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The Forum Is Back…

Saturday, July 24th, 2010

We had some server load problems over night but we’re back in action.

 That said, to decrease the amount of spam trying to get in, more agressive tactics have been put into place. If you’re an existing member (with a valid account) and find you’re unable to access the board, please email us and let us know. This shouldn’t affect anyone, but just in case it does, now you’ll know what to do to fix it.

FEARnet.com Presents a first look at Eric Stanze’s RATLINE!‏

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Get your first look at RATLINE on JULY 12th!

Exclusively on FEARnet.com

Wicked Pixel Cinema will be unveiling your first look at their upcoming feature film RATLINE at FEARnet.com on July 12th, 2010.

FEARnet.com will present an entire scene from the movie.

RATLINE is director Eric Stanze’s follow-up to his critically-acclaimed and award-winning horror film DEADWOOD PARK (winner, Best Feature and Best Cinematography at the Freak Show Film Fest, 2007, and named Best Independent Film Of The Year by DeadPit.com). Stanze is also the director of SCRAPBOOK (named Best Independent Film Of The Year by Rue Morgue Magazine, 2001).

RATLINE stars Emily Haack (SCRAPBOOK), Jason Christ (DEADWOOD PARK), Sarah Swofford (SUGAR CREEK), DJ Vivona (ICE FROM THE SUN), pin-up and Playboy video model Alex Del Monacco, and alt-model / former Suicide Girl, Amanda “Apnea” Pemberton.

RATLINE is currently in post-production.

RATLINE contains classic good guys and bad guys, but the movie gives equal attention to characters who exist in the gray area between the two extremes. As the movie unfolds, malevolence meshes with integrity, past and present collide, mortality and immortality intertwine, and the lines between family and foe begin to blur.

Shout! Factory Brings Roger Corman to Comic Con 2010

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

Shout! Factory returns to Comic-Con International San Diego 2010 with a stellar lineup featuring upcoming and current home entertainment juggernauts that will be showcased in a special panel discussion, media appearances, special signings, interactive fan activities and Comic-Con exclusives at the Shout! Factory booth (#3749, main show floor) throughout the convention. Fan favorite filmmakers, creators and select stars from Shout! Factory’s branded properties scheduled to attend include: Roger Corman, Julie Corman, Joe Dante (Piranha, Trailers from Hell, Gremlins), Allan Holzman (Galaxy of Terror, Forbidden World), Sid Haig (Galaxy of Terror, The Devil’s Rejects), Mary Woronov (Death Race 2000, Rock’n’Roll High School), Stephen Collins (Tales of the Gold Monkey, Star Trek: The Motion Picture), Gregg Berger (voice of “Spirit” in the G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero and “Grimlock” in THE TRANSFORMERS original animated series), Larry Blamire (The Lost Skeleton Returns Again), among other notables.

Action, sci-fi and horror fantasy in full-throttle! If your idea of fun is watching outrageous cult films, loyal fans of Roger Corman and Comic-Con will not want to miss the highly anticipated Comic-Con panel Shout! Factory Presents Roger Corman: B-Movie King on Friday, July 23 at 5:30 PM (Room 25ABC). Recipient of an honorary Academy Award® for his contribution to the cinematic arts and film industry, world renowned filmmaker/producer Roger Corman headlines this panel – joined by award-winning veteran producer Julie Corman, filmmakers Joe Dante and Allan Holzman, and actors Sig Haig and Mary Woronov – to share insights on Corman’s incredible filmmaking career. Notable Corman alumni in attendance to reflect on their involvement throughout during his New World Pictures-era during the 70’s and 80s, at a time when grindhouse theaters and drive-ins were the place to see over-the-top action, violence and suspense thrillers. Attendees will have the opportunity to sneak peek at upcoming lineup from Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment series and to participate in the Q&A with panelists during this session. The panel is moderated by documentary filmmaker Alex Stapleton, director of the upcoming film King of the B’s: The Independent Life of Roger Corman.

