New York Comic-Con gaming newsflash

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What an exciting time for Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Comics and movie fans. There's also the latest on Marvel Entertainment themed video games, celeb gossip and news and much more. The Media Man agency with the latest...

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New York Comic-Con gaming newsflash...

At the Games Panel at NYCC, Marvel Entertainment announced new characters and content for the mobile brawler Avengers Initiative and the hit Facebook game Marvel: Avengers Alliance.

MARVEL unveils NEW CHARACTERS AND GAMEPLAY FOR HIT MOBILE AND FACEBOOK GAMES

· Ghost Rider’s Spec Op 4 Chapter Coming to Marvel: Avengers Alliance

· Captain America Announced as Next Playable Character for Mobile Brawler Avengers Initiative

· Connected Marvel XP Promotion Awards Players Across Titles

During the Marvel Video Games Panel, Marvel revealed several new characters and gameplay additions for its hit mobile and social games. The announcements include:

Avengers Initiative (Mobile Game): Captain America will be the next playable Super Hero in the hit mobile brawler game Avengers Initiative. Fans will be able to play through the game using the First Avenger’s abilities and alternate costumes. Captain America was announced with a brand new trailer available here: http://bit.ly/Rm6Dqg

Marvel: Avengers Alliance (Social Game): In the spirit of Halloween Marvel also revealed a brand new Spec Ops mission for the hit Facebook game, Marvel: Avengers Alliance, featuring the flame-skulled Ghost Rider. The Spirit of Vengeance is the ultimate reward for players who complete Spec Op 4 by defeating Baron Mordo, Satana and Mephisto. Six brand new Super Heroes were also announced that will be coming out over the coming months, including Cable, Vision, Black Knight, Captain Britain, Union Jack and Psylocke.

Marvel XP: Marvel: Avengers Alliance and Avengers Initiative will be the first Marvel gamesto be interconnected through the MarvelXP platform, where for the first time in Marvel games, players can connect their play experiences across games and platforms. Through the Marvel XP platform, players who beat Hulkbuster Iron Man in Avengers Initiative will unlock the Iron Man Mark V armor for free in Marvel: Avengers Alliance. Players will need to sign-up to Marvel XP for alerts on when this promotion will go live.

For up-to-the-minute news and updates about Avengers Initiative, players can visit the Official Marvel XP Fanpage at http://www.facebook.com/MarvelXP.

Join the millions of social gamers and Marvel fans who have already joined S.H.I.E.L.D by playing Marvel: Avengers Alliance at: http://www.facebook.com/avengersalliance.

The game is one of the top rated games in Facebook’s App Center. Fans can also play Marvel: Avengers Alliance at www.playdom.com.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.


Justice League set for 2015 release...

'Justice League' is to go head-to-head with the 'Avengers Assemble' sequel after the DC Comics movie was given a prospective release date of summer 2015.

The DC Comics movie - which will star superhero characters Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman - is due to start filming next year ahead of its prospective release in three years, which is when Marvel is planning to put out a follow up to this year's 'Avengers Assemble'.

Warner Bros. won the rights to use Superman in the motion picture earlier this week and the studio already has 'Gangster Squad' scribe Will Beall working on a script for 'Justice League', but the film still requires a director and a cast to fill the lead roles.

Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Pictures, has already reportedly tried to persuade Christopher Nolan to produce 'Justice League', but the helmer - who is producing Superman movie 'Man of Steel' next year - wasn't convinced enough to sign up for the role.

While there is yet to be anyone officially cast in the DC Comics movie, Armie Hammer looks to be favourite to land the role of Batman, which comes after the 'The Lone Ranger' star was initially down to play the caped crusader in an earlier edition of the project before it fell apart.

The 'Avengers Assemble' sequel looks set to see a number of stars reprise their superhero roles with Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) and Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) all linked to the project.


Stan Lee Media sues Disney for billions over Marvel rights...

Stan Lee Media, a company that says it controls the rights to Marvel characters including Spider Man and Iron Man, has filed suit in U.S. District Court in Colorado against the Walt Disney Co seeking "billions of dollars of profits."

Stan Lee, no longer associated with the company, created many of Marvel's stable of comic book characters. The company claims Lee assigned it his rights to those characters in 1998 but then agreed a month later to assign the same rights to Marvel Enterprises.

Disney acquired Marvel Enterprises, which had been renamed Marvel Entertainment, in 2009 for $4.3 billion.

"The Walt Disney Company has represented to the public that it, in fact, owns the copyright to these characters as well as hundreds of other characters created by Stan Lee," the suit alleges. "Those representations made to the public by the Walt Disney Company are false."

The lawsuit focuses on successful movies based on Marvel characters that Disney has released since its Marvel acquisition. Those films include "The Avengers," which has grossed more than $1.5 billion in worldwide sales and is second only to "Avatar" and "Titanic," according to movie site Box Office Mojo.

"This lawsuit is without merit," Walt Disney said in a statement. "It arises out of the same core facts and legal claims that have been rejected by three federal district court judges."

Stan Lee Media, which said it was created in 1999 to "sue to recover damages to its assets," has been involved in what it called a "somewhat tortured history" of litigation dating from 2001 over corporate governance issues and the characters rights in cases filed in Colorado, New York and California.

They include suits between the company, its shareholders and Lee.

The latest suit claims that Stan Lee Media owns the rights "to the billions of dollars that Disney has generated, or allowed others to generate". It cites more than $3.5 billion from motion pictures, and what it calculates is more than $2 billion from "other media," merchandising and the Broadway show "Spiderman: Turn off the Dark."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the lawsuit states that “SLMI is entitled to proceed with this copyright infringement lawsuit against Disney, based upon Disney's independently actionable conduct which occurred after April 2009, regardless of the outcome of SLMI's appeal to the 9th Circuit in the 2007 Case."


Joss Whedon: 'The Avengers isn't a perfect movie'...

Joss Whedon has claimed that The Avengers isn't "a great movie".

The film has met with critical acclaim and outstanding commercial success, becoming the third highest-grossing film of all time in just a few months, but Whedon, the superhero blockbuster's writer and director, is determined to keep his feet on the ground.

In an interview with Vulture, the 48-year-old claimed that the box office numbers became, ultimately, "meaningless".

He said: "They're large, and you can't really count that high."

Describing what his goals were with The Avengers, he claimed: "I felt like I had a particular mission in making what I felt was a slightly old-fashioned movie, because I grew up wanting to make summer movies and wanting to make superhero movies, and I got to do both at once.

"I felt like summer movies haven't been what I remember them to be, so I felt like I would love to evoke something that's less hip and ironic and more heartfelt and character-driven, and apparently, other people cared about that in a large way."

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly creator then conceded: "I don't think it's a perfect movie. I don't even think it's a great movie. I think it's a great time, and I'm proud of it, but for me, what was exciting is that people don't go to see a movie that many times unless it's pulling on something from within, unless there's a need there. That's very gratifying."

Whedon will oversee a Marvel-produced SHIELD television show for ABC, before starting work on the Avengers sequel, due for a summer 2015 release.


The Avengers Crosses $1.5 Billion At Worldwide Box Office...

While the re-release of The Avengers at the U.S. box office might have failed to break into the top ten Labor Day weekend movies, it did help The Avengers reach another major milestone. The Avengers has become the third movie in history to cross the $1.5 billion mark at the worldwide box office.

While retaining its number three position on the worldwide box office list, The Avengers took in another estimated $1.7 million over Labor Day weekend, which brought The Avengers U.S. box office total to $619.5 million and The Avengers worldwide box office total to $1.501 billion.

Interestingly enough, The Dark Knight Rises also reached a milestone recently, surpassing $1 billion at the worldwide box office, which means that combined The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises have accounted for $2.5 billion at the worldwide box office this year. If you add in The Amazing Spider-Man, which currently sits at number four on the 2012 worldwide box office list with $734.9 million, then the total rises to $3.2 billion. It’s definitely a good time to be in the superhero movie making business.




New Trailer For Marvel Heroes...

Gazillion Entertainment is proud to show off a new trailer for Marvel Heroes. The new trailer announces 3 new playable heroes in the game – Daredevil, Punisher, and Squirrel Girl. The trailer made its debut at the Marvel Heroes panel at PAX 2012. The panel featured Gazillion President David Brevik (one of the creators of Diablo!), legendary Marvel writer Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man! Avengers vs. X-Men! And) and Marvel’s mighty VP of Games Production TQ Jefferson. If you look closely, you’ll also see a bunch of villains were also revealed in the trailer, including Mr. Fisk the notorious crime lord.

