THE CW ANNOUNCES 2011-2012 SCHEDULE

NEW FALL SEASON FEATURES MORE ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING ALL SEASON LONG

Sarah Michelle Gellar Makes Her Return to Series Television In New Drama “Ringer”

East Coast Drama “Gossip Girl” Welcomes New Neighbor to the South, “Hart of Dixie,” Starring Rachel Bilson, on Monday Nights

“90210″ Moves To a New Tuesday Night Address, Leading Into One of the Season’s Most Buzzed-About New Shows, “Ringer,” Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar

Wednesday Pairs New Celebrity Reality Series “H8R,” Hosted by Mario Lopez, with First-Ever All-Star Edition of “America’s Next Top Model”

On Thursday, The CW’s Highest-Rated Hit “The Vampire Diaries” Teams with “The Secret Circle,” a New Drama From Kevin Williamson About a Coven of Powerful Witches

Action Thriller “Nikita” moves to Friday Nights as the Lead-In for Fan Favorite “Supernatural”

Midseason Brings the Return and Farewell Season of “One Tree Hill” And Outrageous New Reality Series “Re-Modeled” and “The Frame”

May 19, 2011 (New York, New York) – The CW Network unveiled the schedule for its 2011-2012 season today at its annual upfront presentation for advertisers, affiliates and national media from Jazz at Lincoln Center. Electro hip-hop group LMFAO staged a rousing flash mob dance and performed their hit song “Party Rock Anthem” to open the show. The announcement was made by Dawn Ostroff, President of Entertainment, and Mark Pedowitz, the new President of The CW.

“We’re thrilled to present the most exciting primetime schedule The CW has ever had, comprised of shows that feature bold concepts, proven TV stars and up-and-coming, breakout talent,” said Ostroff. “In just five years, we’ve built an instantly recognizable brand that resonates with both viewers and advertisers and is known for being smartly provocative, culturally current, emotionally authentic and a leader in digital and social media. This upcoming season will continue to establish The CW as a premier destination for our viewers, especially women.”

“Our priority this season was adding more original programming this upcoming year, and we’ve done that with shows that will appeal to our core audience of women, while also bringing in new viewers,” said Pedowitz. “We’re being aggressive with smart, bold scheduling moves designed to improve key time periods and grow our audience.”

“‘Hart of Dixie,’ from the ‘Gossip Girl’ team of Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, is a medical franchise with a proven star in Rachel Bilson,” added Pedowitz. “Sarah Michelle Gellar has incredible appeal to our core audience and beyond, and when word got out that she was starring in ‘Ringer’ on our network, it went viral online immediately. ‘The Secret Circle’ is from Kevin Williamson, the producer of ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ and is also based on a popular series of books by author L.J. Smith, and it fits perfectly on Thursday nights. Our new reality series ‘H8R,’ and ‘Re-Modeled’ and ‘The Frame’ at midseason, are brash and loud, and continue our commitment of giving our audience more original content all season long. And we’re thrilled to have ‘One Tree Hill’ return for its farewell season this spring. The 2011-2012 season is poised to be The CW’s best season yet.”

On Monday night, one of the most talked-about shows on television, GOSSIP GIRL, returns to the 8:00-9:00 p.m. timeslot, leading into the new drama HART OF DIXIE from 9:00-10:00 p.m. From the creators of GOSSIP GIRL and “The O.C.,” HART OF DIXIE stars Rachel Bilson as Doctor Zoe Hart, a sophisticated New York City woman who finds herself practicing medicine in a small Southern town.

90210 graduated from West Beverly High and moves over to Tuesday nights, 8:00-9:00 p.m. Following 90210, 9:00-10:00 p.m., is one of the most buzzed-about shows of the new season, RINGER, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, who stars as a woman on the run, who assumes her twin sister’s identity, only to discover that her sister’s life is just as complicated and dangerous as the one she’s trying to escape.

On Wednesday, new reality series H8R brings celebrities face-to-face with the people who love to hate them, with host Mario Lopez, 8:00-9:00 p.m. With its focus on celebrity culture, H8R gives a great lead-in to the first-ever All-Stars edition of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL from 9:00-10:00 p.m.

Thursday night will feature two shows from star producer Kevin Williamson and based on a series of books by author L.J. Smith. The CW’s top-rated show THE VAMPIRE DIARIES returns in the 8:00-9:00 p.m. timeslot, leading into new drama THE SECRET CIRCLE from 9:00-10:00 p.m. Britt Robertson stars as Cassie, an orphaned teenage girl who discovers the truth about her lineage – she’s a witch who holds the key to an ancient battle between good and evil.

Friday nights are action-packed, with the sexy and exciting NIKITA moving to 8:00-9:00 p.m. and the Winchester brothers of SUPERNATURAL returning in the 9:00-10:00 p.m. timeslot.

Following is The CW’s 2011-2012 primetime schedule, a night-by-night breakdown and accompanying details on all the programs.

THE CW’s 2011-2012 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

MONDAY

8:00-9:00 PM GOSSIP GIRL (New Time)

9:00-10:00 PM HART OF DIXIE (New Series)

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM 90210 (New Night)

9:00-10:00 PM RINGER (New Series)

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM H8R (New Series)

9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 PM THE VAMPIRE DIARIES

9:00-10:00 PM THE SECRET CIRCLE (New Series)

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM NIKITA (New Night)

9:00-10:00 PM SUPERNATURAL

MONDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M. “GOSSIP GIRL”

Season Four ended with Chuck Bass’s (Ed Westwick) heartbreaking decision to step aside and let Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) begin her new life as a Princess-to-be with her fiancé, Prince Louis (Hugo Becker). Meanwhile, Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively), in sunny Los Angeles, was offered a fantastic summer job working for an A-List Hollywood director just as we discovered that Serena’s cousin, Charlie (Kaylee Defer), was the real actress in the family! Back in New York, a newly single Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford) convinced Chuck to go on a hedonistic summer trip around the globe while Dan Humphrey’s (Penn Badgley) oldest friend went behind his back and found an editor to anonymously publish his autobiographical novel, “Inside.” Season Five will open in the City of Angels when a reenergized Chuck and Nate decide to pay Serena a visit. Back home, Blair learns that planning a royal wedding can be a royal pain, and Dan discovers the ramifications of writing candidly about his closest friends. Finally, the surprise return of cousin Charlie will threaten to destroy the van der Woodsen family from within. Watch out Upper East Siders, this season nobody’s safe, and everybody’s going to be sorry….XOXO, Gossip Girl. The series stars Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodsen, Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf, Penn Badgley as Dan Humphrey, Chace Crawford as Nate Archibald, Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass, Kaylee DeFer as Charlie Rhodes, Kelly Rutherford as Lily van der Woodsen and Matthew Settle as Rufus Humphrey. Filmed in New York and based on the popular series of young-adult novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, GOSSIP GIRL is from Fake Empire and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios with executive producers Josh Schwartz (“Chuck,” “The O.C.”), Stephanie Savage (“The O.C.”), Leslie Morgenstein (“The Vampire Diaries”), Bob Levy (“The Vampire Diaries”) and Joshua Safran.

9:00-10:00 P.M. “HART OF DIXIE”

Fast-talking New Yorker and brand new doctor Zoe Hart has it all figured out – after graduating top of her class from medical school, she’ll follow in her father’s footsteps and become a cardio-thoracic surgeon. But when her dreams fall apart, Zoe decides to accept an offer from a stranger, Dr. Harley Wilkes, to work with him at his small practice in Bluebell, Alabama. Zoe arrives in this small Gulf Coast town only to find that Harley has passed away and left his half of the medical practice to her in his will. She quickly finds that Southern hospitality isn’t always so hospitable – the other doctor in town, Brick Breeland, is less than pleased to be sharing the practice with this young outsider, and his daughter, Lemon, is a Southern belle whose sweet disposition turns sour when she meets Zoe. Zoe’s only allies are the mayor, former football star Lavon Hayes, her bad-boy neighbor Wade Kinsella, and handsome lawyer George Tucker – who just happens to be Lemon’s fiancé. Zoe is out of her element and ready to pack her bags, but a surprise visit by her snobby New York mother leads to Zoe’s decision to stay in Bluebell for a while, discovering small-town life and a side of herself she hadn’t known was there. The series stars Rachel Bilson as Dr. Zoe Hart, Jaime King as Lemon Breeland, Wilson Bethel as Wade Kinsella, Cress Williams as Lavon Hayes, McKaley Miller as Rose and Scott Porter as George Tucker. HART OF DIXIE is from Bonanza Productions Inc., in association with Fake Empire, Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, with executive producers Leila Gerstein (“Gossip Girl,” “Eli Stone”), Josh Schwartz (“Gossip Girl,” “Chuck,” “The O.C.”), Stephanie Savage (“Gossip Girl,” “The O.C.”), Len Goldstein and Jason Ensler (“Gossip Girl,” “Chuck”). The pilot was directed by Jason Ensler.

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M. “90210″

The fourth season of 90210 follows the group from West Beverly as they navigate life after high school. Their journey into adulthood will find them heading in different directions while trying to keep the same closeness that worked so well for them in high school. This tight-knit circle of friends will meet new people, resulting in friendships, relationships and loyalties being tested. Some will attend college, while others will start their careers. It’s a new and different time for them, as the stakes are much higher and there is a lot more to lose. Coming from a world of glamour and privilege, with endless possibilities in front of them, anything can happen. All in all, it’s just another day in the world’s most famous zip code. The series stars Shenae Grimes as Annie Wilson, Tristan Wilds as Dixon Wilson, AnnaLynne McCord as Naomi Clark, Jessica Stroup as Silver, Michael Steger as Navid Shirazi, Jessica Lowndes as Adrianna Tate-Duncan, Matt Lanter as Liam Court, Trevor Donovan as Teddy Montgomery and Gillian Zinser as Ivy. 90210 is produced by CBS Television Studios with executive producers Patti Carr (“Life Unexpected,” “Private Practice”) and Lara Olsen (“Life Unexpected,” “Private Practice”).

9:00-10:00 P.M. “RINGER”

Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as a woman who, after witnessing a murder, goes on the run, hiding out by assuming the life of her wealthy identical twin sister – only to learn that her sister’s seemingly idyllic life is just as complicated and dangerous as the one she’s trying to leave behind. Bridget is six months sober and starting to turn her life around when she is the sole witness to a professional hit. Despite the assurances of her FBI protector, Agent Victor Machado, Bridget knows her life is on the line. She flees to New York, telling no one, not even her Narcotics Anonymous sponsor, Malcolm. In New York, Bridget reunites with her estranged twin, Siobhan. Wealthy, pampered and married to the strikingly handsome Andrew Martin, Siobhan lives what appears to be a fairy tale life – a life where no one knows that Bridget exists. The sisters seem to be mending their frayed relationship, until Siobhan disappears mysteriously, and Bridget makes the split decision to take on her sister’s identity. She discovers shocking secrets, not only about her sister and her marriage, but also about Siobhan’s best friend, Gemma, and Gemma’s husband, Henry. And when someone tries to kill Bridget in her sister’s penthouse, she realizes she is no safer as Siobhan than she is as herself. The series stars Sarah Michelle Gellar as Bridget and Siobhan, Kristoffer Polaha as Henry, Ioan Gruffudd as Andrew Martin, Nestor Carbonell as Agent Victor Machado and Tara Summers as Gemma. RINGER is produced by CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television in association with ABC Television Studios and Brillstein Entertainment with executive producers Pam Veasey (“CSI, NY,” “The District”), Peter Traugott (“Samantha Who?”) and Emmy Award-winner Richard Shepard (“Ugly Betty”). The pilot was directed by Richard Shepard.

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M. “H8R”

Celebrities go head-to-head with civilians who hate them to win their “haters” over. Hosted by Mario Lopez, H8R is from Horizon Alternative Television with executive producers Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey (“Extra”), Jeremy Spiegel (“Extra”) and Mario Lopez.

9:00-10:00 P.M. “AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL”

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL returns for another season, with Tyra Banks kicking off cycle seventeen by bringing back an all-star cast of fan favorites and outrageous characters from previous cycles of the show. These women of various backgrounds, shapes and sizes return to prove that they can make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of modeling and celebrity, featuring an exciting line-up of special guest judges. There is a lot at stake with these seasoned veterans, poised to earn the prestigious title of “America’s Next Top Model,” that previously eluded them. Time has passed and these models have changed…for better and for worse. In addition to exposure to prolific fashion-industry gurus and successful entrepreneurs, the finalists will compete in complicated catwalks, ambitious fashion photo shoots and work to carefully craft their public personas, all under 24-hour-a-day surveillance of the cameras that chronicle every move. The executive producers are Ken Mok (“Making the Band”), Tyra Banks and Laura Fuest. The series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with Bankable Productions.

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M. “THE VAMPIRE DIARIES”

Based on the best-selling book series, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is the story of two vampire brothers, obsessed with the same gorgeous girl, who are battling to control the fate of an entire town. In season one, Stefan and Damon Salvatore returned to their hometown of Mystic Falls, Virginia, for very different reasons. Stefan was determined to get to know Elena Gilbert, who bears a striking resemblance to Katherine Pierce, the beautiful but ruthless vampire the brothers knew and loved – in 1864. Damon, on the other hand, was intent on releasing Katherine from the tomb where he believed she was trapped by a witch’s spell all those years ago. In the explosive season finale, Elena’s uncle set a plan in motion that saw the return of the vengeful Katherine Pierce. In season two, Katherine’s appearance and her precise manipulation threw a wrench into the love triangle between Stefan, Elena and Damon, and the other residents of Mystic Falls were forced to choose sides as they fell victim to a new breed of danger. Stefan and Damon were later met with their greatest challenge yet – the arrivals of Elijah and Klaus, two of the “original” vampires. As Klaus goes head to head with Damon and takes a special interest in Stefan, he is also seemingly focused on breaking the “Sun and Moon” curse by sacrificing Elena. Yet no matter what action the brothers take to protect Elena, Klaus won’t be swayed from his mission, proving to be the most powerful vampire in existence. Season three opens the door to learn more about Klaus and The Original Family as his motives for wanting Stefan on his side are finally revealed. As Stefan sinks deeper into the dark side, Damon and Elena struggle with the guilt of their growing bond even as they work together to bring Stefan back from the edge. The ghosts from Jeremy’s past have a powerful message they’re trying to deliver to him, not to mention the impact they’re having on his relationship with Bonnie. And as Caroline and Tyler grow closer, a war erupts between their families. The series stars Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert, Paul Wesley as Stefan Salvatore, Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore, Steven R. McQueen as Jeremy Gilbert, Kat Graham as Bonnie Bennett, Candice Accola as Caroline Forbes, Zach Roerig as Matt Donovan, Michael Trevino as Tyler Lockwood, Matt Davis as Alaric Saltzman and Joseph Morgan as Klaus. Based on the series of books by L. J. Smith, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is from Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios with executive producers Kevin Williamson (“Scream,” “Dawson’s Creek”), Julie Plec (“Kyle XY,” “Wasteland”), Leslie Morgenstein (“Gossip Girl,” “Private”) and Bob Levy (“Gossip Girl,” “Privileged”).

9:00-10:00 P.M. “THE SECRET CIRCLE”

Cassie Blake was a happy, normal teenage girl – until her mother Amelia dies in what appears to be a tragic accidental fire. Orphaned and deeply saddened, Cassie moves in with her warm and loving grandmother Jane in the beautiful small town of Chance Harbor, Washington – the town her mother left so many years before – where the residents seem to know more about Cassie than she does about herself. As Cassie gets to know her high school classmates, including sweet-natured Diana and her handsome boyfriend Adam, brooding loner Nick, mean-girl Faye and her sidekick Melissa, strange and frightening things begin to happen. When her new friends explain that they are all descended from powerful witches, and they’ve been waiting for Cassie to join them and complete a new generation of the Secret Circle, Cassie refuses to believe them – until Adam shows her how to unlock her incredible magical powers. But it’s not until Cassie discovers a message from her mother in an old leather-bound book of spells hidden in her mother’s childhood bedroom, that she understands her true and dangerous destiny. What Cassie and the others don’t yet know is that darker powers are at play, powers that might be linked to the adults in the town, including Diana’s father and Faye’s mother – and that Cassie’s mother’s death might not have been an accident. The series stars Britt Robertson as Cassie Blake, Thomas Dekker as Adam Conant, Gale Harold as Charles Meade, Phoebe Tonkin as Fay Chamberlain, Jessica Parker Kennedy as Melissa, Shelley Hennig as Diana Meade, Louis Hunter as Nick, Ashley Crow as Jane Blake and Natasha Henstridge as Dawn Chamberlain. Based upon the book series by L.J. Smith (author of “The Vampire Diaries” book series), THE SECRET CIRCLE is from Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios with executive producers Kevin Williamson (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Scream,” “Dawson’s Creek”), Andrew Miller (“Imaginary Bitches”), Leslie Morgenstein (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Gossip Girl”) and Gina Girolamo. Elizabeth Craft (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Lie to Me”) & Sarah Fain (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Lie to Me”) were executive producers on the pilot which was directed by Liz Friedlander (“The Vampire Diaries,” “90210″).

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M. “NIKITA”

In season one of this sexy and suspenseful series featuring international action star Maggie Q in the title role, the charming and deadly Nikita waged a war against Division, the agency that created her. Michael – the man who trained her, a man she trusted – was hunting her. But Nikita had an ace up her sleeve: Alex, a girl she trained to infiltrate this secret unit of the government. At the end of season one, Nikita and Alex’s relationship had been shattered, and Nikita and Michael’s relationship was restored. Now, Nikita and Michael are on the run with a hard drive containing the government’s darkest secrets and conspiracies. Together, they are going to right the wrongs that Division has committed over the years, one mission at a time. But leading the hunt for them this time is Alex…and she knows all of Nikita’s tricks. The series stars Maggie Q as Nikita, Lyndsy Fonseca as Alex, Shane West as Michael, Aaron Stanford as Birkhoff, with Melinda Clarke as Amanda and Xander Berkeley as Percy. NIKITA is from Warner Bros. Television in association with Wonderland Sound and Vision, with executive producers Craig Silverstein (“Bones,” “K-Ville”), David Levinson (“The Commish”), Danny Cannon (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Chuck”), McG (“Supernatural,” “Chuck,” “The O.C.,” “Charlie’s Angels”) and Peter Johnson (“Supernatural,” “Chuck”).

9:00-10:00 P.M. “SUPERNATURAL”

Returning for its seventh season, this haunting series follows Sam and Dean Winchester, two brothers bound by tragedy and blood to the one thing that runs through both their veins – hunting monsters. This past season, Dean and Sam faced insurmountable obstacles: Sam returned from Hell without his soul, and Dean risked everything to get it back for him. The power struggle between good and evil raged on, with the new King of Hell, Crowley, ultimately emerging as their adversary. Shockingly, Crowley had made a secret deal with Sam and Dean’s closest friend, the angel Castiel, who is now a desperate freedom fighter on the losing side of a post-Apocalyptic civil war in Heaven; together, the uneasy allies sought to open a door to Purgatory, where a great untapped well of souls lie waiting to be used as the ultimate form of military power. Sam and Dean reeled from the betrayal by their friend – and raced to stop the angel and demon before they opened that dangerous, otherworldly door. Now, in season seven, the Winchesters will find themselves in an increasingly sinister, changing landscape, up against a new foe unlike anything they’ve ever fought. They’ll find their old tricks, weapons and hiding places all rendered useless. All they’ll have is each other. And the certainty that, like the last of the cowboy outlaws, whatever they face, they’re not going down without a fight. The series stars Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester, Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester and Misha Collins as Castiel. SUPERNATURAL is from Warner Bros. Television in association with Wonderland Sound and Vision, with executive producers McG (“Charlie’s Angels,” “The O.C.”), Robert Singer (Midnight Caller), Sera Gamble and Phil Sgriccia.