Shout! Factory will once again have a must-see and can’t-miss booth, stylized with a dramatic backdrop, on the main convention floor. Poised to whet the appetites of Comic-Con attendees and pop culture enthusiasts of all ages, the Shout! Factory booth will showcase the latest offerings from fan-driven product lines, along with a host of exclusive VIP guest appearances, signing events, fan interactive activities, giveaways and more!
SHOUT! FACTORY BOOTH (#3749) HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

BE M-m-m-MAX HEADROOM ! SHOUT! FACTORY MAX PHOTO BOOTH

Join the fun and come celebrate the upcoming home entertainment debut of Max Headroom: The Complete Series. A limited number of attendees will get their very own Max Headroom sunglasses to become Max Headroom and savor the moment with a photograph of their own! Photo booth open: Preview night and Thursday through Sunday. 
SPECIAL SIGNINGS & VIP GUEST APPEARANCES

Thursday, July 22

THE LOST SKELETON RETURNS and DARK AND STORMY NIGHT (2:00 PM)

Cult filmmaker Larry Blamire of Dark and Stormy Night and The Lost Skeleton Returns Again, will be signing along with members of the cast Andrew Parks, Susan McConnell and Trish Geiger.
Friday, July 23

ROGER CORMAN’S CULT CLASSICS  (11:00 AM)

Meet legendary filmmakers Roger Corman, Julie Corman and Joe Dante (Piranha [1979], Gremlins, Trailers from Hell) for signings of the latest releases from Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment series: Piranha, Death Race 2000, DeathSport/ BattleTruck, Forbidden World, Galaxy of Terror, Humanoids from the Deep and Rock’n’Roll High School.
STEPHEN COLLINS and TALES OF THE GOLD MONKEY (3:00 PM)

Special appearance and signing event with acclaimed actor Stephen Collins to celebrate the 80s action adventure TV favorite Tales of the Gold Monkey: The Complete Series home entertainment release.
Saturday, July 24

G.I. JOE – THE MOVIE (3:00 PM)

Special appearance and signing event with Gregg Berger, the voiceover star of “Spirit” in G.I. JOE, “Grimlock” in THE TRANSFORMERS animated series and numerous fan favorite video games. A must for fans of G.I. JOE and THE TRANSFORMERS.
PRODUCT LINE HIGHLIGHTS FROM SHOUT! FACTORY’S COMIC-CON SHOWCASE

ROGER CORMAN’S CULT CLASSICS Home Entertainment Series

The saga of independent filmmaker/producer Roger Corman ranks as one of the most amazing motion picture success stories. Having produced more than 350 films and directed 50 others, his influence on American film goes far beyond his own energetic, creative low-budget movies. He is arguably one of Hollywood’s most gifted and masterful filmmakers. Early this year, Shout! Factory has secured the exclusive North American home entertainment rights to over 50 highly sought-after Roger Corman film properties. Since May 2010, Shout! Factory continues to present Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment releases on a monthly basis. This summer, fans will see the long-awaited releases of Death Race 2000 Blu-ray and DVD (June 22), Forbidden World 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD (July 20), Galaxy of Terror Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD (July 20), DeathSport/ BattleTruck Double-Feature Collector’s Edition DVD (August 3), Humanoids from the Deep Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD, and the must-have Piranha Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD (Aug 3). 
Piranha Special Edition offers 2 highly collectible covers: the Blu-ray and DVD both feature the iconic vintage cover art from the film’s original 1978 movie poster and the spectacular art from the original international poster for the reverse cover; and the Special Edition DVD is further sparkled with a visually stunning 3-D lenticular exterior packaging.
These special edition releases from Roger Corman’s Cult Classics are sure to cause a feeding frenzy among thrill seekers and loyal fans. Comic-Con attendees will have the opportunity to own a piece of the action and sneak peek at upcoming releases.
MAX HEADROOM: THE COMPLETE SERIES

For a long time, fans have been anticipating the home entertainment debut of the show critics called the first cyperpunk series. On August 10, 2010, Shout! Factory will unleash Max Headroom: The Complete Series in a collectible 5-DVD box set featuring all 14 episodes and exclusive bonus features that reveal the genesis, life and afterlife of the series with all-new interviews featuring the cast and creative team!  A must-have for collectors and loyal fans, this deluxe DVD box set is further enhanced by a visually stunning limited-edition 3-D lenticular exterior packaging.
G.I. JOE– THE MOVIE SPECIAL COLLECTORS EDITION

The original animated G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero – THE MOVIE that has been long out of print will finally debut July 27, 2010 for the first time in a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack and separate DVD as a Special Collectors Edition from Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro, Inc. Featuring the voice talent of Don Johnson, Burgess Meredith, SGT. SLAUGHTER and fan favorites Bill Ratner, Michael Bell and Chris Latta, G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero – THE MOVIE Special Collectors Edition contains exciting bonus content including fan-favorite PSAs, printable screenplay with the original movie ending, and audio commentary. The Blu-ray + DVD combo pack edition also offers viewers an exclusive option of viewing the animated movie presentation in widescreen.  G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero – THE MOVIE Special Collectors Edition is the final installment to complete last year’s G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero – The Complete Series DVD box set.  this special collectors edition fills the final placeholder inside the g.i. joe: a real american hero – the complete series deluxe footlocker case !
MARVEL THE SUPER HERO SQUAD SHOW: QUEST FOR THE INFINITY SWORD!

