Saturday, January 19, 2013
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Media Man Int news articles
News
Profiles
Gaming Entertainment Wrestling Casinos World Directory
Superhero movie line-up for Australia in 2013
Gamesys acquires Richard Branson owned Virgin Games to boost gaming and igaming business
Advertising Agencies - Why We Need Them
The Billionaire Brands
Google pact with FTC could affect other patent disputes
US regulator quits searching for Google charges
The Rock to return to next WWE RAW; Building towards Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 29 in New York
Ric Flair wrestling again: Breaks retirement for AJPW in Japan
James Bond VS Goldfinger showdown voted greatest 007 movie moment
Porsche VS Mercedes-Benz and the world
Media Man entertainment news update: WWE, pro wrestling, UFC, movies, Hollywood, gaming, celebrities, events
Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill: Django Unchained co-stars on Sydney Harbour
The Star: New Years Eve reports from Sydney, Australia
Aussie Millions Poker Championship teams up with Betfair
Bond film Skyfall breaks $1bn record at global box office; Global and Australian box office numbers
UFC 155: Pro wrestlers react to main event result
Lucha VaVOOM to headline the ‘El Jimador Mexican Wrestling Bar' At Big Day Out 2013
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Casino News Media
Human Entertainment
Australian Sports Entertainment
Wrestling News Media
Profiles
Gaming Entertainment Wrestling Casinos World Directory
Superhero movie line-up for Australia in 2013
Gamesys acquires Richard Branson owned Virgin Games to boost gaming and igaming business
Advertising Agencies - Why We Need Them
The Billionaire Brands
Google pact with FTC could affect other patent disputes
US regulator quits searching for Google charges
The Rock to return to next WWE RAW; Building towards Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 29 in New York
Ric Flair wrestling again: Breaks retirement for AJPW in Japan
James Bond VS Goldfinger showdown voted greatest 007 movie moment
Porsche VS Mercedes-Benz and the world
Media Man entertainment news update: WWE, pro wrestling, UFC, movies, Hollywood, gaming, celebrities, events
Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill: Django Unchained co-stars on Sydney Harbour
The Star: New Years Eve reports from Sydney, Australia
Aussie Millions Poker Championship teams up with Betfair
Bond film Skyfall breaks $1bn record at global box office; Global and Australian box office numbers
UFC 155: Pro wrestlers react to main event result
Lucha VaVOOM to headline the ‘El Jimador Mexican Wrestling Bar' At Big Day Out 2013
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Casino News Media
Human Entertainment
Australian Sports Entertainment
Wrestling News Media
Thursday, December 27, 2012
WWE officials continue to negotiate with investment company for the WWE Network
WWE officials continue to negotiate with investment company for the WWE Network ...
Profiles
WWE Wrestling John Cena Dwayne Johnson CM Punk The Miz Ric Flair Promotions Publicity Television
WWE is currently in negotiations with at least one investment company about partnering up for the WWE Network. The story is is that people will be amazed when they find out the current programming vision, which has reportedly changed greatly.
WWE rarely takes on partners in their business ventures because Vince McMahon doesn't like answering to other people and has a joke about how they don't play well with others.
In the negotiations, WWE is pitching that the Network would have extremely low programming costs compared to other networks since the majority of the programming would be their old wrestling tape library that they own and don't have to buy any licensing fees for.
You can believe that other sports entertainment companies are watching developments closely, as well as the potential deal getting the attention of the television and programming world as a whole.
WWE top dog Vince McMahon prepared for Connecticut violence backlash...
There was concern at this week's TV tapings that the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut may affect the product in some way because of an anti-violence media backlash, particularly when it comes to shows that draw kids. Vince McMahon told people that he expects to be targeted for the effect wrestling has on children, and that they will fight back with charity work and pushing the idea that WWE is family entertainment.
WWE issues press release re THQ filing for bankruptcy...
