Friday, March 26, 2004

FACT witnesses an increase in counterfeit goods

Figures announced by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) highlight a massive increase of over 400% in the seizure of pirated films in 2003. This trend is by no means on the decline, over 250,000 pirated films have been seized since January 2004 – this batch includes counterfeit versions of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of The Christ which will be released in the UK on March 26th. This latest seizure represents a loss of over £1.25 million to the black economy.
Director of Operations Jim Angell said: "The fact that we have seized 50% more titles this year compared to the same period last year indicates that piracy is a booming trade. However, our figures only represent a small proportion of the counterfeit products entering the country. FACT can only make a difference if the entertainment industry unites in our fight to put these criminals out of business.

"There is a simple message for the general public: don't waste your money on substandard counterfeit goods. Not only will you be stifling the developing and expanding British film industry, but you will also be supporting the unsavoury and, quite frankly, terrifying activities of criminal gangs."

This message lies at the heart of a new hard hitting media campaign launched by FACT and is designed to educate members of the entertainment industry and the general public to help stamp out film piracy in the UK.

Jim Angell continues: "It is important that people realise the extent of intellectual property theft and the negative impact it has both on the industry and far beyond. We can only make a difference if industry members join us in our efforts to rid the UK of this hugely damaging black market."

The most popular titles seized by FACT in 2003 were Finding Nemo, Master and Commander, Pirates of The Caribbean, Kill Bill, Brother Bear, Calendar Girls and Love Actually.

Figures for 2003 seizures by FACT are as follows:
VCD 125,275
VHS 86,866
DVDR/ DVD Comp/ DVDR Comp 190,004
DVD 1,614,328
There Ain't No Wakeboarding In Iraq (WakinAMovie.com)

NY filmmaker Monroe Mann has been working for years to put together the world’s first wakeboarding feature film, to be shot in Orlando, Florida this fall. That is... until the Army stepped in and told him otherwise.

Despite all the obstacles of being an independent filmmaker, Monroe Mann has been able to line up Avril Lavigne & Sum41 for the soundtrack to their film and gain the support of the entire pro-wakeboarding community. Lieutenant Mann, however, also just got a call from his commanding officer. He and his battalion from the NY Army National Guard are packing their bags, leaving their civilian lives behind, and heading off to Iraq on May 15th.

Despite being confused and nervous about going to war, and despite the lack of funds and time, this Lieutenant filmmaker is still determined to fulfill his dream of making this movie.

"Among the many things I've learned by being in the Army,' says Mann, 26, "I've learned that impossible is not an option when success is the only alternative. Somehow, someway, we're going to make this movie."

How? By enlisting the support of the American people.

Mann and his crew at Loco Dawn Films have set up a website at www.WakinAMovie.com to help raise the money to make their film before he has to ship out to Iraq for war. They are hoping that people will actually go there, donate money, and help make movie history. The website is designed to appeal to wakeboarders, film buffs, those with military affiliations… and to anyone who has ever had a dream.

Wakeboarding is a cross between snowboarding and waterskiing and is the fastest growing extreme sport in the world. In the words of Jason Bingham of Wakeboarding Magazine, “Those who choose to be a part of this film, choose to be a part of a revolution in extreme sports.”

Monroe Mann (26) is a twice published author and the owner of the Unstoppable Actors Business School in Manhattan. His book "To Benning and Back - The Making of a Citizen Soldier" is the country's only first person journal account of modern basic training and officer candidate school.

Animated marketing for Alex Rider

Walker Books and Screenbase Media have joined forces to create the first animated "viral" promotion for a children's book. Scorpia Mission offers an interactive slice of the action, mystery and suspense from the fifth of Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider books, Scorpia, on sale from 1 April 2004.

Next week, 250,000 children will be invited to watch the dramatic promo at
http://www.scorpiamission.com

Fans can discover what Scorpia is and the dark secrets about Alex Rider's father in an animated trailer. For those who cannot wait for the book, Scorpia Mission offers an exclusive extract of the first chapter, as well as details about Anthony Horowitz and further information about the Alex Rider series.

