D23: THE OFFICIAL DISNEY FAN CLUB LAUNCHES REIMAGINED D23.COM WEBSITE JUNE 17

Members Will Have Online Access to Vast Array of
Exclusive Disney Content
 
Disney to Celebrate Expansion With New Free D23 Membership Level

BURBANK, Calif. – May 16, 2013 – On June 17, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, will launch a massive reimagining of its D23.com website, opening up the wonderful worlds of Disney like never before to its members. The site will provide access to newly digitized content that delves deeply into The Walt Disney Company’s vault of material, past and present, along with exclusive glimpses of the future. The new gated content will be free to current D23 Members; plus D23 is launching a new free level of membership, which will include access to this incredible content. D23.com will continue to offer the latest Disney news free to all guests who visit the site. But D23 Members can unlock even more magic in each section by logging in and accessing content whenever a golden key is shown.

“We’re creating a unique destination that celebrates, in all respects, the essence of Disney,” says Steven Clark, head of D23. “We believe the new site will offer one of the most engaging Disney experiences yet—with even more to come in the future. We look forward to debuting the new D23.com to our current members as well as to new ones from around the world.”

The reimagined D23.com will feature exclusive celebrity interviews; vintage film clips; rarely seen artwork and photography; treasures from the Walt Disney Archives; behind-the-scenes previews of new movies and theme park attractions; and more.

Website highlights at launch will include:

·         23 Questions – We enhance our popular feature with audio interviews with Once Upon A Time star Ginnifer Goodwin who reveals her Disney favorites—and what she’s looking forward to in the next season of the hit ABC show. Plus an exclusive with Phineas and Ferb’s popular “evil mastermind” Dr. Heinz Doofenschmirtz, who talks about his truly devious plans… and Christmas.

·         D’scovered – Treasures unearthed by the Walt Disney Archives. In the coming weeks the Archives will share extremely rare imagery from the proposed Mickey Mouse Park, a concept which evolved into Disneyland; spine-tingling alternative dialogue for the Haunted Mansion penned by Disney Legend X. Atencio; the illustrated story script for “The Karnival Kid,” the 1929 short in which Mickey Mouse first speaks; and a very special memento created for Walt by legendary artist Salvador Dali.

·         Disney A to Z – A complete and newly-updated electronic version of the definitive Disney encyclopedia with more than 7,000 entries written by Dave Smith, founder and Chief Archivist Emeritus of the Walt Disney Archives

·         D23 Presents – A deeper dive into all parts of Disney from the opening of Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland to rarely seen footage of the former Disney Studio on Hyperion Avenue.

·         Disney Legends and the Walt Disney Archives – Two new microsites; Disney Legends will provide a deeper look at those who’ve made significant contributions to the Disney legacy, and the Archives site will open up the doors of this venerable institution so D23 can share more of The Walt Disney Company’s expansive collections.

In addition, new departments and sections include: Weird Disney, looking at some of the more unusual and outrageous pieces of Disney’s past; Characters, profiling the most beloved characters from television, film and comics with concept art and complete biographies; The Quotable Walt Disney, a digitized version of the out-of-print book featuring some of Walt’s most enduring words; Ask a Legend, a video feature in which Disney Legends like Marty Sklar answer fans questions; First Look, which gives members a glimpse into what’s new and what’s next including Monsters University; Attraction Rewind, celebrating the beloved attractions of Disney’s past which once delighted theme park guests; and Muppetology, which opens up the Muppet-acular universe of our fuzzy friends. D23’s popular video series Armchair Archivist and Disney Geek will also return with all-new episodes.

And that’s just the beginning—on launch day, D23.com will reveal even more surprises.

D23 Free Membership will include:

• Members-Only Website Content: Access to all exclusive content on D23.com.
• Exclusive Merchandise: D23 offers its members access to exclusive, limited-edition merchandise and collectibles.
• Subscription to Weekly D23 FanFare E-newsletter with breaking news and special offers. (You may opt out of receiving FanFare after your first e-newsletter arrives.)
• Discounted tickets to the D23 Expo 2013: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (For more information click here.)

