“I was so busy trying to protect the book and learn it that I forgot to live it.” — Eli (played by Denzel Washington) in The Book of Eli
‘Apocalypse and aftermath… again!’ should be the caveat emptor — ‘let the buyer beware’ — posted on this latest Hollywood offering. On display is its fascination, and sometimes paranoia, with the alluring theme of what holds promise for Man’s immolation — the Apocalypse — by the god(s) of the universe. Perhaps more important is the hydra-headed question of ‘What next?’
This is the task The Book of Eli set itself. One thing it does quite well is its showcase of many of the common views people have of the Bible. First: the Bible, Christianity, and religion in general constitute a tool to gain control over the weak-minded simpletons of our world. That’s why Gary Oldman’s character Carnegie wants the book.
Its words have power, he says; that it’s a weapon that will help him achieve his goals of control and power in the post-apocalyptic wasteland the world has become. Second: Bible is a great piece of literature, but nothing more than that, part of a collection that includes greats like Shakespeare, Milton, and others ‘greats’… but no more or less important than the others beyond their literary value. Bible as Literature course is very interesting, but it completely missed the point of what the Bible is really about.
Finally, there’s the view that the Bible is a great source of inspiration and moral direction, that it is a guide for learning how to be a good, nice person. This is illustrated when Eli shares what he believes is the point of the book, or at least it’s what he got out of it.
All interesting viewpoints…that, quite frankly, miss the point! The Bible is more than just a piece of great literature worthy of preservation as a part of humanity’s literary heritage. It’s more than just guidelines on how to live a moral life, or just inspiration to give people a “higher purpose.”
The Bible is entirely unique. Here’s something composed of sixty-six different books by 40 different authors in three different languages from several different parts of the world over a span of over a thousand years, and yet it’s a single, comprehensive, non-contradictory revelation of God’s love for humanity, the problem of sin, and God’s solution for that problem.
From Genesis to Revelation, this is what the Bible is about: this message of humanity being devastated by sin, separated from God and doomed to hell (and not being able to do anything about that through our own virtues and good works. God loves us so much that he himself provided a solution for that problem of sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ: God’s son, God in the flesh.
This need of a Saviour sets the Bible apart from being just literature or a guide for being good. However, there’s hardly a hint of any of this in The Book of Eli. While it may not be necessary for that to be a part of the movie to make it good; but if the aim is to try and show why the Bible is important, these facts seem rather strange to leave out.
While The Book of Eli falls short of articulating a thoroughly grounded Biblical vision of the way things are, the film has a lot going for it. Eli’s character affirms the idea that we walk by faith and not by sight, and it’s a nice bit of story-telling that we don’t discover his physical blindness until the very end. A further interesting twist: the most famous prison in the world (Alcatraz, in San Francisco Bay) has become the repository for the last best hopes of humankind.
Clearly, there is more emphasis on the Old Testament sense of justice (lots of gore-gumption; it’s an action thriller) than on the New Testament message of grace (although Eli does eventually confess how much more he needs to do for others than for himself). As for the Bible as a tool of oppression, there are unfortunately many examples to ticked off, from the Inquisition to slavery to the decimation of native peoples in the Americas. The Oldman character is a stunning depiction and brilliant accounting of good ideas in the service of perverse objectives.
Will another movie follow to show what the world will be like without other versions (and indeed perversions) of the Bible? Like Joseph Smith’s Book of Mormons and the “New World” Bible of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Quran, littering as they do the landscape of the soul of humanity.
…………….. Adeleke Adeyemi, a geologist and author is the Editorial Consultant of the Supple Media print edition and the Senior Staff Writer of Timeless newspaper in Lagos, Nigeria.
Korean Director Joon-ho Bong’s Film ‘Mother’ a Favorite at Green Globe Film Awards
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The acclaimed Korean film “Mother” hit the mother lode at the 2010 Green Globe Film Awards with nominations in six categories. Although Korea’s submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 82nd Academy Awards was overlooked by the Oscars, the film was the top pick by global film lovers when selecting the nominations for the Green Globe 100 Viewers’ Choice awards. “Mother” has been nominated for Best Foreign Language Film, Best International Film (Asia), Best International Drama (Asia) and Best International Thriller (Asia). In addition, Joon-ho Bong was nominated for Best International Director (Asia) and Hye-ja Kim was nominated for Best International Actress (Asia). The film, which competed at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, will have its U.S. premier in March 2010 at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival with a theatrical release on March 12th.