Website:
http://www.youtube.com/marvelheroesonline

About Marvel Heroes...

Marvel Heroes is a FREE-TO-PLAY action-packed massively multiplayer online game created by David Brevik, the visionary behind Diablo and Diablo 2. Set in the iconic Marvel Universe, Marvel Heroes combines the core game-play style of Diablo and MMOs with the expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe. In the game, players can collect and play as their favorite Marvel Superheroes (including Iron Man, Thor, Wolverine, Hulk, Spider Man, Captain America and many others). Team up with friends and try to stop Doctor Doom from devastating the world with the power of the Cosmic Cube in a story crafted by comic-book super-scribe Brian Michael Bendis.



CM Punk writes introduction to Marvel Comics' 'Avengers vs. X-Men'

As evidenced by his historic “pipe bomb” and succeeding WWE Championship reign, CM Punk is a revolutionary and controversial figure in WWE's history. As such, it’s only fitting that mighty Marvel Comics sought out The Second City Saint when it came time to write an introduction for the publisher’s historic and controversial universe-spanning event, “Avengers vs. X-Men.”

The book, which will be released in a special hardcover edition that collects all 12 issues of the record-breaking sales juggernaut series, set the comics world on fire in 2011 and into 2012, as it pit Marvel’s two premiere super hero teams against each other. For comics fans, the thought of seeing X-Men leader Cyclops and his band of usually merry mutants take a very firm stand against the likes of Captain America, Spider-Man and Thor presents a dream matchup akin to seeing, say, CM Punk square off against WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

Axel Alonso, editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, took time out of his insane schedule at the recently concluded New York Comic Con to talk about the upcoming release and reigning WWE Champion's involvement in the project. For his part, Punk, a noted comic book fan, certainly brought his A-game to the intro. “It’s funny, he provides great context, and he understands the heart of what we were doing and I couldn’t be happier,” Alonso said. “If I had to describe my writing style,” The Second City Saint told USA Today in a recent interview, “it's very sarcastic and self-deprecating.” About the series itself, Marvel’s head honcho stated, simply, “Avengers vs. X-Men” (or, as it’s become known online and in comic shops, “AvX”), is "the biggest event Marvel’s done in a decade.”

“It’s a fight that transforms the Marvel Universe,” Alonso explained. “There was a winner and loser, and it was as big an event as you could possibly imagine.”

“AvX” is a unique event for a number of different reasons. As Alonso told WWE.com, “AvX” marks “the first time [Marvel] did a universe-spanning event that was equally important to both the Avengers and the X-Men.”

It was a story so grandiose, in fact, that it took a group of creators to see the vision through to fruition. Written by five of the top writers in the industry — Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron, Matt Fraction, Jonathan Hickman and Ed Brubaker — and with art by comic book luminaries John Romita Jr., Olivier Coipel and Adam Kubert, “AvX” is unlike anything the comics landscape has witnessed in a long time.

“Because we knew we were doing a story that was so big,” Alonso said, “It just felt like it needed to be powered by more than one brain. Our motto was, ‘five fingers make a fist.’ ” Broken down into three distinct acts, each issue of “AvX” was handed off to the writer/artist team best suited for the events of that particular issue. The results speak for themselves, as the series was both a commercial and critical success.

In addition to presenting the entire story in one massive hardcover book for the first time, the upcoming “Avengers vs. X-Men” collection will have an assortment of special features, including behind-the-scenes peeks, AR applications and previously digital-only Infinite Comics supplemental material.

“Topping it all off,” Alonso added, “What is a good collection without a great introduction?”

The editor-in-chief continued, “CM Punk wrote the introduction — it’s fantastic, it’s pitch-perfect, because who understands two teams getting into the ring and going at one another for all the stakes more than CM Punk?”

“I worked really hard to get to where I'm at and it's cool to be afforded opportunities like this,” Punk told USA Today. “To me, it's hard work paying off and I'm having a lot of fun right now.” (Credit: WWE) http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/cm-punk-writes-introduction-to-marvel-comics-avengers-vs-x-men-26059962


Upcoming Marvel movies boosting Marvel slot game popularity...

The Media Man agency reports that as has been the case for the past few years, whenever a new Marvel themed movie is coming up for release the popularity of Marvel Comics online slot games goes up. The Media Man website recommends to check out the PartyCasino review for more about the world class offers where players can play Marvel games for free or for money. PartyCasino is part of Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment which is established for over 10 years and has a b2b agreement with Marvel Entertainment.


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Marvel Entertainment news; Marvel Entertainment VS DC Comics / Warner Bros; 2005 movie previews...

Marvel Entertainment news, Hollywood, Australia, gaming and more...

What an exciting time for Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Comics and movie fans. There's also the latest on Marvel Entertainment themed video games, celeb gossip and news and much more. The Media Man agency with the latest...

Profiles

Movies Hollywood WWE Wrestling Entertainment Marvel Entertainment Marvel Games The Wolverine The Avengers Marvel Games Affiliate Programs Advertising

Marvel movie plots uncovered; Thor: The Dark World and Iron Man 3!...

Disney and Marvel Studios have released the official synopsis for Thor: The Dark World and for Iron Man 3. And without further ado, here are the details on the upcoming comic book-inspired films:

Thor: The Dark World plot: Marvel's Thor: The Dark World continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel's Thor and Marvel's The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Iron Man 3 plot: "Marvel Studios' Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?"

Iron Man 3 arrives on May 3, 2013 followed by Thor: The Dark World hits theaters on or around November 8, 2013.


‘Iron Man 3’ Spoilers: Plot Synopsis Allegedly Released...

In 2008, “Iron Man” kicked off the new Marvel Cinematic Universe and since then has been breaking box office records in the sequel “Iron Man 2” and the crossover “The Avengers” and the franchise will likely keep the pace in the three-quel “Iron Man 3.” Stitch Kingdom posted what they claim to be the full synopsis from Walt Disney Studios, Marvel Studios, Paramount Pictures and DMG Entertainment; both IGN and Slash Film allege that this is an official plot synopsis.

“Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible,” the official plot synopsis reads, reports Stitch Kingdom. “This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?”

The film directed by Shane Black and starring a returning Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man is set to be released on May 3 of next year, being followed by “Thor: The Dark World” in Nov. 2013, as well as a second “Captain America” film, and an “Avengers” sequel in the coming years, among other movies.. Stich Kingdom notes that the seventh film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be available in Digital 3D and RealD.

Along with Downey Jr. reprising his role as the genius, playboy, philanthropist, the cast includes Guy Pearce as Aldrich Killian, Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, Paul Bettany as the voice of Jarvis, Ben Kingsley as the main villain, The Mandarin, Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan, Rebecca Hall as Maya Hansen, and Don Cheadle as James Rhodes /War Machine, among other actors listed on IMDB. Director Black and Drew Pearce are adapting the screenplay from comics written by Stan Lee, Don Heck, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby.

Box Office Mojo reports that the original “Iron Man” film grossed $318.4 million, and “Iron Man 2” took in $312.4 million. Both films’ revenues were dwarfed by May’s epic crossover “The Avengers” which included Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and the Hulk, and earned $623.3 million.


'Justice League' & 'The Avengers 2' coming to the movies in 2015...

Warner Bros. won a major victory this week with its legal battle against Superman cocreator Joel Shuster resulting in the studio announcing plans to move ahead with its 'Justice League' live action movie to be released in the summer of 2015. This is great news for fans and lovers of the league's superheroes. But it also raises the question of a coming superhero battle. It seems, coincidentally (or not), Marvel Studios has already announced a release date of May 1, 2015, for 'The Avengers 2.' And to up the stakes, Marvel also just announced November 6, 2015 as a release date for 'Ant-Man,' So the battle will be on in 2015, Marvel vs. DC as superheroes go up against each other at the box office.

The script for the 'Justice League' movie will be darker than the comic book series and will start production in 2013. A director has not been named and no stars have signed on yet, but news should be coming soon on who has been cast.

Warner Bros. next franchise, after Christopher Nolan's highly successful Batman 'Dark Knight Trilogy', will be the new Superman 'Man of Steel' movie coming out next summer (June 14, 2013). It looks like Warner Bros. will also be releasing superhero spin-off movies in the future that could include characters like Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Cyborg, The Flash and Green Lantern, just to name a few.


