Sunday, December 30, 2012

Media Man entertainment news update - 31st December 2012

Media Man entertainment news update: WWE, pro wrestling, UFC, movies, Hollywood, celebrities, gaming and more...

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The Media Man www.mediamanint.com agency with some of the latest and hottest entertainment news in Australia and across the globe. Happy New Year (getting in early) from "Sin City" Sydney, Australia.


UFC 155: Pro wrestlers react to main event result...

Cain Velasquez regained the UFC heavyweight championship by dominating Junior Dos Santos at UFC 155 yesterday.

Velasquez defeated Brock Lesnar to first win the belt at UFC 121 in 2010, but lost the title a year later to Dos Santos at UFC on FOX 1.

Several pro wrestling stars took to their Twitter accounts to comment on last night's title change. Here's some of their posts:

Steve Austin: "Congratulations to Cain Velasquez. Helluva damn performance. One bad ass cat. #UFC Dos Santos' heart, strength, and durability so impressive"

Alberto Del Rio: "Cainnnnn awesone... Welcome back to school Dos Santos"

Jim Ross: "I'd rematch @cainmma vs @junior_cigano and make sure Overeem doesn't have any 'issues.' Let Overeem fight/win & not be problematic. #UFC155"

Low-Ki: "Congratulations to Cain Velasquez for regaining the Heavyweight Championship. On a mission from bell to bell. WOW!"

Shad Gaspard: "Great F**king fight, Cain won, fans won, and the UFC Heavyweight division won"

Shane Helms: "Call me crazy but I think JDS won. http://twitpic.com/bqty2d"


Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill: Django Unchained co-stars on Sydney Harbour...

Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill enjoyed the weather during a boat trip on Sydney Harbour last Friday. The Django Unchained co-stars were with Hollywood friends Lukas Haas and Kevin Connolly. Girls about were in bikinis of course. Earlier in the day they arrived in lear jet with Jamie Foxx, which Media Man understands was organised by our friends at The Star (parent company Echo Entertainment), where the celebrities will be spending New Year's Eve tonight. They'll be joining a swag of other stars including Chace Crawford, Matthew Morrison, Colton Haynes and Samantha Ronson, who will be likely making appearances at Marquee, with a possibility of ducking into Cherry and grabbing a few drinks. We heard a little something about James Bond or Bond girls, but more on that later. Maybe later Leo and friends might play a bit of poker too.

After New Year's Eve is done and dusted many will fly back to the U.S so they can also enjoy NYE celebrations on their own soil. Hollywood or Las Vegas anyone?


Kids turning off TV: ABS figures...

New statistics demonstrate Australian kids are viewing less television than they were a decade ago.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) survey focuses on children between five and 14.

It found they have been watching an average of 15 hours of television a week this year, compared to 22 hours in 2003.

The proportion accessing the internet increased from 64 per cent to 90 per cent over the same period.

The ABS also found more children were taking up dancing and martial arts, with 27 per cent more pursuing an interest in dancing.

The number taking to the netball court fell 8 per cent, although netball still remains in the top three most popular sports for kids between 11 and 12.

Swimming remains the most popular activity for kids between five and 11.


FBI re-issues Marilyn Monroe files...

FBI files on Marilyn Monroe that could not be located earlier this year have been found and re-issued.

The files had previously been heavily edited, but more details are now public.

The files show the extent to which the agency was monitoring the actress for ties to communism in the years before her death in August 1962. They reveal that some in Monroe's inner circle were concerned about her association with Frederick Vanderbilt Field, who was disinherited from his wealthy family over his leftist views.

A trip to Mexico in 1962 to shop for furniture brought her in contact with Field, who was living in the country with his wife in self-imposed exile. Informants reported to the FBI that a 'mutual infatuation' had developed between Field and Monroe, which caused concern among some in her inner circle, including her therapist.

'This situation caused considerable dismay among Miss Monroe's entourage and also among the (American Communist Group in Mexico),' the file says. Field's autobiography devotes an entire chapter to Monroe's Mexico trip. He mentions that he and his wife accompanied Monroe on shopping trips and meals. He mentions politics only once, in a passage on their dinnertime conversations.

'She talked mostly about herself and some of the people who had been or still were important to her,' Field wrote in From Right to Left.

'She told us about her strong feelings for civil rights, for black equality, as well as her admiration for what was being done in China, her anger at red-baiting and McCarthyism and her hatred of (FBI director) J Edgar Hoover.'

Under Hoover's watch, the FBI kept watch on the political and social lives of many celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin and Monroe's ex-husband Arthur Miller. The bureau has also been involved in investigations about crimes against celebrities, including threats against Elizabeth Taylor, an extortion case involving Clark Gable and more recently, trying to determine who killed rapper Notorious B.I.G.

The AP had sought the removal of edits from Monroe's FBI files earlier this year as part of a series of stories on the 50th anniversary of Monroe's death. The FBI had said that it had transferred the files to a National Archives facility, but archivists said the documents had not been received. A few months after requesting details on the transfer, the FBI released an updated version of the files that eliminate dozens of redactions.

For years, the files have intrigued investigators, biographers and those who don't believe Monroe's death at her Los Angeles area home was a suicide.

A 1982 investigation by the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office found no evidence of foul play after reviewing all available investigative records, but it noted that the FBI files were 'heavily censored'.

That characterisation intrigued the man who performed Monroe's autopsy, Dr Thomas Noguchi. While the investigation concluded he conducted a thorough autopsy, Noguchi has conceded that no one will likely ever know all the details of Monroe's death. The FBI files and confidential interviews conducted with the actress' friends that have never been made public might help, he wrote in his 1983 memoir titled Coroner.

'On the basis of my own involvement in the case, beginning with the autopsy, I would call Monroe's suicide 'very probable,'' Noguchi wrote. 'But I also believe that until the complete FBI files are made public and the notes and interviews of the suicide panel released, controversy will continue to swirl around her death.'


Movie Box Office numbers: Avengers #1...

The Avengers is #1 at Australian box office for 2012. The superhero brands Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk and Thor besting rivals from Batman, TED, James Bond and The Hunger Games.

Top 10 Highest-grossing films of 2012 in Australia...

1. The Avengers $53,339,551 2. The Dark Knight Rises $43,163,860 3. Skyfall $42,300,000 4. Ted $34,415,560 5. The Hunger Games $32,019,203 6. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 $27,850,360 7. Ice Age 4: Continental Drift $27,554,158 8. Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted $24,125,713 9. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel $21,080,526 10. Snow White and the Huntsman $19,806,983


Stan Lee; Comics Legend Turns 90...

Stan Lee, the man almost synonymous with Marvel Comics, turns 90 Friday. Born in 1922, Lee refuses to slow down, making cameo appearances in films and staying active on Twitter.

