has offices in San Francisco, Calif. and Tokyo, Japan, and is a member of the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) and Licensing International Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). Founded in 2006, Crunchyroll is funded by leading venture capital firm, Venrock, Japanese entertainment giant TV TOKYO, digital publishing leader Bitway and a group of angel investors representing some of the brightest and most successful entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com.

The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause crunchyroll.com’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company’s assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

Broken Blade Airing Throughout January Exclusively on Comcast Xfinity

OUSTON, TX — Dec. 30, 2011 — Broadcast and digital distributor Anime Network and Comcast Cable are starting 2012 off with a bang, coming together to bring our fans a tale of war, magic, and ancient mecha: Broken Blade!
Throughout January and February, Anime Network is inviting Broken Blade viewers to enter to win ten limited edition DVD/Blu-ray and English cast autographed poster sets. For more information, visit www.theanimenetwork.com/brokenbladecontest.
Broken Blade, published by Sentai Filmworks and distributed by Section 23 Films is the story of Rygart Arrow who defends Cruzon by piloting an ancient and powerful Golem.
ABOUT THE SERIES
In Cruzon, children are born with the ability to control quartz. This power allows them to levitate simple objects—or control enormous and complex mobile battle suits called Golems. But when an ancient Golem is discovered during the height of a brutal war, a young king and his beautiful queen turn to Rygart Arrow. Though an “un-sorcerer,” Rygart can miraculously pilot this ancient and powerful weapon. But in war, school friends can turn into bitter enemies and allies have suspicious motives. Strap yourself in, power up, and prepare for the heavy metal mecha action of Broken Blade!

ABOUT ANIME NETWORK
Anime Network is a leading broadcast and digital distributor of Japanese animation and Asian cinema in North America. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Anime Network was founded in 2002 and launched as one of the first VOD networks on most major cable providers. Anime Network’s mission is to bring the best in anime programming to every household in North America. In addition to our VOD network, consumers can access our Online Streaming Service on our official website. This dynamic website, featuring an ever growing anime community, includes a subscription service that mirrors the VOD network and allows viewers to catch up on episodes they may have missed on broadcast.

 

The Iron Lady: Music from the Motion Picture (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

“The Iron Lady: Music from the Motion Picture” is soundtrack that is well-composed and consistent for the most part of the soundtrack.  I loved the use of strings, brass and percussion throughout the entire soundtrack, although “Community Charge” and the sound of electric guitar churning, seemed a bit out of place.  But the addition of “Shall We Dance?”, “Casta Diva” and “Prelude No. 1 in C major, BWV 846″ was a great addition to the soundtrack.  A good soundtrack overall.

TITLE: The Iron Lady: Music from the Motion Picture

LABEL: Sony Classical

DURATION: 54:42

RELEASE DATE: December 27, 2011

1. Soldiers of the Queen
2. MT
3. Grover’s Daughter
4. Grand Hotel
5. Swing Parliament
6. Eyelash
7. Shall We Dance? (from “The King & I”) – By Deborah Kerr, Marni Nixon and Yul Bryner
8. Denis
9. The Great in Great Britain
10. Airey Neave
11. Discord and Harmony
12. The Twins
13. Nation of Shopkeepers
14. Fiscal Responsibility
15. Crisis of Confidence
16. Community Charge
17. Casta Diva [From "Norma"] by Maria Callas; Orchestra Del Teatro Alla Scala; Tullio Serafin
18. The Difficult Decisions
19. Exclusion Zone
20. Statecraft
21. Steady the Buffs
22. Prelude No. 1 in C major, BWV 846

Margaret Thatcher, prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to1990 is best known for her strict conservative policies and her hard line against the trade unions which have earned her the nickname “The Iron Lady”.

While many who grew up during that time were familiar with her impact in politics and society, there are those who recognized her efforts of smashing the barriers for women.  A complex woman who is known for her virtue but a woman who also is know for making decisions that have angered some of her countrymen.

