Category Archives: Arts and Culture

Disney Commits $1M To Harvey Relief Efforts. Hearst, Amazon, Apple, Walmart, Google and others also donate

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By Creative Media Times

Walt Disney Company and ABC television station KTRK-TV in Houston have committed to donate $1 million to the American Red Cross to help those who are affected by Hurricane Harvey.

“Our hearts go out to everyone in the devastating path of this historic storm,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “It’s hard to fully appreciate the impact, in part because it isn’t over yet. But we know thousands of people have lost everything and now face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together, and we’re using our unique resources and reach to help those in need.”

Additionally, Disney will host a “Day of Giving” benefit which kicks off on morning newscasts of ABC local affiliates Thursday, August 31, then continues over to Good Morning America. Throughout the day on ABC, Freeform, Radio Disney as well as across all related social media, there will be a “call to action” to donate to the American Red Cross, with donations going to those affected by the storm.

The Hearst Corporation is donating $1 million to the Greater Houston Red Cross. Hearst also will match employee donations up to an additional $1 million to the Red Cross’s efforts. Here is the full text of the announcement:

PepsiCo is also making commitments, which includes a $1 million grant from the PepsiCo Foundation to the American Red Cross.

As it has done in the past, Apple is promoting donations through a link on iTunes, as well as its website, as do Amazon, Google and Walmart.

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Aliens, Shakespeare, and Diversity: An Interview with Sci-Fi Star, Cas Anvar

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Eric Gasa

THE STRAIN — Season Four – Pictured: Cas Anvar as Sanjay Desai. CR: Russ Martin/FX


Cas Anvar’s career is part occupation, part dream come true. Not very often does a Sci-Fi nerd grow up to become a Sci-Fi actor but for the rising Anvar, he enjoys the best of both worlds. Anvar can be found in a number of roles in big titles, from Argo and the Oscar-nominated ROOM, to the galaxy’s top fighter pilot in SyFy’s, The Expanse.

I had the opportunity to chat with Anvar one afternoon in preparation of the latest episode of his FX show, The Strain, where he plays the part of the nefarious Sanjay Desai. The Strain airs this Sunday, August 6, at 10 pm EP. Though our time was brief, Anvar spared none of it when sharing his excitement for his work and what lies on the road ahead.

EG: How did you get into acting?

Cas Anvar: I’ve been doing it my whole life since I was in high school. I was introduced to acting through Shakespeare actually. Started in theatre. Went to the National Theatre School of Canada. Started my own Shakespeare company after that and have been acting ever since.

Who were some of your inspirations as a young actor?

That’s an interesting question. I really admire Liam Neeson, Hugh Jackman, and Robert Downey Jr.

Was starring in a Sci-Fi program always a dream of yours? Were you a huge Sci-Fi fan growing up?

I’ve always been a huge nerd. I grew up with sci-fi, fantasy, and horror games, comic books, and all that stuff. I went to Comic Con as a kid and never imagined that I would be on the other side of that table signing autographs one day. Playing in something like The Expanse where I get to play a Han Solo character with wisecracks and one-liners, is a huge thrill for me.

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Book Review: The Shadow Land

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By Elizabeth Walker

If you don’t know a lot about the history of post-war Eastern Europe, prepare to be drawn in. Elizabeth Kostova’s newest novel is set in Bulgaria, both in the forties/fifties and new millennium. The Shadow Land tells two stories in parallel – one about a violinist named Stoyan Lazarov, another about a recent college graduate – and interweaves them in a masterful tale of grief, mystery, and adventure.

Alexandra is in her early twenties and has lived the past decade in the shadow of her brother’s untimely death. In attempt to both escape Jack’s memory and yet also become closer to it, she chooses to teach English in Bulgaria. On her first day in this foreign land, she crosses paths with a family en route to bury the ashes of Stoyan Lazarov. When Alexandra mistakenly picks up the ashes, she becomes a player in Stoyan’s fascinating story. She makes friends with Bobby, a philosopher poet, and together they travel across the country trying to unravel the intricacies of Stoyan Lazarov’s life and return the ashes to the family.

Most readers will be familiar with the horrific stories of Hitler’s concentration camps, but many remain oblivious to the violence inflicted on political prisoners under other administrations. The Shadow Land gives gruesome depictions of the pain and disease these people experience often based only on trumped-up charges. The fact that these atrocities are experienced by a gifted musician only serve to make them more ghastly.