Stan Lee was born Stanley Leiber. Before Lee defined comic books at Marvel Comics, he worked in nearly every aspect of the comics-publishing industry. Lee began as an assistant for Timely Comics, and his first writing credit was for text filler in “Captain America Comics." He became Timely's interim editor the same year, 1941.

It took nearly 20 years before Lee changed the comics landscape forever. After DC Comics created the Justice League of America - featuring Superman, Aquaman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Wonder Woman -- Lee was tasked to create his own superhero team to compete with its success.

Lee collaborated with Jack Kirby to create the Fantastic Four. Timely became Atlas Comics in 1951, and it was Marvel Comics by 1961. The collaboration between Lee and Kirby during the 1960s created a slew of superheroes that would dominate the comic-book industry and, later, the film industry.

Lee, spearheading Marvel, co-created Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, and the X-Men, among others, with Kirby illustrating many of the comics.

With “The Avengers” dominating movie-theater box offices this year, the successful reboot of “The Amazing Spider-Man,” and the forthcoming Wolverine and X-Men productions, Lee's legacy will continue for the next generation of comic fans. Lee -- with his trademark signoff, “Excelsior!” and humor -- made cameo appearances in “The Avengers” and “The Amazing Spider-Man,” and he took to Twitter to thank fans for all the birthday wishes.

And Lee did not pass up an opportunity to comment on the recent death of one of his greatest creations, Peter Parker. Lee sent a tweet to Dan Slott, the writer responsible for the death of Peter Parker in “The Amazing Spider-Man #700,” saying, “What a gift, some guys give a nice cigar, a watch, but no not you, I get a dead #PeterParker Thanks for the bday wishes my friend!”


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Saturday, December 29, 2012

Bischoff Hervey invests in MX Gaming - 28th December 2012

Bischoff Hervey invests in MX Gaming; BHE Sets Sights on New Media & $80 Billion/Year Sector...

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American television production firm Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television has acquired a 50 percent stake in independent online games developer MX Gaming.

Established in 2008, Los Angeles-based MX Digital develops interactive casino and betting games distributed to partners in over 20 nations. Its management team includes interactive industry veterans Ike McFadden and Matias Montero in addition to Ted Lanes, who has 25 years of experience in the technology and consumer products sector.

“We’re incredibly excited about our partnership with MX Gaming,” said Eric Bischoff from Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television.

“We’re expanding into an entirely new sector of entertainment and content. Combining the skill sets of Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television with those at MX Gaming puts us at a unique advantage in this explosive business sector.”

Bischoff established Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television in 2003 with Jason Hervey and the enterprise has since become a leading producer of reality programming for Discovery Channel, CMT, NBC, VH-1, TruTV, Spike TV and The CW Television Network. The company recently broke new ground by moving into the scripted comedy genre with the first season of See Dad Run, which airs on Nick At Nite starring Scott Baio. “With MX Gaming we’re excited to find ourselves at the forefront of an entirely new entertainment sector,” said Hervey.

“Combine the enormous growth in online gaming globally and the explosion in popularity of mobile and social games and you’ve got an emerging sector that’s already massive. Getting in on the ground floor of an entirely new medium is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television cited a recent Morgan-Stanley report that found social network casino-style games may be worth as much as $7 billion by 2015 and stated that the interactive market is ‘an increasingly important revenue channel for networks and studios’.

“The partnership is the perfect strategic fit for us,” said McFadden.

“The relationships and experience Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television has built in the entertainment and licensing world allows us to significantly broaden our content and access top entertainment brands quickly.”


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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Media Man Entertainment Blog: Google: Year In Search, Trends and More - 2022; Data, Illustrations, Graphs and more


Media Man Entertainment Blog

Google: Year In Search, Trends and More - 2022; Data, Illustrations, Graphs and more





Web Query

A web query or web search query is a query that a user enters into a web search engine to satisfy their information needs. Web search queries are distinctive in that they are often plain text and boolean search directives are rarely used. They vary greatly from standard query languages, which are governed by strict syntax rules as command languages with keyword or positional parameters.


Search Engine


A search engine is a software system designed to carry out web searches. They search the World Wide Web in a systematic way for particular information specified in a textual web search query. The search results are generally presented in a line of results, often referred to as search engine results pages (SERPs). When a user enters a query into a search engine, the engine scans its index of web pages to find those that are relevant to the user's query. The results are then ranked by relevancy and displayed to the user. The information may be a mix of links to web pages, images, videos, infographics, articles, research papers, and other types of files. Some search engines also mine data available in databases or open directories. Unlike web directories and social bookmarking sites, which are maintained by human editors, search engines also maintain real-time information by running an algorithm on a web crawler. Any internet-based content that can't be indexed and searched by a web search engine falls under the category of deep web.




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2022 in Google Searches




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WWE officials continue to negotiate with investment company for the WWE Network

WWE officials continue to negotiate with investment company for the WWE Network ...

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WWE is currently in negotiations with at least one investment company about partnering up for the WWE Network. The story is is that people will be amazed when they find out the current programming vision, which has reportedly changed greatly.

WWE rarely takes on partners in their business ventures because Vince McMahon doesn't like answering to other people and has a joke about how they don't play well with others.

In the negotiations, WWE is pitching that the Network would have extremely low programming costs compared to other networks since the majority of the programming would be their old wrestling tape library that they own and don't have to buy any licensing fees for.

You can believe that other sports entertainment companies are watching developments closely, as well as the potential deal getting the attention of the television and programming world as a whole.


WWE top dog Vince McMahon prepared for Connecticut violence backlash...



There was concern at this week's TV tapings that the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut may affect the product in some way because of an anti-violence media backlash, particularly when it comes to shows that draw kids. Vince McMahon told people that he expects to be targeted for the effect wrestling has on children, and that they will fight back with charity work and pushing the idea that WWE is family entertainment.


WWE issues press release re THQ filing for bankruptcy...

WWE issued the following press release regarding THQ filing for bankruptcy:

"WWE (NYSE:WWE) is listed in THQ, Inc.'s recent bankruptcy filing as an unsecured creditor holding a claim of approximately $45 million reflecting the entirety of the existing multi-year agreement. Any impairment of a current THQ account receivable would be immaterial to WWE's financial statements. Even if the impact of THQ's bankruptcy were detrimental to WWE, the Company does not believe that the ultimate economic impact for financial statement purposes would materially and adversely affect the results of operations or financial position of WWE in light of the strength of the WWE brand and the historical performance of WWE's video game business."


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Sunday, December 23, 2012

Australian market to rise - 24th December 2012

Australian market to rise - 24th December 2012



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The Australian share market looks set for a positive start today despite falls on Wall Street on Friday as the US economy edges toward the so-called fiscal cliff.