In 2011, the film “The Iron Lady” directed by Phyllida Lloyd (“Macbeath”, “Mamma Mia!”, “Gloriana”) and a screenplay written by Abi Morgan (“Shame”, “Tsunami: The Aftermath”, “Sex Traffic”) and starring Meryl Streep (“Kramer vs Kramer”, “Julie & Julia”, “The Devil Wears Prada”) and Jim Broadbent (“Gangs of New York”, “Moulin Rouge!”, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”).

The film has received positive reviews, including recognition for Meryl Streep’s performance as Margaret Thatcher.  “The Iron Lady” focuses on Margaret Thatcher’s life from the past and the 17 days leading up to the Falklands War in 1982.  An intimate portrait of the first and only female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and one of the most famous and influential women of the 20th Century.The film focuses about power and the price that is paid for power.

To capture the general mood of Thatcher’s life and leadership as prime minister, the composer selected to create the music for the film is Thomas Newman (“Wall-E”, “The Shawshank Redemption”, “American Beauty”).

First let’s discuss the music not by Thomas Newman.  Included are “The Iron Lady: Music from the Motion Picture” begins with “Soldiers of the Queen Regimental March” performed by the Military Band of the Queen’s Regiment.  A short and live performance.  Also included are “Shall We Dance?”, the classic song from the film “The King & I” performed by Deborah Kerr, Marni Nixon and Yul Brynner.  The opera track “Casta Diva” from “Norma” which is performed by Maria Callas, Orchestra Del Teatro Alla Scala and Tullio Serafin.  The soundtrack concludes with a beautiful piano melody by Olli Mustonen titled “Prelude No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846).

As for the music by Thomas Newman, you have a range of orchestral and synth created music.  Many start out towards the short duration under a minute long but then you get beautiful and powerful music such as the strings-driven track “Swing Parliament”, the lively “The Great in Great Britain” and the brass-driven track of “Discord and Harmony”.

And of course, you get into tracks that show the more darker side of Thatcher’s life from “Crisis in Confidence” featuring the percussion and brass heavy track, the rock n’ roll “Community Charge” (which seemed a bit out of place in the entire soundtrack), the looming slow to mid-tempo synth and percussion track “Exclusion Zone” and return to strings with “Statecraft” and “Steady the Buffs”.

The CD soundtrack booklet comes with images from the film, production credits and track listing.

“The Iron Lady: Music from the Motion Picture” is soundtrack that is well-composed and consistent for the most part of the soundtrack.  I loved the use of strings, brass and percussion throughout the entire soundtrack, although “Community Charge” and the sound of electric guitar churning, seemed a bit out of place.  But the addition of “Shall We Dance?”, “Casta Diva” and “Prelude No. 1 in C major, BWV 846″ was a great addition to the soundtrack and the songs that I listened to the most.

A good soundtrack overall.

 

Russell Brand and Katy Perry are divorcing

Russell Brand has filed for divorce from Katy Perry. The two have been rumored to have marital problems when Perry vacation in Hawaii, while Brand was in England during Christmas.

Russell Brand said in a statement, “Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage. I’ll always adore her and I know we’ll remain friends.”

Their marriage lasted for 14 months.

 

AKB48 wins Grand Prize at the 53rd Nihon Record Taishou

AKB48 has won the Grand Prize at the 53rd Nihon Record Taishou (Japan Record Awards – equivalent to America’s Grammy Awards) on December 30th.

AKB48 is the brainchild of Yasushi Akimoto, the producer of the large female pop group Onyanko Club and the AKB48 franchise. Despite struggling CD sales in Japan, AKB48 has received significant sales over a million in 2011.

Fairies won “Newcomer of the Year”.

 

A “DATELINE” EXCLUSIVE – LESTER HOLT SITS DOWN WITH JENNIFER HUDSON ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8 AT 7PM/6C AND THEN ON MONDAY, JANUARY 9 SHE WILL BE LIVE ON “TODAY”

December 29, 2011 – New York, NY – In a “Dateline” exclusive airing on Sunday, January 8 at 7pm/6pm Central, Lester Holt interviews Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson. And on Monday, January 9 – the day before her new book I Got This, hits shelves – she will appear live on “TODAY.”

