Swedish Musician Avicii Dead At 28

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By Armando

Avicii Management

Grammy-nominated musician, DJ, and record producer was found dead in Muscat, Oman. He was 28. His publicist Diana Baron confirmed in a statement to Billboard. A cause of death has not been released.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii,” the statement read. “The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given.”

Born Tim Bergling, Avicii is one of the most popular EDM acts in the world. He was twice nominated for a Grammy Award, first in 2012 for “Sunshine” with David Guetta, and another in 2013 song “Levels”. He has also been nominated for MTV Europe Music Awards and a Billboard Music Award.

In summer of 2013, the superstar DJ released “Wake Me Up” as the lead single from his highly anticipated and debut album “True”. The track would become one of Avicii’s biggest global hit, reaching number one in 22 countries and number 4 on Billboard Hot 100.

On 29 March, Avicci announced via his website that he is retiring from touring and live performance which culminated in Ibiza later that year. “I know I am blessed to be able to travel all around the world and perform, but I have too little left for the life of a real person behind the artist. I will however never let go of music — I will continue to speak to my fans through it,” Avicii wrote.

In spite of that announcement, Avicci continued to release new music including his latest EP, Avīci (01) which was released on August 2017 though Avicii Music. The EP hit the top 3 on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums and was to become his last release.

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SKD Acquires U.S. Rights To The Blanc/Biehn Productions’ Psychological Thriller Altered Perception

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From the Creator of USA Network’s “White Collar,” Cinedigm Will Release the Film to Theaters and Leading Digital and TV VOD Platforms on May 4, Followed by a Home Entertainment Release in June. Jon Huertas (“This is Us”), Jade Tailor (“The Magicians”), Nichola Fynn (“Transparent”) and Jennifer Blanc-Biehn (She Rises) Star.

SKD has acquired all U.S. distribution rights to the psychological thriller ALTERED PERCEPTION, directed by Kate Rees Davies in her feature-length debut, and written by Travis Romero, creator of the USA series White Collar. Cinedigm will release the picture theatrically and on Digital and TV VOD on May 4, 2018, with a DVD Release to follow in June 2018.

When the government attempts to produce a designer drug aimed at correcting the false perceptions that people develop during trauma and stress, the implications are deadly. Advertised as a cure for socio-political tensions, four couples volunteer, but end up with far more than they bargained for as their past and present are examined while taking variations of the new drug. However, this causes them to doubt their own memory, perceptions – and even their own sanity in this thriller in the vein of Disturbing Behavior and The Faculty.

Featuring a story by Jon Huertas and Jennifer Blanc-Biehn (Havenhurst, “Dark Angel”), the ensemble cast features Huertas (“This is Us,” “Generation Kill,” “Castle”), Jade Tailor (“The Magicians,” “Aquarius,” “Murder in the First”), Nichola Fynn (“Hot in Cleveland,”, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) and Matthew Ziff (Kickboxer: Vengeance, Trafficked).

“In a world where truth is questioned every day, ALTERED PERCEPTION raises the stakes in unforeseen ways,” says CEO Alex Cohen. “Taut and thrilling, with smart writing, a director with a fresh voice and a truly terrific ensemble cast, we’re certain it’s a film that will resonate with moviegoers everywhere.”

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Kelly Clarkson Set To Host 2018 Billboard Music Awards

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By Creative Media Times

Fresh off her performance this past Sunday night at the 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards, Kelly Clarkson has been tapped to host this year’s Billboard Music Awards, airing for the first time on NBC, Billboard announced. This is also the first for the “Stronger” singer to host an awards show.

“Kelly Clarkson has long been a Billboard chart phenomenon and has a first-hand understanding of what matters most in music today. Her enthusiasm for all genres of music and her innate sense of humor will make for a truly memorable night,” said Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Reality Group, NBC Entertainment.

“To prepare for hosting the Billboard Music Awards, I already have 20 costume changes planned. I will be flying in like my girl P!nk, and calling Amy Schumer and Sarah Silverman for jokes. Well, or I’m just gonna show up and celebrate my favorite artists and get to know a few more. Yeah, maybe I’ll go with that plan,” Clarkson said about the announcement.

Clarkson is currently one of the coach judges on NBC’s own “The Voice.” She recently released her latest album, “Meaning of Life,” last October, from Atlantic Records.