The Shadow Land does drag at times. The way Kostova describes Alexandra’s grief does not seem wholly believable, and it is easy to be exhausted by the cyclic, repetitive nature of Alexandra and Bobby’s search for the Lazarov family. Essentially they spend hundreds of pages going to a place, not finding the Lazarovs, and going somewhere else.

That said, Kostova has obviously painstakingly researched her setting and has woven an intricate mystery comparable to her debut novel, The Historian. This makes the reader want to stick with The Shadow Land, despite its length, less to find out what happens to Alexandra than to the gifted musician and the family who want to offer him eternal peace.

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“THE LAIKA EXPERIENCE” In San Diego Draws Enormous Crowds, Scores Record Merchandise Sales And Heartfelt Fan Kudos

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Oscar®-winning Animation Studio, Creators of Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls and Kubo and the Two Strings, Judges First Pop-Up Exhibit During Comic-Con and PRIDE Celebrations A Huge Success

[San Diego, CA; July 25, 2017] — 48 LAIKA puppets are packed up in protective wrapping, sets and props from all four Oscar®-nominated LAIKA films are en route back to the studio in Oregon, and the LAIKA brand ambassadors who guided over 7,000 fans on detail-laden tours of The LAIKA Experience from July 14-23 in San Diego are relaxing their strained vocal chords. And for the fans who lined up for hours to get a close-up look at the artistry and magic of their favorite animation studio, favorite moments from The LAIKA Experience continue to excite the imagination.

Atop the bespoke storefront that was converted into the pop-up exhibit for the Oregon-based animation studio, nine-foot tall cutouts of its cinematic heroes, Coraline, Norman, Eggs and Kubo, beckoned visitors as they strolled in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. The LAIKA Experience, located at 520 Fifth Avenue, featured an up-close look at the artistic detail and imagination behind LAIKA’s groundbreaking films, all of which have been nominated for Academy Awards® and numerous other honors. The exhibit showcased the evolution of the studio’s unique blend of handcrafted stop-motion animation and visual effects magic in four imaginatively themed rooms inspired by each of LAIKA’s films. The extensive display of original sets, puppets and props immersed guests in LAIKA’s fantastical worlds.
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Nicholas Hoult Eyed To Play Young Tolkien

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By Creative Media Times

Nicholas Hoult by GabboT


Nicholas Hoult is in early talks to play as author J.R.R. Tolkien in Fox Searchlight and Chernin Entertainment’s “Tolkien,” Deadline reports Tuesday.

The film will be directed by Finnish film director Dome Karukoski, from a script by Stephen Beresford and David Gleeson.

J. R. R. Tolkien was the author of the fantasy classics The Lord of the Rings, originally a sequel to his children’s fantasy The Hobbit, then later turned into three volumes The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King. Since then, The Lord of the Rings has become one of the best selling novels ever, and together with The Hobbit became the source for Peter Jackson’s blockbuster hit films.

According to Deadline, the film will focus on the orphaned Tolkien’s experiences during his youth on the outbreak of World War I, experiences which influenced his work on The Lord of the Rings novels.

Hoult gained recognition from his role as a divergent schoolboy Marcus Brewer in 2002’s critical and boxoffice hit About A Boy. He also played Nux in George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road and as Hank McCoy/Beast on three X-Men films (X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse). He will reprise the role in next year’s X-Men: Dark Phoenix.

In addition to Tolkien, Hoult seem to attract real life character roles in biographical dramas lately. Later this year, he will be playing another celebrated author J. D. Salinger in Danny Strong’s Rebel in the Rye and then as inventor Nikola Tesla in this December’s “The Current War.”

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Great Moments From San Diego Comic-Con 2017

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By Armando

Every year, geeks around the world converge at Comic-Con, the 4-day event of all things about comicbooks and pop culture held every summer in San Diego. And this year is just as big and fun, not to mention hot and very sweaty as ever.

The big offerings from Marvel and DC did dominate the conversations. But with so many things happening every day all in and around the convention center, there is always something for everyone.

From trailers for upcoming studio blockbusters and tv shows, to exciting gaming announcements, to extravagant cosplays, and of course, some of the world’s most talented comic artists, Comic-Con continues to surprise and delight attendees.