MIDSEASON

“ONE TREE HILL”

Season eight of ONE TREE HILL saw the characters moving away from glamour, fame and wealth and instead dealing with the delicate balance that contemporary twenty-somethings face as they endeavor to build and define what their lives will be. Fashion designer Brooke Davis lost her company but found love with Julian Baker, was married and gave birth to twins. Haley James Scott supported her husband Nathan as he lost his NBA career to an injury, but she also won a personal battle with depression and ultimately gave birth to a daughter to compliment their son Jamie. Nathan’s friend and business partner Clay Evans survived an attack by the psychotic Katie to find love and happiness with Quinn James, who not only survived the same attack, but also vanquished the threat of Katie in a harrowing confrontation. Alex Dupré began a promising singing career and also a promising relationship with Chase Evans, who joined the Air Force and returned with a newfound maturity and perspective. And Millicent Huxtable began a broadcasting career, ultimately launching a morning show with her boyfriend Mouth McFadden. In season nine, how will Brooke and Julian juggle parenthood and their very young careers? With Nathan traveling more as an agent, how will Haley’s life change with a second child, an increasingly independent Jamie, and a busy café to run? Is a wedding in store for Quinn and Clay? Or Mouth and Millicent? And what’s to become of Alex and Chase and their burgeoning romance? Following a fictional four year jump in time, “One Tree Hill” has now spent four seasons exploring the experiences of twenty-somethings. Season nine will continue to grow and break new ground, as the show approaches the rarified air of 200 episodes. The series stars Sophia Bush as Brooke Davis, Bethany Joy Galeotti as Haley James Scott, James Lafferty as Nathan Scott, Robert Buckley as Clay Evans, Austin Nichols as Julian Baker, Shantel VanSanten as Quinn James and Jackson Brundage as Jamie Scott. ONE TREE HILL was created by Mark Schwahn and is executive produced by Schwahn, Joe Davola, Greg Prange, Mike Tollin and Brian Robbins. The series is produced by Mastermind Laboratories and Tollin-Robbins Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

“RE-MODELED”

Modeling industry veteran Paul Fisher is planning to bring together hundreds of small agencies around the world in a new venture called The Network. The Network will give Paul the leverage to change the industry from the inside out. He has two missions: to make sure agents in small towns no longer get screwed, and to empower models to take control of their careers and lead healthier lives. RE-MODELED is from Fly on the Wall Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television with executive producers Allison Grodner (“Big Brother,” “You’re Cut Off,” “She’s Got The Look,” “Plain Jane”), Rich Meehan (“Big Brother,” “You’re Cut Off,” “She’s Got The Look,” “Plain Jane”), Amy Palmer (“You’re Cut Off,” “Plain Jane”), Paul Fisher (“I Want To Be A Hilton”), Greg Seuss (“What’s Wrong with Virginia,” “Tug”) and Erik Stone (“Aisha Tyler Is Lit: Live at the Fillmore”).

“THE FRAME”

What happens when your whole life is reduced to one Frame? There’s only one rule: if you’re out of the Frame, you’re out of the game. Ten teams of two, chosen for their dynamic personalities and their existing deep-rooted relationships, are selected to compete in this wild social experiment. These teams will each live in one Frame – a stripped down version of their home living space – for up to 8 weeks, with the entire world watching their inter-personal soap operas play out atop a highly formatted game. Couples cannot physically see one another, but each “frame” is rigged with plasma screens & communication devices that allow for visual and verbal interaction. The teams will face outrageous challenges, punishments, head-to-head competitions, and eliminations, all while isolated from the outside world. With 24/7 web cams streaming content live, and a bi-weekly television show, audiences will vote for – and have control over – many elements of the show, from rewards to punishments to eliminations. The last couple standing will be America’s favorite pair, and walk away with a cash prize. THE FRAME is from Shed Media and Armoza International Media with executive producers Nick Emmerson (“Bethenny Ever After,” “Supernanny,” “Who Do You Think You Are,” “The Real Housewives of New York City”) and Jen O’Connell (“Bethenny Ever After,” “Supernanny,” “Who Do You Think You Are,” “The Real Housewives of New York City”).

Adult Swim Announces New Programming Line-Up for 2011-12 Season

New Series and Additional Episodes Ordered for Returning Programs

Adult Swim “Owns the 9ight” with Star-Studded Upfront Event Featuring the Legendary Jay-Z

Adult Swim celebrated a new slate of programming for the 2011-12 season last night during their star-studded annual Upfront event in New York City. Coming off a stellar first quarter, in which the network added an hour of primetime to its schedule, Adult Swim ranked as cable television’s #1 network for total day delivery of adults 18-34 and adults 18-49. Adult Swim also has ranked #1 in total day delivery of adults 18-24 and men 18-24 every quarter since becoming its own individually ranked network in 2005 (23 consecutive quarters).

New original series and specials:

· NTSF:SD:SUV:: – NTSF:SD:SUV:: (National Terrorism Strike Force: San Diego: Sport Utility Vehicle), is a clandestine team of government agents working together to protect San Diego from numerous terrorist threats coming in daily from such evil countries as Mexico, Canada and Guam. This team of highly trained operatives has only one job: saving your ass so you can drive your Prius and see your movies in 3-D without worrying about living in a country run by no-good terrorists. As with many other acronym-ed police procedurals that dominate the airwaves, NTSF:SD:SUV::’s season of 15-minute episodes is ripped from the headlines and full of suspense, action, drama, cliffhangers, yelling, passionate love-making, more yelling, death and plenty of pregnant pauses. NTSF:SD:SUV:: is created by Paul Scheer and stars Scheer, Rebecca Romjin, Rob Riggle, Kate Mulgrew, Brandon Johnson, June Diane Raphael, Martin Starr and S.A.M., the first sentient robot on television. Paul Scheer and Jonathan Stern are executive producers. Curtis Gwinn is co-executive producer. Series premieres this summer on Adult Swim.

· THE VENTURE BROS. SPECIAL – FROM THE LADLE TO THE GRAVE: THE STORY OF SHALLOW GRAVY - See the Venture Family as you’ve never seen them before: in a 15-minute documentary-style animated special. Follow the meteoric rise, the equally meteoric fall, and the decidedly un-meteor-like second coming of the most important band Hank Venture, Dermott Fitctel and H.E.L.P.eR. robot have ever been in: Shallow Gravy. If you’re hungry for rock, then open wide, because here comes a ladle of heavy metal fire and metaphoric meat drippings. Launched on Adult Swim in August 2004, The Venture Bros. is an inspired spoof of 1960s action cartoon shows such as Johnny Quest. Created by Jackson Publick III (King of the Hill, The Tick), the 30-minute animated series follows the bizarre misadventures of the Venture family. The Venture Bros. Special – From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy premieres July 24 on Adult Swim.

· THE HEART, SHE HOLLER – The Heart, She Holler is a new live-action soap opera about folk who ain’t never used soap or seen an opera. It’s a satire on the emotional Hee-Hawification of America, set in a town so inbred, the folks have become almost supernaturally wrong. The series is produced by PFFR, and stars Patton Oswalt and Heather Lawless. The Heart, She Holler premieres this fall on Adult Swim.

· CHINA, IL - Frank and Steve Smith are brothers who teach in the history department of a state university in China, Illinois. They also happen to be legends in their own minds who will often sacrifice facts, lessons and syllabi for the sake of being awesome. Created by Brad Neely, executive produced by Brad Neely (Creased Comics) and Daniel Weidenfeld and produced by Titmouse, Inc. (Metalocalypse), China, IL premieres this fall on Adult Swim.

· TIGHT BROS - Tight Bros is a new animated comedy that follows two moronic “clergybros” who are on a quest for fat beats, hot chicks and tricked out cell phones. Vince and Aaron were called by God to spread a holy message: one of peace, love and tearin’ up the club. By day the two sell religious kitsch at a kiosk in Viceroy Del Sol mall. By night they hunt for babes, but only with mega tans and super smooth waxes in place. Premiering in the spring of 2012, Tight Bros is created and written and executive produced by Sam Johnson and Chris Marcil.

· BLACK DYNAMITE – Based on 2009′s critically-acclaimed feature film, Black Dynamite, the new 30-minute animated series will premiere in the spring of 2012. The Black Dynamite animated series further chronicles the exploits of the central character, Black Dynamite, and his crew. Under the direction of Carl Jones (The Boondocks), the series features the voice talent of Michael Jai White, Tommy Davidson, Kym Whitley and Byron Minns, all of whom starred in the feature film. The feature film is an outrageous action comedy-spoof that follows ex-CIA agent and full-time ladies man, Black Dynamite, who’s out to avenge the death of his brother against kung-fu masters, drug-dealing pimps and The Man. Black Dynamite, the animated series, is being produced by Ars Nova Entertainment. Carl Jones is executive producer. Jon Steingart and Jillian Apfelbaum also serve as executive producers. Brian Ash is co-executive producer. Scott Sanders, Michael Jai White and Byron Minns are producers. Black Dynamite is being animated by Titmouse, Inc.

Returning series:

· AQUA UNIT PATROL SQUAD 1 – The series formerly known as Aqua Teen Hunger Force is one of the most popular and longest-running original series on Adult Swim and has been retooled for glory and renamed Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1. Show creators Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro, felt that after 100+ episodes, they really didn’t like the name. Now Frylock, Master Shake, Meatwad and their smelly neighbor Carl appears under a new banner and new theme song, which was written, composed and performed by Joshua Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) and Alain Johannes. The closing theme shred guitar performance is by co-creator Maiellaro. The cast also does a lot of the things they’ve done over the past 10 years: look for a new place to put their stuff, pay rent, make gut-wrenching decisions and talk about life while sipping herbal tea. Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1 premiered May 8 and continues every Sunday at 11:45 p.m. (ET/PT) on Adult Swim.

· CHILDRENS HOSPITAL - Childrens Hospital is an award-winning facility where happy and healthy children are looked after by doctors who deeply care about them and the overall well-being of their community. That whole sentence was a lie. Childrens Hospital is created by Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) and produced by Abominable Pictures, distributed by Warner Bros. Television and features an all-star cast. The series is based on the Webby Award�winning digital series that debuted on TheWB.com in 2008. In Season 3, Corddry is again joined by a cast of comedic geniuses, including Malin Akerman, Lake Bell, Erinn Hayes, Rob Huebel, Ken Marino, two-time Emmy(R) winner Megan Mullally and Henry Winkler. Childrens Hospital also won a Comedy Award this year for best Sketch Comedy/Alternative Comedy Series. Season 3 returns to Adult Swim on Thursday, June 2 at midnight (ET, PT).

· DELOCATED – Delocated is a live-action 30-minute comedy series from creator/executive producer and star Jon Glaser with co-executive producers Vernon Chatman, John Lee and Alyson Levy. After testifying against the Russian Mafia, “Jon” and his family are uprooted and start living undercover through the witness protection program. After existing quietly in an anonymous suburb, “Jon” accepts an offer for the family to participate in a reality show based on their lives. Season 3 of Delocated premieres in the spring of 2012.

· EAGLEHEART - The live-action comedy Eagleheart, starring Chris Elliott, debuted on the network in 2010. Elliott returns in season 2 as U.S. Marshal Chris Monsanto along with cast members Brett Gelman and Maria Thayer. Every episode of Eagleheart promises violence, suspense, intrigue and copious amounts of needless bloodshed as Marshal Chris Monsanto blindly kicks, punches and shoots his way to what may or may not be a legitimate solution to his case. Created by former Late Night with Conan O’Brien writers Michael Koman and Andrew Weinberg, Eagleheart is produced by O’Brien’s Conaco Productions and Dakota Pictures. It is executive produced by Koman, Weinberg, Jason Woliner, Troy Miller, Tracey Baird, David Kissinger, Conan O’Brien and Jeff Ross. Richard Schwartz is the co-executive producer.

· MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENHOLE - Moral Orel creator Dino Stamatopoulos returns to Adult Swim in the spring of 2012 with season 2 of the stop-motion animated series Mary Shelley’s Frankenhole. This is the true story of Victor Frankenstein – the world’s most narcissistic genius – and his various attempts to become recognized as the great creator/scientist that he believes himself to be.

· METALOCALYPSE - From creators Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha, the fourth season of the animated series Metalocalypse premieres in the spring of 2012. The series chronicles Dethklok’s crusades into darkness and their exploitation as the world’s most popular metal band and most significant cultural force.

· MONGO WRESTLING ALLIANCE – The Wrestler meets Metalocalypse in this story of the once great Kleberkuh Clan. Back-stabbing smoking ring sluts, villainous mutants and pile-drivers from the top of great big ladders – it’s all in a days work for young Rusty Kleberkuh who is determined to restore his family’s name in the treacherous and deviant world of professional wrestling. Created by Tommy Blacha (Metalocalypse co-creator), Mongo Wrestling Alliance premiered season 1 part 1 in January. Season 1 part 2 premieres Sunday, June 19 at midnight (ET, PT).

· ROBOT CHICKEN – Robot Chicken uses stop-motion animation to bring pop-culture parodies to life in a modern take on the variety/sketch show format. The Emmy Award(R)-winning series began airing in February 2005 and remains the top-rated original series on Adult Swim. Robot Chicken is created and executive produced by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich under their Stoopid Monkey Productions, in conjunction with Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico’s ShadowMachine Films. Green and Senreich also executive produce, write and, with Chris McKay, direct the series, with Green providing many of the voices. Season 5 part 2 premieres this fall.

· SQUIDBILLIES - The inbred squid-things of Dougal County return for a fifth season of hillbilly shenanigans in the spring of 2012. The squids won’t disappointify you, as long as you like bank robbing, drug trafficking, unskinny bopping, and guest appearances by bona-fide famous people. Squidbillies premiered on Adult Swim in October 2006 and is from creators Dave Willis (Aqua Teen Hunger Force) and Jim Fortier (The Brak Show), both Georgia natives. Willis and Fortier worked as writers and producers on Space Ghost Coast to Coast.

· SUPERJAIL! - In April the hit series Superjail! slammed back in general population for a second season of destruction and continues to premiere on Sundays at midnight (ET, PT) on Adult Swim. Double the insanity. Double the crazy. Double the pain of being kicked in the guts really hard. Superjail! returns to Adult Swim with ten new episodes produced at Titmouse Studios in N.Y. Series creators and executive producers Christy Karacas (Cartoon Sushi, Robotomy) and Stephen Warbrick (Beavis and Butthead, Daria) teamed up again to take this over-the-top animated series to the next level. Chris McCulloch (The Venture Bros.) returned as a consulting producer this season and lent his talents with story editing and voice-overs.

Pilots currently in development:

· Regal Productions; Live action comedy created, directed, produced and starring Bob Odenkirk.

· The Dummiez; Nick Cannon project

· Untitled project with Major Lazer

· Untitled project with Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All

· Rolling with Dad; 30-minute animated sit-com created by Seth Grahame-Smith and David Katzenberg

· Untitled project by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland

Returning acquisitions:

· AMERICAN DAD

· BLEACH

· FAMILY GUY

· FULL METAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD

· KING OF THE HILL

Adult Swim (AdultSwim.com), launched in 2001, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s network offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults. Airing nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET/ PT), Adult Swim shares channel space with Cartoon Network, home to the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for youth and families, and is seen in 99 million U.S. homes.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

Read more: Breaking News – Adult Swim Announces New Programming Line-Up for 2011-12 Season | TheFutonCritic.com http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2011/05/19/adult-swim-announces-new-programming-line-up-for-2011-12-season-967405/20110519adultswim01/#ixzz1MtBsuwkR

Terra Nova
Executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, Peter Chernin, René Echevarria and Brannon Braga and starring Jason O’Mara and Stephen Lang, premieres in the fall.

Alcatraz
From executive producer J.J. Abrams and writer Elizabeth Sarnoff and starring Sarah Jones, Jorge Garcia and Sam Neill.

The Finder
Created by Hart Hanson, the executive producer and creator of ‘Bones, ”The Finder’ is a new procedural drama starring Geoff Stults.

FOX FALL 2011 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM TERRA NOVA (new)
9:00-10:00 PM HOUSE

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GLEE
9:00-9:30 PM NEW GIRL (wt) (new)
9:30-10:00 PM RAISING HOPE

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:30 PM THE X FACTOR Performance Show (new)
9:30-10:00 PM I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER (wt) (new)

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM THE X FACTOR Results Show (new)
9:00-10:00 PM BONES

FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE

SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM ENCORES / AMERICA’S MOST WANTED (specials)

SUNDAY
7:00-7:30 PM THE OT (NFL post-game)
7:30-8:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM ALLEN GREGORY (new)
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD

FOX MIDSEASON 2012
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE
9:00-10:00 PM ALCATRAZ (new)

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GLEE
9:00-9:30 PM NEW GIRL (wt) (new)
9:30-10:00 PM RAISING HOPE

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:30 PM AMERICAN IDOL Performance Show
9:30-10:00 PM I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER (wt) (new)

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL Results Show
9:00-10:00 PM THE FINDER (new) / BONES (spring)

FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE

SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM ENCORES / AMERICA’S MOST WANTED (specials)

SUNDAY
7:00-7:30 PM ANIMATION DOMINATION (encores)
7:30-8:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (new)
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM BOB’S BURGERS

Neither was a big surprise to us here at Fan Rants, but I had hoped that they would at least wrap up the Event first. And maybe they should have sold The Cape to ABC Family network, as it seemed to fit more into their programming style.

We do have one new genre show scheduled for the fall though, its Grimm. Which from the premise sounds suspiciously like a rip off of the WB show Supernatural, but I guess we will have to see it to be sure. Here is a clip and the official press release from NBC.

GRIMM (NBC)

Premieres in Fall 2011 (Exact Date TBA)

STATUS: new this fall (yet to premiere)

TIME SLOT: Fridays from 9:00 PM-10:00 PM EST

CURRENT SEASON: 1 (13 episodes)

DESCRIPTION:

(from NBC’s press release, May 2011) “Grimm” is a new drama series inspired by the classic Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Remember the fairy tales your parents used to tell you before bedtime? Those weren’t stories — they were warnings. Nick Burkhardt (David Guintoli ”Turn The Beat Around”) thought he prepared himself for the realities of working as a homicide detective until he started seeing things he couldn’t quite explain. When his ailing Aunt Marie (guest star Kate Burton, “Grey’s Anatomy”) arrives, Nick’s life turns upside down when she reveals they are descendants of an elite group of hunters, also known as “Grimms,” who fight to keep the balance of humanity safe from the supernatural creatures of the world. As Nick digs deeper into her past, he realizes that he will have to shoulder the responsibility of his ancestors — and contend with a larger-than-life mythology of the Brothers Grimm that is now all too real. Russell Hornsby (“Lincoln Heights”), Bitsie Tulloch (“Quarterlife”), Silas Weir Mitchell (“Prison Break”), Reggie Lee (“Persons Unknown”) and Sasha Roiz (“Caprica”) also star. “Grimm” is a production of Universal Media Studios and Hazy Mills Productions. Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner (“Hot in Cleveland”) serve as executive producers, Jim Kouf (“National Treasure,” “Angel”) and David Greenwalt (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel”) are the creators/executive producers and Marc Buckland (“My Name Is Earl”) is the director.

PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:

· Bitsie Tulloch as Juliette Lambert
· David Giuntoli as Nick Burckhardt
· Kate Burton as Marie Brannigan
· Reggie Lee as Sergeant Blaknikoff
· Russell Hornsby as Hank Green
· Sasha Roiz as Captain Ericson
· Silas Weir Mitchell as Eddy Monroe

CREW INFORMATION:
· David Greenwalt as CRTR/EP
· Jim Kouf as CRTR/EP
· Marc Buckland as DIR (Pilot)
· Sean Hayes as EP
· Todd Milliner as EP

STUDIO INFORMATION:
· Hazy Mills Productions
· Universal Media Studios

Another nice thing is its held in February, so it kinda hits right when your jonesing for another convention and before the regular convention circuit starts up. Of course, in Baltimore that can be dangerous as I found out in 2003 when we got snowed in till Tuesday. That was fun for many reasons, but definately cost the convention some serious money.

Anyway, this years line up included Tahmoh Penikett, actor in Battlestar Galactica, Dollhouse, and now the new Mortal Kombat Legacy series. The SciFi Diner podcast interviewed him while he was hanging with us at Farpoint, go checkout their cast, its quite good!

Press Release from STARZ:

Below is a brand-new teaser for highly anticipated STARZ series, “Torchwood: Miracle Day” premiering on Friday, July 8 at 10pm ET/PT:

The series, featuring Bill Pullman and Mekhi Phifer as well as John Barrowman and Eve Myles (stars of the original BBC cult favorite), begins with a day when nobody dies. All across the world, nobody dies. And then the next day, and the next, and the next, people keep aging, they get hurt and sick, but they never die. The result: a population boom, overnight. With all the extra people, resources are finite. It’s said that in four month’s time, the human race will cease to be viable. But this can’t be a natural event – someone’s got to be behind it. It’s a race against time as C.I.A. agent Rex Matheson (Phifer) investigates a global conspiracy. The answers lie within an old, secret British institute. As Rex keeps asking “What is Torchwood?,” he’s drawn into a world of adventure, and a threat to change what it means to be human, forever.

