Entertainment Weekly: More Rogue One, Including Vader

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theaters December 16, and Entertainment Weekly’s Anthony Breznican appeared on ABC Television’s Good Morning America to share some details:

The baddie in the awesome white uniform and cape is Director Krennic. So Directors are a Thing in the Empire. He’s eager to please the Emperor and terrified of the Emperor’s enforcer, Darth Vader, who does appear in the film, as most of us supposed, but casting hasn’t been announced. He was played by Gene Bryant in Revenge of the Sith, so it would be cool to have him reprise the role. Some people are asking for Hayden Christiansen, but once the arms and legs were gone, Vader’s movement’s changed, and James Earl Jones did the voice, so there’s none of Hayden’s characterization left, unfortunately. Now, as a Force Ghost haunting the hell out of someone, anyone in Ep VIII, that I can get behind. What’s your opinion?

From Entertainment Weekly’s Press Release:

Here’s what else to expect this week from EW’s own peek at Lucasfim’s secret plans:

  • The background of our cover showcases new Imperial weaponry being used against the nascent Rebellion: taller, slimmer walkers known as AT-ACTs hauling cargo, and flatter, fang-like interceptors known as TIE Strikers.

  • New information about Jyn Erso (The Theory of Everything’s Felicity Jones), the outlaw who has clashed with both the Rebellion and the Empire, and now has a chance to clear her ledger of past wrongs by leading a mission for the good guys. It’s also personal – her father, played by Mads Mikkelsen, is a scientist whose knowledge is sought by both sides.

  • Full details of the squad of characters uniting to take on the Empire, played by the most multicultural cast to appear in a Star Wars film yet: Diego Luna, Jiang Wen, Donnie Yen, Riz Ahmed, Forest Whitaker, and Alan Tudyk – as a performance-capture droid. (One of these has been seen before by Star Wars fans.) (The cover of the issue, however, features two light-skinned characters only. -Fab)
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  • A look at the skullduggery inside the Imperial ranks, as seen through the eyes of a new villain: Ben Mendelsohn’s ambitious officer, who’s eager to earn the favor of the Emperor – and avoid the wrath of his black-masked enforcer.

  • Candid revelations from the filmmakers about what the current reshoots are adding to the story as the film nears its December release.

  • Finally, confirmation of what fans have hoped ever since the project was announced: Vader is back. We have a run-down of the Sith lord’s first day on set, and what his return means for the larger Star Wars storytelling universe.

EW will have all sorts of cool info and photos in their July issue, which hits the stands tomorrow, like this detailed look at Clone Wars/Rogue One character Saw Gerrera, played by Forest Whitaker.
For more details, check out this week’s The Star Wars Show:

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Partial Star Wars Celebration Schedule Released

Friday, July 15:

An Hour With Mark Hamill, 11:30 – 12:30
Start your Celebration weekend off in the best possible way, by spending time with the Jedi Master himself. Mark Hamill will chat with the audience, answer questions, and tell stories from his years in entertainment and from his point of view portraying the pivotal character of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars universe.

Rogue One: A StarWars Story, 16:00 – 17:00
Secret mission? What plans? What are you talking about? Find out, when Gareth Edwards — director of the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story — joins Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and some special guests for a revealing can’t-miss Rogue One panel! Also streamed to the Galaxy Stage and BTSS.

Star Wars Celebration Europe Cosplay Championship, 18:00 – 19:30
Enjoy the best cosplay in the galaxy live on the Celebration Stage. The Celebration Europe Cosplay Championships, hosted by Warwick Davis and Mark Daniel, will entertain, and possibly inspire you to get started with your own Star Wars cosplay. The Championships will feature celebrity judges who know quite a bit about the art of Star Wars costumes: Dave Filoni (executive producer, Star Wars Rebels) and Steve Sansweet (Rancho Obi-Wan).