Here’s some of the most memorable moments of from this year’s San Diego Comic-Con:

Blade Runner: Warner Bros unveiled a new trailer for Blade Runner 2049″ and brought with them the cast and the director Denis Villeneuve. Warner Bros. sensational SDCC presentation at Hall H’s 180-degree gigantic screens featured the upcoming “Blade Runner 2049” then later showed on stage a virtual hologram of Jared Leto.

Stranger Things Season 2 Trailer: The lively and hilarious cast and creators of “Stranger Things” were in Hall H. The very entertaining group talked about the series then later unveiled a very well received a new trailer. With a touch of nostalgia to the tune of Michael Jackson’s Thriller with Vincent Price’s voiceover, Watching the trailer in that gigantic screen was spectacular.

Black Panther: Marvel brought in the cast of Black Panther and previewed an exclusive action-packed footage, and it was a big hit. The intense footage received immediate standing ovation from audience while cast gathered for a group hug and impressed by what they saw. I can’t really blame them. Footage was fantastic!

Thor: Ragnarok: Cast of the movie stormed Hall H at Comic-Con and talked about the film and revealed new details. The cast brought with them some brand new spectacular action-packed trailer and footage. Also present was New Zealand director Taika Waititi and producer Kevin Feige, who was presented with Comic-Con’s Inkpot Award for his contributions to the world of comic books and everything comics fandom.

Charlize Theron: The statuesque Academy Award winner took the stage for Entertainment Weekly’s “Women Who Kick Ass”, and talked about her butt-kicking new character in Atomic Blonde, and the need for more female directors following the success of Wonder Woman, which was directed by Patty Jenkins who directed Theron in her Oscar-winning performance in “Monster”.

Jason Momoa runs to Hall H stage carrying Aquaman’s trident, shortly before the cast of Justice League arrived on stage. The guy sure knows how to entertain, pumped up the loud and excited crowd. Momoa also unveiled a short clip from the upcoming highly anticipated James Wan film “Aquaman”.

Justice League: Clearly one of the highlights of Comic-Con 2017, especially after the record breaking box-office run of Wonder Woman this summer, the Justice League cast Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, Ezra Miller and Jason Momoa, who was already on stage by the time the cast arrived, electrified the full house of 6,000 hyperactive fans at Hall H. There was, however no talk of Wonder Woman sequel, while Henry Cavill was not in attendance.

Cosplay: There is no shortage of cool cosplay in Comic-Con as one might expect, and this year is no exception. Even with the painful summer heat and crowded long lines, San Diego brought it this year with some really cool costumes. They were all there, from Star Wars to Pennywise the Clown, from the most recognizable to hilarious, from high priced couture to home sewn, and those that just make you go hmmmmm (guys in Wonder Woman costumes were surprisingly plenty this year). And hey, its always fun to see a Darth Vader struggling to eat a cheeseburger.

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Comic-Con 2017 Week: Justice League Trailer Teases Possible Return Of Superman

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By Armando

Justice League panel
Photo: Armando AIPhotoImaging.com


There was a lot of excitement at Comic-Con Saturday morning with fans anticipating what Warner Bros has in store.

Those who waited long lines were rewarded when Warner Bros. brought out the highlight of the studio’s Hall H lineup: cast of Justice League, and a new action-packed trailer presented on the venue’s massively gigantic wrap-around screens.

First up was an animated Jason Momoa (Aquaman), running from the back of a packed 6,000-capacity room and up to the stage which pumped the fans into hysterics. He was shortly followed by the rest of the cast members Ben Affleck (Batman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Ezra Miller (The Flash), Ray Fisher (Cyborg) arriving to screaming fans and standing ovation. Missing on the event was Henry Cavill, though the end of the trailer seem to suggest he may be back from the dead.

Also absent from the panel is the film’s new director Joss Whedon and its original director Zack Snyder. But that didn’t stop the cast from showering praises to Snyder. “None of us will be here without him,” says Fisher.

The trailer shows just the right tone fans should expect from a movie helmed by two major comic-book giants. There is of course plenty of comicbook slugfest, while also looking fun, definitely suggesting a slight pivot from where Man of Steel started and continued on to Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad. The trailer is also fully aware of Wonder Woman’s new-found level of popularity, but just enough character build where each character shined.

