Toronto International Film Festival Adds DIAL M FOR MURDER 3D And FINDING NEMO 3D

If you're going to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and you love 3D movies you're in a bit of luck! TIFF has decided to include two very interesting library movies that have been updated to modern stereoscopic 3D standards.

While Alfred Hitchcock's DIAL M FOR MURDER was originally made in 3D, it will take work to get it remastered for today's digital 3D theaters. Here's the description from TIFF: "Alfred Hitchcock’s devilish drawing-room thriller, about a retired tennis pro (Ray Milland) who plans the “perfect” murder of his adulterous wife (Grace Kelly), is revived in a new, eye-popping 3D digital restoration."

Also being added is Pixar's FINDING NEMO which should be a stunning experience in 3D. As you probably know if you're a frequent reader of MarketSaw or a 3D fan, underwater 3D is absolutely amazing whether it's animation or real life (same goes for space or mid-air shots). The reason is objects are suspended in front of you without being cut off by the end of the frame and therefore can utilize more space to present the 3D. Another way of describing it is that when you take off your 3D glasses you will see a blur on the screen - that blur represents the overlapping visual information for each eye being presented at the same time. Now if those blurs are too close to the edge of the frame they can't be presented without being cut off somewhat, causing issues to be avoided. Suspended objects are no where near the edge of frame and the 3rd dimension can be exploited if so desired.

Here's the TIFF description for FINDING NEMO:
"Academy Award-winning film Finding Nemo returns to the big screen in thrilling Disney Digital 3D™ for the first time ever. Teeming with memorable comedic characters and heartfelt emotion, this stunning underwater adventure follows the momentous journey of an overprotective clownfish named Marlin (Albert Brooks) and his young son Nemo (Alexander Gould) –– who become separated in the Great Barrier Reef when Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from his ocean home to a fish tank in a dentist’s office. Buoyed by the companionship of Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), a friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish, Marlin embarks on a dangerous trek and finds himself the unlikely hero of an epic effort to rescue his son –– who hatches a few daring plans of his own to return safely home."

Looks like TIFF is putting on another great show! Let me know if you're going...

Is This Robocop?

We only saw a tiny glimpse of Robocop's chasis in that ED-209 viral thingee awhile back, either for the building of suspense or because they literally haven't settled on a design yet. Now, Geekscape says they've got a concept model of the character...

If this is the real thing (or something close) it's pretty bad; but also completely plausible as a 2012 moviemaking decision: Too slick, not at all iconic, would never peg it as being Robocop if not prompted. Clearly designed to be "dynamic" in motion (re: a lot more jumping about from New Robocop, because that was such a big, gaping hole in the first one...)

Bottom line: This looks like a random mook from any of a dozen recent video-games, not the lead of a big movie.

Big Picture: "On The Subject of Violence"

In relation, obviously, to the recent unpleasantness...

The Escapist : The Big Picture : On The Subject Of Violence

The Democratic Party Will (Probably) Officially Endorse Gay Marriage At 2012 Convention

In the spirit of this shocking, profound and in-no-way-just-rubber-stamping-what-already-eminently-evident news; I have decided to officially endorse my support of Mario Games, Pizza, 80s Metal and the first two "Spider-Man" movies.

Incidentally, this comes on the heels of the whole "Chik-fil-A" debacle, which is set to become even more absurd on Wednesday as "luminaries" like Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin have encouraged their fans/followers to show pride in their bigotry by making August 1st "Chik-fil-A" day. Here's an idea: I plan on making it a point to buy/eat some chicken from a competitor on that day as a form of counter-protest, and I encourage my readers/followers/fans to do the same. In fact, if anyone wants to Tweet a picture of themselves eating non-CFA chicken to me (@the_moviebob) on that day, maybe I'll post some of them here.

Anyway...

This is one of those moments where the realities of 24/7 digital-age politics smash up against our stuck-in-the-1900s election choreography: EVERYBODY already knows that the Democrats, as a party, are nominally on the side of LGBT activism, but this will be the first time it's ever been written into the "Party Plank" - a list of "official positions" whose convention-time adoption was the subject of much ceremony and fanfare in the days when news only traveled at the speed of train. Still, it's big news and will be treated as such if it's indeed going to happen. Important step, piece of history, where-were-you-when, etc.

What interests me is what this says about where the DNC's collective "head" is at and what it means for how the election will actually play out. Three things immediately jump to mind:

1. Ambiguity Is Over
If nothing else, this is the Democrats aquiescing to a reality the Republicans set up way ahead of them: There's no "middle ground" this time. This is now officially a "versus" election, where in spite of all the decrying of "divisiveness" you'll hear from all sides division is the entire goal; casting the choice in such stark terms - Red vs. Blue, White America vs. Multicultural America, Nativist vs. Globalist, Secular vs. Religious, Reason vs. Belief, Tradition vs. Future, Family Values vs. New Normal - that as many would-be voters as possible are spurred to "get off the sidelines" and choose a side (or completely tune out, which can be just as useful to the same ends); with each team gambling that "they're guys" will be more motivated to pack the polls. The DNC will be saying to pro-LGBT Americans "This is WAR, the prize is your rights, we've got your back, now get out there and kick some ass."

2. The DNC Is Either Confident Of A Win Or Preparing To Lose
As a rule of thumb, politicians and political parties don't take controversial positions during elections unless they feel they've already won or already lost. While taking this position probably won't make THE difference for Obama's numbers vs. Romney's, it will probably make things tighter. Either way, while this is a politically "risky" move (more in a bit) it's unquestionably a good move for Democrats long-term. LGBT rights, as part of the broader "social issues" package, is the #1 thing that seperates Generations X and Y from their parents and grandparents as a voting demographic; and this is the clearest signal the Dems have sent in quite some time that they're the party for them. Even if they lose this election, it's a step toward securing a bloc for next time.

3. Win Or Lose, The DNC Is Writing-Off "Red America."
If you want a "macro" of the politics of this manuever, it's that The DNC is willing to concede the previously-swingable (via Labor Union connections) "Blue Collar" demographic (in poli-speak: working-class white people, predominatly rural-rooted and family/church-centered) to Republicans for the forseeable future. Short-term risk, but long-term likely-payoff. The fact is, the "Blue Collar" demo is on-track for continued shrinkage in the visible future: America is becoming less white, less reliant on (domestic) physical-labor and less "rooted" workwise - the jobs/industries with growth prospects are the ones better suited to single, mobile professionals concentrated in urbanized areas. So while becoming "The Party of Gay Rights" will unquestionably drive a not-insignificant portion of the Blue Collar demo to The Right; it's a demo that might as well be an endangered-species electorally speaking - whatever percentage of the white/midwestern working-class Democrats lose over this will be made up for (with interest) by the two demographic megaton-bombs hanging over the near-future process: Boomers entering retirement age (expectation-of/reliance-on Social Security and Medicare = Democrat votes) and the potential permanent game-changer of either "amnesty" for undocumented immigrants or the children of said immigrants hitting voting age (Republicans eagerness to racially-scapegoat Latinos ensures most of these votes will not go to them.)