About D23
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the remarkable past, present, and future of Disney, taking its name from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his world-famous company. D23 brings its members a host of exclusive benefits, including a weekly e-mail newsletter; an array of discounts and special offers; and exclusive, member-only special events.

Disney fans can join the world’s only Official Disney Fan Club by visiting www.D23.com or www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow “DisneyD23” on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

 

THE ZOMBIE RUN: 5K Apocalypse Race to Infest America on 16-City U.S. Tour – Kickoff April 7

5K APOCALYPSE RACE TOUR TO INFEST AMERICA
ON 16-CITY RUN THROUGH SPRING AND FALL
 
Benefits Active Heroes, a Volunteer-led Charity Helping Veterans, Active Duty Military and their Families

WATCH THE ZOMBIE RUN CARTOON!

(PHILADELPHIA) Zombie Mania continues to infiltrate all facets of pop culture, and now the Zombies are poised to infiltrate the streets of major cities across the nation this year.

The Zombie Run, a 3.1 mile racecourse of gut-wrenching, blood-pumping, sweat-dripping fear, will soon be mounting a 16-city nationwide infestation, for the most exhilarating 5K of your life… if you survive.

The 2013 tour kicks off April 7 in Philadelphia, where it was created, and by the fall also will overrun the streets of Chicago, New York, Miami, New Orleans, Seattle, Denver, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and many other U.S. cities. Complete schedule is below. For the latest information, including early registration deadlines, go to www.thezombierun.com.

The Zombie Run is not your typical hometown 5K run, unless of course, your hometown is infested with an army of marauding Zombies.

By using the popular Zombie theme, The Zombie Run creates a running narrative on a racecourse designed like a Hollywood Apocalypse movie-set – complete with helicopters flying overhead – where participants either run through the course as Zombies, or living Zombie prey. Participants must run to safety, while dodging an imaginatively harrowing barrage of apocalyptic carnage.

The Zombie Run is the only nationally touring Zombie race that takes over the actual streets of each city, and focuses on a fully scripted, suspense-filled back story.

Professional, on-site make-up artists transform normal, everyday, warm-blooded runners into blood sucking, flesh eating Zombies. If you survive, there is a party following the race. The Zombie Run benefits Active Heroes (www.activeheroes.org), a volunteer-led charity helping veterans, active duty military and their families. A portion of proceeds from each event also will be donated to a local charity.

The Zombie Run is the brainchild of 19-year-old Andrew Hudis and 20-year-old David Feinman. Hudis attends the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, and Feinman is currently studying at Bucks County Community College in suburban Philadelphia, with plans to transfer to Temple University’s Fox School of Business next year.

“Three years ago, I told David that I always run fastest when I’m being chased,” said Hudis. “We joked that we should start a race where actors chase the runners to the finish line. Eventually, we realized that our idea could actually be a fun race.”

Hudis contacted local haunted houses and asked if he and Feinman could stage a race on their hayride trails, but they all declined.

“We eventually held a Halloween-themed 5K in a local park called the Trick-or-Treat 5-Miler that was a ton of work and never made much money,” says Hudis. “But it was a fun project.”

Hudis and Feinman knew they were on to something and continued to work on their idea for two years. By 2012, they realized that taking a themed run on the road to multiple cities could be a good business.

“We thought about taking the Trick-or-Treat 5-Miler on the road and it eventually evolved in The Zombie Run,” Hudis adds. “We brought Carrie Snyder, a promoter we’d met at other Philadelphia events, on board and The Zombie Run was born. We wrote our whole business model over three meetings in local coffee shops and three months later we were permitted in five markets.”

What makesThe Zombie Run so different than other racing events?

“Our race really focuses on story,” Hudis says. “Like a ride at Disney World, we create an alternate reality over an otherwise mundane experience. We focus a lot on runner experience, and spend the money that other races use on obstacles to enforce our theme and add more carnage to the racecourse.”