I just really can’t figure this one out. British subject, Chris Balcombe, has went and decorated his Dalek with Union Jack flags and pics of the Royal couple. First off…how does he just have a Dalek? Second, this is considered a weapon of mass destruction to most Brits (and those few outside of Britain that watch Dr Who) so why is it seen here serving tea and finger sandwiches?! Oh well, at least he’s in the spirit for the event. (nutter)

via DigitalSpy

According to OneRing.net the AMC movie theater chain will be presenting all three Lord of the Rings films, extended cut versions. This all happens in June, hopefully at an AMC theater near you. Search over at AMCTheaters.com with the specific dates listed below.

LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring – Extended Edition ~ June 14th, 2011
LOTR: The Two Towers ~ June 21st, 2011
LOTR: The Return of the King ~ June 28th, 2011

This of course coincides with the BluRay release of the extended editions on June 28th.

Related articles

• ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Extended Editions March Into Theaters This Summer (moviesblog.mtv.com)

Press release from HBO:

HBO RENEWS “GAME OF THRONES” FOR SECOND SEASON

LOS ANGELES, April 19, 2011 – Following strong critical and viewer response to the series’ April 17 debut, HBO has renewed GAME OF THRONES for a second season, it was announced today by Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming.

“We are delighted by the way David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have brought George R.R. Martin‘s amazing book series to the screen, and thrilled by the support of the media and our viewers,” said Lombardo. “This is the continuation of an exciting creative partnership.”

Based on the bestselling fantasy book series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” by George R.R. Martin, GAME OF THRONES follows kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and noblemen as they vie for power in a land where summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime.

Among the early critical raves, TV Guide has called the show “a crowning triumph” and “brilliant,” while the Los Angeles Times termed GAME OF THRONES “a great and thundering series,” as well as “wild and bewitching.” The Hollywood Reporter praised the “excellent storytelling, superb acting and stunning visual effects,” and the New York Post observed that the “art directing, acting and incredible sets are as breathtaking as the massive scope of the series.”

The gross audience for the premiere night of GAME OF THRONES on the main HBO channel was 4.2 million viewers.

The season one cast includes (in alphabetical order): Mark Addy, Alfie Allen, Sean Bean, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Fairley, Aidan Gillen, Jack Gleeson, Iain Glen, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, Harry Lloyd, Richard Madden, Rory McCann, Jason Momoa, Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams.

Season one credits: GAME OF THRONES is executive produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss; co-executive producers, Carolyn Strauss, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis, Ralph Vicinanza and George R.R. Martin; producers, Mark Huffam and Frank Doelger; directors of photography, Marco Pontecorvo, Alik Sakharov and Matt Jensen; production designer, Gemma Jackson; costume designer, Michele Clapton.

Oh, and Amazon still has Serenity for only $10.49 on Blu-Ray, grab it while you can.

Castle is one of my favorite shows on TV right now. Not only because Nathan Fillion is just a great actor, but the writing is imaginative and witty (specially for a cop show). Now they have created a website based around the main character, here’s the press release from ABC.

Famous Mystery Writer Is Central Character for ABC’s Hit Series “Castle”

Famous mystery writer Richard Castle, author of the recent books “Naked Heat” and “Heat Wave,” has launched his own website – “RichardCastle.net” — today. Castle is the central character for the hit series “Castle,” which airs Mondays (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on ABC. A mention for this new website will be highlighted in tonight’s episode.

“RichardCastle.net” will be a living website that will be frequently updated with features, interviews and videos. Among the elements to be included are a home page newsfeed of the author’s adventures, a bibliography containing his books in print and earlier works “currently unavailable,” an ongoing bio that expands as events happen in his life and on the television screen, a shop section linking to Hyperion Books and a Q & A section where fans will be able to pose questions/get answers back.

“Castle” is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe is the show’s creator/executive producer, along with executive producers Rob Bowman, David Amann, Laurie Zaks and Armyan Bernstein.

For more information on “Castle,” visit ABC.com

But one day while I was at my friend Don Hoffmans house he showed me some comics that his mom read. That statement alone was odd, but these comics were unlike anything I had seen before. They were oversized, black and white, and the most engaging stories. It was truely at that point that I found comic books for the first time. And lord knows, my future would not be the same.

Elfquest is not about your traditional elves, and in many ways the characters depicted have no similarity to elves that we all know other than the pointy ears. The species is actually a space faring folk that land on a primitive earth like planet. At that point the visitors shaped themselves into what we consider ‘high elves’ to walk amongst the humans. But there was another species here, a cro-magnon proto human (called trolls) that caused their ship to crash, trapping the visitors on the planet.

The stories in Elfquest take place a 1000 years later when the elves have broken into different groups, some more accepting and embracing of their new home and others still holding onto the old ways. The ‘Wolfriders‘ are more a mix of what we think of as elves and druid/native american philosophys. They are the main focus in the books.

Over the years, there has been plenty of rumors and attempts at an Elfquest movie (and TV show). But really no success. In the 90′s there was a direct to video moving comic animated feature, but even I passed on that. But it looks like some fans have taken it upon themselves to work on a film.

You can read all about the project and watch the trailer at Elfquest: A Fan Imagining. They have the full blessing by the creators of the comic series, Richard and Wendi Pini. I wish them the best, if nothing else they have the best looking elves I have ever seen!

Press Release from Warner Brothers:

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that Michael Shannon will star in the role of General Zod in director Zack Snyder’s new Superman film, titled “Man of Steel.”

“Zod is not only one of Superman’s most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don’t. Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role.”

Snyder stated, “Zod is not only one of Superman’s most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don’t. Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role.”

As General Zod, Shannon will go toe-to-toe with Henry Cavill, who plays the new Clark Kent/Superman in the film. The main cast also includes Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as Martha and Jonathan Kent.

Michael Shannon was honored with an Academy Award® nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Sam Mendes’ “Revolutionary Road,” with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Shannon was most recently seen in the award-winning HBO drama series “Boardwalk Empire,” from executive producer Martin Scorsese. He will next be seen in Sony Pictures Classics’, “Take Shelter,” from director/writer Jeff Nichols.

Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film. The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.

“Man of Steel” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Related articles

• New Superman Movie Gets Its Villain (huffingtonpost.com)

Press Release from SYFY:

NEW YORK – March 29, 2011 – John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings, Star Trek: Voyager) and Joe Flanigan (Stargate: Atlantis, Warehouse 13) tackle creatures from another dimension, while Stephen Rea (V is for Vendetta, The Crying Game) confronts a deadly giant bird in the April Syfy Saturday Original Movie presentations.

In Ferocious Planet, premiering Saturday, April 9, at 9PM (ET/PT), an experimental device designed to view alternate universes malfunctions on its first demonstration, transporting a group of observers into a nightmarish new dimension. The team must use ingenuity and courage to outwit the bloodthirsty creatures of this bizarre world, while trying to repair the damaged machine and return home. Ferocious Planet stars John Rhys-Davies and Joe Flanigan.

Road Kill, premiering Saturday, April 23, at 9PM (ET/PT), features a group of friends on a scenic RV road trip through Ireland, whose cross-country adventure takes an unexpected turn when they accidentally run down an old gypsy woman. Before she dies, the woman curses them, summoning a giant bird of prey called a Simuroc to exterminate the young people, one by one. Road Kill stars Stephen Rea and Roisin Murphy (Johnny English, Grey’s Anatomy).

Both Ferocious Planet and Road Kill are productions of Parallel Films in association with MNG Films and distributed by RHI Entertainment.

Related articles

• Made-for-TV-movie producer RHI Entertainment emerging from Chapter 11 proceedings (latimesblogs.latimes.com)

Related articles

• MTV to Unleash Teen Wolf in June (dreadcentral.com)

Press Release from Comedy Central:

Emmy(R) Award-Winning Animated Comedy Series To Premiere Two Seasons Of 13 Episodes Beginning Summer 2012

Entire Original Voice Cast Returns

Upcoming 2011 “Season 6-B” Premieres On Thursday, June 23 At 10 P.M.

NEW YORK, March 28, 2011 — The future is looking bright for Fry, Leela and Bender! COMEDY CENTRAL and Twentieth Century Fox Television have announced today the pick-up of 26 new episodes (Seasons “7-A” and “7-B”) of Matt Groening and David X. Cohen‘s brilliantly subversive animated sci-fi comedy, “Futurama.” The announcement was made today by Twentieth Century Fox Television Chairmen Gary Newman and Dana Walden, and David Bernath, Executive Vice President, program strategy and multiplatform programming for COMEDY CENTRAL. The first installment of 13 new episodes will premiere in the summer of 2012, with the additional 13 new episodes to air the following summer of 2013 on COMEDY CENTRAL.

Seven years after its last original episode aired on Fox, the sixth season premiere of “Futurama” last June led COMEDY CENTRAL to its best Thursday prime ever among young men. The animated sci-fi comedy continued its out-of-this-world winning streak throughout the summer, averaging 2.5 million viewers each week, along with a 1.5 P18-49 rating, a 3.0 M18-34 rating and 3.3 M18-24 rating. In the social media realm, the “Futurama” Facebook fan base has grown from one million “likes” prior to its return last summer to over 11 million “likes” today, making it one of the top television sites on Facebook.

“Successfully bringing the show back last summer was gratifying enough,” said Bernath. “Now, being able to extend the series for two more years is beyond our expectations! The dedicated fans have spoken and we are excited to bring them ‘Futurama’ for the foreseeable future.”

“We’re very grateful to COMEDY CENTRAL and Twentieth Television for this show of support,” said Matt Groening and David X. Cohen. “Our entire staff will celebrate tonight by going out and getting even drunker.”

“Matt and David created one of the most brilliantly subversive animated comedies ever made in ‘Futurama’ and we consider its continued life on COMEDY CENTRAL to be a huge victory for this studio,” commented TCFTV Chairmen Dana Walden and Gary Newman. “This show is a tremendous labor of love for all concerned, from its talented voice cast to the incredible writers and animators who pour so much of themselves into every episode. And its fans are among the most loyal and passionate there are, so we’re especially pleased to be able to promise them many more original episodes to look forward to in the years ahead.”

The show’s entire original voice cast will be returning, including stars Billy West, Katey Sagal, and John DiMaggio. “It is my great honor to be back with all my friends and colleagues,” said West. “There’s nothing better.”

John DiMaggio commented, “Winner, winner, chicken dinner!”

“Futurama” was a staple of Fox’s Sunday night animation block from 1999 to 2003 before ceasing production on original episodes. In June 2006, COMEDY CENTRAL acquired the rights to the existing 72 episodes of the series, which the channel began airing in January 2008 and four recently-produced extended-length “Futurama” adventures: “Bender’s Big Score,” “The Beast with a Billion Backs,” “Bender’s Game” and “Into the Wild Green Yonder,” which enjoyed enormous success both on COMEDY CENTRAL and in DVD release. “Futurama” is only the second series in the history of the medium to go back into production based on the strength of its DVD sales and repeat airings on cable.

“Futurama” focuses on the life of Philip Fry (Billy West), a 25-year-old pizza delivery boy who accidentally freezes himself on December 31, 1999 and wakes up 1,000 years later with a fresh start at life and a “diverse” new group of friends including Leela (Katey Sagal), a tough but lovely one-eyed alien and Bender (John DiMaggio), a robot who possesses human characteristics and flaws. The series aired for five seasons on Fox (1999 to 2003) earning Emmy(R) nominations each season while winning three times, including “Outstanding Animated Program” in 2002.

“Futurama,” created by Matt Groening and developed by Groening and David X. Cohen, is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television, with Rough Draft Studios, Inc. contributing the animation.

20th Century Fox Television, a division of News Corp, is a leading supplier of entertainment content domestically and around the world.

COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 98 million homes nationwide. COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of Viacom Inc.’s (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) MTV Networks. COMEDY CENTRAL’s Internet address is www.comedycentral.com.

Related articles

• Hooray For Zoidberg!! Comedy Central Orders 26 More Episodes of FUTURAMA!! (aintitcool.com)
• ‘Futurama’ renewed for two more years! (insidetv.ew.com)

Johnny and I attended the Emerald City Comicon in Seattle over the weekend, and we were lucky enough to catch a sneak preview of the upcoming movie “Super”, starring Rainn Wilson (who you may recognize as Dwight from the NBC show The Office). The basic plot involves Frank, a slightly depressed short order cook whose two “perfect moments” in his life involved pointing out where a mugger ran to a police officer and his wedding day. When his wife leaves him he thinks she has been kidnapped. He decides (with the help of a costumed Nathan Fillion) to become a super hero in order to save her.

I’ll be blunt; this movie is pretty graphically violent. I didn’t go into the film thinking it would be. Graphic violence doesn’t bother me too much, and honestly it’s far less violent and bloody than Kick Ass or Kill Bill. None the less, there are a few cringy moments. He uses a pipe wrench as his weapon of choice for balls sake!

Despite prominent roles for Rainn Wilson, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon, and Ellen Page, this was a low budget film. While that showed in the production quality (mostly shot with one or two hand held cameras), it seemed to fit right in with the feel of the movie as a whole. The editing was lackluster at times, letting scenes linger too long, but those times were far and few between. For the most part the film flows well.

What really makes this film great is the story and the performances handed in by Wilson and Page. It felt believable, even though we’re talking about a guy running around in a costume whacking people upside the head with a pipe wrench. Who hasn’t felt like doing that?!? (On a side note, I learned that there is a guy in Seattle who puts on a costume and fights crime. Pretty fucking awesome)

In short, I give this movie a B+ and recommend seeing it when it opens on April 15. It will make an excellent tax day treat.

Press Release from STARZ TV:

STARZ announced today that “Torchwood: Miracle Day” will premiere on Friday, July 8th at 10pm ET/PT. The US installment of the BBC smash hit series will star Mekhi Phifer (“ER,” “Lie to Me”), Bill Pullman (Independence Day, The Grudge) and, in an extended guest role, Lauren Ambrose (“Six Feet Under,” The Other Woman) and is currently in production in Los Angeles.

Bill Pullman, who portrays Oswald Danes, a former school teacher and convicted child killer, and Phifer, join “Torchwood” alumni John Barrowman (Capt. Jack Harkness) and Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper) in the series. Also joining the cast are Alexa Havins (When in Rome, Fat Girls) as Esther Drummond, a deskbound CIA employee who dreams of active duty and who suddenly finds herself running alongside Jack, Gwen and Rex; and Arlene Tur (“Crash,” Eat Pray Love) as Dr. Vera Juarez, a Washington D.C. surgeon, who finds herself on the frontline of medical care on “Miracle Day” advising the government think-tanks on the best course of action for the world’s population.

Torchwood begins with a day when nobody dies. All across the world, nobody dies. And then the next day, and the next, and the next, people keep aging, they get hurt and sick, but they never die. The result: a population boom, overnight. With all the extra people, resources are finite. It’s said that in four month’s time, the human race will cease to be viable. But this can’t be a natural event – someone’s got to be behind it. It’s a race against time as C.I.A. agent Rex Matheson investigates a global conspiracy. The answers lie within an old, secret British institute. As Rex keeps asking “What is Torchwood?,” he’s drawn into a world of adventure, and a threat to change what it means to be human, forever.

Press Release from FOX:

FOX RENEWS “FRINGE” FOR FOURTH SEASON � IN BOTH UNIVERSES

FOX has renewed critically acclaimed thrilling drama FRINGE for a fourth season, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company.

“FRINGE has truly hit a creative stride and has distinguished itself as one of television’s most original programs. The series’ ingenious producers, amazingly talented cast and crew, as well as some of the most passionate and loyal fans on the planet, made this fourth-season pickup possible,” said Reilly. “When we moved the show to Fridays, we asked the fans to follow and they did. We’re thrilled to bring it back for another full season and keep it part of the FOX family.”

FRINGE co-creator and executive producer J.J. Abrams said, “We could not be happier that the fans of FRINGE (and our most excellent partners at FOX) have allowed us to continue telling stories from the fringe for another season!”

“This early pickup comes at a perfect time as we start production on the Season Three finale,” added FRINGE showrunners and executive producers Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman. “We join the cast and crew in thanking our loyal fans and FOX for allowing us to have this much fun telling stories we love.”

Since moving to Fridays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) in January, FRINGE is averaging a 2.2/7 among Adults 18-49 and has established itself as Friday’s No. 1 series in the core adult demographic.

The compelling third season continues tonight, Friday, March 25 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), on FOX. In the “Bloodline” episode, the intensity of life “over there” accelerates as a pregnant OLIVIA (Anna Torv) is kidnapped and finds herself in mortal danger. As the Fringe Division races against time to find her, agent LINCOLN LEE (guest star Seth Gabel) receives some heartbreaking news as WALTER (John Noble) stops at nothing to preserve the new branch of the Bishop family tree.

Created by J.J. Abrams & Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci, FRINGE is produced by Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Jeff Pinkner, J.H. Wyman and Joe Chappelle serve as executive producers, while Kurtzman, Orci and Akiva Goldsman are consulting producers. Additionally, Pinkner and Wyman serve as the series’ showrunners. Become a fan of the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fringe and follow the series on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fringeonfox (@fringeonfox).

Press Release:

Supernatural Drama is Syfy’s Most Female-Skewing Scripted Series Ever

NEW YORK – March 17, 2011 – Syfy is ordering a second season of its new hit drama series Being Human, it was announced today by Mark Stern President of Original Content, Syfy and Co-Head of Original Content, Universal Cable Productions. Since the show’s January 17 launch, premiere episodes of Being Human have averaged 1.8 million viewers making it Syfy’s most successful winter season scripted series launch in 6 years. Also, with women comprising 53% of the total audience for premiere episodes, it is the channel’s most female-skewing scripted series ever.

Through its first nine weeks on Syfy, and including repeat broadcasts, Being Human has been seen by 19.1 million total unique viewers.

“‘Being Human’ has proven to be a winner for Syfy on all fronts,” said Stern. “Using the original format as inspiration, showrunners/writers Jeremy Carver and Anna Fricke – along with a superlative team of writers, cast, and production – have created an amazing, compelling series in its own right. We can’t wait to watch Aidan, Josh and Sally continue their struggle to be human in the second season!”

Being Human stars Sam Witwer, Meaghan Rath, Sam Huntington and Mark Pellegrino and is a Muse Entertainment production in association with Zodiak USA. It is based on the acclaimed series, Being Human, created by Toby Whithouse and produced by Touchpaper Television, part of Zodiak Media Group.

In Being Human, leading everyday lives is a lot harder than it looks for three supernatural roommates – vampire Aidan (Witwer), ghost Sally (Rath) and werewolf Josh (Huntington) – who share their secrets and a Boston brownstone. Together they learn that there are fates worse than death and more to life – and the afterlife – than most “normal” humans could ever imagine.

Executive Producers are Michael Prupas (The Kennedys, Pillars of the Earth), Jeremy Carver (Supernatural) and Anna Fricke (Men in Trees, Everwood) who are both writers/showrunners, and Rob Pursey and Toby Whithouse. Irene Litinsky is series Producer and Adam Kane (The Mentalist, Heroes) is Co-Executive Producer.

Related articles

• “The American Version of Being Human Renewed for Second Season” and related posts (scificool.com)

Press Release:

NEW EPIC FAMILY ADVENTURE SERIES “TERRA NOVA” TO PREMIERE IN FALL 2011

The new epic family adventure series TERRA NOVA will now launch with its series premiere in fall 2011 on FOX, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.

“TERRA NOVA is one of the most ambitious television series ever produced,” said Reilly. “The cutting-edge visual effects used to create the world of TERRA NOVA, which is of massive scope and scale, require more time to be realized. This aspect of the series is essential, so we are pushing back the special early preview date to give the visual effects team the time needed for their ground-breaking work.”

“The world of TERRA NOVA is visually stunning on multiple levels, and effects play an enormous part,” said executive producer René Echevarria. “Premiering in the fall will give us the proper time to create a world never before seen on television.”

An epic family adventure 85 million years in the making, TERRA NOVA follows an ordinary family embarking on an incredible journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a small part of a daring experiment to save the human race. In the year 2149 the world is dying. The planet is overdeveloped, overcrowded and overpolluted. With no known way to reverse the damage to the planet, scientists discover a portal to prehistoric Earth. This doorway leads to an amazing world, one that allows for a last-ditch effort to save the human race…a second chance to rebuild civilization and get it right this time.