New York Comic-Con gaming newsflash...

At the Games Panel at NYCC, Marvel Entertainment announced new characters and content for the mobile brawler Avengers Initiative and the hit Facebook game Marvel: Avengers Alliance.

MARVEL unveils NEW CHARACTERS AND GAMEPLAY FOR HIT MOBILE AND FACEBOOK GAMES

· Ghost Rider’s Spec Op 4 Chapter Coming to Marvel: Avengers Alliance

· Captain America Announced as Next Playable Character for Mobile Brawler Avengers Initiative

· Connected Marvel XP Promotion Awards Players Across Titles

During the Marvel Video Games Panel, Marvel revealed several new characters and gameplay additions for its hit mobile and social games. The announcements include:

Avengers Initiative (Mobile Game): Captain America will be the next playable Super Hero in the hit mobile brawler game Avengers Initiative. Fans will be able to play through the game using the First Avenger’s abilities and alternate costumes. Captain America was announced with a brand new trailer available here: http://bit.ly/Rm6Dqg

Marvel: Avengers Alliance (Social Game): In the spirit of Halloween Marvel also revealed a brand new Spec Ops mission for the hit Facebook game, Marvel: Avengers Alliance, featuring the flame-skulled Ghost Rider. The Spirit of Vengeance is the ultimate reward for players who complete Spec Op 4 by defeating Baron Mordo, Satana and Mephisto. Six brand new Super Heroes were also announced that will be coming out over the coming months, including Cable, Vision, Black Knight, Captain Britain, Union Jack and Psylocke.

Marvel XP: Marvel: Avengers Alliance and Avengers Initiative will be the first Marvel gamesto be interconnected through the MarvelXP platform, where for the first time in Marvel games, players can connect their play experiences across games and platforms. Through the Marvel XP platform, players who beat Hulkbuster Iron Man in Avengers Initiative will unlock the Iron Man Mark V armor for free in Marvel: Avengers Alliance. Players will need to sign-up to Marvel XP for alerts on when this promotion will go live.

For up-to-the-minute news and updates about Avengers Initiative, players can visit the Official Marvel XP Fanpage at http://www.facebook.com/MarvelXP.

Join the millions of social gamers and Marvel fans who have already joined S.H.I.E.L.D by playing Marvel: Avengers Alliance at: http://www.facebook.com/avengersalliance.

The game is one of the top rated games in Facebook’s App Center. Fans can also play Marvel: Avengers Alliance at www.playdom.com.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.


Justice League set for 2015 release...

'Justice League' is to go head-to-head with the 'Avengers Assemble' sequel after the DC Comics movie was given a prospective release date of summer 2015.

The DC Comics movie - which will star superhero characters Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman - is due to start filming next year ahead of its prospective release in three years, which is when Marvel is planning to put out a follow up to this year's 'Avengers Assemble'.

Warner Bros. won the rights to use Superman in the motion picture earlier this week and the studio already has 'Gangster Squad' scribe Will Beall working on a script for 'Justice League', but the film still requires a director and a cast to fill the lead roles.

Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Pictures, has already reportedly tried to persuade Christopher Nolan to produce 'Justice League', but the helmer - who is producing Superman movie 'Man of Steel' next year - wasn't convinced enough to sign up for the role.

While there is yet to be anyone officially cast in the DC Comics movie, Armie Hammer looks to be favourite to land the role of Batman, which comes after the 'The Lone Ranger' star was initially down to play the caped crusader in an earlier edition of the project before it fell apart.

The 'Avengers Assemble' sequel looks set to see a number of stars reprise their superhero roles with Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) and Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) all linked to the project.


Stan Lee Media sues Disney for billions over Marvel rights...

Stan Lee Media, a company that says it controls the rights to Marvel characters including Spider Man and Iron Man, has filed suit in U.S. District Court in Colorado against the Walt Disney Co seeking "billions of dollars of profits."

Stan Lee, no longer associated with the company, created many of Marvel's stable of comic book characters. The company claims Lee assigned it his rights to those characters in 1998 but then agreed a month later to assign the same rights to Marvel Enterprises.

Disney acquired Marvel Enterprises, which had been renamed Marvel Entertainment, in 2009 for $4.3 billion.

"The Walt Disney Company has represented to the public that it, in fact, owns the copyright to these characters as well as hundreds of other characters created by Stan Lee," the suit alleges. "Those representations made to the public by the Walt Disney Company are false."

The lawsuit focuses on successful movies based on Marvel characters that Disney has released since its Marvel acquisition. Those films include "The Avengers," which has grossed more than $1.5 billion in worldwide sales and is second only to "Avatar" and "Titanic," according to movie site Box Office Mojo.

"This lawsuit is without merit," Walt Disney said in a statement. "It arises out of the same core facts and legal claims that have been rejected by three federal district court judges."

Stan Lee Media, which said it was created in 1999 to "sue to recover damages to its assets," has been involved in what it called a "somewhat tortured history" of litigation dating from 2001 over corporate governance issues and the characters rights in cases filed in Colorado, New York and California.

They include suits between the company, its shareholders and Lee.

The latest suit claims that Stan Lee Media owns the rights "to the billions of dollars that Disney has generated, or allowed others to generate". It cites more than $3.5 billion from motion pictures, and what it calculates is more than $2 billion from "other media," merchandising and the Broadway show "Spiderman: Turn off the Dark."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the lawsuit states that “SLMI is entitled to proceed with this copyright infringement lawsuit against Disney, based upon Disney's independently actionable conduct which occurred after April 2009, regardless of the outcome of SLMI's appeal to the 9th Circuit in the 2007 Case."


Joss Whedon: 'The Avengers isn't a perfect movie'...

Joss Whedon has claimed that The Avengers isn't "a great movie".

The film has met with critical acclaim and outstanding commercial success, becoming the third highest-grossing film of all time in just a few months, but Whedon, the superhero blockbuster's writer and director, is determined to keep his feet on the ground.

In an interview with Vulture, the 48-year-old claimed that the box office numbers became, ultimately, "meaningless".

He said: "They're large, and you can't really count that high."

Describing what his goals were with The Avengers, he claimed: "I felt like I had a particular mission in making what I felt was a slightly old-fashioned movie, because I grew up wanting to make summer movies and wanting to make superhero movies, and I got to do both at once.

"I felt like summer movies haven't been what I remember them to be, so I felt like I would love to evoke something that's less hip and ironic and more heartfelt and character-driven, and apparently, other people cared about that in a large way."

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly creator then conceded: "I don't think it's a perfect movie. I don't even think it's a great movie. I think it's a great time, and I'm proud of it, but for me, what was exciting is that people don't go to see a movie that many times unless it's pulling on something from within, unless there's a need there. That's very gratifying."

Whedon will oversee a Marvel-produced SHIELD television show for ABC, before starting work on the Avengers sequel, due for a summer 2015 release.


The Avengers Crosses $1.5 Billion At Worldwide Box Office...

While the re-release of The Avengers at the U.S. box office might have failed to break into the top ten Labor Day weekend movies, it did help The Avengers reach another major milestone. The Avengers has become the third movie in history to cross the $1.5 billion mark at the worldwide box office.

While retaining its number three position on the worldwide box office list, The Avengers took in another estimated $1.7 million over Labor Day weekend, which brought The Avengers U.S. box office total to $619.5 million and The Avengers worldwide box office total to $1.501 billion.

Interestingly enough, The Dark Knight Rises also reached a milestone recently, surpassing $1 billion at the worldwide box office, which means that combined The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises have accounted for $2.5 billion at the worldwide box office this year. If you add in The Amazing Spider-Man, which currently sits at number four on the 2012 worldwide box office list with $734.9 million, then the total rises to $3.2 billion. It’s definitely a good time to be in the superhero movie making business.




New Trailer For Marvel Heroes...

Gazillion Entertainment is proud to show off a new trailer for Marvel Heroes. The new trailer announces 3 new playable heroes in the game – Daredevil, Punisher, and Squirrel Girl. The trailer made its debut at the Marvel Heroes panel at PAX 2012. The panel featured Gazillion President David Brevik (one of the creators of Diablo!), legendary Marvel writer Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man! Avengers vs. X-Men! And) and Marvel’s mighty VP of Games Production TQ Jefferson. If you look closely, you’ll also see a bunch of villains were also revealed in the trailer, including Mr. Fisk the notorious crime lord.

Website:
http://www.youtube.com/marvelheroesonline

About Marvel Heroes...