Screening: Star Wars: A New Hope, 20:30 – 23:00
The story that started the theatrical saga of Star Wars, as well as the most recent, epic movie for the big screen, will play for fans at Celebration Europe Friday and Saturday evenings. Tonight, relive the excitement of seeing Star Wars: A New Hope in a theater, surrounded by your fellow fans. Bring your lightsaber and get ready to cheer for your heroes, and boo the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader. Or perhaps cheer for Darth if you lean toward the dark side…

Saturday, July 16:

The Creatures, Droids & Aliens of StarWars: The Force Awakens, 12:00 – 13:00 
Take a deep dive into the Pinewood Studios-based Star Wars creature shop, where creative supervisor Neal Scanlan and team designed and built every alien, beast, and droid from Star Wars: The Force Awakens! Step-by-step, the process of crafting amazing creatures and droids like Maz Kanata, BB-8, the luggabeast, Unkar Plutt and Supreme Leader Snoke will be explored; from design and sculpting, to fabrication and animatronics, to painting and puppeteering. The panel will culminate in a live demo of one of the creature shop’s incredibleStar Wars characters!

Anthony Daniels, Without Protocol, 14:00 – 15:00
It’s always bright and shiny when our favorite protocol droid takes the stage. Don’t miss Anthony Daniels, the human behind C-3PO. Expect the unexpected as Daniels and host Warwick Davis have a marvelous time, sometimes at the expense of unsuspecting audience members.

Star Wars Rebels Season Three, 16:00 – 18:00
Still recovering from the epic Star Wars Rebels Season Two finale? Feel like you have more questions than answers about what the future holds for the crew of the Ghost? Fear not! Star Wars Rebels executive producer and supervising director Dave Filoni will be joined by special guests to share highly-guarded sneak peeks at what’s to come in Star Wars Rebels Season Three, including a screening of the first two episodes!

Meet the Creators: The Minds Behind EA’s Star Wars Games, 19:00 – 20:00
Join us for a roundtable discussion about what’s it’s like to create Star Wars games. The creative leaders behind Star Wars Battlefront, Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, Star Wars: The Old Republic and other upcoming Star Wars video games from EA will share behind-the-scenes stories and reveal news about the future of Star Wars games at EA.

Screening: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, 21:00 – 23:30
The story that started the theatrical saga of Star Wars, as well as the most recent, epic movie for the big screen, will play for fans at Celebration Europe Friday and Saturday evenings. Tonight, plan to stay after hours to watch your most beloved characters new and old in The Force Awakens, presented in theatrical quality on the Celebration Stage.

Sunday, July 17:

Carrie Fisher: The Princess Diaries, 11:00 – 12:00
Buckle up. Our favorite princess is coming and she will certainly have something to say. Join Carrie Fisher, the force behind Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies, for an hour of insights into the world of one of our favorite characters on and off the screen.

Ray Park Unleashed, 13:00 – 14:00
Ray Park, the actor and champion martial artist behind the iconic character of Darth Maul, will take the stage for an hour of insights and interaction. Always two there are – Park will share the stage with Celebration Host and Sith apprentice Warwick Davis.

Sony Pictures Animation Announces 2017 & 2018 Slate

Looks like some crossovers with The Disney Channel, Marvel and Jim Henson as well. ~ Fab

Projects Include EMOJIMOVIE: EXPRESS YOURSELF, Faith-Based Film THE STAR, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3, Animated SPIDER-MAN and GHOSTBUSTERS Animated TV Series

In a move signaling an expansion of its output and increased year-round production across multiple platforms, Sony Pictures Animation announced today its slate through 2018 which includes five theatrical features, three television series and one direct-to-video movie.

Kristine Belson, President of Sony Pictures Animation, says, “We are meaningfully stepping up our level of production, while creating an environment that fosters the best talent. Our goal is to enlarge our presence in the animation landscape with a uniquely diverse slate, and our strategy to get there is to let artists drive the movies creatively.”

Tom Rothman, Chairman of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, adds, “I could not be more proud of the way Kristine Belson has rebuilt Sony Pictures Animation into the boldest home for animation in the industry.”

Sony Pictures Animation’s slate includes a diverse mix of originals and franchises, some previously announced, each with its own unique style and tone, underscoring the Studio’s pledge to develop projects aimed both inside and outside of the Sony Pictures Animation family brand intended for traditional, as well as online, distribution platforms.