The ASX looks set for a positive start today despite falls on Wall Street on Friday as the the so-called fiscal cliff approaches.

At 7am this morning (AEDT) the March share price index futures contract was up 25 points at 4,617.

Trading volumes are set to be light on Christmas Eve, and the market will close early at 2.30pm this afternoon (AEDT).

Shares closed lower on Friday, with the benchmark SP/ASX200 index dropping 10.5 points, or 0.23 per cent, to 4,623.6, and the broader All Ordinaries index dropped 11.4 points, or 0.25 per cent, to 4,635.2.

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Bwin.party digital entertainment deal with casino in Belgium...


Bwin.party put a plug on any possible criminal charges in Belgium against its chief executive by doing a deal with a licensed land-based casino operator that permits it to continue taking bets from Belgian citizens.

Norbert Teufelberger was last month quizzed by Belgian police in Brussels after attending an online gambling conference. He had until Monday to answer further questions about the company’s operations in Belgium.

Bwin.party has been on a blacklist of gambling operators taking bets in Belgium without a licence. Online gambling licences are only available to operators holding an offline gambling licence.

The company has now in effect achieved this by doing a deal with Belcasinos, a subsidiary of the land-based casino operator Groupe Partouche.

In a statement, Bwin.party advised Belcasinos was one of only four land-based casino operators eligible for an online gambling licence. Commercial terms of business were not disclosed.

Bwin.party advised that it had received approval for its alliance from the Belgian Gambling Commission and that the commission would be removing the group from its blacklist.

“The group and the commission have also agreed to drop all pending legal disputes and the group has begun to adapt its systems in order to comply fully with the prevailing licensing regime,” Bwin.party said.

The detention of Mr Teufelberger prompted Bwin.party and other online gambling companies to accuse the Belgian authorities of intimidation, and to appeal to the European Commission to insist that Belgium comply with EU laws on market competition.

Mr Teufelberger and co-chief executive Jim Ryan said: “Following recent developments in Belgium and after further dialogue with the local regulator, we have put our differences of opinion behind us and are now focused on the immediate commercial opportunity.

“Together with our new partner we are now in the process of securing the necessary approvals to meet the requirements set by the BGC and do not expect any interruption to our service for customers in Belgium.”

Gambling operators are under massive pressure in the European region – faced with regulators determined either to impose stiff tax burdens on online gambling, or restrictions on the companies that can apply for licences.

New stringent gambling regimes in Germany and Greece have prompted Betfair to pull out of those markets. Betfair this week said the “challenging” climate in Europe meant it would focus solely on regulated markets.

William Hill has also pulled out of Greece, where regulators have threatened penalties or criminal sanction on operators without licences.

In the meantime, bwin.party Digital Entertainment and a swag of other gambling companies continue to look for new opportunities and markets, with countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand all understood to be regions of great interest.

Bwin.Party operate popular gambling websites such as PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com


Stay turned to Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory for developments.


Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month'...

Media Man's top online casino choice: PartyCasino.com PartyCasino is a multi-time Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' winner and have also won awards from EGR. Earlier this year PartyGaming merged with Bwin to create the worlds leading igaming company, Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment.



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Friday, December 21, 2012

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Media Man Entertainment: Movie and Pop Culture News; Some movies are becoming games!

Media Man Entertainment: Movie and Pop Culture News

Some movies are becoming games!


Les Miserables



News...

Hugh Jackman, Tom Hooper, and Sir Cameron Mackintosh touch down in Sydney on the final stop on the Les Misérables international promotional tour.

The group will mark their arrival with a group Photo Call at Hickson Road Reserve, The Rocks with the Sydney Opera House a fitting backdrop ahead of the film’s Australian Premiere Friday 21st December.

Fellow cast member Russell Crowe will join the group at the film’s Australian Premiere on Friday 21st Dec at The State Theatre.

News...

The screen adaptation of 'Les Miserables' is being discussed as potential Oscar worthy and its mega star, 'Our' Hugh Jackman has warmly welcomed the buzz as recognition of how hard it is to transform a musical to the screen, no matter how good the material.

The star-studded film version of the stage musical debuted to critics at screenings in New York, London, Los Angeles and Sydney last weekend and it did very well, with many standing ovations and strong reviews.

Popular show business website Showbiz.com advised Jackman was a sure contender for the best actor Academy Award for his role as Jean Valjean, the ex-prisoner who creates a successful new life for himself.

The Universal Studios flick, directed by Tom Hooper who won an Oscar for 'The King's Speech', also features fellow Aussies Russell Crowe as Jackman's nemesis Inspector Javert and leading lady Anne Hathaway as Fantine.

Jackman said he had not seen the final cut until the Sydney viewing and he was "pretty blown away by it".

"I think everyone understands that musical movies are probably the Mount Everest of movies," he told ABC TV.

"There's so many elements that need to come together. Les Mis has so much pedigree, not only in world literature, but as probably one of the most successful stage musicals of all time.

"So there was a lot at risk, but I loved it, I really loved it."

The stage version has been seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries to date and in 21 languages around the globe, and is still breaking box-office records in its 27th year.

Jackman, who made his name on the stage but is best known for his role as Wolverine in the "X-Men" movie series, said his latest role, set against the backdrop of 19th century France, was the hardest of his career so far.

"There's no doubt that of all the things I feel I can do, this demanded more than anything," he said.

"As a pedigree of work, it's probably higher than anything else I've been in. The director, the ensemble, it was certainly one of those projects that felt like a once in a lifetime event."

It makes the early Oscar buzz all the more satisfying for the Sydney-based star.

"I would love nothing better than for the film to get recognised because I know how hard everyone worked and what was at stake, and we all know how musicals, when they don't come out well, can stink to high heaven," he said.

"So, any kind of positive buzz, of course I'm happy."

Stay tuned to Media Man, Music News Australia and the official Les Miserables and Universal Pictures websites for updates.


Wednesday, December 19, 2012

WWE Slammy Awards 2012 on RAW

WWE Slammy Awards 2012 on RAW...

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The WWE Slammy Awards were issued during the 17th December 2012 (U.S) edition of WWE RAW....

WWE Slammy Award winners...

Tell Me I Did Not Just See That (Most Shocking Moment): Kofi Kingston walks on his hands to avoid Royal Rumble elimination

Comeback of the Year: Jerry Lawler returns after suffering a real life heart attack Kiss of the Year: John Cena and A.J.


Superstar of the Year: John Cena

LOL Moment of the Year: The Rock's promo on John Cena in Boston

Hashtag of the Year: Ryback for #FeedMeMore

Newcomer of the Year: Ryback

Match of the Year: Undertaker VS Triple H at WrestleMania 28. Triple H came to the stage to receive the award and advised we have not seen the last of The Undertaker WWE RAW offers tons of surprises...