The results of the worldwide online voting will be announced on March 23, 2010 at the Green Globe Film Awards and Emperor’s Dreams Dinner Gala at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel. Awards in the categories of major motion picture, environmental, humanitarian, animated and international films will be selected by the global audience who vote online at http://www.movie-voters.com/. The 2010 International Film Category Theme is “Asian Films”.
You can vote for Mother, Joon-ho Bong and Hye-ja Kim at http://www.movie-voters.com/ while entering into an opportunity draw for two Gold Seats at the Green Globe Film Awards.
Contact:
Green Globe Film Awards
1-949-861-2222
info@movie-voters.com
http://www.movie-voters.com/
Organizers:
Anaheim University
1-800-955-6040
http://www.anaheim.edu/
CONTACT: Green Globe Film Awards, +1-949-861-2222, or
info@movie-voters.com; Anaheim University, Organizers for Green Globe Film
Awards, +1-800-955-6040
Web Site: http://www.movie-voters.com/
http://www.anaheim.edu/
Martin Scorsese’s film adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s novel Shutter Island has already grossed over $41 million in less than one week of its release.
Leonardo DiCaprio is the hero of this thriller. If Paramount Pictures had not postponed the release from October 2, 2009 to February 19, 2010, the film would have been overwhelmed by the momentum of James Cameron’s Avatar. So, it was a smart move that has made Stutter Island the top movie at the box office with $41,062,440 from 2991 theatres so far.
1. Shutter Island
2. Valentine’s Day
3. Avatar
4. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
5. Wolfman
6. Dear John
7. Tooth Fairy
8. Crazy Heart
9. From Paris With Love
10. Edge of Darkness
I don’t get tired of viewing the Toy Story, because I am thrilled by the fantastic friendship of the toy cowboy Woody, and toy astronaut Buzz Lightyear, after a bitter encounter and they later become inseparable buddies leading other animated toys in different adventures. In between the lines of the Toy Story are lessons of our life on earth. I regard it as one of the best animated movies for children. I would love to see a production of the Toy Story with real people playing the roles of Woody and Buzz.
Toy Story 3 coming out on the 18th of June, 2010 will be one of the must see films in summer.
~ Michael Chima, Supple Magazine
00:56 24 Feb 2010
Two Disney-Pixar Animated Classics Come to Life as They’ve Never Been Seen Before
TOY STORY & TOY STORY 2
Blasting Off For the First Time Ever in High Definition On Blu-ray™+ DVD Combo Pack
Special Edition DVDs Available May 11, 2010
BURBANK, Calif., February 23, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — This Spring, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE) proudly presents the eagerly awaited high definition debuts of Disney•Pixar’s original animated classics Toy Story and Toy Story 2. In 1995, Toy Story made history as the first feature-length computer animated film and, together with its beloved sequel Toy Story 2, helped establish Disney•Pixar as creators of unrivaled quality family entertainment. Now, viewers can rediscover these wondrous tales of what happens when humans leave the room – and toys come to life – as Toy Story and Toy Story 2 debut on Disney Blu-ray™+ DVD Combo Pack, followed seven weeks later by the Special Edition DVDs.
For the first time ever, these two groundbreaking films will be presented with eye-popping 1080p high definition picture and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio sound, along with hours of innovative new bonus features. Also included are exclusive sneak peeks at Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3, hitting U.S. theaters on June 18, 2010.
Academy Award®-winner John Lasseter (1996, Special Achievement Award, Toy Story), directs these two action-packed, laugh-filled animated favorites featuring the superstar voice talents of Tom Hanks (Angels & Demons) and Tim Allen (The Santa Clause), along with Don Rickles (Casino), Annie Potts (Ghostbusters), Wallace Shawn (The Princess Bride) and, of course, Pixar favorite John Ratzenberger (TV’s “Cheers”). Together, Toy Story and Toy Story 2 launched the Disney•Pixar label and sent audiences to the infinity of family entertainment fun and beyond…as they’re sure to do once again on Blu-ray™.