Marvel Heroes is a FREE-TO-PLAY action-packed massively multiplayer online game created by David Brevik, the visionary behind Diablo and Diablo 2. Set in the iconic Marvel Universe, Marvel Heroes combines the core game-play style of Diablo and MMOs with the expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe. In the game, players can collect and play as their favorite Marvel Superheroes (including Iron Man, Thor, Wolverine, Hulk, Spider Man, Captain America and many others). Team up with friends and try to stop Doctor Doom from devastating the world with the power of the Cosmic Cube in a story crafted by comic-book super-scribe Brian Michael Bendis.



CM Punk writes introduction to Marvel Comics' 'Avengers vs. X-Men'

As evidenced by his historic “pipe bomb” and succeeding WWE Championship reign, CM Punk is a revolutionary and controversial figure in WWE's history. As such, it’s only fitting that mighty Marvel Comics sought out The Second City Saint when it came time to write an introduction for the publisher’s historic and controversial universe-spanning event, “Avengers vs. X-Men.”

The book, which will be released in a special hardcover edition that collects all 12 issues of the record-breaking sales juggernaut series, set the comics world on fire in 2011 and into 2012, as it pit Marvel’s two premiere super hero teams against each other. For comics fans, the thought of seeing X-Men leader Cyclops and his band of usually merry mutants take a very firm stand against the likes of Captain America, Spider-Man and Thor presents a dream matchup akin to seeing, say, CM Punk square off against WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

Axel Alonso, editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, took time out of his insane schedule at the recently concluded New York Comic Con to talk about the upcoming release and reigning WWE Champion's involvement in the project. For his part, Punk, a noted comic book fan, certainly brought his A-game to the intro. “It’s funny, he provides great context, and he understands the heart of what we were doing and I couldn’t be happier,” Alonso said. “If I had to describe my writing style,” The Second City Saint told USA Today in a recent interview, “it's very sarcastic and self-deprecating.” About the series itself, Marvel’s head honcho stated, simply, “Avengers vs. X-Men” (or, as it’s become known online and in comic shops, “AvX”), is "the biggest event Marvel’s done in a decade.”

“It’s a fight that transforms the Marvel Universe,” Alonso explained. “There was a winner and loser, and it was as big an event as you could possibly imagine.”

“AvX” is a unique event for a number of different reasons. As Alonso told WWE.com, “AvX” marks “the first time [Marvel] did a universe-spanning event that was equally important to both the Avengers and the X-Men.”

It was a story so grandiose, in fact, that it took a group of creators to see the vision through to fruition. Written by five of the top writers in the industry — Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron, Matt Fraction, Jonathan Hickman and Ed Brubaker — and with art by comic book luminaries John Romita Jr., Olivier Coipel and Adam Kubert, “AvX” is unlike anything the comics landscape has witnessed in a long time.

“Because we knew we were doing a story that was so big,” Alonso said, “It just felt like it needed to be powered by more than one brain. Our motto was, ‘five fingers make a fist.’ ” Broken down into three distinct acts, each issue of “AvX” was handed off to the writer/artist team best suited for the events of that particular issue. The results speak for themselves, as the series was both a commercial and critical success.

In addition to presenting the entire story in one massive hardcover book for the first time, the upcoming “Avengers vs. X-Men” collection will have an assortment of special features, including behind-the-scenes peeks, AR applications and previously digital-only Infinite Comics supplemental material.

“Topping it all off,” Alonso added, “What is a good collection without a great introduction?”

The editor-in-chief continued, “CM Punk wrote the introduction — it’s fantastic, it’s pitch-perfect, because who understands two teams getting into the ring and going at one another for all the stakes more than CM Punk?”

“I worked really hard to get to where I'm at and it's cool to be afforded opportunities like this,” Punk told USA Today. “To me, it's hard work paying off and I'm having a lot of fun right now.” (Credit: WWE) http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/cm-punk-writes-introduction-to-marvel-comics-avengers-vs-x-men-26059962


Upcoming Marvel movies boosting Marvel slot game popularity...

The Media Man agency reports that as has been the case for the past few years, whenever a new Marvel themed movie is coming up for release the popularity of Marvel Comics online slot games goes up. The Media Man website recommends to check out the PartyCasino review for more about the world class offers where players can play Marvel games for free or for money. PartyCasino is part of Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment which is established for over 10 years and has a b2b agreement with Marvel Entertainment.


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Psy Gangnam Style performs at Marquee, The Star, Sydney, Australia - 19th October 2012

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Korean rap music sensation Psy (Park Jae-Sang) performed at Sydney's famous Marquee nightclub at midnight last night.

It was obvious one or two VIP's and high rollers were in town, with police having a strong presence in and around the one time casino - now more an intergrated entertainment and gaming hub, complete with nightclubs and entertainment attractions a plenty.

The only thing - person Marquee Sydney and The Star was missing was Psy, and now that's complete how will they top that! We hear maybe with KISS, The Rolling Stones and / or Blondie and Pink, but that's just rumour at this stage... but do expect at least one of those big time acts to follow in Psy's footsteps.

The music video for "Gangnam Style" is the most viewed K-pop video on YouTube, and also the most "liked" video on the site. Published on July 15, 2012, the video has over 480 million views, and more than 4.1 million "likes." Psy has appeared on numerous television programs, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Extra, Good Sunday: X-Man, The Golden Fishery, The Today Show, Saturday Night Live and Sunrise.

Stay tuned and don't change your dial for more hot news on Psy and more of the world's top entertainment attractions.


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PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino war continues

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PartyCasino.com - Accepts Canadian, Australian and New Zealand players. PartyCasino new players get up to $3000 sign up bonus. Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment is the world's largest and most succesful igaming company.

VirginCasino.com - No US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand players. £100 sign up bonus. Virgin Games is part of Richard Branson's Virgin Enterprises Limited.

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A new look for an Iconic Australian Brand: Sportscraft

A new look for an Iconic Australian Brand...

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Business, entertainment, gaming and Hollywood news update - 18th October 2012

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Australian television bosses call Nine deal a win for the viewers...

Many industry types yesterday predicted Nine's new owners would be quick to stick the the knife into the the already injured network, its bosses declared the deal would mean one vital thing to TV fans - more money for programming.

Six years ago when CVC purchased Nine from James Packer, the programming budget all but stopped and capital expenditure slowed as the network began servicing CVC's massive debt.

Yesterday, with the Willoughby studios falling down around their ears, relieved staff celebrated CEO David Gyngell's success in keeping the receivers aka "wolves" from the door.

Senior lenders will own a 95.5 per cent stake in Nine and the Goldman Sachs-led mezzanine lenders, who faced losing the entire $1 billion they had invested, will receive a 4.5 per cent stake valued at about $100 million.

"Nine's back!" Mr Gyngell said. "And back in a huge way with zero debt, which is the best possible news for our stakeholders, Nine's viewers, our clients, our partners and our staff.

"As I've reiterated throughout this process, Nine is a great business with terrific people and outstanding brands."

The jubilant statement was at odds with unsubstantiated industry murmurs claiming Nine still has to find $70 million to $80 million a year to service $1 billion in debt.

The first programming decision for Nine's new executive will be finding money for TV cricket rights, the contract for which is up in March.


Channel Nine makes deal...

Sources claim the deal is close to being finalised, with Nine set to pay out slightly more than the previous $300 million contract. Like the network's recently renewed $1 billion rugby league contract, the cricket funds are expected to come from ad revenue.

Industry rivals yesterday said Mr Gyngell's claim that he had just "paid the house off" was not totally correct.

"The reality is that the banks have just taken the house," one rival said.

"The fact is the company is now much smaller having recently blown off Australia's biggest magazine company.

"There will be no more cross-promotion. Life as they know it has changed forever." The Nine CEO, for his part, has already indicated there may be a $500 million windfall in 2014 when the Warner Bros programming package from the US autumn is due.

Mr Gyngell has said he will reconsider the value of the expensive output deal which delivers to Nine primetime shows including Two And A Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, and The Mentalist.

Along with the potential sale of Allphones, Ticketek and, possibly more imminently, Channel 8 Darwin, Nine's new owners may also look at selling Nine's Willoughby bunker, valued at about $20 million, if they believe they can make money.

The bloodletting at Nine in the decade since it was the nation's most profitable and highest-rating TV network has penetrated the organisation, with staff also feeling the cuts.