This episode of WWE RAW was a breath of fresh air for many fans offering a variety of welcome surprises. The surprises included: Ric Flair 'The Nature Boy' returning. Flair got into a confrontation with CM Punk and Paul Heyman

Tommy Dreamer returning for a six man tag match

'The Bogeyman' ran onto the awards stage

WWE Hall of Famers "Mean" Gene Okerlund, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat and Jim Ross came to the stage to announce the 'Match Of The Year' award

'The New Age Outlaws' Rodd Dogg Jesse James and "The Bad Ass" Billy Gunn announced 'Comeback Of The Year'

Big E Langston from NXT debuts with attack against John Cena

Vicki Guerrero is now feuding with Dolph Ziggler

Not a surprise, but it was great to see "The Shield" continue their attacks

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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey movie premiere: Sydney, Australia - 18th December 2012

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey movie premiere: Sydney, Australia...

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'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' enjoyed its Sydney, Australia red carpet movie premiere at George Street Event Cinemas tonight.

A crowd of hundreds of general public and dozens of media welcomed in the popular film franchise.

The celebrity list was large and included: Paula Arundell, Zoe Balbi, Emily Barclay, Matt Boesenberg, Scott Cam, Salvatore Coco, Harry Cook, Zoe Crammond, Matt Day, Matt Doran, Issy Durant, Bella Ferraro, Rhiannon Fish, Fourtunate, Maude Garrett, Lisa Gormley, Daniel Henshall, Les Hill, George Houvardes, John Jarratt, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Jay Lag’aia, Todd Lasance, Sophie Lowe, Sophie Luck, Emma Lung, Andrew Maciver, Reece Mastin, Jessica McNamee, Sam Moran, Matt Nable, Indira Naidoo, Valentina Novakovic, Alice Parkinson, Peter Phelps, Rupert Reid, Stephanie Rice, Kat Risteska, Jordan Rodrigues, Zac Russell (The Collective), Guy Sebastian, Jeremy Sims, Barry Southgate, Marco Storm, Miranda Tapsell, Erik Thomsen, Maria Venuti, David Whitehill, Felix Williamson, Dan Wyllie and Lincoln Younes.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a 2012 fantasy film directed by Peter Jackson. It is the first of a three-part film adaptation of the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, to be followed by The Desolation of Smaug and There and Back Again, due for theatrical release in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Promo:

Set in Middle-earth 60 years before The Lord of the Rings, the adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.

Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of 13 dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, the character he played in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield.

Also reprising their roles from The Lord of the Rings in The Hobbit trilogy are: Cate Blanchett as Galadriel; Ian Holm as the elder Bilbo; Christopher Lee as Saruman; Hugo Weaving as Elrond; Elijah Wood as Frodo; and Andy Serkis as Gollum.

The international ensemble cast of the trilogy also includes Manu Bennett, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Barry Humphries, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, James Nesbitt, Dean O’Gorman, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott and Aidan Turner.

The screenplay for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro. Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.

Storyline:

Bilbo Baggins is swept into a quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever ... Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum's "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities

A younger and more reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out on a "unexpected journey" to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of Dwarves to reclaim a their stolen mountain home from a dragon named Smaug.

Summary: Many entertainment commentators including the Media Man agency think that 'The Hobbit' may be one of the best and most popular movies in Australia for 2012, despite the late release in the year. One for the whole family, and both casual and die hard fans should love it.

Director: Peter Jackson Writers: Fran Walsh (screenplay), Philippa Boyens (screenplay) Guillermo del Toro, Peter Jackson Actors: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitrage, Andy Serkis (Voice), Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving

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Friday, December 14, 2012

Bodypainted tuxedo suits hits the mark for Momentum Worldwide Australia advertising agency client Christmas party - 14th December 2012

Human Statue Bodyart bodypainted tuxedo suits popular for Australian advertising and creative agencies; Bodypaint hits the target at Momentum Worldwide Australia advertising agency client Christmas party; Corporate marketing, media and event planners take note...
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The Human Statue Bodyart creative arts agency continues to be extremely busy of late as Australia heads towards a sizzling hot Christmas.

Tonight the Sydney - Australia based creative arts and entertainment agency, Human Statue Bodyart, bodypainted tuxedos and showcased corporate logos on 3 senior creative directors from the Momentum Worldwide Australia agency at their impressive Pyrmont, Sydney head office. For what you ask? Their Christmas party of course. 'Mad Men' (the hit TV show) - eat your heart out baby.

The gig follows a long list of corporate Christmas parties and festive season events that the Human Statue team has been called upon to add a point of difference and wow factor.

We suspect that Momentum Worldwide Australia may have a plan to generate some extra media buzz for themselves and their clients, and we won't be surprised if they become the subject of a few more news stories before year end.


Self promotion, creative flair and standing out from the pack are all signs of great promoters, and to this end it appears that today's collaboration between Human Statue Bodyart and Momentum Worldwide Australia looks to have hit the mark. And - it all comes on the heels of Human Statue ramping up their agency focus.

The bodypainted tuxedos delighted guests, staff, the directors, and anyone else who encountered the impressive artwork creations.

Don't be surprised when Human Statue Bodyart, Momentum Worldwide Australia, and some of their top clients make the news again really soon.

Clients of Momentum Worldwide Australia include Heineken, Durex (condoms), and Listerine.

Like to see your name or client name up in lights?

Pick up the phone or send an e-mail to Human Statue Bodyart and / or Momentum and tell them you read all about the campaign on Google News, Media Man and Street Corner, and we're sure you will be well attended to.

Seasons Greetings from Human Statue, Momentum and friends.

PROMO...

PRODUCT LAUNCHES, FASHION PARADES & EVENTS

Body art - bodypaint can be used in many forms for events.

Entertainers and entertainment - 100s of entertainers ready for your special event.

Please visit: www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au or telephone head office: (02) 9713 8933


Promo...


Tell us that you heard about Human Statue Bodyart from Street Corner and Google News for a special discount! Don't forget about Christmas and New Years Eve parties coming up. From small events to major events, functions and festivals, the team at Human Statue Bodyart is here to help you see your creative arts and marketing ideas coming to reality.



Websites

Human Statue Bodyart

Human Statue Bodyart Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Media Man Int

Momentum Worldwide Australia

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

James Packer going to Hollywood to help make movies; Big money still talks in showbiz

James Packer going to Hollywood to help make movies; Big money still talks in showbiz...

Profiles

Movies Hollywood James Packer Crown Limited Entertainment



Casino and gambling tsar James Packer is heading for Hollywood, establishing up a production company with blockbuster director Brett Ratner.