TOY STORY Blu-ray™ + DVD Combo Pack All-New Bonus Features
The Story: An Exclusive Sneak Peek at Toy Story 3
Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs:
Episode One: Blast Off – Buzz reports back about his adventure to the International Space Station.
Paths to Pixar: Artists – In this series of shorts, Pixar artists talk about their career path and share advice to aspiring filmmakers and animators.
Studio Stories: A series of amusing anecdotal shorts about life at Pixar.
“John’s Car” recounts how Toy Story director John Lasseter refused to stop driving his beat-up car even after the film’s success.
“Baby AJ” tells the hilarious story of how important Halloween is to the Pixar team and how one Pixar employee dressed up as the oversized baby from the short Tin Toy to win a prize.
“Scooter Races” takes the audience on a rousing scooter race around the studio with John Lasseter and other employees.
Buzz Takes Manhattan – Spectacular footage from Buzz Lightyear’s premiere as a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon.
Black Friday: The Toy Story You Never Saw – The Toy Story filmmakers discuss the early cut of the film that very nearly shut down production entirely.
TOY STORY 2 Blu-ray™ + DVD Combo Pack All-New Bonus Features
Characters: An Exclusive Sneak Peek At Toy Story 3
Director Commentary
Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs:
Episode Two: International Space Station – Buzz reports back about his adventure to the International Space Station.
Paths to Pixar: Technical Artists – In this series of shorts, Pixar artists talk about their career path and share advice to aspiring filmmakers and animators.
Studio Stories: A series of amusing anecdotal shorts about life at Pixar.
“Toy Story 2 Sleep Deprivation Lab” gives audiences an inside peek into the intense time pressures under which the Toy Story 2 editors found themselves.
“Studio Stories: Pinocchio” shows an impromptu competition between the animators to decorate their workspace by throwing toys into the ceiling.
“Studio Stories: The Movie Vanishes” tells how a mischievous technical error almost erased all of Toy Story 2 from the computer system.
Pixar’s Zoetrope – A look at the creation of the live-action zoetrope that Pixar created to capture the principles of animation in a live sculpture.
Celebrating our Friend Joe Ranft – A tribute to beloved Disney and Pixar story man Joe Ranft, regarded as one of the industry’s most gifted story artists.
Toy Story Synopsis:
Toy Story, the first full-length computer-animated feature film, is “a wonder to behold.” – People Magazine. Experience a hilarious fantasy about the lives toys lead when they’re left alone. Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), an old-fashioned cowboy doll, is Andy’s favorite. But when Andy gets Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) for his birthday, the flashy new space hero takes Andy’s room by storm! Their rivalry leaves them lost with a toy’s worst nightmare — Sid, the toy-torturing boy next door. Woody and Buzz must work together to escape, realizing along the way that they’ve got a friend … in each other!
Toy Story 2 Synopsis:
A Golden Globe® Award winner for Best Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical, Toy Story 2 has become a favorite all across the world, garnering praise from fans and critics everywhere. It’s “an instant classic,” raved New York Magazine. While Andy is away at summer camp, Woody is toynapped by Al McWhiggin, a greedy collector who needs Andy’s favorite toy to complete his “Woody’s Roundup” collection. Together with Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), Bullseye, and the Prospector, Woody is on his way to a museum where he’ll spend the rest of his life behind glass. It’s up to Buzz, Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, Rex, and Slinky Dog to rescue their friend and remind him what being a toy is all about.
The Toy Story and Toy Story 2 Blu-ray™ + DVD Combo Packsare priced at an SRP of $39.99. The Special Edition DVDs are priced at an SRP of $29.99.