When the greatest heroes on the planet unite to face the world’s most dastardly villains, you get the biggest, most family-friendly Super Hero alliance in TV History… The Super Hero Squad!  On July 13, 2010, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Marvel Animation, will release The Super Hero Squad Show: Quest For The Infinity Sword!  Volume 1 DVD, featuring the first seven episodes from the first season of this popular action-packed animated series and special bonus features including a new interview with Stan Lee, music video and trailers.  HERO UP!
MARVEL KNIGHTS ANIMATION SERIES DVD PRODUCT LINE

Earlier this year, Shout! Factory and Marvel Animation have expanded their strategic content partnership to bring Marvel’s innovative and media-rich Marvel Knights Animation series to the U.S. home entertainment marketplace.
 

Direct from the pages of the critically acclaimed comic books, Marvel Knights Animation remains true to the legendary Marvel experience of sophisticated storytelling and dynamic artwork. Behind every image and every word lies the genius of Marvel’s celebrated creators like Joss Whedon, Brian Michael Bendis, John Romita, Jr., Warren Ellis, John Cassaday and Adi Granov. Boasting groundbreaking graphics, sensational soundscapes and, of course, the explosiveness of the Marvel Universe, Marvel Knights Animation merges iconic Marvel comic book graphics and dynamic animation, utilizing some of the latest technology to provide incredible, cutting-edge, in-your-face storytelling. A wonderful hybrid that incorporates all of Marvel’s greatest talents, viewers can experience their favorite comics, as the spectacular visions of these authors and artists come alive in Marvel Knights Animation. Comic-Con fans will have the opportunity to sneak peek and learn more about the upcoming DVD release of Marvel Knights: Astonishing X-Men – Gifted (Sept 28) and Marvel Knights: Invincible Iron Man – Extremis (November 2010).
 

GAMERA HOME ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCT LINE

Heart-pounding action and jaw-dropping fun! Shout! Factory, in association with Kadokawa Pictures, continues to present Gamera Special Edition home entertainment releases in North America. Hot off the heel from the excitement of fan favorite Gamera, The Giant Monster – Special Edition DVD, Shout! Factory will unleash the second film in the original series, Gamera Vs. Barugon – Special Edition on July 6, 2010.  The DVD contains a collectible reversible cover, a special booklet featuring an essay by actor Kojiro Hongo, audio commentary with August Ragone and Jason Varney, publicity galleries and widescreen presentation of the original movie from an all-new HD master and more!  Comic-Con attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about upcoming Gamera product line highlights include Gamera Vs. Gyaos, Gamera Vs. Viras, Gamera Vs. Guiron, Gamera Vs. Jiger, among others.
 

LOST SKELETON RETURNS AGAIN and DARK AND STORMY NIGHT

A double-dose of hilarious B-Movie lampoons

In the grand tradition of Mel Brooks and Preston Sturges, Larry Blamire brings his zany ensemble of actors back in two hysterically funny and instant cult-classics, when the highly-anticipated sequel The Lost Skeleton Returns Again and Blamire’s latest send-up Dark and Stormy Night hit the home entertainment shelves August 17 from Shout! Factory. Poised to deliver the cinematic chuckle-fests that loyal fans have been waiting for, both collectible DVDs boast cast and crew commentary, a behind-the-scenes featurette and more.
 

TALES OF THE GOLD MONKEY: THE COMPLETE SERIES

Get ready to take a thrill-ride to a backwater corner of the South Pacific as Tales of the Gold Monkey The Complete Series is now on DVD from Fabulous Films. Fans can relive the adventures of this much loved television show in a 6-DVD collectible box set featuring all 20 action-packed episodes, original pilot episode, a treasure trove of DVD bonus content, a special collector’s booklet and more! 
 