YES!!! Middle-earth Fans Rejoice - Peter Jackson Announces A Third HOBBIT Movie! UPDATE: Confirmed 3D!!

What a beautiful day today made complete with the knowledge that Peter Jackson and his team have succeeded in presenting a compelling third movie in THE HOBBIT series of films to the studios!

Yes, Jackson has officially announced the news via his Facebook page and THE HOBBIT is now a trilogy to compliment THE LORD OF THE RINGS (LOTR) threesome. 

Jackson and his team will be using the appendices that were part of Tolkien's THE RETURN OF THE KING and there's plenty of action to be explored to lead us elegantly to THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. Namely (from the pen of Jackson himself), "the story of Bilbo Baggins, the Wizard Gandalf, the Dwarves of Erebor, the rise of the Necromancer, and the Battle of Dol Guldur." And I know there are AMPLE stories of Aragorn here! The tales of Strider (as he was known to the Hobbits) as he fights with his Rangers of the North, the Dunedain, against the dark forces. The Tolkien books further mention that Aragorn had watched over the the Shire borderlands, so we are bound to see his character develop leading into LOTR, I'm hoping. REALLY hoping.

Jackson did not mention that it will be 3D and shot in 48 frames per second, but clearly to maintain the consistency of THE HOBBIT it surely will happen. **SAME DAY UPDATE: Yes, it will happen! Confirmed by the official press release.

Those six movies are sure to look handsome on my movie shelf! Anyone else a wee bit happy about this small bit of news? ;-)

And MANY thanks to the many readers that emailed, texted and commented to me that Jackson made this announcement! I was at an appointment and missed it!

"The Hobbit" Will Be Three Movies

Peter Jackson has confirmed that "The Hobbit" will go from being two films to a trilogy; with the originally-announced first two debuting over the next two Xmas seasons and the third hitting Summer 2014.

Details are vague, but supposedly this has been spurred by the material added (mostly "what was going on elsewhere in Middle Earth" from the LOTR appendices) to "flesh out" the events of the existing two films and tie things more directly to the events/characters that Tolkien later placed before and after Bilbo's main adventure.

Whether or not that means "Hobbit 2" gets longer with the "traditional" ending still happening in Part 3 or if the third film will be the often-discussed "bridge film" to LOTR remains to be seen.

WRITTEN REVIEW: The American Nightmare

By CORY CARR

To conclude Slaughter Film’s first annual Summer School [a horror movie documentary extravaganza], I have chosen what I feel to be a very appropriate film to sum up the course. I hope that you all have learned a thing or two about Blood, Breasts & Beasts and have

CONTINUE READING

AVATAR 2 Not Expected Until At Least 2015

We have gotten an update for the release of AVATAR 2 and as expected it looks like 2014 is out. 2015 or later is the newly revised estimate from the man himself, James Cameron.

However the upside is that Cameron will be shooting AVATAR 2, 3 and 4 at the same time so while we'll have to wait for the front end of these movies til 2015, the follow up movies should come on a fairly good schedule afterward.

New Zealand will definitely be a huge part of the AVATAR sequels as Cameron plans on using Peter Jackson's Wellington studios as well as his Weta Digital visual effects company. Motion capture will be done in Los Angeles.

Cameron is also personally investing in the kiwi island nation by purchasing a 2500 acre home on Lake Pounui. Word is he is considering building his own studios in Auckland. He was careful to point out however that "I'm not there to compete with Peter."

More AVATAR news when we get it!

Source: NYTimes

MUST WATCH: First Trailer For SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D Remembers The Magic!

I am a huge fan of SILENT HILL from it's video game beginnings to the first movie. Now comes a much anticipated sequel and it looks to be captured some of that (dark) magic once again.

For me it wasn't the creatures as much as it was the town that got to me. I was really hoping for more of that feeling of dread in this one. The trailer reveals some of what I am looking for, but also a desire to show off creatures in full light - something that I am uneasy with, because I am a bit of a purist with this series. After all, it's more of a psychological horror than anything else. I won't go into specifics right now because I don't want to ruin the trailer for you, but all in all my anticipation is still very much there.

But oh, that town. The presence of a wicked unknown, bridging what's real with the supernatural. It's such a tricky place to finally reveal the evil behind the dread so I will reserve full judgement until after seeing the movie, to which I will be first in line. The falling soot and ashes will look SPECTACULAR in 3D, especially as this movie is being shot in native 3D using 3ality Technica rigs! Such a great setting, one of the best I have ever seen. SILENT HILL affects my location writing more than any other movie (yes, I'm writing!).

GAME OF THRONES talent clearly has an impact on the casting as Sean Bean returns to the franchise bringing Kit Harington along with him.

Here's the movie's storyline:
Based on the groundbreaking video game franchise, SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D is the sequel to the hit film SILENT HILL, which opened to number one at the U.S. box office and took in nearly $100 million at the worldwide box office. Featuring an unparalleled horror experience, Konami’s Silent Hill franchise has captivated fans for more than a decade and has spawned a hit comic book series, graphic novels, collectible action figures and numerous soundtracks from rock bands. In SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D, Heather Mason (Clemens) and her father (Bean) have been on the run, always one step ahead of dangerous forces that she doesn’t fully understand. On the eve of her 18th birthday, plagued by horrific nightmares and the disappearance of her father, Heather discovers she’s not who she thinks she is. The revelation leads her deeper into a demonic world that threatens to trap her forever.

SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D opens on October 26.

"Sonic Fan-Film" New Trailer

You might remember Eddie LeBron and Blue Core Studios for their ambitious "Mega Man" fan-film a few years back. Shortly after that, they announced they were going to take a swing at "Sonic The Hedgehog;" and with the film's release date apparently approaching (last I'd heard it was going to be a short instead of a feature) there's a new trailer - and yes, that's actually Jaleel White returning to voice Sonic:

Escape to The Movies: "The Watch"

Sucks. But you knew that.