Walker Books approached Screenbase for this project, as their core-sector expertise lies in publishing, film and TV. They have developed and built author and title brands, including Douglas Coupland's Hey Nostradamus, Salam Pax's The Baghdad Blog and the Life of Pi promotion, which won an award at the 2003 Flash Forward Film Festival. Screenbase has worked with some of the largest media brands in the UK to provide a unique mix of creative and technical services that encompass marketing, graphic and web design. Previous clients include HarperCollins, Canongate Books, Edinburgh International Film Festival and Channel 4.

Anthony Horowitz, author of the Alex Rider series, said:

"I just love it. It really grips you from the start, and I particularly like the fact that it's so adult in nature - not at all condescending. I hope it entices a few kids away from their computers and into the books."

Alison Morrison, Head of Marketing at Walker Books, said:
"We are always looking for new and exciting ways to reach a wider audience in an environment that they respond to. Screenbase has produced a gripping trailer which will ignite anticipation among those who know the Alex Rider series, while establishing new readers as well!"

To preview the site visit Scorpia Mission at
http://www.scorpiamission.com

Thursday, March 04, 2004

Major Website Enhancement for JVC Professional Europe

JVC Professionals UK website: www.jvcpro.co.uk, has been upgraded and went live on 2 March 2004.

While JVC continually adds new features and content to its website, this is a major upgrade that cannot go unnoticed. The refreshing site displays a reorganised content page set to make the website a lot more user friendly and for information to be a lot easier to find.

The websites previous colours of red and mustard have been changed to blue and white making the visit to the site a considerably more enjoyable and more relaxing experience.

New features include:

· Latest products and news
· Flicker free Projection
· The Jerry Bruckheimer perfect theatre experience
· Speak to an Expert
· A dedicated security section
· A dedicated Computer Imaging area
· A dedicated Data Storage section
· A Meet us section

John Carpenter, General Manager Marketing Services, JVC Professional says, "The aim of the upgraded website is not only for aesthetic appeal but also to keep site visitors fully, and more clearly, informed. "
STAR WARS MAGAZINE
Issue #49

This month, Star Wars Magazine brings fans across the Star Wars universe interviews with The Phantom Menace star Ray Park (Darth Maul) and Star Wars make-up creator Stuart Freeborn. We study the new aliens introduced in Attack of the Clones, look into the world of invisible effects from The Phantom Menace and take you behind-the-scenes of the Star Wars animated micro series Clone Wars.

As always, SWM is packed with all the latest scoops – including an Episode III post-production update and exclusive new photos from the set, plus much, much more!
Don’t miss your free Darth Maul poster with this issue!

THE PHANTOM MENACE
Stuntman-turned-actor Ray Park, best known to Star Wars fans as Darth Maul, the demonic apprentice to Darth Sidious, chats to SWM about life before, during and after The Phantom Menace, plus he reveals the latest on his role as Danny Rand in the upcoming Marvel comic adaptation, Iron Fist.

ALIEN FACES
SWM talks to Star Wars make-up creator Stuart Freeborn to discover how he created the looks for some of the most famous faces in Star Wars: Episode IV, V & VI, including Chewbacca, Yoda and Jabba the Hutt.

THE ALIENS FROM ATTACK OF THE CLONES
Star Wars aliens have played on our affections, our fears and our imaginations for over a quarter of a century. SWM studies the new aliens introduced to the Star Wars universe in Attack of the Clones, including the giraffe-necked Kaminoans and the bug-like Geonosians.

INVISIBLE EFFECTS FROM THE PHANTOM MENACE
There’s a good argument that the most impressive effects are the ones not even the most keen-eyed viewers can detect. SWM looks into the world of invisible effects from The Phantom Menace.

MAKING THE CLONE WARS!
SWM visits the Cartoon Network headquarters to take you behind-the-scenes of the Star Wars animated micro series Clone Wars.

ALSO INCLUDED IN ISSUE #49
Rob Coleman: Behind the Magic
Set Piece: The Outlander Club
Comlink
Star Wars Q&A
Win Star Wars LEGO sets!
Plus, LOADS more!

GET IT DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR!
Subscribe to SWM by calling 0153 6764 646 or email: starwarssubs@titanemail.com, quoting reference P103.