A decade ago the 60 Minutes executive producer earned $900,000 a year. The show's newly appointed EP Tom Malone is believed to earn less than half that sum.

Yesterday Mr Packer moved to quash claims he would buy back into the network that made his family famous, declaring: "I have no interest in buying back into Nine ... and Gyng would probably refuse to work for me."

His father Kerry sold Nine to Alan Bond in 1987 for $1 billion only to rebuy it three years later for a $300 million profit.


Ten Network posts $12.9m full year loss...

Ten Network has suffered a net loss of $12.9 million in the last year as it faces poor advertising markets and struggles to hold viewers.

The embattled broadcaster this morning reported its annual results for the year to August. The result heaps more pressure on the network which experts had been tipping would deliver a $15 million profit.

Last year Ten returned a $14.2 million net profit. Investors already facing the lowest share price in 20 years will probably not receive a dividend either, the company said.

Revenue declined 13.7 per cent to $861.8 million. The results come only a day after the network revealed the $145 million sale of its outdoor billboard business had fallen over.

Ten Holdings chief James Warburton said conditions were tough.

"This is a disappointing result and we are focused on turning Ten around through improved ratings, revenue and cost management,'' Mr Warburton said. "Undoubtedly we are operating in challenging market and competitive conditions, which have impacted our revenue performance."

"We have responded and secured significant cost savings in the year."

He said the network was undertaking a further strategic, operating and news review to reduce costs.

"We have also reduced our debt as a result of a successful capital raising. Many of our core programs have performed well, underpinning our confidence that our performance can be improved," he said.


John Cena VS The Rock rematch may happen - Larry King talkshow talks WWE...

WWE top star John Cena is openly hinting at a re-match against The Rock following the box-office success of WrestleMania 28 earlier this year.

Asked by Larry King in an interview recorded at last week's Raw in Sacramento, Calif. who his favorite opponent is, Cena responded that it's The Rock because Rock beat him at Mania. "I really want to beat him," Cena said, hinting at a re-match.

Cena also addressed his current physical condition and how much longer he will continue to wrestle. Cena said he's currently bogged down by his elbow injury, but he claimed to feel better physically now than when he was 20-years-old.

Later in the interview, King asked for a second time how much longer he can compete physically, which Cena brushed aside before responding that he'll continue wrestling until he can't run with the younger wrestlers anymore.

Asked if he would wrestle until he's 60-years-old, Cena said he would if he can keep up. But, he certainly envisions being part of WWE well past his in-ring career. Asked if he will work with WWE after wrestling, Cena said, "I do believe so. This is my passion." Asked if he will "run this thing," Cena laughed and replied, "I don't know. A guy named McMahon who would probably battle me for that."


Want to be Dwayne Johnson's 'Hero'?...

Do you think you have what it takes to be a hero on a new American reality show produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson? The series is holding open casting calls across the U.S in the next three weeks.

Johnson is one of the exective producers for “The Hero” which puts ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances to find the new great hero.The hour-long series would air on TNT in 2013.

The show which will have an open casting call in New York on Oct. 27, says it is looking for everyday people who are ready to prove themselves in the physical and mental adventure.

The show is not looking for the fittest or fastest person but rather 10 outgoing, competitive people from all walks of life willing to go to an exotic location that will challenge their brains, brawn, moral decisions, motives and competitive spirit. Johnson will act as a mentor for the contestants.

To audition you must have a valid passport and be willing to travel outside of the U.S. for a three-week period. You also must be age 21 by January 2013.

You can also apply online by submitting a video.

Auditions are in New York at TRYP Hotel Times Square, 345 West 35th St., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Open casting calls also are being held in Boston, Dallas and Chicago, Saturday; Nashville, Oct. 27 and Minneapolis, Nov. 3.

There will be three teams on three different continents. Each person will have to show what they are able to overcome, sacrifice and undergo for their team. Each episode will challenge contestants with moral dilemmas, feats of courage, leadership and self sacrifice, to demonstrate that a true hero is defined by more than just physical strength and power.

The show also will incorporate social media and optimize Johnson’s social media fan base of more than 9.1 million followers through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Johnson also was nominated as a “Must-Follow Actor or Actress on Social Media” of 2011 for the 5th Annual Mashable Awards.

Fans will be able to determine the fate of the show’s contestants through social media and on-screen decision making, Johnson said.

Johnson, who just appeared in WWE’s “Wrestlemania XXVIII,” is currently starred in the hit movie “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.” He also is set to star in upcoming movies “G.I. Joe,” “Hercules: The Thracian Wars,” the comedy “Pain and Gain,” “Fast Six,” and “Empire State.”


Hulk Hogan sex tape: Howard Stern wants wrestler to drop lawsuit against Bubba the Love Sponge...

Shock jock promises fellow radio personality that he'll get Hulk Hogan to drop his suit against Bubba Clem over leaked video that shows ex-WWE champion cavorting with Clem's then-wife, Heather.

Howard Stern wants Hulk Hogan to drop his sex tape lawsuit against longtime pal Bubba the Love Sponge, saying Hogan had to know his naked romp with the Tampa shock jock's wife was being taped.

"I'm getting you out of this lawsuit," Stern told Bubba Clem on his SiriusXM show Wednesday.

"That would be awesome," Clem responded.

"He also is going to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," Stern's sidekick Robin Quivers joked during the live interview simulcast on Bubba's syndicated morning show.

"I will get Hogan and Bubba together," Stern vowed. "I think what Bubba is saying is making a lot of sense. I think if Hogan could hear it and I can translate a little bit and calm everyone down, I think we could see through this …I think I can get Hulk Hogan to take you out of this lawsuit."

Hogan's lawyer said Wednesday that the case was moving forward.

"This is not the Bubba Show, it's litigation. Thanks to Bubba for making our case against him better," lawyer David Houston told the Daily News Wednesday. "We look forward to seeing him in court. At that time it will not be a runaway rant. His time is coming."

After calling Hogan a "hypocritical fraud" on his airwaves Tuesday morning, Bubba said Wednesday he'd have "no problem" taking a lie detector test on Stern's show to prove he's innocent.

He told Stern he's never even seen the tape of his ex-wife Heather having sex with Hogan in his canopy bed six years ago and has no idea how the racy recording ended up on Gawker.com earlier this month.

He said he even tried to bury the hatchet with Hogan after the wrestling star filed the invasion of privacy lawsuit against him Monday but was told to take a flying leap.

"We don't have to be the best of friends, but we can be at least cordial if you take me and Heather out of your dumb-a- lawsuit," Bubba claimed he wrote to Hogan in a Tuesday text.

"Sorry, it's far deeper than that," Hogan replied, according to Bubba's account on Stern's show.

"And what that means, Howard, is probably there are a few other tapes that make him even look worse than he already does," Bubba theorized to Stern.

"Were the tapes made at your house?" Stern asked.

"I don't know. …I would be able to tell you more if I have seen these tapes," Bubba said.

"He said there might possibly be one or two because this sex happened at least one other time with your ex-wife," Stern said, referring to an earlier interview with Hogan.

"I'm not familiar with that," Bubba said. "There's so much that I don't know that I'm being blindsided by."

Hogan, 59, filed separate state and federal lawsuits Monday alleging he had no idea his wife-sharing shenanigans were being recorded and that the tape's release has caused loss, anxiety, shame and damage to his reputation worth at least $100 million.

Bubba, 46, told Stern that Hogan was a regular overnight guest at his house and knew there were cameras rolling at all times, including in the bedroom, as an insurance policy related to an ugly child custody case.

Stern said even he was aware of Bubba's obsession with home surveillance.

"Did he ever say to you, 'Hey Bubba, I know we tape in here, make sure you get rid of that tape. Did he ever say that to you?" Stern asked.

"No, no. We've not had that conversation because nobody has seen it," Bubba said. "Specifically the taping equipment in your house, doesn't it erase after a certain period of time?" Stern asked.

"I'm not going to get into the logistics of my surveillance," Bubba said. "I don't know the logistics of it."

Asked if he as a company that "services this equipment regularly," Bubba said, "No." He denied bragging about the recording or ever showing it to a single outsider.

"So let's figure it out. Who could it be who got in there?" Stern asked.

"I don't know Howard," he said. "I don't even know that it wasn't Hogan."

Hogan, who was the best man at the Clems' wedding, originally shied away from blaming the couple for making the tape and failing to keep it secret.