The billionaire is joining forces with Ratner to form RatPac Entertainment, which will make independent films.

A spokesman for Mr Packer confirmed the partnership with the 43-year-old director and producer, describing it as "a small private investment".

Mr Ratner, who directed Rush Hour, Red Dragon and X-Men: The Last Stand, told the Hollywood Reporter Ratpac will develop, produce and finance films on its own and in partnership with Hollywood studios.

‘‘We intend to build a major independent film company which not only has the ability to fully finance its films but which also offers creative independence for its filmmakers,’’ Mr Ratner said in a statement.

Fusion Strategy managing director Steve Allen advised Mr Packer’s move into the film world was unexpected but not overly surprising considering that his family, particularly his father Kerry Packer, had previously been involved in the industry.

‘‘The Packers do have a long history, his father more than he, of getting into the film, mini series and television production business because it was, at least, very attractive from an investment and tax point of view,’’ he said.

The Packers have also invested in Hollywood studios, such as Lionsgate, in the past but that may have been to align supply contracts with the Nine Network when they owned it, Mr Allen said.

He said it was highly likely that Mr Packer had received some recommendation from one of his Hollywood friends, such as Tom Cruise, about Mr Ratner before deciding to go into business with him.

‘‘There would have had to be some connection,’’ Mr Allen said. ‘‘He would have known the people or liked them or Tom Cruise, his supposed mate, would have said these are good people to get into business with.

‘‘There has to be a reason. He doesn’t do things on whims. He’s not like his father.’’

While the film industry would appear an odd fit with Mr Packer’s main business interest, Crown Casino, Mr Allen said they were both essentially in the entertainment industry.

‘‘It’s an odd fit but I guess drawing a long string to the bow it’s all entertainment,’’ he said.

But he said the film industry was always risky as bankable stars and high profile directors do not guarantee hits.‘‘It’s a high risk, but can be a high profit, business,’’ he said.

‘‘There’s nothing certain in show business.’’

Oh, don't be surprised to see Packer push forward with Hollywood themed slot games - both landline and online. A Media Man spokesman said "Rest assured Packer will find a ways to tie in gambling with movies and you can bet it will make sense financially as well as have artistic merits. Make no mistake - money still talks in Hollywood, and with Brett Ratner being his partner, this new venture is tipped for mega success, even in a volatile industry such as movie making."

Stay tuned for more Packer action in Hollywood right here with Media Man.


News Update...

GAMBLING and media tycoon James Packer has turned his sights to the film industry, throwing his dollars behind Hollywood mover n shaker director Brett Ratner...

The Crown chairman has teamed up with Rush Hour director Brett Ratner to form RatPac Entertainment, a company that will produce and finance blockbuster films. The pair reportedly have already two films in production.

A spokesman for Mr Packer, who was unavailable for comment yesterday, confirmed the partnership, noting it was a "small private investment". It is understood Ratner and Mr Packer have struck up a friendship in recent times.

The move comes just months after Mr Packer sold his remaining stake in his family business Consolidated Media Holdings and amid Crown's campaign to build a hotel and casino development at Sydney's Barangaroo.

In a statement, Ratner said he and Mr Packer "intend to build a major independent film company which not only has the ability to fully finance its films, but which also offers creative independence for its filmmakers".

It's not the first time the Packer name -- synonymous with TV and media ownership -- has been linked to the film industry. Kerry Packer, James's father, bought a stake in film studio New Regency Productions in the mid-1990s. In 2008, three years after his father's death, James is reported to have sold the 25 per cent share for $348 million.

Don't know about you, but wouldn't it be something to see a gambling themed movie put together by Packer and Ratner. Can you imagine the merchandise spin offs like movie themed slot games. Who wouldn't pay for that.

Plus, with Packer involved any Hollywood projects are going to get news media coverage, and at this stage of the game it's likely going to be positive.

Watch out Hollywood - there's a few new kings in town... gives new meaning to the term "Gumleaf Mafia", which the Media Man agency has been pitching around for a few years now.

Might be time for Media Man and friends to start being more pro active in Hollywood again. Watch this space.

*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited

Websites

Media Man Int www.mediamanint.com

Media Man www.mediaman.com.au

Crown Limited www.crownlimited.com

Skyfall James Bond movie teams up with Heineken

Skyfall James Bond movie teams up with Heineken; Producers of the 23rd Bond movie have exploited every possible brand connection...

Profiles

Movies Hollywood Skyfall James Bond Daniel Craig Heineken Entertainment Sydney Australia



The world's most successful movie franchise - James Bond, has been continuing its winning ways in strategic and intelligent product placement, and popular beer Heineken, appears to be one of the real winners in the latest Bond flick - Skyfall.

Bond (and Heineken) lovers - check out this multimedia promo... Heineken profile

Make no mistake - product placement helps funds great flicks and the switched on folks at James Bond HQ (and their advertising agency friends) are well aware of this... so are we.

Some news outlets have claimed that without the reported £45 million revenue Heineken poured into the film, Skyfall would not have gone ahead, but we don't have any way to get an accurate figure, so let's just continue shall we Bond fans.

We understand that with the the Dutch beer having forked out over £28m for the privilege of seeing Bond sip from a green bottle in an early scene helped cover almost a third of the film's estimated £93.7m ($150m) production budget in the process.

Bond (Daniel Craig) is a diplomatic spokesman and pitch-man of sorts on the issue of product placement, acknowledging that their reliance on brand associations is "unfortunate," before countering: "This movie costs a lot of money to make (and) nearly as much again to promote, so we go where we can."

That line is about as close as we're going to get to learning the film's actual marketing budget, given Sony Pictures International's track record is being reluctant to divulge details on such matters.

Fun financial fact: In 2006 it was reported that product placement across all media was worth over £3.3 billion.


Beer not your thing? According to Brandchannel, the most important "Skyfall" product placement isn't the beer Bond drinks but the gun he shoots!


Movie Plot Outline: Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 in Skyfall, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Promo...

Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Director: Sam Mendes Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan Stars: Daniel Craig, Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Bérénice Marlohe, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Helen McCrory, Rory Kinear, with Albert Finney and Judi Dench as "M" Produced By: Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli

*Sponsored by Heineken


News...

Craig is the best Bond: Moore...




Bond legend Roger Moore, enthralled with ‘Skyfall,’ now thinks Daniel Craig is the best actor to play the legendary spy...

Moore, who began his stint as the action hound in the ’70s, once gave that honor to Sean Connery. ‘They’ve guaranteed Bond another 50 years of life,’ he said of the new film.

Bond alum Roger Moore used to think Sean Connery was the best James Bond, but now thinks that designation belongs to Daniel Craig.