ISSUE #49 ON SALE NOW!
ã Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
dreamwatch

Issue #115

In Issue #115, the ultra glossy dreamwatch magazine brings you interviews with Alias actor Michael Vartan (Michael Vaughn), Stargate SG-1 stars Michael Shanks (Dr Daniel Jackson) & Christopher Judge (Teal’c), Hellboy star Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Angel star David Boreanaz (Angel) and series creator/executive producer Joss Whedon.

We visit the Scooby-Doo 2 set to meet the cast and crew; director Jonathan Hensleigh gives us a preview of the latest Marvel comic-strip movie; The Punisher; newly announced Doctor Who producer Phil Collinson outlines his plans for the show’s revival, and writer/executive producer Karl Schaefer reveals all on the upcoming third season of The Dead Zone.

As always, dreamwatch is packed with all the latest scoops from the world of sci-fi and fantasy entertainment – including news that Academy Award-winning actor Chris Cooper has turned down the role as Detective Jim Gordon in the new Batman film, Beyonce Knowles confirms her interest in the new Superman movie and the original Star Wars trilogy gets its DVD release date, plus much, much more!

ANGEL
When Buffy spin-off Angel made its television debut in October 1999, no-one really knew if it would be a hit. But the series quickly established itself and recently reached its 100th episode. Series creator/executive producer Joss Whedon chats to dreamwatch about the past, present and future of Angel.
David Boreanaz who is in his eighth year playing Angel, tells us about the revamped fifth season and his directorial debut on Angel episode “Soul Purpose”. Plus, a full report on the show’s shock cancellation!

ALIAS STAR MICHAEL VARTAN INTERROGATED!
With the third season of Alias making its UK debut in March, dreamwatch talks to Michael Vartan, who plays CIA agent Michael Vaughn, about the action-packed season and finds out about his real life relationship with the show’s star, Jennifer Garner.

SCOOBY-DOO 2: SET VISIT!
dreamwatch visits the set of Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed and meets the cast and crew, including Sarah Michelle Gellar (Daphne), Matthew Lillard (Shaggy), Linda Cardellini (Velma) and director Raja Gosnell to find out what cinemagoers can expect from Scooby’s second live-action movie adventure.

STARGATE SG-1 : MICHAEL SHANKS & CHRISTOPHER JUDGE
Stargate SG-1 stars Michael Shanks (Dr Daniel Jackson) & Christopher Judge (Teal’c) reveal to dreamwatch how the new season is shaping up and what it’s like working with the newly promoted General Jack O’Neil.

HELLBOY
Mike Mignola’s popular comic-book saga Hellboy has been brought to the big screen with Ron Perlman in the title role. The prolific character actor tells dreamwatch about his long wait to play the demonic hero.

ALSO INCLUDED IN ISSUE #115
Head writer/executive producer David Greenwalt talks about the
cancellation of Jake 2.0
Star Trek: Enterprise’s Linda Blair (Hoshi Sato) outlines her characters development and reveals her thoughts on the character’s reduced screen time.
Battlestar Galactica’s Jamie Bamber (Captain Lee Adama) reveals what life is like aboard the re-imagined Galactica.
dreamwatch Hot Topic: Can Star Trek be saved?

PLUS: The very latest news, reviews and competitions

All this and much, much more in dreamwatch Issue#115!
ON SALE 26 FEB (UK) 16 MAR (US)

Get dreamwatch delivered to your door!
UK, call 01536 764646 or email dreamwatchsubs@titanemail.com.
US, call (1-877) 363-1310 or email expressmag@expressmag.com.
Please quote reference number P103.
Buffy issue#58

Well here it is, the one you’ve been begging, pleading and waiting for, the Spike issue! That’s right, we’re dedicating issue 58 of Buffy Magazine to the platinum enigma that was (in Buffy) and is (in Angel), Spike!

Printed in full Spike-o-rama, we have an interview with Spike actor James Marsters, a chance for you to test your Spike knowledge in our quiz and there’s a great Spike poster! The Glorious Clare Kramer joins us for a little Q&A as does Buffy Stuntwoman April Weedon-Washington, and we take a closer look at some of the Big Bads that Buffy has dealt with.

The Sunnydale Round-Up
In the Buffy news this month: Sarah Michelle Gellar’s decision on appearing in Angel, Alyson Hannigan makes her London West End debut in the stage version of When Harry Met Sally, and find out what the cast and crew are up to away from Sunnydale.