He later told TMZ.com he was "completely stunned" by a report that Bubba appears in an unpublished section of the sex tape boasting about its street value.

"If we ever did want to retire, all we'd have to do is use this footage," Bubba is heard saying, according to TMZ.

That statement constituted the "ultimate betrayal," Hogan's lawyer later told the New York Daily News.

Bubba said on his Tuesday radio show that if he really did say such a thing, and it wound up on the full-length recording, it only proves he's not behind the leak. "Do you really thing that if I meant (I could retire off the sex tape), and if I was going to release it, that I would have recorded myself saying that? Or do you think that maybe I was being a smart-a--? And by the way, Hogan was (still) within earshot of me," he said.


Ric Flair, "Cowboy" Bill Watts, and Chris Taylor to enter Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame...


WATERLOO, Iowa—The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum selected the Class of 2013 for the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Ric Flair, "Cowboy" Bill Watts, and Chris Taylor have been chosen by the selection committee.

The George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame weekend will take place July 12-13 in Waterloo, Iowa.

Criteria for induction into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame include substantial impact on professional wrestling, general respect within the profession, and a strong amateur wrestling background. The selection committee includes all living hall of fame members as well as a select group of wrestling historians.

Flair has one of the longest and most distinguished careers in professional wrestling. He was a 16-time world champion with titles in the NWA, WCW, and WWE. Watts was a successful wrestler and promoter. He was ranked in the top ten worldwide for over 25 years.

Taylor was an NCAA champion for Iowa State in 1972 and 1973, and a bronze medalist at the 1972 Olympics. He had a three-year career with the AWA beginning in 1974. Taylor died at the age of 29 in 1979.

Winners of the Frank Gotch Award, Lou Thesz Award, George Tragos Award, and Jim Melby Award will be released on November 12. A full schedule of events will be released at a later date.

For more information contact the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum at (319) 233-0745 or dgmstaff@nwhof.org.


WWE inks deal with The Rolling Stones - Virgin Enterprises Limited - Virgin 'Live' and Dainty Group - 15th October 2012...

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WWE to produce, distribute the pay-per-view concert...

Pro wrestling and "sports entertainment" giant, the WWE, is going on tour with aging rock n rolling legends The Rolling Stones.

As part of the rock band's 50th anniversary, WWE will produce and distribute the live pay-per-view show "One More Shot" for the Stones' final show, performed at the Prudential Center, in Newark, N.J., on Dec. 15.

"WWE is ecstatic to bring the Rolling Stones into your living room," said WWE chairman-CEO (and part time wrestler) Vince McMahon.

This fits in the the WWE's plan to distance itself from being purely a pro wrestling company. WWE was formally known as World Wrestling Entertainment, and prior to that - World Wrestling Federation.

The tour, to take place at four arena shows in London and New York, is a partnership between Endemol, which co-manages the international digital rights to the Rolling Stones "50 and Counting" shows, and Dainty Group. The performances will see the band working once again with two longtime collaborators, set designer Mark Fisher and lighting director Patrick Woodroffe, who are designing an all-new, custom-built set, with a stage based on the band's loud and celebrated tongue and lips logo that reaches out into the crowd.

WWE was asked to participate after proving it can turn live events throughout the year, including its biggest show, "WrestleMania," into major moneymakers through PPV. "WrestleMania 28," held April 1 at Miami's Sun Life Stadium, generated a record 1.3 million buys, earning $67 million.

But WWE also has been looking to monetize its production biz further through concerts and other deals, with the Rolling Stones show one of the first high-profile and prestigious deals it's announced to date.

The Rolling Stones live shows will also mark the launch of new touring venture Virgin Live from the Dainty Group and Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Enterprises Limited.

"In the future Virgin Live plans to make a real difference to how fans experience, interact and enjoy live events," Branson said.

Anniversary also will be matched with the release of the Rolling Stones' "GRRR!" album on Nov. 13, a greatest hits collection that includes new songs "Doom and Gloom" and "One More Shot," recorded recently in Paris, marking the first new recordings from the band since their 2005 album "A Bigger Bang."

A new film, "Crossfire Hurricane," directed by Brett Morgen and chronicling the Stones' career, will receive its worldwide premiere Oct. 18 at the London Film Festival and bow on HBO on Nov. 15. It will air on BBC Two in the United Kingdom the same month.

In addition, from Nov. 15-Dec. 2, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City will host "The Rolling Stones: 50 Years on Film," a comprehensive film retrospective that chronicles the band from the mid-1960s until today.


Virgin announces live promotion venture with Dainty Group...

With the announcement of The Rolling Stones returning to London’s O2 Arena in November, comes the launch of new global promotion venture branded Virgin Live.

Bringing together live promoter Dainty Group and Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, Virgin Live plans to "shake up live touring by putting the fan’s experience right at the heart of every show they promote."

"Today marks the beginning of Virgin Live and what a beginning," said Branson.

"In the future, Virgin Live plans to make a real difference to how fans experience, interact and enjoy live events - Virgin Live gigs will be truly people driven.

"It's great to join forces with Dainty Group to launch Virgin Live with the Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary shows,” he added. “Who would have believed, that a relationship with the band that started in the Sixties, would still be going strong five decades later with us working together again on these amazing shows."

Paul Dainty said "I’ve worked with the Rolling Stones for many years and I still get a buzz every time I see them live, these four shows are without doubt a must-see event. I am extremely excited about this collaboration with Virgin. There will be a lot more to say about Virgin Live soon but, for now, it’s all about the Stones…"

Also partnering up with Dainty Group is global production company Endemol who will co-manage the international digital rights to the Rolling Stones ‘50 and Counting’ shows.

Tim Hincks, president of Endemol Group said: "We are extremely proud to be partnering with the world’s greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll band and with the Dainty Group. "50 and Counting" is set to be a phenomenal global celebration of the Rolling Stones and we’ll soon be announcing further plans to make it an interactive experience for fans like no other."

This partnership between Endemol and Dainty Group will see the final Stones show, staged at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on December 15, telecast live via pay-per-view at 9pm ET. The pay-per-view entitled "One More Shot" will be distributed by WWE, the world’s pre-eminent provider of pay-per-view programming. Further details of the partnership will be released in the near future.

WWE Chairman/CEO Vince McMahon said: "WWE is ecstatic to bring The Rolling Stones into your living room, live on Pay-Per-View for "One More Shot," the last date of their 50th anniversary shows."


New Worldwide Concert Promoter Virgin Live Launches With Rolling Stones Arena Shows...

Today's announcement of the Rolling Stones live '50 And Counting' concerts will also mark the launch of a brand new venture in global touring - Virgin Live.

Virgin Live sees the coming together of two global brands - Dainty Group and Virgin Group - and promises to shake up live touring by putting the fan's experience right at the heart of every show they promote. Richard Branson and Paul Dainty's history with the Rolling Stones spans five decades - so it is apt that these shows, which celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary - marks them joining forces for the first time as Virgin Live to promote The Stones.

Paul Dainty said: "I’ve worked with the Rolling Stones for many years and I still get a buzz every time I see them live, these four shows are without doubt a must-see event. I am extremely excited about this collaboration with Virgin. There will be a lot more to say about Virgin Live soon but, for now, it’s all about the Stones..."

Richard Branson added: "Today marks the beginning of Virgin Live and what a beginning! In the future Virgin Live plans to make a real difference to how fans experience, interact and enjoy live events - Virgin Live gigs will be truly people driven. It's great to join forces with Dainty Group to launch Virgin Live with the Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary shows. Who would have believed, that a relationship with the band that started in the Sixties, would still be going strong five decades later with us working together again on these amazing shows."

Also partnering with Dainty Group is global production company Endemol who will co-manage the international digital rights to the Rolling Stones “50 and Counting” shows.

Tim Hincks, President of Endemol Group said: "We are extremely proud to be partnering with the world’s greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll band and with the Dainty Group. "50 and Counting" is set to be a phenomenal global celebration of the Rolling Stones and we’ll soon be announcing further plans to make it an interactive experience for fans like no other."

This partnership between Endemol and Dainty Group will see the final Stones show, staged at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on December 15th, telecast live via pay-per-view at 9pm ET. The pay-per-view entitled "One More Shot" will be distributed by WWE, the world’s pre-eminent provider of pay-per-view programming. Further details of the partnership are to be revealed shortly.