Justice League will be in theaters Nov. 17.

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Comic-Con 2017 Week: Official Series Trailer For “Star Trek: Discovery” Unveiled Today At Comic-Con International

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Star Trek: Discovery
CBS


SAN DIEGO – JULY 22, 2017 – Earlier today at Comic-Con International, fans from around the world were given a sneak peek at the new series trailer for STAR TREK: DISCOVERY during a panel with cast and creatives from the series. The newest edition of the Star Trek franchise is set to premiere in the U.S. on CBS All Access Sunday, Sept. 24, following a broadcast premiere on the CBS Television Network.

The STAR TREK: DISCOVERY panel, moderated by series guest star Rainn Wilson (“Harry Mudd”), featured a conversation with cast members including Sonequa Martin-Green (“First Officer Michael Burnham”), Jason Isaacs (“Captain Gabriel Lorca”), Doug Jones (“Lt. Saru”), Shazad Latif (“Lt. Ash Tyler”), Mary Wiseman (“Cadet Sylvia Tilly”), Anthony Rapp (“Lt. Paul Stamets”) and James Frain (“Ambassador Sarek”). They were joined by executive producers Alex Kurtzman, Gretchen J. Berg, Aaron Harberts, Heather Kadin and Akiva Goldsman.

ABOUT “STAR TREK: DISCOVERY”
STAR TREK: DISCOVERY will follow the voyages of Starfleet on their missions to discover new worlds and new life forms, and one Starfleet officer who must learn that to truly understand all things alien, you must first understand yourself. The series will feature a new ship and new characters while embracing the same ideology and hope for the future that inspired a generation of dreamers and doers.
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Comic-Con Week: Nickelodeon’s Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

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Nickelodeon’s Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Teams Up with Usagi Yojimbo Creator Stan Sakai and TMNT Co-Creator Kevin Eastman on Original Specials for Season Five of the Animated Series

All-New Episode and Character Art Revealed During San Diego Comic-Con 2017

Turtles fans turned out for Nickelodeon’s Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at San Diego Comic-Con 2017 on Friday, July 21, where Andre Meadows (Black Nerd Comedy) moderated a panel featuring executive producer Ciro Nieli, legendary creators and collaborators Kevin Eastman and Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), Yuki Matsuzaki (voice of Miyamoto Usagi), along with series voice cast members: Rob Paulsen (Donatello), Greg Cipes (Michelangelo) and Eric Bauza (Tiger Claw).

The panel’s sneak peeks included: the world premiere of a full-length episode, “Lone Rat and Cubs,” written and presented by TMNT co-creator, Kevin Eastman; a clip from new episode, “Yojimbo,” from the upcoming Samurai story arc; and concept art by Ciro Nieli showcasing new characters and designs of Usagi and the villains the Turtles will face this season.

The three-part Samurai arc begins Sunday, July 23, at 9:00 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. Fans can visit the Nick App, Nick.com, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn more about Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Episodes of TMNT are available Nick.com and the Nick App, along with platforms including iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu and Nick On Demand.

Considered one of the most popular kids’ television programs of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action television series and later spawned numerous blockbuster theatrical releases. Since its launch in 2012, Nickelodeon’s all-new CG-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has re-energized these iconic characters of this wildly popular franchise. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is seen in over 170 countries and territories and translated in 45+ languages.

@Nickelodeon @TMNT

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Comic-Con 2017 Week: Image Comics Congratulates The Eisner Award Winners

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Image Comics creators honored with five awards

SAN DIEGO, CA, 07/22/2017 — Image Comics is pleased to congratulate all the winners of last night’s Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards.
New York Times bestselling, multiple award winning writer and co-creator Brian K. Vaughan won Best Writer for his work on SAGA and PAPER GIRLS.

New York Times bestselling, multiple award winning artist and co-creator of SAGA Fiona Staples took home two awards last night for her work on the series—Best Cover Artist and Best Penciler/Inker: Individual or Team.

Matt Wilson was honored with the Best Coloring award for his work on such series as CRY HAVOC, PAPER GIRLS, THE WICKED + THE DIVINE.

The Best Continuing Series award went to SAGA.

The Will Eisner Comic Industry awards are voted on by comics industry members and the awards ceremony is held in conjunction with San Diego Comic-Con International every year.
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