The series centers on the Shannon family as they join the Tenth Pilgrimage of settlers to TERRA NOVA, the first colony established in this beautiful yet forbidding land led by its founder COMMANDER NATHANIEL TAYLOR (Stephen Lang, “Avatar”). JIM SHANNON (Jason O’Mara, “Life on Mars”), a devoted father with a checkered past, guides his family – wife ELISABETH (Shelley Conn, “Mistresses”); and children JOSH (Landon Liboiron, “Degrassi: The Next Generation”), MADDY (Naomi Scott, “Life Bites”) and ZOE (newcomer Alana Mansour) – through this new land of limitless beauty, mystery and terror. In addition to blue skies, towering waterfalls and lush vegetation, TERRA NOVA offers new opportunities and fresh beginnings to its recent arrivals, but the Shannons have brought with them a familial secret that may threaten their citizenship in this utopia. These adventurers soon discover that this healthy, vibrant world is not as idyllic as it initially appears. The areas surrounding TERRA NOVA are teeming with danger – and not just of the man-eating dinosaur variety. The Shannons will come to suspect that not everyone on this mission has the same idea of how to best save mankind; in fact, there may be forces intent on destroying this new world before it even begins.

TERRA NOVA is produced by 20th Century Fox Television, Chernin Entertainment, DreamWorks Television and Kapital Entertainment. Peter Chernin, Steven Spielberg, René Echevarria, Brannon Braga, Aaron Kaplan, Katherine Pope, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, Jon Cassar, Craig Silverstein and Kelly Marcel serve as executive producers. Alex Graves serves as executive producer and directed the series premiere.

Press Release:
Please find attached the first image of Adrianne Palicki starring as the title character in the new NBC pilot “Wonder Woman,” from executive producer David E. Kelley (“Boston Legal,” “Ally McBeal,” NBC’s “Harry’s Law“). The pilot was written by Kelley, who also serves as executive producer with Bill D’Elia (“Boston Legal,” “The Practice,” NBC’s “Harry’s Law”). Jeffrey Reiner (“The Event”) is directing. Based upon DC Comics character, “Wonder Woman” is from David E. Kelley Productions and Warner Bros. Television. (C) 2011 NBC and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. Photo Credit: Justin Lubin

Related articles

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Pre-order is available via Amazon for only $19.01!

Press release from HBO:

HBO PRESENTS THE 15-MINUTE “GAME OF THRONES” EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW APRIL 3

HBO will present – for the first time – a sneak peek of the first 15 minutes of the first episode of a new series when GAME OF THRONES EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW debuts SUNDAY, APRIL 3 at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Following this one-time-only play, GAME OF THRONES EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW will be available immediately on hbo.com and HBO Go, and will be available on HBO On Demand beginning Monday, April 4.

The HBO presentation of GAME OF THRONES EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW will be followed by the debut of Part Three of the HBO Miniseries presentation MILDRED PIERCE at 9:15 p.m. (ET/PT).

Based on the popular book series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” by George R.R. Martin, the fantasy series GAME OF THRONES chronicles an epic struggle for power set in a vast and violent fantasy kingdom. The ensemble cast includes Mark Addy, Sean Bean, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Fairley, Lena Headey, Kit Harington and Aidan Gillen. The show was shot at the Paint Hall Studio in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as well as at various locations in Northern Ireland and Malta.

GAME OF THRONES launches its ten-episode season SUNDAY, APRIL 17, exclusively on HBO.

GAME OF THRONES was created by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; executive produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss; co-executive producers, Carolyn Strauss, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis, Ralph Vicinanza and George R.R. Martin; producers, Mark Huffam and Frank Doelger.

Directors include Brian Kirk, Daniel Minahan, Alan Taylor and Tim Van Patten; writers include David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, Bryan Cogman, Jane Espenson and George R.R. Martin.

The final Stargate: Universe episodes are premiering March 7th. Sanctuary comes back on April 15th. And the 200th Syfy original movie shows up on Saturday March 26th.

NEW YORK – February 22, 2010 – The snow is melting and it is a new season for Syfy’s spring programming, including original episodes of hit series Destination Truth, Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files, Stargate Universe and Sanctuary. Syfy’s spring primetime schedule will also feature the premiere of the highly-anticipated Marcel’s Quantum Kitchen.

Upcoming popular Syfy Saturday Original Movies include Battle of Los Angeles and Scream of the Banshee. Banshee will mark a new milestone as Syfy’s 200th Saturday Original Movie!

Following are highlights of Syfy’s spring programming schedule (all times ET/PT):

Unscripted Programming

DESTINATION TRUTH – LIVE ST. PATRICKS DAY INVESTIGATION Thursday March 17, at 9PM – Syfy’s hit adventure reality series will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the show’s first-ever LIVE investigation! Host Josh Gates will take viewers to Ireland for the Season 4.5 premiere, where he and his team will brave the crumbling ruins of Duckett’s Grove Castle in search of the truth behind the legend of the banshee. Destination Truth then moves to a new night on Tuesday March 22, at 9PM for all new episodes. According to Irish legend, the banshee is a sign of impending death; a female ancestral spirit who wails around a house the night before someone inside is to meet their demise. Today, many County Carlow locals claim to have witnessed hearing the banshee’s unmistakable wail and seeing glimpses of an ethereal woman stalking the grounds of the 200 year-old historic ruins of Duckett’s Grove Castle. Armed with equipment, expertise and, as always, humor, Josh and team will attempt to solve the mystery behind this age-old legend. Josh’s return to Ireland marks the one-year anniversary of the series’ most-watched episode (featuring a hunt for the leprechaun that aired on St. Patrick’s Day 2010). Other adventures this season include tackling claims of spirits in Namibia, a sea monster in Cyprus and mysterious creatures in Panama and Argentina. Then, in another Destination Truth first, the team will trek to Antarctica, where strange phenomena occurring around abandoned research stations have stumped scientists. Now, the Destination Truth crew will brave the elements to conduct the world’s first paranormal investigation on the frozen continent, giving viewers a rare and unique glimpse at this rarely visited landscape…as well as, perhaps, a look into its past. Destination Truth is Executive Produced by Brad Kuhlman for Ping Pong Productions (1000 Places to See Before You Die, Celebrity Rehab, FM Nation). Josh Gates, Erin Ryder and Christopher Lore will serve as co-executive producers.

MARCEL’S QUANTUM KITCHEN – Series Premiere Tuesday March 22, at 10PM – Syfy unveils the future of food with a daring new hi-tech cooking series for the modern age, featuring Top Chef’s Marcel Vigneron, one of America’s most notorious chefs on the cutting edge of the culinary field. Chef Marcel pushes the limits of imagination with his bold style of cooking referred to as molecular gastronomy, which incorporates science into cuisine preparation. Follow Marcel as he embarks on the next phase of his career at the helm of his own catering and event company. In each one-hour episode, Marcel will be hired by a demanding client to produce and pull off extraordinary dishes and celebrations. Based on the clients’ requests, Marcel will have to dream up a menu and a spectacular execution of his ideas. He oversees the entire production, tapping the depths of his imagination and culinary talents to brainstorm everything from the decor to a delicious menu that emphasizes his unparalleled brand of molecular gastronomy. For his first event, a philanthropist hires Marcel to cater an elaborate event to increase awareness for the Wildlife Waystation, an exotic animal refuge and sanctuary. Marcel and his team create an amazing safari-themed party. The menu includes an edible map and “Himalayan Tiger’s Breath,” which is prepared using liquid nitrogen. He and the event planner bump heads over the event d�cor. But he will stop at nothing in order to pull off an evening filled with unforgettable dishes in a truly magical setting. Marcel’s Quantum Kitchen is produced by Mission Control Media. Dwight D. Smith, Michael Agbabian, Andrew Scheer and Dana Leiken Richards are Executive Producers.

FACT OR FAKED: PARANORMAL FILES – Season Two Premiere Wednesday March 23, at 10PM- A new season of Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files returns to Earth, premiering on Syfy on a new night after a brand new episode of Ghost Hunters. The team will continue with its mission to uncover the truth behind some of the most fascinating “paranormal” videos ever taken. The Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files team includes former FBI Special Agent Ben Hansen, lead scientist Bill Murphy, journalist Jael de Pardo, photography expert Chi-Lan Lieu, stunt expert Austin Porter and newest member tech expert Devin Marble. In the Season Two premiere episode “The Real Battle of LA / Queen Mary Menace,” the team investigates the mysterious case that many people believe marked the very beginning of UFO government cover-ups – the historic Battle of LA. Only a couple months after Pearl Harbor – an enemy aircraft was reported over Los Angeles, and the city erupted into a fiery battle that lasted for several hours. But almost seventy years later, no one knows what the military was actually shooting at and the Fact or Faked team is determined to figure out if it was of extraterrestrial origin. Ben, Jael and Devin head to one of the original gun batteries in San Pedro, CA to get the facts before recreating the epic battle using searchlights, grenade launchers and a 50-caliber machine gun. Meanwhile, Bill, Chi-Lan and Austin spend the night on the haunted Queen Mary luxury cruise ship to test theories around the phantom figure that was caught lurking down the main deck hallway. When Austin sees a pair of glowing eyes, the team realizes they’re not alone. Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files is executive produced by John Brenkus and Mickey Stern for BASE Productions and is a co-production with Universal Networks International.

Scripted Programming

STARGATE UNIVERSE – Returns Monday March 7, at 10PM – Syfy’s drama-adventure series returns for its anticipated final ten episodes. The new episodes pick up with the Destiny crew in a battle with a drone command ship and the surprise arrival of the aliens that abducted Dr. Nicholas Rush (Robert Carlyle) and Chloe (Elyse Levesque). The final season culminates with a dramatic conclusion for the fate of the Destiny crew, who face a difficult crossroads when they realize the time has come for them to take a risky stand…or they will be left adrift forever. Guest stars appearing in the final episodes include Victor Garber (Alien, Titanic), French Stewart (3rd Rock From The Sun), Robert Picardo (Stargate SG-1, Star Trek: Voyager, China Beach), Kathleen Quinlen (Apollo 13) and Julie McNiven (Supernatural, Mad Men). Robert Cooper and Brad Wright, of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis, serve as executive producers and writers. SGU is produced and distributed by MGM Worldwide Television Distribution.

SANCTUARY – Returns Friday April 15, at 10PM – Syfy’s original series returns with the next all-new 10 episodes of season three! The adventures pick up in the events of the mid-season finale’s cliffhanger, with the team at the mercy of the inimitable Ranna, played by Polly Walker (Caprica, Rome). Sanctuary stars Amanda Tapping as the brilliant Dr. Helen Magnus, Robin Dunne as forensic psychiatrist Dr. Will Zimmerman, Agam Darshi as Kate Freelander, Ryan Robbins as Henry Foss and Christopher Heyerdahl as John Druitt. One of television’s most groundbreaking series, shooting almost entirely on green screen, Sanctuary was the first television series in North America to use the RED camera exclusively. Its stunning visual effects were nominated for a 2008 Emmy Award. Created by Damian Kindler (Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis), Sanctuary is produced in association with Syfy and is distributed by Tricon Films and Television. Season three of the series is executive produced by Damian Kindler, Amanda Tapping, Martin Wood, Keith Beedie and Tricon Films.

Saturday Original Movies

BATTLE OF LOS ANGELES – Premieres Saturday March 12, at 9PM – Hundreds of extra-terrestrial ships swarm Los Angeles, causing death and chaos ahead of an impending alien invasion. A small group of United States military personnel are able to get underground, where they learn the only way to stop the invasion is by destroying the mothership from within. It falls to two determined soldiers to finish the job before the human race is demolished. Stars Nia Peeples (Pretty Little Liars) and Kel Mitchell (Kenan & Kel)

SCREAM OF THE BANSHEE – Premieres Saturday March 26, at 9PM – When a college professor opens a strange, ornate box discovered in the basement of her University, she and her students hear the horrifying scream of a bloodthirsty Banshee. Everyone who hears the scream dies a strange and terrible death. Now the professor and a few stragglers must try to stop the Banshee. Stars Lauren Holly (NCIS) and Lance Henriksen (Alien). This film marks Syfy’s 200th Saturday Original Movie.

FEROCIOUS PLANET – Premieres Saturday April 9, at 9PM – An experimental device enabling viewing of alternate dimensions goes haywire on its first test, dragging the entire test lab (and its occupants) into a dangerous alternate universe. Led by a resourceful Colonel and a tough female scientist, they have to figure out how to get home. Stars Joe Flanigan (Stargate Atlantis) and John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings).

ROADKILL – Premieres Saturday April 23, at 9 PM – Six young friends on a road trip in Ireland run afoul of gypsies who curse them for accidentally running down an old woman. The curse takes the form of a terrifying flying beast that tries killing them all. Stars Stephen Rea (The Crying Game).

Syfy sent out a press release stating that it has acquired all 31 episodes of “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” from Warner Bros.

The series will premiere on Syfy Thursday, April 7th.

NEW YORK – February 22, 2011 – Syfy has acquired both seasons (31 episodes) of the acclaimed fan-favorite Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles from Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, it was announced today by Chris Regina, Vice President, Programming, Syfy, and Tom Cerio, Executive Vice President, Cable Sales, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution.

With Terminator 3 as the lead-in, the series will join the Syfy line-up on Thursday, April 7 with two episodes from 9-11PM (ET/PT). The regular time slot will be Thursdays from 7-11PM (ET/PT).

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles brought the blockbuster Terminator movie franchise to television in an action-adventure drama taking place after the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The series reveals what happens when Sarah Connor (series star Lena Headey – upcoming Game of Thrones, 300, The Brothers Grimm) stops running and goes on the offensive against an ever-evolving technological enemy. At the end of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Sarah vanquished the Terminator sent from the future to kill her teenage son, John. Now Sarah and John (series star Thomas Dekker – Heroes) find themselves in a very dangerous, complicated world. Fugitives from the law, they must evade pursuers from the future and the present in today’s Los Angeles, relentlessly battling to save more than just themselves.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles ran for two seasons (2007-09).

Lena Headey, Thomas Dekker, Summer Glau, Brian Austin Green, Garret Dillahunt, Shirley Manson, Leven Rambin and Richard T. Jones starred in the series, from the Bartleby Company and The Halcyon Company in association with Warner Bros. Television. Josh Friedman, John Wirth, James Middleton, Mario Kassar, Andrew Vajna and Joel Michaels served as executive producers.

Related articles

• Syfy Acquires All 31 Episodes of ‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’; Premieres Thursday, April 7 (tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com)

Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that producer Christopher Nolan and director Zack Snyder are zeroing in on an intriguing actor to play the villain for Superman reboot: Viggo Mortensen.  Mortensen….is said to be at the top of the list to play General Zod, the evil and super-powered scientist first introduced not in the comic books but in 1980’s Superman II. Terrence Stamp originated the role.

Holy CRAP! Okay, this has gotten me  little more pumped for the next installment of the Superman saga. I am not to keen on the casting of Henry Cavill in the red/blue tights, but a good villain always makes up for things like this. And Viggo would definately be able to pull this off. Perhaps as well as Terrence Stamp did back in the day. Heres some Zod goodness for those nostolgic people out there!

AARON ASHMORE (“SMALLVILLE“) REPORTS FOR DUTY AT SYFY’S HIT SERIES “WAREHOUSE 13”

NEW YORK – February 17, 2011 – Aaron Ashmore, who portrayed the iconic character Jimmy Olsen in Smallville, will join the cast of Syfy‘s hit series Warehouse 13 as “Steve Jinks,” a young ATF agent with an innate ability to detect when someone’s lying. Jinks is recruited by the all-powerful Mrs. Frederic (CCH Pounder) to be Pete Lattimer’s (Eddie McClintock) new Warehouse 13 partner.

In last year’s gripping season two finale, Myka Bering (Joanne Kelly) abruptly quit her job at the Warehouse after being betrayed by the duplicitous HG Wells (Jaime Murray).

In addition to Smallville, Ashmore has appeared in series such as In Plain Sight, Veronica Mars and Fringe.

The third season of Warehouse 13 will return with 13 new episodes beginning this summer.

During its second season, Warehouse 13 averaged 3.4 million total viewers, 1.5 million Adults 18-49, 1.8 million Adults 25-54 and a 2.4 household rating, based on DVR Live +7 data, making it the most watched Syfy series of 2010.

Warehouse 13 follows follows a team of government agents who work at a massive, top-secret storage facility in windswept South Dakota which houses every strange artifact, mysterious relic, fantastical object and preternatural souvenir ever collected by the U.S. government. The Warehouse’s caretaker Artie Nielsen (Saul Rubinek) charges Pete Lattimer (McClintock), Myka Bering (Kelly) and young apprentice Claudia Donovan (Allison Scagliotti) with chasing down reports of supernatural and paranormal activity in search of new objects to cache at the Warehouse, as well as helping him to control the Warehouse itself.

Warehouse 13 is produced for Syfy by Universal Cable Productions. Jack Kenny (The Book of Daniel) is Executive Producer and Showrunner.

Warehouse 13 received its first ever Emmy nomination in 2010 with a nod for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music by composer Ed Rogers.

Related articles

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Check out the article over at Deadline and look at these cool images. I am kinda on the fence though as I do love Guillermos work but feel all of the ‘Dark Retelling’ business that has gone on over the years is getting a little old. But audiences seem to like the grittier versions of the childrens classics.

IRVINE, Calif. — February 7, 2011 — Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced plans for its sixth BlizzCon® gaming convention, to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, 2011. BlizzCon is a celebration of the global player communities surrounding Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® universes.

“We look forward to holding another exciting BlizzCon this year, filled with some great entertainment and competition, as well as the latest news about Blizzard games,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “BlizzCon is built from the ground up with our community in mind — we’re pleased to be able to host an event where players can come together to have fun and celebrate their passion for gaming.”

In addition to serving as a gathering place for Blizzard Entertainment gaming communities, BlizzCon will offer attendees a chance to enjoy:

• Hands-on play time with the latest versions of Blizzard Entertainment games
• Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers
• Competitive and casual tournaments for players to showcase their talents
• Community contests with great prizes
• Commemorative merchandise based on Blizzard Entertainment’s game universes
• More activities and attractions to be announced

The previous BlizzCon was held in Anaheim in October 2010. Tickets to the event sold out in minutes, and some of the highlights included the unveiling of Diablo III’s fifth and final playable character class, the demon hunter, and an epic closing concert featuring Tenacious D.

Further details about BlizzCon 2011, including ticket availability and pricing, will be announced on the official Blizzard website, www.blizzard.com, as the event draws closer.

To keep pace with the continued growth of World of Warcraft as well as development on other Blizzard Entertainment games, the company is currently hiring for numerous open positions. More information on available career opportunities can be found at www.blizzard.com/jobs.

Press release from the Science Channel:

“Firefly” Lands at Science Channel – Premieres Sunday, March 6 @ 8pm ET

New episodes air every Sunday @ 10pm ET only on Science Channel

Renowned Astrophysicist Dr. Michio Kaku also reveals the “Science behind Firefly”

From the creator of the hit TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” sci-fi savant Joss Whedon delves into the final frontier with “Firefly,” which lands exclusively on the Science Channel on Sunday, March 6 @8pm ET with the airing of the original 2-hour pilot. Immediately following, episode one of the 15-part series will air at 10pm ET.

“Firefly” will dominate the airwaves every Sunday with an encore episode of the previous week airing 9pm ET to be followed by the network premiere of the next episode in the series airing at 10pm ET.

As a special treat for “Firefly” fans, star of Science Channel’s “Sci-Fi Science,” and the cofounder of string field theory, Dr. Michio Kaku, will be commentating on the science behind “Firefly” for each episode. From terraforming, to anti-matter, Kaku will be explaining why the science fiction featured in the show really isn’t that far from science fact.

When “Firefly” first aired in 2002, Whedon’s sci-fi western quickly became a cult favorite. Set 500 years in the future, in the aftermath of a universal civil war, the story centers on the renegade crew of a small transport spaceship led by “Castle’s” Nathan Fillion, who directs the ragtag team through adventures into unknown parts of the galaxy, as they try to evade warring factions as well as authority agents out to get them.

Related articles

• Firefly Lands on The Science Channel! (nerdist.com)

Okay, you should check out the trailer for Talos the Movie. Really its a low budget amateur looking film, but I have to say that it could probably hold up against most Syfy channel Saturday night special movies. It does have one thing that a lot of professional films do not…lots and lots of highly skilled martial artists.

The movie’s storyline is about a King named Talos who is suffering from apparent depression at the loss of his family. He also has a bit of post traumatic stress from the wars in which he lost his family, and he has a terrifying enemy who, though dead, does not seem to be inclined to stay in his grave. His ghostly images haunt Talos troubled sleep and turns his dreams to nightmares.

The star (also writer, choreographer, film editor and stunt guy) is Eddie Thomas who is a 9th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate as well as black belts in several other styles. And all the actors are martial artists with several holding black belts.