WWE issued the following press release regarding THQ filing for bankruptcy:
"WWE (NYSE:WWE) is listed in THQ, Inc.'s recent bankruptcy filing as an unsecured creditor holding a claim of approximately $45 million reflecting the entirety of the existing multi-year agreement. Any impairment of a current THQ account receivable would be immaterial to WWE's financial statements. Even if the impact of THQ's bankruptcy were detrimental to WWE, the Company does not believe that the ultimate economic impact for financial statement purposes would materially and adversely affect the results of operations or financial position of WWE in light of the strength of the WWE brand and the historical performance of WWE's video game business."
Websites
Media Man International
Media Man
WWE
Media Man Entertainment
Australian Sports Entertainment
Wrestling News Media
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man News
Profiles
WWE Wrestling John Cena Dwayne Johnson CM Punk The Miz Ric Flair Promotions Publicity Television
WWE is currently in negotiations with at least one investment company about partnering up for the WWE Network. The story is is that people will be amazed when they find out the current programming vision, which has reportedly changed greatly.
WWE rarely takes on partners in their business ventures because Vince McMahon doesn't like answering to other people and has a joke about how they don't play well with others.
In the negotiations, WWE is pitching that the Network would have extremely low programming costs compared to other networks since the majority of the programming would be their old wrestling tape library that they own and don't have to buy any licensing fees for.
You can believe that other sports entertainment companies are watching developments closely, as well as the potential deal getting the attention of the television and programming world as a whole.
WWE top dog Vince McMahon prepared for Connecticut violence backlash...
There was concern at this week's TV tapings that the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut may affect the product in some way because of an anti-violence media backlash, particularly when it comes to shows that draw kids. Vince McMahon told people that he expects to be targeted for the effect wrestling has on children, and that they will fight back with charity work and pushing the idea that WWE is family entertainment.
WWE issues press release re THQ filing for bankruptcy...
WWE issued the following press release regarding THQ filing for bankruptcy:
"WWE (NYSE:WWE) is listed in THQ, Inc.'s recent bankruptcy filing as an unsecured creditor holding a claim of approximately $45 million reflecting the entirety of the existing multi-year agreement. Any impairment of a current THQ account receivable would be immaterial to WWE's financial statements. Even if the impact of THQ's bankruptcy were detrimental to WWE, the Company does not believe that the ultimate economic impact for financial statement purposes would materially and adversely affect the results of operations or financial position of WWE in light of the strength of the WWE brand and the historical performance of WWE's video game business."
Websites
Media Man International
Media Man
WWE
Media Man Entertainment
Australian Sports Entertainment
Wrestling News Media
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man News
Friday, December 21, 2012
Les Misérables red carpet movie premiere, Sydney, Australia - 21st December 2012
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Les Miserables: Sydney, Australia media call Thursday
Les Miserables: Sydney, Australia media call Thursday...
Profiles
Movies Hollywood Sydney Entertainment Hugh Jackman Russell Crowe Australia
News...
Hugh Jackman, Tom Hooper, and Sir Cameron Mackintosh touch down in Sydney on the final stop on the Les Misérables international promotional tour.
The group will mark their arrival with a group Photo Call at Hickson Road Reserve, The Rocks with the Sydney Opera House a fitting backdrop ahead of the film’s Australian Premiere Friday 21st December.
Fellow cast member Russell Crowe will join the group at the film’s Australian Premiere on Friday 21st Dec at The State Theatre.
News...
The screen adaptation of 'Les Miserables' is being discussed as potential Oscar worthy and its mega star, 'Our' Hugh Jackman has warmly welcomed the buzz as recognition of how hard it is to transform a musical to the screen, no matter how good the material.
The star-studded film version of the stage musical debuted to critics at screenings in New York, London, Los Angeles and Sydney last weekend and it did very well, with many standing ovations and strong reviews.
Popular show business website Showbiz.com advised Jackman was a sure contender for the best actor Academy Award for his role as Jean Valjean, the ex-prisoner who creates a successful new life for himself.