NBC is set to air the ceremony live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 20 at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT.

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Ed Sheeran and Kendrick Lamar Lead 2018 Billboard Music Awards Noms

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By Creative Media Times

courtesy of Billboard.com

With the announcement of the list of the nominees, Billboard Music Awards 2018 is set to be another big event full of great music and the biggest names in music. Leading the pack were Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars with 15 nods each, including for Top Artist.

Its certainly a big week for Lamar, who on Monday won a Pulitzer Prize for his album “Damn.,” marking the first time that the music award has been bestowed to a non-classical or jazz artist in the organization’s history.

The past year has also been a big year for Sheeran, who was Billboard’s top 2017 artist and his hit single “Shape of You” the topping the year-end list.

Also receiving multiple nods were Post Malone, Imagine Dragons, Drake, Cardi B and Justin Bieber.

Khalid and Bebe Rexha announced the nominees on the Today show, Tuesday, April 17. Winners will be announced during a live broadcast of the ceremony on NBC on May 20, featuring performances from top music artists that are yet to be revealed.

Here is the full list of nominees:

TOP ARTIST
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift

TOP FEMALE ARTIST
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Halsey
Demi Lovato
Taylor Swift

TOP MALE ARTIST
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Ed Sheeran
Post Malone

TOP NEW ARTIST
21 Savage
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Khalid
Kodak Black

To see the full list of nominees, go to Billboard.com.

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Witness Star Wars History In The Making With Star Wars #50

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Don’t miss the start of the Kieron Gillen’s biggest Star Wars story ever in comics

After building their forces in complete secrecy, the Rebel Fleet is finally ready. But how long will they be able to stay hidden from the dark clutches of the Empire – and Darth Vader himself? Star Wars fans won’t want to miss series writer Kieron Gillen’s epic landmark issue where all may be lost…and all hope may die.

“When I was asked to take over the book, having a big story for the magical issue #50 was very much in my goals,” said Gillen. “As such, I’ve spent the first twelve issues building up to this, which is basically the biggest story I’ve told in Star Wars. It’s an event-level tragedy on an epic scale, and it’s designed as the key bridging piece between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. I also haven’t written Darth Vader in ages, so now’s the time to start having my lightsaber fun again!”
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Spielberg Joining DCEU With “Blackhawk”

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By Creative Media Times

Steven Spielberg

Hot on the heels of last month’s “Ready Player One,” Steven Spielberg is re-teaming with Warner Bros. for DC Comics’ “Blackhawk” film.

This may be Spielberg’s first foray into comic book superhero genre, but the story, set in World War II, is familiar turf for the influential filmmaker.

First published by Quality Comics in 1941 and then later by DC Comics in 1956 after the former was purchased by DC, Blackhawk centers on a team of ace pilots of varied nationality, led by the titular character, who battle Nazis and one-off supervillains.

“It was wonderful working with the team at Warner Bros. to bring Ready Player One to the screen. They bring a blend of passion and professionalism to everything they do and have a tremendous history in this genre. I am excited to reunite with them on Blackhawk,” Spielberg said in a statement.

The director’s Amblin Entertainment will produce the film for WB along with Kristie Macosko Krieger and Sue Kroll. Long-time Spielberg collaborator David Koepp (Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) will write the script.

The acclaimed director is currently riding high with the success of the film adaptation of “Ready Player One” which has so far made almost 500 million worldwide since its release on March 29. He is currently working on the fifth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise and plans to direct a remake of “West Side Story.”

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Elle Fanning Embodies Author “Mary Shelley” In New Trailer

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By Creative Media Times

IFC Films

“Her greatest love inspired her darkest creation,” says the tagline of “Mary Shelley”. The intriguing new film chronicles the passionate yet tumultuous love affair of trailblazing writer Mary Shelley which inspired the creation her Gothic masterwork Frankenstein. Elle Fanning stars as the eponymous author.

The trailer gives us a look at the English novelist’s meeting with her husband, English romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (played by Douglas Booth) and the relationship that followed. Fellow poet Lord Byron also appears in the film (played by Tom Sturridge).

From distributor IFC Films, the film is directed by Haifaa al-Mansour. She also penned the script alongside Emma Jensen. The film had its world premiere last year September at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Also in the film are Bel Powley (Detour) as Claire Clairmont, Ben Hardy (X-Men: Apocalypse) as John William Polidori, Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones) as Isabel Baxter and Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey) as Mary Jane Clairmont.