Now before you start complaining about sword and sorcery films with ninjas, just shut up and enjoy the movie. And if you are from Virginia you will probably recognize several local landmarks, including Dixie Caverns and the always popular Foamhenge.

Image via Wikipedia

Press release from CW network:

MICHAEL ROSENBAUM RETURNS AS LEX LUTHOR FOR THE SMALLVILLE SERIES FINALE

February 16, 2011 (Burbank, California) – Michael Rosenbaum will reprise his role as Lex Luthor in the series finale of SMALLVILLE on Friday, May 13 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET.)

“I’m delighted to return for the series finale,” says Rosenbaum. “I’m simply doing it for all of the fans out there who made SMALLVILLE the great success it is. I appreciate all of their passion, their relentlessness and even their threats. Ha ha. I can’t wait to hug the old crew back in Vancouver one last time and see all of my old friends once again. Oh, and for Lex to become the badass he’s destined to be.”

Executive producers Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders added, “It feels like the stars are aligning, literally. We couldn’t be more excited about having Michael back. And as far as the way he returns, there’ll be no doubt about how Lex becomes the great rival in Clark Kent‘s life. He is the villain of the story.”

Rosenbaum exited at the end of season seven after Lex confronted Clark (Tom Welling) in the Fortress of Solitude. Years of secrets came to a head as Clark’s former friend finally discovered the truth about Clark’s alien heritage. The rivalry between the two culminated into a final showdown and crumbled, literally, under an icy avalanche as the Fortress fell. Lex’s body was never found. Now, Lex has risen from the ashes to fulfill his place in destiny as Clark Kent’s greatest nemesis.

SMALLVILLE was developed for television by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar (“Shanghai Noon,” “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor”), based on the DC Comics characters. Kelly Souders & Brian Peterson serve as executive producers, along with James Marshall, Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins, Joe Davola and Tom Welling. The series is produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions, Millar/Gough Ink and Warner Bros. Television. SUPERMAN was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

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Her name may not jump at you right away, but she does have some acting chops in her background. Most recently on the TV show Friday Night Lights, she was also seen on the big screen film Legion last year. She was also a recurring character on Supernatural and if MGM ever gets their finances maybe we will see her in the remake of Red Dawn.

Now this NBC property is a ‘retelling’ of the Wonder Woman story, so don’t expect an invisible plane or the Super Friends showing up.  According to Deadline magazine, “Wonder Woman/Diana Prince is a vigilante crime fighter in L.A. but also a successful corporate executive and a modern woman trying to balance all of the elements of her extraordinary life.”

I really wish someone would just make a TV show based on the comics that sticks even closely to their storyline. Everyone wants to do their own ‘vision’ of the character, but ya know, if a comic has been around for decades it probably has something going for it.

Regardless, I will be very interested in seeing what the show turns out to be…and if they keep her comic book outfit at all.

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Looks like our favorite girl gamer next door is getting a new web series, Dragon Age: Redemption. I love the original game and really looking forward to the sequel. And now I have something else to look forward too! Here is the press release from BioWare:

What do you get when you combine one of the richest RPGs with the creator of one of the most watched web series of all time? Dragon Age™: Redemption. This all-new six-part web series is based in the Dragon Age universe and created by Felicia Day, the force behind the blockbuster web series “The Guild.” Scheduled to premiere this summer, Dragon Age: Redemption is set in the same time period as BioWare’s Dragon Age II.

Look for the world premiere of Dragon Age: Redemption this Wednesday, February 16, presented by Felicia Day on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” on NBC (check your local listings), and get your first on-set look at Dragon Age: Redemption on “Gametrailers TV with Geoff Keighley” on Spike TV, Thursday, February 24 (check your local listings).

“I’m a huge Dragon Age fan, and I have been looking for a follow up project to ‘The Guild’ for quite some time,” said Day. “I was thrilled when the opportunity to work with BioWare materialized. Dragon Age: Redemption allows me to tell a fantasy story in a new way, using a universe I really love. It has been a dream working together.”

In Dragon Age: Redemption, Day stars as Tallis, an Elven assassin hired by the Qunari to capture a rogue mage intent on wreaking havoc throughout the world. In her quest to find this dangerous mage, Tallis is joined by other companions who are not always aligned in their beliefs and goals, but who band together to defeat their foe, in an attempt to restore peace and balance to this dark fantasy universe.

Day’s original web series, “The Guild,” which follows the story of a group of players in a fictitious MMORPG, was an instant internet phenomenon, attracting more than 100 million viewers in three years. Day is also known as the main love interest, Penny, in Joss Whedon‘s Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, and for her recurring role as Vi on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. For more information about Felicia, including updates on Dragon Age: Redemption, please follow her on Twitter @ feliciaday.

Dragon Age II has been named by CNN, Yahoo! Games, GameSpot and Wired.com among others as one of the most anticipated games of 2011. Gamers can get a small taste of what BioWare’s action RPG has to offer when the Dragon Age II demo launches February 22 on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 computer and entertainment system and PC.

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• Felicia Day To Star In New Web Series Dragon Age: Redemption (laughingsquid.com)

Coming from Sony Pictures, the Marc Webb-directed film stars Andrew Garfield will be released on July 3rd 2012. To get all your up-to-date information check out the official website and Facebook page.

Personally I am glad they are using the web shooters. That whole bit where it was actually secreted by Peter kinda made me grimace.

This is a Ron Moore project coming from the peacock network. Ron worked previously with Bamber as the creator of the new BSG. The story takes place in the town of Excelsior (wonder if Stan Lee gets a residual from the name) where magic is a common thing.

Bamber will be playing a homicide detective on the show and is joined by veteran actress Stockard Channing. I am certainly looking forward to a new Ron Moore show though I will be sad to see Jamie leaving Law & Order: UK.

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Press Release from the CW:

UP, UP AND AWAY… “SMALLVILLE” WRAPS ITS TEN-YEAR RUN WITH A TWO-HOUR SERIES FINALE EVENT ON FRIDAY, MAY 13, ON THE CW

February 7, 2011 (Burbank, California) – The CW will present the series finale of SMALLVILLE as an epic two-hour television event on Friday, May 13 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET.)

The story of a young Clark Kent (Tom Welling) and his journey to become the Man of Steel has captivated audiences for a decade. This final season, Clark attempts to find a balance between saving the world, which becomes even more difficult as the Vigilante Registration Act separates a nation, and spending time with his new fianc�e Lois Lane (Erica Durance). Whether it’s donning glasses as a disguise, changing in a phone booth or learning how to fly, this season has put Clark closer to his destiny than ever before. Taking on Darkseid and battling the darkest of his demons, this two-hour event will send Clark soaring towards his birthright to secure his place in history as the world’s greatest protector.

“Paying homage to 10 seasons is no small task, and wrapping up each character and story arc has been extremely important to everyone involved in the show,” said executive producers Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders. “We’re excited to be able to make the final moments of SMALLVILLE a television event, as the character we’ve grown up with makes his legendary transformation.”

Please note SUPERNATURAL will be pre-empted on May 13 but will return with a two-hour season finale on Friday, May 20 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET.)

SMALLVILLE was developed for television by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar (“Shanghai Noon,” “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor”), based on the DC Comics characters. Kelly Souders & Brian Peterson serve as executive producers, along with James Marshall, Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins, Joe Davola and Tom Welling. The series is produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions, Millar/Gough Ink and Warner Bros. Television. SUPERMAN was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

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• ‘Smallville’ Wraps Its Ten-Year Run With a Two-Hour Series Finale Event on Friday, May 13 on The CW (tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com)
• 2-Hour SMALLVILLE Series Finale Airs Friday, May 13 (collider.com)

Luke Pasqualino will be the young Adama

Press Release from SYFY:

SYFY’S “BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: BLOOD & CHROME” LAUNCHES

2-Hour Pilot Chronicles Young William Adama‘s Adventures in First Cylon War

Lili Bordan Joins Luke Pasqualino and Ben Cotton in the Cast

NEW YORK – February 10, 2011 – Production has begun in Vancouver on Syfy’s highly anticipated 2-hour pilot, Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome, the all-new chapter in the Battlestar Galactica saga. Universal Cable Productions will produce the event with Syfy utilizing cutting edge CGI and virtual technology.

Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome takes place in the 10th year of the first Cylon war. As the battle between humans and their creation, the sentient robotic Cylons, rages across the 12 colonial worlds, a young, talented fighter pilot, William Adama (Luke Pasqualino), finds himself assigned to one of the most powerful Battlestars in the Colonial fleet: the Galactica. Full of ambition and in pursuit of the intense action that the Cylon war promises, Adama quickly find himself at odds with Coker (Ben Cotton), the battle-weary officer to whom he reports. With 47 days left in his tour of duty, Coker desires an end to battle just as much as Adama craves the start of it. Though they clash at first, the two men forge an unlikely bond when a routine mission turns dangerous and becomes a pivotal one for the desperate fleet.

Joining Pasqualino and Cotton in the cast is Lili Bordan, who will play Dr. Beka Kelly, a Ph.D. who worked for Graystone Industries that created the Cylon robots. Currently assigned to a secret military mission, Beka and Adama quickly establish a rapport.

From the award-winning producers of Battlestar Galactica, this new action-packed chapter of the BSG canon was written by Michael Taylor form a story by David Eick, Taylor and Bradley Thompson & David Weddle and directed by Jonas Pate. David Eick, Jonas Pate and Michael Taylor will serve as executive producers.

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Back in 2009 we saw a three episode mini-series that brought the crew of the Red Dwarf back to the screen after a 10 year absence. Turns out that it received record ratings for Freeview channel.

Read the interview with Craig Charles (Lister) at the Daily Mail site. Can’t wait to see the new show!

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Press release from SYFY:

SYFY AND THQ ORIGINAL MOVIE RED FACTION: ORIGINS BEGINS PRODUCTION WITH ALL-STAR CAST LED BY STARGATE UNIVERSE‘S BRIAN J. SMITH AND FILM ICON ROBERT PATRICK

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA’S KATE VERNON, TORCHWOOD’S GARETH DAVID-LLOYD AND DANIELLE NICOLET ALSO STAR

DIRECTED BY PEABODY-AWARD WINNER MICHAEL NANKIN (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, CAPRICA) AND WRITTEN BY ANDREW KREISBERG (WAREHOUSE 13)

PRODUCED BY UNIVERSAL CABLE PRODUCTIONS AND UFO FILMS FOR MAY 2011 PREMIERE

New York, NY, and Agoura Hills, CA – January 19, 2011 – Brian J. Smith (Stargate Universe), Robert Patrick (Terminator 2: Judgment Day), Kate Vernon (Battlestar Galactica), Danielle Nicolet (The Starter Wife), Gareth David-Lloyd (Torchwood), Tamzin Merchant (The Tudors) and Devon Graye (Dexter) will star in the THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and Syfy Original Movie Red Faction(R): OriginsTM (working title), based on the highly successful Red Faction(R) video game franchise.

Peabody-Award winner Michael Nankin (Caprica, Battlestar Galactica, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) will direct the two-hour, live action movie.

Part of a first-of-its-kind transmedia deal, Red Faction: Origins will be produced by Universal Cable Productions (UCP) and UFO Films (Lake Placid 2 & 3). Production will begin in Bulgaria this week with its Syfy premiere scheduled for May 2011.

Red Faction: Origins follows the children of rebel hero Alec Mason, set during a period between the critically acclaimed Red Faction Guerrilla(TM) video game and the recently announced, highly anticipated Red Faction Armageddon(TM) video game, also scheduled for release in May 2011.

Twenty-five years have passed since Alec Mason (Robert Patrick) led the Martian Colonies to freedom …and 12 years since vengeful enemies killed his wife, kidnapped his daughter Lyra (Tamzin Merchant), and left a broken hero in their wake.

Jake Mason (Brian J. Smith), Alec�s last surviving son and an officer in the Red Faction Militia, has his world turned inside out when he discovers that now, 12 years after her kidnapping, his sister is still alive. As a powerful new enemy swarms across the planet, Jake goes out to find her, only to learn that his lost sister is one of them…a cold-blooded soldier sworn to destroy the Red Faction.

Jake must now battle the relentless regime and somehow reunite a family torn apart by war.

The Red Faction: Origins screenplay was written by notable writer and producer Andrew Kreisberg (Warehouse 13, Fringe, Eli Stone), based on a story developed by Paul DeMeo (The Rocketeer, The Flash, Viper), THQ Director, Fiction Development.

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

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com.

Universal Cable Productions creates quality content across multiple media platforms for USA, Syfy and other networks. A leader in innovative and critically acclaimed programming, UCP is the studio behind USA’s Royal Pains, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Psych, In Plain Sight, Covert Affairs and Fairly Legal, as well as Syfy’s Eureka, Warehouse 13 and Alphas . The studio also produced the long-running series Monk and Battlestar Galactica, as well as the series Caprica. UCP is a division of NBC Universal.

THQ, Red Faction, Red Faction Guerrilla, Red Faction Armageddon, Red Faction Origins and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the Red Faction: Origins live action movie, and are based upon management’s current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2010, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Starring Michael Jai White and Jeri Ryan, they are accompanied by many of the Mortal Kombat characters. We see a new origin for Baraka and Reptile, here seen as serial killers. Also a new spin for several of the other game characters like Sonya Blade. Check it out!

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Warner Brothers press release:

Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. She will be starring alongside Christian Bale, who returns in the title role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.

Christopher Nolan stated, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story.”

In addition, Tom Hardy has been set to play Bane. Nolan said, “I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman’s most formidable enemies.

Nolan will direct the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas, and Charles Roven.

The Dark Knight Rises is slated for release on July 20, 2012. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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Press release from SYFY:

SYFY RENEWS “SANCTUARY” FOR SEASON FOUR

NEW YORK – January 18, 2011 – Syfy has greenlit production on a fourth season of Sanctuary, it was announced today by Mark Stern, President, Original Programming, Syfy & Co-Head, Original Content, Universal Cable Productions. Sanctuary season 4 is slated to commence production on a 13-episode season in spring 2011 in Vancouver, BC with an eye towards a fall 2011 premiere on Syfy.

Sanctuary follows brilliant scientist Dr. Helen Magnus (Amanda Tapping) and her team, who use their unique combination of instinct, medicine and cutting-edge science to find and aid a clandestine population of beings that the world refuses to believe exists. The series also stars Robin Dunne as forensic psychiatrist Dr. Will Zimmerman, Agam Darshi as the quick-witted Kate Freelander, Ryan Robbins as tech wiz Henry Foss and Christopher Heyerdahl as the sinister John Druitt.

One of television’s most groundbreaking series, shooting almost entirely on green screen, Sanctuary was the first television series in North America to use the RED camera exclusively. Its stunning visual effects were nominated for a 2008 Emmy Award.

Created by Damian Kindler (Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis), Sanctuary is produced in association with Syfy and is distributed by Tricon Films and Television. Season three of the series is executive produced by Damian Kindler, Amanda Tapping, Martin Wood, Keith Beedie and Tricon Films.

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

Press Release from STARZ:

Australian Actor Picked to Topline Hit Series for Starz

Production of Season 2 Is Set to Begin in New Zealand by Spring 2011

Beverly Hills, CA – Jan. 17, 2011 – Australian film and TV actor Liam McIntyre has excelled at a grueling and rigorous audition process to claim the title role in the second season of Starz’ hit franchise, “Spartacus,” Starz, LLC, President and CEO Chris Albrecht announced today.

McIntyre takes over the role of the Thracian warrior sold into slavery in the Roman Republic city of Capua – where he rises to become the champion of the city – before leading the slave revolt that ended Season 1. The part was played in the first season of “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” by Andy Whitfield, who was forced to leave the show in order due to health issues. Whitfield gave his blessing to the recasting.

“Since no one can really replace Andy, we realized that we should instead find an actor who can truly lead ‘Spartacus’ forward,” Albrecht notes. “It was important to us to have Andy endorse the idea of recasting this part, which he did in the same heroic manner that he’s dealt with his whole ordeal. And that, coupled with our fortune in finding a young actor with the gladiator credentials and the acting ability of Liam, makes it easier for us to keep this hit franchise going.”

Liam McIntyre made his mark in his native Australia on such series as “Neighbours,” and “Rush.” He also appeared in the HBO mini-series “The Pacific.” He recently completed his first feature starring role in the independent film Frozen Moments. McIntyre is currently in New Zealand, getting himself into gladiator shape in order to take on that iconic role. Production on the series is slated to resume by Spring of 2011.

From the time “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” debuted on Starz in January, 2010, it established itself as an epic production with rich storytelling and visuals unlike anything seen previously on any TV show. Audiences responded immediately, making it the most-watched premiere in Starz’ history, and making the show the most watched cable program on nearly two-thirds of the Fridays it aired original episodes. Also starring John Hannah as Batiatus, Lucy Lawless as Lucretia, Peter Mensah as Doctore, Manu Bennett as Crixus and Viva Bianca as Ilythia, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” was one of the most talked-about and best-loved TV shows of 2010. Season 2 of the series finds Spartacus and his fellow gladiators now out of Capua and engaged in the massive slave rebellion against Roman society that has echoed through time.

“Spartacus: Gods of the Arena,” a six-part prequel that tells the story of the House of Batiatus gladiator school, and the intricate personal, sexual and political maneuverings in Capua five years before “Blood and Sand” was set, debuts at 10 p.m. et/pt on Friday, Jan. 21. Dustin Clare, as the charismatic and self-destructive gladiator Gannicus, joins Hannah, Lawless, Mensah and Bennett in the event series.

About Starz Entertainment

Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie and original programming entertainment service provider operating in the United States. The company offers 16 premium channels including the flagship Starz� and Encore� brands with approximately 17.4 million and 32 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment airs in total more than 1,000 movies and original series every month across its pay TV channels. Starz Entertainment is recognized as a pay TV leader in providing HD, On Demand, HD On Demand and online advanced services for its Starz, Encore and MoviePlex brands. Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, which is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation and is attributed to the Liberty Starz tracking stock group (NASDAQ: LSTZA).

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Well, good news for local convention Farpoint Con…you have an excellent guest coming to your show next month, Tahmoh Penikett. Of course bad news for local Firefly fans is that Adam Baldwin has canceled a local appearance for the third time. I think his right-wing ways may be keeping him far from the nation’s capital. You might want to not invite him again until there is a republican president.

Farpoint is an excellent convention held each winter in Towson, Maryland. This year it is being held February 18th-20th and despite actors dropping out at the 11th hour, has an impressive lineup.

Tahmoh Penikett * Battlestar Galactica & Dollhouse

Laurie Holden * Walking Dead’s “Andrea”

Bonita Friedricy * Chuck’s “General Beckman“

Press Release from Farpoint:

Tahmoh Penikett (Helo from BSG and Paul Ballard from Dollhouse) is joining us in February!  That is the good news.  The bad news – he is taking the place of Adam Baldwin, who has had to cancel due to work commitments.  Adam sends his extreme regrets, but his work schedule has made it impossible to attend.

Tahmoh will be signing one item at no charge per convention member each day (the member provides the item), and will also have additional items for sale.  He will be attending the banquet on Friday (travel itinerary willing), will be onstage Saturday and Sunday, and is planning to judge Masquerade on Saturday night.

Currently Sony is filming the reboot of the Spider-Man franchise. In the reboot we now have Andrew Garfield playing Peter Parker and now we see what he looks like in the Spidey suit (click through for larger image).

(courtesy of bleedingcool.com)

And next up is a great image of Captain America coming from Entertainment Weekly.

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For those of you not familiar with the book by Gregory Maguire, it tells the story of The Wicked Witch of the West from the Frank Baum OZ books. It is a prequel to the books/stories that we all grew up on over the years. But the ABC story will in fact be parallel to the OZ books and not the prequel.

It is being produced by Salma Hayek production company, and word is she is looking to play a part in the series as well. The series is being written by Erik Jendresen of Band of Brothers fame. Lets keep our fingers crossed and look forward to this interesting vehicle.

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Its got a great premise “The series is set in a contemporary world very much similar to the real one, with one notable exception: a number of people have some form of superpower. The series follows a superpowered CIA squad, known informally as “The Boys”, whose job it is to keep watch on superheroes and, if necessary, intimidate or kill them.” – Wikipedia

Recently I found a fan film from Cynical Panda that is pretty good and certainly captures the books first issues. Sound mixing is shite at times, but otherwise well worth a watch.