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THEATRICAL FEATURES

  • SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE—a fully-animated comedy that delivers a fresh new take on the famous blue creatures and marks a return to the tone and style of the beloved comic book creations of Peyo—hits theaters April 7, 2017. The feature is directed by Kelly Asbury (SHREK 2GNOMEO & JULIET), produced by Jordan Kerner (THE SMURFS 1 & 2CHARLOTTE’S WEB), co-produced by Mary Ellen Bauder Andrews (HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA) and written by Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon, based on the characters and works of Peyo. The voice cast includes Demi Lovato as Smurfette, Jack McBrayer as Clumsy, Joe Manganiello as Hefty, Danny Pudi as Brainy, and Rainn Wilson as Gargamel, with Mandy Patinkin as Papa.

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  • EMOJIMOVIE: EXPRESS YOURSELF will offer a surprising and comic take on the secret world of our phones and the beloved characters that have become daily necessities in global interpersonal communication. The feature, targeting an August 2017 theatrical release, is directed by Anthony Leondis, produced by Michelle Raimo Kouyate, and written by Anthony Leondis & Eric Siegel.
  • THE STAR (working title) is scheduled for a December 8, 2017 theatrical release. The computer-animated feature is directed by Oscar nominee Timothy Reckart (HEAD OVER HEELS); executive produced by DeVon Franklin, Lisa Henson, and Brian Henson; co-produced by Jenni Magee Cook; and written by Carlos Kotkin and Simon Moore. In The Star, a small but brave donkey and his animal friends become the unsung heroes of the greatest story ever told, the first Christmas. Sony Pictures Animation produces in association with The Jim Henson Company.
  • HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3—the follow-up to Sony Pictures Animation’s highest grossing film in the U.S. and the biggest opening ever for a domestic September release —is scheduled to hit theaters September 21, 2018. Director Genndy Tartakovsky (DEXTER’S LABORATORYSTAR WARS: CLONE WARS), who returns to helm this brand new adventure, says, “I thought I was done exploring the world of HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA after the first two films, but while I was away from the franchise finishing my TV show SAMURAI JACK, an idea sparked that I got really excited about and made it irresistible to return and helm myself this third adventure.” Michelle Murdocca is back producing, with Adam Sandler executive producing, and Michael McCullers (AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED MEBOSS BABY) writing the screenplay. Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez and Andy Samberg will be returning as the voices of Dracula, his vampire daughter Mavis, and her human husband Johnny.
  • From Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, the geniuses behind THE LEGO MOVIE, comes an animated SPIDER-MAN feature slated for theatrical release December 21, 2018. The film is being written by Phil Lord. Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord & Christopher Miller are producing; Craig Sost is co-producing. Bob Persichetti (head of story on PUSS IN BOOTS and THE LITTLE PRINCE) is directing.

ANIMATED SERIES

  • A brand new animated television series, GHOSTBUSTERS: ECTO FORCE, will further expand the Ghostbusters cinematic universe and focus on a new generation of Ghostbusters in the year 2050 who capture ghosts around the world with help from local teams—and some very cool gear! The younger-skewing Sony Pictures Animation project is being creatively spearheaded by Ivan Reitman and his production company Ghost Corps. GHOSTBUSTERS: ECTO FORCEis eyeing an early 2018 debut.
  • HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: THE TELEVISION SERIES is targeted for a 2017 airdate. The animated television series, produced in partnership with Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, will focus on the teenage years of Mavis, Dracula’s daughter, and her friends. It will be airing on the Disney Channel worldwide.
  • CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS is slated for its television series incarnation airdate in 2017. The 2D animated small-screen series, produced in partnership with DHX Media and commissioned by TELETOON in Canada, will expand on the adventures of the computer-animated feature films and will air on Cartoon Network in the U.S. and Turner channels across EMEA, APAC and Latin American markets.

DIRECT-TO-VIDEO

  • SURF’S UP 2: WAVEMANIA will debut on home entertainment in the Spring of 2017. Directed by Henry Yu and produced by Michelle Wong, the follow-up to the 2007 Oscar nominee will hit the shores in time for the 10-year anniversary of the franchise. The project is in partnership with WWE Studios (NYSE:WWE) and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The voice cast includes WWE Superstars John Cena®, The Undertaker®, Triple H®, Diva Paige™ and Mr. McMahon®as an an infamous big wave riding crew of penguins known as The Hang 5 which Cody Maverick convinces to let him join on their journey to a mysterious surf spot where legend has it they’ll find the biggest waves in the world.