Hudis and Feinman have assembled a seasoned team of professionals with over 100 years of collective experience in race and concert promotion, and live event production and marketing, who will help them bring The Zombie Run to the following cities across America:

The Philadelphia Zombie Run – Philadelphia, PA – 4/7/13, 8am – FDR Park
The Louisville Zombie Run – Louisville, KY – 4/21/13, 12:30pm – Iroquois Park
The Charlotte Zombie Run – Charlotte, NC – 5/19/13, 12:30pm – Freedom Park
The New Orleans Zombie Run – New Orleans, LA – 6/23/13, 9am – New Orleans City Park
The St. Louis Zombie Run – St. Louis, MO – 7/14/13, 11am – Queeny Park
The Denver Zombie Run – Denver, CO – 7/28/13, 9:00am – City Park
The Seattle Zombie Run – Seattle, WA – 8/17/13, 11am – Magnuson Park
The Nashville Zombie Run – Nashville, TN – 9/29/13, 7:30am – Shelby Bottoms Park
The Indianapolis Zombie Run – Indianapolis, IN – 10/6/13, 11am – White River State Park
The Miami Zombie Run – Miami, FL-10/12/13, 6pm- Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
The Portland Zombie Run – Portland, OR – TBA
The Columbus Zombie Run – Columbus, OH – TBA
The Chicago Zombie Run – Chicago, IL – TBA
The Brooklyn Zombie Run – Brooklyn, NY – TBA
The Austin Zombie Run – Austin, TX – TBA
The San Francisco Zombie Run – San Francisco, CA – TBA
The San Diego Zombie Run – San Diego, CA – TBA
The Atlanta Zombie Run – Atlanta, GA – TBA
(Additional cities to be announced.)

For The Zombie Run event tickets and information updates, visit www.thezombierun.com.

About The Zombie Run Team
Andrew Hudis transitioned from racerunner to race promoter in 2008 when he co-founded a popular charitable marathon in Mae Sariang, Thailand, called Tribe-to-Tribe.

After Tribe-to-Tribe, Hudis wanted to stay involved in race promotion more locally, so he founded the Bucks County Half-Marathon. After his first year, he partnered with David Feinman, a childhood friend, to direct the event with him. Today, it is one of the premier Philadelphia distance events, recognized by Philadelphia Magazine as one of the cities Best Spring Runs.

Before The Zombie Run, Carrie Snyder was a director for the popular Ragnar Relay series. Her other race projects include the ODDyssey Half-Marathon and the Yuengling Light Lager Jogger. Carrie also consults with local events and national race tours on race development, promotion, and management.

For more information about The Zombie Run visit:

Website:  www.thezombierun.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Zombie-Run/529812040380577
Twitter: www.twitter.com/thezombierunner
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/RunnerZombie?feature=watch

 

EMS Entertainment and CSI: The Experience® Announce Partnership with Andre Agassi Foundation

Students to Learn about Careers in Science, Forensics, Film and TV

Las Vegas – March 12, 2013 – EMS Entertainment (www.ems-entertainment.com), the producers of interactive global exhibitions, today announced it will commit a portion of its ticket sales from CSI: The Experience in Las Vegas at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino and CSI: The Experience in Orlando to the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education (AAFE) (www.agassifoundation.org). Through its public charter school, the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, the foundation provides underserved youth in Las Vegas with a quality K-12 education to prepare for excellence in college. Via the partnership, EMS and AAFE will work together to build excitement and enthusiasm for high school students who want to investigate careers in crime scene investigation, science, forensics, pathology, television and film production. EMS will discount $3.00 and donate $7.00 to AAFE for each ticket sold to guests who use the code “Agassi.”

“I am excited to grow our partnership with EMS Entertainment in an effort to influence and motivate our students currently enrolled in Andre Agassi’s College Prep Academy,” said Steve Miller, CEO of Andre Agassi Foundation for Education. “Our goal is to transform education in a positive way.”