In the wake of King Uther’s sudden death, chaos threatens to engulf Britain. When the sorcerer Merlin has visions of a dark future, he installs the young and impetuous Arthur, Uther’s unknown son and heir, who has been raised from birth as a commoner. But Arthur’s cold and ambitious half sister Morgan will fight him to the bitter end, summoning unnatural forces to claim the crown in this epic battle for control. These are dark times indeed for the new king, with Guinevere being the only shining light in Arthur’s harsh world. Faced with profound moral decisions, and the challenge of uniting a kingdom broken by war and steeped in deception, Arthur will be tested beyond imagination. Forget
everything you think you know…this is the story of Camelot that
has never been told before.

Starring: Jamie Campbell Bower, Eva Green, Joseph Fiennes

Quick run down…future society, highly trained warrior priests, protecting us from the vampire hoards. Once the vampires are wiped out…don’t need the priests anymore. But maybe they aren’t all gone.

Yeah, not exactly original in plot, but they have made a damn fine trailer and I look forward to seeing it on the big screen. I know it will be better than the Season of the Bitch!

Also neat tidbit, Stephen Moyer from Trueblood is in it…but no fangs this time. Solid cast: Paul Bettany (Legion), Karl Urban (Star Trek), Christopher Plummer (The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus), Maggie Q (Nikkita), and Brad Dourif (Lord of the Rings).

Image via Wikipedia

Ohh! I am so giddy about this new series!! If you want to see a 12 minute teaser, click here!

Here is the press release from HBO:

NEW HBO SERIES “GAME OF THRONES,” BASED ON THE BESTSELLING BOOKS BY GEORGE R.R. MARTIN, DEBUTS APRIL 17

In a land where summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime, trouble is brewing. From the scheming south and the savage eastern lands, to the frozen north and the ancient Wall that protects the realm from the darkness beyond, two powerful families are engaged in a deadly cat-and-mouse game for control of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

As betrayal, lust, intrigue and supernatural forces shake the four corners of the Kingdoms, their bloody struggle for the Iron Throne will have unforeseen and far-reaching consequences.

Based on the bestselling fantasy book series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” by George R.R. Martin, the new series GAME OF THRONES launches its ten-episode season April 17, exclusively on HBO. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are executive producers and writers of the show, which was shot at the Paint Hall Studio in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as well as at various locations in Northern Ireland and Malta. The production received funding from Northern Ireland Screen and the Malta Film Commission.

GAME OF THRONES follows kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and noblemen as they vie for power. As the series opens, King Robert Baratheon, who is married to Cersei Lannister of the wealthy and corrupt Lannisters, asks Lord Eddard “Ned” Stark to come south and help run his kingdom after the questionable death of his right-hand man. Meanwhile, there is a threat to the throne from the east by the exiled teenage Princess Daenerys and her brother Viserys, whose family ruled the Kingdoms for many years before their bloody ouster. And there are rumors of strange things happening at the edges of the Kingdoms, north of the Wall, where Jon Snow, Ned’s bastard son, goes to be part of the brotherhood of the Night’s Watch, which is sworn to protect the Kingdoms.

Series regulars on GAME OF THRONES include (in alphabetical order): Mark Addy as King Robert Baratheon, Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy, Sean Bean as Lord Eddard “Ned” Stark, Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Ser Jaime Lannister, Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, Michelle Fairley as Lady Catelyn Stark, Aidan Gillen as Petyr Baelish (“Littlefinger”), Jack Gleeson as Prince Joffrey Baratheon, Iain Glen as Ser Jorah Mormont, Kit Harington as Jon Snow, Lena Headey as Queen Cersei Lannister, Isaac Hempstead-Wright as Bran Stark, Harry Lloyd as Viserys Targaryen, Richard Madden as Robb Stark, Rory McCann as Sandor Clegane (“The Hound”), Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark and Maisie Williams as Arya Stark.

Also featured in the ensemble cast are: John Bradley as Samwell Tarly, James Cosmo as Lord Commander Mormont, Charles Dance as Lord Tywin Lannister, Ron Donachie as Ser Rodrik Cassel, Jerome Flynn as Bronn, Conleth Hill as Varys, Jason Momoa as Khal Drogo and Donald Sumpter as Maester Luwin.

GAME OF THRONES is executive produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss; co-executive producers, Carolyn Strauss, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis, Ralph Vicinanza and George R.R. Martin; producers, Mark Huffam and Frank Doelger; directors of photography, Marco Pontecorvo, Alik Sakharov and Matt Jensen; production designer, Gemma Jackson; costume designer, Michele Clapton.

Directors include Brian Kirk, Tom McCarthy, Daniel Minahan, Alan Taylor and Tim Van Patten; writers include David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, Bryan Cogman, Jane Espenson and George R.R. Martin.

Related articles

• 28 Images from HBO’s GAME OF THRONES (collider.com)
• HBO Plays ‘Game Of Thrones’ With Guts And Caution (blogs.forbes.com)
• EW Has Posted 10 Photos From The GAME OF THRONES Set Online!! (aintitcool.com)

Image via Wikipedia

Tony Young, San Diego City Council President, has announced that that San Diego will start having a downtown parade to coincide with Comic Con. Apparently Tony is a bit of a sci-fi/comic geek (after our own hearts) and thought this would be a great add on to the show.

This is of course a ploy to get additional hotel nights/meals out of attendies by putting the San Diego Comic Con parade on Wednesday. A good idea and certainly a way for the locals who can’t/won’t go to the convention at least get to share in the geekdom a little bit.

I have been attending DragonCon out of Atlanta for almost 10 years now and one of the things that drew me to this convention was the fact that they have a parade. And I do so love a parade! I seriously doubt that San Diegos parade will ever be as good as DragonCon’s, just because it will be yet another corporate tool. True that it may have nicer floats and maybe even big balloon versions of comic characters, but it won’t have the heart and soul that the fans bring to the DragonCon parade.

Image via Wikipedia

Tonight I was lucky [sarcasm] enough to catch a premier opening of the new Nicolas Cage film Season of the Witch.

I had caught a trailer for this period [monthly] piece a few months ago and thought to myself…wow, its a SYFY original! But boy was I wrong…this is much better than the drek that Siffy puts out on Saturday nights. Okay, maybe not much better, but at least the actors don’t look flat against a green screen all of the time.

The film [term used loosly] follows the explotes of two Crusaders returning from the holy lands only to find a plague has spread throughout their home country. And since nothing happens without the grace of God or against the lord, it has to be caused by a Witch.

Our heroes are coerced into transporting the Witch to a far away Monestary where she can be tried and a special ceremony performed to rid the land of this plague. Over the next hour we live their journey, learning more about each of the travelers and the Witch until the finalle at the Monestary.

Pro’s: Ron Perlman, Robert Sheehan (from BBC’s hit show Misfits), scenery shot in Hungary, Zombie Monks!

Con’s: Poor storytelling, predictability, dialog that makes you wince when you hear it.

Fantiac Rating: 1 1/2 Beers out of 5

On a related note, today Romania recognized that witchcraft as a profession, a taxable one. Obviously this isn’t going over well with the Witches. Its good to not be a bureaucrat in Romania right now that is for sure.

Image via Wikipedia

Looks like those pesky numbers from LOST came in handy for about $150 to a bunch of people playing yesterdays MegaMillions lottery.

The Event has been hyped for several months now, with very little to go on what will happen or what the show is about. From the commercials I learned that there was some big dark secret that the President doesn’t know about but his inner circle does. And that there is some kinda big accident or something in the first episode.

Well, now that I have seen the first episode I can truthfully say that I am more confused about the show than I was a month ago. In fact, I could swear it was a JJ Abrams show but that was the Action show UnderCovers that I just sat through.

Okay, I am not going to spoil anything by revealing secrets here…everyone deserves to be blessed punished with half information just like I was. But what you have here is 3 different stories, all being told in backward order to all tie up at the end of the episode in a cliffhanger that is more reserved for an end of season episode. Even people who watch it and don’t like it, will probably tune in for the second episode just to see what happens next.

We have the president, Elias Martinez, played well by Blair Underwood. The character is of African-Cuban decent, so don’t be to surprised by the last name of Martinez. They establish his character as a charismatic trusting optimistic President very quickly. Sound familiar?

There is Sean Walker, played by Jason Ritter, the young man in love. Does he have a mysterious past? Is he a bad guy in disguise? Well your guess is as good as mine after only one episode.

Scott Patterson, played by Michael Buchanan (so happy to see him back on the screen since Gilmore Girls) is the worried father. Sean is off with his eldest daughter on a cruise, I am sure everything is fine. And what of his mental state? After all, what would a man be driven to do to protect his family?

And Dr. Sophia Maguire, played by Laura Innes (is she getting typecast as a doctor, or just her natural ability to speak technobabble) is one of the early mysteries that we get in our lap. Good guy or bad guy? Seems that everyone has their opinion on the matter and it’s really tough to tell.

OH, and what about ‘The Event’? Well we get a peek of it in episode one, and if this is anything like that series that just ended with questions inside of questions, I am sure we will find out the truth around Season 6.

I give it a 3 Beers out of 5. This one will definitely need to keep the time jumps to a minimum or it will lose its audience. To many in the theater were frustrated every time the screen said “3 weeks earlier” or “11 months earlier”. Some people can only think linearly after all.

UnderCovers is a new Romantic/Drama/Comedy/Action series from JJ Abrams for NBC. It’s the story of two CIA agents who retired when they decided to get married and settle down. They are pulled back into the spy game to help an old friend who is in a bind (literally).

The couple are played by Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (WOW, say those names fast!). They are the Blooms and currently run a catering business together. Which seems like a big step down on the excitement ladder from being super secret agent spies. But maybe I just don’t understand the catering business that well.

When the Blooms married they promised each other that they would continue to keep state secrets and never talk about their spy pasts. And since they had not worked together before meeting and falling in love, this obviously opens up for humorous moments as things are revealed throughout the episode.

They are recruited back to the CIA by Gerald McRaney (Major Dad or from my youth, Simon and Simon). He is pretty spot on for his role as the crotchety older spy that has to put up with these ‘celebrity’ spies. And the person they are rescuing is played by Carter MacIntyre who I feel we will see again in the series.

The event I went to was hosted by NBC and had their VP in charge of Diversity there speaking on the fact that this was the first drama starring black actors in the primary roles. I am guessing this is true as I can only conjure up comedies in my memory, but I hasten to use the word ‘Drama’.

The premiere episode was good and enjoyable, but a little to cartoony for my taste. This is an odd statement coming from a comic book guy, but I will try to make myself clear.

A drama has to balance a suspension of disbelief with the probable. Unfortunately everything that happened here was very clean and easy. In one scene the couple are running after almost getting caught sneaking around in a bank. When they are running, both are grinning like they just stole a candy bar from the convenience store and are giggling like kids about it.

Anything they want they get…need to parachute someplace in an hour, heres a military transport ready to go and your suit fitted and ready. Oh, and as for their friend being tortured…yeah, he is more laughing/smiling about it than you would expect from a guy about to die.

It just felt cartoony to me. Perhaps that is what they are shooting for, but if thats the case, don’t push it as a drama. It’s a Fantasy/Action show.

I rate it at a 2.5 Beers out of 5. I will watch the first 3 episodes and hope they hook me with more than just Gugu in lingerie (which was DANG nice).

On Monday of this week I was fortunate enough to catch a sneak premiere of the new Warner Brothers film, Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole. I took my friend Jane since she used to work with predator birds including owls and I wanted to see what she thought.

The film is based on a series of children books by Kathryn Lasky. I haven’t read any of the books but apparently they are very popular and around 15 of them so far. From what I understand, the movie encompasses the first 3 books to tell the story. I am sure Warner wants to make more if this does well in the theaters.

After seeing this film, I am really starting to believe that 3D films are meant to be of the animated variety. This one and How to Train Your Dragon were both visually stunning in their own way and really utilized the 3D process to make the scenes pop into the theater.

The Owls depicted here were true to life in their look…and in some way their mannerisms also. Jane pointed out that the burrowing owl acting in real life much the same way that ‘Digger’ acted in the film. The 3D animation also made it so that individual feathers, which almost look like fur because they are so thin, really stand out and look oh so real.

As for the story, it was a good one. I think as an adult I am slightly jaded and can predict most action in books/film now, but I did like it (even if I kinda knew what would happen). Kids should find it far more accessible and definitely the kids in the audience seemed to really enjoy the movie.

There are several scenes of violence (animal on animal) that I doubt would be appropriate for children under 10, otherwise it should be enjoyable for the whole family with a PG rating.

After the film was over we were lucky enough to have a Q&A session with the director Zack Snyder. There were definitely scenes in the film with his trademark action (close up slow motion) but otherwise the whole project was quite the departure from his typical films (300, Watchmen).

A couple of easter eggs to watch out for when you see the movie that Zack told us about. Both of which were done without his knowledge and are pretty cool (I spotted one, but not the first one).

1) When he first started talking about the movie with the crew he described it as a far-flung future where talking owls roamed the planet and humans were no more (ala Planet of the Apes). So, the animators added something at the beginning of the movie. In an early scene where they show the moon coming up in the distance, you see a silhouette of the Statue of Liberty. Nice!

2) In a later scene from the Guardians Armory there is a wall filled with metal masks/helmets that the owls wear into battle. Again the animators added a familiar mask to the wall, it’s the mask that Night Owl wore in the movie The Watchmen!

I rate this a 3.5 Beers out of 5.

It is a visually stunning film and I hope you can catch it in 3D as it utilizes the technology quite well. OH and you get a bonus 3D cartoon with Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner entitled “Fur of Flying” before the film starts!

From the creators of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies comes the newest book sensation meant to lull geeks into buying it, Night of the Living Trekkies.

Is it just me or is everone getting a little sick of the whole zombie phenominon? Although at least this book as a cool video trailer!

For those not in the know, Dragon*Con is a giant multi-media convention held every Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, GA. It is basically many smaller conventions under one roof, even if that roof is now throughout 5 downtown hotels.

It has been refered to as Nerdi Gras and I think that fits as well as any other short name, especially this year. As with Mardi Gras, you have a parade, a bunch of people dressing up in various costumes (many in groups or krewes if you prefer) and lots of drinking.

This year was my 8th year at the show, ever since I moved out to the east coast I have been making the trek from the DC area. Over the years I have met a ton of great people and it’s almost like a family reunion each year to see them again.

The convention guest lineup was good this year, not great like last year but quite good. I was very happy to see a good spotlight on some of the new shows like True Blood, Eureka and Warehouse 13. The guests from these shows were very kind to the fans and some even got out and partied a bit with us in the evening.

Maybe I am a bit jaded from doing con’s over the years, but the other tracks, like the Star Trek lineup just seemed like the usual guests from previous years. The few standouts, like Summer Glau (River from Firefly) had huge lines for signatures. Many of the other guests, including most of the Battlestar Galactica track had almost no lines at all.

The panels were well-organized this year and security kept the crowds flowing well throughout the hotels. I liked the 30 minute breaks between panels, while it wasn’t a lot of time it did allow the rooms to empty in time for the next panel to start.

And of course on the final day of the show I purchased my pass for the 2011 convention. It is, after all, MY Dragon*Con!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Now…for the rest of the story…

This years convention felt off. At first I thought it was me, going through some issues in my life, but I quickly identified that it was more than just my lack of spirit.

Lets start with the most obvious thing, the pre-registration line. Me and Kevin stood in that hot box of a room for 2.5 hours to get our badges. Several of our friends have decided that they will no longer pre-reg but instead pay the extra money at the door, whose line took an average of 10 minutes.

Now I do have good news on this front for 2011. As it turns out, the director of on site pre-reg has heard our pleas and responded. They had attempted a new system this year that did not work (obviously). Next year they are going to a bar code system and individual printer/scanner kiosks. So no more alphabet lines to worry about!!
(source)

Next up we had a couple of guests issues, including getting a little testy and walking out of their panels. Claudia Christian left the Babylon 5 panel after Jason Carter kept bringing up her Playboy layout. And Denise Crosby walked out of the Star Trek Next Gen panel after Jonathan Frakes started teasing her too much. Denise also didn’t show for her photo-op on Sunday. And Marc Singer was a no-show (or over 30min late) for his Friday panel.

We had injuries during the weekend. Late Friday night someone fell off the Pulse Bar lounge area of the Marriott (hurt but not serious). On Saturday after the parade, someone on the 14th flood dropped a metal pitcher onto the Pulse lounge area smashing a glass table and the shrapnel injured someone.

I think due to this the Marriott went on a security shut down mode throughout the weekend. We were stopped several times late at night going between the hotels being asked for our badges or room keys. Also, the Marriott basically swept everyone out of the bar level after it closed at 2am. Kinda gave the impression that once they stopped making money, they didn’t want us around anymore.

Then the weird stuff, people were spray painting/tagging stairwells and elevators (Marriott). A window over the front entrance area of the Hilton was busted out. On Saturday morning a homeless man stole someones Boba Fett helmet (costume) and robbed the Wachovia bank next to the Starbucks. He was later caught. Oh, and one of the elevators in the Hilton caught fire early Monday morning.

But all of those issues were small and many I did not address first hand. This is where I had my real problem for the weekend.

This year (little bit last year also) just like Mardi Gras, we had douche bags showing up who really aren’t part of the big show philosophy trying to ruin it for everyone.

Who are these DB’s? Well a lot of them were football fans who were in town for the pre-season kickoff game. But the rest were locals who came out to watch the freaks that had taken over their town.

I witnessed a couple of things, mostly people being jerks, touching/grabbing at some of the costumed people or making rude comments (think Revenge of the Nerds). But I heard from several of the costumed females around the show that they were groped, pawed at or even shoved into a corner by non-badge wearing males. Most instances were brought to the hotel security attention, but really these guys just disappear into the crowds to find someone else.

So my plea to the con is this. The hotels need to step up security, no one should be allowed into the hotels (essentially at night) without a con badge or a room key. As for the fans that attend the show, just remember to yell HEY RUBE. It’s an old carnival alert that there is someone from the ‘outside’ trying to cause trouble. There are more than enough fans around that will take care of the issue quickly.

I hope this doesn’t dissuade anyone from coming to 2011. I really do love my little/big con in September. It is certainly going through some growing pains right now but that should pass. It’s an experience that is hard to describe, so if you are so inclined, come join us!

Each year we get seperate schedules from the various tracks and eventually just before the show a complete schedule is listed. But for those anal smart phone users out there its frustrating as heck!

So this year I have put each track into its own Google Calendar entry that you can access. You can subscribe to them, download them, and more.

Just so you understand, this is what is posted as of 8/19/10, so many tracks are not yet up. I will update them as they become available, but you need to check the master schedule when it comes out to see if room or guests appearances have changed.

ENJOY!

Main Programming Track   (iCal)

Alternate History Track   (iCal)
American SF Media Track   (iCal)
Animation Track   (iCal)
Anime Video Track   (iCal) 
Anime/Manga Track   (iCal)
Anne McCaffrey’s Worlds Track   (iCal)
Apocalypse Rising Track   (iCal)
Armory Programming Track   (iCal)
Art Show Track   (iCal)
Autograph sessions   (iCal)
CosPlay Photo Ops   (iCal) 
Costuming Track   (iCal)
Dark Fantasy Track   (iCal)
Electronic Frontiers Track   (iCal)
Filk Track   (iCal)
Independent Film Festival   (iCal)
Main Video Track   (iCal)
MMO Track   (iCal)
Parties   (iCal)
Podcast Track   (iCal)
Robotics Track   (iCal)
Science Track   (iCal) 
Skeptics Track   (iCal)
Space Track   (iCal) 
Star Wars Track   (iCal)
Stargate Track   (iCal) *OFFICIAL*
Tolkien Track   (iCal)
Whedon Universe Track   (iCal)
Wheel of Time Track   (iCal)
Young Adult Lit Track   (iCal)

The Stargate Track calendar listed above is the official one from the track director. So that one will be updated via the track on the fly throughout the Dragon*Con weekend.

Thanks to @MissLlil for the Cosplay Photo Ops Calendar!!

*UPDATE*
So I have updated the listed calendars with the data from the official pocket program. I decided not to add any additional calendars on Sunday because Dragon*Con stated they were producing iCal listings for all tracks (see here).  But it is now Wednesday and no movement on their part…kinda torked that I didn’t just finish them on Sunday (hate duplicating effort though).

Hope everyone has a great time that are going to D*C this weekend, I will be live blogging the show as I attend panels for those that can’t make it.

Doctor Who Disappearing TARDIS Mug

Pour a hot beverage into your mug and watch the Doctor’s cleverly disguised time capsule materialize in galactic space! As your mug cools, the TARDIS dematerializes before your eyes, moves through the Space Time Continuum, and rematerializes on the other side of your mug, in the middle of a London suburb-all according to Time Lord theory. A treasure for Doctor Who fans! Ceramic; holds 12 ounces. Microwave safe. Hand wash gently.