Senior Vice Presidents of Development Michael Lachance (EMOJIMOVIE: EXPRESS YOURSELFGHOSTBUSTERS: ECTO FORCE), Jenny Marchick (THE STAR,HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3) and Mike Moon (untitled animated SPIDER-MAN) are in charge of creatively spearheading the Sony Pictures Animation slate.

Hero Initiative in Louisville For Derby Comic Con With Special Guest Matthew Clark!

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Hero Initiative, the charity that helps comic book creators in medical and financial need, is heading to the Derby City Comic Con in Louisville KY, June 25-26 at the Louisville Convention Center.Artist Matthew Clark, currently working on DC Comics’ Wonder Woman will be signing and sketching all weekend at our booth, #90 on the con floor. Make SURE you stop on by and say “hi” and grab a sketch or signature! Hero Initiative Ambassadors at Derby City include Colleen Doran, Bob Layton, Jae Lee,and Ulises Farinas. Each will have donation jars on their own tables to help raise money for our cause. Do the right thing and help out!

About The Hero Initiative

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero Initiative creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $950,000 to the comics’ veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.

I’ve supported The Hero Initiative for almost a decade. They’re good people and it’s a good cause. 

Marvel Unveils Out of This World Merchandising Program for Guardians of the Galaxy Franchise 

Highly Anticipated Movie Sequel and Return of Hit Disney XD Animated Series Help Fuel Huge Demand for Guardians of the Galaxy Products

Breakout Character Groot to Lead Expanded Product Lineup with Year-Round Franchise Support (English translation: We’re getting LOTS of Groot toys! YAAAAY!!!!!)

Building off the breakout hit success of the first film in 2014, Marvel is unveiling a super-charged licensing program in support of its red hot Guardians of the Galaxy ahead of the 2017 sequel. The freshly expanded merchandising program will offer year-round support to the franchise for fans of all ages with an expanded focus on younger consumers — who have helped fuel the popularity of the Disney XD animated series — with a rollout including new toys, games, books, apparel, accessories, and more.

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With anticipation for the new film already reaching a feverish pace, a slate of Marvel Publishing titles including Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 1, Rocket Raccoon Volume 1: A Chasing Tale, and Groot Volume 1, and the success of the Disney XD show sparking a second season renewal with new episodes set to debut this fall, Guardians of the Galaxy is being primed by Marvel to become a true evergreen tentpole franchise. To help spark ongoing demand for all things Guardians, Marvel is unleashing an expanded merchandising program. Central to the campaign will be a continued emphasis on the franchise’s ‘roots’ –breakout character Groot -the lovable tree-like extraterrestrial that fans have not been able to get enough of since his appearance in the first film. Funko’s Dancing Groot Pop! Vinyl Bobblehead remains Funko’s best-selling Pop! of all-time and helped to raise awareness of the franchise with pop culture fans.

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“As affinity and awareness for the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and its characters continues to grow by leaps and bounds, we are building out a much larger merchandising program to meet the increasing demand from fans,” said Paul Gitter, senior vice president, licensing, Marvel at Disney Consumer Products. “The new consumer products lineup will be sure to excite fans with new surprises inspired by everyone’s favorite group of intergalactic misfits.”

Marvel’s Guardians of the galaxy program will be multi-tiered. A major emphasis will be placed on children ages 6-11. Leading toy partner Hasbro is on board with a range of action figures and role play products based on the new film, while LEGO adds to its lineup with new construction sets. Marvel will also eye collectible and apparel/accessory partners to round out the program with music playing an important role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and integrated into merchandise where applicable. Disney Publishing has also signed up notable, bestselling authors who are bringing their unique perspectives to the Marvel universe through a program that includes middle-grade and young adult titles, as well as a cinematic program from LB Kids.lego-guardians003

The first Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy film exceeded all expectations, becoming a blockbuster success as the #3 movie of 2014 both domestically and internationally, and the biggest August opening of all time with a total international box office of $773 million. Outside the theater, the franchise was also a hit on the Billboard charts – the motion picture soundtrack held the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 charts for two weeks.