TOY STORY BD & DVD COMBO PACK PRODUCT DETAILS:
STREET DATE March 23, 2010
Direct pre-book: 1/26/10
Distributor pre-book: 2/09/10
Suggested Retail Price: $39.99
Feature run time: Approximately 81 Minutes
Rated: USA: G
The following technical specifications may only apply to feature:
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Video: 1080p, Widescreen
Sound: 5.1 DTS-HD ES, English 2.0 DTS-HD, English DVS 2.0 Dolby; French 5.1 Dolby EX; Spanish 5:1 Dolby EX
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
TOY STORY 2 BD & DVD COMBO PACK PRODUCT DETAILS:
STREET DATE March 23, 2010
Direct pre-book: 1/26/10
Distributor pre-book: 2/09/10
Suggested Retail Price: $39.99
Feature run time: Approximately 92 Minutes
Rated: USA: G
The following technical specifications may only apply to feature:
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Video: 1080p, Widescreen
Sound: 5.1 DTS-HD ES, English 2.0 DTS-HD, English DVS 2.0 Dolby; French 5.1 Dolby EX; Spanish 5:1 Dolby EX
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
TOY STORY SPECIAL EDITION DVD PRODUCT DETAILS:
STREET DATE May 11, 2010
Direct pre-book: 3/16/10
Distributor pre-book: 3/30/10
Suggested Retail Price: $29.99
Feature run time: Approximately 81 Minutes
Rated: USA: G
The following technical specifications may only apply to feature:
Aspect Ratio: 1:78:1
Sound: 5.1 EX and 2.0 Dolby Digital English, French (Canadian only), Dedicated Spanish Language SKU
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
TOY STORY 2 SPECIAL EDITION DVD PRODUCT DETAILS:
STREET DATE May 11, 2010
Direct pre-book: 3/16/10
Distributor pre-book: 3/30/10
Suggested Retail Price: $29.99
Feature run time: Approximately 92 Minutes
Rated: USA: G
The following technical specifications may only apply to feature:
Aspect Ratio: 1:78:1
Sound: 5.1 EX and 2.0 Dolby Digital English, French (Canadian only), Dedicated Spanish Language SKU
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
About Disney’s Combo Pack:
To provide consumers with unprecedented quality, value and portability of their favorite Disney movies, in 2008 WDSHE pioneered the Combo Pack – a Blu-ray Disc™ plus a DVD and a DisneyFile Digital Copy of the film in a single package. Current Disney-branded titles available as Combo Packs include High School Musical 3, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Bolt, Bedtime Stories, Race To Witch Mountain, Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana The Movie.
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios
These press materials are available in electronic form at www.WDSHEpublicity.com.
National Contact:
Rick Rhoades
(818) 295-5277
Rick.Rhoades@Disney.com
Chris Belcher
(818) 295-5227
Chris.A.Belcher@Disney.com
Regional Contact:
Michelle Alexander
(818) 295-5246
Michelle.Alexander@Disney.com
International Contact:
Liz West
(818) 295-4632
Liz.West@Disney.com
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Unauthorized Recording of Newly Released Motion Pictures In Movie Theater
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Keshawn Deron Wilson of Asbury Park, N.J., pleaded guilty today in Tampa, Fla., to federal charges of using a video camera to record then newly-released motion pictures in a New Jersey theater, announced Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division Lanny A. Breuer and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida A. Brian Albritton.
Keshawn Wilson, 25, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas B. McCoun III to two counts of unauthorized recording of motion pictures in a motion picture exhibition facility. According to information presented in court, Wilson was arrested on Sept. 13, 2008, by Ocean Township, N.J., police officers, while he was in the process of recording Picturehouse Entertainment’s then newly-released motion picture “The Women” at the Middlebrook Galleria 10 Clearview Cinemas in Ocean, N.J. At the time he was arrested, officers seized a high definition video camera with a 30 gigabyte hard drive from Wilson. A subsequent search of the camera’s hard drive revealed a copy of the then newly-released movie “The Women” and a copy of Universal Studios’ then newly-released movie “Burn After Reading,” which Wilson admitted he recorded the previous day at the same theater.
Wilson faces a maximum sentence of six years in prison, a $500,000 fine, two years of supervised release following the prison term and an order of restitution. A sentencing date has not yet been set by the court.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donald Hansen of the Middle District of Florida and Seth Kosto of the District of New Jersey, as well as Assistant Deputy Chief for Litigation Clement McGovern of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. This case was investigated by the FBI. The Motion Picture Association of America, an industry trade group that represents major producers and distributors of entertainment, including motion picture studios, provided assistance in this case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs,
+1-202-514-2008, TDD: +1-202-514-1888
Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin in the Newest Blockbuster Comedy from Director Nancy Meyers ‘IT’S COMPLICATED’
Coming to Blu-ray(TM) Hi-Def, DVD and Digital Download on April 27, 2010 – Just in Time for Mother’s Day! ‘A smart, sophisticated and downright hilarious comedy’ — Pete Hammond, Boxoffice Magazine
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ — Long forgotten passion and hidden emotions unexpectedly reignite with hilarious results in It’s Complicated, coming to Blu-ray(TM) Hi-Def, DVD and Download to Own on April 27, 2010 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Two-time Academy Award® winner Meryl Streep (nominated again this year for Julie and Julia), Emmy® and Golden Globe® winner Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock,” The Departed) and Emmy® winner Steve Martin (The Pink Panther, Baby Mama) star in the latest smart, funny, feel-good comedy that’s the perfect gift for Mother’s Day from Oscar® nominated writer and director Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday, What Women Want).