The Universal Studios flick, directed by Tom Hooper who won an Oscar for 'The King's Speech', also features fellow Aussies Russell Crowe as Jackman's nemesis Inspector Javert and leading lady Anne Hathaway as Fantine.
Jackman said he had not seen the final cut until the Sydney viewing and he was "pretty blown away by it".
"I think everyone understands that musical movies are probably the Mount Everest of movies," he told ABC TV.
"There's so many elements that need to come together. Les Mis has so much pedigree, not only in world literature, but as probably one of the most successful stage musicals of all time.
"So there was a lot at risk, but I loved it, I really loved it."
The stage version has been seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries to date and in 21 languages around the globe, and is still breaking box-office records in its 27th year.
Jackman, who made his name on the stage but is best known for his role as Wolverine in the "X-Men" movie series, said his latest role, set against the backdrop of 19th century France, was the hardest of his career so far.
"There's no doubt that of all the things I feel I can do, this demanded more than anything," he said.
"As a pedigree of work, it's probably higher than anything else I've been in. The director, the ensemble, it was certainly one of those projects that felt like a once in a lifetime event."
It makes the early Oscar buzz all the more satisfying for the Sydney-based star.
"I would love nothing better than for the film to get recognised because I know how hard everyone worked and what was at stake, and we all know how musicals, when they don't come out well, can stink to high heaven," he said.
"So, any kind of positive buzz, of course I'm happy."
Stay tuned to Media Man, Music News Australia and the official Les Miserables and Universal Pictures websites for updates.
Websites
Les Miserables official website www.lesmiserablesfilm.com
Les Miserables official website (Australia) www.lesmiserablesmovie.com.au
Universal Pictures Australia www.universalpicturesaustralia.com
Profiles
Movies Hollywood Sydney Entertainment Hugh Jackman Russell Crowe Australia
News...
Hugh Jackman, Tom Hooper, and Sir Cameron Mackintosh touch down in Sydney on the final stop on the Les Misérables international promotional tour.
The group will mark their arrival with a group Photo Call at Hickson Road Reserve, The Rocks with the Sydney Opera House a fitting backdrop ahead of the film’s Australian Premiere Friday 21st December.
Fellow cast member Russell Crowe will join the group at the film’s Australian Premiere on Friday 21st Dec at The State Theatre.
News...
The screen adaptation of 'Les Miserables' is being discussed as potential Oscar worthy and its mega star, 'Our' Hugh Jackman has warmly welcomed the buzz as recognition of how hard it is to transform a musical to the screen, no matter how good the material.
The star-studded film version of the stage musical debuted to critics at screenings in New York, London, Los Angeles and Sydney last weekend and it did very well, with many standing ovations and strong reviews.
Popular show business website Showbiz.com advised Jackman was a sure contender for the best actor Academy Award for his role as Jean Valjean, the ex-prisoner who creates a successful new life for himself.
The Universal Studios flick, directed by Tom Hooper who won an Oscar for 'The King's Speech', also features fellow Aussies Russell Crowe as Jackman's nemesis Inspector Javert and leading lady Anne Hathaway as Fantine.
Jackman said he had not seen the final cut until the Sydney viewing and he was "pretty blown away by it".
"I think everyone understands that musical movies are probably the Mount Everest of movies," he told ABC TV.
"There's so many elements that need to come together. Les Mis has so much pedigree, not only in world literature, but as probably one of the most successful stage musicals of all time.
"So there was a lot at risk, but I loved it, I really loved it."
The stage version has been seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries to date and in 21 languages around the globe, and is still breaking box-office records in its 27th year.
Jackman, who made his name on the stage but is best known for his role as Wolverine in the "X-Men" movie series, said his latest role, set against the backdrop of 19th century France, was the hardest of his career so far.
"There's no doubt that of all the things I feel I can do, this demanded more than anything," he said.