More Than 75% of Universal Studios Hollywood is New!

As the #1 tourist destination in Los Angeles and one of the most progressive theme parks anywhere, Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates its ambitious epic revitalization with the introduction of a streamlined new logo, epitomizing the arrival of a newly transformed world-class entertainment destination.

Five years ago, Universal Studios Hollywood initiated an unprecedented undertaking to reimagine its theme park with highly detailed immersive rides and attractions, and embarked on building an infrastructure designed to support this monumental transformation—the most significant in the park’s storied history.

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Representing the theme park’s single largest investment ever made, this sweeping makeover has had an astounding effect on the destination in which 75 percent of The Entertainment Capital of L.A. has been completely reimagined.

And while the arrival of the theme park’s much-anticipated, highly acclaimed opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter marked the culmination of this elaborate period of development, the progression of Universal Studios Hollywood continues with major investments in sophisticated new rides and attractions.

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“This is a very exciting time for Universal Studios Hollywood, and as an economic leader we are excited about the impact our revitalized theme park will continue to have on L.A.’s thriving tourism,” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood. “The dramatic changes that have taken place over the past five years have substantially altered the look, feel and experience of our park to redefine us as an entirely new destination and we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the globe to a new Universal Studios Hollywood.”

“As an iconic symbol of our theme park, the introduction of a refined logo further represents our approach to our ever-evolving destination,” continued Mr. Kurzweil.

With support from parent company, Comcast, Universal Studios Hollywood successfully transformed the decades’ old park into a new theme park, launching a slate of next generation rides and expansive lands designed to further immerse guests into the worlds of favorite movies and television shows. Transformers: The Ride—3Darrived in 2012, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Super Silly Fun Land opened in 2014, Springfield, located adjacent to the popular The Simpsons Ride and Fast & Furious—Supercharged roared to life in 2015, culminating with the much-anticipated arrival of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2016.

Universal Studios Hollywood is always at the forefront of what’s considered topical and will unlock its Don’t Open, Dead Inside doors on July 4, 2016 for its all-new permanent attraction based on AMC’s “The Walking Dead” the most watched show in cable television history.

The Walking Dead attraction will be a real-life interpretation of AMC’s award-winning television series. To elevate its authenticity, Universal Studios Hollywood is partnering with “The Walking Dead’s” creative team, including visionary executive producer and director, Greg Nicotero and his special effects company, KNB Efx. Nicotero’s team, responsible for masterfully creating the show’s realistic decaying walkers, will construct prosthetics, utilize original molds and painstakingly apply paint and detailing to the attraction walkers.

Under the scope of its recent transformation, Universal Studios Hollywood also added visually cohesive architectural theming throughout the theme park that paired the lavish designs of old Hollywood Art Deco glamor with modern sensibilities. From the 2013 installation of the 37,000 square foot Universal Plaza outdoor piazza to the stylish entry portal for the world-renowned, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, and everywhere along the way to create, Art Deco flourishes for a consistent aesthetics appeal.

Photo by Jon Nadelberg
Photo by Jon Nadelberg

The theme park’s signature Studio Tour also played a significant role in the step-by-step reinvention of Universal Studios Hollywood. The signature attraction that has offered millions of guests unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the world’s most alluring business—Hollywood movie-making—rolled out a fleet of a new, contemporary trams further providing guests with the best seat in the house as they peek behind the velvet curtain.

In tandem with the Studio Tour’s enhancement, Universal put the pedal to the metal with the 2015 debut of Fast & Furious—Supercharged, which raced onto the scene in the groundbreaking new 3D-HD thrill ride featuring the film series original cast members.

Since its inception over 50 years ago, Universal Studios has lifted the veil on Hollywood’s most illustrious industry, placing guests at the heart of favorite movies and television shows. It continues to be at the top of its game, taking innovation, imagination and inspiration to meteoric levels working in collaboration with some of the most influential filmmakers in the business and the greatest minds in entertainment—Steven Spielberg, Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, Peter Jackson, Michael Bay, Chris Meledandri, Greg Nicotero and JK Rowling—to create intriguing rides and attractions.