"Intermission" is full of Dark Knight Spoilers.

The Escapist : Escape to the Movies : The Watch

INDEPENDENCE DAY 2 In The Works - Sequel Worthy Story Written By Emmerich And Devlin

Interesting news from producer Dean Devlin (INDEPENDENCE DAY, STARGATE) from our friends over at Collider - INDEPENDENCE DAY 2 is definitely in the works!

Here's what Devlin had to say at the Saturn Awards:
“I can tell you that Roland Emmerich and I are working together for the first time in eleven years and we are working really hard to try and make this happen. I think that the story that we finally cracked is finally worthy of a sequel. And I think that the people who have been fans will feel like they got the movie they were waiting for.”

Further Devlin said that the time between the movies would be used as part of the plot which makes total sense to me. Time is a requirement for most fictional space travel so why not? I see it as being a plot device too for the sequel to DISTRICT 9 should that happen too.

However, I don't believe Devlin is your standard Hollywood writer / producer. Want proof? How about this quote from him:

“Many years ago, I was actually hired to write the sequel to Independence Day. And I wrote a sequel. And they paid me a boatload of money to go write this thing. And after I wrote it, I read it and I gave them back the money and I said, ‘look, this is an okay movie I just wrote. But it’s not worthy of the sequel to Independence Day.’ And I literally gave back the money. And afterwards I said, ‘You know what? I’m not even going to try anymore.’ And it was only about a year-and-a-half ago that Roland called me up and said, ‘We should try again.’”

No word on whether Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum or any of the other stars will be returning to the sequel, but Devlin did allude to it when he said that (paraphrased) it's necessary to account for the time between movies because the actors get older. Hint, hint.

More details when I get it! I am definitely up for another ID movie. Loved the first one despite some cheesy moments. Goldblum has GOT to come back.

A New Look At Gollum And An Update On A Potential Third Hobbit Movie!

Obviously the performance capture tech behind Gollum has improved dramatically since the LORD OF THE RINGS days and one only needs to look at he first shot to see just how it is being shot this time around.

Of note is that Gollum (being played by the perfcap maestro himself, Andy Serkis) is able to be in the same room and perform with Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) at the same time. This is a huge advantage over the LOTR series where they had to perform separately. Now the actors can work off of each other and potentially improve on an already impressive pedigree in visual effects.

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY will have a young Gollum involved which should prove to be very visually impressive! Can't wait to see what they have in store for us - all shot in native 3D with Red Epics on 3ality Technica rigs in 48 frames per second!

After watching Peter Jackson's final production diary video (there are upcoming post-production diaries coming too), you have got to be wired in to this movie! What more could possibly happen to get us even more excited?

How about a third Hobbit movie! Yes, it's in the works. Peter Jackson and his team are huddling with the studio now to try and line up financing for some shooting next year of a "bridge movie" that would connect THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN and THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (which was released a surprising 11 years ago! My how time flies).

Here's what Peter Jackson had to say about the notion of a 3rd Hobbit movie:
"We've been certainly talking to the studio about some of the material we can't film. And we've been asking them if we can do a bit more filming next year…I'd like to shoot a bunch more material that we can't shoot. There's so much good stuff in the appendices that we haven't been able to squeeze into these movies."

On the other hand, they may get the go ahead to turn the extra shooting days into an extended version of the two Hobbit movies for release on disc. I'll take "Make it a third movie" for $100 Alex.

Here's the storyline for THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY:
THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY follows title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever… Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, goldring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY opens on December 14.

Source: E!

"Cloud Atlas" Looks Like It Probably DOES Need a Six-Minute Trailer

The Wachowskis are two of the most interesting talents working in big-scale Hollywood movies today; so much so that the fact that they're no longer The Wachowski Brothers is NOT the most interesting thing about their output.

Their careers have never quite recovered from "The Matrix" becoming a massive overnight mega-sensation, prompting two unnecessary and innevitably-underwhelming sequels, and the the (IMO) underappreciated "Speed Racer" didn't exactly put them back on top; but I can't not respect people who make good on the dream of attaining permanent blockbuster clout and using it to do whatever the hell you want.

Now they've partnered with Tom Tykwer for a sprawling adaption of "Cloud Atlas," which features a big cast playing multiple roles that stretch across multiple genres, styles, time-periods and realities. The film's first SIX MINUTE trailer is now up over at Apple. Whoa.

Yeah, This Is TOTALLY Appropriate

When a tragedy occurs with some kind of connection to a pop-culture property, it's only natural for the two to get bound up in eachother when it comes to artistic-expression of reactions to said tragedy. Which is a long way of saying that, while I'm kind of "put off" by the deluge of "Sad Batman" fan-art that started popping up in the wake of the Colorado Massacre (so much of it feels like it's more about empathizing with Batman - the fiction character - rather than the actual event) I expected it and understood it.

Seeing it on the days-later cover of The Hollywood Reporter, though? Advertising a series of "timely" essays on movie violence? That's just incredibly tacky. Trashy. This is National Enquirer/Fox News stuff - even an entertainment publication should have higher standards than this. Notably, the essay-collection features an astonishingly wrongheaded (to say nothing of incredibly irresponsible) "maybe the movies ARE to blame" piece by the great Peter Bogdanovich, of all people. (His 1968 film "Targets" featured a mentally-disturbed Vietnam veteran who trains a sniper-rifle on teenagers at a drive-in movie, is the connection.)

Ok It's Here! Check Out The First Trailer For Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI

We've seen some impressive imagery from Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI already but will the first trailer hold up to the intense expectations being set upon the movie?

YES. It does. Amazing so in fact. It reminds me a bit of how Tarsem Singh might have handled the movie - incredibly visual, surreal and yet intensely alive. I love it.

I won't go on too much about it until you've seen the trailer and have had a chance to absorb it perhaps with multiple viewings. Imagine this is 3D! And it's a native 3D production to boot shot with Cameron | Pace Groups 3D rigs.

Here's the storyline from the book:
The son of a zookeeper, Pi Patel has an encyclopedic knowledge of animal behavior and a fervent love of stories. When Pi is sixteen, his family emigrates from India to North America aboard a Japanese cargo ship, along with their zoo animals bound for new homes.