WWE Chairman/CEO Vince McMahon said: "WWE is ecstatic to bring The Rolling Stones into your living room, live on Pay-Per-View for "One More Shot," the last date of their 50th anniversary shows."

After months of speculation, veteran British rockers the Rolling Stones have confirmed they will be back on stage for TWO nights at London's O2 Arena and TWO nights at Newark's Prudential Center this November and December respectively.

Speaking about the shows, Mick Jagger said: "Everybody loves a celebration, and London and New York are two good places to do it in!"

Guitarist Keith Richards added: "Sorry to keep you all hanging around but the waiting is over. I've always said the best place for rock and roll is on the stage and the same is true for the Stones. I'm here with Mick, Charlie and Ronnie and everything is rocking. See you very soon!"

The Rolling Stones 2012 UK/US Live Dates are as follows:

Nov 25th - London O2 Arena Nov 29th - London O2 Arena Dec 13th - Newark, Prudential Center Dec 15th - Newark, Prudential Center

The Rolling Stones Tickets for their UK shows are on sale from 9am on Friday 19th October, priced from £106.00 to £406.00 (including fees). Tickets for their US shows are on sale from 9am on Friday 26th October.


Endemol Teams with Dainty Group for Rolling Stones Tour...

LONDON/AMSTERDAM: Endemol UK and Endemol Netherlands have partnered with Dainty Group to co-manage the international digital rights to The Rolling Stones' "50 and Counting" tour.

This tour will be the first time the band has performed together in a half decade. The final gig is scheduled to take place at the Prudential Center in New Jersey on December 15. Entitled One More Shot, it will be telecast live through pay per view at 9 p.m. and will be distributed by WWE.

Additional plans that will enable fans to interact with the tour experience are forthcoming.

Tim Hincks, the president of Endemol Group, commented: "We are extremely proud to be partnering with the world's greatest rock 'n' roll band and the Dainty Group. '50 and Counting' is set to be a phenomenal global celebration of The Rolling Stones and we'll soon be announcing further plans to make it an interactive experience for fans like no other."

Laurens Drillich, the managing director of Endemol Netherlands Media Group, added: "We are excited and honored to be playing a role in the 50th anniversary of The Rolling Stones. Expansion and innovation in the digital space continues to be a core part of Endemol's strategy and this collaboration is the latest example of that. We strongly believe it is representative of where the market is heading and we look forward to revealing more soon."


WrestleMania 29 could set records in New York/New Jersey area...

Besides being the biggest event in the history of sports-entertainment, next April’s WrestleMania 29 could also generate more than $100 million for the New York/New Jersey area, The New York Post reported Monday.

Such a performance could set a new record for the economic impact of an event in the region, the Post reported, citing the results of a study by Enigma Research Corp.

Separately on Monday, WWE and Enigma Research reported that this past April’s WrestleMania 28 generated approximately $102.7 million in economic impact for the city of Miami and Miami-Dade County — a $40 million increase over WrestleMania 27’s impact on its host city of Atlanta in 2010. The firm also estimated that WrestleMania 28 contributed $15.3 million in local, state and county taxes to the Miami area.

The economic impact derived from WrestleMania 28 was equal to the creation of 1,020 full-time jobs in the area, according to Enigma Research.

Now that WrestleMania 28 is in the books, WWE looks ahead to WrestleMania 29 at the MetLife Stadium on April 7, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. The event will mark the return of The Grandest Stage of Them All to its birthplace in the Northeast.

“Miami was a gateway community, but New York and New Jersey are the world’s gateway,” John Saboor, WWE’s senior vice president of special events, told The Post. “We believe we will see a very sizeable number of fans visiting from outside the region. We think the two destinations are similar in that respect, but New York and New Jersey are even more profound in their destination status.”

Tickets for WrestleMania 29 go on sale Saturday, Nov. 10.


KISS Australian Tour Confirmed...

Paul Stanley ("The Starchild") has confirmed Kiss will tour down under Australia in January.

Last month Tommy Lee tweeted that KISS and rockers Motley Crue would be touring Australia in January, 2013 and recently Paul Stanley confirmed the tour on the David Letterman show.

Stanley said Kiss were about to do a tour of South America and will then head to Australia.

Kiss Army Australia fans immediately jumped on forums to discuss the upcoming tour.

Kiss ‘Monster’ was released in Australia last week and is set to debut on the ARIA chart. It is the 20th studio album for the band and their first album since ‘Sonic Boom’ in 2009.

"We can't wait to Rock N Roll all night and party every day with all of you fans. It's going to be a monster event", said a Media Man agency representative.


Virgin Live VS Live Nation!...

Media Man director and entertainment industry insider, Greg Tingle, reckons there could be a bit of a live concert war in the making. It's Live Nation (who bought out Michael Coppel Presents in Australia) VS Virgin Live (backed by the smartest guys in the room - Sir Richard Branson, Paul Dainty and Vince McMahon). Will the war escalate to Australian soil, or will it be limited to the U.S and United Kingdom? Don't change your dial from the Media Man network.


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WWE inks deal with The Rolling Stones - Virgin Enterprises Limited - Virgin 'Live' and Dainty Group - 15th October 2012

Live music concert news and information; Rock N Roll Wrestling WWE connection; Richard Branson - Virgin Enterprises Limited tie in; KISS to tour Australia in January 2013...

Entertainment WWE Virgin Enterprises Limited Music Richard Branson Vince McMahon Dainty Group

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WWE to produce, distribute the pay-per-view concert...

Pro wrestling and "sports entertainment" giant, the WWE, is going on tour with aging rock n rolling legends The Rolling Stones.

As part of the rock band's 50th anniversary, WWE will produce and distribute the live pay-per-view show "One More Shot" for the Stones' final show, performed at the Prudential Center, in Newark, N.J., on Dec. 15.

"WWE is ecstatic to bring the Rolling Stones into your living room," said WWE chairman-CEO (and part time wrestler) Vince McMahon.

This fits in the the WWE's plan to distance itself from being purely a pro wrestling company. WWE was formally known as World Wrestling Entertainment, and prior to that - World Wrestling Federation.

The tour, to take place at four arena shows in London and New York, is a partnership between Endemol, which co-manages the international digital rights to the Rolling Stones "50 and Counting" shows, and Dainty Group. The performances will see the band working once again with two longtime collaborators, set designer Mark Fisher and lighting director Patrick Woodroffe, who are designing an all-new, custom-built set, with a stage based on the band's loud and celebrated tongue and lips logo that reaches out into the crowd.

WWE was asked to participate after proving it can turn live events throughout the year, including its biggest show, "WrestleMania," into major moneymakers through PPV. "WrestleMania 28," held April 1 at Miami's Sun Life Stadium, generated a record 1.3 million buys, earning $67 million.

But WWE also has been looking to monetize its production biz further through concerts and other deals, with the Rolling Stones show one of the first high-profile and prestigious deals it's announced to date.

The Rolling Stones live shows will also mark the launch of new touring venture Virgin Live from the Dainty Group and Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Enterprises Limited.

"In the future Virgin Live plans to make a real difference to how fans experience, interact and enjoy live events," Branson said.

Anniversary also will be matched with the release of the Rolling Stones' "GRRR!" album on Nov. 13, a greatest hits collection that includes new songs "Doom and Gloom" and "One More Shot," recorded recently in Paris, marking the first new recordings from the band since their 2005 album "A Bigger Bang."

A new film, "Crossfire Hurricane," directed by Brett Morgen and chronicling the Stones' career, will receive its worldwide premiere Oct. 18 at the London Film Festival and bow on HBO on Nov. 15. It will air on BBC Two in the United Kingdom the same month.

In addition, from Nov. 15-Dec. 2, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City will host "The Rolling Stones: 50 Years on Film," a comprehensive film retrospective that chronicles the band from the mid-1960s until today.


Virgin announces live promotion venture with Dainty Group...

With the announcement of The Rolling Stones returning to London’s O2 Arena in November, comes the launch of new global promotion venture branded Virgin Live.

Bringing together live promoter Dainty Group and Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, Virgin Live plans to "shake up live touring by putting the fan’s experience right at the heart of every show they promote."

"Today marks the beginning of Virgin Live and what a beginning," said Branson.

"In the future, Virgin Live plans to make a real difference to how fans experience, interact and enjoy live events - Virgin Live gigs will be truly people driven.

"It's great to join forces with Dainty Group to launch Virgin Live with the Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary shows,” he added. “Who would have believed, that a relationship with the band that started in the Sixties, would still be going strong five decades later with us working together again on these amazing shows."