“Mary Shelley” is set for release on Friday, May 25, 2018 (NY & LA) and On-Demand starting Friday, June 1, 2018

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2018 ACM Awards Winners List

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By Creative Media Times

Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert were the top winners at the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards held Sunday night which aired live at 8 p.m. ET from the MGM Grand Garden Arena and and hosted by Reba McEntire.

Stapleton took home Male Vocalist of the Year, marking the second time he has won the award. Lambert won Female Vocalist of the Year for the night consecutive year, also making her the most awarded in ACM Awards history.

Jason Aldean was also a big winner, taking home the top prize Entertainer of the Year. “It’s been a rough year. Thanks to everyone who reached out and showed love and support to us, it meant a lot to us. To my Route 91 people, you guys are in my hearts always, love you guys. And we love Las Vegas, Vegas strong. Thank you,” Aldean said on stage.

Here’s the complete list of winners.

Entertainer of the year: Jason Aldean

Male vocalist of the year: Chris Stapleton

Female vocalist of the year: Miranda Lambert

Single record of the year: “Body Like a Back Road” by Sam Hunt

Video of the year: “It Ain’t My Fault” by Brothers Osborne
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Oscar Winning director Miloš Forman Dies At 86

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By Armando

United Artists

Legendary film director Milos Forman, known for his work in Academy Award winning films “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Amadeus,” has died. The news was confirmed by his manager to NPR. Forman was 86.

Forman won an Oscar for helming “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” considered by many film critics, historians and film buffs as one of the best films ever made. The film won the so-called “Big Five” categories at academy awards in 1976, winning best director, best picture, best actor for Jack Nicholson, best actress for Louise Fletcher, and best adapter screenplay for Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman.

The film joins “It Happened One Night” (1934) and “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991) as the only three films to achieve such feat. “Cuckoo’s Nest” was later selected by the United States Library of Congress in 1993 for preservation in the National Film Registry.

Nine years after ‘Cuckoo’s Nest’, Forman collected his second best director Oscar award for Amadeus, a fictionalized biography of prolific and influential composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

In 1997, Milos Forman had another shot at Academy Award best director trophy when he was nominated for “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” a biographicl drama chronicling 35 years of the life of adult magazine publisher and editor Larry Flynt. Though Forman did not win, the film was critically acclaimed and won numerous awards and nominations.

In spite of all his international acclaim throughout those years, Forman’s biography was not an easy journey.

Born in Čáslav, Czechoslovakia (currently known as Czech Republic), the director was an orphan of Nazi Holocaust victims. After living with relatives, he later discovered that his biological father was in fact a survivor of the Holocaust and living in Peru.

He was known primarily as a Czech filmmaker until he moved to America in 1968. His first film in the United States “Taking Off” was a flop and critically panned. It wasn’t until he was hired by producers Michael Douglas and Saul Zaentz to direct “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” that he finally found his footing.

Forman was initially apprehensive about his immigrant background not being able to give justice to the story’s very American sentiments.

But it was precisely that background which provided him unique inspiration.

“To me it was not just literature but real life, the life I lived in Czechoslovakia from my birth in 1932 until 1968. The Communist Party was my Nurse Ratched, telling me what I could and could not do; what I was or was not allowed to say; where I was and was not allowed to go; even who I was and was not.”

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New “The Incredibles 2” Trailer Features New Villain

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Walt Disney Studios
Motion Pictures

By Creative Media Times

It has been 14 years since the original film, and the much-anticipated sequel is finally here. After a few sneak peaks and short teaser trailer, a new full length action-packed trailer has been released by Pixar.

This is the most extensive look so far at the sequel, showing the family adjusting to family life, with a new masked-villain adding to their headaches. We also get to see fan-favorite characters like Edna Mode and Frozone.

Also getting the spotlight is Holly Hunter’s Elastigirl, who is tasked to save the world. “You know it’s crazy right? To help my family I gotta leave it, to fix the law I gotta break it.”

The 2004 original film grossed $633 million worldwide in 2004 and received the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature. The Incredibles also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Just like the original, Brad Bird wrote the screenplay and is directing, while John Walker and Nicole Paradis Grindle are the producers. Disney-Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” will hit cinemas on June 15, 2018.

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