The ship sinks. Pi finds himself alone in a lifeboat, his only companions a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and Richard Parker, a 450-pound Bengal tiger. Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi, whose fear, knowledge, and cunning allow him to coexist with Richard Parker for 227 days while lost at sea. When they finally reach the coast of Mexico, Richard Parker flees to the jungle, never to be seen again. The Japanese authorities who interrogate Pi refuse to believe his story and press him to tell them “the truth.” After hours of coercion, Pi tells a second story, a story much less fantastical, much more conventional – but is it more true?

Here's the trailer! Enjoy...




LIFE OF PI opens on November 21.

PODCAST 6: Reptilicus & Phantoms

This week Forest & Cory discuss monster movies as they share their thoughts on a couple of stinkers; the '60s classic Reptilicus and the Dean Koontz book to film adaptation Phantoms.

CONTINUE READING

3D Animation Roundup: ME AND MY SHADOW, DESPICABLE ME MINIONS And DWA Acquires Casper, Voltron And More...

Tons of 3D animation news this week! Lets start off with a poster from Dreamworks Animation and their all-star cast for the upcoming 2014 film ME AND MY SHADOW, featuring Josh Gad (Love and Other Drugs), Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs) and Kate Hudson (Almost Famous, Something Borrowed).

Animation veteran Alessandro Carloni, who most recently served as head of story on DreamWorks Animation's Academy Award-nominated HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, will make his directorial debut on Me & My Shadow. Melissa Cobb (KUNG FU PANDA 1 and 2) will produce and Jeff Hermann (KUNG FU PANDA 1 and 2) will co-produce. Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember (GET SMART) are writing the screenplay. The original script was written by Steve Bencich and Ron J. Friedman.

When recently asked about traditional hand drawn animation, DreamWorks Animation Chief Creative Officer Bill Damaschke spoke about the hybrid animation in ME AND MY SHADOW:

"Me And My Shadow, which is out in spring of 2014, is a combination of CG and traditional hand drawn animation. There is a reason to tell the story in that fashion. It's about what would happen if your shadow, that has been following you around and basically just follows what you do your whole life, just stood up and took over. The shadows will be animated hand drawn, and the other characters will be CG animated. There is a reason to do it [hand drawn animation] that felt creatively interesting."

Here's the storyline for ME & MY SHADOW:
Me And My Shadow reveals the once secret world of shadows and their human counterparts. Stan, our hero's shadow, yearns for a more exciting life but happens to be stuck with Stanley Grubb, a timid guy with an extreme aversion to adventure. When a crime in the shadow world puts both of their lives in danger, Stan is forced to take control of Stanley. They go on a madcap adventure to investigate the crime and stop the shadow villain from leading a rebellion where shadows take over the human world. During this adventure, Stan empowers Stanley to let go of his fears and embrace life. Through their adventure, they both learn that one cannot be whole without a true friend. 

Look for ME AND MY SHADOW in the Spring of 2013. Here's the official Facebook page.


--- 

One of the best features of the DESPICABLE ME franchise are those minions. They are pretty irresistible aren't they? Very funny stuff indeed. In fact, they are so irresistible that they have secured their own movie!

Yes, according to Deadline, Universal Picture are going to spawn a spin off movie from the original franchise.

Apparently Pierre Coffin (DESPICABLE ME) will direct with Kyle Balda (THE LORAX) acting as co-director and Brian Lynch (PUSS IN BOOTS) writing the screenplay.

Look for the minions in their own big screen movie in 2014.


---

And back to Dreamworks Animation - HUGE news. The studio has just acquired a treasure trove of characters and properties from Classic Media. Just how classic? How about Casper The Friendly Ghost, The Lone Ranger (doesn't affect the Disney movie that's about to pop), Voltron, George Of The Jungle, Rocky And Bullwinkle, Lassie and Where's Waldo?, not to mention all the characters in the Golden Books series. The price of the deal was valued at $155m.


Congratulations to everyone involved and continued success with these iconic brands.

Here's the official press release:
DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Classic Media, owner of one of the most extensive portfolios featuring many of the best-known and most-enduring franchises in all of family entertainment, for $155 million in cash from Boomerang Media Holdings I LLC, a portfolio company of Chicago-based private equity firm GTCR.


Classic Media’s library of intellectual property, which is focused on family characters and brands, features a vast collection of filmed entertainment with over 450 titles and more than 6,100 episodes of animated and live-action programming. Classic Media owns one of the world’s largest comic book archives and media rights to the titles in the Golden Books library, which have sold over two billion copies worldwide. Their properties have been distributed in over 170 territories around the globe.


With well-established titles such as Casper the Friendly Ghost, Where’s Waldo?, Lassie, The Lone Ranger, George of the Jungle and Rocky And Bullwinkle, Classic Media’s properties have been a fixture in mainstream entertainment for decades. The Christmas Classics – Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town – are the longest-running, highest-rated holiday specials in television history. Classic Media counts among its holdings contemporary bestsellers such as VeggieTales and the beloved Olivia property, as well as hits Postman Pat and Noddy in international markets.


“Classic Media brings a large and diverse collection of characters and branded assets that is extremely complementary to DreamWorks Animation’s franchise business, and we plan to leverage it across our motion picture, television, home entertainment, consumer products, digital, theme park and live entertainment channels,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer of DreamWorks Animation. “Founders and co-CEOs Eric Ellenbogen and John Engelman – seasoned executives with over 20 years of industry experience and a proven track record of success in managing high-quality content – have built an amazing team at Classic Media and are a welcome addition to the DreamWorks Animation family.”


Classic Media has approximately 80 employees and is headquartered in New York City, with offices in the UK and a division, Big Idea Entertainment, in Nashville, TN.


“No company knows the family entertainment business better than DreamWorks Animation and we are excited to join their family in a natural extension of our long-standing relationship that began years ago on Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” said Eric Ellenbogen, co-CEO of Classic Media. “Classic Media brings to the table extensive rights to some of the most beloved family entertainment brands in the world. Our combination with DreamWorks Animation will expand the opportunities for us and for our content and distribution partners around the globe.”


Classic Media’s joint venture with Jay Ward Productions, a legend in animation, manages the rights to the entire Jay Ward animated catalog, which includes Rocky And Bullwinkle and Mr. Peabody And Sherman. DreamWorks Animation’s 3D feature film Mr. Peabody And Sherman is scheduled for release on December 25, 2013.


“For over 75 years, Classic Media’s iconic properties have entertained kids and families around the world with a unique, cross-generational appeal that is also a defining characteristic of DreamWorks Animation’s films,” added Bill Damaschke, Chief Creative Officer at DreamWorks Animation. “We believe their characters and brands will continue to serve as a creative magnet for the industry’s top directors, producers and artists.”