"As a pedigree of work, it's probably higher than anything else I've been in. The director, the ensemble, it was certainly one of those projects that felt like a once in a lifetime event."
It makes the early Oscar buzz all the more satisfying for the Sydney-based star.
"I would love nothing better than for the film to get recognised because I know how hard everyone worked and what was at stake, and we all know how musicals, when they don't come out well, can stink to high heaven," he said.
"So, any kind of positive buzz, of course I'm happy."
Stay tuned to Media Man, Music News Australia and the official Les Miserables and Universal Pictures websites for updates.
Websites
Les Miserables official website www.lesmiserablesfilm.com
Les Miserables official website (Australia) www.lesmiserablesmovie.com.au
Universal Pictures Australia www.universalpicturesaustralia.com
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey movie premiere: Sydney, Australia - 18th December 2012
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey movie premiere: Sydney, Australia...
Profiles
Movies Hollywood Sydney Entertainment Lord Of The Rings Australia
'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' enjoyed its Sydney, Australia red carpet movie premiere at George Street Event Cinemas tonight.
A crowd of hundreds of general public and dozens of media welcomed in the popular film franchise.
The celebrity list was large and included: Paula Arundell, Zoe Balbi, Emily Barclay, Matt Boesenberg, Scott Cam, Salvatore Coco, Harry Cook, Zoe Crammond, Matt Day, Matt Doran, Issy Durant, Bella Ferraro, Rhiannon Fish, Fourtunate, Maude Garrett, Lisa Gormley, Daniel Henshall, Les Hill, George Houvardes, John Jarratt, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Jay Lag’aia, Todd Lasance, Sophie Lowe, Sophie Luck, Emma Lung, Andrew Maciver, Reece Mastin, Jessica McNamee, Sam Moran, Matt Nable, Indira Naidoo, Valentina Novakovic, Alice Parkinson, Peter Phelps, Rupert Reid, Stephanie Rice, Kat Risteska, Jordan Rodrigues, Zac Russell (The Collective), Guy Sebastian, Jeremy Sims, Barry Southgate, Marco Storm, Miranda Tapsell, Erik Thomsen, Maria Venuti, David Whitehill, Felix Williamson, Dan Wyllie and Lincoln Younes.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a 2012 fantasy film directed by Peter Jackson. It is the first of a three-part film adaptation of the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, to be followed by The Desolation of Smaug and There and Back Again, due for theatrical release in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Promo:
Set in Middle-earth 60 years before The Lord of the Rings, the adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.
Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of 13 dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers.
Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.
Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.
Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, the character he played in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield.
Also reprising their roles from The Lord of the Rings in The Hobbit trilogy are: Cate Blanchett as Galadriel; Ian Holm as the elder Bilbo; Christopher Lee as Saruman; Hugo Weaving as Elrond; Elijah Wood as Frodo; and Andy Serkis as Gollum.
The international ensemble cast of the trilogy also includes Manu Bennett, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Barry Humphries, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, James Nesbitt, Dean O’Gorman, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott and Aidan Turner.
The screenplay for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro. Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.
Storyline:
Bilbo Baggins is swept into a quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever ... Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum's "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities
A younger and more reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out on a "unexpected journey" to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of Dwarves to reclaim a their stolen mountain home from a dragon named Smaug.
Summary: Many entertainment commentators including the Media Man agency think that 'The Hobbit' may be one of the best and most popular movies in Australia for 2012, despite the late release in the year. One for the whole family, and both casual and die hard fans should love it.
Director: Peter Jackson Writers: Fran Walsh (screenplay), Philippa Boyens (screenplay) Guillermo del Toro, Peter Jackson Actors: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitrage, Andy Serkis (Voice), Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving
Websites
The Hobbit official website
Village Roadshow Australia
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
Music News Australia
Media Man Int
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Profiles
Movies Hollywood Sydney Entertainment Lord Of The Rings Australia
'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' enjoyed its Sydney, Australia red carpet movie premiere at George Street Event Cinemas tonight.