It’s Complicated also features John Krasinski (“The Office”), Lake Bell (“Boston Legal”), Mary Kay Place (Youth in Revolt), Rita Wilson (Big Dogs), Alexandra Wentworth (“Head Case”), Hunter Parrish (17 Again) and Zoe Kazan (The Private Lives of Pippa Lee) in this light-hearted story of a woman whose life has it all – and then some – when she finds herself in an unexpected, if not exactly unenjoyable, love triangle with her still sexy ex-husband and an attractive new suitor. Bonus features include a behind-the-scenes featurette and filmmaker commentary.
BONUS FEATURES
— The Making of It’s Complicated – Go behind the scenes of the year’s
most original comedy for grown-ups with the stars and filmmakers.
— Feature Commentary with writer, director and producer Nancy Meyers,
executive producer Suzanne McNeill Farwell, director of photography
John Toll and editor Joseph Hutshing.
It’s Complicated is priced at $36.98 SRP on Blu-ray Hi-Def and $29.98 SRP on DVD. Preorder close is March 9, 2010.
For further information, go to www.itscomplicatedmovie.com
Synopsis
Two-time Academy Award® winner Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin star in this hilarious look at marriage, divorce and everything in between. Jane (Streep) has three grown kids, a thriving Santa Barbara bakery and is on surprisingly amicable terms with her ex-husband Jake (Baldwin). Finally, a decade after her divorce, life’s options seem endless – until a few bottles of wine with Jake turns their cordial relationship into an impulsive affair. Caught in the middle of their rekindled romance is Jake’s young wife and Adam (Martin), a recently divorced architect who’s fallen hard for Jane. Could love be sweeter the second time around? It’s… complicated! From writer/director Nancy Meyers comes the comedy that critics call “laugh-out-loud funny” (Rex Reed, THE NEW YORK OBSERVER).
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.
CAST AND FILMMAKERS
——————-
Directed By: Nancy Meyers
————————-
Screenplay By: Nancy Meyers
—————————
Produced By: Nancy Meyers, Scott Rudin
————————————–
Director of Photography: John Toll
———————————-
Editor: Joseph Hutshing, David Moritz
————————————-
Production Designer: John Hutman
——————————–
Costumes By: Sonia Grande
————————-
Music By: Heitor Pereira, Hans Zimmer
————————————-
Cast: Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, John Krasinski, Lake
Bell, Mary Kay Place, Rita Wilson, Alexandra Wentworth, Hunter
Parrish, Zoe Kazan, Caitlin Fitzgerald
——————————————————————–
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
———————
Blu-rayTM Hi-Def
Street Date: April 27, 2010
—————————
Pre-Order Close: March 9, 2010
——————————
Copyright: 2010 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved
——————————————————
Selection Number: 61112656
————————–
Running Time: 2 hours, 1 minute
——————————-
Layers: BD-50
————–
CONTACTS:
Rating: Rated R for some drug content and sexuality
—————————————————
Technical Info: English DTS-HD Master Audio5.1/DVS Dolby Digital 2.0,
Spanish and French DTS 5.1 Surround, English SDH, Spanish and French
Subtitles
———————————————————————
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
———————
DVD
Street Date: April 27, 2010
—————————
Copyright: 2010 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved
——————————————————
Selection Number: 61110535
————————–
Running Time: 2 hours, 1 minute
——————————-
Layers: 2
———-
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
——————————————
Rating: Rated R for some drug content and sexuality
—————————————————
Technical Info: Dolby Digital 5.1.1/DVS Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish and
French Dolby Digital 5.1, English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
———————————————————————-
CONTACTS:
Evan Fong
Vice-President, Publicity
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
818-777-5540
Evan.fong@nbcuni.com
Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
CONTACT: Evan Fong, Vice-President, Publicity of Universal Studios Home
Entertainment, +1-818-777-5540, Evan.fong@nbcuni.com
Pinewood Studios and Studio Hamburg Announce a Joint Venture to Encourage More International Feature Film Production in Germany
BERLIN and LONDON, February 17, 2010/PRNewswire/ — Pinewood Studios and Studio Hamburg are today launching a Joint Venture that will allow European and International filmmakers to take advantage of their joint infrastructure and skills when producing feature films in Germany. The newly created “Pinewood Studio Berlin Film Services” will allow filmmakers to benefit from Studio Hamburg’s production and studio services in Berlin and Hamburg, as well as from Pinewood Studios’ extensive experience gained by being at the forefront of the creative industries for nearly 75 years.