“Andre has created such a unique education experience for students that I’m happy to offer students the opportunity to learn from professionals about a future career path,” says Christoph Rahofer, president and CEO of EMS Entertainment.

CSI: The Experience was developed by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and produced by EMS Exhibits, Inc. in partnership with Key Brand Entertainment under a license from CBS Consumer Products. It combines elements from the hit show with real-life principles and techniques used by scientists and investigators including DNA and fingerprint analysis, forensics and toxicology. For more information on the Las Vegas experience, call (702) 891-1111, and for Orlando, please call (407)226-7220. Also visit www.csiexhibit.com or follow on Facebook or Twitter.

About CSI: The Experience®

CSI: The Experience at MGM Grand combines the entertainment of the hit television series with real-life scientific principles and techniques used by actual investigators such as DNA and fingerprint analysis to forensic anthropology and toxicology. Produced by EMS Exhibits, Inc. under a license from CBS Consumer Products, CSI: The Experience is open from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the MGM Grand Box Office or by phone at (702) 891- 7006 or (877) 660- 0660. Special group pricing is available for parties of 15 or more. Advance ticket purchases are recommended. CSI: The Experience is designed for guests 10 years of age or older. Multimedia portions of the exhibit are presented in English with Spanish subtitles.

CSI: The Experience in Orlando is open at 7220 International Drive from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the exhibit and by calling (407)226-7220. Visit www.csiexhibit.com

About Andre Agassi Foundation for Education

The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education seeks to transform public education in two ways. Through its signature project, the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, the Foundation works to provide underserved children in Las Vegas with a first-class K-12 education to prepare them for excellence in college and beyond. Through state and national advocacy, the Foundation strives to increase investment in, and accountability for, public schools. To support the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education or to obtain additional information, please visit

www.agassifoundation.org. or  on facebook.com/AgassiFoundation ###

ABOUT EMS Entertainment

EMS is the leading global creator of world-renowned interactive exhibitions, family entertainment and live stage productions. Each year, millions of people experience EMS productions throughout Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and Latin America. The EMS portfolio includes Barbie™: The Dreamhouse Experience, CSI: The Experience®, Star Trek™: The Exhibition, Leonardo Da Vinci: Man – Inventor -  Genius, Terracotta Army, Dinosaurs – LIVE!, World of Games, 100 Masterpieces, 1000 years of INCAgold and many others through distinguished partnerships with Mattel, CBS Consumer Products, 20th Century Fox and other corporations.

 

PEOPLE MAGAZINE PARTNERS WITH THE ACADEMY TO HOST THIS YEAR’S OSCAR® FAN EXPERIENCE

NEW YORK, February 12, 2013 – PEOPLE, the No. 1 celebrity and entertainment brand, has partnered with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to present the 2013 Oscar Fan Experience on Oscar Sunday, February 24. The Oscar Fan Experience celebrates movie buffs around the world by giving selected guests access to Oscar’s big day like they have never experienced before. After receiving more than 20,000 submissions, 700 fans were selected to watch and cheer nominees, presenters and film’s biggest stars as they arrive on the most anticipated red carpet of the year. As the show starts, Oscar Fan Experience guests will be whisked away for an exclusive viewing party at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, where they will be treated to special Oscar surprises and treats from PEOPLE.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this year’s Oscar Fan Experience,” said Karen Kovacs, publisher, PEOPLE. “We know that like our PEOPLE readers, Oscar fans love to see their favorite stars on the biggest night in Hollywood. We are extremely excited to play a part in giving 700 people a chance to experience film’s magical night in person.”

Oscars® for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Sunday, February 24, at the Dolby Theatre™ at Hollywood & Highland Center® and will be hosted by Seth MacFarlane. The Oscar presentation will be televised live on the ABC Television Network and in more than 225 countries worldwide. For more information go to Oscar.com or download the official Oscars app.

Fans can visit PEOPLE.com and Oscar.com for unprecedented access into this year’s Academy Awards®.