Marsters Class
From struggling New York actor, to founding two theatres and acting in over 70 plays, James Marsters has earned his stripes the hard way. We talk about life pre-Spike, resurrection on Angel and his current raison d’etre, his band, Ghost of the Robot.

Glory Hunter
Actress Clare Kramer tells us her feelings on body swapping and resurrecting Glory in Season Seven.

The Monster Hall of Fame
We take a season-by-season look at the many adversaries to have crossed Buffy’s path, taking in such luminaries as the follicly challenged Master in Season One, through Angelus, The Mayor, Dark Willow and finally, The First.

And there’s more…
Win a copy of the Best of Buffy DVD and a combination TV/DVD!
Meet Buffy stuntwoman and actress April Weedon-Washington!
‘Where are they now?’ – with Holden the Vampire (a.k.a. Jonathon Woodward)


Subscribe to Buffy and get the mag direct to your doorstep!
Subscribe to Buffy Magazine now and ensure that you never miss an issue of your fave mag by getting the magazine delivered directly to you! No more running down to the newsagents to grab your copy before they fly off the shelves! To subscribe, call 01536 764 646 or email buffysubs@titanemail.com quoting reference number P103.

Issue 58 of Buffy Magazine on sale 4 March!
Need an instant Buffy e-fix? To subscribe to the Buffy e-zine, simply send an email to: buffyezine@titanemail.com, writing ‘subscribe’ in the subject box.
Joan of Arc Screening at Imperial War Museum in March.

The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
30 March, 7.00pm
Directed by Carl Theodore Dreyer. With live piano accompaniment and introduction by Professor Casper Tybjerg.
Tickets £7.50, FIWM, Concessions £6.00
Box Office 020 7416 5439 (weekdays 10.00am - 5.00pm)

Wednesday, March 03, 2004

AFTER SUCCESS WITH TOM CONTI MURDER DRAMA, CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR MOVES TV AND MOVIE FICTION PRODUCERS CLOSER TO REALITY.

With 24,000 crime scene investigations behind him, including 500 deaths, forensic specialist Andy Johnson always believes he's seen it all - until the next one comes along.

So when he found himself shouting at the TV as yet another team of fictional big-booted detectives tromped through precious evidence in a crime drama murder scene, he declared enough was enough - and moved to provide real-life forensic expertise to film and TV producers.

Andy, 33, an active-duty crime scene investigator with a UK Police force for 13 years, has teamed up with fellow investigative experts to set up Pro-Forensic.com.

Based on experience of murder, rape, suicide, assault, kidnap and arson, the group provides intensely accurate and massively detailed advice and consultancy both to ensure accuracy and to create completely new ideas for book and scriptwriters, TV producers and filmmakers.

Andy's expertise was employed by the producers of DoNovAn, an ITV drama starring Tom Conti and Samantha Bond. An audience of 8 million viewers were gripped by the crime mystery - and witnessed forensic investigative detail never before seen on TV.

"But it meant another opportunity: as well as ensuring the on-set detail was right for the investigative strand of the programme, I was also consulted about what might be possible in terms of committing a crime, concealing a crime and solving a crime. My views on the possible, based on experience, helped create a whole new twist to the plot. That really gripped me - and got me thinking," said Andy.

"Crime scene investigation may be based on science and analysis, but there's also a great deal of creativity involved in picturing how the facts and evidence translate into the real actions of an offender which in turn can provide clues for the reasons behind a crime.

"Some TV and movie crime dramas are very well researched, but even the best fall well short of reality or possibility. I've advised on matters as diverse as how to 'twizzle' a fingerprint brush - through to how DNA might be transferred from one object or place to another so somebody can be framed.

"If the audience is fascinated by how fictional investigators get their man - or woman - they'd be utterly astonished as to how real-life investigators get their answers. A detective magically pronouncing his verdict after 20 minutes at a crime scene with battalions of people stomping around? Utter nonsense.

"TV and movie plots barely scratch the surface of possibility, whether in terms of the type of crime, the way it is carried out, the motive, the surrounding influences, how the evidence is treated or how the investigation unfolds."

The Pro-Forensic.com team comprises Andy and a number of other specialists, including pathologists to advise on how people have died, or fire investigators with massive experience of identifying how even the most cleverly concealed or disguised arsons are planned and committed.