For the 12 months ended February 29, 2012, Classic Media earned net revenue of $82.2 million and operating profit of $19.2 million.The acquisition of Classic Media will be financed through a combination of cash and borrowings under DreamWorks Animation’s revolving credit facility. The purchase price of $155 million includes amounts required to retire indebtedness.


“As part of DreamWorks Animation’s ongoing diversification strategy, this acquisition combines our hit-driven business with Classic Media’s extensive and sustainable library revenue stream,” added Lew Coleman, DreamWorks Animation’s President and Chief Financial Officer. “We expect the transaction to be accretive to our earnings in the first full year following the completion of the acquisition.”


The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of the required waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. DreamWorks Animation expects that the transaction will be completed during the quarter ended September 30, 2012.


J.P. Morgan Chase And Co. acted as financial advisor and Cravath, Swaine And Moore LLP and O’Melveny And Myers LLP served as legal advisors to DreamWorks Animation in connection with the transaction. Jefferies And Company, Inc. acted as financial advisor and Kirkland And Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to Classic Media in connection with the transaction.

WEEKLY NEWSREEL – 3 1/2 TIME-OUTS TUESDAY (VOL. 34)

Good evening Mr. & Mrs. Catholic, and all you other Christians at sea. It’s time for another Newsreel, sponsored once again by the fine folks at Acts of the Apostasy, home of the 3 1/2 Time-Outs Tuesday. For obvious reasons, a number of people around the country this week are discussing the possible effects watching certain types of movies might have on on our psyches. It’s hardly a black and white issue, for while we must acknowledge that every person is ultimately responsible for their own actions, it would be naïve to think the stuff we fill our heads with doesn’t affect us on some level. In fact, a number of recent scientific studies suggest movies do indeed have a psychological impact on us as viewers, some good, some bad, and some potentially ugly. And with that tease, we’re off to press.

I

DATELINE: COLUMBUS – Have recent events gotten you down and you’d like to find something to help you feel better? Well, oddly enough, the solution could actually be to watch something designed to make you feel even worse than you already do. An article in Ohio State University’s Research News reports how “researchers found that watching a tragedy movie caused people to think about their own close relationships, which in turn boosted their life happiness. The result was that what seems like a negative experience - watching a sad story - made people happier by bringing attention to some positive aspects in their own lives.” But wait, if you’re down in the dumps, don’t go reaching for Requiem For A Dream or Sophie’s Choice just yet. “The key is the extent to which viewers thought about their own relationships as a result of watching the movie. The more they thought about their loved ones, the greater the increase in their happiness. Viewers who had self-centered thoughts concerning the movie – such as ‘My life isn’t as bad as the characters in this movie’ – did not see an increase in their happiness.” Or as Associate Professor Silvia Knobloch-Westerwick puts it, “Tragedies don’t boost life happiness by making viewers think more about themselves. They appeal to people because they help them to appreciate their own relationships more.” “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues” the Roman author Cicero once wrote, “but the parent of all others.”

II

DATELINE: NEW HAMPSHIRE – Unfortunately, not all movies have such positive effects. A recent article in The Telegraph reports that researchers from Dartmouth College have “concluded that teenagers exposed to more sex on screen in popular films are likely to have sexual relations with more people and without using condoms. The study, based on nearly 700 popular films, found that watching love scenes could ‘fundamentally influence’ a teenager's personality… [making them] more prone to take risks in their future relationships. They also concluded that for every hour of exposure to sexual content on-screen, participants were more than five times more likely to lose their virginity within six years.” Illustrating that she holds a PhD in understatement, Dr. Ross O'Hara, who led the project, says "This study, and its confluence with other work, strongly suggests that parents need to restrict their children from seeing sexual content in movies at young ages." Since exclaiming “No @#$% Sherlock” is probably inappropriate for a religious oriented blog, we’ll stick with a simple “Amen!”

III

DATELINE: ITHACA – Finally, while not an example of directly affecting our personalities, the next item still shows how our reactions to watching movies can have an impact our lives. According to The Cornell Chronicle, “By applying computer analysis to a database of movie scripts, Cornell researchers have found some clues to what makes a line memorable. The study suggests that memorable lines use familiar sentence structure but incorporate distinctive words or phrases, and they make general statements that could apply elsewhere. The latter may explain why lines like "You're gonna need a bigger boat" or "These aren't the droids you're looking for" (accompanied by a hand gesture) have become standing jokes. You can use them in a different context and apply the line to your own situation.” So what, you may be asking? Well, “while the analysis was based on movie quotes, it could have applications in marketing, politics, entertainment and social media, the researchers said… Although teaching a computer how to write memorable dialogue is probably a long way off, applications might be developed to monitor the work of human writers and evaluate it in progress, Kleinberg suggested.” In other words, we’re quickly approaching the day when some bozo stands behind his presidential podium and answers important questions with quips like "You can't handle the truth!" or “"Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." The moment that happens, I suggest we revolt. (At the ballot box, of course, as Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical Diuturnum allows, but still, REVOLT!)

III 1/2

Yes, yes, we know that back in 1985 Ronald Reagan made a speech to the American Business Conference in which he stated, “I have only one thing to say to the tax increasers: Go ahead, make my day.” But he was an actor BEFORE he was president, so he gets a pass.

And with that we sign off this week’s Newsreel, as is our custom, with the immortal words of the great Les Nessman. Good evening, and may the good news be yours.

Limitless

MacBook Pro

2012 Lux Prize Finalists

Today within the framework of the 9th edition of the ‘Venice Days’ (Giornate degli Autori) section of the Venice International Film Festival, the European Parliament unveiled the three films of the LUX Prize 2012 Competition and here they are.

Csak a szél (Just the Wind), Bence Fliegauf, Hungary, Germany and France

Io Sono Li (Shun Li and the Poet), Andrea Segre, Italy and France

Tabu, Miguel Gomes, Portugal, Germany, France and Brazil

To read the official announcement go here. The three candidates will be screened as special events at the Venice Film Festival and in all the 27 Member States of the European Union. The prize will be awarded on November 21st at a sitting of the Parliament.

Peter Jackson's Final Production Diary Brings It Home - THE HOBBIT Is On It's Way...

Click to enlarge

Here's your chance to watch something and then have a silly smile planted on your face for at least a few hours! Honestly, Peter Jackson has created his own signature method of marketing a movie (two in this case) that at once underscores the need to go see it and at the same time minimizes the need for on set employees to feel as though they must share the magic they are creating.