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Ingenuity transcends to the destination’s adjacent lifestyle center, Universal CityWalk, which in its 20th year is undergoing a similar revitalization on the heels of the theme park’s update.

THE LA FILM FESTIVAL, DANNY ELFMAN AND INDI.COM ANNOUNCE A UNIQUE ONLINE CHALLENGE FOR FILMMAKERS

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DANNY ELFMAN PROJECT: RABBIT AND ROGUE

The LA Film Festival, produced by Film Independent announced Danny Elfman Project: Rabbit and Rogue, a unique online challenge for filmmakers in partnership with Danny Elfman and Indi.com.

Elfman is offering free licenses of his latest album, Rabbit and Rogue that can be used by filmmakers as the catalyst and soundtracks to their short films. The films can be live action, animated, narrative, documentary, music video, abstract or experimental. This unique marriage of music and movies will culminate in a competition of short films submitted for selection and screening at next year’s LA Film Festival. Filmmakers are encouraged to pick their favorite composition from Rabbit and Rogue and use it as inspiration and soundtrack for their own unique short films.

“I have composed the soundtrack to your short film,” said Grammy-winning, four-time Oscar® nominated composer Danny Elfman. “Now go make it! I can’t wait to see what the filmmakers come up with.”

“Danny is a giant among composers and recognizing the high cost of acquiring a top-notch score for independent filmmakers, he’s generously offered it up for NO COST!” said Stephanie Allain, Festival Director. “We are excited to partner with him to bring these films to the 2017 LA Film Festival.”

INDI Executive, Nicole Greenwood, had this to say about the initiative, “ I am thrilled that INDI will help showcase the talents of filmmakers from around the world using such brilliant scores. This really is a chance of a lifetime. What a beautiful gift from Danny Elfman – using his creations to inspire others to create.  Like attracts like, and we at INDI can’t wait to see the discoveries that come from this!”

Over the next nine months, filmmakers can create their own short films and submit them to indi.com/laffdannyelfmanproject. Finalists will be selected as Audience Favorites and those favored by a team of elite industry judges. The leading contenders will then be judged by a Blue Ribbon panel of top industry producers, directors, composers, music supervisors, executives and renowned filmmakers.

The winning selections (one for each of Elfman’s six musical compositions) will be awarded a World Premiere at a special screening at the prestigious 2017 LA Film Festival.

Submissions are open at indi.com/laffdannyelfmanproject

Submissions deadline: March 1, 2017

OH, What about E3?

Right! E3! It was great, and I still have things to talk about in length, depth and breadth, and a lot of them aren’t ready yet. Lots of speculation. But I know that all but one of you love speculation. so you one person, skip ahead.

Here's me and Noe, doing cool poses for a fighting game. He does a fighting game blog and podcast along with his Noe Knows column here.
Here’s me and Noe, doing cool poses for a fighting game. He does a fighting game blog and podcast along with his Noe Knows column here. He says my fighting face is the worst. He is right.
Best booth, hands down. The CAPCOM one was pretty close, but this one had a jazz band funeral procession, live band, fortunetellers and more. It promoted Mafia3.
Best booth, hands down. The CAPCOM one was pretty close, but this one had a jazz band funeral procession, live band, fortunetellers and more. It promoted MafiaIII.

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As a rule, people don’t usually cosplay at E3, because it’s an industry and not a fan event, but he and another person at their booth were doing Kylo and Rey and people seemed to like it. Sweet kid, plays guitar and sings in an indie band. SURPRISE!!! 911A5A2E-0508-4E85-8005-71D395F07697-633-000000FCDF1CA8D3 (Edited)

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Trash monster. In the game!
Trash monster. In the game!
A water bottle from the most beautiful game on the floor, tucked away in a corner.
A water bottle from the most beautiful game on the floor, tucked away in a corner.

We were really impressed by how well they were able to stick to the Warhammer ideology and universe.We were really impressed by how well they were able to stick to the Warhammer ideology and universe.

The studio did a couple of other really gorgeous games, too.
The studio did a couple of other really gorgeous games, too.