Created by Don Bellisario and starring Stephen Collins (Private Practice, 7th Heaven), Caitlin O’Heaney (The Charmings), Roddy McDowall (Planet of the Apes), Jeff Mackay (JAG), Tales of the Gold Monkey aired on ABC in early 80’s and became a popular hit following the success of the Indiana Jones films. 
SPECIAL COMIC-CON EXCLUSIVES

Get ready for this year’s collectible exclusives from Shout! Factory. Details will be announced at this year’s Comic-Con and on ShoutFactory.com. 
As excitement builds for this year’s Comic-Con, Shout! Factory will announce additional activities and events for Comic-Con fans in forthcoming weeks. Follow us on Twitter @ShoutFactory   http://twitter.com/ShoutFactory  and Facebook.

Cult Brand Tartan Brings In New Leadership To Revive Brand

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

CULT BRAND TARTAN BRINGS IN NEW LEADERSHIP TO REVIVE BRAND

LOS ANGELES — For immediate release ­ Vin Roberti, Chairman of Palisades Media Corp., announced today that veteran industry executive, Soumya Sriraman, has been named President and CEO of Palisades Tartan US and UK.

“Soumya’s executive background with the studios and entrepreneurial spirit coupled with her fresh perspective and keen insights make her an ideal fit for our growing company,” stated Roberti. “We are looking forward to her immediate contributions.”

Sriraman added, “Vin’s track record of success with Palisades is reflected in the amazing catalog and team he has built.  I am a huge fan of the Tartan catalog and plan to aggressively rebuild the brand and introduce US audiences to a new collection of cutting-edge and remarkable films.”

Palisades Tartan has emerged as one of the premier distributors of independent and arthouse cinema in the US and UK and has been on the forefront of consumer trends.  Straddling both continents, their film line-up boasts an impressive repertoire in the UK including the Ingmar Bergman library, Takashi Miike’s AUDITION, horror phenom THE RING and INFERNAL AFFAIRS, which was successfully remade in the US and titled THE DEPARTED. Apart from many favorites such as Michael Winterbottom’s 9 Songs and Carlos Reygadas’s Silent Light, the US library is anchored by Park Chan-wook’s Cannes jury prize winner, OLDBOY, the film that famously introduced the Western World to the Asia Extreme brand.

Roberti and Sriraman added that they planned to aggressively build the Palisades Tartan brand in the US and UK territories with new strategic acquisitions and mergers over the coming year.  Sriraman remarked that despite shrinking shelf space, newer delivery mechanisms including digital represented a significant opportunity offering consumers many viewing modes to whet their appetite for independent films.

Sriraman entered into an undisclosed multi-year contract with the company and will be relocating to New York from Los Angeles.  She will immediately begin representing the company at the major film markets worldwide and aggressively source new partnerships.

Most recently, Sriraman was Senior Vice President at Universal Music and Video Distribution¹s filmed entertainment arm, Vivendi.  As one of the early members on the Vivendi core executive team, she helmed the growth of the company¹s home entertainment, theatrical and TV divisions, contributing to their successes.  Prior to Vivendi, she was at Warner Home Video where she spearheaded core initiatives in the TV franchise division like Friends Finale, the rebranding efforts on ER etc.  Earlier, at Universal Home Entertainment, she was a pioneer in the DVD catalog space, leading the successful re-launches of Scarface and Animal House, the former considered the most successful catalog relaunch in the history of DVD.

Ms. Sriraman has over 12 years of experience in the filmed entertainment space in a vast range of disciplines including category management, brand marketing, sales analysis, theatrical distribution and TV licensing.  An engineer by education, Soumya holds a M.S. in Transportation Engineering from Texas A&M University and a MBA from University of California, Irvine. 

ABOUT PALISADES TARTAN

Tartan Films was originally founded in 1984 in the UK and is credited with bringing Asian Extreme film to the West as well as some of the most compelling art house films of the last quarter century. In May 2008, Palisades Pictures acquired Tartan Films US library assets and two months later, acquired a majority of Tartan Films UK’s 400+ film library assets. The new company Palisades Tartan has operations both nationally and internationally. Palisades Tartan will continue to expand an already distinctive and provocative slate of films by focusing on quality film acquisitions, thus significantly increasing the size of their overall library in both territories. Palisades Pictures and its parent company Palisades Media Corp is a prestigious financier of print & advertising for the independent film market.  Together with its affiliate, Palisades Media Asset Fund, Palisades has securitized and financed more than 550 films. www.PalisadesTartan.com