Look, directors (let alone directors shooting back to back tentpoles movies) are busy enough. For Jackson to care enough about his product and audience to do this for us is remarkable.

3ality Technica Rig Housing Red Epic Cameras In 3D Config

In an amazing twist that kept creeping into my mind, I was feeling quite moved at the end of this eighth and final production diary (there will be more post-production diaries), quite moved indeed - and yet we still have the movies to look forward to! For me anyway, this is perfect marketing. This is how you make a classic movie in today's world. 

With that out of the way, I won't spoil anything for you in the diary. You WILL be able to see some brief footage of what was made available to audiences at Comic-Con this year - although nothing too earth shattering, so I think it's ok to watch it.

And a shout out to Jackson's team on these movies: WELL DONE! You know who you are and there certainly are far too many to list, but without you the magic just wouldn't be there. Congratulations on the wrap. Next up? All those creative talents in post-production! Time to pick up the ball and run with it like few others can...

Here is the storyline for the first movie, THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY:
From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," the first of two films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece “The Hobbit,” by J.R.R. Tolkien. The second film will be “The Hobbit: There and Back Again.”

Click to enlarge

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

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

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, the character he played in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, and Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins. Also reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” movies are: Cate Blanchett as Galadriel; Ian Holm as the elder Bilbo; Christopher Lee as Saruman; Hugo Weaving as Elrond; Elijah Wood as Frodo; Orlando Bloom as Legolas; and Andy Serkis as Gollum.

Have a watch!

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY opens this December 19. I can't believe it's almost time!

WRITTEN REVIEW: Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship and Videotape

By CORY CARR

During the mid to late 80’s a wondrous thing was happening, horror films were being rented all over the world at various VHS rental institutions and the world was happy. That is until the King of England got involved and started telling people they couldn’t watch some of their

CONTINUE READING

THE B-LIST: ACT NATURALLY (PART 3)

Okay, so we’ve spent the last few posts discussing some upcoming low budget horror movies made by Protestants, how such efforts naturally end up concentrating more on the sermon than on the story, and the possible reasons why there are so few equivalent films being produced by Catholics. But just because there aren’t very many of these kind of Catholic “soul winners” out there doesn’t mean you can’t find them if you’re willing to look hard enough. But don’t bother browsing the shelves of your local video store or checking the listings for the nearby multiplex hoping to run across one. Instead, search around websites like YouTube and that’s where you’ll locate a number of short films made by Catholic filmmakers. Most such efforts are dramatic or documentary in nature, but dig deep enough and you’ll see that there are a small handful of Catholic shorts containing elements of some of our favorite genres. Take the following for example.

ZOMBIES VS JESUS - Spirit Juice Studios has produced a number of shorts over the past few years, but none more suited to this blog than their most recent, Zombies Vs Jesus. In this tale “a young man awakens on a Sunday morning to discover that his family has turned into zombies. In a panic, he and a friend seek refuge in the one place they believe they will be safe: the town's Catholic church. There they discover the truth about what they have encountered.”

CAPTAIN CATHOLIC – For anyone out there who ever saw the old Bibleman television series and wondered why there wasn’t a Catholic version (Hey, I’m sure somebody had to right?), then look no further than Tony DeGennaro’s Captain Catholic. “YES folks, it's CAPTAIN CATHOLIC - former Swiss Guard from the Vatican. Cleverly disguised as annoying and klutzy Theology Major, Tony DeGennaro, no one would ever suspect the absent-minded and overly-perky geek of being associated with his mysterious true identity. With the God-given mystical ability of sin sense, Captain Catholic is in fact able to sense sin, at which time he must don his Vatican Flag-covered cape in order to protect and keep a watchful eye over the kind citizens of Scranton, Pennsylvania.”

LORD OF THE WORLD – What do you get when you have a love of early 20th Century Catholic fiction and about $25 in spare change? Well, if you’re YouTube user RomneyGack, you go out and make your very own homemade version of Monsignor Robert Hugh Benson’s Lord of the World, the 1907 apocalyptic novel detailing the rise of the Antichrist and the final battle between good and evil.

MASS HYSTERIA – Okay, so “pay attention at Mass” isn’t the heaviest message around, but it can still be a fun one as this short demonstrates.

You know, when you think about it, the short feature format is kind of appropriate for Catholic filmmakers with a message to pass on. After all, the theme of this series of posts has been that the films being produced reflect the forms of worship familiar to their makers, so naturally the Catholic movies would be shorter than their Protestant counterparts what with most Catholic homilies being typically briefer than Protestant sermons. In fact, it was only a couple of years ago that Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, the current secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, suggested that a typical homily should run no longer than 8 minutes in length. I know, I know, that probably sounds horrifying to some Protestants (though possibly to others it may sound like paradise), but all we’re really doing is worshiping in the same way Christians have for over two centuries.

St. Justin Martyr, writing somewhere around the year 155, described early Christian worship this way. “On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the same place. The memoirs of the apostles and the writings of the prophets are read, as much as time permits. When the reader has finished, he who presides over those gathered admonishes and challenges them to imitate these beautiful things. Then we all rise together and offer prayers* for ourselves… And for all others, wherever they may be, so that we may be found righteous by our life and actions, and faithful to the commandments, so as to obtain eternal salvation. When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss. Then someone brings bread and a cup of water and wine mixed together to him who presides over the brethren. He takes them and offers praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and for a considerable time he gives thanks (in Greek: eucharistian) that we have been judged worthy of these gifts. When he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all present give voice to an acclamation by saying: 'Amen.' When he who presides has given thanks and the people have responded, those whom we call deacons give to those present the "eucharisted" bread, wine and water and take them to those who are absent.” Now if that isn’t describing the Mass, I don’t know what is. Who knows, maybe the early Christians decided to start keeping the Liturgy of the Word short after that guy dozed off during one of St. Paul’s marathon expositions and fell out a window to his death (Acts 20:9). But whatever the reason, modern Catholics still follow their lead, revering Sacred Scripture and devoting part of Sunday worship to its study, but giving the most focus to the Eucharist. Which, you know, considering what we believe about the Eucharist, isn’t that bad a thing.

Anyway, I hope everybody has enjoyed our brief detour into the wacky world of low budget religious filmmaking. If I run across any more like these (and rest assured, there’ll always be more), I’ll be happy to pass them along. Until then, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of secular made silliness to keep us occupied.