 

I was able to mash enough buttons to restore one part of the bridge!
I was able to mash enough buttons to restore one part of the bridge!
The characters are starting to look more Animal Parade-ish, the tools go up to level five, and there are new marriage candidates. There's still a ways to go, but I like the direction it's going. Yeah, I miss the old Harvest God, but life goes on.
The characters are starting to look more Animal Parade-ish, the tools go up to level five, and there are new marriage candidates. There’s still a ways to go, but I like the direction it’s going. Yeah, I miss the old Harvest God, but life goes on.
I didn't realize how TINY the LEGO Dimensions figures were! I thought they were Inifinity/Amiibo sized.
I didn’t realize how TINY the LEGO Dimensions figures were! I thought they were Inifinity/Amiibo sized.
I think it was a mistake to go with Abby instead of Holtzmann.
I think it was a mistake to go with Abby instead of Holtzmann.
Why, yes, that IS The A-Team.
Why, yes, that IS The A-Team.
Warren Spector did not have time to go to Disneyland this trip. Was wearing Disney socks. Has written a DuckTales game (well, really, who among us hasn't, right?) and should, in my opinion, buy the rights to Epic Mickey and publish it in an outside company now that Disney Interactive has gone, for all intents and purposes, to Yesterland. But that's just me talking.
Warren Spector did not have time to go to Disneyland this trip. Was wearing Disney socks. Has written a DuckTales game (well, really, who among us hasn’t, right?) and should, in my opinion, buy the rights to Epic Mickey and publish it in an outside company now that Disney Interactive has gone, for all intents and purposes, to Yesterland. But that’s just me talking.

 

Disney Interactive pulled out on short notice, and they couldn't find a replacement, so they put an art gallery in the super-prime spot where Disney usually has their booth. It was really lovely!
Disney Interactive pulled out on short notice, and they couldn’t find a replacement, so they put an art gallery in the super-prime spot where Disney usually has their booth. It was really lovely!
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Took a selfie with a NYKO Booth Babe. Noe and I went back later and got foam shields for the nephews. Busy, fun booth.
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Huge billboard overlooking the pedestrian plaza at L.A. Live
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#heybaby
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Part of SONY Playstation’s sweet setup out front. They had a store, bar and sports games set up. You did NOT have to be an E3 attendee to participate! I hope someone read my tweets and came down.
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This was just before opening, but it was never terribly crowded. Take note for next year.
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Oh, Cuphead, won’t you come out. HURRY UP AND COME OUT! But also be flawlessly perfect.
3405A603-0C49-4727-BC76-4A753DA124C3-1745-000003B3BCAD51F4 (Edited)
He likes having his cheeks rubbed. He plays with the barrel. I want one. He really loved Noe.
16BF959A-35D7-4C3E-B9EE-99EFEF45033A-1745-000003B2A1C68B2C (Edited)
He HATES that thing. Makes his eyes burn purple and he backs away and whimpers.

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My post-E3 question to you: Who do you think is going to come out with the first Disney post-Infinity figures first, LEGO Dimensions or Nintendo Amiibo? Dimensions already has Star Wars, but since it’s a WB game, says the man who brought the first LEGO game into being, with whom I first had this conversation last week, they might have a problem with Marvel, since they own DC.

“I think Warner Brothers knows what color green is.” I replied.

He laughed. “Yeah. I see them having the Marvel characters then.” So, yeah, they’ll all be in Dimensions.

But I think they’ll be Amiibos first.

What do you think, and why?

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Shelly Valladolid
Shelly Valladolid, aka Fab, has been writing about Disney and theme parks for about two decades. She has written for various fan and pop culture sites, Disney Magazine and OCRegister.com and participated in several books, including Passporter's Disneyland and Southern California and Disney World Dreams. She was co-founder and president of the Orlando, Florida chapter of the NFFC (now Disneyana Fan Club). She taught a class on theme park history at a Southern California University. She is creator and co-owner of Jim Hill Media, one of the creators of MousePlanet and was a consultant on MSNBC, The Motley Fool and others about Disney and various media matters. She was a Heel wrestling manager on TV and a voice artist on the radio in Honolulu, HI, where she grew up. She has a blog and a podcast with her daughter, Mission:Breakout Obsessive Alice Hill. She and her husband, MiceChat columnist Noe Valladolid, live in Southern California with Alice.