"I went to a screening of ‘Skyfall,’ and I’ve changed my opinion. I think that he (Daniel Craig) is the Bond. He’s quite brilliant," Moore told TIME magazine.

Moore has been a fan of Craig’s ever since the opening scene of 2006’s “Casino Royale,” Craig’s first time in the role.


James Bond's world of movie intrigue explored in 'The Untold Story Of 007'...

“I thought ‘Casino Royale’ was tremendous,” Moore said. “I thought his action was quite extraordinary — he did more action in the first 30 seconds of the film than I did in 14 years of playing Bond. To me, he looks like a killer. He looks as though he knows what he’s doing. I look as though I might cheat at backgammon.”

Craig put his own spin on the iconic spy, just as Moore did when he first took over the role of 007 with 1973’s “Live and Let Die.”

On playing a role already associated with Connery, he said, “You don’t really think about that. How many millions of actors during the last 400 years have played Hamlet? They don’t worry about how the other fella did it — they just get on with doing it their way.”

Moore’s own way endeared his Bond to the public for seven consecutive films by Eon Productions. His third Bond film, “The Spy Who Loved Me,” is often considered his best, just as Connery’s third, “Goldfinger,” is often considered his.

Now Moore thinks Craig’s third performance is the best of the franchise.

"I wrote to Barbara (Broccoli) and Michael (Wilson) and said…they’ve guaranteed Bond another 50 years of life," he said.


Websites

Skyfall official website

James Bond 007 official website

Heineken official website

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Media Man News

Media Man



Skyfall James Bond Sydney, Australia red carpet movie premiere; Daniel Craig, Bond girls...


Profiles

Movies Hollywood Skyfall James Bond Daniel Craig Entertainment Sydney Australia



Australia paid tribute to Skyfall with rain coming down on the red carpet outside Sydney's State Theatre last night.

The parallel was picked up by new Bond girl Berenice Marlohe.

"It is Skyfall," she said on Friday night, gesturing at the rain.

"I remember on set it was raining before a scene I had to do. And it is like an homage to Skyfall."

The weather did not put off hundreds of the Bond franchise's fans.

They jammed in like cattle or sardines if you prefer, behind barriers on the sidewalk to get pictures and autographs from Craig, Marlohe and fellow Bond girl Naomie Harris, who's on her first trip to Australia and said, "The reception makes it sunny".

"It's been a two month whirlwind of going all around the world promoting the movie, but it ends in Australia, so I finally have some free time on my hands and I'm going to spend it in Byron Bay," Harris said.

Craig, who visited Australia for Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, said he won't be doing any sightseeing this time around.

"This is the final leg," he said earlier.

"I spent like a week here the first time I came, so I've seen quite a lot.

"I always try and do something when I go to a new city."

Skyfall hasn't been released yet in Australia, but elsewhere in the world it's already grossed $446.5 million and is being pitched by critics as one of the very best Bond films.

Craig, who has admitted 2008's Quantum of Solace suffered from the writer's strike, was determined Skyfall, the 23rd film and released in Bond's 50th anniversary year, would be a step up.

"Just to be better," he said, about how he had wanted it to be different.

"So we kind of had a plan and Sam (Mendes, the director) and I had it from very early on that we wanted to make the best Bond movie we could, obviously, but to try and get some of ... the old style of it."

* Skyfall will be released in Australian cinemas on November 22.

News...


Skyfall is record breaking Bond movie...

The movie has broken records wherever it has been released.

It snatched the biggest US opening ever for a 007 movie at the weekend with a whopping $87.8 million in ticket sales.

Quantum of Solace debuted to a series-best $67.5 million in mid-November 2008, and Casino Royale - marking Craig's first turn as 007 - opened to $40.8 million in November 2006.

In the UK, the Sam Mendes-directed film has passed Titanic as the highest-grossing 2D film. The film opens Australia next Thursday.

The secret to Skyfall's success, according to exhibitors, is Craig's universal appeal.

"Women love him. Men love the action," said Samantha Philp, national film promotions and partnership manager at Event Cinemas.

Even seven-time Bond Roger Moore has given Craig the official stamp of approval, calling him the best Bond ever.

"To me, he looks like a killer. He looks as though he knows what he's doing. I look as though I might cheat at backgammon," he said.


Plot Outline: Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 in Skyfall, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Promo...

Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Director: Sam Mendes Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan Stars: Daniel Craig, Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Bérénice Marlohe, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Helen McCrory, Rory Kinear, with Albert Finney and Judi Dench as "M" Produced By: Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli


News...

Craig is the best Bond: Moore...




Bond legend Roger Moore, enthralled with ‘Skyfall,’ now thinks Daniel Craig is the best actor to play the legendary spy...

Moore, who began his stint as the action hound in the ’70s, once gave that honor to Sean Connery. ‘They’ve guaranteed Bond another 50 years of life,’ he said of the new film.

Bond alum Roger Moore used to think Sean Connery was the best James Bond, but now thinks that designation belongs to Daniel Craig.

"I went to a screening of ‘Skyfall,’ and I’ve changed my opinion. I think that he (Daniel Craig) is the Bond. He’s quite brilliant," Moore told TIME magazine.

Moore has been a fan of Craig’s ever since the opening scene of 2006’s “Casino Royale,” Craig’s first time in the role.


James Bond's world of movie intrigue explored in 'The Untold Story Of 007'...

“I thought ‘Casino Royale’ was tremendous,” Moore said. “I thought his action was quite extraordinary — he did more action in the first 30 seconds of the film than I did in 14 years of playing Bond. To me, he looks like a killer. He looks as though he knows what he’s doing. I look as though I might cheat at backgammon.”

Craig put his own spin on the iconic spy, just as Moore did when he first took over the role of 007 with 1973’s “Live and Let Die.”

On playing a role already associated with Connery, he said, “You don’t really think about that. How many millions of actors during the last 400 years have played Hamlet? They don’t worry about how the other fella did it — they just get on with doing it their way.”

Moore’s own way endeared his Bond to the public for seven consecutive films by Eon Productions. His third Bond film, “The Spy Who Loved Me,” is often considered his best, just as Connery’s third, “Goldfinger,” is often considered his.

Now Moore thinks Craig’s third performance is the best of the franchise.

"I wrote to Barbara (Broccoli) and Michael (Wilson) and said…they’ve guaranteed Bond another 50 years of life," he said.


Websites

Skyfall official website

James Bond 007 official website

Ian Fleming official website

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Media Man News

Media Man

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Media Man entertainment, Hollywood, gaming, sports and wrestling news

Entertainment, Hollywood, gaming, sports and wrestling news; WWE, boxing, UFC..