A crowd of hundreds of general public and dozens of media welcomed in the popular film franchise.
The celebrity list was large and included: Paula Arundell, Zoe Balbi, Emily Barclay, Matt Boesenberg, Scott Cam, Salvatore Coco, Harry Cook, Zoe Crammond, Matt Day, Matt Doran, Issy Durant, Bella Ferraro, Rhiannon Fish, Fourtunate, Maude Garrett, Lisa Gormley, Daniel Henshall, Les Hill, George Houvardes, John Jarratt, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Jay Lag’aia, Todd Lasance, Sophie Lowe, Sophie Luck, Emma Lung, Andrew Maciver, Reece Mastin, Jessica McNamee, Sam Moran, Matt Nable, Indira Naidoo, Valentina Novakovic, Alice Parkinson, Peter Phelps, Rupert Reid, Stephanie Rice, Kat Risteska, Jordan Rodrigues, Zac Russell (The Collective), Guy Sebastian, Jeremy Sims, Barry Southgate, Marco Storm, Miranda Tapsell, Erik Thomsen, Maria Venuti, David Whitehill, Felix Williamson, Dan Wyllie and Lincoln Younes.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a 2012 fantasy film directed by Peter Jackson. It is the first of a three-part film adaptation of the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, to be followed by The Desolation of Smaug and There and Back Again, due for theatrical release in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Promo:
Set in Middle-earth 60 years before The Lord of the Rings, the adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.
Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of 13 dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers.
Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.
Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.
Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, the character he played in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield.
Also reprising their roles from The Lord of the Rings in The Hobbit trilogy are: Cate Blanchett as Galadriel; Ian Holm as the elder Bilbo; Christopher Lee as Saruman; Hugo Weaving as Elrond; Elijah Wood as Frodo; and Andy Serkis as Gollum.
The international ensemble cast of the trilogy also includes Manu Bennett, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Barry Humphries, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, James Nesbitt, Dean O’Gorman, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott and Aidan Turner.
The screenplay for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro. Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.
Storyline:
Bilbo Baggins is swept into a quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever ... Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum's "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities
A younger and more reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out on a "unexpected journey" to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of Dwarves to reclaim a their stolen mountain home from a dragon named Smaug.
Summary: Many entertainment commentators including the Media Man agency think that 'The Hobbit' may be one of the best and most popular movies in Australia for 2012, despite the late release in the year. One for the whole family, and both casual and die hard fans should love it.
Director: Peter Jackson Writers: Fran Walsh (screenplay), Philippa Boyens (screenplay) Guillermo del Toro, Peter Jackson Actors: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitrage, Andy Serkis (Voice), Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving
Websites
The Hobbit official website
Village Roadshow Australia
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
Music News Australia
Media Man Int
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
James Packer going to Hollywood to help make movies; Big money still talks in showbiz
James Packer going to Hollywood to help make movies; Big money still talks in showbiz...
Profiles
Movies Hollywood James Packer Crown Limited Entertainment
Casino and gambling tsar James Packer is heading for Hollywood, establishing up a production company with blockbuster director Brett Ratner.
The billionaire is joining forces with Ratner to form RatPac Entertainment, which will make independent films.
A spokesman for Mr Packer confirmed the partnership with the 43-year-old director and producer, describing it as "a small private investment".
Mr Ratner, who directed Rush Hour, Red Dragon and X-Men: The Last Stand, told the Hollywood Reporter Ratpac will develop, produce and finance films on its own and in partnership with Hollywood studios.
‘‘We intend to build a major independent film company which not only has the ability to fully finance its films but which also offers creative independence for its filmmakers,’’ Mr Ratner said in a statement.
Fusion Strategy managing director Steve Allen advised Mr Packer’s move into the film world was unexpected but not overly surprising considering that his family, particularly his father Kerry Packer, had previously been involved in the industry.