On “Dateline,” Lester Holt and Jennifer Hudson talk intimately about her body image, weight loss and healthy living tips as they cook together; Hudson also discloses details of her upcoming nuptials, the Julian D. King Gift Foundation she started in her nephew’s honor, and more.

Sound bites from the interview follow. If used, must include mandatory credit with airdate:

On her new book:
Lester Holt: This book is about your career.

Jennifer Hudson: Yea.

Lester Holt: But it’s also about your image. It’s about the struggle with weight.

Jennifer Hudson: Well I was much heavier growing up. But I was wearing, like size 22s or 24s and things like that.

Lester Holt: I Got This is more than a book title; it’s her musical anthem for “making it” as a larger woman from Chicago’s rough-and-tumble South Side, all the way to the top.

Jennifer Hudson: … That’s just how I look at things. Instead of second-guessing myself or doubting things, or even defeating myself before I even try. That’s where this came from. You know what – I Got This. That’s why I wrote this book. It’s like I wanna be that voice cheering others on you know. And if I got this, you got it too.

###

On Hudson’s fiancé David Otunga:
Lester Holt: I don’t know how to put this … let me just say that’s one chiseled piece of man candy.

Jennifer Hudson: Yes, he is. With a sweet romantic side, too. He’s very old-fashioned. Something he proved in August 2008 when he took the opportunity to ask my mom for, you know, permission to propose. And she gave her blessing.

###

On performing at the Super Bowl in February 2009, her first appearance since the tragic deaths of her family:
Lester Holt: Were you sure you were even ready to step out?

Jennifer Hudson: Well, I felt as though I had to. Again, just the same as I hear my mother’s voice in my head, I can hear my brother’s voice in my head. And he– they, like, everybody, it’s like, is she ever gonna sing again? Is she gonna– you know? And what was I gonna say to that– I could hear him, like, “Jennifer–” he would always say, “Knock it off, Jenny,” if I was cryin’ about somethin’ or if I was upset, discouraged, mad, “Jenny, knock it off.” That’s what I hear in my head. And it’s like, “Okay, well, what they want me to do? I can either just sit here and mope around, or do what I know that would make them proud.” And that’s what I did.

Lester Holt: And the crowd loved you for it.

###

Where Hudson was on that tragic day:
Lester Holt: … in Ebony Magazine, you talked about – that in some ways, he (David Otunga) saved your life, too.

Jennifer Hudson: Yeah, he did. I remember it like yesterday. And I was literally pickin’ up my bags to walk out the door to go to my mother’s house. And he called me, like, “Can you come out here instead of going, you know?” And I was like, “Okay, sure.” And that one decision, that one thing, I wouldn’t be sittin’ here.

Lester Holt: You would’ve been there?

Jennifer Hudson: Uh-huh.

###

On a wedding date and her dress:
Lester Holt: You’re so busy singing, David is busy wrestling. Have you guys had time to set a date?

Jennifer Hudson: Oh, we’ve set the date. We’re just not telling. … no, not telling. Some things you keep to yourself. (but) I could tell you about my dress if you want to hear about the dress.

Lester Holt: Yea, I’d love to hear about the dress.

Jennifer Hudson: It’s a show. It has three pieces to it. I designed it myself. It has a coat for the entrance and then when I get ready to walk, you take that part off. And then it’s another dress. And then by the time I get to the alter, it’s a whole new dress.

###

David Corvo is the senior executive producer and Liz Cole is the executive producer of “Dateline” (Fridays at 10pm and Sundays at 7pm ET) and Jim Bell is the executive producer of “TODAY” (Mon. – Fri., 7-11am ET). Follow “Dateline” on Facebook and Twitter @datelinenbc.

 

Zooey Deschanel and Joseph-Gordon Levitt sings “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”

It’s great to see Zooey Deschanel and Joseph-Gordon Levitt (stars of “Manic” and “(500) Days of Summer”) again, but this time for a YouTube video as the two sing “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”.