 

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES 2013 LAUNCH OF MAX STEEL™ ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVELS BASED ON NEW KIDS ANIMATED SUPERHERO SERIES

Teenager “Max” Teams With Alien Sidekick “Steel” To Protect Earth From Evil Villains—All While Finishing His Homework!

San Francisco, CA, January 29, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced its newest forthcoming original graphic novel series with the launch of MAX STEEL. Scheduled to debut in the Fall of 2013, MAX STEEL will be published under the VIZ Kids imprint, is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, and will carry an MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN.

Developed by Mattel, MAX STEEL is a global boy’s entertainment franchise spanning toys, publishing and consumer products. In addition, a new MAX STEEL CGI animated series co-produced with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) will premiere in the U.S. on the Disney XD channel on March 25, 2013.

Max Steel is the ultimate aspirational teen hero with a secret! The story revolves around the trials and tribulations of a teenaged boy named Maxwell McGrath™ and his out-of-this world alien companion, Steel. Both have super strengths and powers, Max with Turbo energy and Steel with alien intellect. Steel gives Maxwell the ability to harness his power while merging his own to create one unified super force, Max Steel. When they combine forces to create Max Steel, the ultimate superhero is unleashed- unlocking their inner heroes.

“MAX STEEL is a fun and action-packed adventure that we look forward to launching this year,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director, VIZ Kids. “Max and his sidekick, Steel, embark on all sorts of adventures as they battle evil forces and monstrous villains while balancing school, first dates and homework. Our latest original graphic novel property will add an exciting new dimension to the MAX STEEL franchise. Max and Steel will soon discover that facing challenges together is always better than facing them alone and the power of two is always greater than the power of one!”

The new original graphic novel series from VIZ Media and the forthcoming animated series launches the MAX STEEL storyline with exciting characters, villains and a superhero for today’s tech forward kid. For more information on MAX STEEL or other VIZ Kids titles, please visit http://www.vizkids.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan’s largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

 

“INTERNET ICON” RETURNS TO THE YOMYOMF NETWORK FOR SEASON 2

“INTERNET ICON” RETURNS TO THE YOMYOMF NETWORK FOR SEASON 2
 
YouTube Sensation Ryan Higa is back to the judge’s table to find the Next Internet Icon!

January 16, 2013 – After a successful first season, The YOMYOMF Network is set to premiere the second season of the YouTube talent competition series “Internet Icon” starring YouTube sensation, Ryan Higa. The grand prize includes a $10,000 cash prize, a yearlong development deal with YOMYOMF, and industry meetings.  The series is produced by Andy Fickman’s Oops Doughnuts (the current hit comedy “Parental Guidance”), Bobby Smith Jr.’s Ashore Entertainment, Ryan Higa and The YOMYOMF Network (under the creative leadership of “Fast Five” director Justin Lin). To date, season 1 has over 10 million views, giving contestants enormous exposure to The YOMYOMF Network’s international audience.

The second season will premiere in the spring of 2013 and is open to contestants in the United States and Canada who are at least 18 years of age. The deadline to submit for ‘Icon’ Season 2 is Thursday, January 31, 2012 at 11:59 pm (PST). Video submissions must be between 30 seconds and 2 minutes long. Participants may submit their video entry as individuals, or as members of a team with a maximum of four people. Details:  facebook.com/interneticonshow

YOMYOMF Network co-founder Ryan Higa and actress Christine Lakin (“Lovin’ Lakin”) are slated to return as judges, and have invited popular YouTube personality Timothy DeLaGhetto to join as a full-time judge.  As in season 1, each episode will have an alternating guest judge seat.  This season’s guest judges include YouTube stars SMOSH, JennaMarbles, Felicia Day, KassemG, KevJumba, The Fine Brothers, Phil DeFranco, Shane Dawson and more!