Savages

iMac

Get the Gringo

MUST WATCH: New Teaser Trailer For MAN OF STEEL!

Warner Bros. has released a new teaser trailer for MAN OF STEEL and it - looks - AMAZING. I saw it last night too pre-rolling in front of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. Zach Snyder is directing and we know him to be a very capable helmsman, but throw in Producer Christopher Nolan and it really starts to pick up some unique energy, perhaps like no other movie we've ever seen. Marvel has every right to look over their shoulder at this movie because if it connects like I think it will, then DC and Warner's are on their way back into the superhero genre in a big way. Justice League anyone? Imagine a JL movie helmed by Nolan. It might be the only way to get back in the director's chair for another superhero movie. One of it's targets? Best THE AVENGERS. Not an easy task.

I LOVE how Snyder is using Clark Kent as a fisherman in this thing. It's a new spin and it works. The soundtrack and editing on this thing are going to be impeccable. Henry Cavill is looking great so far in the role - that casting HAD to work and it seems to be.

This teaser is narrated by Kevin Costner. There is actually a second trailer out there too with the exact same content, except it is narrated by Russell Crowe.

Now, a small note that Warner Bros. still hasn't confirmed the post production of MAN OF STEEL in 3D, but for me - it's a no-brainer. Look at the success Marvel is having with the genre and the studio would be daft to not follow that model. Sure you could look at Nolan and the work that he's done with Batman without 3D, but do NOT kid yourself, his movies would gross much more and be all that much more enjoyable to legions of fans with immersive 3D. It's a perfect match for superhero movies that have been proven over and over again with Marvel. Even IMAX had listed MAN OF STEEL as being an IMAX 3D movie until Warners told them to take it down.

Clearly Nolan's fingerprints are ALL of over this movie - even Hans Zimmer is scoring it rather than Snyder's usual accomplice, Tyler Bates. The big question here is just how far will the money (Warner Bros.) and the true creative talent (Snyder) allow a Producer to wield. It's well known that Nolan is anti-3D and is quite evangelistic about it. 

Apparently Nolan hasn't met anyone who enjoys 3D! I guess that makes Nolan pretty lonely in Hollywood, never talking with his peers like oh say: Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, James Cameron, Ang Lee, Peter Jackson, Bryan Singer, Steven Spielberg, Henry Selick, Robert Zemeckis, Joseph Kosinski, Rob Marshall, Tim Burton, Michael Bay, Alfonso Cuaron, Baz Luhrmann, Wim Wenders, Jean Luc Goddard, Werner Herzog and the list goes on. However I have to say if he is a traditionalist as he seems to be (sticking with film and no 3D), then I believe he should leave the creativity to his hired creative talent and not interfere at such a fundamental level. Clearly he is practically alone in Hollywood and to me that is not understanding a market very effectively. Man, I would have LOVED to have seen BB, TDK and TDKR in 3D. Multiple times I might add.

Here's the movie's storyline:
Henry Cavill plays Superman in director Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel." The film also stars Amy Adams as Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane, and Laurence Fishburne as her editor-in-chief, Perry White. Starring as Clark Kent's adoptive parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, are Diane Lane and Kevin Costner.

Squaring off against the superhero are two other surviving Kryptonians, the villainous General Zod, played by Michael Shannon, and Faora, Zod's evil partner, played by Antje Traue. Also from Superman's native Krypton are Lara Lor-Van, Superman's mother, played by Ayelet Zurer, and Superman's father, Jor-El, portrayed by Russell Crowe. Rounding out the cast are Harry Lennix as U.S. military man General Swanwick, as well as Christopher Meloni as Colonel Hardy.

Here's the movie's official site. Want more photos?

Stay tuned for more! Can't wait to see this in 3D...

Photo: EW
Thanks: James Stewart

Christopher Nolan on Aurora Tragedy

Speaking on behalf of the cast and crew of “The Dark Knight Rises”, I would like to express our profound sorrow at the senseless tragedy that has befallen the entire Aurora community. I would not presume to know anything about the victims of the shooting but that they were there last night to watch a movie. I believe movies are one of the great American art forms and the shared experience of watching a story unfold on screen is an important and joyful pastime.  The movie theatre is my home, and the idea that someone would violate that innocent and hopeful place in such an unbearably savage way is devastating to me. Nothing any of us can say could ever adequately express our feelings for the innocent victims of this appalling crime, but our thoughts are with them and their families.

New Images From DREDD!!

Click to enlarge

We've got some more images for you from Karl Urban's upcoming DREDD. I am really liking the special effects makeup on Lena Headey - she definitely looks intense!

This could be the DREDD we've all been waiting for. Fingers crossed. So far, the word is good!

Here's the movie's storyline:
DREDD takes us to the wild streets of Mega City One, the lone oasis of quasi-civilization on Cursed Earth. Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) is the most feared of elite Street Judges, with the power to enforce the law, sentence offenders and execute them on the spot – if necessary. The endlessly inventive mind of writer Alex Garland and the frenetic vision of director Peter Travis bring DREDD to life as a futuristic neo-noir action film that returns the celebrated character to the dark, visceral incarnation from John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra’s revered comic strip.

The future America is an irradiated waste land. On its East Coast, running from Boston to Washington DC, lies Mega City One–a vast, violent metropolis where criminals rule the chaotic streets. The only force of order lies with the urban cops called “Judges” who possess the combined powers of judge, jury and instant executioner. Known and feared throughout the city, Dredd (Karl Urban) is the ultimate Judge, challenged with ridding the city of its latest scourge–a dangerous drug epidemic that has users of “Slo-Mo” experiencing reality at a fraction of its normal speed.

DREDD opens on September 21.

Source: JoBlo

SAN ANDREAS: 3D Has A New Writer Quilling The Quake

Carlton Cuse

Writer Carlton Cuse (LOST, BATES MOTEL) has been signed on to write SAN ANDREAS: 3D for New Line.

Also attached to the earthquake thriller are director Brad Peyton (JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND) and producer Beau Flynn (HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS) who is also teeing up a third JOURNEY installment.

From Variety:
"Story takes place when a massive quake strikes California and centers on one man who must make the treacherous journey across the state to rescue his estranged daughter."

What I want to see is a realistic earthquake movie that truly shows what would happen during "the big one". Not the outrageous outcome of Emmerich's 2012, but something that I can suspend my disbelief and get drawn into, especially in 3D. It can be done. If you'll remember 1974's EARTHQUAKE, the scariest thing for me as a child was when those people were swept down in the dark sewer system and not all the buildings collapsing. If you humanize it, people will get it.