Zooey writes, “I have known Joe Gordon-Levitt for going on 12 years. We first met in the summer of 2000 while doing a tiny movie called Manic, where we bonded over a mutual appreciation for Harry Nilsson and Nina Simone and I have been lucky enough to call him one of my dearest friends ever since. When we did 500 Days of Summer 8 years later, we spent every lunch hour dancing to Marvin Gaye in the hair and make up trailer; we had loads of fun. I hope to do a thousand more movies with him because he’s simply the best. But in the meantime, we made a little New Year’s duet for all of you! ”

 

Naruto volume 54 by Masashi Kishimoto (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

Another action-packed volume of “Naruto” as Guy takes on Kisame, Konan vs. Tobi, Tsuchikage vs. Kabuto and the race to protect Naruto and Killer B from the Akatsuki continues!

© 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto. All Rights Reserved.

MANGA TITLE: Naruto Volume 54

STORY AND ART BY: Masashi Kishimoto (岸本 斉史)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: January 3, 2012

Naruto and his team engage in an intense battle with the Akatsuki organization as both sides seek the power to determine the future of their land. Internecine fighting weakens the Akatsuki, but will their dark forces sideline Naruto?

The popular manga series “Naruto” has been going strong since its debut in Shueisha back in 1999 via “Weekly Shonen Jump” magazine.

The manga by Masashi Kishimoto is about a young ninja named Naruto Uzamaki, a ninja of the Konoha leaf village who grew up facing prejudiced within his fellow ninjas because the evil nine-tailed fox was sealed inside him. But throughout the series, we have seen how Naruto is a kind-hearted boy who has worked hard in protecting his friends and staying true to his word with the goal of someday becoming the next Hokage of the village.

In the beginning, Naruto was part of Team Kakashi, alongside Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno and as a team, have grown up together taking on missions and also, joining with other teams of Team Konoha as well as other villages in taking on other major missions as well.

But now years have passed since those earlier years of Team Kakashi and Naruto and his friends are much older and his teammate Sasuke has left the village to pursue his brother Itachi for revenge of killing everyone of the Uchiha clan but worst of all, Sasuke is in search of the traitor of the Konoha village, the evil Orochimaru, in order to obtain more power.

During Naruto’s last confrontation with Sasuke, it appears that a black evil curse has consumed him. But as a promise to his teammate Sakura, Naruto will do what it takes to bring Sasuke back despite whether or not Sasuke has become evil.

Now, Sasuke along with his new team featuring team captain Yamato, Sakura and a ninja named Sai (an emotionless young ninja who was hired by the Black Ops leader Danzo to spy on Naruto) are now on a mission to investigate the Akatsuki criminal organization led by its founder Madara Uchiha who have been doing all they can to capture all tailed-beasts including Naruto’s nine-tailed demon fox.

As for the story thus far, Sasuke has aligned wit the Akatsuki who wants to destroy the Leaf Village – Konoha.  Madara has declared war and thus an Allied Shinobi Force is formed. The elder leaders of all villages, allies to the Leaf Village have realized that the Akatsuki are after Naruto (Nine Tail) and Killer B (Eight Tail Beast).  They have since accomplished extracting the beasts (Jinchuriki)  from others.   Meanwhile, Naruto’s mother has reappeared to explain the secrets of his birth and learns about heir hopes and renews his vow to be come Hokage!

In volume 53, all was revealed about what transpired during the day of Naruto’s birth and who was responsible for attacking the Leaf Village with the nine tails.  And given the final moments to meet and speak with his mother one last time and eventually gaining the power to seal the Nine Tail jinchuriki.

And now the story continues…

For Volume 54, in order to hide the fact from Naruto that he is a prime target of the Akatsuki, Yamato, Guy and a few other Leaf Ninja, including Killer B have convinced Naruto that he is on an S-Ranked Environmental Mission at an island.