‘‘The Packers do have a long history, his father more than he, of getting into the film, mini series and television production business because it was, at least, very attractive from an investment and tax point of view,’’ he said.
The Packers have also invested in Hollywood studios, such as Lionsgate, in the past but that may have been to align supply contracts with the Nine Network when they owned it, Mr Allen said.
He said it was highly likely that Mr Packer had received some recommendation from one of his Hollywood friends, such as Tom Cruise, about Mr Ratner before deciding to go into business with him.
‘‘There would have had to be some connection,’’ Mr Allen said. ‘‘He would have known the people or liked them or Tom Cruise, his supposed mate, would have said these are good people to get into business with.
‘‘There has to be a reason. He doesn’t do things on whims. He’s not like his father.’’
While the film industry would appear an odd fit with Mr Packer’s main business interest, Crown Casino, Mr Allen said they were both essentially in the entertainment industry.
‘‘It’s an odd fit but I guess drawing a long string to the bow it’s all entertainment,’’ he said.
But he said the film industry was always risky as bankable stars and high profile directors do not guarantee hits.‘‘It’s a high risk, but can be a high profit, business,’’ he said.
‘‘There’s nothing certain in show business.’’
Oh, don't be surprised to see Packer push forward with Hollywood themed slot games - both landline and online. A Media Man spokesman said "Rest assured Packer will find a ways to tie in gambling with movies and you can bet it will make sense financially as well as have artistic merits. Make no mistake - money still talks in Hollywood, and with Brett Ratner being his partner, this new venture is tipped for mega success, even in a volatile industry such as movie making."
Stay tuned for more Packer action in Hollywood right here with Media Man.
News Update...
GAMBLING and media tycoon James Packer has turned his sights to the film industry, throwing his dollars behind Hollywood mover n shaker director Brett Ratner...
The Crown chairman has teamed up with Rush Hour director Brett Ratner to form RatPac Entertainment, a company that will produce and finance blockbuster films. The pair reportedly have already two films in production.
A spokesman for Mr Packer, who was unavailable for comment yesterday, confirmed the partnership, noting it was a "small private investment". It is understood Ratner and Mr Packer have struck up a friendship in recent times.
The move comes just months after Mr Packer sold his remaining stake in his family business Consolidated Media Holdings and amid Crown's campaign to build a hotel and casino development at Sydney's Barangaroo.
In a statement, Ratner said he and Mr Packer "intend to build a major independent film company which not only has the ability to fully finance its films, but which also offers creative independence for its filmmakers".
It's not the first time the Packer name -- synonymous with TV and media ownership -- has been linked to the film industry. Kerry Packer, James's father, bought a stake in film studio New Regency Productions in the mid-1990s. In 2008, three years after his father's death, James is reported to have sold the 25 per cent share for $348 million.
Don't know about you, but wouldn't it be something to see a gambling themed movie put together by Packer and Ratner. Can you imagine the merchandise spin offs like movie themed slot games. Who wouldn't pay for that.
Plus, with Packer involved any Hollywood projects are going to get news media coverage, and at this stage of the game it's likely going to be positive.
Watch out Hollywood - there's a few new kings in town... gives new meaning to the term "Gumleaf Mafia", which the Media Man agency has been pitching around for a few years now.
Might be time for Media Man and friends to start being more pro active in Hollywood again. Watch this space.
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Websites
Media Man Int www.mediamanint.com
Media Man www.mediaman.com.au
Crown Limited www.crownlimited.com
Profiles
Movies Hollywood James Packer Crown Limited Entertainment
Casino and gambling tsar James Packer is heading for Hollywood, establishing up a production company with blockbuster director Brett Ratner.
The billionaire is joining forces with Ratner to form RatPac Entertainment, which will make independent films.
A spokesman for Mr Packer confirmed the partnership with the 43-year-old director and producer, describing it as "a small private investment".