• 12 oz. mug features TARDIS from Doctor Who
• Tardis disappears from one side and appears on another when you pour in hot beverage
• Microwave-safe
• Size: 3-3/4″ x 5″ x 3-1/2″ (9.5 cm x 12.5 cm x 9 cm)
• Officially licensed product

Here is the 1987 casting memo from Paramount pictures on potential acting talent for their new show Star Trek: The Next Generation. Of course, I have gone ahead and cast the show based on who I thought would have been a good alternative and paired photos from around 1987. We know they were cast correctly in the end!

Jean-Luc Picard
(Patrick Bauchau, seen here in a View to a Kill)

Tasha Yar
(Bunty Bailey, the Ah-Ha video girl)
 Data
(Mark Lindsay Chapman, seen here in Falcon Crest)
 Commander Riker
(Ben Murphy, seen here in the Dirty Dozen TV show)
 Geordi La Forge
(Wesley Snipes, seen here in Major League)

Beverly Crusher
(Jenny Agutter, my boyhood crush from Logans Run)
  Wesley Crusher
(J.D. Roth, seen here in Charles in Charge)

  
(source)

You’ve been clamoring for it, we’ve been working on it, and now we’re ready to announce it — the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con Panel Schedule!
 
Room 307 (Saturday)
11:00-12:00 – Spotlight on Terry Moore – Terry Moore is the award-winning creator of “Strangers in Paradise” and “Echo” and has also written such comics as Marvel’s “Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane” and “Runaways.” This panel shines the spotlight on Moore and his work and is a must-see for all his fans.

12:00-1:00 – IRREDEEMABLE/INCORRUPTIBLE Panel – Mark Waid’s Harvey and Eisner nominated, best-selling, multiple sell-out IRREDEEMABLE has taken comic fans by storm since its debut, becoming one of the top-selling independent comics published today. Join Mark Waid as he takes a look back at IRREDEEMABLE’s beginnings, the future of the series, and its sister series — INCORRUPTIBLE. A not-to-be-missed panel for any fan of these books! (PSSSSST: Mark will also talk a little bit about his new BOOM! book with Stan Lee called THE TRAVELER. Don’t miss it!)

1:00-2:00 – Spotlight on Thor – With the THOR feature film from Marvel Studios premiering in May, 2011, and his adventures featured across both the Marvel and Ultimate Universes, Thor is one of Marvel’s hottest characters. Chroniclers of the Thunder God’s adventures from the past, present, and future – Walter Simonson, John Workman, Bryan J.L. Glass, and Jonathan Hickman – join Marvel’s Vice President – Executive Editor Tom Brevoort to discuss all things Thor.

2:00-3:00 – Spotlight on Denis Kitchen – Denis Kitchen is a cartoonist and founder of Kitchen Sink Press where he published work by such creators as Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzman, and Robert Crumb. A book of his art “The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen” was recently published by Dark Horse; a new art book, “Denis Kitchen: Chipboard Sketchbook”, is on the way from BOOM!; and a book he co-authored, “Art of Harvey Kurtzman: The Mad Genius of Comic” is nominated for a Harvey Award. Don’t miss this opportunity hear about the work of a true comics original.

3:00-4:00 – Spotlight on Michael Allred – Michael Allred is the creator of “Madman” ,”Atomics”, “Red Rocket 7,” and has worked on such comics as the “Golden Plates,” “X-Statix,” and “Sandman” and is currently drawing “iZombie” from DC/Vertigo. Allred and “iZombie” scribe, Chris Roberson, take a look at his career in a spotlight you dare not miss!
 
Room 308 (Saturday)
11:00-12:00 – comiXology and the Future of Digital Comics -  comiXology has become the leader in the digital comics revolution while maintaining great services for brick and mortar retailers. This past year has seen an explosion of digital comics, and comiXology has been on the forefront of the movement with a massive comics library, online aids for collectors, podcasts, and apps for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. On comiXology’s one year anniversary, CEO David Steinberger takes a look at the events of this past year and what the future holds for digital comics in this enlightening panel.

12:00-1:00 – Spotlight on Todd McFarlane – From SPAWN to HAUNT, Image Comics founder and partner Todd McFarlane has been the driving force behind the biggest creator-owned titles in the industry. Join McFarlane for exclusive sneak peeks of his upcoming projects and a Q&A session that shouldn’t be missed!

1:00-2:00 – Top Cow: We Create… Universes – Join Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik, Top Cow Universe architect and writer Ron Marz, and Artifacts artist Michael Broussard for a frank and lively discussion of upcoming events in the Top Cow Universe spinning out of the world-shattering event series – Artifacts! Questions will be answered, early sneak peeks shown, and perhaps even a hilarious anecdote will be told. Plus every attendee will receive a free gift just for attending.

2:00-3:00 – DC NATION – The DC NATION returns to Baltimore! We’re always looking for new recruits, so be sure to come on by as DC Comics’ Senior Story Editor, Ian Sattler, and some of the industry’s top talent lead the way to give you the inside scoop to all current and future NATION members!

3:00-4:00 – Mondo Marvel – From the Marvel U to the Ultimate U and everything in between, Vice President – Executive Editor Tom Brevoort, and superstar writers Jonathan Hickman (S.H.I.E.L.D., Fantastic Four) and Jeff Parker (Hulk, Thunderbolts) are on hand to talk about all of your favorite heroes and villains as well as make a few surprise announcements!

4:00-5:00 – IDW ON THE MOVE! – Join IDW Senior editor Bob Schreck, Steve Niles, Bernie Wrightson, Chris Moreno, and Stuart Sayger in this lively look at the company’s current and upcoming releases to be followed by a Q&A session.
 
Room 301-303 (Saturday)
4:00-5:00 – Artist’s Workshop Art Dissection – Klaus Janson and Howard Chaykin open their Artist’s Workshop to all convention guests at this time. A few lucky students from their professional seminar will have their work honestly dissected by these two masters. This is a panel no artist should miss!
 
Room 307 (Sunday)
11:00-12:00 -Creating Comic Art Digitally – Daniel Govar, creator/artist of AZURE along with Matt Zolman, co-creator and artist of Epic, show you the benefit and shortfalls of creating comic art with the use of computer software. From best practices, to resolutions and file formats, they will demonstrate how they create stunning comics using popular software, and answer questions you may have about making comics digitally.

12:00-1:00 – Spotlight on Sergio Aragones – Sergio Aragones has been called the “fastest cartoonist in the world,” has drawn thousands of cartoons for “Mad Magazine,” created Bat Lash and Groo the Wanderer, and kept us laughing for years. Join the award-winning cartoonist for a look at his work that will leave you smiling!

1:00-2:00 – Comics Rewind: The 1980s – The 1980s were a time of growth for comics with the direct market and new publishers offering creators the opportunity to present their creations as never before. And the results were spectacular. Join Louise Simonson (“Power Pack,” “X-Factor”), Walter Simonson (“Thor,” “X-Factor”), Timothy Truman (“GrimJack,” “Scout”), Matt Wagner (“Mage,” “Grendel”), Marv Wolfman (“New Teen Titans,” “Crisis on Infinite Earths”), John Workman (“Heavy Metal”, “Thor”), and moderator Mark Waid as they take a look back at the comics of the 1980s.

2:00-3:00 – Spotlight on Cuba: My Revolution – Artist Dean Haspiel and colorist Jose Villarrubia discuss their new Vertigo graphic novel collaboration. Dean Haspiel is a native New Yorker who created BILLY DOGMA and STREET CODE and has collaborated on great superhero and semi-autobiographical comic books, helped pioneer personal webcomics with the invention of ACT-I-VATE, and draws for HBO’s “Bored To Death.” Jose Villarrubia is a renowned artist/colorist/photographer who has worked on such books as Alan Moore’s “Voice of the Fire” and “Promethea” among many, many others. He is also the chair of the Illustration Department at MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art).

3:00-4:00 – PAUL POPE VS BOB SCHRECK – A CAGED EVENT – Don’t miss this satisfaction-guaranteed, fists-a-flying blood match by joining award-winning multi-talented storyteller, Paul Pope, in an examination of his creative process and how he suffers under the heel of his terrifying editor.
 
Room 308 (Sunday)
11:00-12:00 – Marvel Your Universe – Join Vice President – Executive Editor Tom Brevoort, as he leaves his Marvel ID at the door and enters as a fan! Want to know how things work at the House of Ideas? Got some things to get off your chest about a Marvel character or story?  Well here’s your chance True Believer! It’s the panel for fans BY fans with no spin, no marketing, and just a friendly chat amongst fans!

12:00-1:00 – DC SUNDAY CONVERSATION – All are welcome to join Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler for a relaxed Sunday afternoon discussion. Share your thoughts, or be enthralled, as the group share their stories and love for this medium.

1:00 – Costume Contest – The wildly popular costume contest returns for a second year! The $1,000 grand prize will be awarded to the best over-all costume at the event, including pro and amateur costumes. Other award categories will win DVD prize packages, comic book packages, Orioles baseball tickets, gift certificates to Cards, Comics and Collectibles of Reisterstown, Maryland, and special last minute prizes from top comic book companies. Everyone who enters the contest will win passes to the advance screening of Summit Entertainment’s newest film, RED, starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and Helen Mirren (based on the Wildstorm graphic novel by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner) which opens nationwide on Friday, October 15th.
 
Rooms 301-303 (Sunday)
3:00 – Art Auction – Art fans, don’t miss this opportunity to see and bid on art from your favorite comic artists! You’re sure to find something here you like!
 
Janson & Chaykin Offer Art Seminar
With over seventy five years of cumulative experience in the comic book industry, Klaus Janson and Howard Chaykin are all-too-well-versed in the ins and outs of making a career in our inkstained – and now, with all that digital stuff, carpal tunneled – business.   For the past few years, Klaus and Howard have been conducting an Artist’s Workshop for Marvel, offering invaluable insights, gleaned from those decades of experience, on narrative, storytelling, page design, and career management.

They’ve developed a fluid and comprehensive take on the inside game played by successful cartoonists – and a series of direct and vital techniques intended to drag newer talents out of a hobby and into a profession – without ever losing the joy all of us experience when we ply our craft.

Klaus and Howard have taken their seminar on the road to the renowned Savannah College of Art & Design, to great acclaim from students and faculty alike, and now they’re bringing a customized version of the workshop to the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con. On Saturday, August 28th, from 1pm to 4pm, Messrs. Janson and Chaykin will entertain and enlighten with a lively, spirited, and very likely prickly and opinionated dissertation, followed, from 4 PM to 5 PM, by an hour of honest dissection of the work of several lucky attendees.  All class registrants will be eligible for the dissection lottery, so bring some of your work if you want to hear from these two very honest men!
 
To register for this very special class, please call our host store, Cards, Comics, & Collectibles @ 410-526-7410.  The cost for this professional seminar is $75.  Major credit cards will be accepted for payment.  The hour of honest dissection from 4pm-5pm will be exciting programming available to all ticketed attendees of the Baltimore Comic-Con.  Register now while space is still available!
Portfolio Reviews
Mark Chiarello, Art Director at DC Comics, will be doing portfolio reviews from 11am to 1pm at the Mark’s booth on both Saturday and Sunday. Think you’ve got the chops to make it as a pro at DC Comics?  Come and find out first-hand!
Todd McFarlane Signing
Attending the show on Saturday only this year, Todd McFarlane will be featured in a Spotlight panel session (room 308) from 12pm-1pm.  Following his panel, he will be signing in booth 2403 from 1:30pm-3:30pm.
Added Guests
We are pleased to announce the addition of the following guests to the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con:  Danna Bremer (Zuda Comics Crew), Buzz (JSA), Kevin Colden (I Rule The Night), Ian Edginton (Victorian Undead), Steve Ellis (High Moon), John Gallagher (Buzzboy), David Gallaher (High Moon), Dan Govar (Azure), Randy Green (New X-Men), Brad Guigar (Evil Inc.), Matthew Petz (War of the Woods), Chris Staros (Publisher, Top Shelf), and Bobby and Peter Timony (The Night Owls).
 
Previously announced guests include: Dave Aikins (SpongeBob Squarepants), Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Sergio Aragones (Groo), J.D. Arnold (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), Ivan Brandon (Nemesis:  The Imposters), Tom Brevoort (Executive Editor, Marvel Comics), Michael Broussard (The Darkness), Jim Calafiore (Secret Six), Eric Canete (New Avengers:  Luke Cage), Tommy Castillo (Moon Lake), Bernard Chang (Prince of Persia), Howard Chaykin (Black Kiss), Sean Chen (Nova), Cliff Chiang (Greendale), Mark Chiarello (Editor, DC Comics), Frank Cho (Ultimate Comics New Ultimates), Mike Choi (X-Force), Steve Conley (Star Trek Omnibus: The Original Series), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Shane Davis (Superman:  Earth One), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), Fillbach Brothers sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Ramona Fradon (Namora), Francesco Francavilla (The Green Hornet:  Year One), SL Gallant (G.I. Joe), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics), Ron Garney (Wolverine:  Weapon X), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Mike Gold (Editor, ComicMix Graphic Novels from IDW), Michael Golden (Marvel 1602:  Spider-Man), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!), Gabriel Hardman (Atlas), Tony Harris (Justice League: Generation Lost), Dean Haspiel (ACT-I-VATE), Marc Hempel (Absolute Sandman), Jonathan Hickman (Fantastic Four), Greg Horn (Green Lantern), Jason Horn (Ninjasaur), Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman), Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Klaus Janson (Daredevil), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Van Jensen (Pinocchio:  Vampire Slayer), Geoff Johns – Sunday only (Blackest Night, Chief Creative Officer, DC Comics), J.G. Jones (DC Universe Legacies), Joe Jusko (Red Sonja), Denis Kitchen (Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen), Barry Kitson (Iron Man 2 Prequel), Rich Koslowski (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), Jason Kruse (World of Quest), Greg LaRocque (The Exiled), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Norman Lee (New Mutants), Jay Leisten (Uncanny X-Men), Steve Lieber (Underground), Joe Linsner (Dawn:  Not To Touch The Earth), Luna Brothers (The Sword), David Mack (Kabuki), Mike Maihack (Comic Book Tattoo), Clay Mann (X-Men Legacy), Laura Martin (Girl Comics), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Todd McFarlane – Saturday only (Spawn), Mark McKenna (Banana Tail), Mike McKone (Avengers Academy), Bob McLeod (New Mutants Forever), JD Mettler (Justice League: Generation Lost), Pop Mhan (Ender’s Game: Mazer In Prison), Terry Moore (Echo, SiP), Mark Morales (Siege), Chris Moreno (Toy Story), Chip Mosher (Left on Mission, Marketing Director, Boom! Studios), Sean Murphy (Joe the Barbarian), Jamar Nicholas (Radiskull & Devil Doll: Radiskull Hate Love), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Phil Noto (Avengers:  The Origin), Sonia Oback (X-Force), Denny O’Neil (Batman), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Jeff Parker (Thunderbolts), Andrew Pepoy (Jack of Fables), Lauren Perry (Blank-ees), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Extinction), Chris Pitzer (Publisher, Adhouse Books), Paul Pope (Wednesday Comics), Eric Powell (The Goon), Brian Pulido (Lady Death), Jack Purcell (Gotham City Sirens), Mike Raicht (The Stuff of Legend), Tom Raney (Black Widow:  Deadly Origin), Rico Renzi (The Perhapanauts), Chris Roberson (I, Zombi), James Robinson (Justice League of America), Kenneth Rocafort (Velocity), Budd Root (Cavewoman), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Marvel Her-Oes), Stephane Roux (Zatanna), Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac), Filip Sablik (The Asset, Top Cow Pubisher), Tim Sale courtesy of Hero Initiative (Captain America White), Ian Sattler (Editor, DC Comics), Alex Saviuk (Stan Lee and the Super Seven), Stuart Sayger (Bram Stoker’s Death Ship), Bob Schreck (Jurassic Park), Jim Shooter (Magnus, Robot Fighter), Louise Simonson (X-Factor Forever), Walter Simonson (Thor), Andy Smith (WildC.A.T.S.), John K. Snyder III (The A-Team:  Shotgun Wedding), Allison Sohn (Star Wars sketchcard artist), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Brian Stelfreeze (The Authority:  The Lost Year), Paul D. Storrie (Twilight Crusade:  Gabriel), Karl Story (Zatanna), Billy Tan (Shadowland), Richard Thompson (Cul-de-Sac), Ben Templesmith sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Choker), Mark Texeira (X-Men:  Origins), Bob Tinnell (Lone Justice), Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Dean Trippe (Superior Showcase), Timothy Truman (Conan the Cimmerian), Billy Tucci (Shi), Ted Tucker (Buzzboy), Dexter Vines (Ultimate Avengers), Neil Vokes (Superman Adventures), Doug Wagner (World of Warcraft:  Horde), Matt Wagner (The Green Hornet:  Year One), Mark Waid (Irredeemable, Chief Creative Officer, Boom! Studios), Mark Wheatley (Lone Justice), Ron Wilson (Marvel Two-In-One), Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans), John Workman (Heavy Metal), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who: 2010 Annual), Thom Zahler (Love and Capes), and Chrissie Zullo (Cinderella:  From Fabletown With Love).
 
Regretfully, Cully Hamner is unable to attend the show this year. 
 
Publishers exhibiting in 2010 include Archaia Comics, Adhouse Books, Boom! Studios, IDW, Image Comics, Top Cow Productions, and Top Shelf Comix.
 
This year’s Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 28th.
 
About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010.  For more information, please visit http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

And not just for convention fun, but we even take over the streets with a large 2 hour parade. Be sure to check out their official site and we hope to see you there!

www.dragoncon.org

Two of my favorite collections are his Samurai Wars and the Star Wars: 1942. And boy, if I can get a bomber jacket made like Han is wearing I would just die!

700 pieces, 5 hours, 1 Elder God: Hands-on with Arkham Horror

“Baltimore Comic-Con is my hometown show and one of my personal favorites to exhibit at each year,” stated Top Cow Productions publisher Filip Sablik. “This year, we’re thrilled to be coming back to Baltimore with the Artifacts team of Ron Marz and Michael Broussard as well as artist of Velocity, Kenneth Rocafort. The Baltimore fans know how to treat creators right and so these guys were all too eager to make a return appearance!”   Top Cow will also be offering an exclusive Velocity #1 variant by Michael Broussard with interiors by Kenneth Rocafort at the show as well.      

In addition to Top Cow Productions, publishers exhibiting in 2010 include Archaia Comics, Adhouse Books Boom! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, IDW, Image Comics, and Top Shelf Comix.