But hiding among them is the Akatsuki Kisame (who was thought to be dead) and has been spying on them all this time and now is trying to leak the intel back to the Akatsuki.  But in order to stop them, only one man will be to take him on…Guy.

Meanwhile, in a battle for peace, Konan of the Amegakure takes on Tobi (Madara Uchiha) in the battle to the death.  Who will become victorious?

Also, Kabuto unveils his secret army to use in the war.

Here is a brief summary of each chapter of “Naruto Volume 54″:

• Number 505 – Nine Tail’s Chakra, Opened!!! – Naruto learns how to control the chakra of Nine Tails.
• Number 506 – Guy vs. Kisame – Kisame tries to escape with the intel and Guy tries to stop him.
• Number 507 – A False Existence…!! – The history of Kisame and how he met Itachi.
• Number 508 – Shinobi Death Style - Kisame escapes!
• Number 509 – Peace Viaduct – Konan vs. Tobi
• Number 510 – Forbidden Jutsu Shock!! – Konan vs. Tobi continues…who survives?
• Number 511 – We Shall Return – A flashback when Konan, Nagato and Yahiko were taken in by Jiraiya and learned from him.
• Number 512 – The Truth About Zetsu!! – The elders learn about the leaked intel and know they must send help to where Naruto is located.
• Number 513 – Kabuto vs. Tsuchikage!! – A battle between Tsuchikage vs. Kabuto.
• Number 514 – Kabuto’s Plan!!! – Kabuto’s plan unveiled.

With the emotional volume 53, that revealed what happened on the day of Naruto’s birth and how he was sealed with the nine-tail jinchuriki, the setting of the danger of impending war continues.

With volume 54, we have another action-packed volume as Guy takes on Kisame, who had been thought to be dead.  But to realize, he had transformed and affixed himself onto Killer B’s sword and spying on the group all this time.  Now its a race against the clock as they try to stop him from leaking the intel to the Akatsuki.

Meanwhile, fighting for a peaceful future, Konan takes on Tobi (Uchiha Madara) but can Konan survive against Madara?  And the plant of Kabuto is unveiled when you learn about the secret army he had developed.

Needless to say, the actions of this “Naruto” manga volume has major ramifications that will affect the course of the “Naruto” manga series.

While the last volume was primarily focused on the history of Naruto’s parents and revealing that his father was the fourth hokage and that his mother was the previous shinobi that had the nine-tails within her, we now know that the ninjas look at Naruto, even from his birth, as possibly the person who will save the world from evil and right now, through this volume that Tobi and Kabuto working together is a significant evil, especially with the unveiling of this second army.

I can’t wait to see how this overall storyline develops.

Overall, “Naruto” is an awesome manga series and for those who have appreciated the anime series first, will definitely enjoy the manga series as well.  And once again, another thrilling, action-packed volume of “Naruto” the manga series. Highly recommended!

 

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD HIGHLIGHTS NEW DIGITAL CONTENT FOR NINTENDO SYSTEMS – DECEMBER 29, 2011

This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

Nintendo eShop
VVVVVV – There’s something terribly wrong in an alternate dimension. Help Captain Viridian flip to find five crew members, locate 20 hard-to-reach Trinkets and save a dimension on the brink of destruction.  (For Nintendo 3DS™)

BIONIC COMMANDO™ – When the Federation’s greatest soldier is captured while infiltrating the enemy Doraize Army and investigating the development of a powerful super-weapon, elite commando Rad Spencer is sent in to save his missing comrade. (For Nintendo 3DS)

Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare™
Cake Ninja – This casual game invites you to slide the stylus across the screen to slice cakes into small pieces like a true ninja warrior. The more cakes you slice, the longer you stay around. (For Nintendo 3DS /Nintendo DSi™)

Also new this week:
• Slingo Supreme (Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare)
• Carmen Sandiego Adventures in Math: The Big Ben Burglary (WiiWare™)

To view this week’s Nintendo Download in its full graphical version, please visit: http://www.news2know.net/nintendo/downloadWz29gKlm.php.