“We were pleasantly surprised by the caliber of talent we saw last year and I can only imagine it’ll even be better for this next round,” Ryan Higa said. “I’m also excited by the caliber of judges who’ll be joining us. These are the top personalities on YouTube and to have them all participating is unprecedented and very exciting.” Director Andy Fickman adds, “We were blown away by the success of Season 1 and are thrilled that YOMYOMF believes in the show as much as we do and are excited for Season 2, which will be bigger and better. The YouTube community truly is a birthplace for fresh, original and innovative voices. The future of entertainment is popping daily on YouTube, and Internet Icon is a chance to throw a spotlight on that emerging talent.”

Last season’s host, YouTube personality/YOMYOMF Network Co-Founder Chester See, will be returning, but is handing the hosting reigns over to season 1 winner Chris Riedell. Chris’ brother Nick Riedell will also act as a mentor to the contestants. This winning duo known as The Brothers Riedell (youtube.com/user/thebrothersriedell) have increased their fans and subscriber numbers tenfold since “Internet Icon”, starting at less than 10,000 subscribers and now with over 100,000 subscribers!  In fact, last season’s top 10 contestants saw their subscriber base increase by an average of 522%.

A part of YouTube’s original channels venture, the YOMYOMF Network (youtube.com/YOMYOMF) provides a mix of high-quality scripted and unscripted content across all genres. Inspired by the Asian American entertainment blog YouOffendMeYouOffendMyFamily, the network is home to top talent from both Hollywood and the digital world. The network was founded by Justin Lin, Ryan Higa, Kevin Wu, Chester See, Abdul Khan, Philip W. Chung, Salvador Gatdula, Cash Warren and Baron Davis.

 

AWARD-WINNING OFFICIAL OSCARS® APP IS NOW LIVE

Unparalleled Backstage Pass Feature Provides Ultimate Insider Access on Oscar Sunday

Expanded in 2013 to Include Android Platform

Oscar season kicks-off today with the launch of the official Oscars App. For the first time, the App is available for free on most Android 4.0 devices in Google Play, including Samsung’s Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Note 10.1 and GSIII, as well as the new Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD in the Amazon appstore for Android. The Oscars App continues to be available on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch in the App Store. The Oscars will air on Oscar Sunday, February 24, live on the ABC Television Network, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

Developed by the Academy and Disney/ABC Television Group’s Digital Media Team, the Oscars App provides unparalleled access to The Oscars before, during and after the show. Beginning today, fans can go behind the scenes with The Oscars show host Seth MacFarlane on nominations morning, find out more about the nominees, and start filling out their My Picks interactive ballot. Friends can view and share the ballot on Facebook, which will update in real time the night of the event, ensuring that the most competitive Oscars handicappers are instantly aware of their ranking among friends.

In the weeks leading up to the show, the app will feature original video with insider perspectives and behind-the-scenes news on all things Oscar – the nominees, the show itself, and of course, fashion.

On Oscar Sunday, Oscar.com will launch Backstage Pass, giving fans unprecedented access to the show. Sponsored by Samsung, Backstage Pass is designed to be the ultimate complement to the live telecast, giving fans premier access to the most memorable moments of the night through over a dozen exclusive live cameras strategically placed on the Red Carpet and throughout the Dolby Theatre. Special cameras include the Thank You Cam — offering winners an extended opportunity to thank their supporters; Backstage Cam — capturing sound bites, backstage action, short interviews and behind-the-scenes footage; Control Room Cam – allowing users to watch the show’s director in action; and Press Room Cam – featuring moments of winners interacting with the world’s media moments after leaving the stage. It will also feature real-time highlights from the show itself, which promises many surprises for Hollywood’s biggest night.

On February 25, fans can relive and share all their favorite water cooler moments, from the winners, to the must see fashion and every unexpected, magical moment.

“Our goal is to create a really full, immersive experience leading up to, during and after the Oscars,” said Karin Gilford, SVP of Digital Media for ABC Television Network. “Last year, we saw a huge increase in the number of people using the app. With its availability now on the Android platform we look forward to bringing even more people into the Oscar experience. We want this to be the next best thing to attending the show itself.”