More info when it happens!

3D Conversion Tech Legal Disputes: Digital Domain And Prime Focus Settle; Thomas Randolph Sues StereoD Including Giovanni Ribisi

There have been some interesting legal developments in the 3D conversion space this week, one disagreement being settled amicably and the other just starting to develop.

First off we have a software producer, Thomas Randolph who has made a claim against 3D conversion specialist StereoD for failure to pay him a 5% cut of the company.

Here's a portion of the story taken from Courthouse News Service:
Randolph and his company Interactive Artists LLC sued William Sherak (son of nonparty Tom Sherak, president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and a former partner of Revolution Studios); movie producer Christopher Mallick; actor Giovanni Ribisi; Kuniaki Izumi, the owner and developer of VDX software; and Hollywood agent David Phillips, who along with Sherak allegedly introduced Randolph to Mallick.

Mallick formed MRSR LLC fka StereoD LLC in 2009 to market and sell Izumi's VDX technology, according to the complaint. Randolph claims that he created the business plan for the 3D conversion company and introduced Mallick to Izumi's software, which converts 2D movies into 3D.

Randolph says he met with Mallick in late 2008, while he was a principal of Kerner Technologies, when the filmmaker expressed an interest in converting 2D movies into 3D.

Randolph says he told Mallick about the VDX technology, and persuaded Izumi to combine VDX technologies with Kerner's CPX technologies and with Kerner's consent entered into a venture with Mallick.

Under the terms of deal, Randolph would be the venture's Chief Technical Officer, own a 5-10 percent stake and license FrameFree and CPF technologies from Kerner, according to the lawsuit.

Randolph is seeking damages for breach of contract, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, intentional interference with contractual relations, fraud and negligent misrepresentation. His representation is Alexander Volchegursky, with Lvovich, Volchegursky & Szucsko, in San Francisco.

---

Secondly we have a settlement between Digital Domain (who recently bought the top tier conversion house In-Three) and Prime Focus. The two companies will be actually working together in the future so it is my understanding that this is an amicable arrangement.

Here's the press release for the settlement:

Digital Domain Media Group and Prime Focus World Settle DDMG Patent Infringement Claim on 3D Technology Through Licensing

Companies Will Collaborate on Visual Effects and 3D Conversion for Feature Films

Port St. Lucie, Fla. And Los Angeles, CA — July 18, 2012 — Digital Domain Media Group (NYSE: DDMG) and Prime Focus World NV have signed an agreement whereby Digital Domain Media Group (DDMG) will license its 3D conversion technology to Prime Focus World. The agreement settles and terminates the patent infringement litigation action filed by DDMG against Prime Focus World in 2011. Under the agreement DDMG and Prime Focus World will collaborate on visual effects and 2D-to-3D conversion services work for feature films.

“Ultimately this was a lawsuit between two companies that enjoy working together, so we’re happy to put it behind us and resume our prior relationship with Prime Focus one of performing high-quality VFX work collaboratively,” said John Textor, CEO and Chairman of DDMG. “We understand that Prime Focus has its own significant 3D technology and we are pleased to report, as this license suggests, that they respect ours as we respect theirs.”

“Prime Focus is dedicated to delivering the highest level of conversion to its clients. The technology that we’ve licensed from Digital Domain Media Group enhances our own robust proprietary processes and increases our efficiency for our customers. We look forward to continuing our work with DDMG on their most important VFX projects,” said Namit Malhotra, CEO and Chairman of Prime Focus World.”

Through the Digital Domain Stereo Group, DDMG owns the six U.S. patents that represent the original commercially feasible computerized process for converting 2-dimensional filmed imagery into 3-dimensional stereoscopic imagery. The DDSG patents provide fundamental coverage of any modern conversion process that involves rotoscoping (i.e., computerized, semi-automatic and semi-automatic conversion with roto), and relate to any conversion process that includes horizontal image displacement / transform. In 2011, DDMG made its patent portfolio available to select companies in the broader industry through a studio-friendly licensing program. Prime Focus joins Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., which licensed DDMG’s technology in 2011 for use in its consumer electronics, components, services and software businesses.

About Digital Domain Media Group
Digital Domain Media Group (DDMG: NYSE) leverages its expertise in digital visual effects (VFX) and computer-generated (CG) animation across a group of interrelated businesses. At its foundation is Digital Domain Productions (DDPI), an award-winning digital production company founded in 1993. This leading provider of visuals has contributed to more than 90 major motion pictures, including Titanic, the Transformers series, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and TRON: Legacy, hundreds of commercials, and recently created the virtual likeness of rapper Tupac Shakur for Dr. Dre’s show at the Coachella Valley Music Festival. Mothership, a DDPI subsidiary, focuses on creating advertising, entertainment and branded content from concept to completion, across multiple media platforms. DDMG, its work and its employees have been recognized with numerous awards, including seven from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The company is building on its success in VFX to participate as a co-producer in major productions and is currently co-producing the upcoming live-action sci-fi feature film Ender’s Game, as well as virtual likenesses for Elvis Presley that will be jointly owned by CORE Media Group and DDMG. DDMG also converts two-dimensional (2D) imagery to three-dimensional (3D) imagery and holds key patents in this area. The company is also applying its CG expertise to produce original, family-friendly animated feature films at its subsidiary Tradition Studios. The first movie, The Legend of Tembo, is in pre-production and two more features are in development. The company’s education subsidiary, the Digital Domain Institute, sets a new standard in digital media education through a pioneering public-private partnership with The Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts. DDMG is expanding its worldwide footprint of the highest quality visual effects and animation at the lowest possible cost through global partnerships in India and China. The company has studios in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Florida, Vancouver, Mumbai and London, and is currently establishing studios in Beijing and Abu Dhabi. http://www.ddmg.co

ABOUT PRIME FOCUS WORLD
Prime Focus World is a leading global technology services company providing comprehensive creative and technical services to the film, broadcast and advertising industries. Providing 2D to 3D conversion, visual effects and animation services for major media and entertainment companies, the Company has brought its expertise to many wide release Hollywood films, including Men in Black 3, Star Wars: Episode One – The Phantom Menace, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Green Lantern, Immortals, Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Avatar. Prime Focus World has global operations with a presence in key centers of creative content production – Los Angeles, New York, London, Vancouver and Mumbai.

This post makes no interpretation of who is right and wrong in these legal matters that are in the hands of the courts.