Profiles

WWE Wrestling WWE Studios Movies Hollywood John Cena Dwayne Johnson Steve Austin The Miz Advertising Promotions Publicity Brands Television DVD Sports Entertainment



Rock's 2013 schedule...



Pro wrestling and movie fans - add yet another production shoot to The Rock's commitments in First Quarter 2013. Rock noted Sunday during a "Rock Talk" Twitter Q&A that filming begins in February on his new TNT show, "The Hero."

"I wanted to create @TheHeroTNT to entertain millions & give people a shot at personal greatness. We shoot in FEB!" Rock tweeted. "My schedule is hellacious & my goals I've chosen to achieve are HARD. So, my daily focus on training is my anchor."

As for the first month of 2013, Rock reinforced that he's anticipating facing C.M. Punk, who is currently injured, for the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble.

"I can't wait to face @CMPunk for the @WWE Championship at Royal Rumble. Been training for months for this moment," Rock tweeted.

His favorite artist: “Sam Cooke is my fav artist. #Soul I love ALL genres of music – from hip hop to orchestral to traditional country..”

If he would post for Playgirl: “I’d pose for Playgirl, but there just ain’t enough pages to showcase me baby! << TONS of cheese on that answer.;).”

His upcoming movies: “Im excited for all my 2013 movies: SNITCH, GI JOE, PAIN & GAIN & FAST 6. Tons of hard work & eager for you to see… FAST 6 is gonna be killer. Stakes are higher, cars are cooler and Im tougher than a 2 dollar steak well done. Michael Bay’s PAIN & GAIN is a very unique & cool movie. The most challenging role I’ve ever played. April 2013.”

His new show on TNT, The Hero: “I wanted to create @TheHeroTNT to entertain millions & give people a shot at personal greatness. We shoot in FEB!”

His favorite co-star: “In Hollywood, I’ve been lucky to work w/ so many talented & beautiful leading ladies, but #JulieAndrewsIsQueen”

Future plans: “As an actor, producer or even in @WWE – the goal is to be a positive force & entertain the world. And keep growin!”

In addition to filming new movies and squeezing in WWE appearances to hype the Rumble and WrestleMania 29, Rock will also be promoting movies scheduled for theatrical release.


The Rock comments on heat with CM Punk...

When quizzed on Twitter if he has heat with Punk - Rock replied, "Of course not my friend. I love Phillip & he loves me."


WWE announcer Jim Ross blogs on The Rock and CM Punk...

What will close the Royal Rumble: "Already getting questions about what attraction will close the show at WWE Royal Rumble, @CMPunk vs. @TheRock or the Rumble match? I haven't a clue nor do I care as either choice would be fine with me but if I had to guess I'd guess it would be the WWE Title bout. Again, don't know and don't care as I will be watching one of my favorite PPV events of the year.

"My guess is that Punk will push Rock inside the ring from bell to bell unlike Rock has been pushed since, arguably, the @steveaustinBSR days. That's not taking any thing away from @JohnCena who wrestles at a different pace that Austin did or Punk likes to. How does even an athlete as gifted as @TheRock prepare for what awaits inside the 20 foot ring? Cardio is great but nothing replicates wrestling long matches better than wrestling long matches."


Mark Wahlberg and The Rock pump iron for Michael Bay's 'Pain & Gain'...



Based on a 1999 Miami New Times story, Pain & Gain is an action comedy that follows a pair of bodybuilders who turn to extortion, kidnapping, and murder. The film has long been the Transformers director’s passion project. In 2007, Bay told media that he became attached to the movie because he loved the characters, promising there wouldn’t be too many explosions. “It’s like a mixture of Fargo and Pulp Fiction and it’s all true,” he said. “And they’re all knuckleheads. It’s a fun character piece. No action. One car crash.” The movie tag-line - "Their American Dream is Bigger than yours".


50 Cent says boxing should be more like WWE...

World famous music rapper 50 Cent has an idea to make professional boxing regain some of its past popularity. That suggestion is to become more like WWE. In a news article with USA today, the rapper turned boxing promoter suggested the sport entwine some WWE like theatrics to spice up the struggling sport. 50 Cent went on to state that the mainstream public doesn't question the validity of boxing like they do professional wrestling. The statements made by 50 Cent are somewhat valid.

It's true that boxing may need to step up their overall game if they want to compete with the combative, circus like World Wrestling Entertainment and Ultimate Fighting Championship. Vince McMahon transformed pro wrestling in the mid eighties and revolutionized the sport that was formerly held in smoky bingo halls across the country. The Ultimate Fighting Championship league followed suite several years later. The flashier more pronounced representation led to a lucrative television series, engrossing merchandise deals and high pay per view buy rates. Professional boxing has been dragging its feet and hasn't hoped onto the sports entertainment bandwagon. If history is any indication, what worked for WWE and UFC, could also work for boxing.

50 Cent also mentions that pro boxing will not suffer from a more sports entertainment atmosphere because the public does not question the validity of professional boxing. This statement is untrue. For too many decades to list there has been reports of pro boxers taking a dive and mysterious phantom punches. If boxing does add more entertainment to their pay-per-views and programming, they do run a risk of being lumped into the predetermined world of pro wrestling.

If you need proof of this possibility, one needs to look no further than Vince McMahon's foray into football. His XFL league took a more sports entertainment approach to pro ball. Despite being legitimate, the American public found the XFL to be somewhat tainted because of its new approach. The XFL didn't last more than one season and is widely considered a flop. WWE's Vince McMahon cut his losses and run - returning focus to pro wrestling WWE style.

50 Cent is on the money when he says boxing needs to add some entertainment to make it more hip and relevant. But they have to be cautious - it could make or break the already damaged sport which continues to take a weekly and monthly but kicking from the WWE and UFC in ratings, advertising rates, viewership, and just about any other sector you want to take a jab at.


Garry Cook to Expand UFC in the UK...

Global Director of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), Marshall Zelaznik, advised that the hand over to the UK under former Man City CEO Garry Cook will break new boundaries.

Cook has recently spent some time in Las Vegas, USA, to plan his strategy.

The UFC has already announced an event that will take place at Wembley Area on Feb 16th.

Cook said that “While we are working on finalising the fight card, UFC and fight fans can rest assured that we will bring another compelling card. You can bet that with us returning to London we will bring top fighters from the UK and around the world”.

Cook elaborated saying that there is a high demand for UFC events in London, the last event was wold-out (Bisping vs. Akiyama) and Cook believes they’ll have no problem selling tickets for future events.

Zelaznik recently said that the UFC has “a very good foothold in England” but he thinks that due to Cook’s insights into the England’s sporting culture he will take the UFC to “even greater heights.” Zelaznik went on to say that he believes under Cook the popularity of UFC will continue to grow in England and that more events will take place in the future.