Dr. Robin Houcken, managing director of Studio Hamburg said: “The joint venture offers international film producers new and cost effective solutions for filming in Germany.”
Ivan Dunleavy, CEO, Pinewood Studios Group, added: “Studio Hamburg’s excellent stages in Berlin, coupled with Pinewood’s expertise and reputation in the film industry, will undoubtedly be an attractive offering to many European and International producers that favour the excellent skills base, varied locations and incentives available.”
Pinewood Studios Group is the leading European provider of studio and related services to the worldwide film and television industries. Synonymous with world class British and international productions, the impressive heritage of its UK-based Pinewood, Shepperton and Teddington Studios date back to the early 20th Century and are home to some of the most successful features films and TV shows ever made (Slumdog Millionaire; Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince; James Bond).
Studio Hamburg Group will offer filmmakers the most modern, designated, open-plan film studios in Europe. The Group also incorporates Studio Hamburg Post Production and Studio Hamburg Filmtechnik (Film technology), as well as the Studio Hamburg Media Consult International (MCI) workshops. Studio Hamburg’s offering will give producers easy access to a range of world class services including post production, set construction and scenography.
Press contact:
UK
Andrew M Smith
Group Director Corporate Affairs, Pinewood Studios,
andrew.smith@pinewoodgroup.com
+44-1753656732
Germany
Ingrid Meyer-Bosse
Director Corporate Communication, Studio Hamburg,
imeyer-bosse@studio-hamburg.de
+49-40-66882240
Press contact: UK: Andrew M Smith, Group Director Corporate Affairs, Pinewood Studios, andrew.smith@pinewoodgroup.com, +44-1753656732; Germany: Ingrid Meyer-Bosse, Director Corporate Communication, Studio Hamburg, imeyer-bosse@studio-hamburg.de, +49-40-66882240
Gary T. McCollum, new Senior Vice President/GM of Cox Virginia. (PRNewsFoto/Cox Communications) CHESAPEAKE, VA UNITED STATES
18 Feb 2010 12:00 Africa/Lagos
Gary McCollum to Lead Cox Virginia
~Janet Barnard, Former Northern Virginia SVP, Takes Reins in Cox Kansas/Arkansas ~
CHESAPEAKE, Va., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Cox Communications has announced that Gary McCollum has been elevated to the newly created role of Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cox Communications Virginia. Mr. McCollum previously served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cox’s Southern Virginia operations.
Jill Campbell, Cox Senior Vice President Eastern Operations, said, “During Gary’s 20 year career with Cox, he has demonstrated the ability to grow and maintain customers in intensely competitive environments. Gary’s attention to customer satisfaction and his past leadership experience in Roanoke, Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads make him particularly well suited to this position.”
Mr. McCollum will continue to be based in Cox’s Hampton Roads office; however, he will now oversee the company’s operations in Northern Virginia and Roanoke as well as in Hampton Roads. Cox Virginia’s combined operation has the ability to offer telephone, cable television and high speed internet service to more than 1 million homes and employs approximately 2,800 employees. Cox Virginia is the second largest regional operation in the Cox family.
“Cox has a long and celebrated history in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We have great products, a state of the art network and a true commitment to each of the Virginia communities we serve. But even more than that, we have a dedicated team of employees who daily strive to meet our customers’ growing and changing needs. In my new role, I look forward to strengthening Cox’s presence in Virginia as a major employer, community supporter, and important contributor to the Commonwealth’s economy,” said Mr. McCollum.