Mr Ratner, who directed Rush Hour, Red Dragon and X-Men: The Last Stand, told the Hollywood Reporter Ratpac will develop, produce and finance films on its own and in partnership with Hollywood studios.
‘‘We intend to build a major independent film company which not only has the ability to fully finance its films but which also offers creative independence for its filmmakers,’’ Mr Ratner said in a statement.
Fusion Strategy managing director Steve Allen advised Mr Packer’s move into the film world was unexpected but not overly surprising considering that his family, particularly his father Kerry Packer, had previously been involved in the industry.
‘‘The Packers do have a long history, his father more than he, of getting into the film, mini series and television production business because it was, at least, very attractive from an investment and tax point of view,’’ he said.
The Packers have also invested in Hollywood studios, such as Lionsgate, in the past but that may have been to align supply contracts with the Nine Network when they owned it, Mr Allen said.
He said it was highly likely that Mr Packer had received some recommendation from one of his Hollywood friends, such as Tom Cruise, about Mr Ratner before deciding to go into business with him.
‘‘There would have had to be some connection,’’ Mr Allen said. ‘‘He would have known the people or liked them or Tom Cruise, his supposed mate, would have said these are good people to get into business with.
‘‘There has to be a reason. He doesn’t do things on whims. He’s not like his father.’’
While the film industry would appear an odd fit with Mr Packer’s main business interest, Crown Casino, Mr Allen said they were both essentially in the entertainment industry.
‘‘It’s an odd fit but I guess drawing a long string to the bow it’s all entertainment,’’ he said.
But he said the film industry was always risky as bankable stars and high profile directors do not guarantee hits.‘‘It’s a high risk, but can be a high profit, business,’’ he said.
‘‘There’s nothing certain in show business.’’
Oh, don't be surprised to see Packer push forward with Hollywood themed slot games - both landline and online. A Media Man spokesman said "Rest assured Packer will find a ways to tie in gambling with movies and you can bet it will make sense financially as well as have artistic merits. Make no mistake - money still talks in Hollywood, and with Brett Ratner being his partner, this new venture is tipped for mega success, even in a volatile industry such as movie making."
Stay tuned for more Packer action in Hollywood right here with Media Man.
News Update...
GAMBLING and media tycoon James Packer has turned his sights to the film industry, throwing his dollars behind Hollywood mover n shaker director Brett Ratner...
The Crown chairman has teamed up with Rush Hour director Brett Ratner to form RatPac Entertainment, a company that will produce and finance blockbuster films. The pair reportedly have already two films in production.
A spokesman for Mr Packer, who was unavailable for comment yesterday, confirmed the partnership, noting it was a "small private investment". It is understood Ratner and Mr Packer have struck up a friendship in recent times.
The move comes just months after Mr Packer sold his remaining stake in his family business Consolidated Media Holdings and amid Crown's campaign to build a hotel and casino development at Sydney's Barangaroo.
In a statement, Ratner said he and Mr Packer "intend to build a major independent film company which not only has the ability to fully finance its films, but which also offers creative independence for its filmmakers".
It's not the first time the Packer name -- synonymous with TV and media ownership -- has been linked to the film industry. Kerry Packer, James's father, bought a stake in film studio New Regency Productions in the mid-1990s. In 2008, three years after his father's death, James is reported to have sold the 25 per cent share for $348 million.
Don't know about you, but wouldn't it be something to see a gambling themed movie put together by Packer and Ratner. Can you imagine the merchandise spin offs like movie themed slot games. Who wouldn't pay for that.
Plus, with Packer involved any Hollywood projects are going to get news media coverage, and at this stage of the game it's likely going to be positive.
Watch out Hollywood - there's a few new kings in town... gives new meaning to the term "Gumleaf Mafia", which the Media Man agency has been pitching around for a few years now.
Might be time for Media Man and friends to start being more pro active in Hollywood again. Watch this space.
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Websites
Media Man Int www.mediamanint.com
Media Man www.mediaman.com.au
Crown Limited www.crownlimited.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)