2012 WWE Slammy Awards Taking Place On Next Week's RAW...

WWE has announced that the 2012 Slammy Awards will take place during next week's show from the the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA.

WWE will be using their RAWactive features and the WWE App for fan interaction during the Awards.

Sting Potentially Negotiating With WWE...

Is there anything happening?

- There has been speculation that WWE has been pursuing Sting for the WWE Hall of Fame and even a possible match at WrestleMania XXIX. This was due to Triple H recently mentioning him in interviews, WWE.com mentioning Sting more often than usual, and the fact that Sting's yearly TNA deal ends at the end of 2012. According to a source in the writing team, there is no truth to the rumors that he is coming in. A source stated the following…

"The current TNA lawsuit has everything frozen for the moment. WWE will not even internally discuss Sting. That just won't happen. Until this lawsuit settles, finishes or is dismissed, there's no way any discussion about Sting is going to happen. His name has never come up, and I can practically guarantee you that it won't."

The source also added the following…

"The idea of Sting vs. Undertaker, Sting vs. Punk, or Sting vs. Cena was something a lot of the young writers were dreaming about until a senior member reminded them there's not a chance of it happening this year."


2013 WWE Studios movie releases; Wrestling and movie connection; Dwayne Johnson thoughts...




WWE Studios has released the full line-up of their 2013 movie releases, some of which will be theatrical releases and others will be straight-to-DVD.

If the last few years of WWE Studios flicks are anything to go by, it will be a mixed bag, but the good news is that there should be one or two gems and pleasant surprises in there... not just B and C grade stuff. Wrestling fans... you got to wonder what it would take for 'The Rock' to sign up to Vince McMahon's WWE Studios - even for 1 or 2 films. Maybe the answer is more money than McMahon is currently willing to offer 'The Great One'. Speaking of The Rock, be sure to check out 'The Hero' when it finally hits television. Time will tell if it finally makes it to Rupert Murdoch influenced Foxtel, but it stands to reason if the public let Foxtel know they want more of 'The Rock', it may help achieve the positive result that fans are looking for.

The following is the 2013 WWE Studios movie schedule:

- "No One Lives" (Jan. 2013): WWE star in supporting role is Brodus Clay. - "Dead Man Down": WWE star in supporting role is Wade Barrett. - "Marine 3: Homefront": WWE star in the leading role is The Miz. - "12 Rounds 2: Reloaded": WWE star in the leading role is Randy Orton. - "The Hive": WWE star in a supporting role is David Otunga, plus Halle Berry in a leading role. - "Leprechaun: Origins": WWE star in the leading role is Hornswoggle. - 2014: Scooby-Doo themed movie when "Scooby Do and the Gang go to WrestleMania."

Keep checking the WWE Studios Facebook and Media Man network www.mediamanint.com for updates.


WWE World RAW Tour: Tours Australia in July 2013...



Presented by: WWE & Dainty Group

WWE’s unique brand of action packed entertainment is returning to Australia with WWE RAW.

Fans will be able to see all their favorite WWE Superstars and Divas including John Cena®, CM Punk™, Ryback™, Rey Mysterio®, The Miz™, Dolph Ziggler™, Kofi Kingston™, Zack Ryder™, Eve™, R-Truth™, AJ™ and many more*. * Line-up subject to change

TOUR DATES*: Friday 26 July - Rod Laver Arena Melbourne Saturday 27 July - Allphones Arena Sydney Sunday 28 July - Brisbane Entertainment Centre Monday 29 July - Adelaide Entertainment Centre Tuesday 30 July - Perth Arena


Foxtel to launch a new movie service...



Foxtel will launch a simplified movie service for its subscribers from next year.

The new Movies & Premium Drama package will replace the Showtime and Movie Network services, Foxtel announced on Sunday.

It will offer high definition ad-break free movies as well an increased On Demand offering.

Those who subscribe for the package will have access to seven Foxtel movie channels and the dedicated premium drama channel, showcase, which will screen award-winning drama series, many of which will be broadcast express from the US.

Foxtel chief executive Richard Freudenstein says this will change the way Australians will be able to experience movies.

"Our research told us customers want one destination for their movies, as well as simple navigation to find the movie they feel like watching. The seven dedicated and intuitively themed movie channels will ensure we make it as easy as possible for people to find and watch the movie they feel like watching," Freudenstein said in a statement.

Current subscribers to both movie packages will automatically receive all seven new Foxtel movie channels as well as showcase, World Movies and the two +2 channels (Premiere and showcase).

The new package will be available from January 1.


Richard Branson's £1 Million Wager on Virgin...

Billionaire Richard Branson is willing to bet that his flagship airline has a future—at least until 2018.

In a web blog post Monday, Branson proposed a £1 million ($1.6 million) wager with the chief executive of British Airways’ parent company (IAG), Willie Walsh, after Walsh said that Delta Air Lines (DAL) would likely acquire control of Branson’s Virgin Atlantic “and suggested the deal could ultimately see the end of the Virgin Atlantic brand,” the Guardian reported Dec. 9.

“This is wishful thinking and totally misguided,” Branson wrote on his company’s website, referring to the airline as “my baby.” “Will BA never learn? Let’s see how much they believe this. Let them put their money where their mouth is.” The Virgin Group founder is offering to pay the money to British Airways if the Virgin Atlantic name disappears within five years. If not, Branson proposed that BA pay Virgin employees the same amount. A British Airways’ representative in New York did not immediately return a call or e-mail seeking comment.

Delta is negotiating with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to acquire that carrier’s stake in Virgin Atlantic, according to media reports. On Monday, Bloomberg News reported that Delta is close to a deal and would pay $300 million to $500 million for Singapore’s 49 percent stake. Such a move would help Atlanta-based Delta bolster its presence at London Heathrow, one of the world’s most congested airports. In his comments to the newspaper, Walsh said, “I can’t see Delta operating the Virgin brand—Delta believe they are the No. 1 airline in the world.”

Walsh’s comments came as Virgin Atlantic announced plans to begin offering its first domestic service next spring, with as many as two dozen daily flights among Manchester, London Heathrow, and Scotland. The new flights, operated by Aer Lingus (AERL), would help to feed domestic traffic to Virgin’s long-haul service from London, which suffered a blow when British Airways’ parent, International Consolidated Airlines Group, acquired British Midland International.


*Special thank you to WWE, Pro Wrestling Torch, Wrestling Inc, Jim Ross and Google News for assistance and references in compiling this news report.

Websites

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WWE

WWE Studios

WWE Studios Facebook

Media Man Entertainment

Australian Sports Entertainment

Wrestling News Media

Pro Wrestling Torch

JR's Blog

Website Network

Media Man International

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