Before joining Cox, Mr. McCollum, native of Richmond, Virginia and graduate of James Madison University, served eight years on active duty as a military intelligence officer for the U.S. Army. Mr. McCollum is currently a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves. During his active duty military career, he served with the elite U.S. Army Rangers.
Also, Mr. McCollum is engaged in numerous community and industry-related activities. His community involvement includes, but is not limited to, memberships with the following organizations: Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association; Norfolk State University Board of Visitors (Vice Rector); Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce; Hampton Roads Partnership and the Boys and Girls’ Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula.
Finally, Cox’s Northern Virginia operations were previously led by Janet Barnard who recently was selected as Senior Vice President and General Manager for Cox’s Arkansas/Kansas operation. She will begin this role effective February 22. During her tenure in Northern Virginia, Mrs. Barnard led her team to improved customer experience scores, increased network reliability, a reduction in field transactions and the fastest growth for a large market for Cox Business.
“Janet’s more than 22 years of operational expertise, demonstrated leadership experience, knowledge of the business and understanding of the competitive landscape will be key assets as we continue to grow our business and retain our customers in Kansas and Arkansas,” Campbell said.
For more information, contact Felicia Blow at (757) 222-8432 or Felicia.Blow@cox.com.
About Cox Communications:
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves 6.2 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising. Cox is known for pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For six years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunication; for four years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity; and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100218/PH56554
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN3
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Cox Communications
CONTACT: Felicia Blow APR of Cox Communications, +1-757-222-8432,
felicia.blow@cox.com; or Leigh Woisard of Cox Communications, +1-757-222-8496,
leigh.woisard@cox.com
New Technology Enables Direct Film Sales to iPhone/iPod touch for Independent Filmmakers
BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ — Mobile World Congress — FlickRocket, the leading online video distribution platform for small- and medium-size content owners has added support for iPhone and iPod touch devices. Video makers using FlickRocket to distribute their video can use the new feature to extend the audience they reach to the growing number of mobile video users with Apple’s popular devices.
FlickRocket enables content owners to sell their video directly from their web site under their own branding. Content owners can define the price and license scheme such as rental or download-to-own including advanced options such as secure burning to DVD or export to mobile devices.
With the addition of the iPhone or iPod touch, content owners are now able to sell their content to virtually every device capable of playing video starting from a PC ranging to portable media players, cell phones, game consoles, DVD Players and more. By choice of the content owner, the video is secured by Digital Rights Management.
“FlickRocket enables content owners to sell their content to the widest possible audience by supporting virtually every target platform and device. Customers can enjoy their purchase whenever and wherever they want. This translates into more customers, high customer satisfaction and ultimately in more content sales,” says Michael Schmidt, VP Marketing at FlickRocket.
“Using FlickRocket on our web site really made a difference in film sales. We sell language learning videos and people like to take them with them to practice in their spare time. I am sure adding support for the iPhone will be another boost in sales,” says Sunil Kumar, Owner at Language Experts, who produces and sells language training videos using FlickRocket.
Support for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch has been added through the custom “My Movies” app, which is available at no cost in the Apple app store.
FlickRocket supports Windows, regular DVD players, portable media players, navigation systems, Windows Mobile phones, Blackberry, Android, feature phones, PlayStation and iPhone/iPod touch. Solutions for Mac OS X and Android are planned to be released in the near future. Content owners can sign up for free at http://www.flickrocket.com/.
About FlickRocket
FlickRocket is a download DVD distribution platform for integration on content owner’s web sites, provided by ACE GmbH, Germany. FlickRocket is used by small- to medium-sized content owners for distributing their content directly from their web site to a worldwide audience. FlickRocket includes a Content Delivery Network, Payment Solution, optional DRM, download-to-burn, copy protection for DVD, physical shipment option and can be completely customized to fit the design of existing web sites. More information is available at http://www.flickrocket.com/.
Contact:
Michael Schmidt
ACE GmbH, Germany
press@flickrocket.com
+49-231-976765-0
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.