Our guests include: Dave Aikins (SpongeBob Squarepants), Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Sergio Aragones (Groo), Ivan Brandon (Nemesis:  The Imposters), Tom Brevoort (Executive Editor, Marvel Comics), Jim Calafiore (Secret Six), Eric Canete (New Avengers:  Luke Cage), Bernard Chang (Prince of Persia), Howard Chaykin (Black Kiss), Sean Chen (Nova), Cliff Chiang (Greendale), Mark Chiarello (Editor, DC Comics), Frank Cho (Ultimate Comics New Ultimates), Mike Choi (X-Force), Steve Conley (Star Trek Omnibus: The Original Series), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Shane Davis (Superman:  Earth One), Dan DiDio – Sunday only (The Outsiders, Co-Publisher, DC Comics), Francesco Francavilla (The Green Hornet:  Year One), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics), Ron Garney (Wolverine:  Weapon X), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Michael Golden (Marvel 1602:  Spider-Man), Cully Hamner (Detective Comics), Dean Haspiel (ACT-I-VATE), Jonathan Hickman (Fantastic Four), Greg Horn (Green Lantern), Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman), Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Van Jensen (Pinocchio:  Vampire Slayer), Geoff Johns – Sunday only (Blackest Night, Chief Creative Officer, DC Comics), J.G. Jones (DC Universe Legacies), Denis Kitchen (Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen), Barry Kitson (Iron Man 2 Prequel), Rich Koslowski (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), Greg LaRocque (The Exiled), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Norman Lee (New Mutants), Steve Lieber (Underground), Joe Linsner (Dawn:  Not To Touch The Earth), Luna Brothers (The Sword), David Mack (Kabuki), Clay Mann (X-Men Legacy), Laura Martin (Girl Comics), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Todd McFarlane – Saturday only (Spawn), Mark McKenna (Banana Tail), Mike McKone (Avengers Academy), Bob McLeod (New Mutants Forever), Pop Mhan (Ender’s Game: Mazer In Prison), Terry Moore (Echo, SiP), Mark Morales (Siege), Chris Moreno (Toy Story), Sean Murphy (Joe the Barbarian), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Phil Noto (Avengers:  The Origin), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Jeff Parker (Thunderbolts), Lauren Perry (Blank-ees), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Extinction), Chris Pitzer (Publisher, Adhouse Books), Paul Pope (Wednesday Comics), Eric Powell (The Goon), Jack Purcell (Gotham City Sirens), Mike Raicht (The Stuff of Legend), Tom Raney (Black Widow:  Deadly Origin), Chris Roberson (I, Zombi), James Robinson (Justice League of America), Budd Root (Cavewoman), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Marvel Her-Oes), Stephane Roux (Zatanna), Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac), Tim Sale courtesy of Hero Initiative (Captain America White), Ian Sattler (Editor, DC Comics), Stuart Sayger (Bram Stoker’s Death Ship), Bob Schreck (Jurassic Park), Jim Shooter (Magnus, Robot Fighter), Louise Simonson (X-Factor Forever), Walter Simonson (Thor), Andy Smith (WildC.A.T.S.), John K. Snyder III (The A-Team:  Shotgun Wedding), Allison Sohn (Star Wars sketchcard artist), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Brian Stelfreeze (The Authority:  The Lost Year), Paul D. Storrie (Twilight Crusade:  Gabriel), Karl Story (Zatanna), Billy Tan (Shadowland), Ben Templesmith sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Choker), Mark Texeira (X-Men:  Origins), Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Timothy Truman (Conan the Cimmerian), Billy Tucci (Shi), Dexter Vines (Ultimate Avengers), Neil Vokes (Superman Adventures), Doug Wagner (World of Warcraft:  Horde), Matt Wagner (The Green Hornet:  Year One), Mark Waid (Irredeemable, Chief Creative Officer, Boom! Studios), Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans), John Workman (Heavy Metal), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who: 2010 Annual), and Chrissie Zullo (Cinderella:  From Fabletown With Love).   Regretfully, Al Feldstein will be unable to join us due to illness, but looks forward to returning next year!   

In coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/baltimorecomics), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/baltimorecomiccon), MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics), and ComicSpace (http://www.comicspace.com/baltimorecomicon) pages.

This year’s Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 28th.  

Contact Information Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:   press@baltimorecomiccon.com – for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com – for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com – for inquiries about submitted registrationsharveys@baltimorecomiccon.com – for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries  

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area.  With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010.  For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry’s oldest and most respected awards.  With a history of over 20 years, the last 5 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories.  They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals.  For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

The most excellent website io9 has got the full trailer available for your enjoyment. And it should certainly set your expectations. I was especially mesmorized when Anthony Hopkins was doing his best Marlon Brando from Superman impression.

Time to do a search on twitter for the hash tag #wookieleaks and hear all the news being dispensed by and about the Empire!

mola844: sources claim ‘stormtrooper armor literally provides zero protection blasters’ #wookieleaks

cl_movies: Supreme Allied Commander Vader allowed renowned terrorist Luke Skywalker to escape during enhanced interrogation. #wookieleaks

Paramaxas: #wookieleaks documents prove that the death star was a controlled demolition, justifying the empire to go to Hoth.

tcarmody: Despite billions invested on construction of an untested defense system, the new Death Star may not yet be fully operational. #wookieleaks

Obviously someone agrees with my assessment as they took Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure and mashed it with Inception. Great job and well worth a watch.

Thanks for your patience and your questioning tweets/emails as to our wellbeing, things are good!

Outstanding Comedy Series

“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO)
“Glee” (Fox)
“Modern Family” (ABC)
“Nurse Jackie” (Showtime)
“The Office” (NBC)
“30 Rock” (NBC)

Outstanding Drama Series

“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
“Dexter” (Showtime)
“The Good Wife” (CBS)
“Lost” (ABC)
“Mad Men” (AMC)
“True Blood” (HBO)

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
Kyle Chandler, “Friday Night Lights”
Hugh Laurie, “House”
Matthew Fox, “Lost”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory”
Larry David, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Matthew Morrison, “Glee”
Tony Shalhoub, “Monk”
Steve Carell, “The Office”
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

Lea Michele, “Glee”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “The New Adventures Of Old Christine”
Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”
Amy Poehler, “Parks And Recreation”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Toni Collette, “United States Of Tara”

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”
Glenn Close, “Damages”
Connie Britton, “Friday Night Lights”
Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”
Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
January Jones, “Mad Men”

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

Chris Colfer, “Glee”
Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother”
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, “Modern Family”
Eric Stonestreet, “Modern Family”
Ty Burrell, “Modern Family”
Jon Cryer, “Two And A Half Men”

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Aaron Paul, “Breaking Bad”
Martin Short, “Damages”
Terry O’Quinn, “Lost”
Michael Emerson, “Lost”
John Slattery, “Mad Men”
Andre Braugher, “Men Of A Certain Age”

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Jane Lynch, “Glee”
Julie Bowen, “Modern Family”
Sofia Vergara, “Modern Family”
Kristen Wiig, “Saturday Night Live”
Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock”
Holland Taylor, “Two And A Half Men”

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Sharon Gless, “Burn Notice”
Rose Byrne, “Damages”
Archie Panjabi, “The Good Wife”
Christine Baranski, “The Good Wife”
Christina Hendricks, “Mad Men”
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men”

Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program

Phil Keoghan, “The Amazing Race”
Ryan Seacrest, “American Idol”
Tom Bergeron, “Dancing With the Stars”
Heidi Klum, “Project Runway”
Jeff Probst, “Survivor”

Outstanding Reality Program

“Antiques Roadshow” (PBS)
“Dirty Jobs” (Discovery Channel)
“Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” (ABC)
“Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List” (Bravo)
“MythBusters”  (Discovery Channel)
“Undercover Boss” (CBS)

Outstanding Reality – Competition Program

“The Amazing Race”  (CBS)
“American Idol” (Fox)
“Dancing With the Stars” (ABC)
“Project Runway”  (Lifetime)
“Top Chef”  (Bravo)

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Jeff Bridges, “A Dog Year” (HBO)
Ian McKellen, “The Prisoner” (AMC)
Michael Sheen, “The Special Relationship” (HBO)
Dennis Quaid, “The Special Relationship” (HBO)
Al Pacino, “You Don’t Know Jack” (HBO)

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Maggie Smith, “Capturing Mary” (HBO)
Joan Allen, “Georgia O’Keeffe” (Lifetime)
Dame Judi Dench, “Return To Cranford” (Masterpiece) (PBS)
Hope Davis, “The Special Relationship” (HBO)
Claire Danes, “Temple Grandin”  (HBO)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Michael Gambon, “Emma” (Masterpiece) (PBS)
Patrick Stewart , “Hamlet” (Great Performances) (PBS)
Jonathan Pryce , “Return To Cranford” (Masterpiece) (PBS)
David Strathairn, “Temple Grandin” (HBO)
John Goodman, “You Don’t Know Jack” (HBO)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie

Kathy Bates, “Alice” (Syfy)
Julia Ormond, “Temple Grandin” (HBO)
Catherine O’Hara, “Temple Grandin” (HBO)
Brenda Vaccaro, “You Don’t Know Jack” (HBO)
Susan Sarandon, “You Don’t Know Jack” (HBO)

Outstanding Miniseries

“The Pacific” (HBO)
“Return To Cranford” (Masterpiece) (PBS)

Outstanding Made For Television Movie

“Endgame” (Masterpiece) (PBS)
“Georgia O’Keeffe” (Lifetime)
“Moonshot” (History)
“The Special Relationship” (HBO)
“Temple Grandin” (HBO)
“You Don’t Know Jack” (HBO)

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central)
“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)
“Real Time With Bill Maher” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
“The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien” (NBC)

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Special

Bill Maher “…But I’m Not Wrong” (HBO )
Hope For Haiti Now (Tenth Planet Productions and MTV)
The Kennedy Center Honors (CBS)
Robin Williams: Weapons Of Self Destruction (HBO)
The 25th Anniversary Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Concert  (HBO)
Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me (HBO)

Outstanding Nonfiction Series

“American Experience” (PBS)
“American Masters” (PBS)
“Deadliest Catch” (Discovery Channe)l
“Life” (Discovery Channel)
“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” (PBS)

Outstanding Animated Program

“Alien Earths” (NGC)
“Disney Prep & Landing (ABC)
“The Ricky Gervais Show” (HBO)
“The Simpsons” (Fox)
“South Park”  (Comedy Central)

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

“Glee” – Pilot – Director’s Cut (Fox)
Ryan Murphy, Writer
Brad Falchuk, Writer
Ian Brennan, Writer

“Modern Family” – Pilot (ABC)
Steven Levitan, Writer
Christopher Lloyd, Writer

“The Office” – Niagara (NBC)
Greg Daniels, Writer
Mindy Kaling, Writer

“30 Rock” – Anna Howard Shaw Day (NBC)
Matt Hubbard, Writer

“30 Rock” – Lee Marvin Vs. Derek Jeter  (NBC)
Tina Fey, Writer
Kay Cannon, Writer

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

“Friday Night Lights” – The Son (DirecTV)
Rolin Jones, Writer

“The Good Wife” – Pilot (CBS)
Michelle King, Writer
Robert King, Writer

“Lost”  – The End (ABC)
Damon Lindelof, Writer
Carlton Cuse, Writer

“Mad Men” – Guy Walks Into An Advertising Agency (AMC)
Robin Veith, Writer
Matthew Weiner, Writer

“Mad Men” – Shut The Door. Have A Seat.  (AMC)
Matthew Weiner, Writer
Erin Levy, Writer

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special

“The Pacific” – Part Eight (HBO)
Michelle Ashford, Writer
Robert Schenkkan, Writer

“The Pacific” – Part Ten (HBO)
Bruce C. McKenna, Writer
Robert Schenkkan, Writer

“The Special Relationship” (HBO)
Peter Morgan, Writer

“Temple Grandin” (HBO)
Christopher Monger, Writer
William Merritt Johnson, Writer

“You Don’t Know Jack”  (HBO)
Adam Mazer, Writer

Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central)
“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)
“Real Time With Bill Maher” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
“The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien” (NBC)

CULVER CITY, Calif., July 1, 2010 – After a comprehensive worldwide casting search, Andrew Garfield has been chosen to portray Peter Parker when Spider-Man swings back onto the screen in 3D on July 3, 2012. The new film will begin production in early December directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt. Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad will produce the film from Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios.

Today’s confirmation culminates what has been one of the most eagerly anticipated casting announcements in recent memory. Bloggers, pop culture speculators, and everyday fans have pored over and analyzed every conceivable online rumor in an attempt to discover the identity of the next actor to play Peter Parker. Garfield will immediately begin preparing for the coveted role.

The Spider-Man franchise is one of the most successful in film history and the three previous motion pictures have collectively grossed more than $2.5 billion in worldwide box office.

On selecting Garfield, director Marc Webb said, “Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor’s work understand his extraordinary talents. He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker.”

Commenting on the announcement, Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Matt Tolmach, President of Columbia Pictures said, “Spider-Man is a classic superhero — a young man who balances his responsibility to serve humanity and crush evil with the shyness and normalcy of someone struggling to find himself. The role demands an extraordinary actor. You need someone who can magically transform himself from Peter Parker into Spider-Man. An actor who will depict the vulnerability of youth and the strength and confidence of a legendary figure at the same moment. We have found that actor in Andrew Garfield. From the first time we saw him in the upcoming film The Social Network, to his glorious screen test, which floored all of us, we knew that we had found our new Peter Parker.”

Producer Avi Arad added, “I’m incredibly excited about Andrew Garfield. In the Spider-Man tradition, we were looking for a smart, sensitive, and cool new Peter Parker who can inspire us and make us laugh, cry, and cheer. We believe we have found the perfect choice to take on this role and lead us into the future.”

Producer Laura Ziskin said, “We are thrilled to have Andrew Garfield for this new incarnation of Spider-Man under Marc Webb’s direction. We were fortunate enough to meet with a group of fantastically talented young men. In the end, we all agreed that in addition to being an extraordinary actor, Andrew had the right mix of humor, youth, and pathos, along with an underlying sense of strength and power necessary to bring Peter Parker and Spider-Man to life on screen.”

The selection of Garfield was revealed at a press event in Cancun, Mexico for international journalists attending a media tour promoting upcoming films from Sony Pictures Entertainment. B-roll footage of the announcement will be available via satellite later this evening — see uplink times coordinate information below.

Garfield is fast becoming one of the most respected and sought-after young actors working in the industry today. In a short career, spanning only five years, he has already been directed by, and starred alongside, some of the greatest names and received a BAFTA for a role that won him international praise.

Garfield most recently worked with director David Fincher on the upcoming film The Social Network. He previously starred for Spike Jonze on his robot love story I’m Here, which premiered at Sundance this year. He plays the lead male opposite Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan in Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go, due for release later this year.

Other notable screen credits include Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus playing opposite Christopher Plummer, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Jude Law and the late Heath Ledger, Robert Redford’s Lions For Lambs, where he starred alongside Redford, Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep; Revolution Films’ “Red Riding Trilogy – 1974” directed by Julian Jarrold, where he lead a stellar cast including Rebecca Hall and David Morrissey, and his unforgettable portrayal of a young ex-con in John Crowley’s “Boy A,” for which he earned the best actor BAFTA in 2008.

Garfield’s career began in theatre and in 2006 his performances in “Beautiful Thing” (Sound Space/Kit Productions), “The Overwhelming,” and “Burn / Chatroom / Citizenship” (Royal National Theatre) won him the Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer at the Evening Standard awards and the Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer at the Critics Circle Theatre Awards. Other notable theatre credits include “Romeo and Juliet” (Manchester Royal Exchange) and “Kes” (Manchester Royal Exchange), for which he received the Most Promising Newcomer Award at the Manchester Evening News Awards 2004.

Normally I am wary of writers mucking around with canon, but this is starting the storyline by J. Michael Straczynski and JMS has a great history of breathing new life into old characters, so he has my attention at the moment. Here is the official statement from DC:

Suppose you woke up one morning, or turned a corner, and suddenly the life you had been leading up to that moment…was not the life you were leading.

Suppose someone went back in time and changed one thing, and it changed your life to the point that you had little or no memory of what life had been like before the change happened. What would you do to get it back? Should you get it back? Who did it? And maybe more important…why did they do it?

That is the question faced by Diana starting in issue 600.

The Gods, for reasons of their own but which may have something to with their survival and perhaps the survival of Earth itself, have changed the timeline. In the new timeline, years ago the Gods removed their protection from Paradise Island, and left it vulnerable to attack. And attacked it was. Led by a dark figure, a veritable army descended upon the Island, equipped with weapons that could kill even the Amazons. Outgunned, doomed, Hippolyta gave over her three-year-old daughter to a handful of guardians who spirited her away as Hippolyta led one last desperate battle against the forces that had come to destroy all she had created. In that final battle, she and most of the Amazons were killed, though some managed to escape.

It’s now nearly twenty years later. Diana has been raised in an urban setting, but with a foot in both worlds. She has little or no memory of the other timeline. She knows only what she’s been told by those who raised her On the run, hunted, she must try to survive, help the other refugee Amazons escape the army that is still after them, discover who destroyed Paradise Island and why…and if the timeline can be corrected or not. She also does not yet have access to her full powers, but will be gaining them as she goes. Along the way, she will face a range of enemies — human and otherwise — who we have not seen before.

What we also haven’t seen before is her new look, the first significant change in her appearance since the character debuted in 1941 (not counting the mod look used briefly in the sixties, about which the less said the better). It reflects her origins in both the outside world and the world of Amazons: tough, elegant…a street-fighter’s look which also incorporates elements of her classic design. It reflects the two sides warring for ultimate victory, and underscores the path she must take.

It’s a look designed to be taken seriously as a warrior, in partial answer to the many female fans over the years who’ve asked, “how does she fight in that thing without all her parts falling out?”) She can close it up to pass unnoticed…open it for the freedom to fight…lose the jacket or keep it on…it has pockets (the other fan question, “where does she carry anything in that outfit?”, it can be accessorized…it’s a Wonder Woman look designed for the 21st century. The bracelets are still there, but made more colorful, tied on the inside and over the hand, with a script W on each of them that form WW when she holds them side by side…and if you get hit by one of them, it leaves a W mark. This is a Wonder Woman who signs her work…letting her enemies know that she’s getting closer.

This is Wonder Woman reborn, literally and metaphorically: fast, elegant, tough, smart…the savior of her people, their guardian and protector…avenging the fall of Paradise Island, searching to discover why Paradise Island was abandoned by the gods. In the end, what she discovers will change her life and the world forever…and she will come face to face with a decision that will mean life or death for the entire human race.

Gallery 1988 is holding their annual Crazy 4 Cult show in Los Angeles from July 9-30th. Its a great art show that handles some wonderful 2D and 3D pieces from cult movie/tv classics. Be sure to check out their gallery once the show starts as they have some way cool stuff, check out last years here!

The piece that knocked me over is from Joey Spiotto…he has created a vinyl record in honor of the show Firefly. It looks like an homage to the Partridge Family to me. You can buy the actual album at the gallery (one of a kind) or prints of the cover art here!

Here is the newest trailer, it hits the shores of Japan on December 1st…hopefully we will get it in theaters here shortly afterward. I really want to see this on the big screen! (be sure to click over to Youtube for 720p glory!)

This October a film based on his comic book mini-series ‘Red’ will be in theaters. Red revolves around what happens when a trained ‘Company man’ assassin retires. The book is, like most of Warrens work, intense. The film trailer…well not quite intense. But it has a great cast with Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker (swoon!).

Here is the trailer!

When I first met Jason 2 years ago I could tell he was a big guy, but he had lost some weight and wasn’t the body builder type. It looks like he has hit the gym with a vengeance since being signed on as Robert E Howards iconic Barbarian!

An all new story arch based on my favorite TV show ‘Fringe’ will be hitting the comic book store shelves today. Produced by Wildstorm press, “Tales from the Fringe” is a 6 issue mini-series that will delve into the pasts of the main characters.

Pretty pumped by this since they haven’t had much chance to expand on some of the characters too much. This month deals with Peter Bishop, followed by Philip Broyles, Astrid Farnsworth, and then Nina Sharp.

And if you’re not to sure where your nearest comic book store is (SHAME ON YOU!)… go to www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-COMIC-BOOK!

Twitter.com/AndersonRDean

The good folk over at Warner Pictures are pretty pumped about a live action version of the classic anime film Akira. In fact, they have such confidence in it they are looking at it as a franchise.

The original animated version, which came out in the 80′s, is still considered to be (in my opinion also) a masterpiece in visual styling. But the story was only partially told in that film as the original manga (Japanese comics) ran the story through a much wider arch. Taking over as writer/adapter for the property is Albert Torres, and working with him is director Albert Hughes (“From Hell,” “The Book of Eli”).

The plan is to have the first film cover the first three manga volumes and a sequel cover the next three. Now these ‘volumes’ are just that, HUGE comics…think something akin to a small phone book. That’s how they roll in Japan, when it comes to comics they are quite serious.

I hope they pull this off well and don’t muck with the story too much. And lets also hope that Warner will actually hire the proper ethnic actors unlike what we have seen for The Last Airbender adaptation.

Watch the trailer and tell us what you think, really interested to see people’s reactions who do not know the character that well.

Here’s what we currently know in a nutshell:

1. The show will air in Summer 2011
2. The show will be 10 episodes
3. Both John Barrowman (Capt. Jack Harkness) and Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper) will be on the show, with “Additional key cast, reflecting the more international scope of the series” to be announced soon
4. Russell T Davies will be the showrunner, with Davies and BBC Worldwide Productions’ Julie Gardner as executive producers.

Source: Starz

“Certain things like the S.H.I.E.L.D helicarrier were made more modern than in the comics in order to fit in with designs they are working on for the Avengers movie.”

So it looks like we will likely see the helicarrier in the new movie.
Also making an appearence in that animated short was Ms. Marvel. When asked about whether Mr. Wexler thought she would be in the upcoming movie as well, he apparently replied “maybe…” with a wink wink, nudge nudge (knowwhatImean, knowwhatImean).  Take that with a grain of salt, but if it’s true (even if it’s just her flying past real fast after the end credits) then it lends a lot of weight to the rumors of the Skrull being the big baddie in the Avengers movie as Ms. Marvel is a genetic hybrid of Kree and human DNA or something.  The Kree are the Skrull’s big enemy.  If they are in town to “genetically enhance” a human, then you can bet your ball soaked beers that the Skrull are around too.

Then again, this could all just be rumor and none of it matters anyway…

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