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS system, to the Nintendo DSi Shop for the Nintendo DSi system and to the Wii Shop Channel for the Wii console at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service and features games, applications and videos in both 2D and 3D. Users can add money to their virtual wallets using a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points™, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel. The Nintendo DSi Shop offers games and applications and uses Nintendo DSi Points™, which can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Wii Points Card™ and Nintendo DSi Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one card must be redeemed in either the Wii Shop Channel or the Nintendo DSi Shop, respectively. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii, http://www.nintendo.com/3ds or http://www.nintendo.com/ds/systems/dsi.

 

SYFY WILL LAUNCH BEING HUMAN “TEMPTATION IS A BEAST” MARKETING CAMPAIGN IN LAS VEGAS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

SYFY WILL LAUNCH BEING HUMAN “TEMPTATION IS A BEAST” MARKETING CAMPAIGN IN LAS VEGAS
ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

PARTNERSHIP WITH PALMS CASINO RESORT INCLUDES
GALA HOLIDAY PARTY

HIT SERIES BEING HUMAN RETURNS FOR SECOND SEASON
MONDAY, JANUARY 16 AT 9PM

 

NEW YORK – December 29, 2011 – To launch the second season of its provocative hit series Being Human (Monday, January 16 at 10PM), Syfy will kick off the Temptation is a Beast marketing campaign on New Year’s Eve in the ultimate temptation destination – Las Vegas.

A cornerstone of Syfy’s nationwide, multi-media campaign, the Be Tempted partnership with the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas will encourage consumers to yield to their temptations on the most indulgent night of the year.

In addition to sponsoring the Palms Casino Resort’s annual New Year’s Eve Party at its exclusive Moon Nightclub – complete with custom elevator wraps, in-elevator key art, branded table tops, bar signage and napkins – the Temptation is a

Beast Promotion will feature:
Being Human travel package offering VIP access to hotel entertainment experiences
Palms building wrap and custom made Being Human video which will be showcased on the Hotel’s marquee video, casino floor and in-room promotional channel

Being Human drink menus
In-hotel room advertising including branded Being Human door hangers and key cards
Digital and social extensions such as a guide to hosting the perfect Be Tempted viewing party complete with drink recipes and playlists

Said Michael Engleman, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Global Brand Strategy, Syfy: “The television culture has a seemingly insatiable appetite for supernatural-based stories. Coming off a successful first year, Being Human’s edgy characters and plot engages the imagination while confronting the many temptations we all face, whether a vampire, werewolf, ghost or a mere human being. What more fitting place to launch this new season and a new year than in Las Vegas, the capital of temptation?”

As part of its robust media buy (along with out-of-home in major cities, blockbuster holiday movies, multicultural outlets, radio/local cable/broadcast), Temptation is a Beast will join the cultural conversation with a specially designed ad insert in the January/February issue of Playboy – Lindsay Lohan posing as Marilyn Monroe on the cover.

Online, Syfy.com will let users know just how likely they are to give into temptation with the Temptation is a Beast quiz, along with opportunities to tempt their friends on social media and video featurettes throughout the season.

In Being Human, leading normal lives is a lot harder than it looks for three roommates – vampire Aidan (Sam Witwer), ghost Sally (Meaghan Rath) and werewolf Josh (Sam Huntington) – who share their secrets and a Boston brownstone. The action picks up nearly a month after last season’s explosive finale as the three continue to struggle with their supernatural double lives.

Executive producers are Michael Prupas (The Kennedys), Jeremy Carver (Supernatural) and Anna Fricke (Men in Trees, Everwood) who are both writers/showrunners, Adam Kane (The Mentalist, Heroes), and Rob Pursey and Toby Whithouse. Irene Litinsky is the series producer. Being Human is a Muse Entertainment production in association with Zodiak USA and is based on Being Human, created by Toby Whithouse and produced by Touchpaper Television, part of Zodiak Media Group. Zodiak Rights hold worldwide rights to the new series.

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 98 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)

 

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