Source: ACE GmbH
CONTACT: Michael Schmidt of ACE GmbH, Germany, press@flickrocket.com,
+49-231-976765-0
Oscar-Nominated for Best Film, ‘District 9’ Contains Unauthorized ‘No Animals Were Harmed'(R) End Credit
Treatment of Animals on the Film Set Was Not Monitored by American Humane Association, Owner of Trademarked ‘No Animals Were Harmed'(R) Assurance.
DENVER, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The film “District 9,” nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Picture category, carries an unauthorized “No Animals Were Harmed”® end credit. The American Humane Association, the only animal-welfare organization authorized to monitor the use of animals in U.S. filmed productions — and owner of that trademarked statement which assures the public of the safe use of animals — urges members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to show their disapproval of the film’s unauthorized use of the end credit by casting their ballots for other nominated films instead.
“American Humane has monitored the use of animals in film for the past 70 years to ensure their safety, and both the animals and the public depend on us to do that,” said Karen Rosa, vice president of American Humane’s Film & TV Unit. “We did not monitor ‘District 9.’ And the unauthorized use of that end credit on ‘District 9’ not only leaves open the questions of ‘How were the animals treated?’ and ‘Were any of them harmed or killed?’, but it’s dishonest to the public and it’s a slap in the face to the conscientious productions that have American Humane on set, meet our standards for animal safety, and have legitimately earned the right to say ‘No Animals Were Harmed.’ We encourage Academy members to cast their votes for films other than ‘District 9,’ to send the message that Hollywood cares about the safety of animals and respects intellectual property. The industry fights piracy every day and should understand that this is piracy of American Humane’s registered language.”
American Humane was contacted by Sony Pictures after the company purchased the completed film and discovered the “No Animals Were Harmed” end-credit disclaimer on it. “We informed Sony that American Humane’s Certified Animal Safety Representatives(TM) had not monitored ‘District 9’ and that it should not carry that statement,” Rosa said. “However, we were told that the film was ‘locked’ and that Sony was thus unable to remove the credit. We have subsequently reached out to Peter Jackson, co-producer of ‘District 9,’ to explain American Humane’s process for monitoring films, as well as our position regarding the unauthorized use of our disclaimer. We hope Mr. Jackson will be receptive to discussing this issue and following the proper process for keeping animals safe on the set in future productions.”
American Humane takes the accountability for the disclaimer statement very seriously and, therefore, screens films and verifies reports from the on-set monitors before awarding the disclaimer. In a subsequent instance, for Jackson’s film “The Lovely Bones,” the production added American Humane’s “No Animals Were Harmed” disclaimer to the credits. Although American Humane supervised the use of the animals in that film, the production used a registered disclaimer from the film “King Kong” instead of the authorized disclaimer that would have been available. The distributor, Paramount, was unable to correct that error and the fraudulent use of the registered credit, not only on the theatrical release, but also on the upcoming DVD release. “We are hoping that Mr. Jackson is simply unaware of the errors, rather than dismissive of our work and mission,” said Rosa.
When American Humane’s end credit is earned by a film, it signifies that American Humane was on the set, monitoring the use of animals and ensuring that the organization’s “Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media” were followed. American Humane can then attest to the treatment of the animals on set and explain to the public exactly how the animal action was safely achieved. When a production disregards this process for ensuring the safety of animals and uses an unauthorized end credit, there is no accountability and no meaning behind the words “No Animals Were Harmed” on that film. And in the case of films shot outside the U.S., as “District 9” was, there is no telling how the animals were treated, since standards for the treatment of animals vary from country to country.
“We urge the viewing public to voice their concern about ‘District 9’ and let Sony know they don’t want this to happen again,” Rosa said.
American Humane encourages filmmakers to work with the organization and for distributors to verify the legitimacy of the “No Animals Were Harmed” credit before approving and finalizing any film prints for theatrical release or DVD distribution. Viewers, too, should always look for the “No Animals Were Harmed” end credit and logo. They can check American Humane’s website, www.americanhumane.org/film to see what rating was assigned to films, based on their use of animals, and to find out how the animal action was achieved on films that American Humane monitored.
About American Humane
Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane® Certified farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070521/LAM095LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: American Humane Association
CONTACT: Heather Black of the American Humane Association,
+1-720-873-6771, heatherb@americanhumane.org