Paul Dainty said "I’ve worked with the Rolling Stones for many years and I still get a buzz every time I see them live, these four shows are without doubt a must-see event. I am extremely excited about this collaboration with Virgin. There will be a lot more to say about Virgin Live soon but, for now, it’s all about the Stones…"

Also partnering up with Dainty Group is global production company Endemol who will co-manage the international digital rights to the Rolling Stones ‘50 and Counting’ shows.

Tim Hincks, president of Endemol Group said: "We are extremely proud to be partnering with the world’s greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll band and with the Dainty Group. "50 and Counting" is set to be a phenomenal global celebration of the Rolling Stones and we’ll soon be announcing further plans to make it an interactive experience for fans like no other."

This partnership between Endemol and Dainty Group will see the final Stones show, staged at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on December 15, telecast live via pay-per-view at 9pm ET. The pay-per-view entitled "One More Shot" will be distributed by WWE, the world’s pre-eminent provider of pay-per-view programming. Further details of the partnership will be released in the near future.

WWE Chairman/CEO Vince McMahon said: "WWE is ecstatic to bring The Rolling Stones into your living room, live on Pay-Per-View for "One More Shot," the last date of their 50th anniversary shows."


New Worldwide Concert Promoter Virgin Live Launches With Rolling Stones Arena Shows...

Today's announcement of the Rolling Stones live '50 And Counting' concerts will also mark the launch of a brand new venture in global touring - Virgin Live.

Virgin Live sees the coming together of two global brands - Dainty Group and Virgin Group - and promises to shake up live touring by putting the fan's experience right at the heart of every show they promote. Richard Branson and Paul Dainty's history with the Rolling Stones spans five decades - so it is apt that these shows, which celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary - marks them joining forces for the first time as Virgin Live to promote The Stones.

Paul Dainty said: "I’ve worked with the Rolling Stones for many years and I still get a buzz every time I see them live, these four shows are without doubt a must-see event. I am extremely excited about this collaboration with Virgin. There will be a lot more to say about Virgin Live soon but, for now, it’s all about the Stones..."

Richard Branson added: "Today marks the beginning of Virgin Live and what a beginning! In the future Virgin Live plans to make a real difference to how fans experience, interact and enjoy live events - Virgin Live gigs will be truly people driven. It's great to join forces with Dainty Group to launch Virgin Live with the Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary shows. Who would have believed, that a relationship with the band that started in the Sixties, would still be going strong five decades later with us working together again on these amazing shows."

Also partnering with Dainty Group is global production company Endemol who will co-manage the international digital rights to the Rolling Stones “50 and Counting” shows.

Tim Hincks, President of Endemol Group said: "We are extremely proud to be partnering with the world’s greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll band and with the Dainty Group. "50 and Counting" is set to be a phenomenal global celebration of the Rolling Stones and we’ll soon be announcing further plans to make it an interactive experience for fans like no other."

This partnership between Endemol and Dainty Group will see the final Stones show, staged at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on December 15th, telecast live via pay-per-view at 9pm ET. The pay-per-view entitled "One More Shot" will be distributed by WWE, the world’s pre-eminent provider of pay-per-view programming. Further details of the partnership are to be revealed shortly.

WWE Chairman/CEO Vince McMahon said: "WWE is ecstatic to bring The Rolling Stones into your living room, live on Pay-Per-View for "One More Shot," the last date of their 50th anniversary shows."

After months of speculation, veteran British rockers the Rolling Stones have confirmed they will be back on stage for TWO nights at London's O2 Arena and TWO nights at Newark's Prudential Center this November and December respectively.

Speaking about the shows, Mick Jagger said: "Everybody loves a celebration, and London and New York are two good places to do it in!"

Guitarist Keith Richards added: "Sorry to keep you all hanging around but the waiting is over. I've always said the best place for rock and roll is on the stage and the same is true for the Stones. I'm here with Mick, Charlie and Ronnie and everything is rocking. See you very soon!"

The Rolling Stones 2012 UK/US Live Dates are as follows:

Nov 25th - London O2 Arena Nov 29th - London O2 Arena Dec 13th - Newark, Prudential Center Dec 15th - Newark, Prudential Center

The Rolling Stones Tickets for their UK shows are on sale from 9am on Friday 19th October, priced from £106.00 to £406.00 (including fees). Tickets for their US shows are on sale from 9am on Friday 26th October.


Endemol Teams with Dainty Group for Rolling Stones Tour...

LONDON/AMSTERDAM: Endemol UK and Endemol Netherlands have partnered with Dainty Group to co-manage the international digital rights to The Rolling Stones' "50 and Counting" tour.

This tour will be the first time the band has performed together in a half decade. The final gig is scheduled to take place at the Prudential Center in New Jersey on December 15. Entitled One More Shot, it will be telecast live through pay per view at 9 p.m. and will be distributed by WWE.

Additional plans that will enable fans to interact with the tour experience are forthcoming.

Tim Hincks, the president of Endemol Group, commented: "We are extremely proud to be partnering with the world's greatest rock 'n' roll band and the Dainty Group. '50 and Counting' is set to be a phenomenal global celebration of The Rolling Stones and we'll soon be announcing further plans to make it an interactive experience for fans like no other."

Laurens Drillich, the managing director of Endemol Netherlands Media Group, added: "We are excited and honored to be playing a role in the 50th anniversary of The Rolling Stones. Expansion and innovation in the digital space continues to be a core part of Endemol's strategy and this collaboration is the latest example of that. We strongly believe it is representative of where the market is heading and we look forward to revealing more soon."


WrestleMania 29 could set records in New York/New Jersey area...

Besides being the biggest event in the history of sports-entertainment, next April’s WrestleMania 29 could also generate more than $100 million for the New York/New Jersey area, The New York Post reported Monday.

Such a performance could set a new record for the economic impact of an event in the region, the Post reported, citing the results of a study by Enigma Research Corp.

Separately on Monday, WWE and Enigma Research reported that this past April’s WrestleMania 28 generated approximately $102.7 million in economic impact for the city of Miami and Miami-Dade County — a $40 million increase over WrestleMania 27’s impact on its host city of Atlanta in 2010. The firm also estimated that WrestleMania 28 contributed $15.3 million in local, state and county taxes to the Miami area.

The economic impact derived from WrestleMania 28 was equal to the creation of 1,020 full-time jobs in the area, according to Enigma Research.

Now that WrestleMania 28 is in the books, WWE looks ahead to WrestleMania 29 at the MetLife Stadium on April 7, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. The event will mark the return of The Grandest Stage of Them All to its birthplace in the Northeast.

“Miami was a gateway community, but New York and New Jersey are the world’s gateway,” John Saboor, WWE’s senior vice president of special events, told The Post. “We believe we will see a very sizeable number of fans visiting from outside the region. We think the two destinations are similar in that respect, but New York and New Jersey are even more profound in their destination status.”

Tickets for WrestleMania 29 go on sale Saturday, Nov. 10.


KISS Australian Tour Confirmed...

Paul Stanley ("The Starchild") has confirmed Kiss will tour down under Australia in January.

Last month Tommy Lee tweeted that KISS and rockers Motley Crue would be touring Australia in January, 2013 and recently Paul Stanley confirmed the tour on the David Letterman show.

Stanley said Kiss were about to do a tour of South America and will then head to Australia.

Kiss Army Australia fans immediately jumped on forums to discuss the upcoming tour.

Kiss ‘Monster’ was released in Australia last week and is set to debut on the ARIA chart. It is the 20th studio album for the band and their first album since ‘Sonic Boom’ in 2009.

"We can't wait to Rock N Roll all night and party every day with all of you fans. It's going to be a monster event", said a Media Man agency representative.


Virgin Live VS Live Nation!...

Media Man director and entertainment industry insider, Greg Tingle, reckons there could be a bit of a live concert war in the making. It's Live Nation (who bought out Michael Coppel Presents in Australia) VS Virgin Live (backed by the smartest guys in the room - Sir Richard Branson, Paul Dainty and Vince McMahon). Will the war escalate to Australian soil, or will it be limited to the U.S and United Kingdom? Don't change your dial from the Media Man network.


Websites

Media Man Int

The Rolling Stones

WWE Corporate

Dainty Group

KISS official website

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Music News Australia

Australian Sports Entertainment

Everclear tours Australia: The Hi-Fi, Sydney - 12th October 2012

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