“We’re always looking for ways to bring fans closer to the show and this app provides a unique and fun way to do that,” said Josh Spector, Managing Director of Digital Media and Marketing for the Academy. “More fans than ever will be able to enjoy the full Oscar experience now that our app is available to Droid users.”

Key features of the app include:

Magazine-style format featuring photos, videos and the latest social media buzz.
Viewers can watch the live Backstage Pass experience in two different modes, Watch or Direct. In Watch mode, viewers will be guided through the live behind-the-scenes show. In the Direct mode, viewers can select the cameras they want to experience.
Live video grid allows viewers the ability to watch all available cameras simultaneously or zero in on one.
Once in a camera view, a ticker will display over the video updating viewers to what is happening on other cameras. Fans will be aware when their favorite actor enters another view, allowing them the opportunity to navigate between cameras.
The 85th Academy Awards will be presented live on Oscar Sunday, February 24, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood and Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7:00 p.m. ET.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world’s preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards–in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners-the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.

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

 

Dark Horse Teams With American McGee’s Spicy Horse Studios To Bring The ARPG Akaneiro To Comics

JANUARY 9, MILWAUKIE, OR–Following up on last week’s Kickstarter launch of Spicy Horse’s upcoming ARPG, Akaneiro: Demon Hunters, Spicy Horse Studios and Dark Horse Comics announce that this soon-to-be-released game will be expanding into comics!

From the brilliant minds behind video game auteur American McGee’s Spicy Horse Studios, Akaneiro mixes a foundation of Japanese folklore with an original mythology inspired by Red Riding Hood, yielding a fantastic and exciting setting for players to explore and perfectly setting the stage for the visual storytelling of comics. Written by Justin Aclin (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and illustrated by Vasilis Lolos (Conan the Barbarian), the comics follow Kania young woman torn between two cultureson an epic adventure hunting devious Yokai and pursuing a destiny far greater than even she can perceive as a member of the fabled Order of Akane.

Known for his bold artistic vision and high-concept reimaginations of well-known characters, American McGee builds on the success of American McGee’s Alice, its sequel, Alice: Madness Returns, and the episodic game American McGee’s Grimm. This
reinterpretation of Red Riding Hood as a monster hunter in a mythological Japan is sure to excite fans and game critics alike.

“Though I hate being categorized as some sort of auteur, I’m thrilled to be working again with the rocket-scientist sex machines at Dark Horse,” said Spicy Horse Studio head American McGee. “Our previous collaborations with Dark Horse have produced stunning results, like the art book for Alice: Madness Returns. It’s a perfect marriage of art and execution.”

An original story expanding the universe of Akaneiro, featuring covers by the Spicy Horse artists creating the game, this three-issue comics series debuts on May 22!

 

D23 UNLOCKS THE MAGIC OF DISNEY WITH A YEAR OF SPECTACULAR EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

In 2013, The Official Disney Fan Club Will Travel to Boston, Newark, Seattle, San Diego, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles as Well as Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts

BURBANK, Calif. – November 28, 2012 – In 2013, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will reach out to fans across the country through an exciting roster of uniquely magical Disney experiences.

Starting in March, D23 takes the party on the road once again with our second D23’S DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. The event, which played to crowds of enthusiastic fans across the U.S. earlier this year, will commemorate dozens of magical milestones, each celebrating an anniversary in 2013. Said The Hollywood Reporter of the 2012 event, “It’s a must for Disney fanatics and a fascinating look at Disney history.” Hosted by Disney Archivists and D23 Team Members, D23’s Disney Fanniversary Celebration events will be held in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Newark, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., and will revisit some of the most beloved theme park attractions, animated and live-action films, TV series, and nearly 90 years of Disney history. Fanniversary events will be open to the public, with special admission and surprises created especially for D23 Members in attendance.
D23 will once again partner with The Walt Disney Studios, offering members access to advance screenings of the latest Disney animated and live-action feature films. In 2012, D23 Members were among the first to see Wreck-It Ralph, Frankenweenie, and Brave.

MICKEY’S OF GLENDALE, the Walt Disney Imagineering employee store in Glendale, Calif., will open its doors exclusively to D23 on Saturday, April 13 and Saturday, June 8. Members will have an opportunity to purchase limited-edition merchandise and view the park-like grounds at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts’ creative “think tank.” Additionally, in 2013, D23 will partner with Disney Store in key locations to host exclusive and one-of-a-kind events for our D23 Members.

Throughout the year, D23 will continue its popular series of movie screenings at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. D23’s 50 AND FABULOUS returns, honoring Disney favorites celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2013, including screenings of Son of Flubber (April 13), Summer Magic (June 8), and The Sword in the Stone (September 15). FROM THE VAULTS also returns, bringing favorite live-action films back to the big screen, including the digitally restored 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea on November 16.

The year also includes D23 DAY AT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS AND ARCHIVES, our popular member-only tours of the historic Studio Lot and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank. Tours will take place May 4, June 1, September 14, and November 2.

In the fall, during Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, D23’s SIP & STROLL event will return (September 2013). And during the holiday season, D23 will bring back the popular offering DISNEY AND DICKENS (in Burbank in December), and introduce the all-new festive D23’S HOLIDAY SPLENDOR at Walt Disney World Resort in December.

The grandest fan event of them all will take place August 9–11 at the Anaheim Convention Center when the D23 EXPO 2013: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT brings all the wonderful worlds of Disney together under one enormous roof for three days. From The Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts to Disney Consumer Products and our numerous media networks, guests will revel in new discoveries, special panels and presentations, movie screenings, celebrity appearances and autograph signings, and gain fresh insights into movies, television, theme parks, animation, Disney history, and more. Special “early bird” discounted tickets are available through December 31, 2012, and D23 Members receive an additional discount on tickets as well as special perks at the Expo.

Look for dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events to be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2013 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com. All events and dates are subject to change.

D23 2013 Events Calendar:

·         March–April: D23’s Disney Fanniversary Celebration, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Newark, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C.

·         April 13: 50 and Fabulous—Son of Flubber, Burbank, Calif.

·         April 13: Mickey’s of Glendale shopping day, Glendale, Calif.

·         May 4: D23 Day at the Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.

·         June 1: D23 Day at the Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.

·         June 8: 50 and Fabulous—Summer Magic, Burbank, Calif.

·         June 8: Mickey’s of Glendale Shopping Day, Glendale, Calif.

·         August 9–11: D23 Expo 2013, Anaheim, Calif.

·         September: Sip & Stroll, Walt Disney World Resort

·         September 14: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.

·         September 15: 50 and Fabulous: The Sword in the Stone, Burbank, Calif.

·         November 2: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.

·         November 16: From the Vaults—20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Burbank, Calif.

·         December: Disney and Dickens, Burbank, Calif.

·         December: D23’s Holiday Splendor, Walt Disney World Resort

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the remarkable past, present, and future of Disney, taking its name from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his world-famous company. D23 unlocks the magic of Disney with a host of exclusive benefits, including a quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.D23.com; a weekly email newsletter; an array of discounts and special offers; free gifts throughout the year; as well as exclusive events created especially for its members.

Gold-level D23 memberships are $74.99, and Silver-level memberships—which provide all benefits with the exception of a Disney twenty-three subscription—are just $34.99 a year. All discounts and special promotions are available to both Gold- and Silver-level D23 Members. A membership to D23 makes the perfect holiday gift.

Disney fans can join the world’s only Official Disney Fan Club by visiting www.D23.com, or at select shops at the Disneyland® Resort, the Walt Disney World® Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow “DisneyD23” on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

 

In case you missed it! PSY & MC Hammer closing out the “American Music Awards”

In case you missed it! K-Pop phenom PSY closed out the 2012 American Music Awards with “Gangnam Style” and in grand fashion, surprised everyone with his special guest… MC Hammer as both danced to “Gangnam Style” and “Too Legit To Quit”. PSY has it! But reverend Hammer still has it going!

 

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